Australia opener Aaron Finch has been cleared of a serious finger injury and is set to resume his innings on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indvsaus-2nd-test-day-4-india-vs-australia-184637">pivotal day four</a> on Monday as the hosts look to set India a formidable target in the second test.

There were fears Finch's series might be over after he received a nasty blow on his right glove from a searing short ball from Mohammed Shami on the stroke of tea on day three.

Finch, who retired hurt on 25, went to hospital for X-Rays amid concern that he had suffered a fracture to his right index finger.

Scans confirmed there was no fracture and he batted in the Perth Stadium nets before play resumed on the fourth day.

Australia, 1-0 down in the four-match series, were 132 for four in their second innings overnight with a lead of 175 runs.

Australia opener Aaron Finch has been cleared of a serious finger injury and is set to resume his innings on a pivotal day four on Monday as the hosts look to set India a formidable target in the second test.

Australia opener Aaron Finch has been cleared of a serious finger injury and is set to resume his innings on a pivotal day four on Monday as the hosts look to set India a formidable target in the second test. There were fears Finch's series might be over after he received a nasty blow on his right glove from a searing short ball from Mohammed Shami on the stroke of tea on day three. Finch, who retired hurt on 25, went to hospital for X-Rays amid concern that he had suffered a fracture to his right index finger. Scans confirmed there was no fracture and he batted in the Perth Stadium nets before play resumed on the fourth day. Australia, 1-0 down in the four-match series, were 132 for four in their second innings overnight with a lead of 175 runs.

India vs Australia: Aaron Finch cleared to bat on crucial fourth day

The stump&nbsp;mic has revealed the ugly war of words between Indian captain Virat Kohli and Australian skipper Tim Paine on the third day of Perth Test on Sunday.

The match got spiced up on the third day when Virat Kohli completed his&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-virat-kohli-slams-25th-test-century-in-perth-test-184408">25th Test</a> hundred got India to 283 runs but&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-out-or-not-out-debate-over-virat-kohlis-wicket-is-on-184445">caught at second slip</a>&nbsp;after a controversial catch by Peter Handscomb.

Virat looked unhappy with the decision and tensions flared-up when Australia started batting in their second innings.

Both the captains,&nbsp;Virat Kohli and Tim Paine, kept exchanging words, which carried on until stumps.

The hosts finished 175 runs ahead on day three.

Virat was heard yelling at Paine,&nbsp;"If he messes it up, it's 2-0."

The chats were picked up by the microphone after he and his teammates made a loud caught-behind appeal for Paine in the final over of the day.&nbsp;

The Australian captain did not hold himself back and replied: "You've got to bat first, **** head".&nbsp;

Watch the video:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
KOHLI : If u mess it up it's 2-0 
 
PAINE : You Got to Bat First D***Head 
 
Verbals from Skippers😂😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/Bjtx6VTT2B">pic.twitter.com/Bjtx6VTT2B</a>
— karthick shivaraman (@ISkarthi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISkarthi/status/1074292853742829569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The hosts star-spinner Nathan Lyon, however, played down the incident.

"I think Tim just asked him where he was going for dinner that's all. I've played enough cricket against Virat to know what he's like, and I'm not worried about what he's doing or what India's doing," said Lyon.&nbsp;

"Virat is a great player, he plays on emotion, we all know that, and to be honest I'm not too concerned how Virat reacts or the way he conducts himself. I'm just worried about what we can control in the Australian dressing room and I thought as bowlers we came out today and performed pretty well," he said.&nbsp;

Lyon said: "The wicket seems like it's starting to play a few more little tricks. We were expecting the cracks to play a little bit more, but with that rain yesterday it probably softened our ball up quite a fair bit. I know as bowlers the ball in cricket terms felt like it had no air left in it, so it lost a little bit of zip off the wicket.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"But we were pretty happy with the way we bowled and we know that come the second dig we can bowl much better than that. So we can take a few lessons off that first innings," he added.&nbsp;

The stump mic has revealed the ugly war of words between Indian captain Virat Kohli and Australian skipper Tim Paine on the third day of Perth Test on Sunday. The match got spiced up on the third day when Virat Kohli completed his 25th Test hundred got India to 283 runs but caught at second slip after a controversial catch by Peter Handscomb.

The stump mic has revealed the ugly war of words between Indian captain Virat Kohli and Australian skipper Tim Paine on the third day of Perth Test on Sunday. The match got spiced up on the third day when Virat Kohli completed his 25th Test hundred got India to 283 runs but caught at second slip after a controversial catch by Peter Handscomb. Virat looked unhappy with the decision and tensions flared-up when Australia started batting in their second innings. Both the captains, Virat Kohli and Tim Paine, kept exchanging words, which carried on until stumps. The hosts finished 175 runs ahead on day three. Virat was heard yelling at Paine, "If he messes it up, it's 2-0." The chats were picked up by the microphone after he and his teammates made a loud caught-behind appeal for Paine in the final over of the day. The Australian captain did not hold himself back and replied: "You've got to bat first, **** head". Watch the video: KOHLI : If u mess it up it's 2-0 PAINE : You Got to Bat First D***Head Verbals from Skippers😂😂#AUSvIND #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/Bjtx6VTT2B — karthick shivaraman (@ISkarthi) December 16, 2018 × The hosts star-spinner Nathan Lyon, however, played down the incident. "I think Tim just asked him where he was going for dinner that's all. I've played enough cricket against Virat to know what he's like, and I'm not worried about what he's doing or what India's doing," said Lyon. "Virat is a great player, he plays on emotion, we all know that, and to be honest I'm not too concerned how Virat reacts or the way he conducts himself. I'm just worried about what we can control in the Australian dressing room and I thought as bowlers we came out today and performed pretty well," he said. Lyon said: "The wicket seems like it's starting to play a few more little tricks. We were expecting the cracks to play a little bit more, but with that rain yesterday it probably softened our ball up quite a fair bit. I know as bowlers the ball in cricket terms felt like it had no air left in it, so it lost a little bit of zip off the wicket. "But we were pretty happy with the way we bowled and we know that come the second dig we can bowl much better than that. So we can take a few lessons off that first innings," he added.

Watch: Stump mic reveals ugly on-pitch chats between Kohli and Paine in Perth Test

Mohammed Shami took a five-wicket haul as&nbsp;Australia were all out for 243 in the middle session on the fourth day on Monday in Perth Test.&nbsp;

Shami picked up a career-best 6-56 as the hosts lost six wickets for 51 runs before a 36-run last-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc (14) and Josh Hazlewood (17 not out) boosted their tally.&nbsp;

Usman Khawaja top-scored for Australia with 72, while Aaron Finch (25) was dismissed on the first ball by Shami on the resumption of his innings after retiring hurt on day three.

At lunch on the fourth day, the home side were 190 for four in their second innings, an overall advantage of 233 runs.

But lost quick wickets just after returning from lunch break.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Six-wicket haul and career-best figures for Mohammed Shami! 👏 
 
He adds the scalp of Lyon to his list to trigger Australia's collapse after lunch. He has 6/41 for now – his best figures. 
 
Australia 207/9, a lead of 250. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> LIVE 
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/viG01Bpvlc">https://t.co/viG01Bpvlc</a> <a href="https://t.co/iyo0AyIT2c">pic.twitter.com/iyo0AyIT2c</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1074544206499250177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Adelaide.

The scoreboard at the end of Australia's second innings:

Australia 1st innings 326 (M. Harris 70, T. Head 58; Sharma 4-41)

India 1st innings 283 (V Kohli 123, A Rahane 51; Lyon 5-67)

Australia 2nd innings (overnight 132-4)

M. Harris b Bumrah &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20

A. Finch c Pant b Shami &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;25

U. Khawaja c Pant b Shami &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;72

S. Marsh c Pant b Shami &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5

P. Handscomb lbw Sharma &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13

T. Head c Sharma b Shami &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19

T. Paine&nbsp;c Kohli b Shami &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;37

P. Cummins b Bumrah &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1

M. Starc b Bumrah &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14

N. Lyon c Vihari b Shami &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5

J. Hazlewood not out &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17

Extras (b8, lb3, w4) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15

Total (all out, 93.2 overs) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;243

Fall of wickets: 1-59 (Harris), 2-64 (Marsh), 3-85 (Handscomb), 4-120 (Head), 5-192 (Paine), 6-192 (Finch), 7-198 (Khawaja), 8-198 (Cummins), 9-207 (Lyon), 10-243 (Starc)

Bowling: Sharma 16-1-45-1, Bumrah 25.2-10-39-3, Shami 24-8-56-6 (2w), Yadav 14-0-61-0 (2w), Vihari 14-4-31-0

Mohammed Shami took a five-wicket haul as Australia were all out for 243 in the middle session on the fourth day on Monday in Perth Test. Shami picked up a career-best 6-56 as the hosts lost six wickets for 51 runs before a 36-run last-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc (14) and Josh Hazlewood (17 not out) boosted their tally.

Mohammed Shami took a five-wicket haul as Australia were all out for 243 in the middle session on the fourth day on Monday in Perth Test. Shami picked up a career-best 6-56 as the hosts lost six wickets for 51 runs before a 36-run last-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc (14) and Josh Hazlewood (17 not out) boosted their tally. Usman Khawaja top-scored for Australia with 72, while Aaron Finch (25) was dismissed on the first ball by Shami on the resumption of his innings after retiring hurt on day three. At lunch on the fourth day, the home side were 190 for four in their second innings, an overall advantage of 233 runs. But lost quick wickets just after returning from lunch break. Six-wicket haul and career-best figures for Mohammed Shami! 👏 He adds the scalp of Lyon to his list to trigger Australia's collapse after lunch. He has 6/41 for now – his best figures. Australia 207/9, a lead of 250. #AUSvIND LIVE ➡️ https://t.co/viG01Bpvlc pic.twitter.com/iyo0AyIT2c — ICC (@ICC) December 17, 2018 × India lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Adelaide. The scoreboard at the end of Australia's second innings: Australia 1st innings 326 (M. Harris 70, T. Head 58; Sharma 4-41) India 1st innings 283 (V Kohli 123, A Rahane 51; Lyon 5-67) Australia 2nd innings (overnight 132-4) M. Harris b Bumrah 20 A. Finch c Pant b Shami 25 U. Khawaja c Pant b Shami 72 S. Marsh c Pant b Shami 5 P. Handscomb lbw Sharma 13 T. Head c Sharma b Shami 19 T. Paine c Kohli b Shami 37 P. Cummins b Bumrah 1 M. Starc b Bumrah 14 N. Lyon c Vihari b Shami 5 J. Hazlewood not out 17 Extras (b8, lb3, w4) 15 Total (all out, 93.2 overs) 243 Fall of wickets: 1-59 (Harris), 2-64 (Marsh), 3-85 (Handscomb), 4-120 (Head), 5-192 (Paine), 6-192 (Finch), 7-198 (Khawaja), 8-198 (Cummins), 9-207 (Lyon), 10-243 (Starc) Bowling: Sharma 16-1-45-1, Bumrah 25.2-10-39-3, Shami 24-8-56-6 (2w), Yadav 14-0-61-0 (2w), Vihari 14-4-31-0

INDvsAUS: Australia all out for 243, India need 287 to win Perth Test

Virat Kohli-led team India will tour Australia from November 2018 to January 2019 to play four Tests, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was dropped from India's Twenty20 squad for this crucial away assignment.

