Cricket

‘It’s actually not an opinion, it’s a fact.’

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.

The act has not gone down well with Cricket NSW who are set to take action.

Australia will be without two key weapons for their opening match of the ODI series against India in Perth, with Adam Zampa and Josh Inglis both ruled out of Sunday’s clash. 

MITCHELL JOHNSON: I disagree with the idea that we’re not playing our best side without Pat Cummins. Scott Boland’s bowling against England four years ago was devastating.

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins concedes he is unlikely to play in the first Ashes Test but dispelled fears about his long-term future.

England went after Scott Boland in the 2023 Ashes and became the only team to conquer the Victorian, but Australia's coach believes that is now irrelevant.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed Marnus Labuschagne is an option to open in the first Test as he revealed it was not the batter’s runs that had impressed him the most.

Pat Cummins could soon learn if he will be fit for the first Ashes Test, with coach Andrew McDonald insistent his captain is still a chance to play.

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.

Mike Atherton never won a series against Australia, but he has been quick to lay the boot in with Pat Cummins unlikely to play in the first Test.

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.

The Aussie skipper’s prospects of leading the side are getting slimmer by the day.

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.