SYDNEY: Australia asserted its dominance on day one of the New Year’s Test at the SCG against Pakistan. Despite an early struggle that saw Pakistan at 5-96, they managed to recover and finish the day on 313 runs.
Australian captain Pat Cummins continued his exceptional form, claiming a five-wicket haul for the third consecutive innings.
Pakistan faced a challenging situation at 9-227, but Aamer Jamal’s impressive knock of 82 off 97 deliveries, featuring nine fours and four sixes, provided a significant boost. This partnership, alongside Hamza’s contribution, guided Pakistan to a commendable performance.
In what marks David Warner’s final Test appearance, Australia faces a tricky period before the close of play, with Warner and Usman Khawaja taking the crease.
The early part of the day saw Pakistan captain Shan Masood winning the toss and opting to bat first. However, a swift collapse, with both openers falling for ducks in the first two overs, left Pakistan at 4-75 by lunchtime. Cummins, in his tactical brilliance, played a crucial role, taking key wickets, including the dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan for 88.
Cummins’ exceptional performance continued as he claimed a five-wicket haul, securing his 12th in Test cricket and the first at the SCG. However, Aamer Jamal’s outstanding maiden half-century in just his third Test turned the tide, providing Pakistan with a fighting chance.
The SCG Test promises further excitement as both teams aim for a strong finish in this crucial match.
LONDON: On Wednesday, in Britain, thousands of doctors commenced a six-day strike, marking what was anticipated to be the lengthiest protest in the history of the state-supported National Health Service as they walked off their jobs.
During the walkout staged by junior doctors across England and Wales, managers confirmed the cancellation of tens of thousands of scheduled appointments and operations. These doctors, in the initial years of their careers and pivotal to hospital and clinic care, intend to refrain from work until 7 a.m. on Tuesday.
In response to this, senior doctors and additional medical personnel have been mobilized to cover emergency services, critical care, and maternity services. Julian Hartley, the chief executive of NHS Providers, expressed concern about the timing of the strike, highlighting its impact immediately after the holiday period when the health service is under significant strain due to demands and ongoing challenges like the flu and COVID-19.
Throughout the past year, Britain has witnessed a series of strikes within the health sector as employees sought higher wages to cope with the escalating cost of living. These walkouts have added pressure to an already burdened health service, still grappling with backlogs from the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
While nurses, ambulance crews, and senior doctors have successfully negotiated pay deals with the government, the union representing junior doctors remains at an impasse. The government has declined further discussions until the strike is called off, while the union insists on a “credible” pay offer before returning to negotiations.
“The notion that we’re hellbent on calling strikes and all we want to do is call strikes is not what we want,” said Dr. Vivek Trivedi, co-chair of the British Medical Association’s Junior Doctors Committee. “What we want is to negotiate an offer we can put to our members and for our members to accept it.”