At his&nbsp;place,&nbsp;the two keepers in the two T20 squads announced are Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik.

India will play a three-match Twenty20 series before the first Test starts in Adelaide on December 6 with Perth, Melbourne and Sydney hosting the remainder of the Tests before a three-match one-day international series in January.

Experts and former players are seeing this tour as India's best bet to defeat Australia in Tests as the hosts will be without their two key batsman, Steve Smith and David Warner, who are facing a year-long ban for their involvement in ball tampering scandal in South Africa.&nbsp;

Here is the complete&nbsp;schedule:&nbsp;

(All timings in IST)

Australia vs India 
Twenty20 Internationals 
1st T20I | Nov 21, Wed | The Gabba, Brisbane | 1:20 PM

2nd T20I | Nov 23, Fri | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 1:20 PM

3rd T20I | Nov 25, Sun | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 1:20 PM

<hr />
<hr />
Australia vs India 
Test matches 
1st Test | Dec 06, Thu - Dec 10, Mon | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 5:30 AM

2nd Test | Dec 14, Fri - Dec 18, Tue | Perth Stadium, Perth | 7:50 AM

3rd Test | Dec 26, Wed - Dec 30, Sun | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 5:00 AM (Dec 26)

4th Test | Jan 03, Thu - Jan 07, Mon | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 5:00 AM (Jan 03)

<hr />
<hr />
Australia vs India 
One-Day Internationals 
1st ODI | Jan 12, Sat | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 8:50 AM

2nd ODI | Jan 15, Tue | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 8:50 AM

3rd ODI | Jan 18, Fri | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 8:50 AM

<hr />
<hr />
India's squad:

For&nbsp;Test series: Virat Kohli (C), M Vijay, KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Parthiv Patel, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishant, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

For&nbsp;T20I series: Virat Kohli (C), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed.&nbsp;

Australia's&nbsp;squad:

For&nbsp;T20I series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, D Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

<hr />
<hr />
&nbsp;

Virat Kohli-led team India will tour Australia from November 2018 to January 2019 to play four Tests, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches.

Virat Kohli-led team India will tour Australia from November 2018 to January 2019 to play four Tests, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was dropped from India's Twenty20 squad for this crucial away assignment. At his place, the two keepers in the two T20 squads announced are Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik. India will play a three-match Twenty20 series before the first Test starts in Adelaide on December 6 with Perth, Melbourne and Sydney hosting the remainder of the Tests before a three-match one-day international series in January. Experts and former players are seeing this tour as India's best bet to defeat Australia in Tests as the hosts will be without their two key batsman, Steve Smith and David Warner, who are facing a year-long ban for their involvement in ball tampering scandal in South Africa. Here is the complete schedule: (All timings in IST) Australia vs India Twenty20 Internationals 1st T20I | Nov 21, Wed | The Gabba, Brisbane | 1:20 PM 2nd T20I | Nov 23, Fri | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 1:20 PM 3rd T20I | Nov 25, Sun | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 1:20 PM Australia vs India Test matches 1st Test | Dec 06, Thu - Dec 10, Mon | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 5:30 AM 2nd Test | Dec 14, Fri - Dec 18, Tue | Perth Stadium, Perth | 7:50 AM 3rd Test | Dec 26, Wed - Dec 30, Sun | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 5:00 AM (Dec 26) 4th Test | Jan 03, Thu - Jan 07, Mon | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 5:00 AM (Jan 03) Australia vs India One-Day Internationals 1st ODI | Jan 12, Sat | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | 8:50 AM 2nd ODI | Jan 15, Tue | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | 8:50 AM 3rd ODI | Jan 18, Fri | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 8:50 AM India's squad: For Test series: Virat Kohli (C), M Vijay, KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Parthiv Patel, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishant, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar. For T20I series: Virat Kohli (C), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed. Australia's squad: For T20I series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, D Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

India vs Australia 2018-19: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue

Australia captain Aaron Finch said relieving pace spearhead Mitchell Starc of new ball duties in the opening one-day international against South Africa was an attempt to snap his team's horror run of losses, albeit one that had backfired.

Eyebrows were raised when Nathan Coulter-Nile opened the bowling with Josh Hazlewood in Sunday's series-opener in Perth, breaking Starc's three-year streak of opening the bowling in internationals.

The ploy was quickly shelved when Coulter-Nile was hammered for 16 runs in his first over, and South Africa's batsmen easily mowed down the hosts' paltry 152 to win by six wickets.

"We'd planned to go in with Coults (Coulter-Nile) and Josh (Hazlewood) with the new ball," Finch said after Australia lost by six wickets.

"It didn't work out for Coults in the first over today, then we went to Starcy pretty quick.

"It's just a tactical thing to be honest. Sixteen out of 18 losses in a row, 17 out of 19 now, we're looking for something to try, to try some new things, something different.

"If you keep doing the same thing over and over it's the definition of insanity, isn't it?"

The bowlers were hardly to blame for Australia's humiliation in their first match of the home summer, having been set a thankless task to defend 152 by the batsmen at the new Perth stadium.

With former captain Steve Smith and vice captain David Warner still serving ball-tampering bans, Australia were given another harsh reminder of their threadbare batting stocks, with their top six combining for 65 runs.

The loss came less than a week after a scathing cultural review into governing body&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Australia which forced chairman David Peever resign amid fierce reaction.

Finch, who replaced Tim Paine as skipper after the wicketkeeper led Australia to a 5-0 whitewash defeat away to England, said confidence was low but said they could turn it around in time for their World Cup defence in England in seven months.

"When guys are not performing as well as they can do, there’s always going to be a bit of doubt," he said.

"But you're only one good shot away from feeling on top of the world again. I think it’s about understanding it’s not all doom and gloom."

The second match of the three-day series is in Adelaide on Friday.

Australia captain Aaron Finch said relieving pace spearhead Mitchell Starc of new ball duties in the opening one-day international against South Africa was an attempt to snap his team's horror run of losses, albeit one that had backfired.

Australia captain Aaron Finch said relieving pace spearhead Mitchell Starc of new ball duties in the opening one-day international against South Africa was an attempt to snap his team's horror run of losses, albeit one that had backfired. Eyebrows were raised when Nathan Coulter-Nile opened the bowling with Josh Hazlewood in Sunday's series-opener in Perth, breaking Starc's three-year streak of opening the bowling in internationals. The ploy was quickly shelved when Coulter-Nile was hammered for 16 runs in his first over, and South Africa's batsmen easily mowed down the hosts' paltry 152 to win by six wickets. "We'd planned to go in with Coults (Coulter-Nile) and Josh (Hazlewood) with the new ball," Finch said after Australia lost by six wickets. "It didn't work out for Coults in the first over today, then we went to Starcy pretty quick. "It's just a tactical thing to be honest. Sixteen out of 18 losses in a row, 17 out of 19 now, we're looking for something to try, to try some new things, something different. "If you keep doing the same thing over and over it's the definition of insanity, isn't it?" The bowlers were hardly to blame for Australia's humiliation in their first match of the home summer, having been set a thankless task to defend 152 by the batsmen at the new Perth stadium. With former captain Steve Smith and vice captain David Warner still serving ball-tampering bans, Australia were given another harsh reminder of their threadbare batting stocks, with their top six combining for 65 runs. The loss came less than a week after a scathing cultural review into governing body Cricket Australia which forced chairman David Peever resign amid fierce reaction. Finch, who replaced Tim Paine as skipper after the wicketkeeper led Australia to a 5-0 whitewash defeat away to England, said confidence was low but said they could turn it around in time for their World Cup defence in England in seven months. "When guys are not performing as well as they can do, there’s always going to be a bit of doubt," he said. "But you're only one good shot away from feeling on top of the world again. I think it’s about understanding it’s not all doom and gloom." The second match of the three-day series is in Adelaide on Friday.

Aaron Finch, says off-field ructions causing 'doubts'

Test great Shane Warne says Australian cricket's new buzzwords, including "elite honesty", make him "vomit" and actions not words should be the focus as the team works to turn itself around.

Coach Justin Langer, appointed after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa exposed a win-at-all-costs mentality, has cited the phrase as the way forward for Australian cricket.

It followed a review last week into the culture at Cricket Australia and a "players pact" calling on cricketers to respect the game's tradition and "make Australians proud".

"Elite honesty" was reportedly one phrase plastered on the walls of the team's changing room ahead of their one-day clash with South Africa in Perth on Sunday, with fans poking fun at it on social media.

And Warne, never one to mince his words, let rip during television commentary.

"Forget all the words, forget the verbal diarrhoea and all that sort of stuff," he said. "That's just rubbish, that sort of stuff. Seriously, it makes you want to vomit.

"At the end of the day, cricket is a simple game and it's a performance-based game. You've got to perform on the field. All these words and everything -- it's all about actions. And I think it's got to be the basics."

He added that the captain and vice-captain lead the way and "the rest come after you".&nbsp;

"You inspire from within with your performances and the way you perform on the field. None of this writing words, 200-page documents, just get out and play better."

Australia has endured a tough time on and off the field since Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned for their role in attempting to alter the ball with sandpaper in a Test against South Africa in March.

Then-coach Darren Lehmann quit soon after while Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has since left and chairman David Peever fell on his sword last week.

In attempting to explain the meaning of "elite honesty" last week, Langer said: "It's the Australian way as I know it.

"You can lie to everyone else, but you can't lie to yourself. So that's elite honesty to yourself," he added.

"And also the Aussie way as I know it is to look a bloke in the eye, look your sister or you mum in the eyes, and tell them the truth and be happy to get some truth back, so that's elite honesty."

Test great Shane Warne says Australian cricket's new buzzwords, including "elite honesty", make him "vomit" and actions not words should be the focus as the team works to turn itself around.

Test great Shane Warne says Australian cricket's new buzzwords, including "elite honesty", make him "vomit" and actions not words should be the focus as the team works to turn itself around. Coach Justin Langer, appointed after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa exposed a win-at-all-costs mentality, has cited the phrase as the way forward for Australian cricket. It followed a review last week into the culture at Cricket Australia and a "players pact" calling on cricketers to respect the game's tradition and "make Australians proud". "Elite honesty" was reportedly one phrase plastered on the walls of the team's changing room ahead of their one-day clash with South Africa in Perth on Sunday, with fans poking fun at it on social media. And Warne, never one to mince his words, let rip during television commentary. "Forget all the words, forget the verbal diarrhoea and all that sort of stuff," he said. "That's just rubbish, that sort of stuff. Seriously, it makes you want to vomit. "At the end of the day, cricket is a simple game and it's a performance-based game. You've got to perform on the field. All these words and everything -- it's all about actions. And I think it's got to be the basics." He added that the captain and vice-captain lead the way and "the rest come after you". "You inspire from within with your performances and the way you perform on the field. None of this writing words, 200-page documents, just get out and play better." Australia has endured a tough time on and off the field since Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned for their role in attempting to alter the ball with sandpaper in a Test against South Africa in March. Then-coach Darren Lehmann quit soon after while Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has since left and chairman David Peever fell on his sword last week. In attempting to explain the meaning of "elite honesty" last week, Langer said: "It's the Australian way as I know it. "You can lie to everyone else, but you can't lie to yourself. So that's elite honesty to yourself," he added. "And also the Aussie way as I know it is to look a bloke in the eye, look your sister or you mum in the eyes, and tell them the truth and be happy to get some truth back, so that's elite honesty."

