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• Starc hails Australia's 'grit and determination' after career-best display

  Mitchell Starc praised Australia's "grit and determination" after they skittled India out for 180 on the first day of the day-night second Test in Adelaide. 

  The left-arm fast bowler produced a career-best 6-48 with the pink ball to make light work of the Indian batting line-up as the hosts asserted control. 

  Australia then ended the first day on 86-1, just 94 short of India's first innings total, as they look to bounce back from a 295-run defeat in the opening Test in Perth.

  The 35-year-old gave Australia the upper hand from the get-go by trapping India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in front of the stumps in the first ball of the game. 

  Starc also accounted for the wickets of top-order batters KL Rahul (37) and Virat Kohli (31) before wrapping up the innings with three more in the end, including that of India's top scorer Nitish Kumar Reddy (42). 

  "It was a good day all round. We were a fraction wide in the first hour but after that we were bang on with the ball," Starc told ABC at the conclusion of play. 

  "With the pink ball you are never out of the game in terms of it doing something. There might be periods when it doesn't do as much, but then it might start doing things. But not a lot of what I do changes. 

  His previous best in Test cricket was the 6-50 he took against Sri Lanka at Galle in August 2016. Starc now has 72 wickets in day-night Tests - 29 more than the next-best bowler Nathan Lyon on 43.

  Jasprit Bumrah (1-13) sent back Australia opener Usman Khawaja but Nathan McSweeney remains unbeaten on 38, and he will have the company of Marnus Labuschagne, on 20, when the play resumes on day two. 

  "To get batting on day one and go to stumps with grit and determination was fantastic, in what are the most difficult conditions in pink-ball cricket. If we have a successful first session on day two, we hold the cards," Starc said. 

• JAGA president Nicole Grant hails success of inaugural Carifta Gymnastics Champs

  Jamaica Gymnastics Association (JAGA) president Nicole Grant continues to celebrate a monumental achievement following the success of the recently-concluded inaugural Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

  Grant praised the event for its outstanding execution, regional impact, and the brilliant performances of the athletes over two vibrant days of competition at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

  “I would rate the overall success of the Carifta Gymnastics Championships as outstanding. The fact that it was the first event of its kind in the region and that Jamaica successfully hosted it speaks volumes about the organization and teamwork involved,” Grant told SportsMax.TV.

  The competition featured some of the best gymnasts from seven Caribbean nations, including hosts Jamaica, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

  In a commanding display, Trinidad and Tobago topped the medal standings with a remarkable 163 medals, including 80 gold, 57 silver, and 26 bronze. Jamaica followed in second place with 101 medals—26 gold, 32 silver, and 43 bronze—while the Bahamas secured third with 22 medals—four gold, seven silver, and 11 bronze.

  Meanwhile, Aruba took home 13 medals—five gold, one silver, and seven bronze—and Bermuda had eight medals.

  

  Members of Trinidad and Tobago's dominant team.

  Trinidad and Tobago dominated most of the levels governed by USA Gymnastics (USAG) rules and also performed credibly in the Pan American Gymnastics Union (PAGU) Hopes segment.

  Jamaica had notable successes, finishing strongly in several categories, particularly in Levels 8 and 9, where they either bested or closely competed with the Twin Island Republic.

  Grant highlighted the event’s significance in fostering regional camaraderie and advancing gymnastics in the Caribbean.

  “With participation from seven countries and positive feedback from the presidents of each, it clearly showcased the talent and spirit of gymnastics across the region. This event not only highlighted Jamaica’s ability to host such a significant competition but also fostered camaraderie and healthy competition among the participating nations,” she added.

  Reflecting on the performances, Grant-Brown was moved by the athletes’ dedication and the atmosphere they created.

  USAG Level 1 was topped by Trinidad and Tobago ahead of Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. They also finished tops in Level 2 again, bettering Jamaica, Barbados, and the Bahamas, and in Level 3 ahead of the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Bermuda.

