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Pat Cummins took 5-57 as Australia wrapped up an emphatic 10-wicket victory over India on day three of the second Test to square the series at 1-1.

India resumed on 128-5 – 29 runs adrift – at the Adelaide Oval and were dismissed for 175 despite Nitish Kumar Reddy’s battling 42.

Cummins did the most damage while Scott Boland claimed 3-51 and Mitchell Starc 2-60 to set Australia a target of 19 for victory.

Openers Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja chased down the total in just 3.2 overs.

The third Test in Brisbane starts on December 14.

India’s defeat now means they now need to win all three remaining Tests in the five-match series to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

Australia must win four out of their next five Tests to be certain of their spot but are likely to need fewer victories.

Cummins bounces out India

Australia had put themselves in a commanding position after Mitchell Starc’s career-best Test figures of 6-48 on day one and a brilliant 140 from Travis Head on day two.

India’s hopes of giving themselves a chance to pull off an unlikely victory were largely dependent on the mercurial Rishabh Pant.

The wicketkeeper, who was unbeaten on 28 overnight, has the potential to score quick runs and generate a shift in momentum within the space of a couple of hours at the crease.

So when Pant was caught at slip off the sixth ball of the day from left-arm quick Starc, without adding to his score, India’s faint hopes diminished further.

Australia captain Cummins then showed his ruthless side in a bid to get the job done inside a session as he adopted a short-ball strategy to blow away India’s lower order.

Ravichandran Ashwin was dismissed by Cummins for seven when he gloved an attempted pull to a bouncer to Alex Carey behind the stumps.

Harshit Rana then got in a tangle as he failed to fend off an awkward bumper angled across him from Cummins and Khawaja took a routine catch at gully.

India all-rounder Reddy hooked a Cummins bouncer for six only to perish for 42 next ball when he attempted to uppercut another short-pitched delivery and was caught by McSweeney at deep third man.

In the three innings so far in this series where India have been bowled out, Reddy has been their top scorer, which demonstrates he has some steel for the fight when the going gets tough.

Boland wrapped up India’s innings when Mohammed Siraj skied one and Head took a tumbling catch at mid-wicket.

McSweeney and Khawaja made light work of the total, with the former hitting Reddy for two fours in the third over before the latter struck the winning run. (BBC)

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England powered to a series win over New Zealand with an emphatic 323-run victory inside three days of the second Test in Wellington.

After setting the home side a mammoth 583, England battled high winds, the threat of showers and Tom Blundell’s swashbuckling 115.

Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse reduced New Zealand to 59-4 before Blundell lit up a grey day with his assault on off-spinner Shoaib Bashir.

The wicketkeeper hit Bashir for four sixes until his attempted sweep at the same bowler was brilliantly caught by the quick-thinking Ben Duckett running around from slip.

Ben Stokes ran through the tail for 3-5, his best Test figures in more than two years, to leave New Zealand 259 all out.

The margin of victory is England’s biggest in terms of runs against the Black Caps. It gives Stokes’ side their first away series win in two years and first in New Zealand since 2008.

England already had this match in their grasp on Sunday, when they resumed on 378-5 in their second innings and a lead of 533.

Joe Root, 73 not out overnight, completed his 36th Test century with a trademark reverse-scoop off pace bowler Will O’Rourke.

Root was out for 106 in the same over, prompting England to declare on 427-6. Stokes left himself unbeaten on 49.

One minor concern for England is the fitness of Harry Brook, who did not field on Sunday as a precaution over a sore ankle.

England will have the opportunity for a clean sweep in the third Test in Hamilton on Saturday. (BBC)

 

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See below the full article by Ralph Ramkarran 

The A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) and The New Movement (TNM), which contested the 2020 elections, utilized section 22 of the Representation of the People Act (ROPA) for the first time in Guyana’s history and wrote to the Chief Election Officer informing him that they have “joined” their lists. The section provides that two or more lists of candidates can be “joined” for the distribution of seats, but not votes. The lists so joined are called a “combination of lists.” The media baptized them as “the joinder parties.”