New Australia cricket buzzwords make Shane Warne 'vomit'

Pakistan's selectors on Monday kept the same winning combination against New Zealand for the three-match Twenty20 series which whitewashed Australia in United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan beat Australia by 33 runs in the third Twenty20 international on Sunday to clinch the series 3-0 -- their first whitewash against Australia in a limited over series -- prompting selectors not to make any changes.

Pakistan face New Zealand in the three-match series with the first in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, followed by the last two in Dubai on Friday and Sunday.

No change means experienced pace spearheads Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz continued to be left out, while fast bowler Rumman Raees is still not fit after suffering a knee injury.

Meanwhile, New Zealand have added second specialist spinner to their Twenty20 squad, with left-armer Ajaz Patel drafted in from New Zealand A side.

New Zealand's new coach Gary Stead said Patel was on form and would offer the necessary balance to the side considering the conditions in the UAE.

"It's no secret that spin is crucial in this part of the world and with the wickets on the slower side, we've taken the option of a second spinner to bring our squad up to 14-players," said Stead.

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan Shanwari, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Waqas Maqsood, Faheem Ashraf New Zealand squad (updated): Kane Williamson (captain), Corey Anderson, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Seth Rance, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor

Pakistan's selectors on Monday kept the same winning combination against New Zealand for the three-match Twenty20 series which whitewashed Australia in United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan's selectors on Monday kept the same winning combination against New Zealand for the three-match Twenty20 series which whitewashed Australia in United Arab Emirates. Pakistan beat Australia by 33 runs in the third Twenty20 international on Sunday to clinch the series 3-0 -- their first whitewash against Australia in a limited over series -- prompting selectors not to make any changes. Pakistan face New Zealand in the three-match series with the first in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, followed by the last two in Dubai on Friday and Sunday. No change means experienced pace spearheads Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz continued to be left out, while fast bowler Rumman Raees is still not fit after suffering a knee injury. Meanwhile, New Zealand have added second specialist spinner to their Twenty20 squad, with left-armer Ajaz Patel drafted in from New Zealand A side. New Zealand's new coach Gary Stead said Patel was on form and would offer the necessary balance to the side considering the conditions in the UAE. "It's no secret that spin is crucial in this part of the world and with the wickets on the slower side, we've taken the option of a second spinner to bring our squad up to 14-players," said Stead. Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan Shanwari, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Waqas Maqsood, Faheem Ashraf New Zealand squad (updated): Kane Williamson (captain), Corey Anderson, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Seth Rance, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor

After defeating Australia, Pakistan keep winning combination for NZ T20 series

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday trolled the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Twitter after the unveiling of the TUC Cup 2018 T20I series trophy.

Australia and Pakistan will face each other in the T20I series, the trophy of which was unveiled by captains Aaron Finch and Sarfaraz Ahmed.&nbsp;

But, the design of the trophy became a hot topic of discussion among fans as it consists of a pair of stumps, a ball and a biscuit at the crown.

The International cricket board had two witty responses to the design of the trophy.&nbsp;

The first post read, "Giving taking the biscuit a whole new meaning!"&nbsp;

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Giving taking the biscuit a whole new meaning! <a href="https://t.co/YA1B7O3lUk">https://t.co/YA1B7O3lUk</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1054732954222673920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In the second post, the cricketing body compared the trophy of TUC Cup with ICC Champions Trophy, tweeting, "You vs the trophy she told you not to worry about."

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You vs the trophy she told you not to worry about. <a href="https://t.co/DUGWKWFTbE">pic.twitter.com/DUGWKWFTbE</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1054737720973639680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The two sides will face each other in 3 T20 International matches during the course of the series with the 1st clash all set to take place at Abu Dhabi, later in the day.&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday trolled the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Twitter after the unveiling of the TUC Cup 2018 T20I series trophy.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday trolled the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Twitter after the unveiling of the TUC Cup 2018 T20I series trophy. Australia and Pakistan will face each other in the T20I series, the trophy of which was unveiled by captains Aaron Finch and Sarfaraz Ahmed. But, the design of the trophy became a hot topic of discussion among fans as it consists of a pair of stumps, a ball and a biscuit at the crown. The International cricket board had two witty responses to the design of the trophy. The first post read, "Giving taking the biscuit a whole new meaning!" Giving taking the biscuit a whole new meaning! https://t.co/YA1B7O3lUk — ICC (@ICC) October 23, 2018 × In the second post, the cricketing body compared the trophy of TUC Cup with ICC Champions Trophy, tweeting, "You vs the trophy she told you not to worry about." You vs the trophy she told you not to worry about. pic.twitter.com/DUGWKWFTbE — ICC (@ICC) October 23, 2018 × The two sides will face each other in 3 T20 International matches during the course of the series with the 1st clash all set to take place at Abu Dhabi, later in the day.

ICC trolls Pakistan Cricket Board over trophy resembling a biscuit

Cricket Australia has released a statement after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fresh-spot-fixing-claims-in-documentary-icc-demands-footage-again-172704">fresh allegations about corruption in cricket</a> levelled by a middle east-based television news channel Al Jazeera.

The official statement mentioned that the board has a "zero-tolerance approach against anyone trying to compromise the integrity of the game".

The documentary released by the TV channel claimed that English, Pakistani and Australian players were involved in spot-fixing between 2011 and 2012.

As per the documentary, there had been 26 spot-fixing incidents in 15 international matches and Australia was involved in five matches.

The matches mentioned were England against India at Lord's, South Africa versus Australia in Cape Town, and several games during England's series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Cricket Australia (CA) CEO, James Sutherland responded on Monday, saying, "Our team have not identified any issues of corruption by any current or former player, including in relation to Big Bash League matches."

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Cricket Australia and <a href="https://twitter.com/ACA_Players?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACA_Players</a> have issued the following statement in response to Al Jazeera's documentary <a href="https://t.co/9BWkYs50Rf">https://t.co/9BWkYs50Rf</a>
— Cricket Australia (@CAComms) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAComms/status/1054159294432563200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"We have full confidence in our players in also protecting the game, and we are working closely with the ACA to keep them informed of any developments."

"The materials we have been given have been referred to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption unit and we will continue to work with them in order to ensure the integrity of the game."

In a follow-up documentary to one aired earlier this year, the Qatari-based broadcaster reported on Sunday that a small group of England players allegedly cheated in seven games.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was also adamant that the claims lacked credibility.

"Whilst the limited information we have been given by Al Jazeera is poorly prepared and lacks clarity and corroboration, it has been properly assessed," it said in a statement.

"Analysis of this by the ECB integrity team has cast no doubt on the integrity or behaviour of any England player, current or former."

ICC demands footage again

ICC refuted the "assertion" that it does not take corruption in the sport seriously and once again questioned the broadcaster's refusal to share the raw footage.&nbsp;

Cricket Australia has released a statement after the fresh allegations about corruption in cricket levelled by a middle east-based television news channel Al Jazeera.

Cricket Australia has released a statement after the fresh allegations about corruption in cricket levelled by a middle east-based television news channel Al Jazeera. The official statement mentioned that the board has a "zero-tolerance approach against anyone trying to compromise the integrity of the game". The documentary released by the TV channel claimed that English, Pakistani and Australian players were involved in spot-fixing between 2011 and 2012. As per the documentary, there had been 26 spot-fixing incidents in 15 international matches and Australia was involved in five matches. The matches mentioned were England against India at Lord's, South Africa versus Australia in Cape Town, and several games during England's series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. Cricket Australia (CA) CEO, James Sutherland responded on Monday, saying, "Our team have not identified any issues of corruption by any current or former player, including in relation to Big Bash League matches." Cricket Australia and @ACA_Players have issued the following statement in response to Al Jazeera's documentary https://t.co/9BWkYs50Rf — Cricket Australia (@CAComms) October 21, 2018 × "We have full confidence in our players in also protecting the game, and we are working closely with the ACA to keep them informed of any developments." "The materials we have been given have been referred to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption unit and we will continue to work with them in order to ensure the integrity of the game." In a follow-up documentary to one aired earlier this year, the Qatari-based broadcaster reported on Sunday that a small group of England players allegedly cheated in seven games. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was also adamant that the claims lacked credibility. "Whilst the limited information we have been given by Al Jazeera is poorly prepared and lacks clarity and corroboration, it has been properly assessed," it said in a statement. "Analysis of this by the ECB integrity team has cast no doubt on the integrity or behaviour of any England player, current or former." ICC demands footage again ICC refuted the "assertion" that it does not take corruption in the sport seriously and once again questioned the broadcaster's refusal to share the raw footage.

Zero-tolerance against anyone trying to compromise integrity of game: Cricket Australia

Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc is battling a hamstring strain and may not bowl again in the second test against Pakistan or in the upcoming Twenty20 series.

The left-armer did not bowl in the final session of day two at Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and spent time off the ground as Pakistan built a commanding 281-run lead in their second innings after skittling Australia for 145.

Australia will be keen to preserve their main strike weapon for the test series against India at home and may not risk him for the three Twenty20 matches against Pakistan starting next week.

"It's just a bit of management of Mitch," Australia opener Aaron Finch said. "Obviously the conditions are pretty hot, so trying to look after the fast bowler.

"As far as I know he is (okay). He bowled with enough pace today."

Paceman Peter Siddle has been added to the squad for the T20 series,&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Australia said.

With the first test drawn and Pakistan holding the whip-hand at 144 for two at stumps on day two, Australia head into day three needing quick wickets to keep their slim hopes of winning their first series in Asia since 2011 alive.

Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc is battling a hamstring strain and may not bowl again in the second test against Pakistan or in the upcoming Twenty20 series.

Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc is battling a hamstring strain and may not bowl again in the second test against Pakistan or in the upcoming Twenty20 series. The left-armer did not bowl in the final session of day two at Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and spent time off the ground as Pakistan built a commanding 281-run lead in their second innings after skittling Australia for 145. Australia will be keen to preserve their main strike weapon for the test series against India at home and may not risk him for the three Twenty20 matches against Pakistan starting next week. "It's just a bit of management of Mitch," Australia opener Aaron Finch said. "Obviously the conditions are pretty hot, so trying to look after the fast bowler. "As far as I know he is (okay). He bowled with enough pace today." Paceman Peter Siddle has been added to the squad for the T20 series, Cricket Australia said. With the first test drawn and Pakistan holding the whip-hand at 144 for two at stumps on day two, Australia head into day three needing quick wickets to keep their slim hopes of winning their first series in Asia since 2011 alive.

Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc under injury cloud

Former Australian opener Mark Waugh had a difficult time pronouncing Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman's name correctly.&nbsp;

Waugh, who mistakenly pronounced it as F****r, &nbsp;lead to a laugh riot in the studio.&nbsp;

The embarrassing incident happened when Waugh fumbled with Fakhar's name when on air but got a helping hand from former Australia pacer Brett Lee.

Lee, who was present with a woman commentator, couldn't stop giggling at his compatriot's blooper

"I was close, come on," Waugh said in his defence to Brett Lee.

