Sport

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.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: Instead of clutching pearls every September and chomping at the bit to be outraged, why don’t we just take a breath and allow the players to let their hair down?

KIERSTEN DUKE: The NRL star should take note of how the AFL star got it so wrong after his grand final defeat.

LISA STHALEKAR: They start every tournament as the favourites, but nothing is guaranteed with the world’s best female cricketers facing an uphill battle this time around.

RICHO’S TOP 10: It’s a decision that will haunt Geelong coach Chris Scott this summer.

MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: Madge continues to prove his doubters wrong, with Brisbane on the verge of breaking a two-decade NRL title drought.

GEORGIE PARKER: The Ashcroft brothers’ stunning success is exactly why the AFL should never abandon this hallowed tradition.

JUSTIN LANGER: Life seems pretty easy for our superstars but how they got here is very far from it.