<p>Marnus Labuschagne wasn't named in the final XI for the 1st ODI against South Africa in Bloemfontein. But following Cameron Green's injury, he came on as a concussion substitute - for the second time in his career - and played a heroic knock to see his team through in a tense chase. Although Marnus starred with the bat, his mother&nbsp;Alta Labuschagne's gut feeling that her son would play the first game caught everyone's attention.</p>

<p>While Australian selectors overlooked Labuschagne for the South Africa ODIs and in the provisional squad for the Cricket World Cup, he joined the team, coming in as a cover for injured Steve Smith, who got ruled out at the last minute.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even on the team sheet for the first One-Dayer, Marnus was listed 15th, behind Aaron Hardie and Tim David, but managed to get the game - something his mother, present at the venue, had a gut feeling about.</p>

<p>Speaking about how his mother told him that she somehow knew her son would play the first ODI against South Africa, Marnus said, "She's an amazing woman. She stayed for the whole game even though I wasn't playing for the first three-and-a-half hours of the game."</p>

<p>"She had a feeling. She was adamant when I came here that I was going to play this game. And I told her, 'I've seen the team, Mum, I'm not in the team'. She just got a feeling, and, once again, she's right. It's hard to describe, to be honest," the Player of the Match continued.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/concussion-sub-labuschagne-guides-australia-to-3-wicket-win-in-1st-odi-vs-south-africa-633474">Concussion sub Labuschagne guides Australia to 3-wicket win in 1st ODI vs South Africa</a></strong></p>

<p>During the chase of 223, when Australia got reduced to 113 for seven at one stage, it was Marnus and Ashton Agar who pulled the side out of trouble and helped them hunt the target and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Marnus hit an unbeaten 80 off 93 balls, including eight fours.</p>

<p>Considering his ODI numbers aren't up to the mark, Marnus revealed he was aware of the same and didn't get too disappointed over the CWC snub.</p>

<p>"I have been really disappointed with how I've played my one-day cricket, the last 10 to 12 games I felt like I haven't shown the intensity and the courage that I would have liked," Marnus said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I wasn't too shocked when I was dropped. I said that to the selectors, I said, 'I understand I haven't made runs'. But I did say that I still want to be that person for you batting in the middle order. And then you've just got to sit tight and wait for your opportunity. And when the opportunity comes, you've got to be ready," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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Marnus Labuschagne wasn't named in the final XI for the 1st ODI against South Africa in Bloemfontein. But following Cameron Green's injury, he came on as a concussion substitute - for the second time in his career - and played a heroic knock to see his team through in a tense chase.

Marnus Labuschagne wasn't named in the final XI for the 1st ODI against South Africa in Bloemfontein. But following Cameron Green's injury, he came on as a concussion substitute - for the second time in his career - and played a heroic knock to see his team through in a tense chase. Although Marnus starred with the bat, his mother Alta Labuschagne's gut feeling that her son would play the first game caught everyone's attention. While Australian selectors overlooked Labuschagne for the South Africa ODIs and in the provisional squad for the Cricket World Cup, he joined the team, coming in as a cover for injured Steve Smith, who got ruled out at the last minute. Even on the team sheet for the first One-Dayer, Marnus was listed 15th, behind Aaron Hardie and Tim David, but managed to get the game - something his mother, present at the venue, had a gut feeling about. Speaking about how his mother told him that she somehow knew her son would play the first ODI against South Africa, Marnus said, "She's an amazing woman. She stayed for the whole game even though I wasn't playing for the first three-and-a-half hours of the game." "She had a feeling. She was adamant when I came here that I was going to play this game. And I told her, 'I've seen the team, Mum, I'm not in the team'. She just got a feeling, and, once again, she's right. It's hard to describe, to be honest," the Player of the Match continued. ALSO READ: Concussion sub Labuschagne guides Australia to 3-wicket win in 1st ODI vs South Africa During the chase of 223, when Australia got reduced to 113 for seven at one stage, it was Marnus and Ashton Agar who pulled the side out of trouble and helped them hunt the target and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Marnus hit an unbeaten 80 off 93 balls, including eight fours. Considering his ODI numbers aren't up to the mark, Marnus revealed he was aware of the same and didn't get too disappointed over the CWC snub. "I have been really disappointed with how I've played my one-day cricket, the last 10 to 12 games I felt like I haven't shown the intensity and the courage that I would have liked," Marnus said. "I wasn't too shocked when I was dropped. I said that to the selectors, I said, 'I understand I haven't made runs'. But I did say that I still want to be that person for you batting in the middle order. And then you've just got to sit tight and wait for your opportunity. And when the opportunity comes, you've got to be ready," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

SA vs AUS: Marnus Labuschagne mother's prediction comes true as son plays heroic knock in Bloemfontein ODI

<p>Australia’s newest T20I captain, Mitchell Marsh, can do nothing wrong. Marsh was Australia’s highest run-getter during the recently-concluded three-match T20Is against Proteas, hitting 186 runs with a similar strike rate. Usually bats at number three in the shortest format, Marsh will fight for an opener’s slot in the Australian ODI side for the upcoming Cricket World Cup, the stand-in coach Michael di Venuto feels.</p>

<p>Marsh’s return to the Australian setup lit up their cricket. During the third Ashes Test, in the absence of regular Cameron Green due to an injury, Marsh got roped into the side and that move paid dividends. Playing his first Ashes Test since last appearing at the Oval in 2019, Marsh slammed a hundred. In three matches played during the series, the attacking batter hit 250 runs at an average of 50.</p>

<p>Following the Ashes, Australia’s selection committee, chaired by George Bailey, appointed Marsh as the new permanent T20I captain, with a plan of handing him white-ball captaincy following the World Cup 2023.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-bcci-bosses-cross-attari-wagah-border-to-enter-pakistan-on-historic-visit-watch-632261">Asia Cup: BCCI bosses cross Attari-Wagah border to enter Pakistan on historic visit - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>Leading from the front, Marsh inspired Australia to beat hosts South Africa across three games played in Durban. In the first game, he won the Man of the Match for his incredible unbeaten 92 off 49 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes. In the following match, he again hogged the limelight with his match-winning 79 from just 39 balls, hitting six sixes and eight boundaries.</p>

<p>Alongside Matthew Short, Marsh helped Australia chase 168 inside 15 overs with eight wickets in hand. However, during the final match at the Kingsmead, he got out on 15.&nbsp;<br />
His exploits in the shortest format have given Australia the selection headache as to where to make him play and utilise his form during the marquee event in India, beginning on October 5.</p>

<p>While Australia will play eight ODIs before their CWC opener against India on October 8 in Chennai, those matches will provide a clearer picture. Speaking on the same line, Australia’s stand-in coach Michael di Venuto said,</p>

<p>"There's lots of options for us moving forward opening the batting," Di Venuto told reporters. "You look at the World Cup – David Warner comes back into the mix, Mitch Marsh, Travis Head, they've all got good form recently, they can all put a case forward to open the batting at the World Cup."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the five-match ODI series against South Africa will begin on September 7. After this, Australia will travel to India to play the three One-Dayers, starting September 22 in Mohali.</p>

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Australia’s newest T20I captain, Mitchell Marsh, can do nothing wrong. Marsh was Australia’s highest run-getter during the recently-concluded three-match T20Is against Proteas, hitting 186 runs with a similar strike rate.

Australia’s newest T20I captain, Mitchell Marsh, can do nothing wrong. Marsh was Australia’s highest run-getter during the recently-concluded three-match T20Is against Proteas, hitting 186 runs with a similar strike rate. Usually bats at number three in the shortest format, Marsh will fight for an opener’s slot in the Australian ODI side for the upcoming Cricket World Cup, the stand-in coach Michael di Venuto feels. Marsh’s return to the Australian setup lit up their cricket. During the third Ashes Test, in the absence of regular Cameron Green due to an injury, Marsh got roped into the side and that move paid dividends. Playing his first Ashes Test since last appearing at the Oval in 2019, Marsh slammed a hundred. In three matches played during the series, the attacking batter hit 250 runs at an average of 50. Following the Ashes, Australia’s selection committee, chaired by George Bailey, appointed Marsh as the new permanent T20I captain, with a plan of handing him white-ball captaincy following the World Cup 2023. ALSO READ: Asia Cup: BCCI bosses cross Attari-Wagah border to enter Pakistan on historic visit - WATCH Leading from the front, Marsh inspired Australia to beat hosts South Africa across three games played in Durban. In the first game, he won the Man of the Match for his incredible unbeaten 92 off 49 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes. In the following match, he again hogged the limelight with his match-winning 79 from just 39 balls, hitting six sixes and eight boundaries. Alongside Matthew Short, Marsh helped Australia chase 168 inside 15 overs with eight wickets in hand. However, during the final match at the Kingsmead, he got out on 15. His exploits in the shortest format have given Australia the selection headache as to where to make him play and utilise his form during the marquee event in India, beginning on October 5. While Australia will play eight ODIs before their CWC opener against India on October 8 in Chennai, those matches will provide a clearer picture. Speaking on the same line, Australia’s stand-in coach Michael di Venuto said, "There's lots of options for us moving forward opening the batting," Di Venuto told reporters. "You look at the World Cup – David Warner comes back into the mix, Mitch Marsh, Travis Head, they've all got good form recently, they can all put a case forward to open the batting at the World Cup." Meanwhile, the five-match ODI series against South Africa will begin on September 7. After this, Australia will travel to India to play the three One-Dayers, starting September 22 in Mohali. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Mitchell Marsh to fight for opener’s slot during World Cup 2023, says stand-in coach Michael di Venuto

<p>Veteran Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has almost recovered from the calf injury he suffered during the Ashes Test in Lord’s. Lyon is on the course to make himself available for Sheffield Shield games ahead of the Australian summer. The right-arm off-spinner, who for the first time in his career missed a Test or two due to injury, feels it came as a blessing in disguise as it helped him realise his hunger and desire to play and win major series.</p>

<p>Admitting to hating every moment of watching the Ashes from a distance, knowing he could be there and be the difference for his team, Lyon expressed his desire to continue playing for Australia in Tests. To prepare for the home series against Pakistan, Lyon would feature in the Shield games against South Australia at Adelaide Oval from October 15-18.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking on his recovery, the veteran spinner told cricket.com.au,&nbsp;"It's coming along really nicely."</p>

<p>"First time ever in rehab, which is a new experience, but I've got all the support there at New South Wales Cricket and within Cricket Australia, so all going okay.&nbsp;I'm getting sick of calf raises, but should be pretty good come summer."</p>

<p>In the absence of Jack Leach - England’s premier spinner, Lyon had the window to make this away Ashes his own. But that didn’t happen, as injury cut short his stint, and he returned home for an extended layoff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't want this to come across arrogantly or anything like that, but I felt like I could be the difference within the two teams with Jack Leach going down at the start of the series," Lyon said. "I felt like there was an opportunity for me to be the difference in the two sides.</p>

<h2>Lord’s injury gave Lyon new goals</h2>

<p>Acknowledging it as a blessing in disguise, Lyon admitted that just by being home, sitting on his couch and watching the Ashes drama unfold, he realised his hunger for the game. Lyon said he always wished to win an away series in India and England and can keep himself charged and motivated to give a final shot.</p>

<p>With the next away Ashes four years away and Lyon already 35, he doesn’t feel any pressure to stick around till then.</p>

<p>"It's probably made me hungrier than ever, and it's the drive for me to get back and start getting better again. It's really driving me to chase some bigger things.</p>

<p>"I've said previously that I want to win in India and want to win away in England, and haven't been able to do either of them. So, it looks like I've gotta go round another cycle," Lyon added.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Veteran Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has almost recovered from the calf injury he suffered during the Ashes Test in Lord’s. Lyon is on the course to make himself available for Sheffield Shield games ahead of the Australian summer.

Veteran Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has almost recovered from the calf injury he suffered during the Ashes Test in Lord’s. Lyon is on the course to make himself available for Sheffield Shield games ahead of the Australian summer. The right-arm off-spinner, who for the first time in his career missed a Test or two due to injury, feels it came as a blessing in disguise as it helped him realise his hunger and desire to play and win major series. Admitting to hating every moment of watching the Ashes from a distance, knowing he could be there and be the difference for his team, Lyon expressed his desire to continue playing for Australia in Tests. To prepare for the home series against Pakistan, Lyon would feature in the Shield games against South Australia at Adelaide Oval from October 15-18. Speaking on his recovery, the veteran spinner told cricket.com.au, "It's coming along really nicely." "First time ever in rehab, which is a new experience, but I've got all the support there at New South Wales Cricket and within Cricket Australia, so all going okay. I'm getting sick of calf raises, but should be pretty good come summer." In the absence of Jack Leach - England’s premier spinner, Lyon had the window to make this away Ashes his own. But that didn’t happen, as injury cut short his stint, and he returned home for an extended layoff. "I don't want this to come across arrogantly or anything like that, but I felt like I could be the difference within the two teams with Jack Leach going down at the start of the series," Lyon said. "I felt like there was an opportunity for me to be the difference in the two sides. Lord’s injury gave Lyon new goals Acknowledging it as a blessing in disguise, Lyon admitted that just by being home, sitting on his couch and watching the Ashes drama unfold, he realised his hunger for the game. Lyon said he always wished to win an away series in India and England and can keep himself charged and motivated to give a final shot. With the next away Ashes four years away and Lyon already 35, he doesn’t feel any pressure to stick around till then. "It's probably made me hungrier than ever, and it's the drive for me to get back and start getting better again. It's really driving me to chase some bigger things. "I've said previously that I want to win in India and want to win away in England, and haven't been able to do either of them. So, it looks like I've gotta go round another cycle," Lyon added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Retirement out of question for recovering Nathan Lyon as veteran spinner eyes series win in India, England

<p>Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20Is against South Africa due to an ankle injury. Cricket Australia has called up keeper-batter Matthew Wade to replace him in the squad. Maxwell, who was due to leave the tour after the T20Is for the birth of his first child, suffered a blow to the ankle during the team’s first training session in Durban.</p>

<p>Maxwell’s injury is termed a minor aggravation to his left ankle, and as a precautionary measure, given that the World Cup 2023 is just around the corner, Maxwell will now be flying home. The two-time World Cup winner with Australia will join the team for the three-match ODIs against India, starting on September 22 in Mohali.</p>

<p>"We are taking a precautionary approach, given Glenn was heading home next week in any case. We will monitor Glenn's recovery with a view to him being available for the three-match ODI series in India in advance of the World Cup," Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2023-shreyas-iyer-opens-up-on-injury-layoff-says-hes-thrilled-to-be-back-watch-629737">Asia Cup 2023: Shreyas Iyer opens up on injury layoff, says he’s ‘thrilled to be back’ - WATCH</a></p>

<p>Wade, who played a crucial role in helping Australia win their maiden T20 World Cup in 2021, remembered especially for his match-winning knock against Pakistan in the semis, got overlooked from the original squad. The selectors brought in Josh Inglis, more to give him glove-time behind the wickets than looking to move on from Wade.</p>

<p>The domestic giant also indicated hanging his boots after last year’s T20 World Cup at home. However, following discussions with chief selector George Bailey about him being in their plans for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, he dropped the idea.</p>

<p>"We do fully expect that [Wade] will come back into this T20 squad for that Indian series post the World Cup," Bailey said. "This was a great opportunity to give Josh, who's been on an enormous amount of tours across a number of formats and hasn't really had much playing-time opportunity.</p>

<p>"Alex Carey is obviously the wicketkeeper in [ODIs], but just making sure that if Josh does get an opportunity through an injury to Alex, that he's ready to go, and he's got some game time under his belt,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>New-look T20I side ready to run riot</h2>

<p>The absence of star players means a new-look Australian T20I side is ready to run riot against hosts South Africa in the three-match series, which starts August 30 in Durban.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All-rounder Mitchell Marsh was named the captain, while a few new faces, Aaron Hardie and seamer Spencer Johnson, are added to the side.</p>

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Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20Is against South Africa due to an ankle injury. Cricket Australia has called up keeper-batter Matthew Wade to replace him in the squad.