The video was also shared by a fan on Twitter. He wrote, "Hahaha Fakhar Zaman ???? &nbsp;Thanks for the laugh, @juniorwaugh349!"&nbsp;

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Hahaha Fakhar Zaman 😂 
 
Thanks for the laugh, <a href="https://twitter.com/juniorwaugh349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@juniorwaugh349</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/v03aoYabFQ">pic.twitter.com/v03aoYabFQ</a>
— Giulio Di Giorgio (@gdigiorgio) <a href="https://twitter.com/gdigiorgio/status/1052115408080134145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mr.zaman must be cursing his parents fr naming him like this...next time wen they visit Australia,better he changes his name else u know WT u will hear
— bhabu (@BhabhuBh) <a href="https://twitter.com/BhabhuBh/status/1052425877072617473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Is that what hardick had to face when he was in Australia? 😂
— Fahahahahad (@Fahahahahahad) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fahahahahahad/status/1052665510750502916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Lady is blushing at his first name. 😂😂
— Pseudo liberal (@canuj99) <a href="https://twitter.com/canuj99/status/1052412944200417281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The laugh was about he was close to call him f**ker zamzn
— قربانی والا ڈنگر (@dungerdabacha) <a href="https://twitter.com/dungerdabacha/status/1052358181274484736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Look at the anchor <a href="https://t.co/KeEzxzIGte">pic.twitter.com/KeEzxzIGte</a>
— Kapil (@kapilmsd4) <a href="https://twitter.com/kapilmsd4/status/1052214344400814080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman scored a fighting 94 runs innings against Australia in the second Test when his team was in desperate need of help. Zaman and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed took their team from 57/5 to 204/6 together.&nbsp;

Former Australian opener Mark Waugh had a difficult time pronouncing Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman's name correctly. Waugh, who mistakenly pronounced it as F****r, lead to a laugh riot in the studio.

Former Australian opener Mark Waugh had a difficult time pronouncing Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman's name correctly. Waugh, who mistakenly pronounced it as F****r, lead to a laugh riot in the studio. The embarrassing incident happened when Waugh fumbled with Fakhar's name when on air but got a helping hand from former Australia pacer Brett Lee. Lee, who was present with a woman commentator, couldn't stop giggling at his compatriot's blooper "I was close, come on," Waugh said in his defence to Brett Lee. The video was also shared by a fan on Twitter. He wrote, "Hahaha Fakhar Zaman ???? Thanks for the laugh, @juniorwaugh349!" Hahaha Fakhar Zaman 😂 Thanks for the laugh, @juniorwaugh349!#PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/v03aoYabFQ — Giulio Di Giorgio (@gdigiorgio) October 16, 2018 × Mr.zaman must be cursing his parents fr naming him like this...next time wen they visit Australia,better he changes his name else u know WT u will hear — bhabu (@BhabhuBh) October 17, 2018 × Is that what hardick had to face when he was in Australia? 😂 — Fahahahahad (@Fahahahahahad) October 17, 2018 × Lady is blushing at his first name. 😂😂 — Pseudo liberal (@canuj99) October 17, 2018 × The laugh was about he was close to call him f**ker zamzn — قربانی والا ڈنگر (@dungerdabacha) October 17, 2018 × Look at the anchor pic.twitter.com/KeEzxzIGte — Kapil (@kapilmsd4) October 16, 2018 × Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman scored a fighting 94 runs innings against Australia in the second Test when his team was in desperate need of help. Zaman and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed took their team from 57/5 to 204/6 together.

Watch: Mark Waugh mispronounces 'Fakhar' Zaman's name, Twitter in splits

After being bowled out for 282 in their first inning, Pakistani bowlers made Australia fall apart as they took seven wickets for just 91 runs at lunch on the second day of second Test match in Abu Dhabi. &nbsp;

Mohammad Abbas has clinched four wickets and gave just 29 runs in 11 overs bowled so far. Meanwhile, Bilal Asif and Yasir Shah took two and a wicket respectively.&nbsp;

Australia now trail by 191 runs and looking the condition they might even fail to avoid the play-off. &nbsp;

Aaron Finch leads the run chart for Australia with 39 runs, while the rest of the batsmen failed to reach the 20 digit mark.&nbsp;Tim Paine was the last Australian wicket to fall before the lunch.

In last 10 overs, Aussies made 18 runs and lost 3 wickets.&nbsp;

On day 1, debutant opener Fakhar Zaman and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed missed hundreds by six runs each but managed to revive Pakistan, with the two scoring 94 runs each. &nbsp;The inning helped Pakistan recover from 57-5 to a total of 282 after winning the toss and electing to bat on a slow turning pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Before the close, Pakistan grabbed two wickets, including that of Usman Khawaja for three, as Australia finished on 20-2, with Aaron Finch on 13 and nightwatchman Peter Siddle dismissed off the last ball of the day for four.

After being bowled out for 282 in their first inning, Pakistani bowlers made Australia fall apart as they took seven wickets for just 91 runs at lunch on the second day of second Test match in Abu Dhabi.

After being bowled out for 282 in their first inning, Pakistani bowlers made Australia fall apart as they took seven wickets for just 91 runs at lunch on the second day of second Test match in Abu Dhabi. Mohammad Abbas has clinched four wickets and gave just 29 runs in 11 overs bowled so far. Meanwhile, Bilal Asif and Yasir Shah took two and a wicket respectively. Australia now trail by 191 runs and looking the condition they might even fail to avoid the play-off. Aaron Finch leads the run chart for Australia with 39 runs, while the rest of the batsmen failed to reach the 20 digit mark. Tim Paine was the last Australian wicket to fall before the lunch. In last 10 overs, Aussies made 18 runs and lost 3 wickets. On day 1, debutant opener Fakhar Zaman and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed missed hundreds by six runs each but managed to revive Pakistan, with the two scoring 94 runs each. The inning helped Pakistan recover from 57-5 to a total of 282 after winning the toss and electing to bat on a slow turning pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Before the close, Pakistan grabbed two wickets, including that of Usman Khawaja for three, as Australia finished on 20-2, with Aaron Finch on 13 and nightwatchman Peter Siddle dismissed off the last ball of the day for four.

2nd Test, Day 2: Australia 91/7 at lunch in reply to Pakistan's 282

Debutant opener Fakhar Zaman and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed missed hundreds by six runs each but still revived Pakistan on the first day of the second and final Test in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Fakhar and Sarfraz scored 94 each and helped Pakistan recover from 57-5 to a total of 282 after winning the toss and electing to bat on a slow turning pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Before the close Pakistan grabbed two wickets, including that of Usman Khawaja for three, as Australia finished on 20-2, with Aaron Finch on 13 and nightwatchman Peter Siddle dismissed off the last ball of the day for four.

Australia trail Pakistan by 262 runs with eight wickets intact.

Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas had Khawaja -- who scored a fighting 141 to lead Australia's fightback for a draw in the first Test in Dubai last week -- caught behind for his 50th Test wicket in 10 Tests.

Abbas became joint second-fastest Pakistani to the milestone of 50 wickets with Waqar Younis, Mohammad Asif and Shabbir Ahmed. The record is held by team-mate Yasir Shah who completed 50 wickets in nine matches.

Abbas then trapped Siddle to finish on 9-2.

Sarfraz was frustrated to miss his fourth Test hundred but happy with the fightback.

"Yes, its disappointing to miss a hundred but I am happy the way we revived the innings and then got two wickets, including that of Khawaja, so for me it is an even position," said Sarfraz who was hit on the left forearm by a rising delivery from Mitchell Starc.

"At the moment I am feeling discomfort and if there is swelling tommorrow then we can summon reserve wicketkeeper as per the new rules," said Sarfraz.

Earlier Zaman and Sarfraz found form with fighting and innings-reviving knocks, taking the attack to the Australian bowlers after spinner Nathan Lyon had rocked Pakistan in the morning, reaching lunch with figures of 4-12.

Zaman hit eight boundaries and a six in his enterprising knock as he and Sarfraz added 147 runs. Zaman was trapped leg-before by leg-spinner Marnus Labuschagne for 94, becoming the fourth Pakistan batsmen to be dismissed in the 90s on his debut.

Sarfraz then holed out to Labuschagne, who finished with 3-45. Sarfraz hit seven boundaries in his 94.

In the first session, pace bowler Starc provided Australia with an early breakthrough in the third over when Mohammad Hafeez fell to a freakish catch at short leg by Labuschagne for four.

Lyon then took four wickets in six balls at the total of 57.

He dismissed Azhar Ali, caught and bowled for 15 in his fourth over, and next ball had Haris Sohail caught close to the wicket for nought.&nbsp;

In his next over, Lyon had Asad Shafiq caught at short leg and two balls later bowled Babar Azam, who had come dancing down the wicket.

Australia kept the same eleven from the drawn first Test in Dubai while Pakistan replaced injured Imam-ul-Haq and Wahab Riaz with Zaman and Mir Hamza.

Debutant opener Fakhar Zaman and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed missed hundreds by six runs each but still revived Pakistan on the first day of the second and final Test in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Debutant opener Fakhar Zaman and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed missed hundreds by six runs each but still revived Pakistan on the first day of the second and final Test in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Fakhar and Sarfraz scored 94 each and helped Pakistan recover from 57-5 to a total of 282 after winning the toss and electing to bat on a slow turning pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Before the close Pakistan grabbed two wickets, including that of Usman Khawaja for three, as Australia finished on 20-2, with Aaron Finch on 13 and nightwatchman Peter Siddle dismissed off the last ball of the day for four. Australia trail Pakistan by 262 runs with eight wickets intact. Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas had Khawaja -- who scored a fighting 141 to lead Australia's fightback for a draw in the first Test in Dubai last week -- caught behind for his 50th Test wicket in 10 Tests. Abbas became joint second-fastest Pakistani to the milestone of 50 wickets with Waqar Younis, Mohammad Asif and Shabbir Ahmed. The record is held by team-mate Yasir Shah who completed 50 wickets in nine matches. Abbas then trapped Siddle to finish on 9-2. Sarfraz was frustrated to miss his fourth Test hundred but happy with the fightback. "Yes, its disappointing to miss a hundred but I am happy the way we revived the innings and then got two wickets, including that of Khawaja, so for me it is an even position," said Sarfraz who was hit on the left forearm by a rising delivery from Mitchell Starc. "At the moment I am feeling discomfort and if there is swelling tommorrow then we can summon reserve wicketkeeper as per the new rules," said Sarfraz. Earlier Zaman and Sarfraz found form with fighting and innings-reviving knocks, taking the attack to the Australian bowlers after spinner Nathan Lyon had rocked Pakistan in the morning, reaching lunch with figures of 4-12. Zaman hit eight boundaries and a six in his enterprising knock as he and Sarfraz added 147 runs. Zaman was trapped leg-before by leg-spinner Marnus Labuschagne for 94, becoming the fourth Pakistan batsmen to be dismissed in the 90s on his debut. Sarfraz then holed out to Labuschagne, who finished with 3-45. Sarfraz hit seven boundaries in his 94. In the first session, pace bowler Starc provided Australia with an early breakthrough in the third over when Mohammad Hafeez fell to a freakish catch at short leg by Labuschagne for four. Lyon then took four wickets in six balls at the total of 57. He dismissed Azhar Ali, caught and bowled for 15 in his fourth over, and next ball had Haris Sohail caught close to the wicket for nought. In his next over, Lyon had Asad Shafiq caught at short leg and two balls later bowled Babar Azam, who had come dancing down the wicket. Australia kept the same eleven from the drawn first Test in Dubai while Pakistan replaced injured Imam-ul-Haq and Wahab Riaz with Zaman and Mir Hamza.

