![Hardik Pandya and Meg Lanning [Source: AFP, @WBBL/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1763656341537_hardik_pandya.jpg?type=hq)
Hardik Pandya and Meg Lanning [Source: AFP, @WBBL/x]
The return of Hardik Pandya has been delayed further citing his fitness concerns. Indian women’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has confirmed her engagement with Palash Muchhal. In other news, Meg Lanning shattered some huge batting records for the Melbourne Stars, just ahead of the WPL 2026 auction.
Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Thursday, November 20.
Australia name 2 debutants in playing XI for first Ashes Test
Cricket Australia has unveiled Australia’s playing XI for the upcoming series-opening first Ashes Test match against England. The team management named two uncapped stars in the form of top-order batter Jake Weatherald and fast bowler Brendan Doggett. All-rounder Cameron Green has also been named in the playing XI after his injury concerns, and the team will be led by legendary batter Steve Smith in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins.
The first Test will be hosted by the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 21 onwards.
Smriti Mandhana confirms engagement with Palash Muchhal
Indian women’s team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has confirmed her engagement with Palash Muchhal. The prolific opening batter was seen flaunting her engagement ring on social media on November 20, i.e., mere weeks after Team India lifted the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Navi Mumbai.
Smriti Mandhana and music composer Palash Muchhal have been dating each other for five years, as per several media reports. However, they only made their relationship public in mid-2024 last year.
Meg Lanning auditions for WPL auction as Stars shatter WBBL records
Delhi Capitals discard and champion Australian cricketer Meg Lanning blasted 135 runs off just 74 balls against Sydney Sixers in match number 17 of the ongoing WBBL 2025 season. Her innings not only catapulted the Melbourne Stars to 219-4, one of the highest team totals in WBBL history, but it also set her up for WPL 2026 auction reckoning next week.
In response, Kim Garth picked up four wickets at an expense of just three runs, while Sophie Day and Annabel Sutherland chipped in with two wickets each to skittle Sydney Sixers for just 42 in 7.4 overs. The Melbourne Stars ended up winning the match by 111 runs (DLS method).
Hardik Pandya to miss South Africa ODIs: Report
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to miss the upcoming ODI series against South Africa at home. It is worth noting that the cricketer sustained a quadricep injury in India’s match against Sri Lanka last month during the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE. He later hit the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru to undergo rehabilitation.
However, recent reports indicate that the CoE is against the idea of rushing Hardik Pandya’s return to the national side. Considering the centre’s statement, it is unlikely that Hardik will regain full fitness by the time of the series-opener against South Africa on November 30.
Ishan Kishan to lead Jharkhand in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026
Blistering Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is set to lead the Jharkhand cricket team in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 season. The Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) recently announced a formidable squad for the tournament, which includes the likes of Kumar Kushagra, Robin Minz and Anukul Roy in the side alongside the Indian international.
Jharkhand will face Delhi in their opening match of the competition on November 26 next week at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
