Survival of the fittest: Ashes hangs on pace and endurance
MELBOURNE :While pace bowling quality has been a reliable predictor of Ashes success, resilience and depth may ultimately decide the battle for the urn in Australia.
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Lack of transition leaves Australia reliant on ageing Ashes team
SYDNEY :Australia are favourites to retain the Ashes over the next two months but anything short of their usual dominance over England on home soil is sure to reignite the debate over the pace of transition to a younger generation.
Archer v Smith battle could be pivotal in Ashes, says Finn
LONDON :The looming battle between Australia's run machine Steve Smith and England fast bowler Jofra Archer could prove pivotal in the outcome of the Ashes series Down Under, according to the tourists' former international Steven Finn.
Hazlewood given okay for Ashes opener after hamstring scare
SYDNEY :Australia paceman Josh Hazlewood went to hospital for scans on a possible hamstring injury during a domestic match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday but was later cleared of a strain and will travel to Perth for next week's first Ashes test.
Captain Cummins targets return in second Ashes test
SYDNEY :Australia captain Pat Cummins is back bowling multiple overs on a reduced run-up and has targeted returning to the team for the second Ashes test against England, a day-nighter in Brisbane starting on December 4.
Australia's Labuschagne boasts of best touch for six years ahead of Ashes
SYDNEY :Marnus Labuschagne reckons he is in his best form with the bat for six years after hitting his fifth century of the domestic season on Monday to all but ensure his place in the Australia squad for the Ashes.
Australia captain Cummins returns to bowling in buildup to Ashes
MELBOURNE :Australia captain Pat Cummins has eased back into bowling in his rehabilitation from a lower-back injury as he scrambles to be fit for the second Ashes test against England.
Cummins out of first Ashes test, Smith to captain Australia
SYDNEY: Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins will not be fit for the first Ashes test in Perth next month and will be replaced as captain by Steve Smith, Cricket Australia said on Monday. Cummins has been sidelined by a lower-back issue since July and was already a major doubt for the series opener against England, which starts on November 21. CA said in a statement that Cummins had now resumed running and would be back bowling soon, offering hope the 32-year-old might be fit to take part in the second day-night test in Brisbane from December 4. While losing the captain and top fast bowler for the opening test of a high-profile series, Australia have had plenty of time to make contingency plans as the nation has sweated on the fitness of Cummins. Even if the squad for the series has not been announced yet, Scott Boland is almost certain to replace him in the bowling attack alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc at Perth Stadium. Boland has had infrequent opportunities at test level over the years given Australia’s depth in the fast-bowling department, but he has more often than not produced when called upon. The 36-year-old is particularly effective on Australia’s hard decks and has taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 in his 14 previous tests. Cummins has been an ever-present in the Australia side for Ashes clashes since his first test against England in the 2017-18 series, helping Australia first win back and then retain the urn ever since. Smith, who was sacked as captain in 2018 for his part in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, has led the team six times in the absence of Cummins since his rehabilitation. Australia also play tests against England in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney around the New Year as they