Pak vs Aus, 2nd Test, Day 1: Fakhar and Sarfraz lead Pakistan fightback after Lyon strikes

Australia's cricketers have sometimes "tried too hard to be aggressive" as they sought to live up a traditional stereotype of what is expected from them, England's James Anderson said on Sunday.

England have often been on the rough end of Australian aggression, an approach which culminated in three players, including captain Steve Smith, being banned following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Australia have themselves questioned their own win-at-all-costs approach, which led to off-spinner Nathan Lyon saying he hoped his side could "end the careers" of several opponents before last year's Ashes games.

For Anderson, England's record wicket-taker, the memory of that difficult period appears still raw, with England also claiming that in 2015 Moeen Ali was called "Osama" by an unnamed Australian in that Ashes series.

Australia carried out an investigation into the incident, which was closed last month after they could not find "any new additional evidence".

"They have tried too hard to be that stereotypical Australian team that are aggressive and go hard at people," Anderson, 36, told the BBC although he added that he felt Lyon's comments were taken "out of context".

Last week Australia's new-look side attempted to introduce a softer look, shaking hands before play against Pakistan in Dubai, when they held on for a creditable draw in their first test since the turmoil in South Africa.

Anderson said new Australia captain Tim Paine was "a genuinely nice guy" and was also complimentary about other team members.

"Mitchell Starc is not naturally aggressive despite being a fast bowler and even Steve Smith is a really good bloke -- there is no real malice with anything he does -- so it was really out of character," said Anderson.

However, he added: "The thing about wanting to be good blokes is that you can only be a good bloke if you really are a good one."

"When Brendon McCullum was New Zealand captain, he made it all about being entertaining and showing off your skills," he said.

"Both Eoin Morgan in ODIs and Alastair Cook in Tests took from his way and tried to incorporate it into their captaincy."

Australia visit England in an Ashes series next summer.

Australia's cricketers have sometimes "tried too hard to be aggressive" as they sought to live up a traditional stereotype of what is expected from them, England's James Anderson said on Sunday.

Australia's cricketers have sometimes "tried too hard to be aggressive" as they sought to live up a traditional stereotype of what is expected from them, England's James Anderson said on Sunday. England have often been on the rough end of Australian aggression, an approach which culminated in three players, including captain Steve Smith, being banned following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Australia have themselves questioned their own win-at-all-costs approach, which led to off-spinner Nathan Lyon saying he hoped his side could "end the careers" of several opponents before last year's Ashes games. For Anderson, England's record wicket-taker, the memory of that difficult period appears still raw, with England also claiming that in 2015 Moeen Ali was called "Osama" by an unnamed Australian in that Ashes series. Australia carried out an investigation into the incident, which was closed last month after they could not find "any new additional evidence". "They have tried too hard to be that stereotypical Australian team that are aggressive and go hard at people," Anderson, 36, told the BBC although he added that he felt Lyon's comments were taken "out of context". Last week Australia's new-look side attempted to introduce a softer look, shaking hands before play against Pakistan in Dubai, when they held on for a creditable draw in their first test since the turmoil in South Africa. Anderson said new Australia captain Tim Paine was "a genuinely nice guy" and was also complimentary about other team members. "Mitchell Starc is not naturally aggressive despite being a fast bowler and even Steve Smith is a really good bloke -- there is no real malice with anything he does -- so it was really out of character," said Anderson. However, he added: "The thing about wanting to be good blokes is that you can only be a good bloke if you really are a good one." "When Brendon McCullum was New Zealand captain, he made it all about being entertaining and showing off your skills," he said. "Both Eoin Morgan in ODIs and Alastair Cook in Tests took from his way and tried to incorporate it into their captaincy." Australia visit England in an Ashes series next summer.

Australia were 'too aggressive', says England's James Anderson

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed faces some searching questions to answer for the second test against Australia over his bowling attack and batting lineup after Tim Paine's side produced a battling draw in the first test in Dubai.

Usman Khawaja defied pre-match predictions and a poor return on turning pitches in Asia to score a battling 141 and anchor his side's defiance as they survived 139.5 overs in stifling conditions to ensure a draw.

Sarfraz's bowlers were unable to put concerted pressure on the visitors with Khawaja reverse sweeping leg-spinner Yasir Shah seemingly at will on a pitch that was deteriorating and offering assistance to Pakistan's four slow bowlers.

Left-arm quick Wahab Riaz also failed to effectively exploit any reverse swing he was achieving with the older ball, forcing Sarfraz to continually change his tactics and fielding positions in an effort to manufacture a wicket.

The second test starts in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Sarfraz's side will be forced to make at least one change with opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq having surgery on a broken finger and ruled out of the match.

Imam scored an impressive 76 in a 205-run opening stand with Mohammed Hafeez that set up Pakistan's first innings of 482.

He added 48 in Pakistan's second innings of 181 for six declared but broke the little finger on his left hand while fielding on the fifth and final day and was forced from the ground.

The left-handed opener had surgery in Dubai on Saturday and would return home on Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board said.

His absence will necessitate changes to the batting order with Fakhar Zaman the only other specialist opening batsman in the squad, although he is yet to make his test debut at the age of 28 and not played a first-class match in more than a year.

Azhar Ali, who scored just a total of 22 runs in the first test, could also be promoted up the order to open with Hafeez with leg-spinning all-rounder Shadab Khan possibly coming into the squad to bolster the team's bowling stocks.

The 20-year-old Shadab, however, is battling a groin injury that ruled him out of the first test and which thwarted coach Mickey Arthur's plans of combining him with Yasir to attack Australia's inexperienced batting lineup.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed faces some searching questions to answer for the second test against Australia over his bowling attack and batting lineup after Tim Paine's side produced a battling draw in the first test in Dubai.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed faces some searching questions to answer for the second test against Australia over his bowling attack and batting lineup after Tim Paine's side produced a battling draw in the first test in Dubai. Usman Khawaja defied pre-match predictions and a poor return on turning pitches in Asia to score a battling 141 and anchor his side's defiance as they survived 139.5 overs in stifling conditions to ensure a draw. Sarfraz's bowlers were unable to put concerted pressure on the visitors with Khawaja reverse sweeping leg-spinner Yasir Shah seemingly at will on a pitch that was deteriorating and offering assistance to Pakistan's four slow bowlers. Left-arm quick Wahab Riaz also failed to effectively exploit any reverse swing he was achieving with the older ball, forcing Sarfraz to continually change his tactics and fielding positions in an effort to manufacture a wicket. The second test starts in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Sarfraz's side will be forced to make at least one change with opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq having surgery on a broken finger and ruled out of the match. Imam scored an impressive 76 in a 205-run opening stand with Mohammed Hafeez that set up Pakistan's first innings of 482. He added 48 in Pakistan's second innings of 181 for six declared but broke the little finger on his left hand while fielding on the fifth and final day and was forced from the ground. The left-handed opener had surgery in Dubai on Saturday and would return home on Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board said. His absence will necessitate changes to the batting order with Fakhar Zaman the only other specialist opening batsman in the squad, although he is yet to make his test debut at the age of 28 and not played a first-class match in more than a year. Azhar Ali, who scored just a total of 22 runs in the first test, could also be promoted up the order to open with Hafeez with leg-spinning all-rounder Shadab Khan possibly coming into the squad to bolster the team's bowling stocks. The 20-year-old Shadab, however, is battling a groin injury that ruled him out of the first test and which thwarted coach Mickey Arthur's plans of combining him with Yasir to attack Australia's inexperienced batting lineup.

Sarfraz faces questions over second test tactics, team composition

Australian international John Hastings said his cricket career could be over after struggling with a mystery illness that causes him to cough up blood whenever he bowls.

The 32-year-old all-rounder, who has represented his country in all three formats of the game and was due to play for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League this season, said the condition was getting worse.

"Every time I'm bowling now it's happening," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"It's literally just bowling. It's not running. I can do boxing, weight sessions, rowing, anything like that.

"But as soon as the pressure (of bowling) at the crease at match intensity, when I step it up, literally I burst blood vessels in my lungs and I walk back to my mark and cough up some blood."&nbsp;

He first noticed the issue several years ago and despite a battery of tests and operations is no closer to knowing why it happens only when he bowls.

"It's pretty scary, but they can't tell for sure it's not going to cause long-term damage. There's a lot of grey area surrounding it," he added.

The muscular Hastings, who played one Test, nine Twenty20s and 29 one-day internationals, was keen to continue his career and cash in on the lucrative Twenty20 circuit but admits it is now likely over.

"I've played this game my whole life and I wanted to keep playing it," he said.

"I wanted to play tournaments all around the world. That's one of the reasons I retired early from one-day and four-day cricket.

"To see it may be slipping away, it's pretty tough to take and at this stage, unless something miraculous happens, I won't be able to bowl."&nbsp;

Australian international John Hastings said his cricket career could be over after struggling with a mystery illness that causes him to cough up blood whenever he bowls.

Australian international John Hastings said his cricket career could be over after struggling with a mystery illness that causes him to cough up blood whenever he bowls. The 32-year-old all-rounder, who has represented his country in all three formats of the game and was due to play for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League this season, said the condition was getting worse. "Every time I'm bowling now it's happening," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "It's literally just bowling. It's not running. I can do boxing, weight sessions, rowing, anything like that. "But as soon as the pressure (of bowling) at the crease at match intensity, when I step it up, literally I burst blood vessels in my lungs and I walk back to my mark and cough up some blood." He first noticed the issue several years ago and despite a battery of tests and operations is no closer to knowing why it happens only when he bowls. "It's pretty scary, but they can't tell for sure it's not going to cause long-term damage. There's a lot of grey area surrounding it," he added. The muscular Hastings, who played one Test, nine Twenty20s and 29 one-day internationals, was keen to continue his career and cash in on the lucrative Twenty20 circuit but admits it is now likely over. "I've played this game my whole life and I wanted to keep playing it," he said. "I wanted to play tournaments all around the world. That's one of the reasons I retired early from one-day and four-day cricket. "To see it may be slipping away, it's pretty tough to take and at this stage, unless something miraculous happens, I won't be able to bowl."

Australia's Hastings struggles with mystery lung condition

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat in the first Test against Australia at Dubai stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan included off-spinner Bilal Asif for his first Test at the age of 33, backing up leg-spinner Yasir Shah.

Young&nbsp;legs-pinner Shadab Khan missing the match because of injury.

Tim Paine's Australia feature three debutants,&nbsp;Aaron Finch, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, in a side containing two spinners in Nathan Lyon and Jon Holland.

