Sport

DANE ELDRIDGE: Australia will go into the first Ashes Test without their skipper, and no one is more relieved than the Pommy star Cummins has tormented for years.

KIERSTEN DUKE: It’s the $10 million race that gives back, but the legendary trainer will be in no mood for charity on Saturday.

Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde issued a statement after Australian authorities made a decision over his entry to compete in the 2025 world championships.

MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: It’s the question Manly fans have been waiting patiently for their former skipper to answer - and it’s about bloody time he did.

EMMA FREEDMAN: Via Sistina can follow in a long list of great horses, as we bid farewell to one of the great race tracks on Saturday.

Michael Vaughan knows how to stir a headline, and suggesting Mitch Marsh opens in the Ashes feels more like playful mischief than genuine advice.

KIERSTEN DUKE: A horse’s health should always be paramount, but Racing Victoria needs to reveal more when they make big calls like they have on Gai Waterhouse-trained thoroughbred Sir Delius.

LISA STHALEKAR: The fans came in their droves, just not to see the Australian stars.

DANE ELDRIDGE: It’s been a long time between drinks for our English cousins as they thirst for success by talking a good game before an Ashes ball has been bowled.

MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: Touring England is a career highlight - as I found out 30 years ago - but I fear the revival of the Ashes may burn out quickly.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: The injury to Cameron Green has exposed how the selectors’ bizarre method of picking the Test team has the squad on the verge of a crisis.

EMMA FREEDMAN: I saw the Hong Kong sprinting revelation up close and I am not convinced he will storm home to an easy win on Saturday.

KIERSTEN DUKE: This filly has tasted recent success and could give the red-hot favourite a real run for his money.

LISA STHALEKAR: Alyssa Healy’s century stole the show against India, but it was what injured superstar Ellyse Perry did to get herself back on the pitch that her teammates will not forget.

SOPHIE GANNON: The Geelong star seems to love being in the headlines, but I am not so sure his Geelong teammates or club bosses are loving it as much as he is.