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20Is against South Africa due to an ankle injury. Cricket Australia has called up keeper-batter Matthew Wade to replace him in the squad. Maxwell, who was due to leave the tour after the T20Is for the birth of his first child, suffered a blow to the ankle during the team’s first training session in Durban. Maxwell’s injury is termed a minor aggravation to his left ankle, and as a precautionary measure, given that the World Cup 2023 is just around the corner, Maxwell will now be flying home. The two-time World Cup winner with Australia will join the team for the three-match ODIs against India, starting on September 22 in Mohali. "We are taking a precautionary approach, given Glenn was heading home next week in any case. We will monitor Glenn's recovery with a view to him being available for the three-match ODI series in India in advance of the World Cup," Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said. ALSO READ: Asia Cup 2023: Shreyas Iyer opens up on injury layoff, says he’s ‘thrilled to be back’ - WATCH Wade, who played a crucial role in helping Australia win their maiden T20 World Cup in 2021, remembered especially for his match-winning knock against Pakistan in the semis, got overlooked from the original squad. The selectors brought in Josh Inglis, more to give him glove-time behind the wickets than looking to move on from Wade. The domestic giant also indicated hanging his boots after last year’s T20 World Cup at home. However, following discussions with chief selector George Bailey about him being in their plans for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, he dropped the idea. "We do fully expect that [Wade] will come back into this T20 squad for that Indian series post the World Cup," Bailey said. "This was a great opportunity to give Josh, who's been on an enormous amount of tours across a number of formats and hasn't really had much playing-time opportunity. "Alex Carey is obviously the wicketkeeper in [ODIs], but just making sure that if Josh does get an opportunity through an injury to Alex, that he's ready to go, and he's got some game time under his belt,” he said. New-look T20I side ready to run riot The absence of star players means a new-look Australian T20I side is ready to run riot against hosts South Africa in the three-match series, which starts August 30 in Durban. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh was named the captain, while a few new faces, Aaron Hardie and seamer Spencer Johnson, are added to the side. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Glenn Maxwell ruled out of South Africa T20Is due to injury, Matthew Wade called up as replacement

<p>Aussie quick Pat Cummins said he is a bowler first in the ODI team and then the captain as former five-time champions gear up for the 2023 World Cup in India later this year. Cummins added that in the lead-up to the mega event he expects leadership responsibilities to be shared among seniors as selectors don’t want to risk his workload management.</p>

<p>"I know the selectors have been really clear that I'm a bowler first in the&nbsp;team," Pat said. "So, if we need to manage some of those games leading into the World Cup that takes precedence over the continuity of being captain every single game."</p>

<p>"We'll manage that, but there's a great team around us of players and staff so while I'm the captain and it's a bigger workload it's manageable," the right-arm seamer added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-hope-he-plays-before-odi-world-cup-rohit-opines-on-jasprit-bumrah-as-pacer-eyes-india-comeback-619840">We hope he plays before ODI World Cup: Rohit Sharma opines on Jasprit Bumrah as pacer eyes comeback</a></p>

<p>With Cummins remaining at the helm of things since the start of English summer, including the World Test Championship Final against India and the ongoing Ashes, he is likely to get an extended rest ahead of the World Cup.</p>

<p>Since Australia will travel to South Africa for the white-ball leg starting in late August and then to India for the three One-Dayers, Cummins will not come up for toss in every game, something even chief selector George Bailey also believes.</p>

<p>"In our one-day team, we do feel like we've got some strong leaders, some really experienced members of the team, and some developing leaders. So, regardless of Pat being there, I think we are moving away from this concept of a captain taking over and their leadership being all-encompassing,” Bailey said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.</p>

<p>Pat was handed over the captaincy in this format after Aaron Finch’s retirement from white-ball cricket in October 2022.</p>

<h2>CA looks to appoint one white-ball captain</h2>

<p>While Pat Cummins was announced as Finch’s successor in the ODIs, Cricket Australia didn’t appoint anyone as their T20I captain, given the Aussies were not scheduled to play any T20Is for quite some time.</p>

<p>With South Africa’s T20Is set to commence now, CA will look to name an interim captain for the shortest format until the World Cup ends – after which they aim to announce one white-ball captain going forward.</p>

<p>Speaking on the same, Cummins said he doesn’t want to rush this passing-the-baton thing as he believes several senior players will put up their hand when needed.</p>

<p>"I certainly don't want to rush anyone out the door," he said. "I think this is about the fourth Ashes series where Jimmy Anderson says it's going to be his last one. You never know. It's just an age. Some of these guys might be around here in four years, and still at the top level. We'll see,” Cummins added.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Aussie quick Pat Cummins said he is a bowler first in the ODI team and then the captain as former five-time champions gear up for the 2023 World Cup in India later this year.

Aussie quick Pat Cummins said he is a bowler first in the ODI team and then the captain as former five-time champions gear up for the 2023 World Cup in India later this year. Cummins added that in the lead-up to the mega event he expects leadership responsibilities to be shared among seniors as selectors don’t want to risk his workload management. "I know the selectors have been really clear that I'm a bowler first in the team," Pat said. "So, if we need to manage some of those games leading into the World Cup that takes precedence over the continuity of being captain every single game." "We'll manage that, but there's a great team around us of players and staff so while I'm the captain and it's a bigger workload it's manageable," the right-arm seamer added. ALSO READ: We hope he plays before ODI World Cup: Rohit Sharma opines on Jasprit Bumrah as pacer eyes comeback With Cummins remaining at the helm of things since the start of English summer, including the World Test Championship Final against India and the ongoing Ashes, he is likely to get an extended rest ahead of the World Cup. Since Australia will travel to South Africa for the white-ball leg starting in late August and then to India for the three One-Dayers, Cummins will not come up for toss in every game, something even chief selector George Bailey also believes. "In our one-day team, we do feel like we've got some strong leaders, some really experienced members of the team, and some developing leaders. So, regardless of Pat being there, I think we are moving away from this concept of a captain taking over and their leadership being all-encompassing,” Bailey said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. Pat was handed over the captaincy in this format after Aaron Finch’s retirement from white-ball cricket in October 2022. CA looks to appoint one white-ball captain While Pat Cummins was announced as Finch’s successor in the ODIs, Cricket Australia didn’t appoint anyone as their T20I captain, given the Aussies were not scheduled to play any T20Is for quite some time. With South Africa’s T20Is set to commence now, CA will look to name an interim captain for the shortest format until the World Cup ends – after which they aim to announce one white-ball captain going forward. Speaking on the same, Cummins said he doesn’t want to rush this passing-the-baton thing as he believes several senior players will put up their hand when needed. "I certainly don't want to rush anyone out the door," he said. "I think this is about the fourth Ashes series where Jimmy Anderson says it's going to be his last one. You never know. It's just an age. Some of these guys might be around here in four years, and still at the top level. We'll see,” Cummins added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pat Cummins to not captain Australia in each game ahead of 2023 World Cup to manage workload

<p>Bazball was all over everyone before the Ashes 2023 had even begun, and most Australian fans were on their toes, knowing how well England has done under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. With England winning almost everything in under one year just by playing this ultra-attacking style of cricket, they were outright favourites to win back the urn, but as destiny had it, the flaws in this approach got exposed, and England was left wanting in the end.</p>

<p>England batters were scoring runs at over run-a-ball strike-rate in subcontinent conditions, while their part-timers were among the leading wicket-takers, let alone the premium ones, who were already tearing into best of the line-ups. In an ideal world, it seemed like it was England’s best chance to beat the ageing Aussie side and win the Ashes for the first time since 2015.</p>

<p>Amidst all the buzz, England began in the most English way in the first Test in Edgbaston&nbsp;with Zak Crawley, who unlike Rory Burns – who got out on a first-ball duck in the previous Ashes – smashed captain Pat Cummins for a glorious four this time. That shot had the crowd up on its feet, and the smile on Cummins’ face told the whole story.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-unimpactful-james-anderson-lacked-zip-that-he-used-to-get-says-vaughan-following-manchester-draw-618895">Ashes: Unimpactful James Anderson lacked 'zip that he used to get', says Vaughan following Manchester draw</a></p>

<p>After a great first day of Ashes 2023, Ben Stokes decided to declare on 393 for eight,&nbsp;at a time when Root had just completed his hundred and was looking strong to add more to his tally. That decision, however, came as a shocker for most non-English fans, who argued England made a mistake by not trying to carry the momentum forward.</p>

<p>Captain Stokes and most of the cricket pundits from the country deferred from that opinion, adding that call was ‘brave’ and gave England a good chance to pick a couple of wickets before stumps on day one. While that didn’t happen, what unfolded later cost England – even if they disagree now.</p>

<p>With all falling on Pat’s shoulders in the final session on day five, he held his nerves and helped Australia break the ice and win the first Test by two wickets. That win not only helped the Aussies take an unlikely lead but also saw them crack open a loophole in England’s newest formula to win.</p>

<p>The loss hurt England like anything, as fans and experts blamed the strange declaration for the defeat.</p>

<h2>Lord’s beating added salt to wounds</h2>

<p>While England’s under-par performance with the bat got overshadowed by a lot of things in the first Test, it came into the limelight in the second match, which saw the hosts suffer a similar fate and go down 0-2 in the five-match series. Well, those who followed the first two games will question team selection also, with veteran James Anderson failing to make an impact and Stokes sticking with unfit Robinson instead of bowling the pair of Chris Woakes and Mark Wood waiting in the wings.</p>

<p>The Jonny Bairstow-Alex Carey controversy, and what followed later in the Lord’s Long Room, also took away the attention from these two topics as England was left with nothing but to play for a win in the remaining matches.</p>

<p>After two back-to-back losses, head coach Brendon McCullum didn’t shy from continuing to play the same brand of cricket in the next game, as they managed to win their first Test against mighty Aussies this summer at Leeds.</p>

<p>Any guesses on how did this happen? Woakes and Wood partnered with both bat and ball and helped England taste success, much to everyone’s amusement. At that moment, England’s leadership group realised their mistake of not picking the right XI and playing poorly as reasons for the result at hand.</p>

<h3>Manchester Test brought hope, but the rains helped Oz</h3>

<p>Come the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, England was geared to take the Aussies by their neck, and their approach was apt for the occasion. After dismissing the batting-heavy Australian team for a mere 317, England piled up almost double the score, with Crawley hitting 189 and five other batters scoring respective fifties, including Bairstow, who remained unbeaten on 99.</p>

<p>England’s mantra of playing Bazball was to entertain people and bring them back to watch Tests – something they succeeded at, but at the same time, went too far with it, only for them to stay behind in the Test. While they didn’t declare and instead went after scoring more and more runs, that ploy helped the Aussies instead.</p>

<p>Since rain was predicted for the final two days and with England giving Australia less time to bat on day three, the Oz made the most of the chance and played for a draw.</p>

<p>Anderson, who returned to the Test side for perhaps his final home game in whites, again failed to deliver as England couldn’t dismiss Australia, and with rain washing out the remaining two days, the match ended in a&nbsp;draw, and Australia retained the Ashes.</p>

<p>The fifth Test will start at The Oval in London on July 27.</p>

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Bazball was all over everyone before the Ashes 2023 had even begun, and most Australian fans were on their toes, knowing how well England has done under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.

Bazball was all over everyone before the Ashes 2023 had even begun, and most Australian fans were on their toes, knowing how well England has done under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. With England winning almost everything in under one year just by playing this ultra-attacking style of cricket, they were outright favourites to win back the urn, but as destiny had it, the flaws in this approach got exposed, and England was left wanting in the end. England batters were scoring runs at over run-a-ball strike-rate in subcontinent conditions, while their part-timers were among the leading wicket-takers, let alone the premium ones, who were already tearing into best of the line-ups. In an ideal world, it seemed like it was England’s best chance to beat the ageing Aussie side and win the Ashes for the first time since 2015. Amidst all the buzz, England began in the most English way in the first Test in Edgbaston with Zak Crawley, who unlike Rory Burns – who got out on a first-ball duck in the previous Ashes – smashed captain Pat Cummins for a glorious four this time. That shot had the crowd up on its feet, and the smile on Cummins’ face told the whole story. ALSO READ: Ashes: Unimpactful James Anderson lacked 'zip that he used to get', says Vaughan following Manchester draw After a great first day of Ashes 2023, Ben Stokes decided to declare on 393 for eight, at a time when Root had just completed his hundred and was looking strong to add more to his tally. That decision, however, came as a shocker for most non-English fans, who argued England made a mistake by not trying to carry the momentum forward. Captain Stokes and most of the cricket pundits from the country deferred from that opinion, adding that call was ‘brave’ and gave England a good chance to pick a couple of wickets before stumps on day one. While that didn’t happen, what unfolded later cost England – even if they disagree now. With all falling on Pat’s shoulders in the final session on day five, he held his nerves and helped Australia break the ice and win the first Test by two wickets. That win not only helped the Aussies take an unlikely lead but also saw them crack open a loophole in England’s newest formula to win. The loss hurt England like anything, as fans and experts blamed the strange declaration for the defeat. Lord’s beating added salt to wounds While England’s under-par performance with the bat got overshadowed by a lot of things in the first Test, it came into the limelight in the second match, which saw the hosts suffer a similar fate and go down 0-2 in the five-match series. Well, those who followed the first two games will question team selection also, with veteran James Anderson failing to make an impact and Stokes sticking with unfit Robinson instead of bowling the pair of Chris Woakes and Mark Wood waiting in the wings. The Jonny Bairstow-Alex Carey controversy, and what followed later in the Lord’s Long Room, also took away the attention from these two topics as England was left with nothing but to play for a win in the remaining matches. After two back-to-back losses, head coach Brendon McCullum didn’t shy from continuing to play the same brand of cricket in the next game, as they managed to win their first Test against mighty Aussies this summer at Leeds. Any guesses on how did this happen? Woakes and Wood partnered with both bat and ball and helped England taste success, much to everyone’s amusement. At that moment, England’s leadership group realised their mistake of not picking the right XI and playing poorly as reasons for the result at hand. Manchester Test brought hope, but the rains helped Oz Come the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, England was geared to take the Aussies by their neck, and their approach was apt for the occasion. After dismissing the batting-heavy Australian team for a mere 317, England piled up almost double the score, with Crawley hitting 189 and five other batters scoring respective fifties, including Bairstow, who remained unbeaten on 99. England’s mantra of playing Bazball was to entertain people and bring them back to watch Tests – something they succeeded at, but at the same time, went too far with it, only for them to stay behind in the Test. While they didn’t declare and instead went after scoring more and more runs, that ploy helped the Aussies instead. Since rain was predicted for the final two days and with England giving Australia less time to bat on day three, the Oz made the most of the chance and played for a draw. Anderson, who returned to the Test side for perhaps his final home game in whites, again failed to deliver as England couldn’t dismiss Australia, and with rain washing out the remaining two days, the match ended in a draw, and Australia retained the Ashes. The fifth Test will start at The Oval in London on July 27. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained | How Bazball-led England messed up golden chance to win home Ashes against ageing Aussie side

