Sport

England have done little to dispel concerns that they are not doing enough to prepare ahead of the first Ashes Test after footage from their practice match went viral for all the wrong reasons.

The English star quick remains in doubt for the first Ashes Test but the results of his scan will now be delayed only a week out from the series opener.

The ‘mentally’ weak English would need to overcome two fatal flaws to win the upcoming Ashes.

The Penrith Panthers have emerged as one of several big losers after the 2026 NRL season schedule was released.

‘Who is on the panel?’

England star Harry Brook has fingers crossed for Mark Wood after the star quick limped off from their practice match on Thursday.

With the AFL unveiling their full fixtures for next season, here are the blockbuster match-ups you will not want to miss.

England’s Ashes hopes are already in disarray with Mark Wood injured and their B team fleecing their first-choice bowlers for nearly 400 runs in a day at Lilac Hill Park.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: It’s not the curator’s responsibility to make a Test match drag out - that’s the players’ job.

‘I think we’re both very uncomfortable speaking about it.’

AFL’s 2026 fixture has revealed Brisbane and Geelong's grand final rematch will headline Sir Doug Nicholls Round at the Gabba in May.

England’s star quicks have blown out the cobwebs in a lacklustre start to their lone Ashes practice match at Lilac Hill Park.

Melbourne will have home-ground advantage when they face premiers Brisbane in a grand-final rematch in round three, while a new team misses Magic Round in 2026.

Josh Hazlewood’s injury scare may open the door for Beau Webster to line up alongside Cameron Green in the first Ashes Test, with Steve Smith open to the possibility of playing both all-rounders.

AFL minor premiers Adelaide will open their 2026 campaign with a grudge match against Collingwood at the MCG, although there will be one very notable absentee.