Sport

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.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: Sam Konstas was not unlucky in the first Sheffield Shield hit-out and Marnus Labuschagne’s century should not lock him into the Ashes squad.

JUSTIN LANGER: Losing the Australian skipper for the first Test — or worse, the entire summer — will have monumental consequences for the series. Put simply, he is irreplaceable.

KIERSTEN DUKE: It was hard to top Snoop Dogg’s performance, but the NRL nailed it with their entertainment.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: The side has a proven track record, but face an age-old problem heading into this summer.

LISA STHALEKAR: Cricketers pour fuel on border tensions by entering the political sphere.

GEORGIE PARKER: As the final rounds approach, the league must tackle footy fatigue to keep fans engaged. Here are a few simple fixes that could make a world of difference.

MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: It’s a massive call, but Reece Walsh’s performance last night puts him ahead of the four-time champion in my book.

BEN MCCLELLAN: The lesson from the star’s imminent Demons exit is: if you really want out, you will get it in the AFL — something Zach Merrett will be keenly aware of.

SOPHIE GANNON: Cashing in on the wantaway star is crucial if the Blues are to escape their rut. Their next decade depends on it.