Australia's title bid will be tested by injuries and Asian conditions at the T20 World Cup.
Steve Smith's pointers to Riyan Parag on the technique of playing red ball helped him in the Ranji season where he ended with 492 runs for Assam, including a hundred and three half-centuries.
'India not the strongest bowling unit without Ishant Sharma'
Steve Smith capped a remarkable season by sweeping the main awards at the annual Allan Border Medal ceremony
'They're those little moments as a squad that I think have got us across the line to four wins this series.'
'We could play a couple of all-rounders. Could play a spinner. Could play no spinner. We'll figure it out.'
The spotlight in the World Test Championship Final is on the electrifying duel between Australia's batting mainstay Steve Smith and South Africa's pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada.
Australia stormed to an eight-wicket victory in the second Ashes Test on Sunday to take a 2-0 series lead as England succumbed on day four to a pace blitz from unlikely hero Michael Neser.
Smith dislocated his right little finger in last month's World Test Championship final and will be required to wear a splint for five weeks, Cricket Australia said.
Expect nothing less than hostility, fire and close contests as Ben Stokes' England come armed with their Bazball philosophy to try and get the better of a depleted Australia.
- 'As a captain, I think first and foremost I'll try to lead from the front with my performance on the field' - 'It's a different kettle of fish (leading) Australia, but I'm really looking forward to the challenge'
Cummins is also unlikely to feature in the first Ashes Test, starting November 21 in Perth, and in that scenario former skipper Smith will captain Australia.
Babar Azam's first Big Bash League stint ended early as the Pakistan star returned home before Sydney Sixers' eliminator after an underwhelming season.
'It's a moment I'll never forget, having my family there.'
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is facing logistical and contractual challenges as several overseas players withdraw to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which offers more lucrative contracts. The PCB is considering actions against players breaching contracts but fears deterring future talent.
Joe Root scored his 37th Test hundred on Friday to go past the tally of former India skipper Rahul Dravid and contemporary Steve Smith.
Cummins has been sidelined with a lumbar stress injury since Australia swept West Indies in the Caribbean in July.
'With ETPL, we hope we can bring the magic of cricket euphoria to mainland Europe.'
Australia's new Test captain Steve Smith is excited about the prospect of playing India on a lively Gabba pitch in the second cricket Test starting on Wednesday and said he wants his team to drive the advantage to go up 2-0 in the four-match series.
IMAGES from Day 1 of the 1st Ashes Test played in Perth on Friday.
Explore the reasons behind Jasprit Bumrah's unexpected struggles in IPL 2026, analysing his past performances and the factors contributing to his current disappointing streak.
Australia finished marginally on top at the end of a chaotic opening day of the fourth Ashes Test after an extraordinary 20 wickets fell in front of a record crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.
Smith was involved in activities to help raise awareness of mental health during his suspension period.
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh says team respects criticism after shock T20 World Cup exit, with Cricket Australia set to conduct a forensic review.
IMAGES from Day 1 of the 3rd Ashes Test played in Adelaide on Wednesday
Cameron Green and Alex Carey guided Australia to an emphatic five-wicket victory against England, to claim the series 4-1, on Day 5 of the fifth Ashes Test on Thursday.
Former champions Australia are set to conduct a thorough review of their disappointing T20 World Cup campaign after failing to progress beyond the group stage.
Former Australia captain Steve Smith says competing in the IPL has immensely enhanced his preparation for the upcoming 50 overs' World Cup.
In a high-pressure clash against India in the Champions Trophy semi-finals, Steve Smith seemed to have destiny on his side.
Australian batter Steve Smith is "focussed" on taking them all head on in the game beginning in Adelaide on Friday.
'It does look like quite a dry surface and I think the footmarks will definitely come into play as the game wears on.'
Australia will aim to salvage pride against Oman in their final T20 World Cup match after a disappointing campaign marked by injuries and poor form.
Kevin Pietersen criticises England after their Ashes loss in Adelaide
Since the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2008, we've witnessed many a matches that have kept us on the edge of our seats. Norma Astrid Godinho/Rediff takes you down memory lane to relive some nail-biters in the history of the IPL.
One of the most consistent fast bowlers in world cricket, Hazlewood has been a mainstay across formats for Australia, known for his IPL-style discipline, bounce and accuracy. However, injuries have interrupted his recent run.
Steve Smith smashed a brilliant century to lead Australia to a series-clinching three-wicket win over South Africa in their fourth one-day international on Friday. Smith hit a career-best ODI total of 104 from 112 deliveries as the Australians passed South Africa's 267-8 with six balls to spare at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Australia dominated day two of the second Ashes Test on Friday with a punishing batting assault on a lifeless Gabba pitch as England fumbled their chances in the field.
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.
Cricket Australia (CA) said on Sunday they will conduct an investigation into a ball-tampering scandal during the third Test against South Africa that has prompted calls for captain Steve Smith to step down.
Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.
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