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Playing XI:

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Wahab Riaz

Australia: Tim Paine (captain), Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat in the first Test against Australia at Dubai stadium on Sunday. Pakistan included off-spinner Bilal Asif for his first Test at the age of 33, backing up leg-spinner Yasir Shah.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat in the first Test against Australia at Dubai stadium on Sunday. Pakistan included off-spinner Bilal Asif for his first Test at the age of 33, backing up leg-spinner Yasir Shah. Young legs-pinner Shadab Khan missing the match because of injury. Tim Paine's Australia feature three debutants, Aaron Finch, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, in a side containing two spinners in Nathan Lyon and Jon Holland. Pakistan are off to a steady start in the first Test against Australia in Dubai. Follow #PAKvAUS live ⬇️ https://t.co/sRNIJtdJBs pic.twitter.com/9i3v642a7J — ICC (@ICC) October 7, 2018 × Debutant @bilalasif2411 receives his Test cap from @MHafeez22.#PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/KKHdiJBBcF — PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) October 7, 2018 × Playing XI: Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Wahab Riaz Australia: Tim Paine (captain), Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc

PAK vs AUS, 1st Test, Day 1: Pakistan opt to bat against Australia

Australian great Shane Warne has endorsed one of the most controversial figures in cricketing history, while also renewing his decades-old feud with former captain Steve Waugh.

Warne, Test cricket's second-most prolific wicket-taker with 708 scalps, revealed his admiration for Douglas Jardine, who led England's "Bodyline" tour, in his new book "No Spin" published this week.

Warne said he believed Jardine was among the best captains ever to have played the game.

"Douglas Jardine, of course, for what he achieved against Bradman and having the courage to change the game's parameters," Warne wrote. Jardine, an upper-class Englishman, is generally regarded as a villain in Australian cricketing circles.

His tactics of instructing fast bowlers, led by Harold Larwood, to aim at batsmen's bodies -- in a bid to curb run machine Donald Bradman -- provoked anger amongst the host nation at the time.

Jardine's tactics worked and England won the series 4-1 but Australians regarded it as unsporting and it strained relations between London and Canberra.

He was mercilessly hounded by Sydney crowds, including a famous taunt "leave those flies alone, Jardine, they're the only friends you've got".

But Warne, who called for Australia to use Bodyline fast-ball tactics against England last year, backed the captain.

He also criticised his former captain Steve Waugh in his book, calling him "selfish". Warne said he was disappointed when Waugh dropped him in the fourth Test in Antigua in the West Indies in 1999.

"I lost a bit of respect for him after that. I believe he should have backed me -- as I always believe the art of captaincy is to support your players and back them every time.

"This gains the respect from the players and makes them play for you. He didn't, it's history, but I never found it easy with him after that." He accused Waugh if being more focused on his average than the team's result.

"Steve Waugh was the most selfish player I ever played with and was only worried about averaging 50," he added.

"It was about a lack of loyalty. Pretty childish, I know, but that's the way it was."

Australian great Shane Warne has endorsed one of the most controversial figures in cricketing history, while also renewing his decades-old feud with former captain Steve Waugh.

Australian great Shane Warne has endorsed one of the most controversial figures in cricketing history, while also renewing his decades-old feud with former captain Steve Waugh. Warne, Test cricket's second-most prolific wicket-taker with 708 scalps, revealed his admiration for Douglas Jardine, who led England's "Bodyline" tour, in his new book "No Spin" published this week. Warne said he believed Jardine was among the best captains ever to have played the game. "Douglas Jardine, of course, for what he achieved against Bradman and having the courage to change the game's parameters," Warne wrote. Jardine, an upper-class Englishman, is generally regarded as a villain in Australian cricketing circles. His tactics of instructing fast bowlers, led by Harold Larwood, to aim at batsmen's bodies -- in a bid to curb run machine Donald Bradman -- provoked anger amongst the host nation at the time. Jardine's tactics worked and England won the series 4-1 but Australians regarded it as unsporting and it strained relations between London and Canberra. He was mercilessly hounded by Sydney crowds, including a famous taunt "leave those flies alone, Jardine, they're the only friends you've got". But Warne, who called for Australia to use Bodyline fast-ball tactics against England last year, backed the captain. He also criticised his former captain Steve Waugh in his book, calling him "selfish". Warne said he was disappointed when Waugh dropped him in the fourth Test in Antigua in the West Indies in 1999. "I lost a bit of respect for him after that. I believe he should have backed me -- as I always believe the art of captaincy is to support your players and back them every time. "This gains the respect from the players and makes them play for you. He didn't, it's history, but I never found it easy with him after that." He accused Waugh if being more focused on his average than the team's result. "Steve Waugh was the most selfish player I ever played with and was only worried about averaging 50," he added. "It was about a lack of loyalty. Pretty childish, I know, but that's the way it was."

Warne backs 'Bodyline' skipper, slams Waugh

Australian opener Matt Renshaw is a doubt for the series-opening Test against Pakistan after suffering a head injury in a tour match in Dubai.

Renshaw, who has a history of concussions, exited the match against a Pakistan 'A' side after being hit by a pull shot from batsman Abid Ali when fielding at short leg on Sunday.

Renshaw was wearing a helmet when he was struck in the side of the head. He pulled it off immediately and sat with his head in his hands before being examined by medical staff.

He came off the ground for further checks and was replaced in the lineup by Marnus Labuschagne.

Opening batsman Aaron Finch said Renshaw was in good spirits, but the selectors are likely to be cautious about playing the Yorkshire-born 22-year-old in the first Test starting on Sunday.

Renshaw suffered a&nbsp;concussion in a warm-up mishap before a Sheffield Shield match for Queensland in March and was subbed out of the game.

He was also withdrawn from a 2017 Test against Pakistan in Sydney having been hit while fielding just days after being struck by a bouncer when batting.

"He's okay," Finch told reporters. "It was a pretty heavy knock to the head there.

"He's been with the medical staff all afternoon but he seems in really good spirits. He's confident that his headaches are subsiding pretty quickly."

The Renshaw blow soured an otherwise positive day for Australia's batsmen with Finch, Shaun Marsh and younger brother Mitchell all spending valuable time in the middle as the tourists moved to 207 for two at the close of the second day's play, in reply to 278.

One-day specialist Finch, hoping to make his Test debut after his surprise selection in Tim Paine's squad, scored 54 in an 82-run opening stand with Usman Khawaja, while number three Shaun Marsh and Mitchell were unbeaten on 54 and 53 respectively.

"It was nice to get out in the middle after training away for the best part of a week and doing the hard yards," said 31-year-old Finch.

"It's still about playing my natural game which is quite aggressive generally."

Australian opener Matt Renshaw is a doubt for the series-opening Test against Pakistan after suffering a head injury in a tour match in Dubai. Renshaw, who has a history of concussions, exited the match against a Pakistan 'A' side after being hit by a pull shot from batsman Abid Ali when fielding at short leg on Sunday.

Australian opener Matt Renshaw is a doubt for the series-opening Test against Pakistan after suffering a head injury in a tour match in Dubai. Renshaw, who has a history of concussions, exited the match against a Pakistan 'A' side after being hit by a pull shot from batsman Abid Ali when fielding at short leg on Sunday. Renshaw was wearing a helmet when he was struck in the side of the head. He pulled it off immediately and sat with his head in his hands before being examined by medical staff. He came off the ground for further checks and was replaced in the lineup by Marnus Labuschagne. Opening batsman Aaron Finch said Renshaw was in good spirits, but the selectors are likely to be cautious about playing the Yorkshire-born 22-year-old in the first Test starting on Sunday. Renshaw suffered a concussion in a warm-up mishap before a Sheffield Shield match for Queensland in March and was subbed out of the game. He was also withdrawn from a 2017 Test against Pakistan in Sydney having been hit while fielding just days after being struck by a bouncer when batting. "He's okay," Finch told reporters. "It was a pretty heavy knock to the head there. "He's been with the medical staff all afternoon but he seems in really good spirits. He's confident that his headaches are subsiding pretty quickly." The Renshaw blow soured an otherwise positive day for Australia's batsmen with Finch, Shaun Marsh and younger brother Mitchell all spending valuable time in the middle as the tourists moved to 207 for two at the close of the second day's play, in reply to 278. One-day specialist Finch, hoping to make his Test debut after his surprise selection in Tim Paine's squad, scored 54 in an 82-run opening stand with Usman Khawaja, while number three Shaun Marsh and Mitchell were unbeaten on 54 and 53 respectively. "It was nice to get out in the middle after training away for the best part of a week and doing the hard yards," said 31-year-old Finch. "It's still about playing my natural game which is quite aggressive generally."

Australian opener Matt Renshaw a doubt for first Pakistan Test

Australia have for the first time named two Test cricket vice-captains -- all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood -- as they look to move on from a major cheating scandal.

The pair were chosen to back up captain Tim Paine via an unprecedented vote by team members and a final decision made by a panel that included coach Justin Langer and selector Trevor Hohns, Cricket Australia said.

"We believe the new leadership model will best support the captain," Hohns said of the decision to have more than one Test vice-captain for the first time.

"It is a successful model used across various sporting codes around the world.

"Our vision is to create great cricketers and great people, and we are extremely fortunate to have such terrific young men," Hohns said.

Marsh, aged 26, will act as sole vice-captain behind Paine during the two-Test series against Pakistan in Dubai beginning on October 7 because Hazlewood, aged 27, is sidelined by injury.

It will be Australia's first Test tour since the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town which led to one-year suspensions being imposed on captain Steve Smith and his deputy, David Warner, who was also banned from ever holding another leadership position.

Hohns indicated the decision to name vice-captains was in part to avoid naming a single person being seen as a likely successor to Paine, who took over from Smith following the scandal when sandpaper was used to alter the condition of the ball.

"It was not a process designed to find the next Australian Test captain, but to find two vice-captains who will support and help drive the team's goals and objectives," he said.

Since the South Africa debacle, Cricket Australia has launched a number of internal reviews aimed at creating a more respectful culture and moving away from the win-at-all-costs mentality blamed for the explosive ball-tampering row.

Australia have for the first time named two Test cricket vice-captains -- all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood -- as they look to move on from a major cheating scandal.

Australia have for the first time named two Test cricket vice-captains -- all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood -- as they look to move on from a major cheating scandal. The pair were chosen to back up captain Tim Paine via an unprecedented vote by team members and a final decision made by a panel that included coach Justin Langer and selector Trevor Hohns, Cricket Australia said. "We believe the new leadership model will best support the captain," Hohns said of the decision to have more than one Test vice-captain for the first time. "It is a successful model used across various sporting codes around the world. "Our vision is to create great cricketers and great people, and we are extremely fortunate to have such terrific young men," Hohns said. Marsh, aged 26, will act as sole vice-captain behind Paine during the two-Test series against Pakistan in Dubai beginning on October 7 because Hazlewood, aged 27, is sidelined by injury. It will be Australia's first Test tour since the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town which led to one-year suspensions being imposed on captain Steve Smith and his deputy, David Warner, who was also banned from ever holding another leadership position. Hohns indicated the decision to name vice-captains was in part to avoid naming a single person being seen as a likely successor to Paine, who took over from Smith following the scandal when sandpaper was used to alter the condition of the ball. "It was not a process designed to find the next Australian Test captain, but to find two vice-captains who will support and help drive the team's goals and objectives," he said. Since the South Africa debacle, Cricket Australia has launched a number of internal reviews aimed at creating a more respectful culture and moving away from the win-at-all-costs mentality blamed for the explosive ball-tampering row.

Australia name two Test vice-captains for first time

The International Cricket Council on Thursday approved the new Perth Stadium to host all international formats of all the game, formally lowering the curtain on the city&#39;s venerable WACA Ground.