<p>After the second day’s play at Old Trafford, Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood, in a presser, said he would pray to rain Gods to help them retain the urn, and his prayers got answered, as the rain did washout day five to see this game end in a draw. As a result, on the back of a 2-1 lead in the ongoing Ashes, Australia retained the urn for the fourth time.</p>

<p>It comes as a huge disappointment for England, who were head and shoulders ahead of their opponents in this Test and looked like sealing the game to level the series 2-2. While home fans and the English dressing room would rue the missed opportunity to win back the urn for the first time since 2015, the Aussie camp would be happy to claim it without putting not even half a good performance in this Test particularly.</p>

<p>With five out of six sessions getting washed out on days four and five, Australia, who were 61 runs behind with five wickets in hand, would feel lucky to get away in this Test as the final match at the Kia Oval in London would be England’s game to win, to at least level the series.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-england-have-made-test-cricket-approachable-attractive-says-sangakkara-as-4th-test-result-await-618642">Ashes: England have made Test cricket approachable, attractive, says Sangakkara</a></p>

<p>However, for countless reasons, this Test, or this series until now, will be remembered for a long time.</p>

<p>England won the toss in this do-or-die fourth Test, and decided to bowl first, an option captains often avoid choosing at this venue. Backing the brand of cricket – Bazball, which England is playing and endorsing, this unorthodox call shouldn’t surprise many.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia, in the first innings, couldn’t do much despite having eight batters, including two seam-bowling all-rounders in Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh, as they got all out on 317. England, in their reply, posted a mammoth total of 592, with opener Zak Crawley being their top-scorer (189). Besides him, five other batters also completed their fifties, with keeper Jonny Bairstow getting stranded on 99.</p>

<h2>Labuschagne saved Australia’s sinking boat</h2>

<p>Australia’s number three and batter in form, Marnus Labuschagne’s maiden Ashes hundred in England in the second innings saved his team from an embarrassing defeat in this series. With him and Marsh, in particular, eating balls, it helped Australia play for the draw – something they wanted to retain the urn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And as destiny had it, despite little play in the final session of day four, Australia’s second innings score of 214 for five saw the visiting team successfully unlock their achievement.</p>

<p>The fifth and final Test of the 2023 Ashes will begin on July 27 in London.</p>

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After the second day’s play at Old Trafford, Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood, in a presser, said he would pray to rain Gods to help them retain the urn, and his prayers got answered, as the rain did washout day five to see this game end in a draw.

After the second day’s play at Old Trafford, Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood, in a presser, said he would pray to rain Gods to help them retain the urn, and his prayers got answered, as the rain did washout day five to see this game end in a draw. As a result, on the back of a 2-1 lead in the ongoing Ashes, Australia retained the urn for the fourth time. It comes as a huge disappointment for England, who were head and shoulders ahead of their opponents in this Test and looked like sealing the game to level the series 2-2. While home fans and the English dressing room would rue the missed opportunity to win back the urn for the first time since 2015, the Aussie camp would be happy to claim it without putting not even half a good performance in this Test particularly. With five out of six sessions getting washed out on days four and five, Australia, who were 61 runs behind with five wickets in hand, would feel lucky to get away in this Test as the final match at the Kia Oval in London would be England’s game to win, to at least level the series. ALSO READ: Ashes: England have made Test cricket approachable, attractive, says Sangakkara However, for countless reasons, this Test, or this series until now, will be remembered for a long time. England won the toss in this do-or-die fourth Test, and decided to bowl first, an option captains often avoid choosing at this venue. Backing the brand of cricket – Bazball, which England is playing and endorsing, this unorthodox call shouldn’t surprise many. Meanwhile, Australia, in the first innings, couldn’t do much despite having eight batters, including two seam-bowling all-rounders in Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh, as they got all out on 317. England, in their reply, posted a mammoth total of 592, with opener Zak Crawley being their top-scorer (189). Besides him, five other batters also completed their fifties, with keeper Jonny Bairstow getting stranded on 99. Labuschagne saved Australia’s sinking boat Australia’s number three and batter in form, Marnus Labuschagne’s maiden Ashes hundred in England in the second innings saved his team from an embarrassing defeat in this series. With him and Marsh, in particular, eating balls, it helped Australia play for the draw – something they wanted to retain the urn. And as destiny had it, despite little play in the final session of day four, Australia’s second innings score of 214 for five saw the visiting team successfully unlock their achievement. The fifth and final Test of the 2023 Ashes will begin on July 27 in London. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes, 4th Test: Hazlewood’s prayers worked as rain played spoilsport to help Australia retain urn

<p>Former Australia and New South Wales (NSW) keeper-batter Brian Taber passed away aged 83. A not-so-tall right-handed batter, who represented Australia between 1966-1970, breathed his last on Friday, July 21.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are today mourning the loss of former Australian and NSW wicketkeeper Brian Taber, who passed away on Friday aged 83.<br />
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Taber played 16 Tests between 1966 and 1970 and is widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers our country has produced. May he Rest in Peace. <a href="https://t.co/qdAzhC6mAz">pic.twitter.com/qdAzhC6mAz</a></p>
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1682621077292466176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Having made his Test debut for Australia against South Africa at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on December 23, 1966, Taber affected eight dismissals (seven catches and one stumping). In his four-year international career, Taber faced the mighty West Indies, India and Australia's oldest rivals, England.</p>

<p>In 16 Test matches, Taber scored a mere 353 runs at 16.04, with his highest score of 48 coming against West Indies in Sydney in 1969 - a Test Australia won by a whopping 382 runs.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-official-drops-huge-hint-on-rishabh-pants-return-date-suryakumar-yadav-likely-to-lead-in-ireland-t20is-618387">BCCI official drops HUGE hint on Rishabh Pant's return date; Suryakumar Yadav likely to lead in Ireland T20Is</a></p>

<p>Not really known for his batting, New South Wales great was regarded as the best keeper for his club and Australia during his time. His impeccable glovework and calm demeanour behind the stumps separated him from the rest.</p>

<p>For NSW, he played over 100 matches and is a member of the state's Hall of Fame.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following hanging his boots as a player, Taber held various roles within the game, including becoming NSW coach and chairman of selectors. Later, he got selected as manager of the Australian Under-19 Men's Cricket Team.</p>

<h2>Cricket Australia CEO pays tribute</h2>

<p>"Brian's vast popularity among former teammates, and all those fortunate enough to have known him, is just one indication of the impact he had on our game," Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said.</p>

<p>"Brian had a passion for the development of young players, and it is fitting that the Player of the Tournament at the Men's National Under-19 Championships will continue to receive the Brian Taber Medal."</p>

<p>New South Wales CEO Lee Germon also paid his tributes to Taber, saying his contribution as a player, coach, manager and selector was immense to Australian cricket. He added, Taber was loved by all for his genuine nature.</p>

<p>"His contribution to Australian cricket was immense, as a player, coach, manager and selector. Tabsy was universally loved for both his skill as a wicketkeeper and his character as a person. He was such a nice, genuine guy, and he will be greatly missed by all," Cricket NSW CEO, Lee Germon said.</p>

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Former Australia and New South Wales (NSW) keeper-batter Brian Taber passed away aged 83. A not-so-tall right-handed batter, who represented Australia between 1966-1970, breathed his last on Friday, July 21.

Former Australia and New South Wales (NSW) keeper-batter Brian Taber passed away aged 83. A not-so-tall right-handed batter, who represented Australia between 1966-1970, breathed his last on Friday, July 21. We are today mourning the loss of former Australian and NSW wicketkeeper Brian Taber, who passed away on Friday aged 83. Taber played 16 Tests between 1966 and 1970 and is widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers our country has produced. May he Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/qdAzhC6mAz — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) July 22, 2023 × Having made his Test debut for Australia against South Africa at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on December 23, 1966, Taber affected eight dismissals (seven catches and one stumping). In his four-year international career, Taber faced the mighty West Indies, India and Australia's oldest rivals, England. In 16 Test matches, Taber scored a mere 353 runs at 16.04, with his highest score of 48 coming against West Indies in Sydney in 1969 - a Test Australia won by a whopping 382 runs. ALSO READ: BCCI official drops HUGE hint on Rishabh Pant's return date; Suryakumar Yadav likely to lead in Ireland T20Is Not really known for his batting, New South Wales great was regarded as the best keeper for his club and Australia during his time. His impeccable glovework and calm demeanour behind the stumps separated him from the rest. For NSW, he played over 100 matches and is a member of the state's Hall of Fame. Following hanging his boots as a player, Taber held various roles within the game, including becoming NSW coach and chairman of selectors. Later, he got selected as manager of the Australian Under-19 Men's Cricket Team. Cricket Australia CEO pays tribute "Brian's vast popularity among former teammates, and all those fortunate enough to have known him, is just one indication of the impact he had on our game," Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said. "Brian had a passion for the development of young players, and it is fitting that the Player of the Tournament at the Men's National Under-19 Championships will continue to receive the Brian Taber Medal." New South Wales CEO Lee Germon also paid his tributes to Taber, saying his contribution as a player, coach, manager and selector was immense to Australian cricket. He added, Taber was loved by all for his genuine nature. "His contribution to Australian cricket was immense, as a player, coach, manager and selector. Tabsy was universally loved for both his skill as a wicketkeeper and his character as a person. He was such a nice, genuine guy, and he will be greatly missed by all," Cricket NSW CEO, Lee Germon said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Brian Taber, ex-Australian keeper dies aged 83, Cricket Australia CEO pays tribute

<p>Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood wouldn't mind rain interruption on day four of the ongoing fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford as England sit in a comfortable position to level the series 2-2. As the weather forecast in Manchester shows 75% chances of rain pouring down from 11 am local time onwards, Hazlewood and the Australian team will fancy the prediction coming true after getting hammered for almost one-and-a-half days in this Test.</p>

<p>After Australia's first innings ended on 317, England made light work of the spin-less Australian bowling line-up, with Zak Crawley hitting a stunning 189. Besides, five other English batters also completed fifties, including Jonny Bairstow, who remained unbeaten on 99. Thanks to the mammoth batting show by the home team, England scored 592, leading by 275 runs.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-jonny-bairstow-grateful-to-deliver-for-england-narrates-comeback-story-following-career-ending-injury-618329">Ashes: Jonny Bairstow grateful to deliver for England, narrates comeback story following career-ending injury</a></p>

<p>In the second innings, Australia got reduced to 113 for four at stumps on day three, with Mark Wood picking three wickets. Given the touring side stares at a probable defeat with rain likely to play spoilsport on the remaining two days, Hazlewood said he would be pleased if proceedings get halted in Manchester.</p>

<p>However, if the rain persists and the game gets drawn, Australia will retain the Ashes irrespective of the final Test's result.</p>

<p>"I'd be very pleased," Josh Hazlewood admitted. "It's obviously forecast, but forecasts can change all the time. Obviously, rain and light play a big part in cricket and have done forever. So, yeah, it'd be great to lose a few overs here and there, and make our job a little easier if I'm hanging in there."</p>

<h2>Bairstow expects different outcome despite rain forecast</h2>

<p>On the other side, England batter Jonny Bairstow thinks otherwise and feels even though cloud cover would be there, it would make things interesting for the hosts as they would need little assistance from the weather to mat Australia in the fourth Test.</p>

<p>With the Duke Ball likely to move around a tad more in the first hour, Bairstow expects seamers to draw early blood and pick six wickets quickly before rain halts play.</p>

<p>"The weather is the weather, and I'm not Michael Fish," Jonny Bairstow said, referencing the famous BBC forecaster of the 1980s and 1990s, as quoted in ESPNcricinfo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Coming in tomorrow, if there is a bit of weather around, maybe some overheads, you'd like to hope we're able to create some chances. The weathermen have been right, the weathermen have been wrong, who knows what's going to happen? We'll still turn up with the same mindset and that will be to try and take another six wickets," he added.</p>

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Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood wouldn't mind rain interruption on day four of the ongoing fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford as England sit in a comfortable position to level the series 2-2.

Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood wouldn't mind rain interruption on day four of the ongoing fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford as England sit in a comfortable position to level the series 2-2. As the weather forecast in Manchester shows 75% chances of rain pouring down from 11 am local time onwards, Hazlewood and the Australian team will fancy the prediction coming true after getting hammered for almost one-and-a-half days in this Test. After Australia's first innings ended on 317, England made light work of the spin-less Australian bowling line-up, with Zak Crawley hitting a stunning 189. Besides, five other English batters also completed fifties, including Jonny Bairstow, who remained unbeaten on 99. Thanks to the mammoth batting show by the home team, England scored 592, leading by 275 runs. ALSO READ: Ashes: Jonny Bairstow grateful to deliver for England, narrates comeback story following career-ending injury In the second innings, Australia got reduced to 113 for four at stumps on day three, with Mark Wood picking three wickets. Given the touring side stares at a probable defeat with rain likely to play spoilsport on the remaining two days, Hazlewood said he would be pleased if proceedings get halted in Manchester. However, if the rain persists and the game gets drawn, Australia will retain the Ashes irrespective of the final Test's result. "I'd be very pleased," Josh Hazlewood admitted. "It's obviously forecast, but forecasts can change all the time. Obviously, rain and light play a big part in cricket and have done forever. So, yeah, it'd be great to lose a few overs here and there, and make our job a little easier if I'm hanging in there." Bairstow expects different outcome despite rain forecast On the other side, England batter Jonny Bairstow thinks otherwise and feels even though cloud cover would be there, it would make things interesting for the hosts as they would need little assistance from the weather to mat Australia in the fourth Test. With the Duke Ball likely to move around a tad more in the first hour, Bairstow expects seamers to draw early blood and pick six wickets quickly before rain halts play. "The weather is the weather, and I'm not Michael Fish," Jonny Bairstow said, referencing the famous BBC forecaster of the 1980s and 1990s, as quoted in ESPNcricinfo. "Coming in tomorrow, if there is a bit of weather around, maybe some overheads, you'd like to hope we're able to create some chances. The weathermen have been right, the weathermen have been wrong, who knows what's going to happen? We'll still turn up with the same mindset and that will be to try and take another six wickets," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes: Hazlewood hopes rain forecast turns true on day four as England eye to level series in Manchester

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<p>Cameron Green has attained full fitness and is ready to play the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester, starting next Wednesday. But it’s not as easy as it appears to be. Green missed the third Test in Leeds after suffering a minor hamstring injury, and the selectors decided to bring Mitchell Marsh in his place – who, for his good, scored a brilliant hundred in the first innings and pressed the case for his retention in the next game – much to the selection committee's headache.</p>

<p>With Marsh also contributing in the wickets column, the selection dilemma increases for the George Bailey-led panel. However, Green’s credentials will help his case, but the young all-rounder isn’t too sure about opening the innings. Since David Warner’s lone gritty knock during the first innings in Lord’s, the veteran batter has struggled, and without any guesses, against Stuart Broad, who now has picked his wicket 17 times in international cricket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wi-vs-ind-2023-he-showed-patience-temperament-stuck-to-his-plans-rohit-lauds-debutant-yashasvi-jaiswal-615852">WI vs IND 2023: 'He showed patience, temperament, stuck to his plans': Rohit lauds debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal</a></p>

<p>Calling the idea of him opening the innings only on the ground that he has to play, Green labels it as a bit stretched. Though he is putting his hands up to bat at any position&nbsp;for the team, Green feels since he bowls a bit more for a batting all-rounder, he must stick with batting at lower down the order.<br />
<br />
Citing Shane Watson’s example, who had batted at the top of the order during the 2009 Ashes, Green said, "I think it's a bit of a stretch. I think being an all-rounder [makes it a stretch] - probably Shane Watson is the only one who comes to mind doing that - [and] I'm not too sure how much he bowled."</p>

<p>"I think anyone would be happy to bat anywhere to play Test cricket. You always put your hand up for selection but have to wait and see what selectors think,” Green added.</p>

<h2>We share a good bond, says&nbsp;Green on Marsh</h2>

<p>Though it’s evident if Warner retains his place at the top of the order or even gets replaced by Marcus Harris for the fourth Test, either of Mitchell Marsh and Green will play in Manchester as Travis Head will start, given he adds value with the ball in hand.</p>

<p>Speaking on the overall relationship he shares with Mitchell Marsh, Green said,</p>

<p>"We both have a great relationship. We're so happy for each other when one gets picked…I kind of look up to Mitch, so I'm so happy to see him play well. There was no doubt in my mind that he was going to come back and play an incredible game, which he did,” Green added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia lead the five-matches Ashes series 2-1.</p>

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Cameron Green has attained full fitness and is ready to play the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester, starting next Wednesday. But it’s not as easy as it appears to be.

