England exploited to the full a Lord's pitch once again offering erratic bounce and lateral movement on Sunday to win the rain-interrupted first Test against New Zealand by 115 runs with a day and two sessions to spare.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting tips confident England to pose real Ashes threat.
'My body feels great right now, I am very confident of getting through all five (Tests) without any dramas.'
England fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney after tearing his left hamstring, the team said on Monday.
England's fightback to draw the last Ashes series 2-2 is a useful reminder to Australia that they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas with a 2-0 lead this time around, Cameron Green said on Sunday.
The stand-in Australia captain was asked about Panesar's recent comments that England should shame Smith over his involvement in "Sandpapergate" to get a psychological edge in the series, which starts in Perth on Friday.
'I think it's a huge credit to (head coach) Andrew McDonald, the coaching staff and the medical staff that we feel like we've got a big squad that we can draw on.'
Images from Day 2 of the 3rd Ashes Test in Adelaide on Thursday
Steve Smith cut a relaxed figure when he named the Australia team for the opening clash in his ninth and possibly final Ashes series on Thursday.
Julian Metherell, Chairman of The Hundred franchise London Spirit, will succeed Ed Smith as the President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) from October. Metherell, a long-time MCC member, was nominated by Smith and will serve a three-year term. The MCC, founded in 1787, owns Lord's Cricket Ground and governs the laws of cricket.
A major fire swept through a furniture market in Shastri Park, northeast Delhi, destroying numerous shops and resulting in significant financial losses. Firefighting operations continued overnight, with locals alleging delays in response.
'It is the biggest stage and it is the brightest lights. It is a series that could define teams, the people and players within it.'
IMAGES from Day 5 of the 3rd Ashes Test in Adelaide on Sunday.
England on Tuesday named a 16-man squad for the Ashes series starting in Australia in November with Ben Stokes, who is currently nursing a shoulder injury, set to return to lead the side.
Tongue claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings to help skittle Australia for 152 with best figures of 5-45, and then triggered a batting collapse in the second innings with fellow pacer Gus Atkinson leaving the pitch due to injury.
Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani has lauded Mitchell Starc's influence on younger players, highlighting his work ethic, mentorship, and ability to perform under pressure, as the team fights for an IPL play-off spot.
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad said the second Ashes Test starting Thursday next week will be a lottery and the toss is a key factor in Brisbane with the pink ball.
IMAGES from Day 1 of the 1st Ashes Test played in Perth on Friday.
Australia's Travis Head says he is prepared to open the batting once more against England during the ongoing Ashes series after his second innings display in the first Test in Perth last week led the home side to an eight-wicket victory over the tourists.
'The most important job after colouring your hair is maintaining it, which a lot of Indian women forget.'
Sophie Molineux has recovered from a back injury and will captain Australia at the women's Twenty20 World Cup in England. Australia will aim for a record-extending seventh title after losing in the semi-finals in 2024.
'That so many have reached such an advanced stage of their careers without obvious replacements is certainly a reflection of their quality, but will be a matter of concern in the case of more injuries during the series.'
Reeling from injuries to captain Pat Cummins and paceman Josh Hazlewood, Australia have received a boost ahead of the first Ashes Test in Perth starting Friday, with Cameron Green telling reporters he is ready to bowl free of any restrictions.
The Perth Stadium pitch that saw Australia complete a thumping eight-wicket Ashes win inside two days over England has earned the ICC's (ICC) highest rating.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's lead pacer Josh Hazlewood admitted that his delayed entry into IPL 2026 due to rehabilitation was tough, emphasising the need to respect recovery time at 35 after multiple injuries since November 2025.
Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped from the Test side during the tour of West Indies in June-July, has since hit three centuries in one-dayers and a couple more in Sheffield Shield for Queensland.
Surrey seamer Matthew Fisher has been added to the squad and will link up with the group this week, having been in Australia with the England Lions.
Cummins has been sidelined with a lumbar stress injury since Australia swept West Indies in the Caribbean in July.
'I'm worried. We're going to wander in and have a little game with the 'A' team. (It will be) 'Alright mate, how are you? Good on ya' and we're going to go and perform?'
Cummins, who was previously optimistic of taking part in a significant chunk of the series, appears to have no chance of playing the series opener in Perth from November 21 and could even miss all five Tests, leaving superstar batter Steve Smith as his stand-in captain.
Captain Pat Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon have returned to the Australia XI for the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide.
England did not have their full squad in Perth until last Sunday and will play one internal match before the first Ashes Test on November 21.
McDonald also said the selectors would consider a Test recall for Mitch Marsh, even if Australia's white-ball captain said last week he would be watching the Ashes series beer in hand.
'(I was) getting too deep into my technique and trying to be too perfect instead of just playing with what I've got...'
'They're those little moments as a squad that I think have got us across the line to four wins this series.'
Cricket Australia has announced its contracted player list for 2026/27, with some notable changes including the omission of Glenn Maxwell and Sam Konstas, and the inclusion of Brendan Doggett.
Australia paceman Mitchell Starc has warned against flattening surfaces to maximise five-day revenue as England's aggressive "Bazball" approach looms.
Cameron Green could take on a new ODI finishing role as Australia prepare for the post-Glenn Maxwell era, with coach Andrew McDonald backing the all-rounder's versatility ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Captain Ben Stokes brushed off concerns about England's Ashes preparations on Wednesday, saying there was no way the squad could prepare in the same way touring teams of the past had, given the demands of the modern game.
England pacer Mark Wood feels Australia will start as favourites in the upcoming Ashes series, but insists that there is a "quiet confidence" within the English camp about doing well in the marquee contest, starting later this month.