The new 60,000-capacity stadium will host a sold-out one-day international against England on January 28 in the first sporting event held at the state-of-the-art arena.

ICC match referee Richie Richardson submitted a gushing report after inspecting the venue.

&quot;This is by far the most impressive and well laid-out stadium I have ever visited,&quot; he said.

&quot;The comprehensive amenities, along with the quality and functionality of the facility, surpasses the required standard to host any international cricket match.&quot;

The West Indies great added that it was &quot;a wonderful, refreshing, world-class stadium, and I have no hesitation in recommending that the venue is approved for staging all three formats of international cricket&quot;.

The WACA, a Test venue since 1970, was once touted as the world&#39;s fastest pitch, making it the stuff of nightmares for many visiting teams.

Last month, the WACA staged its 44th and final Test when Australia beat England by an innings and 41 runs to reclaim the Ashes urn.

The new 60,000-capacity stadium will host a sold-out one-day international against England on January 28 in the first sporting event held at the state-of-the-art arena.

The International Cricket Council on Thursday approved the new Perth Stadium to host all international formats of all the game, formally lowering the curtain on the city's venerable WACA Ground. The new 60,000-capacity stadium will host a sold-out one-day international against England on January 28 in the first sporting event held at the state-of-the-art arena. ICC match referee Richie Richardson submitted a gushing report after inspecting the venue. "This is by far the most impressive and well laid-out stadium I have ever visited," he said. "The comprehensive amenities, along with the quality and functionality of the facility, surpasses the required standard to host any international cricket match." The West Indies great added that it was "a wonderful, refreshing, world-class stadium, and I have no hesitation in recommending that the venue is approved for staging all three formats of international cricket". The WACA, a Test venue since 1970, was once touted as the world's fastest pitch, making it the stuff of nightmares for many visiting teams. Last month, the WACA staged its 44th and final Test when Australia beat England by an innings and 41 runs to reclaim the Ashes urn.

'World-class' Perth stadium gets ICC green light

David Warner rode his luck to reach his 21st test century as Australia crawled to 145 for two at tea on day one of the fourth Ashes test against England on Tuesday.

Warner was caught on 99 just before the drinks break but was reprieved when the TV replay showed debutant paceman Tom Curran had overstepped his mark to the delight of a bumper Boxing Day crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Warner raised his hundred with a single on the next ball to add insult to England&#39;s injury but he was unable to capitalise on the life, nicking James Anderson behind to be out for 103.

Usman Khawaja was 10 not out at tea, with home captain Steve Smith on five, as Australia managed only 43 runs in the middle session after piling on 102 in the morning.

All-rounder Chris Woakes had earlier broken a 122-run opening partnership between vice captain Warner and Cameron Bancroft after Australia resumed on 102 without loss.

Woakes removed Bancroft leg before for 26 early in the session, the tourists&#39; first reward following a fruitless morning after Smith won the toss and opted to bat.

Warner had galloped to 83 at lunch but England`s bowlers did well to pin him down in the nineties and he ended up top-edging Curran to Stuart Broad at mid-on with a clumsy pull-shot.

The hard-hitting 31-year-old trudged away furious with himself but turned straight back after seeing the no-ball replayed on the scoreboard.

The terraces roared in delight at Curran`s misfortune and again when Warner pushed a single off his hip off the next ball to raise a ton boasting 13 fours and a six.

He celebrated with his customary leap and fist-pump but Anderson mercifully cut short Curran`s agony with a fine delivery that jagged back off the seam to catch the edge on the way through to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

Australia, leading the series 3-0, regained the urn with victory in the third match at the WACA and are bidding to whitewash the tourists for a second consecutive home Ashes.

Australia made one change to their side from the third test with right-arm pace bowler Jackson Bird coming in for injured left-armer Mitchell Starc.

England also made one change to the side that lost by an innings and 41 runs in Perth with Surrey seamer Curran replacing Craig Overton who was ruled out with a broken rib.

David Warner rode his luck to reach his 21st test century as Australia crawled to 145 for two at tea on day one of the fourth Ashes test against England on Tuesday. Warner was caught on 99 just before the drinks break but was reprieved when the TV replay showed debutant paceman Tom Curran had overstepped his mark to the delight of a bumper Boxing Day crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Warner raised his hundred with a single on the next ball to add insult to England's injury but he was unable to capitalise on the life, nicking James Anderson behind to be out for 103. Usman Khawaja was 10 not out at tea, with home captain Steve Smith on five, as Australia managed only 43 runs in the middle session after piling on 102 in the morning. All-rounder Chris Woakes had earlier broken a 122-run opening partnership between vice captain Warner and Cameron Bancroft after Australia resumed on 102 without loss. Woakes removed Bancroft leg before for 26 early in the session, the tourists' first reward following a fruitless morning after Smith won the toss and opted to bat. Warner had galloped to 83 at lunch but England`s bowlers did well to pin him down in the nineties and he ended up top-edging Curran to Stuart Broad at mid-on with a clumsy pull-shot. The hard-hitting 31-year-old trudged away furious with himself but turned straight back after seeing the no-ball replayed on the scoreboard. The terraces roared in delight at Curran`s misfortune and again when Warner pushed a single off his hip off the next ball to raise a ton boasting 13 fours and a six. He celebrated with his customary leap and fist-pump but Anderson mercifully cut short Curran`s agony with a fine delivery that jagged back off the seam to catch the edge on the way through to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow. Australia, leading the series 3-0, regained the urn with victory in the third match at the WACA and are bidding to whitewash the tourists for a second consecutive home Ashes. Australia made one change to their side from the third test with right-arm pace bowler Jackson Bird coming in for injured left-armer Mitchell Starc. England also made one change to the side that lost by an innings and 41 runs in Perth with Surrey seamer Curran replacing Craig Overton who was ruled out with a broken rib.

Ashes, 4th Test: Australia's Warner makes very lucky ton after being caught on 99

Darren Lehmann promised Australia won&#39;t be under-prepared for their tour of Bangladesh after a pay dispute left them temporarily unemployed -- and said the enforced break may have even done them good.

But the coach said he would be sure to put his 14-man squad through their paces at a one-week training camp in tropical Darwin before they leave for the two-Test tour next Friday.

The camp represents the first formal cricket environment for Australia&#39;s top internationals since they were booted out of the Champions Trophy in June.

Since then, they were among about 230 players who were technically unemployed for more than a month over a long-running pay dispute, which was finally resolved last week.

But despite having only a week to prepare for their first Test tour of Bangladesh in more than a decade, Lehmann said the disruption was not a concern.

&quot;Until you get there you don&#39;t know, but we&#39;re squeezing enough in this next week, and guys have been doing stuff with their (home) states,&quot; Lehmann told the official Australian cricket website late Thursday.

&quot;Even through the MoU (pay negotiations) they were training and preparing as though they were playing.

&quot;So in terms of fitness, they are probably ahead of the game, they&#39;re really strong and fit which is really pleasing.

&quot;Now it&#39;s just getting their skills up to the required level before we leave.&quot;

Lehmann said the break from playing and touring had even benefited some players by refreshing them mentally and physically heading into the Bangladesh tour.

&quot;The break&#39;s been good for some of them, they&#39;ve been at the back of a long summer with a lot of travel in the schedule so sometimes a refreshed mindset is really important,&quot; Lehmann said.

&quot;They&#39;ve all come in really excited to get going again.&quot;

Lehmann added: &quot;The Darwin camp wickets are very similar to what we&#39;ll get in Bangladesh -&ndash; they&#39;re low and they&#39;re slow, and they will spin.

&quot;In terms of conditions and the heat and humidity that we&#39;ll face when we get there, it&#39;s great preparation especially for those who have come out of winter in the southern states (of Australia).&quot;

&quot;I think we&#39;ll be fine, we&#39;ve got a lead-up two-day game on a wicket which will be very similar to what we encounter for the first Test then we&#39;ve got training sessions before that Test starts as well.&quot;

Australia will&nbsp;play Tests in Dhaka from August 27-31 and Chittagong from September 4-8, their first in Bangladesh since 2006.

The coach said he would be sure to put his 14-man squad through their paces at a one-week training camp

Darren Lehmann promised Australia won't be under-prepared for their tour of Bangladesh after a pay dispute left them temporarily unemployed -- and said the enforced break may have even done them good. But the coach said he would be sure to put his 14-man squad through their paces at a one-week training camp in tropical Darwin before they leave for the two-Test tour next Friday. The camp represents the first formal cricket environment for Australia's top internationals since they were booted out of the Champions Trophy in June. Since then, they were among about 230 players who were technically unemployed for more than a month over a long-running pay dispute, which was finally resolved last week. But despite having only a week to prepare for their first Test tour of Bangladesh in more than a decade, Lehmann said the disruption was not a concern. "Until you get there you don't know, but we're squeezing enough in this next week, and guys have been doing stuff with their (home) states," Lehmann told the official Australian cricket website late Thursday. "Even through the MoU (pay negotiations) they were training and preparing as though they were playing. "So in terms of fitness, they are probably ahead of the game, they're really strong and fit which is really pleasing. "Now it's just getting their skills up to the required level before we leave." Lehmann said the break from playing and touring had even benefited some players by refreshing them mentally and physically heading into the Bangladesh tour. "The break's been good for some of them, they've been at the back of a long summer with a lot of travel in the schedule so sometimes a refreshed mindset is really important," Lehmann said. "They've all come in really excited to get going again." Lehmann added: "The Darwin camp wickets are very similar to what we'll get in Bangladesh -– they're low and they're slow, and they will spin. "In terms of conditions and the heat and humidity that we'll face when we get there, it's great preparation especially for those who have come out of winter in the southern states (of Australia)." "I think we'll be fine, we've got a lead-up two-day game on a wicket which will be very similar to what we encounter for the first Test then we've got training sessions before that Test starts as well." Australia will play Tests in Dhaka from August 27-31 and Chittagong from September 4-8, their first in Bangladesh since 2006.

Darren Lehmann says pay-war break may benefit Australian cricket team

The Australia &quot;A&quot; players have decided to pull out of the South Africa tour over the long-standing pay dispute with the Australian board.

The players union in a statement said,&quot;players were not obliged and were unavailable to tour South Africa as a part of the Australia A team without an agreed pay deal or new Memorandum of Understanding.&quot;

The players union and Cricket Australia have been engaged in talks over several months but have failed to come up with a pay structure.

Around 230 players have been left unemployed&nbsp;after the contract expired on June 30th.

Around 230 players have been left unemployed?after the contract expired on June 30th

The Australia "A" players have decided to pull out of the South Africa tour over the long-standing pay dispute with the Australian board. The players union in a statement said,"players were not obliged and were unavailable to tour South Africa as a part of the Australia A team without an agreed pay deal or new Memorandum of Understanding." The players union and Cricket Australia have been engaged in talks over several months but have failed to come up with a pay structure. Around 230 players have been left unemployed after the contract expired on June 30th.

Australia 'A' to boycott South Africa tour over pay dispute

Australia were knocked out of the Champions Trophy without winning a game after Ben Stokes&#39; stunning century guided England to an impressive 40-run Duckworth-Lewis victory on Saturday.

Australia, whose two previous games against New Zealand and Bangladesh were rained off, scored 277-9 from 50 overs -- with Mark Wood and Adil Rashid taking four wickets apiece -- and had reduced England to 35-3 in response.

