Sport

Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has praised Mary Fowler for going public over accusations she was the victim of racism, as French club Montpellier disputed her claim.

Mitchell Starc started it, Ben Stokes finished it, and both teams had batting days to forget. This was truly a chaotic opening day to the much-anticipated Ashes series.

Even their own social media team saw the funny side, but the list boss has explained the curious move.

‘No one thought he would respond in this way.’

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. 

Stand-in captain Steve Smith has described as “very tricky” the decision to leave out allrounder Beau Webster and go with a traditional top order for the first Ashes Test, which starts on Friday.

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

Facing a new-look and weakened Australian line-up, if England fail yet again in Australia it could be their worst Ashes tour yet.

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.

Australia star Steve Smith has referenced Monty Panesar's infamous quiz show performance when asked about provocative comments from the former England spinner.

The couple married last month after learning her extremely rare cancer had progressed.

Where Marnus Labuschagne will bat is now clear with the make-up of the starting XI finalised.