A Memorandum of Understanding between them provided that if any seats were obtained, they would be proportionately distributed according to votes earned. The parties together gained one seat from a combined total of 5,214 votes. The parties agreed to share the one seat in proportion to the votes received by each. Since the LJP won the most votes, 2,657, its leader, Lenox Shuman, took up the seat for the agreed time. ANUG’s turn was next with 2,313 votes. It agreed that TNM should take the next turn as it was entitled to serve in the National Assembly for only three months having won only 244 votes; if elections were called early, it would lose its opportunity. Dr. Asha Kissoon, who represents TNM, took up the TNM’s seat in the National Assembly and in an act of stunning infamy, has since refused to resign, the three months having long expired.

GECOM has now announced that it made an error in not advising the Speaker that since LJP had the highest remainder, or largest surplus, of votes, 2,657, it was, by itself, entitled to a seat. Therefore, upon the resignation of Lenox Shuman, the seat should have gone to the LJP. GECOM arrived at this incorrect conclusion because it omitted to consider the provisions of ROPA in relation to the allocation of seats for a combination of lists.

In relation to the allocation of votes to contesting political parties, one sub-section of section 97 of ROPA provides that the votes cast at elections shall be divided by the number of seats resulting in an “electoral quota.” The votes cast for each list shall be divided by the electoral quota and the remaining votes shall be known as the “surplus votes.” The list with the largest number of surplus votes shall be entitled to any unallocated seat – second largest, second allocated seat, if any, and so on.

But there was a “combination of lists” that gained 5,214 votes. Another sub-section of section 97 of ROPA requires that seat allocation, where there is such a combination of lists, has to be based on the total votes obtained by the combination. LJP, being one of the combination, is not entitled to an individual allocation of a seat or seats. It’s the combination that is entitled.

This principle is given material effect by section 97(4). It states: “…a combination of lists shall be treated as one list.” Sub-section (5) states: “The seats allocated to a combination of lists shall be allocated among the lists comprised in the combination in accordance with sub-sections (2) and (3), the electoral quota for that purpose being the whole number found by dividing the total number of votes cast for the combination of lists by the number of seats allocated to the combination.” This clearly means that the totality of votes for the combination of lists must be taken into account in calculating the number of seats to which the combination is entitled.

Therefore, the Speaker did not make a mistake. He acted correctly in offering Lenox Shuman’s vacant seat to the combination of lists. The combination lawfully nominated Asha Kissoon.

GECOM now claims that it ought to have properly advised the Speaker. If GECOM sees itself as the Speaker’s legal advisor as regards seats in the National Assembly, what is preventing GECOM from advising the Speaker to declare the seat being occupied by Asha Kissoon to be declared vacant. Article 156(3)(c) of the Constitution provides that a member of the National Assembly shall “cease to be a member” if the representative of the list, after observing specific requirements, issues a notice of recall to the member and provides a copy to the Speaker. The list representative of the TNM has done so. (The detailed particulars are set out in my article “Dr. Asha Kissoon is a fraud with no legitimacy as a Parliamentarian” of July 14, 2024). According to Article 156(4) the Speaker “shall declare” the seat to be vacant. But the Speaker has not fulfilled this constitutional mandate by which he is legally bound. And GECOM has been silent on this matter of a grave constitutional violation relating to representation in the National Assembly, the foremost democratic institution in the land. If there was an obstacle, legal or otherwise, one would have expected either or both to promptly say so.

The situation is not lost as GECOM appears to think. Under the above provisions, upon GECOM advising the Speaker that Asha Kissoon’s seat be declared vacant, GECOM can then advise the Speaker to invite the LJP representative to nominate a replacement in accordance with the view it has announced

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Police are investigating the death of 46-year-old Oral Anthony Rouse, a miner from 58 Miles Mabura Road, following a mining incident that occurred on the morning of Saturday at Aramu Backdam along the Cuyuni River.

According to initial reports, Rouse, employed by 49-year-old gold miner Alvin Higgins, was working with four other workers on a four-inch land dredging operation. At around 09:30hrs, the group was working in a pit measuring 20 feet in width, 20 feet in length, and 25 feet in depth when disaster struck.

The northern side of the pit suddenly collapsed, causing soil to rush into the excavation and completely bury Rouse for approximately 14 minutes. His co-workers quickly sprang into action, digging him out and rushing him to the Bartica Hospital.

