Sport

‘He was using every one of his waking hours to play cricket. A very bright light has been dimmed.’

GEORGIE PARKER: Daisy Pearce, once the star player inspiring a new wave, is now guiding that very wave to new heights as a coach.

Cummins’ absence opens a few questions — about leadership, about future planning, and about how this team adapts when its captain is watching from the sidelines.

The 27-year-old had a year to run on his contract but has suddenly cut ties with the club.

South Australian paceman Brendan Doggett has stormed into Ashes contention with a six-wicket haul at the WACA with bowling depth to be tested this summer.

The bombshell news comes just weeks after the team’s biggest achievement in the sport.

Liverpool have paid a hefty price for fielding a weakened team, hammered 3-0 by Crystal Palace in a League Cup result that continues the side's horror run.

AFL veterans Steven May and Dion Prestia have been charged by police over an alleged brawl in the Victorian coastal town of Sorrento last December.

Tigers midfielder Dion Prestia faces serious injury charges following a late-night December brawl, with the club backing his emphatic denial of any involvement.

The youngster was rushed to hospital and put on life support, but has sadly passed away.

The suspension comes after he transformed his body and then lashed ASADA for turning up to his parents’ house.

Victoria are trying to build a matchwinning lead as wickets again tumbled at the Junction Oval on day two of the Sheffield Shield game against Tasmania.

DANE ELDRIDGE: Australia will go into the first Ashes Test without their skipper, and no one is more relieved than the Pommy star Cummins has tormented for years.

KIERSTEN DUKE: It’s the $10 million race that gives back, but the legendary trainer will be in no mood for charity on Saturday.

Cameron Green’s return to the red-ball batting crease has ended in a six-ball duck.