Brisbane witnessed one of those rare Test-match evenings that rewrite record books and, at the same time, remind the cricketing world why the sport still belongs to storytellers. On a day when England looked finished at 264-9 under the fiery spell of Mitchell Starc, a script unfolded that no fan, expert, or commentator could have predicted.

Two players — Joe Root, the backbone of English cricket for more than a decade, and Jofra Archer, the unpredictable maverick known for magic in moments — stitched together a partnership that instantly entered the pages of cricketing folklore.

What happened over the next hour was more than just resistance. It was audacity. It was belief. And it was history.

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Root’s Century: A First on Australian Soil After 16 Attempts

When Root walked out on the Gabba pitch on Thursday (December 4), he carried an invisible weight — 15 prior innings in Australia without a single Test hundred. Critics doubted whether he would ever conquer Australian conditions in a way that legends before him, like Sachin Tendulkar or Steve Smith, had.

But on this evening, with the field up, the lights bright, and England sinking, Root finally broke through.

His unbeaten 135 off 202 balls* was not just another century — it was a declaration: “I’m still here. I still decide the tempo of Test cricket.”

This was Root’s first Test hundred in Australia, and it couldn’t have come at a more critical moment.

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Then Enter Archer — A No. 11 Who Bats Like a No. 4

When Jofra Archer walked in at 264-9, England were not just on the ropes — they were hanging from them. But Archer chose violence. He swung freely, timing cleanly, launching two massive sixes and a boundary on his way to 32(26)* that looked like it belonged to a top-order batter.

Archer did not just survive. He seized control.

The duo’s unbeaten 61-run stand is now officially the highest 10th-wicket partnership in pink-ball Test history, surpassing the previous record of 59 held by Tom Blundell and Blair Tickner against England in 2023.

With each run, the Australian bowlers — Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood — seemed to lose their rhythm, almost unable to believe what they were witnessing.

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Why This Partnership Feels Even Bigger Than the Numbers

A 61-run 10th-wicket stand can be technically explained. But the context behind it is what transformed it into something unforgettable:

England were staring at collapse.
Australia had full control.
Starc had already taken six wickets.
The pink ball was reversing sharply.
The Gabba crowd expected a quick finish.

But Root and Archer flipped the entire script.

By the time stumps were called, England did not look broken — they looked dangerous.

Their total of 325-9 is now also the highest first-innings score by a visiting team in a day-night Test in Australia.

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Archer Creates Another Massive Record

As if that wasn’t enough, Archer also became:

• *The highest-scoring No. 11 batter ever in a pink-ball Test (32)**, breaking Starc’s decade-long record of 24.
• The first No. 11 in Test history to cross 300 career runs while batting last in the order.
• The visiting No. 11 with the joint-most sixes in a Test innings in Australia.

For a man who hadn’t played a Test in years due to injuries, this comeback feels poetic.

Root and Archer added 56 runs in the final six overs of the day 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IUXjZnv4rA

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 4, 2025

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A Partnership That Changes the Series Narrative

Make no mistake — Australia dominated two-thirds of the day. But cricket is a momentum sport, and sometimes momentum shifts at the most unexpected moments.

This Root-Archer stand has:

• Put psychological pressure on the Australian top order.
• Given England belief heading into Day 2.
• Created a storyline that could ultimately reshape the entire Ashes rivalry.

Even former players like Ricky Ponting and Michael Vaughan (both trending on social media) praised the partnership, calling it “one of England’s greatest escapes under lights.”

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Records Broken by Root & Archer (Pink-Ball Tests)

Highest 10th-Wicket Partnerships (Pink Ball):

Players	Runs	Team	Opponent	Venue	Year
Joe Root – Jofra Archer	61*	England	Australia	Brisbane	2025
Tom Blundell – Blair Tickner	59	New Zealand	England	Mount Maunganui	2023
Jackson Bird – Nathan Lyon	49	Australia	Pakistan	Brisbane	2016

This is not just a statistic — it is a disruption in a format where last-wicket stands rarely touch 20 runs, let alone 60.

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What Happens Next?

With Archer still unbeaten, there is a real chance he becomes the first-ever No. 11 to score a fifty in a pink-ball Test. If he does it, the Gabba might witness another historic entry before Australia even picks up a bat.

And Root? He’s already playing like he wants England to control this Test — and perhaps the whole series.

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The pressure on Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has intensified following the team’s humiliating 2-0 Test series defeat to South Africa on home soil. With five losses in seven home Tests under his leadership, criticism from fans, former cricketers, and analysts has reached its peak, prompting questions about whether Gambhir should continue as India’s head coach in the longest format.

However, the former opener has made it clear that he has no intention of stepping down voluntarily. Speaking after India’s record 408-run defeat in Guwahati, Gambhir stated that his role and future depend entirely on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“It is up to the BCCI to decide. I said it in my first press conference when I took over as the head coach that Indian cricket is important; I am not,” Gambhir said. He stressed that while criticism focuses heavily on recent failures, many have conveniently forgotten the results he has delivered within a short span.

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Gambhir defends achievements since taking charge

The BCCI appointed Gambhir as head coach after Rahul Dravid stepped down following India’s T20 World Cup triumph in June. Under Gambhir, India enjoyed significant success in white-ball formats, winning both the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup this year. India also drew a competitive Test series in England and secured wins against West Indies and Bangladesh.

But the steep decline in Test performances has overshadowed those achievements.

“A lot of people keep talking about New Zealand, but I am the same guy under whom India won the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup as well. This is a team which has less experience,” Gambhir reminded reporters.

