Steve Smith’s return to South Africa for a Test series for the first time since Sandpapergate in 2018 came to a bizarre end with the neck issue he sustained in Gqeberha ruling him out of the deciding third Test in Cape Town.
Boland ‘surprise’ deepens as shock toss call raises major XI doubt after 8yr Aussie first
Former greats David Warner and Mark Waugh have questioned the make-up of Australia’s Test team, after Pat Cummins confirmed a whopping four changes at the toss in Cape Town.
Aussie selection shocks as late injury forces FOUR changes for decider — Test LIVE
Pat Cummins has won the toss and elected to bowl first as Australia make four changes, including Steve Smith missing with a neck issue and Scott Boland being left out, for the deciding third Test against South Africa at Newlands.
‘Lack of respect’: Worrying 135-day reality facing Aussies as legends demand major shift
Fans of Australian cricket had a decision to make last Thursday evening.
‘Ready-made’ fix to finally solve major problem; shock bowling switch up Aussies’ sleeves — Talking Points
Selections questions are once again on everyone’s tongue as Australia appears set to ring the changes for the deciding Test against South Africa in Cape Town, starting Tuesday night.
Australia give Steve Smith chance to prove fitness ahead of South Africa series decider
Batter aiming for Newlands return after injuring neck in second Test
Marnus Labuschagne set to keep place; Nic Maddinson dropped
Australia will give key batter Steve Smith as much time as possible to prove his fitness ahead of the third and final Test against South Africa at Newlands, captain Pat Cummins said.
Smith injured his neck in South Africa’s innings and 31-run victory in the second Test in Gqeberha which levelled the series at 1-1 going into the decider in Cape Town starting on Tuesday.
Continue reading...Three glaring questions in Smith’s return to Cape Town as kryptonite laid bare
As Marnus Labuschagne was dreaming about a South African homecoming that has become a nightmare, he was asked about Steve Smith during a chat at the SCG last month.
Liam Dawson reveals England are ‘gutted’ after ODI series setback against Pakistan
‘We were desperate to win’
Spinner believes defeats are useful learning experiences
Liam Dawson has revealed England’s disappointment after the two agonising defeats to Sri Lanka and Pakistan that have left making the ODI tri-series final is in serious doubt. “That changing room is gutted, we’re desperate to win,” he said.
To reach the final, England need Pakistan to beat Sri Lanka on Tuesday and then they have to thrash Sri Lanka on Thursday, but Dawson is optimistic the losses can be help them in the World Cup in 12 months’ time in southern Africa.
Continue reading...Inside Steve Smith’s desperate race as Pat Cummins opens up on brutal selection calls
Steve Smith showed discomfort while batting for the best part of an hour in the nets on the eve of the series-deciding Test against South Africa but the Australians are confident the champion will be fit to play on Tuesday in Cape Town.
Marnus and Boland likely fates revealed, two stars sent home as BIG changes tipped
Three changes have been tipped for the Test series decider against South Africa, with Nic Maddinson, Beau Webster and Scott Boland dropped, and Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly and Nathan Lyon brought in.
‘Know the type of person I am’: Aussie star opens up for first time on marriage breakdown
Sixers skipper Ash Gardner says the past few weeks have been “challenging” and have taught her plenty, with the star all-rounder thanking the club and those close to her for sticking by her and helping her shift her focus back to cricket.
‘Even my best friend didn’t know’: Usman Khawaja reveals why he kept his rheumatoid arthritis a secret
Opener played through pain to establish himself as a Test cricketer
‘I didn’t want anyone to use it against me,’ he says
Usman Khawaja has opened up on why he kept the rheumatoid arthritis that threatened his playing future a secret for his entire Test career.
The former Test star releases his autobiography, Sabr, on 10 November, which he said he wrote “for people who do love cricket and for those who don’t”.
Continue reading...How the brutal day four Test careers ended sowed seeds of Australia’s destruction — Gerard Whateley column
South Africa has a habit of this. Knocking Australia off its axis. Inflicting wounds and inducing uncertainty.
‘Deep down, we know…’ Inside crossroads moment for world cricket’s great debate
As Marco Jansen was delivering a spirited spray to Beau Webster after snaring the “Slug from Snug” in Gqeberha last week, the visual presented was that of an aggressor on the hunt for its prey.
Three leading Test hopefuls are from the same state. A crucial Shield change might be behind it
Disgruntled rival Australian states used to joke that players selected for New South Wales were also given a baggy green cap to go with their new baggy blue.