  The Twin Island Republic also reigned in Levels 4 and 5, bettering Jamaica in both, while Bermuda was third in Level 4.

  Barbados mined gold in Level 6, followed by the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago, while the latter also secured Level 7 and Level 10. Jamaica won gold on bars in Level 7.

  Trinidad Tobago also topped Level 8 ahead of Jamaica, before Jamaica flipped the script in Level 9, with the Bahamas taking third. However, Jamaica stood in the FIG Senior category.

  In the PAGU Hopes category, Trinidad and Tobago bettered Jamaica in Level 1, it was the reverse in Level 2, while Jamaica had no competition in Level 3.

  

  Officials from the various teams share a photo opportunity.

  Aliyah Lawson, an Under-13 Level 8 representative; Milan Ennevor, who competed in Level 9 at the Under-18 category; Malkia Collins, an Under-11 Level 5 gymnast; and Karly Keoveunxay, who competes in the Under-13 Level 2 group in the PAGU category, were among Jamaica’s gold medallists. Mariah Gordon also won gold on bars in the PAGU Level 2 category and copped second place all-around.

  “Over the two days, what stood out the most was the remarkable performances of all the gymnasts. Their dedication and commitment to excellence truly warmed my heart, as they put their best efforts forward and showcased their skills. The enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed by the athletes were inspiring and created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the event,” Grant beamed.

  For future hosts of the Championships, she emphasized the importance of early planning to not only build on but also to surpass the success of the inaugural staging.

  “My advice for the next host would be to start their planning as early as possible. Early preparation is key to securing sponsors and ensuring a smooth event. Building strong relationships with potential sponsors can provide the necessary support to enhance the event's quality,” Grant shared.

  “Additionally, they should focus on creating an engaging and inclusive environment for both participants and spectators, which can elevate the overall experience. Learning from the successes and challenges faced during this inaugural event will also be crucial in improving future championships,” she noted.

  The event was supported by key sponsors, including the Jamaica Olympic Association, Ministry of Sports, and several corporate entities such as Mayberry Investments, Supreme Ventures, Logostitich, The Peachtree Centre, AS James and Associates, Tourism Enhancement Fund, CL Environmental Ltd, Jamaica Red Cross, and Sign Xpress, ensuring a seamless and memorable debut.

   

• Starc inspires Australia with career-best Test haul

  Australia are in control of the second Test against India after Mitchell Starc's career-best showing at the Adelaide Oval.

  Paceman Starc took 6-48 as India, who won the toss and elected to bat, were skittled out for just 180 on Friday.

  Starc pinned Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw with the very first ball of the day, setting the tone for the onslaught that was to follow from Australia's bowlers.

  KL Rahul (37), Virat Kohli (seven), Ravichandran Ashwin (22), Harshit Rana (0) also fell to Starc, who rounded off his six-for, and wrapped up India's innings, with the dismissal of Nitish Kumar Reddy, who top-scored for the tourists with 42.

  Jasprit Bumrah (1-13) dismissed Usman Khawaja on 13 in the 11th over of Australia's chase, but Nathan McSweeney knocked off six fours to reach an unbeaten 38 by stumps, with Marnus Labuschagne on 20 not out at the other end.

  Australia, who lost by 295 runs in Perth in the first Test, will start day two on 86-1, just 94 shy of India's total.

  Data Debrief: Starc's day-night delight

  Starc's bowling figures are his best in a single innings in the longest format, surpassing the 6-50 he previously took against Pakistan. The left-arm quick has now taken 72 wickets in day-night Tests, 29 more than the next-best bowler (Nathan Lyon, on 43).

  Australia needed a response after that drubbing in the opening match, especially when taking into account that India have won three of their four day-night Tests before this match.

  However, their only loss came at the Adelaide Oval, back in December 2020. Australia lost their last day-night Test, against West Indies in January of this year, but before that had won all of their previous 11 such matches, and they are in a commanding position in this one.