An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 jet, which crashed near Aqtau in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day, has raised questions about a possible accidental strike by a Russian missile. The flight was en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia, when it went down, killing 38 of the 67 people on board. Among the survivors were two young girls, aged 11 and 16.

Investigation points to missile damage

Aviation and military experts have suggested that the crash may have been caused by a surface-to-air missile or anti-aircraft fire. Reports from media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and Euronews highlighted shrapnel-like damage to the plane’s fuselage and tail section, consistent with missile strikes.

Footage shared online showed holes resembling shrapnel marks, adding weight to this theory. Matt Borie, Chief Intelligence Officer at Osprey Flight Solutions, told the Journal that the wreckage and security conditions in the region suggest the aircraft may have been hit by anti-aircraft fire.

The crash occurred in an area where Ukrainian drone activity had been reported. Grozny, the destination city, is heavily guarded by Russian anti-aircraft systems due to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Survivors report explosions

Passengers seated in the tail section of the plane, where all survivors were located, reported hearing loud explosions shortly after the plane’s request to land at Grozny airport was denied. Visuals captured the aircraft struggling to maintain altitude before crashing into a field about three kilometers from Aqtau airport.

Azerbaijan Airlines initially attributed the crash to a bird strike but later withdrew this claim. The plane’s black box has been recovered, and investigators will examine flight data and cockpit recordings for further insights.

Potential precedent

If a Russian missile is confirmed as the cause, this would mark the second time a commercial plane has been shot down in the region. In 2014, Malaysian Airlines flight MH-17 was downed by a Russian-made missile over eastern Ukraine, killing all on board.

Official responses

Kazakh officials, including Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev, have urged patience until the investigation concludes, stressing that no party has an interest in concealing information. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned premature speculation.

National mourning in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev declared a national day of mourning and canceled a planned visit to Russia. In a statement, Aliyev expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for a thorough investigation.

As the investigation continues, questions remain about the safety of civilian aircraft in a region embroiled in conflict.

Washington Sundar has been thrust into the spotlight once again as he made his return to India’s playing XI for the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His inclusion, which came at the expense of Shubman Gill, has sparked a flurry of discussions, both on social media and among cricket experts, about his role in the team, his credentials as an all-rounder, and what his performance will mean for India’s chances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Sundar, who has previously impressed with his all-round abilities, has had a tumultuous journey with the Indian cricket team, especially in the Test format. Known for his ability to bowl tight off-spin and contribute with the bat, Sundar’s most memorable performance came in India’s historic win over Australia in the 2020-21 series. However, it is his return to the Test squad for this high-profile series that has gotten the cricket world talking.

His inclusion comes in the wake of Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from limited-overs cricket and his exclusion from the playing XI in the first few Tests of the series. With Ashwin’s absence, Sundar was given an opportunity to step into the spin department alongside Ravindra Jadeja, especially after a stellar performance against New Zealand earlier this year. Sundar claimed seven wickets in a single innings during that match, putting in a performance that elevated his reputation as a reliable bowling option. This made his re-entry into the squad even more anticipated, with many hoping for him to make an immediate impact.

However, while Sundar’s return has been welcomed by many, not all are convinced about his role as an all-rounder in the traditional sense. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, known for his insightful commentary, expressed his doubts over Sundar’s credentials as an all-rounder, suggesting that the young player’s contributions with the bat and ball have not always been consistent enough to fulfill the high expectations that come with such a role. Manjrekar also included Nitish Reddy in his criticism, questioning whether both players could truly fulfill the versatile role needed in modern Test cricket.

For Sundar, however, his performance will likely speak louder than any criticism. The pressure on him to perform in a Test series as crucial as this one against Australia is immense, and many eyes will be on him to prove his worth. With the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, and Steve Smith in Australia’s formidable lineup, Sundar’s ability to deliver with the ball could be pivotal in the context of the game.

Despite the debate, Sundar’s skills as a bowler have been widely recognized. His calm demeanor and knack for bowling tight lines have helped him earn the confidence of the Indian team management. What sets him apart is his maturity at a young age, especially in pressure situations. Though his batting has not always been as consistent as his bowling, his ability to contribute with the bat adds another dimension to his utility in the team.

The 24-year-old has made his way through the ranks, and this series offers him another chance to prove his mettle. His role in the ongoing series could prove vital, particularly in India’s bid to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. If Sundar can deliver with both bat and ball, he could become a regular feature in the Indian Test team, solidifying his position as a key all-rounder in the squad.

With the series tied and both teams fighting hard for supremacy, Sundar’s performance could be a game-changer for India. His return is symbolic not just of the changes in the Indian squad but of the continued shift towards integrating youth and fresh talent into the team. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Sundar, who now faces the challenge of turning potential into performance and answering the critics who have questioned his place in the Test team.

Day 1 of the fourth Test between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground saw Australia end the day at 311/6, holding a slight advantage despite a spirited Indian fightback led by Jasprit Bumrah.

Steve Smith, steady as ever, remained unbeaten on 68, joined by Pat Cummins (8*) at the crease. The day belonged to Australia’s batting lineup, which delivered a solid performance on a favorable pitch.

Debutant Sam Konstas was the highlight of the Australian innings, crafting an impressive 60 runs in his first Test appearance. The 19-year-old showcased maturity beyond his years, dispatching the Indian bowlers with confidence. His knock complemented the contributions from Usman Khawaja (57) and Marnus Labuschagne (72), who anchored Australia’s innings with composed fifties.

India’s bowling unit, spearheaded by the ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah, kept the visitors in the contest. Bumrah’s figures of 3/75 reflected his knack for breaking partnerships at crucial moments. Supporting him, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep each claimed a wicket to prevent Australia from running away with the game.

Australia’s playing XI featured a formidable lineup, including skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and spinner Nathan Lyon. India fielded an interesting combination, with Rohit Sharma leading a side that featured young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy alongside experienced campaigners Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant.

As Day 1 concluded, the match remained finely poised. While Australia’s top order laid a strong foundation, India’s bowling ensured they stayed in contention, setting the stage for an intriguing Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25.

The stakes remain high as both teams seek to assert dominance in this crucial encounter.