Sport

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?

A ‘scientific, factual and unemotional’ presentation has set the stage for the major shift.

MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: He will go down as one of the NRL’s greats, but the four-time premiership winner continues to flounder at the highest levels of competition.

GEORGIE PARKER: I think it’s a terrific idea, but there is no getting away from this key issue.

EMMA FREEDMAN: The warring spring carnivals have brought out the best on the track this year, putting an end to the debate about the future of racing.

DANE ELDRIDGE: Cam Green’s all-rounder unicorn status does not warrant batter-only privileges.

LISA STHALEKAR: Knocking out Australia was huge — but becoming world champions has launched the cricket-mad nation into a new era of women’s cricket dominance.