Cameron Green has attained full fitness and is ready to play the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester, starting next Wednesday. But it’s not as easy as it appears to be. Green missed the third Test in Leeds after suffering a minor hamstring injury, and the selectors decided to bring Mitchell Marsh in his place – who, for his good, scored a brilliant hundred in the first innings and pressed the case for his retention in the next game – much to the selection committee's headache. With Marsh also contributing in the wickets column, the selection dilemma increases for the George Bailey-led panel. However, Green’s credentials will help his case, but the young all-rounder isn’t too sure about opening the innings. Since David Warner’s lone gritty knock during the first innings in Lord’s, the veteran batter has struggled, and without any guesses, against Stuart Broad, who now has picked his wicket 17 times in international cricket. ALSO READ: WI vs IND 2023: 'He showed patience, temperament, stuck to his plans': Rohit lauds debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal Calling the idea of him opening the innings only on the ground that he has to play, Green labels it as a bit stretched. Though he is putting his hands up to bat at any position for the team, Green feels since he bowls a bit more for a batting all-rounder, he must stick with batting at lower down the order. Citing Shane Watson’s example, who had batted at the top of the order during the 2009 Ashes, Green said, "I think it's a bit of a stretch. I think being an all-rounder [makes it a stretch] - probably Shane Watson is the only one who comes to mind doing that - [and] I'm not too sure how much he bowled." "I think anyone would be happy to bat anywhere to play Test cricket. You always put your hand up for selection but have to wait and see what selectors think,” Green added. We share a good bond, says Green on Marsh Though it’s evident if Warner retains his place at the top of the order or even gets replaced by Marcus Harris for the fourth Test, either of Mitchell Marsh and Green will play in Manchester as Travis Head will start, given he adds value with the ball in hand. Speaking on the overall relationship he shares with Mitchell Marsh, Green said, "We both have a great relationship. We're so happy for each other when one gets picked…I kind of look up to Mitch, so I'm so happy to see him play well. There was no doubt in my mind that he was going to come back and play an incredible game, which he did,” Green added. Meanwhile, Australia lead the five-matches Ashes series 2-1. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes: Fully fit Cameron Green unsure of opening batting in fourth Test as selection dilemma lingers on

<p>Ashes 2023 is turning out to be an exciting series for all cricket lovers. Australia are currently leading the series 2-0, but this hardly tells the story of how nail-biting and competitive the fixtures have been. When England and Australia faced each other on Day 1 of the third Ashes Test, a very peculiar incident happened that is now catching everyone’s attention. Before the toss, England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum was reportedly stopped by the security staff who failed to recognise him.</p>

<h2>Brendon McCullum stopped by the security</h2>

<p>As reported by The Times UK, Brendon McCullum was stopped by a security guard and was not permitted to enter the ground at Headingley, Leeds. The report said, “The security guard on duty did not recognise McCullum, who tried to argue while the person accompanying the New Zealander pointed out that it was fairly critical to the England team's chances that he was allowed through.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/odi-world-cup-2023-mohammad-kaif-makes-big-claim-about-team-india-says-chances-are-quite-bright-because-613406">ODI World Cup 2023: Mohammad Kaif makes big claim about Team India, says 'chances are quite bright because...'</a></strong></p>

<p>The security guard stopped McCullum because he did not have the correct entry pass. This didn’t sit well with the former New Zealand skipper, who was in a hurry for the toss and moved past the guard. It was said that McCullum lost patience and bypassed security when the guard was trying to contact his supervisor and told him, “You'll just have to deal with it.”</p>

<h2>The Third Ashes Test: A game of comebacks</h2>

<p>If England want to keep their hopes alive of winning the series they will have to win this Test. The Ben Stokes-led side made 2 changes in their line-up. They brought in Mark Wood to replace James Anderson and Moeen Ali in place of an injured Ollie Pope. The changes seem to have worked as Wood took a five-for and helped dismiss Australia for 263 runs in the first innings.</p>

<p>On the other side, Australia brought in Mitchell Marsh, who made a return to the side after a long gap of nearly four years. Marsh had a dream comeback and carried Australia to a respectable score. The all-rounder scored a brilliant hundred. Later, he took the crucial wicket of English opener Zak Crawley.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/odi-world-cup-2023-pakistan-pm-forms-high-level-committee-as-national-teams-participation-hangs-in-limbo-613392">ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan PM forms high-level committee as national team's participation hangs in limbo</a></strong></p>

<h2>Ashes Third Test</h2>

<p>Despite getting Australia out for 263 on Day 1, England failed to capitalise on the situation, thanks to a six-wicket haul by Pat Cummins. English skipper Ben Stokes once again played a magnificent fighting innings, but could only take the hosts to a score of 237. With Moeen Ali leading the bowling attack with 2 wickets, England would look to finish off Australia’s innings quickly. Australia have a lead of 142 runs, with the star pair of last innings- Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head at the crease.</p>


Australia lead 142 runs in the 3rd Ashes Test. The Pat Cummins-led side were at 116 for 4 at the end of Day 2. The match is a must win game for England if they want to keep their hopes alive of winning the series.

Ashes 2023 is turning out to be an exciting series for all cricket lovers. Australia are currently leading the series 2-0, but this hardly tells the story of how nail-biting and competitive the fixtures have been. When England and Australia faced each other on Day 1 of the third Ashes Test, a very peculiar incident happened that is now catching everyone’s attention. Before the toss, England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum was reportedly stopped by the security staff who failed to recognise him. Brendon McCullum stopped by the security As reported by The Times UK, Brendon McCullum was stopped by a security guard and was not permitted to enter the ground at Headingley, Leeds. The report said, “The security guard on duty did not recognise McCullum, who tried to argue while the person accompanying the New Zealander pointed out that it was fairly critical to the England team's chances that he was allowed through.” Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023: Mohammad Kaif makes big claim about Team India, says 'chances are quite bright because...' The security guard stopped McCullum because he did not have the correct entry pass. This didn’t sit well with the former New Zealand skipper, who was in a hurry for the toss and moved past the guard. It was said that McCullum lost patience and bypassed security when the guard was trying to contact his supervisor and told him, “You'll just have to deal with it.” The Third Ashes Test: A game of comebacks If England want to keep their hopes alive of winning the series they will have to win this Test. The Ben Stokes-led side made 2 changes in their line-up. They brought in Mark Wood to replace James Anderson and Moeen Ali in place of an injured Ollie Pope. The changes seem to have worked as Wood took a five-for and helped dismiss Australia for 263 runs in the first innings. On the other side, Australia brought in Mitchell Marsh, who made a return to the side after a long gap of nearly four years. Marsh had a dream comeback and carried Australia to a respectable score. The all-rounder scored a brilliant hundred. Later, he took the crucial wicket of English opener Zak Crawley. Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan PM forms high-level committee as national team's participation hangs in limbo Ashes Third Test Despite getting Australia out for 263 on Day 1, England failed to capitalise on the situation, thanks to a six-wicket haul by Pat Cummins. English skipper Ben Stokes once again played a magnificent fighting innings, but could only take the hosts to a score of 237. With Moeen Ali leading the bowling attack with 2 wickets, England would look to finish off Australia’s innings quickly. Australia have a lead of 142 runs, with the star pair of last innings- Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head at the crease.

Ashes 2023: Brendon McCullum stopped by security guard at Headingley

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<p>The Australian camp is hopeful for all-rounder Cameron Green to recover from the ‘low grade’ hamstring strain he sustained ahead of the third Test in Leeds on Thursday. With him getting ruled out from the ongoing Test, the Aussies brought in Ashes winner Mitchell Marsh as his replacement.</p>

<p>While Green had a lengthy batting session on Tuesday, he didn’t bowl a single over in the nets and didn’t even show up at the final training session on the game day. With Nathan Lyon getting injured in the first innings of the Lord's Test, missing all the remainder of action, Green shouldered the responsibility and bowled 22 overs.</p>

<p>His quota of overs was crucial for Australia, who somehow managed to put brakes on Ben Stokes’ innings on day five and helped his team win the Test by 43 runs and take a 2-0 lead in the series. Green’s form with the bat in hand hasn’t been impressive either, with the lanky hard-hitter managing a decent 38 and 28 in the first Test at Edgbaston.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-watch-mark-wood-breaks-usman-khawajas-leg-stump-with-95mph-jaffa-612706">Ashes 2023: WATCH - Mark Wood breaks Usman Khawaja's leg stump with 95mph jaffa</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Green had missed three Tests earlier (two vs South Africa and one against India) after suffering a broken finger against Proteas at the MCG during the Boxing Day Test last year.</p>

<p>Though there wasn’t much of a gap between the second and the third Test, there is a nine-day gap between the third and the fourth, given the ongoing Test ends on day five, giving Green more time to regain fitness.</p>

<p>The fourth Test begins on July 19 at Old Trafford in Manchester.</p>

<h2>Green’s loss is Mitch’s gain</h2>

<p>Having last played a Test at the Kia Oval four years ago in 2019, returning with a five-for in that match, Mitchell Marsh returned to the Test side to fight for a place in the XI.</p>

<p>However, after breaking his hand punching a dressing-room wall at the WACA during a Sheffield Shield match, Marsh got ruled out of the subsequent series against Pakistan back then. It was Cameron Green, who emerged on the scene in his absence, and after showing promise early on, he cemented his place in the side at the number six spot.</p>

<p>Mitchell Marsh fares well against the Poms, averaging 45.44 with the bat and 24.46 with the ball in hand.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Marsh and Head have steadied the ship for Australia on day one after the visitors lost four wickets inside the first session, including star batter Steve Smith, who is playing his 100th Test.</p>

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The Australian camp is hopeful for all-rounder Cameron Green to recover from the ‘low grade’ hamstring strain he sustained ahead of the third Test in Leeds on Thursday.

The Australian camp is hopeful for all-rounder Cameron Green to recover from the ‘low grade’ hamstring strain he sustained ahead of the third Test in Leeds on Thursday. With him getting ruled out from the ongoing Test, the Aussies brought in Ashes winner Mitchell Marsh as his replacement. While Green had a lengthy batting session on Tuesday, he didn’t bowl a single over in the nets and didn’t even show up at the final training session on the game day. With Nathan Lyon getting injured in the first innings of the Lord's Test, missing all the remainder of action, Green shouldered the responsibility and bowled 22 overs. His quota of overs was crucial for Australia, who somehow managed to put brakes on Ben Stokes’ innings on day five and helped his team win the Test by 43 runs and take a 2-0 lead in the series. Green’s form with the bat in hand hasn’t been impressive either, with the lanky hard-hitter managing a decent 38 and 28 in the first Test at Edgbaston. ALSO READ: Ashes 2023: WATCH - Mark Wood breaks Usman Khawaja's leg stump with 95mph jaffa Meanwhile, Green had missed three Tests earlier (two vs South Africa and one against India) after suffering a broken finger against Proteas at the MCG during the Boxing Day Test last year. Though there wasn’t much of a gap between the second and the third Test, there is a nine-day gap between the third and the fourth, given the ongoing Test ends on day five, giving Green more time to regain fitness. The fourth Test begins on July 19 at Old Trafford in Manchester. Green’s loss is Mitch’s gain Having last played a Test at the Kia Oval four years ago in 2019, returning with a five-for in that match, Mitchell Marsh returned to the Test side to fight for a place in the XI. However, after breaking his hand punching a dressing-room wall at the WACA during a Sheffield Shield match, Marsh got ruled out of the subsequent series against Pakistan back then. It was Cameron Green, who emerged on the scene in his absence, and after showing promise early on, he cemented his place in the side at the number six spot. Mitchell Marsh fares well against the Poms, averaging 45.44 with the bat and 24.46 with the ball in hand. Meanwhile, Marsh and Head have steadied the ship for Australia on day one after the visitors lost four wickets inside the first session, including star batter Steve Smith, who is playing his 100th Test. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes 2023: Australia hopeful that injured Cameron Green will recover in time for 4th Test

<p>The Ashes have well and truly begun. With on-field drama, sledges, swearing and yes, cricket too, the English summer has got off to a flying start. Following the first Test at Edgbaston that Australia won by two wickets, England seamer Ollie Robinson was asked about his ‘over-the-top’ reaction after dismissing Usman Khawaja in the first innings, where he visibly abused him. Robinson, in his reply, quoted Ricky Ponting’s example, which didn’t sit well with the former Australian captain.</p>

<p>On day three of the first Test, Robinson clean-bowled Khawaja on 141 on a Yorker,&nbsp;and was heard using cuss words against him as part of the celebration.</p>

<p>Though during the game, Ponting remained tight-lipped while during commentary for Sky Sports, the batting great came down hard on the bowler and the English team in his ICC Review Podcast on Wednesday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-coach-mccullum-backs-players-despite-narrow-defeat-says-edgbaston-loss-validated-our-style-of-play-607175">Ashes: Coach McCullum backs players despite narrow defeat, says Edgbaston loss 'validated' our style of play</a></p>

<p>Ponting said this new-looking English team is yet to get the taste of what it is about playing against the mighty Aussies in an Ashes series and said if Robinson hasn’t learned from his lessons yet, he surely is a slow learner.</p>

<p>"As I said after Ollie Robinson said what he said, this England cricket team hasn't played against Australia, and they'll find out pretty quickly what playing Ashes cricket and playing against a good Australian cricket team is all about," Ponting said. "And if Robinson hasn't learned that already after last week, then he's a slow learner."</p>

<h2>‘Even Ponting did that before…’</h2>

<p>Following day three play, Robinson, in a tensed presser said he ‘doesn’t care’ on how his reaction is perceived by the Australian, and even went on to mention Ricky Ponting’s name in it, saying, "We've all seen Ricky Ponting, [and] other Aussies do the same to us. Just because the shoe is on the other foot, it's not received well."</p>

<p>Reverting to this, Ponting said it was unusual from Robinson to bring his name like that, but since he had, he would learn quickly on why this shouldn’t happen again.</p>

<p>"Some of the things he had to say - I mean he even brought my name into it, which I felt was a little bit unusual," Ponting said. "But for me, it's water off a duck's back. If he is sitting back thinking about me, then no wonder he bowled like the way that he did in that game, if he's worried about what I did 15 years ago."</p>

<p>Ponting said if the English players were to talk about Australians in an Ashes, they must be backing that with skill set.</p>

<p>"He'll learn pretty quickly that if you're going to talk to Australian cricketers in an Ashes series, then you want to be able to back it up with your skills,” Ponting added.</p>

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The Ashes have well and truly begun. With on-field drama, sledges, swearing and yes, cricket too, the English summer has got off to a flying start. Following the first Test at Edgbaston that Australia won by two wickets, England seamer Ollie Robinson was asked about his ‘over-the-top’ reaction after dismissing Usman Khawaja in the first innings, where he visibly abused him.