Unfortunately, Rouse was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The body has been transferred to the Bartica Hospital’s mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted. The police investigation into the incident is ongoing

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Bartica’s road network is set for a major upgrade as 61 small contractors signed agreements totalling $122 million under the Ministry of Public Works’ Urban Road Rehabilitation Programme.

The initiative, described as historic, was launched on Friday by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Edghill highlighted the significance of the project, noting it is the first of its kind for Bartica.

“For the first time in the history of Bartica, we are doing what we are doing now,” he said.

The contracts, valued between $1.8 million and $2.5 million each, were specifically awarded to small contractors that reside in the region.

Minister Edghill explained that the programme is designed to empower ordinary citizens by bypassing the traditional public bidding process, which often favours larger, well-equipped companies.

“If you go out to public bid, none of you would be in this room today. The men who got money, the men who got machines, the men who got everything would win the work. Then you would get called on to do day work and get a day’s pay.

We have been able to change that with clear policy direction to ensure that we empower ordinary people,” he said.

Moreover, contractors were urged to complete their projects before December 31.

Minister Edghill pointed out that 50 per cent of the contract sum will be disbursed by next Wednesday.

“Depending on how you manage your money, everybody should be smiling for Christmas,” he added.

The 61 road projects were designed to allow simultaneous execution to ensure contractors meet the deadline.

The project is expected to provide employment opportunities to over 300 Barticians, significantly boosting the town’s economy.

It also forms part of the government’s broader infrastructure development strategy to improve accessibility and enhance commuter safety nationwide.

Minister Edghill reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusivity under the ‘One Guyana’ initiative which ensures every Guyanese is a direct beneficiary of development initiatives.

“Your entitlement to the benefits that exist in Guyana must not be based on your politics. It must be based on the fact that you are Guyanese,” the minister affirmed.

The Mayor of Bartica, Anthony Murray, and the Regional Chairman, Kenneth Williams, have both commended the infrastructural project, describing it as a significant economic boost for the region.

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The Ministry of Education continues its drive to improve early childhood education with the commissioning of the new Monkey Mountain Nursery School on December 6.

The modern facility, accommodating 49 children, provides a safe and stimulating environment for young learners in the hinterland community, marking another milestone in the government’s commitment to equitable access to quality education.

The school is equipped with modern amenities, including bright and spacious classrooms, age-appropriate furniture, educational tools, and play areas. This environment is designed to foster creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning at an early age.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Education, Honourable Priya Manickchand, highlighted the importance of early childhood education in shaping the future of Guyana.

Parents and community members have praised the establishment of the nursery school, noting that it relieves them of the burden of traveling long distances to access early education services. The school also provides trained teachers who are equipped to deliver high-quality instruction tailored to the needs of young children.

In addition to the nursery school, teachers in Monkey Mountain are being trained online right within the village, enabling them to enhance their skills without leaving their community. Furthermore, a secondary school is currently under construction in Monkey Mountain, representing a significant investment in the community’s educational infrastructure and ensuring that students have access to continued learning opportunities close to home.

The commissioning of the Monkey Mountain Nursery School is part of the Ministry of Education’s wider effort to expand access to nursery education across Guyana, particularly in remote and underserved areas. This initiative aligns with the government’s goal of achieving universal access to nursery education, ensuring that every child has an equal start in life.

Residents expressed their gratitude for the new school and its potential to positively impact the community for generations to come.

The Monkey Mountain Nursery School is expected to serve as a model for future early childhood education projects in the hinterland, demonstrating the government’s unwavering commitment to reducing disparities and improving educational outcomes for all Guyanese children.

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As Government continues with its multi-pronged approach to expanding energy infrastructure across the country and especially to unserved, remote areas, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh today met with residents of New Forest in East Canje, Region Six to discuss developmental matters in their community and surrounding areas in the Ancient County.

There, he told them not to view the electrification of their community for the first time as a story of electricity, but in the context of broader and comprehensive work that the Government is doing under President Ali’s leadership to ensure lives in every community countrywide are improved. New Forest is now being provided with electricity for the first time through the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL).

