Sport

JUSTIN LANGER: There was a lot not to like about England’s woeful effort in Brisbane, but this is what would have terrified me the most as a coach if I was in charge.

GEORGIE PARKER: In a sporting world where everything is spun to suit a palatable narrative, the veteran’s raw honesty was refreshing.

BEN McCLELLAN: Australia rarely make bold selection calls, which is why no one saw the dumping of the seasoned veteran coming.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: The English star should watch what he says when talking about Ashes tradition, but there is one thing he and I are in furious agreement over.

JUSTIN LANGER: If the Perth Test wasn’t dramatic enough, the Brisbane Test lead-up is proving just as drama-filled with more questions than answers over the Australian XI.

JACKSON BARRETT: Pat Cummins’ eleventh hour bid to play the second Test means England’s worst nightmare is about to become reality and here is the stat to prove it.

DANE ELDRIDGE: Playing for Australia has become like the Sicilian Mafia - it’s harder to get out than it is to get in, but luckily this tough decision was made for them.

LISA STHALEKAR: There’s been a lot of noise about Usman Khawaja, but another veteran’s future is also being questioned heading into the second Test at the Gabba.

GEORGIE PARKER: The AFL are cheating fans by failing to take the brave step on the one issue most experts agree on.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: If the first Test was a blockbuster, the Gabba sequel could be just as wild and potentially over in two days again if the rain stays away after Ben Stokes’ pointed comments.

Breakaway rugby competition R360 will not launch until 2028, in a move that could leave NRL stars Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen in limbo.

JUSTIN LANGER: It’s hard to tell from the outside, but England sticking to their guns is not that crazy and why can’t a bloke play golf?

GEORGIE PARKER: This grand final is another chapter in the fierce battle between these titanic heavyweights and its the best thing that could be happening for the sport.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: Ben Stokes, and England, need to get some runs on the board — and maybe a Test win — before sledging their own greats as their hubris was clearly their undoing in the first Test.

DANE ELDRIDGE: There is nothing a Kiwi hates more than admitting an Australian is right, but Brendon McCullum’s refusal to see the writing on the wall is beyond the pale.