The Ashes have well and truly begun. With on-field drama, sledges, swearing and yes, cricket too, the English summer has got off to a flying start. Following the first Test at Edgbaston that Australia won by two wickets, England seamer Ollie Robinson was asked about his ‘over-the-top’ reaction after dismissing Usman Khawaja in the first innings, where he visibly abused him. Robinson, in his reply, quoted Ricky Ponting’s example, which didn’t sit well with the former Australian captain. On day three of the first Test, Robinson clean-bowled Khawaja on 141 on a Yorker, and was heard using cuss words against him as part of the celebration. Though during the game, Ponting remained tight-lipped while during commentary for Sky Sports, the batting great came down hard on the bowler and the English team in his ICC Review Podcast on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Ashes: Coach McCullum backs players despite narrow defeat, says Edgbaston loss 'validated' our style of play Ponting said this new-looking English team is yet to get the taste of what it is about playing against the mighty Aussies in an Ashes series and said if Robinson hasn’t learned from his lessons yet, he surely is a slow learner. "As I said after Ollie Robinson said what he said, this England cricket team hasn't played against Australia, and they'll find out pretty quickly what playing Ashes cricket and playing against a good Australian cricket team is all about," Ponting said. "And if Robinson hasn't learned that already after last week, then he's a slow learner." ‘Even Ponting did that before…’ Following day three play, Robinson, in a tensed presser said he ‘doesn’t care’ on how his reaction is perceived by the Australian, and even went on to mention Ricky Ponting’s name in it, saying, "We've all seen Ricky Ponting, [and] other Aussies do the same to us. Just because the shoe is on the other foot, it's not received well." Reverting to this, Ponting said it was unusual from Robinson to bring his name like that, but since he had, he would learn quickly on why this shouldn’t happen again. "Some of the things he had to say - I mean he even brought my name into it, which I felt was a little bit unusual," Ponting said. "But for me, it's water off a duck's back. If he is sitting back thinking about me, then no wonder he bowled like the way that he did in that game, if he's worried about what I did 15 years ago." Ponting said if the English players were to talk about Australians in an Ashes, they must be backing that with skill set. "He'll learn pretty quickly that if you're going to talk to Australian cricketers in an Ashes series, then you want to be able to back it up with your skills,” Ponting added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes 2023: Ollie Robinson's latest remarks irks Ponting, ex-Aussie captain issues warning

<p>The greatest rivalry in Tests - the Ashes 2023 is set to get underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 16. Since last year when Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took over the reins in the Test setup, England's track record changed for good. On the other hand, Australia boosted their chances of tackling the most-talked-about 'Bazball' approach in the upcoming five-match series with a massive 209-run win over India in the recently-contested WTC Final 2023.</p>

<p>The hosts have their basis covered, and two days before the start of the first day's play announced their XI, with the inclusion of coming-out-of-retirement Moeen Ali. Though they are dealing with some injury issues with Jofra Archer, Olly Stone and spinner Jack Leach all ruled out of English summer, the inclusion of Anderson, Broad and Robinson reflects their plans against the mighty Aussies.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/moeen-alis-selection-receives-backlash-as-ex-captain-plays-down-englands-latest-move-to-boost-ashes-hopes-604755">Moeen Ali's selection receives backlash as ex-captain plays down England's latest move to boost Ashes hopes</a></p>

<p>With England's top-three in good form, considering their latest outing against Ireland in the one-off Test at Lord's, their tactics of taking down the mighty Aussie attack from the word go look well on track. Joe Root, perhaps England's best batter on paper, will dictate terms in the middle order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The young Harry Brook also looks set to unleash himself, as his credentials have already kept the Aussies on notice. Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow, two batters who haven't spent much time on the crease in the build-up to this Test, will possess challenge when on the song.</p>

<h2>Australia ready to create history</h2>

<p>The touring Australia team looks daunting after the recent success against India, and with how their players are faring on the latest ICC Rankings for batters in Tests, they know they can pull the rabbit out of the hat and win their first away Ashes in 22 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While their batting order looks sorted, the Australian selection committee will have a good headache with whom to pick from for that one slot, Josh Hazlewood or Scott Boland. With Ricky Ponting and others vouching for Hazlewood's inclusion in the XI despite him missing the WTC Final on precautionary grounds, consensus says Boland might get retained for the first Test.</p>

<p>Considering the previous result at this venue in 2022, when England chased down the mammoth 378 against India with seven wickets in hand, both sides will fancy bowling first in Edgbaston.</p>

<p><strong>Here is England's confirmed Playing XI for the first Ashes Test -</strong></p>

<p>Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and James Anderson</p>

<p><strong>Here is Australia's Predicted XI for the first Ashes Test -</strong></p>

<p>David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon</p>

<p><strong>Match Prediction -</strong></p>

<p>England looks confident like never before, and with momentum on their side, let alone the crowd, they are likely to draw first blood against Australia.</p>

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The greatest rivalry in Tests - the Ashes 2023 is set to get underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 16. Since last year when Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took over the reins in the Test setup, England's track record changed for good.

The greatest rivalry in Tests - the Ashes 2023 is set to get underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 16. Since last year when Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took over the reins in the Test setup, England's track record changed for good. On the other hand, Australia boosted their chances of tackling the most-talked-about 'Bazball' approach in the upcoming five-match series with a massive 209-run win over India in the recently-contested WTC Final 2023. The hosts have their basis covered, and two days before the start of the first day's play announced their XI, with the inclusion of coming-out-of-retirement Moeen Ali. Though they are dealing with some injury issues with Jofra Archer, Olly Stone and spinner Jack Leach all ruled out of English summer, the inclusion of Anderson, Broad and Robinson reflects their plans against the mighty Aussies. ALSO READ: Moeen Ali's selection receives backlash as ex-captain plays down England's latest move to boost Ashes hopes With England's top-three in good form, considering their latest outing against Ireland in the one-off Test at Lord's, their tactics of taking down the mighty Aussie attack from the word go look well on track. Joe Root, perhaps England's best batter on paper, will dictate terms in the middle order. The young Harry Brook also looks set to unleash himself, as his credentials have already kept the Aussies on notice. Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow, two batters who haven't spent much time on the crease in the build-up to this Test, will possess challenge when on the song. Australia ready to create history The touring Australia team looks daunting after the recent success against India, and with how their players are faring on the latest ICC Rankings for batters in Tests, they know they can pull the rabbit out of the hat and win their first away Ashes in 22 years. While their batting order looks sorted, the Australian selection committee will have a good headache with whom to pick from for that one slot, Josh Hazlewood or Scott Boland. With Ricky Ponting and others vouching for Hazlewood's inclusion in the XI despite him missing the WTC Final on precautionary grounds, consensus says Boland might get retained for the first Test. Considering the previous result at this venue in 2022, when England chased down the mammoth 378 against India with seven wickets in hand, both sides will fancy bowling first in Edgbaston. Here is England's confirmed Playing XI for the first Ashes Test - Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and James Anderson Here is Australia's Predicted XI for the first Ashes Test - David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon Match Prediction - England looks confident like never before, and with momentum on their side, let alone the crowd, they are likely to draw first blood against Australia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ashes 2023, 1st Test, England vs Australia - Preview and Result Prediction

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<p>Ace seamer Mitchell Starc got crowned the World Test Champion on Sunday after Australia beat India by 209 runs in the one-off Final at the Oval. Being one of the few Aussie&nbsp;players to lift three ICC trophies, Starc said playing for Australia remains his top choice. Having played the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) for just one season in 2014 (for RCB), Starc never opted to play in the tournament again, prioritising his fitness and the international schedule with Australia.</p>

<p>“I enjoyed it (IPL), likewise I enjoyed my time in Yorkshire 10 years ago, but Australia will always sit at the top. I don’t regret any of it, money will come and go, but I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had," Starc told&nbsp;<em>The Guardian</em>&nbsp;following the WTC Final in London.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-icc-fines-players-for-slow-over-rate-indias-star-batsman-fined-extra-603411">WTC Final: ICC fines players for slow over rate, India's star batsman fined extra</a></p>

<p>Taking pride in being one of Australia’s premier Test bowlers, having won several accolades over the years, Starc remains grateful to represent the Baggy Green. In his latest conversation with the British outlet, Starc added, “Over a hundred years of Test cricket and there’s been less than 500 men who have played it for Australia that in itself makes it very special to be a part of it.”</p>

<p>“Franchise cricket is great, but you can be bought or sold or traded in 12 months, whereas this is an opportunity (playing Tests) that I’ve been fortunate enough to have over ten years now to be able to pull on the baggy green with a lot of my close mates, guys I’ve grown up in the game with," the veteran pacer added.</p>

<h2>‘Hope kids growing up choose to play Test cricket</h2>

<p>In this fast-moving age and time, the shortest version of cricket is the go-to format for many young players. With the introduction of several franchise-based T20 leagues, and IPL being one of them, Starc said those platforms provide easy money, especially for the young kids growing up.&nbsp;His inclination, however, will remain towards playing Tests instead.</p>

<p>The left-arm seamer, who played 78 Tests, 110 ODIs and 58 T20Is, wishes for young kids to draw inspiration in playing the traditional formats.</p>

<p>“The traditionalist in me still hopes there is a generation of boys and girls who want to represent their country in Test cricket. But the easy money is in franchise cricket, it’s the fast track to notoriety," Starc said.</p>

<p>Though he didn’t rule out his participation in the Indian Premier League&nbsp;soon, Starc remained firm on not doing that at the expense of the Australian team’s success on the international stage.</p>

<p>“I’d certainly love to play in the IPL again, but my goal for a long time has been to be at my best for Australia, no matter the format," Starc said.</p>

<p>“There’s nothing I love more in cricket than to sit back with my teammates at the end of a Test win and reflect on the success we’ve had that week. To be able to pull on the baggy green with a lot of my close mates, guys I’ve grown up in the game with," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, after winning the WTC Final, Starc’s Australia will take on England in the away Ashes, starting on June 16&nbsp;in Edgbaston.</p>

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Ace seamer Mitchell Starc got crowned the World Test Champion on Sunday after Australia beat India by 209 runs in the one-off Final at the Oval. Being one of the few Aussie players to lift three ICC trophies, Starc said playing for Australia remains his top choice.

Ace seamer Mitchell Starc got crowned the World Test Champion on Sunday after Australia beat India by 209 runs in the one-off Final at the Oval. Being one of the few Aussie players to lift three ICC trophies, Starc said playing for Australia remains his top choice. Having played the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) for just one season in 2014 (for RCB), Starc never opted to play in the tournament again, prioritising his fitness and the international schedule with Australia. “I enjoyed it (IPL), likewise I enjoyed my time in Yorkshire 10 years ago, but Australia will always sit at the top. I don’t regret any of it, money will come and go, but I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had," Starc told The Guardian following the WTC Final in London. ALSO READ: WTC Final: ICC fines players for slow over rate, India's star batsman fined extra Taking pride in being one of Australia’s premier Test bowlers, having won several accolades over the years, Starc remains grateful to represent the Baggy Green. In his latest conversation with the British outlet, Starc added, “Over a hundred years of Test cricket and there’s been less than 500 men who have played it for Australia that in itself makes it very special to be a part of it.” “Franchise cricket is great, but you can be bought or sold or traded in 12 months, whereas this is an opportunity (playing Tests) that I’ve been fortunate enough to have over ten years now to be able to pull on the baggy green with a lot of my close mates, guys I’ve grown up in the game with," the veteran pacer added. ‘Hope kids growing up choose to play Test cricket In this fast-moving age and time, the shortest version of cricket is the go-to format for many young players. With the introduction of several franchise-based T20 leagues, and IPL being one of them, Starc said those platforms provide easy money, especially for the young kids growing up. His inclination, however, will remain towards playing Tests instead. The left-arm seamer, who played 78 Tests, 110 ODIs and 58 T20Is, wishes for young kids to draw inspiration in playing the traditional formats. “The traditionalist in me still hopes there is a generation of boys and girls who want to represent their country in Test cricket. But the easy money is in franchise cricket, it’s the fast track to notoriety," Starc said. Though he didn’t rule out his participation in the Indian Premier League soon, Starc remained firm on not doing that at the expense of the Australian team’s success on the international stage. “I’d certainly love to play in the IPL again, but my goal for a long time has been to be at my best for Australia, no matter the format," Starc said. “There’s nothing I love more in cricket than to sit back with my teammates at the end of a Test win and reflect on the success we’ve had that week. To be able to pull on the baggy green with a lot of my close mates, guys I’ve grown up in the game with," he added. Meanwhile, after winning the WTC Final, Starc’s Australia will take on England in the away Ashes, starting on June 16 in Edgbaston. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Enjoyed my stint in IPL but playing for Australia comes on top,' says World Test Champion Mitchell Starc

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<p>Winning Ashes is never easy, be it at home or away, and with Australia holding an edge over England in the head-to-head record (34-32), they would fancy their chances this time after triumphing in the WTC Final against India on Sunday. As the high-octane series begins with the first Test in Edgbaston on June 16th, Australia captain Pat Cummins sets his sight on claiming the historic feat for his team for the first time in over two decades.</p>

<p>2001 was the last time Steve Waugh-led Australian team claimed the urn on English soil, and since then, none of the captains – be it the Pontings, Clarkes, Smiths and even Paines, could repeat the heroics. Under Pat Cummins, Australia will again push for the win, but knowing they will be up against the most-dangerous looking England’s Test unit ever, they are aware of the challenges.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/enjoyed-my-stint-in-ipl-but-playing-for-australia-comes-on-top-says-world-test-champion-mitchell-starc-603467">'Enjoyed my stint in IPL but playing for Australia comes on top,' says World Test Champion Mitchell Starc</a></p>

<p>Speaking to the media after helping his team clinch their maiden WTC Final on Sunday, Cummins said, "Whether we like it or not, Ashes series tend to define eras and teams," said Cummins as quoted by AFP. "An Ashes (in England) is bloody hard to win. It's been 20-odd years so it's not going to be easy. If we win, that is legacy-defining stuff."</p>

<h2>Oz begins Ashes prep with a win over India</h2>

<p>Upon landing in the UK for the extended away winter in late May, Australia began their Ashes preparation with a massive 209-run win over India in London. Cummins-led Australia was ahead in the game from day one, putting up 469 in the first innings and dismissing India on 296 in theirs. With them declaring on 270 for eight in their second innings, the Aussies gave India an improbable target of 444 to win the match.</p>

<p>While India got off to a decent start, they lost seven wickets in the first session on the final day, which resulted in them falling behind for the second straight time.</p>

<p>Embracing the moment, Cummins said, "I think we'll sit around in the changing rooms for a while and then we'll find a nice sunny English beer garden somewhere this afternoon to sit back and celebrate," said the 30-year-old fast bowler. "I know we've got a big series but we can worry about that in a couple days' time.</p>

<p>"You only get a few of these moments in your career where you can sit back, acknowledge a pretty special achievement, and this is one of these times," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Here is the Ashes schedule -</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>First Test (Edgbaston) - June 16 - June 20</li>
	<li>Second Test (Lord's) - June 28 - July 2</li>
	<li>Third Test (Clean Slate Headingley) - July 6 - July 10</li>
	<li>Fourth Test (Emirates Old Trafford) - July 19 - July 23</li>
	<li>Fifth Test (The Kia Oval) - July 27 - July 31</li>
</ul>

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Winning Ashes is never easy, be it at home or away, and with Australia holding an edge over England in the head-to-head record (34-32), they would fancy their chances this time after triumphing in the WTC Final against India on Sunday.