While there as well, Dr. Singh outlined the various initiatives in the health, education, tourism and energy sectors across the country for the benefit of all Guyanese, including residents of Region Six, such as the Tourism and Hospitality Training facility, the Guyana Technical Training College at Port Mourant, the various educational programmes offered through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and the various new hospitals under construction around the country.

The Minister also used the opportunity to outline investments that the Government has been making in GPL to ensure that there is adequate electricity to meet in the first instance, the expectations of citizens and the needs of the country’s rapidly growing economy.  He then urged GPL to ensure that the residents of New Forest can switch on their lights before Christmas. In addition, Dr. Singh encouraged the residents to be responsible users of electricity.

This development follows on the heels of previous community engagements between the Minister and the residents of New Forest where, during one such meeting, the lack of electricity was brought to the fore and the Minister Singh committed to ensure on behalf of Government that the area receive this necessity. The action also comes in keeping with President Ali’s directive that no community should be without electricity.

In addition to ensuring that unserved remote communities receive electricity Government has also been reiterating its commitment in the cause of advancing renewable energy resources through the provision of solar panel units to various riverain and remote areas in the country including those in the hinterland.

Through the support of the Indian Exim (Export-Import) Bank, Government has already concluded a project and has been distributing household solar units with the aim of taking solar electricity to 30,000 homes.

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On Saturday, The Guards secured their semi-final match in a nervy win over Berbice’s The Organisation, while Lil Rams and Mahdia had convincing wins over Kings and CJIA Warriors.

The Warriors progressed to the semi-final because they had the best net run rate of the three losing teams.

It was announced that FL Sport would stream the two semi-finals and final.

The tournament boasts exciting rewards, including a $500,000 prize for the champions, $250,000 for the runners-up, and $100,000 for each of the two semi-finalists.

Individual accolades of $60,000 each will be awarded for the Man of the Final, Most Runs, and Most Wickets, with trophies generously sponsored by Trophy Stall.

There will also be a prize of $100,000 for the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Through this initiative, the ERC aims to build lasting connections among participants, promote mutual respect, and strengthen community ties across Guyana.

Summary of matches on Saturday:

MATCH 1 SUMMARY: The Guards 175-5 from 10 overs (Sheldon Alexander 81*, Richie Lookanuth 32*, Daniel Ross 25; Vikash Wilkinson 2-25; Andy Ramnarine 1-25) v Strike Panthers 80-7 from 9.3 overs (Alvin Singh 21*, Vikash Wilkinson 20; Christopher Barnwell 4-7, Daniel Ross 1-5)

MATCH 2 SUMMARY: Lil Rams 137-7 from 10 overs (Johnathan Van Lange 50, Shamar Apple 24, Riyad Latif 14; Tariq Farouk 3-15, Shiloh Adams 2-17) v Kings 84-9 from 10 overs (Sachin Singh 15, Chatram Nauth 15,  Ryan Latif 14*, Ganesh Surijpaul 3-15, Thaddeus Lovell 2-12)

MATCH 3 SUMMARY: CJIA Warriors 64-8 from 10 overs (Noel Evelyn 26, Shakiel Wong 18; Neiland Cadogan 3-9, Floy Joseph 2-7) v Mahdia 67-2 from 5.5 overs (Ricardo Adams 39, Carlos LaRose 16; Sunil Sarjoo 1-15)

MATCH 4 SUMMARY: The Organisation 62-9 from 10 overs (Ravindra Beharry 19; Keston Harcourt 4-12, Daniel Ross 2-14) v The Guards 65-7 from 7.3 overs (Daniel Ross 34; Carl Gilgeous 2-7, Sanjay Algoo 1-9)

FULL SCORECARDS: https://cricheroes.com/tournament/1188839/erc-harmony-league-t10-tapeball-tournament/matches/past-matches?type=m

 

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Police have arrested a truck driver in connection with an attempted murder that took place on Friday at Kuru Kururu, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The incident involved Claurine Stoll, who was attacked by the truck driver – her husband.

Police said a video and audio interview was conducted with the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Navin Stoll.

During the interview, the allegation was put to the suspect, who chose to exercise his right to remain silent.

Authorities have also collected statements from Claurine Stoll, who recounted the harrowing events leading to the stabbing.

Investigations into the matter are still ongoing as police work to piece together further details of the case.

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