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India’s worst home defeat adds to scrutiny

India’s loss in Guwahati was their worst in terms of runs at home, surpassing the previous 342-run defeat against Australia in 2004. The defeat also marked South Africa’s first Test series win in India in 25 years, adding historical weight to the setback.

Social media outrage and expert analysis have highlighted concerns about team selection, strategy, and player development under Gambhir’s leadership.

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Gambhir accepts responsibility but highlights inexperience

While refusing to resign, Gambhir did acknowledge his share of responsibility.

“It lies with everyone in that dressing room, and it starts with me. We win together and lose together,” he said.

He also pointed out the difference between the New Zealand whitewash last year and the current squad facing South Africa.

“In the series against New Zealand, we had a very different side. When you see this batting line-up against that one, the experience between the two is chalk and cheese. Four or five batters in this top eight have played less than 15 Test matches.”

He urged patience, emphasising that young players are learning on the field against world-class opposition.

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What happens next?

With three senior pillars of Indian cricket — Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli — retiring from Tests this year, India’s red-ball transition has been turbulent. Whether the BCCI continues backing Gambhir through this rebuilding phase will likely determine India’s direction in Test cricket.

For now, Gambhir maintains that Indian cricket remains the priority, not individual positions.

South African cricket continues to produce versatile and confident all-rounders, and Senuran Muthusamy is one of the most steadily rising names among them. A left-handed middle-order batter and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, he brings balance, temperament, and tactical maturity to his teams. Known for grafting with the bat and breaking partnerships with controlled spin, Muthusamy represents the new generation of South African cricketers who have come through strong domestic pathways before earning national recognition.

He made global headlines when, during his Test debut against India, he claimed the wicket of Virat Kohli, one of the biggest modern batting icons. For a newcomer, that moment represented belief, composure, and readiness for elite competition.

Early Life and Education

Born on February 22, 1994, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Muthusamy grew up in a family deeply supportive of sports and academics. Standing 6 feet 3 inches, he attended Clifton School in Durban, where he represented various age-group sides and refined his cricketing basics. Alongside cricket, he completed a degree in media and marketing, preparing for life beyond the sport.

His early journey included representing KwaZulu-Natal in Under-11 and Under-19 tournaments before breaking into senior provincial cricket.

Family Background and Personal Life

Muthusamy belongs to a Tamil Hindu family with roots in Chennai. Although he maintains privacy regarding relatives, interviews and reports suggest his family played a defining role in his cricket career. His mother ensured his training continued even after the tragic loss of his father when Senuran was just 11 years old. He often credits her determination and emotional strength for shaping his professional life.

No public information is available about siblings, as he chooses to keep family matters private.

Relationship Status

There are no verified reports of Muthusamy being in a relationship. As of now, he appears to be single and fully focused on professional cricket. He has never publicly spoken about dating, marriage plans, or a partner.

Domestic Cricket Journey

Muthusamy’s cricketing roots trace back to KwaZulu-Natal. He made his first-class debut in 2013 and later became a core member of the Dolphins franchise. His breakout season arrived when he finished with 181 runs and 33 wickets, earning the Dolphins Player of the Year award. Consistency, discipline, and batting maturity led selectors to view him as a future national asset.

He later joined Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 league, contributing crucial runs and wickets with a flexible, team-first approach.

International Career

Senuran Muthusamy’s journey to international cricket was gradual rather than overnight. He made his:

• Test debut: October 2, 2019 vs India
• ODI debut: February 10, 2025 vs New Zealand
• T20I debut: July 16, 2025 vs New Zealand

Across formats, he has played eight international matches, scoring 182 runs and taking 14 wickets, establishing himself as a reliable all-round option. His ability to apply pressure, bowl long spells, and absorb responsibility suits South Africa’s modern team structure.

SA20 League Career

The SA20 franchise league has further showcased his talent. Debuting mid-season in 2023 for Pretoria Capitals, Muthusamy delivered consistent performances. Across 14 innings, he scored 141 runs and picked up 15 wickets, proving his adaptability to high-pressure T20 situations.

He also gained attention for a spectacular diving catch during the 2025 edition — a moment widely circulated online.

Playing Style and Strengths

Muthusamy’s cricketing identity is shaped by versatility:

• Technically correct left-handed batting
• Dependable middle-order temperament
• Slow left-arm spin suited for containment and breakthroughs
• Strong fielding presence
• Game awareness and tactical clarity

He is not explosive or flashy, but rather steady, intelligent, and match-aware — qualities every international side values.

Religion and Cultural Identity

Muthusamy is a follower of Hinduism and comes from a Tamil cultural background. Despite living in South Africa, he reportedly practices cultural traditions and is occasionally seen visiting temples and engaging in yoga and spiritual routines.

Social Media Presence

He has an Instagram account (@senseii_67) with over 3,100 followers, although it is private. He does not use X (formerly Twitter) publicly, and his Facebook account is also private — a reflection of his preference for privacy over spotlight.

Jersey Number

Senuran Muthusamy wears jersey number 67 for South Africa and 63 in domestic cricket and franchise leagues.

Net Worth and Salary

Muthusamy’s estimated net worth stands at ₹7 crore ($850,000), earned through:

• South Africa’s annual central contract
• Match fees across formats
• SA20 league salary
• Brand and promotional partnerships

South African centrally contracted cricketers typically earn $18,000–30,000 per month, along with format-based match fees.

Achievements and Notable Highlights

• Dismissed Virat Kohli in debut Test
• Dolphins Player of the Year award
• Multiple domestic season awards
• First List A century in 2022
• Four-wicket haul against Bangladesh in 2024
• Consistent all-round contributions in SA20

His steady progress reflects perseverance rather than hype — a hallmark of long-term professionals.