Winning Ashes is never easy, be it at home or away, and with Australia holding an edge over England in the head-to-head record (34-32), they would fancy their chances this time after triumphing in the WTC Final against India on Sunday. As the high-octane series begins with the first Test in Edgbaston on June 16th, Australia captain Pat Cummins sets his sight on claiming the historic feat for his team for the first time in over two decades. 2001 was the last time Steve Waugh-led Australian team claimed the urn on English soil, and since then, none of the captains – be it the Pontings, Clarkes, Smiths and even Paines, could repeat the heroics. Under Pat Cummins, Australia will again push for the win, but knowing they will be up against the most-dangerous looking England’s Test unit ever, they are aware of the challenges. ALSO READ: 'Enjoyed my stint in IPL but playing for Australia comes on top,' says World Test Champion Mitchell Starc Speaking to the media after helping his team clinch their maiden WTC Final on Sunday, Cummins said, "Whether we like it or not, Ashes series tend to define eras and teams," said Cummins as quoted by AFP. "An Ashes (in England) is bloody hard to win. It's been 20-odd years so it's not going to be easy. If we win, that is legacy-defining stuff." Oz begins Ashes prep with a win over India Upon landing in the UK for the extended away winter in late May, Australia began their Ashes preparation with a massive 209-run win over India in London. Cummins-led Australia was ahead in the game from day one, putting up 469 in the first innings and dismissing India on 296 in theirs. With them declaring on 270 for eight in their second innings, the Aussies gave India an improbable target of 444 to win the match. While India got off to a decent start, they lost seven wickets in the first session on the final day, which resulted in them falling behind for the second straight time. Embracing the moment, Cummins said, "I think we'll sit around in the changing rooms for a while and then we'll find a nice sunny English beer garden somewhere this afternoon to sit back and celebrate," said the 30-year-old fast bowler. "I know we've got a big series but we can worry about that in a couple days' time. "You only get a few of these moments in your career where you can sit back, acknowledge a pretty special achievement, and this is one of these times," he added. Here is the Ashes schedule - First Test (Edgbaston) - June 16 - June 20 Second Test (Lord's) - June 28 - July 2 Third Test (Clean Slate Headingley) - July 6 - July 10 Fourth Test (Emirates Old Trafford) - July 19 - July 23 Fifth Test (The Kia Oval) - July 27 - July 31 WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After claiming WTC Final, Pat Cummins sets sight on winning away Ashes for first time in over two decades

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<p>Batting great Steve Smith wishes for Test cricket’s longevity amid concerns surrounding the slow death of this format due to the growing culture of franchise-based T20 leagues. With all focus now on the World Test Championship Final between India and Australia, Smith opined, being a traditionalist, he wants this format to stay on every board’s priority and must be given utmost importance.</p>

<p>In the lead-up to the big tie against India, which starts on June 7th at the Oval in London, Smith said he thinks Test cricket is in a good space, and having watched a few matches lately, he believes this format is here to stay. He, however, remained concerned about its growth going&nbsp;forward.</p>

<p>"Yeah, I am slightly concerned. But yeah, hopefully, Test Cricket still stays alive and well. I think it's in a good place at the moment. In terms of some of the games, we've seen recently have been pretty amazing. So, yeah, for me as a, I suppose, a traditionalist, someone that loves Test cricket, I hope it still remains at the front of all the board's minds and stays alive and well for some time to come,” Smith said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-coach-rahul-dravid-dismisses-concern-around-winning-icc-trophy-says-india-is-under-no-pressure-600957">WTC Final: Coach Rahul Dravid dismisses concern around winning ICC trophy, says India is under no pressure</a></p>

<p>In regards to keeping this format relevant and important, Smith feels the WTC has come as a blessing and that the contest against India is going to glue everyone to their TV screens. Pressing on reaching this point after grinding hard for over two years in this WTC cycle, Smith said, "Oh, I mean it's really important. I think the World Test Championship now, having the two best teams play in a final, I think that's great. It adds a little bit more relevance, I suppose, to Test cricket. So it's what we all work towards for a couple of years. And this week should be an exciting one, and yeah the guys are looking forward to it."</p>

<h2>Smith aware of Shami, Siraj threat</h2>

<p>With the Indian camp keeping the cards close to their chest about the final XI against Australia, Smith remains aware of two-seamers who will play – Shami and Siraj. Considering the use of Duke Ball during the final and how good form both these pacers are in, they will be some threat to the daunting Aussie line-up.</p>

<p>"I think they've got a good mix obviously of quality seam bowlers. Shami and Siraj, probably their two main guys who have really good skills, and I think the Duke ball suits them nicely. And then obviously their spinners as well, who bowl really well in all conditions. So, I think they're a good attack and yeah, we're going to have to play well against them this week," Smith, who averages closer to 60 from 96 Tests, said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, following the WTC Final, the Australian team will take on England in the Ashes, starting June 16th in Edgbaston.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Batting great Steve Smith wishes for Test cricket’s longevity amid concerns surrounding the slow death of this format due to the growing culture of franchise-based T20 leagues.

Batting great Steve Smith wishes for Test cricket’s longevity amid concerns surrounding the slow death of this format due to the growing culture of franchise-based T20 leagues. With all focus now on the World Test Championship Final between India and Australia, Smith opined, being a traditionalist, he wants this format to stay on every board’s priority and must be given utmost importance. In the lead-up to the big tie against India, which starts on June 7th at the Oval in London, Smith said he thinks Test cricket is in a good space, and having watched a few matches lately, he believes this format is here to stay. He, however, remained concerned about its growth going forward. "Yeah, I am slightly concerned. But yeah, hopefully, Test Cricket still stays alive and well. I think it's in a good place at the moment. In terms of some of the games, we've seen recently have been pretty amazing. So, yeah, for me as a, I suppose, a traditionalist, someone that loves Test cricket, I hope it still remains at the front of all the board's minds and stays alive and well for some time to come,” Smith said, as quoted by Cricbuzz. ALSO READ: WTC Final: Coach Rahul Dravid dismisses concern around winning ICC trophy, says India is under no pressure In regards to keeping this format relevant and important, Smith feels the WTC has come as a blessing and that the contest against India is going to glue everyone to their TV screens. Pressing on reaching this point after grinding hard for over two years in this WTC cycle, Smith said, "Oh, I mean it's really important. I think the World Test Championship now, having the two best teams play in a final, I think that's great. It adds a little bit more relevance, I suppose, to Test cricket. So it's what we all work towards for a couple of years. And this week should be an exciting one, and yeah the guys are looking forward to it." Smith aware of Shami, Siraj threat With the Indian camp keeping the cards close to their chest about the final XI against Australia, Smith remains aware of two-seamers who will play – Shami and Siraj. Considering the use of Duke Ball during the final and how good form both these pacers are in, they will be some threat to the daunting Aussie line-up. "I think they've got a good mix obviously of quality seam bowlers. Shami and Siraj, probably their two main guys who have really good skills, and I think the Duke ball suits them nicely. And then obviously their spinners as well, who bowl really well in all conditions. So, I think they're a good attack and yeah, we're going to have to play well against them this week," Smith, who averages closer to 60 from 96 Tests, said. Meanwhile, following the WTC Final, the Australian team will take on England in the Ashes, starting June 16th in Edgbaston. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Steve Smith concerned about Test cricket's future, wishes for its survival with one eye on WTC Final

<p>Gearing up for his maiden ICC title clash, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is keen on stamping authority against India in World Test Championship (WTC) Final&nbsp;starting June 7th at the Oval in London. Having recently trained in Beckenham ahead of the India tie, Green seems to be 'coming out of his shell' and being a different player, as per his teammates.</p>

<p>Upon gaining praise for his impressive stint with Mumbai Indians in his first IPL, where he even scored a century against SunRisers Hyderabad in a virtual knockout, Green doesn’t feel the need to change his game in the longer format. From playing Tests to ODIs to T20s and again back to wearing whites this year, Green enjoyed the switch and took it as a learning curve.</p>

<p>Speaking on the same lines, Green told cricket.com.au, "The more you get exposed to it, the easier it gets. That's what I'm trying to take into it this time making the change. I kind of know what worked last time and what didn't, so I'm just trying to learn how to adjust quicker and better."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-oval-pitch-will-assist-spinners-india-must-play-ravindra-jadeja-ravi-ashwin-monty-panesar-600847">WTC Final: 'Oval pitch will assist spinners, India must play Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin' - Monty Panesar</a></p>

<p>Sharing his views on how he wants to approach this final, given his style of play, Green admitted not being defensive can work in his favour – taking a leaf out of England’s newest "Bazball"&nbsp;approach.</p>

<p>"The way that England have been playing their cricket has been quite aggressive, so maybe you don't have to change too much. Probably starting (my innings) last year, I probably looked to defend a bit too much instead of just looking to score. Then you can defend after when you see a good ball, just making good decisions out there.<br />
"So this time round it will be looking to score, and then if it's a good ball, defend," Green added.</p>

<h2>Teammates talk about ‘new Green’</h2>

<p>Teammates Usman Khawaja and Nathan Lyon, two vital players in the Test setup, admitted watching Green "coming out of his shell"&nbsp;and grow as a cricketer. Lyon opined, following a stellar IPL 2023, Green emerged as a different cricketer, and his presence in the dressing room changed for good.</p>

<p>Lyon said, by rubbing shoulders with some of the greats at his IPL franchise, someone like Rohit Sharma, Green would benefit himself going forward.</p>

<p>"His (Green) presence around the team has definitely changed after being a part of that IPL and after scoring that hundred in Ahmedabad,” Lyon said. "He's growing in confidence and being himself more, coming out of his shell a little bit more around the team.</p>

<p>"I think that just comes from being able to hang in there and play the IPL and be around the likes of (Mumbai and India Test captain) Rohit Sharma and these guys to learn off them," the veteran spinner added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia are&nbsp;up and roaring ahead of the&nbsp;extended winter in the UK, with the WTC Final and then the Ashes that begins June 16th in Edgbaston.</p>

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Gearing up for his maiden ICC title clash, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is keen on stamping authority against India in World Test Championship (WTC) Final starting June 7th at the Oval in London.

Gearing up for his maiden ICC title clash, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is keen on stamping authority against India in World Test Championship (WTC) Final starting June 7th at the Oval in London. Having recently trained in Beckenham ahead of the India tie, Green seems to be 'coming out of his shell' and being a different player, as per his teammates. Upon gaining praise for his impressive stint with Mumbai Indians in his first IPL, where he even scored a century against SunRisers Hyderabad in a virtual knockout, Green doesn’t feel the need to change his game in the longer format. From playing Tests to ODIs to T20s and again back to wearing whites this year, Green enjoyed the switch and took it as a learning curve. Speaking on the same lines, Green told cricket.com.au, "The more you get exposed to it, the easier it gets. That's what I'm trying to take into it this time making the change. I kind of know what worked last time and what didn't, so I'm just trying to learn how to adjust quicker and better." ALSO READ: WTC Final: 'Oval pitch will assist spinners, India must play Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin' - Monty Panesar Sharing his views on how he wants to approach this final, given his style of play, Green admitted not being defensive can work in his favour – taking a leaf out of England’s newest "Bazball" approach. "The way that England have been playing their cricket has been quite aggressive, so maybe you don't have to change too much. Probably starting (my innings) last year, I probably looked to defend a bit too much instead of just looking to score. Then you can defend after when you see a good ball, just making good decisions out there. "So this time round it will be looking to score, and then if it's a good ball, defend," Green added. Teammates talk about ‘new Green’ Teammates Usman Khawaja and Nathan Lyon, two vital players in the Test setup, admitted watching Green "coming out of his shell" and grow as a cricketer. Lyon opined, following a stellar IPL 2023, Green emerged as a different cricketer, and his presence in the dressing room changed for good. Lyon said, by rubbing shoulders with some of the greats at his IPL franchise, someone like Rohit Sharma, Green would benefit himself going forward. "His (Green) presence around the team has definitely changed after being a part of that IPL and after scoring that hundred in Ahmedabad,” Lyon said. "He's growing in confidence and being himself more, coming out of his shell a little bit more around the team. "I think that just comes from being able to hang in there and play the IPL and be around the likes of (Mumbai and India Test captain) Rohit Sharma and these guys to learn off them," the veteran spinner added. Meanwhile, Australia are up and roaring ahead of the extended winter in the UK, with the WTC Final and then the Ashes that begins June 16th in Edgbaston. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WTC Final: 'Coming out of shell' Cameron Green keen on stamping authority in maiden ICC title clash

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<p>Seamer Josh Hazlewood is ruled out of the Australian squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against India, as Michael Neser, who was in the reserves, replaced him. This blow means Scott Boland has almost sealed his place in the XI against India for the one-off Test, starting June 7th at the Oval in London.</p>

<p>Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2023, Hazlewood appeared in three matches and left ahead of the final league game owing to soreness in the left side. Upon reaching Australia, he trained at the SCG before flying to the UK for the extended winter, including the Ashes. Though he got ruled out of the India clash, chief selector Bailey insisted that Hazlewood remains in contention for the first Test against England in Edgbaston, starting June 16th.</p>

<p>"Josh was very, very close to being given the green light, but we are cognisant that our upcoming schedule [the WTC final quickly followed by five Ashes Tests] means this is not a one-off Test match of us,” Bailey said.</p>

<p>"This will give Josh an ideal preparation leading into Edgbaston. With six Test matches in a little over seven weeks, we will need all of our fast bowling assets," the chief selector added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-no-second-chances-says-former-india-skipper-dilip-vengsarkar-on-rohits-role-in-title-clash-600336">WTC Final: 'No second chances,' says former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar on Rohit's role in title clash</a></p>

<p>Speaking of Neser, the right-arm all-rounder played for Glamorgan in the County Championship this season, and considering the uncertainty surrounding Hazlewood earlier, Neser and Sean Abbott left their clubs and began training for Australia as backups in Beckenham.</p>

<p>"Michael's county form has been strong, and knowing that he was going to be close by allowed for him to keep playing and for us to be able to call on him," Bailey said. "He is a great strength to have as part of the fast-bowling group."</p>

<h2>Injury-hit Josh set to miss another milestone Test</h2>

<p>Josh Hazlewood has had a tough time dealing with injuries lately, having played in just four of the past 19 Tests. Against South Africa series in the last home season Hazlewood got ruled out with an Achilles issue. As a result, he missed the Border-Gavaskar series and the three-match ODIs that followed. Later, he joined the RCB camp around mid-April and spent the most time on the sidelines.</p>

<p>Even in his absence, Boland’s inclusion will benefit Australia as the Victorian seamer has impressive international credentials heading into WTC Final.</p>

<h3>Here is Australia’s squad for WTC Final against India –</h3>

<p>Marcus Harris, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser and Todd Murphy</p>

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Seamer Josh Hazlewood is ruled out of the Australian squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against India, as Michael Neser, who was in the reserves, replaced him.

