Sports News, March 8: Rohit and Gill crack centuries, India in cruise control in Dharamsala, blow for Gujarat Titans; a look at today's top 10 trending sports stories

On the second day of the 5th Test against England, India captain Rohit Sharma and young star Shubman Gill each scored a century. Kane Williamson and Tim Southee became the 5th duo to feature in their 100th Test together. Meanwhile, Harleen Deol was ruled out of the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL) competition. 

Let's have a look at the top 10 trending sports news on March 8's sports roundup:

Rohit Sharma scores his 12th Test ton

India captain Rohit Sharma brought up his 12th century in Test cricket on the opening session of the Day of the Dharamsala Test against England. Rohit took 154 balls to reach the three-figure mark and whacked 13 fours and three sixes in the process.

Shubman Gill scores his 4th Test ton

Shubman Gill brought up his 4th Test century on the opening session of the Day of the Dharamsala Test against England. Gill reached the three-figure mark with a dismissive sweep. Gill whacked 10 fours and five sixes en route his ton.

India in cruise control in Dharamsala

At lunch on day 2, India were in complete control of the proceedings, reaching a score of 264/1 and stretching their lead to 46 runs. Both Rohit and Gill reached their three-figure mark in the opening session of the day.

Kane Williamson, Tim Southee feature in their 100th Test

Kane Williamson and Tim Southee on March 8 (Friday) became the 5th and 6th New Zealand cricketers to feature in 100 Test matches. Williamson and Southee's momentous occasion came when the duo walked out on the field against Australia in the second Test match at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. It was the fifth instance in Test history that two or more players featured in their 100th Test in the same match.

Mitchell Starc becomes 4th leading wicket-taker for Australia in Tests

In a remarkable milestone that cements his place among Australia's cricketing elite, Mitchell Starc has surpassed the legendary Dennis Lillee in the Test cricket wicket-takers' tally. On March 8, during the second Test match against New Zealand, Starc achieved this significant feat, capturing his 355th wicket and advancing to fourth in the ranking of Australia's all-time greatest Test wicket-takers.

Matthew Wade to miss 1st match for Gujarat Titans

In a significant development for the Gujarat Titans, their Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade will be absent from the team's first match of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. This decision comes as Wade opts to participate in the Sheffield Shield final, underscoring his commitment to his domestic team, Tasmania, which is slated to host the final from March 21-25. This scheduling conflict means Wade will miss the Titans' season opener against the Mumbai Indians on March 24.

Harleen Deol ruled out of WPL season 2

Gujarat Giants' Harleen Deol has been ruled out of the remainder of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 due to a knee injury. Bharti Fulmali from Vidarbha has been brought in as her replacement and participated in the team's warm-up before their Delhi leg opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Wednesday (March 6).

Mumbai Indians overpower UP Warriorz

Deepti Sharma's first T20 half-century was overshadowed as Mumbai Indians secured a decisive 42-run victory over UP Warriorz in their Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 clash, thanks to standout performances from Saika Ishaque and Nat Sciver-Brunt at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on March 7.

Pakistan spinner reported for suspect bowling action

Quetta Gladiators' spinner Usman Tariq has come under scrutiny for a questionable bowling action during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 season, flagged by umpires Richard Illingworth and Asif Yaqoob.

Noor Ali Zadran announces retirement

Afghanistan's veteran batter Noor Ali Zadran announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, March 7. Zadran concludes his international journey, which began in 2009, after participating in two Tests, 51 ODIs, and 23 T20Is. His last outing for Afghanistan was in the singular Test match against Ireland earlier this month, where Afghanistan faced a loss.

MORE ON SPORTS TAK: 

'Yashasvi Jaiswal isn't abusing his...': Zaheer Khan makes resounding statement on rising Indian star batter
'Ben Stokes has been the reason for England's downfall': BCCI president launches brutal attack on English skipper; lauds Rohit Sharma