But, after a brief rain break, Eoin Morgan (87) and Stokes (102 not out) dismantled the Australian attack, scoring freely in a partnership of 159 before Morgan was run out when closing in on his century.

But Stokes brought up his hundred with a cut through the covers, and he and Jos Buttler (29 not out) carried England home with the hosts comfortably ahead on Duckworth-Lewis at 240-4 off 40.2 overs.

They are joined in the semi-finals by unfancied Bangladesh, who beat New Zealand in Group A on Friday.

Bad weather affected all three Australian matches but captain Steve Smith was unwilling to use that as an excuse.

&quot;We&#39;ve got some quality cricketers, but we didn&#39;t turn up,&quot; he told the BBC. &quot;It&#39;s been disappointing to have not got a complete game in, but you can&#39;t make excuses like this.&quot;

England&#39;s captain Morgan said his side were close to their best in beating the reigning 50-over world champions.

&quot;This is a tournament you need to be at your best to win games of cricket,&quot; he said.

Having been put in to bat, Australia set about building an imposing score. After David Warner was dismissed for 21, Aaron Finch and Smith scored freely to race past 100.

Finch struck eight boundaries in his 68 when Morgan took a superb catch off the bowling of Stokes, before Rashid had Moises Henriques (17) caught with Australia 161-3.

Smith (56) fell to Wood, while Jason Roy sensationally caught Glenn Maxwell (20). He scooped the ball on the boundary, off-balanced, before throwing it in the air and catching it again as he ran back into the field of play.

The impressive Rashid dismissed Matthew Wade (2) and Mitchell Starc (0) in one over, and Pat Cummins (4) in his next as England finished superbly.

After Wood claimed his fourth wicket, bowling Adam Zampa for a duck, Travis Head (71 not out) smashed two late sixes as Australia finished on 277-9.

England&#39;s response got off to a terrible start with out-of-form Roy (4), Alex Hales (0) and Joe Root (15) gone inside six overs as England slumped to 35-3 before the first rain break.

The break helped England as the swashbuckling duo of Morgan and Stokes both completed confident fifties with a series of lusty blows to bring up their 100 partnership.

The onslaught continued and a century beckoned for Morgan but he was run out by Zampa.

However, any thought of an Australia fightback was ended by Stokes, who struck 13 boundaries and two sixes, and Buttler who marshalled England until heavy rain ended the game.

(Reuters)

England are joined in the semi-finals by unfancied Bangladesh, who beat New Zealand in Group A on Friday

Australia were knocked out of the Champions Trophy without winning a game after Ben Stokes' stunning century guided England to an impressive 40-run Duckworth-Lewis victory on Saturday. Australia, whose two previous games against New Zealand and Bangladesh were rained off, scored 277-9 from 50 overs -- with Mark Wood and Adil Rashid taking four wickets apiece -- and had reduced England to 35-3 in response. But, after a brief rain break, Eoin Morgan (87) and Stokes (102 not out) dismantled the Australian attack, scoring freely in a partnership of 159 before Morgan was run out when closing in on his century. But Stokes brought up his hundred with a cut through the covers, and he and Jos Buttler (29 not out) carried England home with the hosts comfortably ahead on Duckworth-Lewis at 240-4 off 40.2 overs. They are joined in the semi-finals by unfancied Bangladesh, who beat New Zealand in Group A on Friday. Bad weather affected all three Australian matches but captain Steve Smith was unwilling to use that as an excuse. "We've got some quality cricketers, but we didn't turn up," he told the BBC. "It's been disappointing to have not got a complete game in, but you can't make excuses like this." England's captain Morgan said his side were close to their best in beating the reigning 50-over world champions. "This is a tournament you need to be at your best to win games of cricket," he said. Having been put in to bat, Australia set about building an imposing score. After David Warner was dismissed for 21, Aaron Finch and Smith scored freely to race past 100. Finch struck eight boundaries in his 68 when Morgan took a superb catch off the bowling of Stokes, before Rashid had Moises Henriques (17) caught with Australia 161-3. Smith (56) fell to Wood, while Jason Roy sensationally caught Glenn Maxwell (20). He scooped the ball on the boundary, off-balanced, before throwing it in the air and catching it again as he ran back into the field of play. The impressive Rashid dismissed Matthew Wade (2) and Mitchell Starc (0) in one over, and Pat Cummins (4) in his next as England finished superbly. After Wood claimed his fourth wicket, bowling Adam Zampa for a duck, Travis Head (71 not out) smashed two late sixes as Australia finished on 277-9. England's response got off to a terrible start with out-of-form Roy (4), Alex Hales (0) and Joe Root (15) gone inside six overs as England slumped to 35-3 before the first rain break. The break helped England as the swashbuckling duo of Morgan and Stokes both completed confident fifties with a series of lusty blows to bring up their 100 partnership. The onslaught continued and a century beckoned for Morgan but he was run out by Zampa. However, any thought of an Australia fightback was ended by Stokes, who struck 13 boundaries and two sixes, and Buttler who marshalled England until heavy rain ended the game. (Reuters)

Australia out of Champions Trophy after comfortable England win

Keen to beat Sri Lanka in their own spin game, Australia have roped in local spin great Muttiah Muralitharan to help their slow bowlers ahead of the three-test series beginning at Pallekele later this month. 
 
The 44-year-old former off-spinner, still the highest wicket-taker in test cricket with 800 scalps, had a similar short-term consulting stint with Australia in 2014. 
 
&quot;Murali&#39;s got a lot of experience in Sri Lanka,&quot; Australia captain Steve Smith said. &quot;He took a truckload of wickets.&quot; 
 
&quot;It&#39;s great to have someone like that helping our spinners in this series - to give us that insight. He&#39;s been really good around the group so far, and he&#39;s enjoying his time with us.&quot; 
 
Muralitharan, who has been seen working with Australian spinners Nathan Lyon and Steve O&#39;Keefe in the nets, said he was looking for such short-term jobs and had no problems helping the visitors plot against his own country. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m not involved in Sri Lankan cricket at all because there are (other) people who are involved,&quot; Muralitharan, a perennial thorn in Australia&#39;s flesh during his playing days, told Cricket Australia website. 
 
&quot;Then, on and off, Australia offered me twice so I said &#39;why not&#39; because you are passing on the knowledge to other people. It doesn&#39;t matter whether it&#39;s your country or other people.&quot; 
 
&quot;I think giving quality time to my family is most important, that&#39;s why I take smaller jobs - two weeks, three weeks... those sort of jobs are not available in Sri Lanka.&quot; 
 
Australia were confident opener David Warner, recovering from a broken left index finger, will be fit for the series opener at Pallekele. 
 
&quot;His recovery is going really well and we expect him to be fine for that first test match,&quot; Smith said of his deputy who batted one-handed against Lyon in the Colombo nets. 
 
Cricket Australia also appointed Victorian David Saker as the new full-time assistant coach on Thursday. 
 
Saker, who was England&#39;s bowling coach from 2010-2015, succeeds Craig McDermott who quit the post earlier this year. 
 
Beginning on July 26, Australia will play three tests, five one-dayers, and two Twenty20 Internationals during their two-month-long tour. 
 
(Reuters)

He will help the Ozzie slow bowlers ahead of the three-test series beginning at Pallekele later this month

Keen to beat Sri Lanka in their own spin game, Australia have roped in local spin great Muttiah Muralitharan to help their slow bowlers ahead of the three-test series beginning at Pallekele later this month. The 44-year-old former off-spinner, still the highest wicket-taker in test cricket with 800 scalps, had a similar short-term consulting stint with Australia in 2014. "Murali's got a lot of experience in Sri Lanka," Australia captain Steve Smith said. "He took a truckload of wickets." "It's great to have someone like that helping our spinners in this series - to give us that insight. He's been really good around the group so far, and he's enjoying his time with us." Muralitharan, who has been seen working with Australian spinners Nathan Lyon and Steve O'Keefe in the nets, said he was looking for such short-term jobs and had no problems helping the visitors plot against his own country. "I'm not involved in Sri Lankan cricket at all because there are (other) people who are involved," Muralitharan, a perennial thorn in Australia's flesh during his playing days, told Cricket Australia website. "Then, on and off, Australia offered me twice so I said 'why not' because you are passing on the knowledge to other people. It doesn't matter whether it's your country or other people." "I think giving quality time to my family is most important, that's why I take smaller jobs - two weeks, three weeks... those sort of jobs are not available in Sri Lanka." Australia were confident opener David Warner, recovering from a broken left index finger, will be fit for the series opener at Pallekele. "His recovery is going really well and we expect him to be fine for that first test match," Smith said of his deputy who batted one-handed against Lyon in the Colombo nets. Cricket Australia also appointed Victorian David Saker as the new full-time assistant coach on Thursday. Saker, who was England's bowling coach from 2010-2015, succeeds Craig McDermott who quit the post earlier this year. Beginning on July 26, Australia will play three tests, five one-dayers, and two Twenty20 Internationals during their two-month-long tour. (Reuters)

Before their Sri Lanka series, Australia rope in Murali

Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie has made it clear that he is not interested in replacing Craig McDermott as bowling coach of the Australia test side.

The 41-year-old, known universally as &quot;Dizzy&quot;, was mentioned as a target to join the Australia staff by head coach Darren &quot;Boof&quot; Lehmann after McDermott stepped down the wake of the World Twenty20 earlier this year.

Gillespie, however, said he had no intention of abandoning his job at English county Yorkshire, who he has led to successive County Championship titles, and heading back Down Under.

&quot;Darren had mentioned on radio in Australia that he&#39;d be keen to get me back into the system over there,&quot; he told the BBC.

&quot;I was always going to catch up with Darren when he was over here because he&#39;s one of my best mates, but I got stuck into him a bit because he didn&#39;t need to mention my name on the radio.

&quot;I informed him I wouldn&#39;t be applying for a role so we can end the speculation. I was not offered a job and I have made it very clear that I would not be applying for any role with Cricket Australia.&quot;

Former South African quick Allan Donald will mentor Australia&#39;s bowlers for the upcoming test series in Sri Lanka, while West Australia&#39;s Adam Griffith is in charge for the limited overs series against West Indies and South Africa that precedes it.

The Yorkshire coach has shot down rumours that he's replacing Craig McDermott

Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie has made it clear that he is not interested in replacing Craig McDermott as bowling coach of the Australia test side. The 41-year-old, known universally as "Dizzy", was mentioned as a target to join the Australia staff by head coach Darren "Boof" Lehmann after McDermott stepped down the wake of the World Twenty20 earlier this year. Gillespie, however, said he had no intention of abandoning his job at English county Yorkshire, who he has led to successive County Championship titles, and heading back Down Under. "Darren had mentioned on radio in Australia that he'd be keen to get me back into the system over there," he told the BBC. "I was always going to catch up with Darren when he was over here because he's one of my best mates, but I got stuck into him a bit because he didn't need to mention my name on the radio. "I informed him I wouldn't be applying for a role so we can end the speculation. I was not offered a job and I have made it very clear that I would not be applying for any role with Cricket Australia." Former South African quick Allan Donald will mentor Australia's bowlers for the upcoming test series in Sri Lanka, while West Australia's Adam Griffith is in charge for the limited overs series against West Indies and South Africa that precedes it.

Gillespie rules out Australia coach roles