Seamer Josh Hazlewood is ruled out of the Australian squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against India, as Michael Neser, who was in the reserves, replaced him. This blow means Scott Boland has almost sealed his place in the XI against India for the one-off Test, starting June 7th at the Oval in London. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2023, Hazlewood appeared in three matches and left ahead of the final league game owing to soreness in the left side. Upon reaching Australia, he trained at the SCG before flying to the UK for the extended winter, including the Ashes. Though he got ruled out of the India clash, chief selector Bailey insisted that Hazlewood remains in contention for the first Test against England in Edgbaston, starting June 16th. "Josh was very, very close to being given the green light, but we are cognisant that our upcoming schedule [the WTC final quickly followed by five Ashes Tests] means this is not a one-off Test match of us,” Bailey said. "This will give Josh an ideal preparation leading into Edgbaston. With six Test matches in a little over seven weeks, we will need all of our fast bowling assets," the chief selector added. ALSO READ: WTC Final: 'No second chances,' says former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar on Rohit's role in title clash Speaking of Neser, the right-arm all-rounder played for Glamorgan in the County Championship this season, and considering the uncertainty surrounding Hazlewood earlier, Neser and Sean Abbott left their clubs and began training for Australia as backups in Beckenham. "Michael's county form has been strong, and knowing that he was going to be close by allowed for him to keep playing and for us to be able to call on him," Bailey said. "He is a great strength to have as part of the fast-bowling group." Injury-hit Josh set to miss another milestone Test Josh Hazlewood has had a tough time dealing with injuries lately, having played in just four of the past 19 Tests. Against South Africa series in the last home season Hazlewood got ruled out with an Achilles issue. As a result, he missed the Border-Gavaskar series and the three-match ODIs that followed. Later, he joined the RCB camp around mid-April and spent the most time on the sidelines. Even in his absence, Boland’s inclusion will benefit Australia as the Victorian seamer has impressive international credentials heading into WTC Final. Here is Australia’s squad for WTC Final against India – Marcus Harris, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser and Todd Murphy WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WTC Final: Josh Hazlewood ruled out, Michael Neser replaces him in squad

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<p>Veteran Australia batter David Warner feels the winner of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final must be decided via a three-match series instead of a one-off game. Warner, who prepares ahead of the second WTC Final, scheduled to begin at the Oval on June 7th, feels though it’s great reward for the two best teams to play for the coveted trophy at a neutral venue if the contest is played across three games, it would be fair to both.</p>

<p>Warner said both teams – India and Australia have world-class bowling attacks, and with the new duke balls at display, it’s always an exciting contest.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-england-name-16-man-squad-for-first-two-tests-james-anderson-included-600149">Ashes 2023: England name 16-man squad for first two Tests, James Anderson included</a></p>

<p>Speaking on the sidelines of Australia’s training session in Beckenham, where Warner suffered a blow to his arm a couple of days ago, the left-handed batter said,</p>

<p>"I think it's great. I have been - I won't say critical - but I do think it should be at least a three-game series with Test cricket only. You play two years of good cricket, then you play on a neutral venue against an opposition. We've all played here before but [this game is] not against the same [host] nation,” Warner said.</p>

<p>"It's a great reward for the two best teams. Two world-class bowling attacks bowling with a Dukes ball on foreign land. It's great, and we're excited for that," the veteran Aussie batter added.</p>

<h2>Warner avoids injury scare</h2>

<p>David Warner, who earlier on Saturday announced that next year’s SCG Test against Pakistan, will be his last in the white jersey, got hit on the left elbow in the lead-up to the WTC Final. It was the same area where he got hit by Mohammed Siraj’s delivery during the Delhi Test. That blow resulted in a hairline fracture, and missed the remainder of the tour.</p>

<p>Talking about the latest blow, Warner said it is a bit sore for now, but it feels better, and by the time the WTC Final starts, he should be good to go.</p>

<p>"It was sore, it got me right on the same point from a different angle," Warner said. "It went numb, had to get it strapped. It's fine now, a little bit sore. Luckily it didn't hit me on top.</p>

<p>"The last one hit from above and had a hairline fracture. This one was a straight blow on the corner of the elbow which was quite sore. Just one of those things, you get hit, you get hit, can't do anything about it," he added.</p>

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Veteran Australia batter David Warner feels the winner of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final must be decided via a three-match series instead of a one-off game.

Veteran Australia batter David Warner feels the winner of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final must be decided via a three-match series instead of a one-off game. Warner, who prepares ahead of the second WTC Final, scheduled to begin at the Oval on June 7th, feels though it’s great reward for the two best teams to play for the coveted trophy at a neutral venue if the contest is played across three games, it would be fair to both. Warner said both teams – India and Australia have world-class bowling attacks, and with the new duke balls at display, it’s always an exciting contest. ALSO READ: Ashes 2023: England name 16-man squad for first two Tests, James Anderson included Speaking on the sidelines of Australia’s training session in Beckenham, where Warner suffered a blow to his arm a couple of days ago, the left-handed batter said, "I think it's great. I have been - I won't say critical - but I do think it should be at least a three-game series with Test cricket only. You play two years of good cricket, then you play on a neutral venue against an opposition. We've all played here before but [this game is] not against the same [host] nation,” Warner said. "It's a great reward for the two best teams. Two world-class bowling attacks bowling with a Dukes ball on foreign land. It's great, and we're excited for that," the veteran Aussie batter added. Warner avoids injury scare David Warner, who earlier on Saturday announced that next year’s SCG Test against Pakistan, will be his last in the white jersey, got hit on the left elbow in the lead-up to the WTC Final. It was the same area where he got hit by Mohammed Siraj’s delivery during the Delhi Test. That blow resulted in a hairline fracture, and missed the remainder of the tour. Talking about the latest blow, Warner said it is a bit sore for now, but it feels better, and by the time the WTC Final starts, he should be good to go. "It was sore, it got me right on the same point from a different angle," Warner said. "It went numb, had to get it strapped. It's fine now, a little bit sore. Luckily it didn't hit me on top. "The last one hit from above and had a hairline fracture. This one was a straight blow on the corner of the elbow which was quite sore. Just one of those things, you get hit, you get hit, can't do anything about it," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

David Warner wants WTC Final to be a three-match series instead of an one-off game

<p>There is a good news coming from the Aussie camp as we near the start of the World Test Championship Final between India and Australia at the Oval in London. Star seamer Josh Hazlewood believes he has a realistic chance of breaking into the playing XI for the India tie following almost attaining full fitness.</p>

<p>Hazlewood has had a troubled time with injuries for the past six months at least. After getting ruled out of the final home Test of the season against South Africa at the SCG, Hazlewood missed the entire India tour, which included the four-match Border-Gavaskar series and the three ODIs that followed due to an Achilles issue.</p>

<p>Because of the same reason, he joined his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore late in mid-April and, even then, could play just three games in the season. The Aussie quick left the tournament early, complaining about soreness in his left side.</p>

<p>Upon joining the Australia team before leaving for the UK for the WTC Final and then the Ashes, Hazlewood bowled a bit in Sydney. After the team landed in West Lancashire, Josh went about his business in the nets&nbsp;bowling in rhythm.</p>

<p>With a few of the former players, including Ponting, revealing their Australia XI for the WTC Final, dropping Hazlewood for Scott Boland, Josh believes he is doing fine fitness-wise, and after he takes the heavy workload in the nets in the coming days, it will be&nbsp;decided if he gets his chance or not.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/injured-rashid-khan-to-miss-first-two-odis-against-sri-lanka-likely-to-return-for-final-one-dayer-acb-598984">Injured Rashid Khan to miss first two ODIs against Sri Lanka, likely to return for final One-Dayer - ACB</a></p>

<h2>Hazlewood confident of playing in WTC Final</h2>

<p>"My fitness is pretty good," Hazlewood said while speaking with the ICC. "It is just a matter of ticking off every session from here until that date basically."</p>

<p>"In T20, you are bowling a lot of various different balls every over. A wide yorker to a bouncer to a slower ball, and [the side] just got jammed up a little bit, and a bit of scar tissue from previous injuries flared up."</p>

<p>"It calmed down pretty quickly. I had a week off, I didn't quite get back to going 100 per cent at [the] IPL, but the last few bowls have been good, and I have been building up nicely," he added.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Aussie team trained at Formby and will now hold a three-day camp at Beckenham. Hazlewood, who is&nbsp;fighting for that one spot with Boland, will likely get through two solid bowling sessions – one on Thursday and then on Saturday before the management takes a final call on the playing XI.</p>

<p>Following the one-off Test for the coveted trophy, Australia will play the Ashes, starting June 16th in Edgbaston.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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There is a good news coming from the Aussie camp as we near the start of the World Test Championship Final between India and Australia at the Oval in London. Star seamer Josh Hazlewood believes he has a realistic chance of breaking into the playing XI for the India tie following almost attaining full fitness.

There is a good news coming from the Aussie camp as we near the start of the World Test Championship Final between India and Australia at the Oval in London. Star seamer Josh Hazlewood believes he has a realistic chance of breaking into the playing XI for the India tie following almost attaining full fitness. Hazlewood has had a troubled time with injuries for the past six months at least. After getting ruled out of the final home Test of the season against South Africa at the SCG, Hazlewood missed the entire India tour, which included the four-match Border-Gavaskar series and the three ODIs that followed due to an Achilles issue. Because of the same reason, he joined his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore late in mid-April and, even then, could play just three games in the season. The Aussie quick left the tournament early, complaining about soreness in his left side. Upon joining the Australia team before leaving for the UK for the WTC Final and then the Ashes, Hazlewood bowled a bit in Sydney. After the team landed in West Lancashire, Josh went about his business in the nets bowling in rhythm. With a few of the former players, including Ponting, revealing their Australia XI for the WTC Final, dropping Hazlewood for Scott Boland, Josh believes he is doing fine fitness-wise, and after he takes the heavy workload in the nets in the coming days, it will be decided if he gets his chance or not. ALSO READ: Injured Rashid Khan to miss first two ODIs against Sri Lanka, likely to return for final One-Dayer - ACB Hazlewood confident of playing in WTC Final "My fitness is pretty good," Hazlewood said while speaking with the ICC. "It is just a matter of ticking off every session from here until that date basically." "In T20, you are bowling a lot of various different balls every over. A wide yorker to a bouncer to a slower ball, and [the side] just got jammed up a little bit, and a bit of scar tissue from previous injuries flared up." "It calmed down pretty quickly. I had a week off, I didn't quite get back to going 100 per cent at [the] IPL, but the last few bowls have been good, and I have been building up nicely," he added. Earlier, the Aussie team trained at Formby and will now hold a three-day camp at Beckenham. Hazlewood, who is fighting for that one spot with Boland, will likely get through two solid bowling sessions – one on Thursday and then on Saturday before the management takes a final call on the playing XI. Following the one-off Test for the coveted trophy, Australia will play the Ashes, starting June 16th in Edgbaston. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WTC Final – 'My fitness is pretty good': Josh Hazlewood on his chances of breaking into XI for India tie

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidLLFOm59ho34P" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Australia and Mumbai Indians all-rounder Cameron Green suffered a blow to his arm&nbsp;while batting during Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Titans on Friday. After physios attended him in the middle, Green was helped off the field and retired hurt, much to everyone’s worry inside the MI and the Aussie camp – who are eagerly waiting for him to join the squad in London for the World Test Championship Final against India, starting June 7th.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, ahead of naming the final 15 for the WTC Final that begins in around ten days, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald expressed his concern over Green’s potential injury scare and commented on how the summit clash against India will challenge the youngster.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-superstar-shubman-gill-reveals-the-moment-that-changed-the-game-for-gujarat-against-mumbai-597053">IPL 2023: Superstar Shubman Gill reveals the moment THAT changed the game for Gujarat against Mumbai</a></p>

<p>While chasing a mammoth 234, Green, in the second over of the innings, got hit on the arm off Hardik Pandya’s screamer. Though he left the field then, Green returned after the fall of Tilak Varma’s wicket and took down the attack with some stunning blows to the boundary. He scored 30 off 20 balls and got out to Joshua Little.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How's that for an IMPACT!<br />
<br />
Impact Player Joshua Little knocks the stumps to get Cameron Green OUT ☝️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qualifier2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qualifier2</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GTvMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GTvMI</a> <a href="https://t.co/cSw6W7QjA1">pic.twitter.com/cSw6W7QjA1</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1662154133691060225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Green’s wicket broke Mumbai’s momentum, as they crumbled under pressure and lost Qualifier 2 by 62 runs – thus getting knocked out of IPL 2023.</p>

<p>With Green now available to join the Australian team in the UK, McDonald feels since the young batter is on the path of becoming an all-format player, he must learn to adapt quickly from one format to the other. McDonald added this would be a challenge for him.</p>

<p>"The challenge for Cam now is as he starts to become a three-format player is how he focuses [on] that, shifts between formats, and he's going to have another challenge in front of him going deep into the IPL finals to get ready for the World Test Championship match," McDonald told SEN Radio, as quoted in ESPNcricinfo "So that will be a challenge for him, but he's a fast learner and every hurdle he's got over so far."</p>

<h2>When a&nbsp;thumb injury hampered Green’s run</h2>

<p>Following the Boxing Day Test last year against South Africa, where he broke his thumb, Green missed the final Test at SCG and the first two Tests against India in the Border-Gavaskar series, which Australia, for the third straight time, lost to India on their soil.</p>

<p>While all of this hampered his momentum moving forward, Green got back to scoring runs during the IPL 2023, where at number 3, he became a vital cog in the wheel for the side.</p>

<p>Even during Mumbai’s crucial virtual knockout against SunRisers Hyderabad on May 20th, Green slammed his maiden IPL hundred and helped his team win the tie and qualify for the playoffs.</p>

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Australia and Mumbai Indians all-rounder Cameron Green suffered a blow to his arm while batting during Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Titans on Friday. After physios attended him in the middle, Green was helped off the field and retired hurt, much to everyone’s worry inside the MI and the Aussie camp – who are eagerly waiting for him to join the squad in London for the World Test Championship Final against India, starting June 7th.

