Cricket

The gamble to play the 21-year-old has backfired in spectacular fashion.

Since a Boxing Day Test where they both starred, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne have tracked in opposite directions. In Galle, Smith made his fourth ton in five Tests and Labuschagne floundered.

The cavalier teenager was sent back to Australia mid-way through the team’s two-Test series.

New-ball wizard Mitchell Starc struck twice in the shadows of stumps to cement Australia’s ascendency on the first day of the second Test in Galle. 

MITCHELL JOHNSON: He didn’t face a ball out in the middle which Sam Konstas could have done if he had stayed at home.

West Australian 21-year-old Cooper Connolly will make his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle on Thursday. 

The coach has revealed two stars are ‘battling’ and a new captain will be needed.

LISA STHALEKAR: Annabel Sutherland is breathing down Ellyse Perry’s neck as the best in the business after another blistering summer.

CAITLIN BASSETT: It’s 2025 and I can’t believe we are still having to justify female sporting accomplishments on the cricket pitch.

Onlookers are keenly awaiting the announcement of Australia’s team after a noticeable absence.

A teammate has let slip what the future holds for the 19-year-old who quickly packed his bags and flew home.