Sport

LISA STHALEKAR: Travis Head’s heroics should signal the end of Usman Khawaja’s Test career and he only has himself to blame.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups pleaded not guilty to charges he engaged in rigged high-stakes poker games that prosecutors said had ties to the Mafia.

JUSTIN LANGER: It was sensational to watch, but two-day Tests will kill the Ashes.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: Usman Khawaja’s injury fiasco could cost him his farewell tour - even if he is fit to play at the Gabba - with the Aussie dressing room unlikely to be impressed.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: You must be at your best for the ultimate sporting showdown as any weakness will be fully exploited by your opponent.

EDITORIAL: Test cricket is a strange anachronism in today’s attention deficit-riven society. Australians forgo their phones in favour the hypnotic thwack of red leather against English willow. 

MITCHELL JOHNSON: England talk a big game, and maybe they believe it. But talk doesn’t score runs or take wickets out here.

GIDEON HAIGH: From time to time, people try to wean themselves off the Ashes for a number of reasons. The Ashes simply nods, smiles, thanks you for your time, and waits — it knows you’ll be back.

DAVID ‘BUMBLE’ LLOYD: The biggest rivalry in sport is not for the faint of heart; here is my simple message to the combatants in this blockbuster series.

DANE ELDRIDGE: We never really liked him when he played for New Zealand and probably like him less now he is bringing his ‘Bazball revolution’ Down Under.

LISA STHALEKAR: Everyone’s talking about Bazball and selection headaches — but the real concern is something else entirely.

GEORGIE PARKER: The fact there is now a game in Melbourne shows what an utter failure the concept has become.

One of Australia's brightest stars has opened up about the darkest moment of her life.

DANE ELDRIDGE: We have all moved on from Sandpapergate, except the Barmy Army, who have some misguided notion that their taunts will make any difference as Australia smashes their team during the Ashes.

Every player wants the chance to end their career on their own terms. Will the injury plagued Aussie skipper get that option?