Australia and Mumbai Indians all-rounder Cameron Green suffered a blow to his arm while batting during Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Titans on Friday. After physios attended him in the middle, Green was helped off the field and retired hurt, much to everyone’s worry inside the MI and the Aussie camp – who are eagerly waiting for him to join the squad in London for the World Test Championship Final against India, starting June 7th. Meanwhile, ahead of naming the final 15 for the WTC Final that begins in around ten days, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald expressed his concern over Green’s potential injury scare and commented on how the summit clash against India will challenge the youngster. ALSO READ: IPL 2023: Superstar Shubman Gill reveals the moment THAT changed the game for Gujarat against Mumbai While chasing a mammoth 234, Green, in the second over of the innings, got hit on the arm off Hardik Pandya’s screamer. Though he left the field then, Green returned after the fall of Tilak Varma’s wicket and took down the attack with some stunning blows to the boundary. He scored 30 off 20 balls and got out to Joshua Little. How's that for an IMPACT! Impact Player Joshua Little knocks the stumps to get Cameron Green OUT ☝️#TATAIPL | #Qualifier2 | #GTvMI pic.twitter.com/cSw6W7QjA1 — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 26, 2023 × Green’s wicket broke Mumbai’s momentum, as they crumbled under pressure and lost Qualifier 2 by 62 runs – thus getting knocked out of IPL 2023. With Green now available to join the Australian team in the UK, McDonald feels since the young batter is on the path of becoming an all-format player, he must learn to adapt quickly from one format to the other. McDonald added this would be a challenge for him. "The challenge for Cam now is as he starts to become a three-format player is how he focuses [on] that, shifts between formats, and he's going to have another challenge in front of him going deep into the IPL finals to get ready for the World Test Championship match," McDonald told SEN Radio, as quoted in ESPNcricinfo "So that will be a challenge for him, but he's a fast learner and every hurdle he's got over so far." When a thumb injury hampered Green’s run Following the Boxing Day Test last year against South Africa, where he broke his thumb, Green missed the final Test at SCG and the first two Tests against India in the Border-Gavaskar series, which Australia, for the third straight time, lost to India on their soil. While all of this hampered his momentum moving forward, Green got back to scoring runs during the IPL 2023, where at number 3, he became a vital cog in the wheel for the side. Even during Mumbai’s crucial virtual knockout against SunRisers Hyderabad on May 20th, Green slammed his maiden IPL hundred and helped his team win the tie and qualify for the playoffs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WTC Final will pose a challenge for Cameron Green amid injury scare, says Australia coach Andrew McDonald

<p>Former Australian captain Allan Border has slammed Pat Cummins &amp; Co.'s decision to skip warm-up games before the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final and Ashes 2023. The Australian Test team will lock horns with Team India in the forthcoming WTC final, to be held early next month at The Oval, London, which will be followed by the Ashes 2023 edition in the United Kingdom. Australia have backed out of playing warm-ups and will, instead, focus on a high-intensity training camp at Beckenham, including centre-wicket practice and net sessions.</p>

<p>However, Border -- who led Australia to their first ODI World Cup triumph in 1987 -- isn't impressed. He feels nothing can replace game time and feels the decision is 'risky' ahead of an ICC final and Ashes series versus arch-rivals England.</p>

<h2><strong>'NOTHING REPLACES GAME TIME'</strong></h2>

<p>"I don't care how hard you work in the nets, nothing replaces game time," Border told 'Fox Cricket'. He further opined, "It just doesn't feel right not to play any cricket leading into an Ashes series. I just think that's fraught with danger... there's something gnawing at me saying it's the wrong decision."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-shane-warne-passed-away-it-felt-like-we-indians-lost-one-of-our-own-pm-modi-recalls-aussie-legend-595530">When Shane Warne passed away, it felt like we Indians lost one of our own: PM Modi recalls Aussie legend</a></strong></p>

<p>"I'm really surprised we're just allowing the Ashes tour to be so condensed with no cricket between the games, but that's the way it is. I get it, we've got IPLs and T20s, I understand. The game's moved on. But I think there's an opportunity there for us to go to England early and play a couple of games... just to polish things off a bit," Border added.</p>

<p>Talking about Team India, players have started to leave for the UK in different batches as some of the WTC final-bound players are still involved in IPL 2023. Even Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. will also skip warm-up matches due to the ongoing&nbsp;English County Championship. As the WTC is an ICC event, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is under no duty to organise practice matches for visiting teams.</p>

<p>Cummins-led Australia head into the WTC summit clash as the No. 1 ranked Test side. They lost their last Test series in the run-up to the finale to India, 2-1 in the subcontinent, but will be confident taking on India at the neutral venue.&nbsp;</p>


Former Australian captain Allan Border has slammed Pat Cummins & Co.'s decision to skip warm-up games before the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final and Ashes 2023.

Former Australian captain Allan Border has slammed Pat Cummins & Co.'s decision to skip warm-up games before the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final and Ashes 2023. The Australian Test team will lock horns with Team India in the forthcoming WTC final, to be held early next month at The Oval, London, which will be followed by the Ashes 2023 edition in the United Kingdom. Australia have backed out of playing warm-ups and will, instead, focus on a high-intensity training camp at Beckenham, including centre-wicket practice and net sessions. However, Border -- who led Australia to their first ODI World Cup triumph in 1987 -- isn't impressed. He feels nothing can replace game time and feels the decision is 'risky' ahead of an ICC final and Ashes series versus arch-rivals England. 'NOTHING REPLACES GAME TIME' "I don't care how hard you work in the nets, nothing replaces game time," Border told 'Fox Cricket'. He further opined, "It just doesn't feel right not to play any cricket leading into an Ashes series. I just think that's fraught with danger... there's something gnawing at me saying it's the wrong decision." Also Read: When Shane Warne passed away, it felt like we Indians lost one of our own: PM Modi recalls Aussie legend "I'm really surprised we're just allowing the Ashes tour to be so condensed with no cricket between the games, but that's the way it is. I get it, we've got IPLs and T20s, I understand. The game's moved on. But I think there's an opportunity there for us to go to England early and play a couple of games... just to polish things off a bit," Border added. Talking about Team India, players have started to leave for the UK in different batches as some of the WTC final-bound players are still involved in IPL 2023. Even Rohit Sharma & Co. will also skip warm-up matches due to the ongoing English County Championship. As the WTC is an ICC event, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is under no duty to organise practice matches for visiting teams. Cummins-led Australia head into the WTC summit clash as the No. 1 ranked Test side. They lost their last Test series in the run-up to the finale to India, 2-1 in the subcontinent, but will be confident taking on India at the neutral venue.

'Don't care how...': Allan Border slams Australia's decision to skip warm-ups before WTC final, Ashes 2023

<p>Australian ace spinner Nathan Lyon feels the Oz have a plan in place to nullify the most-talked-about Bazball approach during the upcoming 2023 Ashes. England’s newest high-risk, result-oriented outlook saw them winning 10 out of the previous 12 Tests, including an away series win in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Lyon feels by not panicking, something that the other teams did, Australia can avoid getting outplayed by Ben Stokes-led side.</p>

<p>Speaking to Australian Associated Press (AAP), Lyon said the Aussies made a mistake by panicking in India, and the results are there for everyone to see. He added they will learn from their experience and upset England in their backyard.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-boycotting-the-2023-world-cup-is-a-real-possibility-warns-pcb-chief-najam-sethi-592620">Pakistan boycotting the 2023 World Cup is a 'real possibility,' warns PCB chief Najam Sethi</a></p>

<p>"You look at the way they played against New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan, they have been able to force the opposition into panicking," Lyon told AAP.</p>

<p>"We shouldn't panic anyway," Lyon said. "We panicked in India and we saw what happened. If we can learn from that experience and play our way and our brand it will be okay," the off-spinner added.</p>

<p>Lyon added Australia only needs to worry about them, what they are doing, and how they are doing instead of scratching their heads over England’s style of play, which has taken the world by storm.</p>

<p>"We just have to worry about us. Control what we can control and worry about what is in our backyard and not be worried about what they're doing,” Lyon said. "If we make sure we have really good plans and stick to them, everything will go okay."</p>

<p>Last year after Joe Root was removed as the Test skipper, Robert Key - ECB’s managing director, announced former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum as England’s new Test head coach. The pair of McCullum and Stokes, since wreaked havoc in world cricket after deploying an approach the world now calls ‘Bazball'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before that, England managed to win just two in 17 Tests, and since their arrival, the Three Lions have beaten South Africa, Pakistan and New Zealand in the red-ball format in the past year.</p>

<p>Even ahead of 2023 Ashes, Stokes had asked for flat and fast pitches, and some reports even suggested that England have asked for ‘smaller boundaries’ during the mega summer clash against the mighty Aussies. Having said that, the smaller boundaries would be for both teams, and Lyon feels Australia have it in them to stop England from doing what they have been doing lately.</p>

<p>"We're not buying into the fact they have to do it against Australian bowlers. We just keep nailing our process and worrying about us," Lyon concluded.</p>

<p>The five-match 2023 Ashes begins with the first Test at Edgbaston on June 16th.</p>


Australian ace spinner Nathan Lyon feels the Oz have a plan in place to nullify the most-talked-about Bazball approach during the upcoming 2023 Ashes. England’s newest high-risk, result-oriented outlook saw them winning 10 out of the previous 12 Tests, including an away series win in Pakistan.

Australian ace spinner Nathan Lyon feels the Oz have a plan in place to nullify the most-talked-about Bazball approach during the upcoming 2023 Ashes. England’s newest high-risk, result-oriented outlook saw them winning 10 out of the previous 12 Tests, including an away series win in Pakistan. Lyon feels by not panicking, something that the other teams did, Australia can avoid getting outplayed by Ben Stokes-led side. Speaking to Australian Associated Press (AAP), Lyon said the Aussies made a mistake by panicking in India, and the results are there for everyone to see. He added they will learn from their experience and upset England in their backyard. ALSO READ: Pakistan boycotting the 2023 World Cup is a 'real possibility,' warns PCB chief Najam Sethi "You look at the way they played against New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan, they have been able to force the opposition into panicking," Lyon told AAP. "We shouldn't panic anyway," Lyon said. "We panicked in India and we saw what happened. If we can learn from that experience and play our way and our brand it will be okay," the off-spinner added. Lyon added Australia only needs to worry about them, what they are doing, and how they are doing instead of scratching their heads over England’s style of play, which has taken the world by storm. "We just have to worry about us. Control what we can control and worry about what is in our backyard and not be worried about what they're doing,” Lyon said. "If we make sure we have really good plans and stick to them, everything will go okay." Last year after Joe Root was removed as the Test skipper, Robert Key - ECB’s managing director, announced former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum as England’s new Test head coach. The pair of McCullum and Stokes, since wreaked havoc in world cricket after deploying an approach the world now calls ‘Bazball'. Before that, England managed to win just two in 17 Tests, and since their arrival, the Three Lions have beaten South Africa, Pakistan and New Zealand in the red-ball format in the past year. Even ahead of 2023 Ashes, Stokes had asked for flat and fast pitches, and some reports even suggested that England have asked for ‘smaller boundaries’ during the mega summer clash against the mighty Aussies. Having said that, the smaller boundaries would be for both teams, and Lyon feels Australia have it in them to stop England from doing what they have been doing lately. "We're not buying into the fact they have to do it against Australian bowlers. We just keep nailing our process and worrying about us," Lyon concluded. The five-match 2023 Ashes begins with the first Test at Edgbaston on June 16th.

Ashes: Not panicking will help us nullify England's Bazball approach, says Australia spin great Nathan Lyon

<p>Babar Azam-led Pakistan beat New Zealand by five wickets in the five-match ODI series opener on Thursday (April 27) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. With this win, the Men in Green achieved a massive feat in the format. Pakistan have joined India and Australia to win 500 or more ODI matches. Thus, it is a perfect start for the home side in their five home ODIs versus the Black Caps as they gear up for this year's 50-over World Cup in India.</p>

<p>Pakistan have played a total of 949 ODIs, winning 500 and losing 420 games. Australia is at the top winning&nbsp;594 ODIs out of 978. Meanwhile, India follow suit as they occupy the second position with&nbsp;539 wins from&nbsp;1029 games. Thus, Australia have most wins in the format but Men in Blue have played the most number of 50-over games to date. Here's the overall list:</p>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td><strong>TEAMS</strong></td>
			<td><strong>MATCHES</strong></td>
			<td><strong>WINS</strong></td>
			<td><strong>LOSSES</strong></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Australia</td>
			<td>978</td>
			<td>594</td>
			<td>341</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>India&nbsp;</td>
			<td>1029</td>
			<td>539</td>
			<td>438</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pakistan</td>
			<td>949</td>
			<td>500</td>
			<td>420</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>West Indies</td>
			<td>854</td>
			<td>411</td>
			<td>403</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>South Africa</td>
			<td>654</td>
			<td>399</td>
			<td>228</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sri Lanka</td>
			<td>883</td>
			<td>399</td>
			<td>440</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>England</td>
			<td>739</td>
			<td>392</td>
			<td>348</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>New Zealand</td>
			<td>800</td>
			<td>368</td>
			<td>383</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bangladesh</td>
			<td>409</td>
			<td>149</td>
			<td>252</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Zimbabwe</td>
			<td>559</td>
			<td>146</td>
			<td>392</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-42-to-50-after-babar-doull-slams-virat-kohli-for-being-concerned-about-personal-milestone-581298">'From 42 to 50...' - After Babar, Doull slams Virat Kohli for being 'concerned about personal milestone'</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">500 ODI wins and counting! 🏏🥳<br />
<br />
A proud moment for Pakistan cricket as we celebrate this milestone.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvNZ</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMubarak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMubarak</a> <a href="https://t.co/0wLx3jE24U">pic.twitter.com/0wLx3jE24U</a></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ ODI wins recorded 🇵🇰💚<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvNZ</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMubarak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMubarak</a> <a href="https://t.co/hdDZp2NhDc">pic.twitter.com/hdDZp2NhDc</a></p>
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<p>Talking about the first ODI between Pakistan and Tom Latham-led NZ, Pakistan opted to bowl first. Riding on Darly Mitchell's 113 and Wil Young's 86, the Black Caps posted a challenging 288 for 7 in 50 overs. In reply, the hosts rode on Fakhar Zaman's 117, Imam-ul-Haq's 60, Babar's 49 and Mohammad Rizwan's 42 to chase down the score with five wickets in hand, in 48.3 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, Babar said, "This was a team effort, we want to start well. The credit belongs to the fast bowlers for the way we restricted them in the end. As a captain, to see players respond and execute plans feels good. The way Naseem bowled put the pressure on them and then the spinners could dominate. Then the way Fakhar and Imam played, then the innings Fakhar and I build together was great to see."</p>

<p>The second ODI will be held on Saturday (April 29) at the same venue.</p>


Babar Azam-led Pakistan beat New Zealand by five wickets in the five-match ODI series opener on Thursday (April 27) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.

Babar Azam-led Pakistan beat New Zealand by five wickets in the five-match ODI series opener on Thursday (April 27) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. With this win, the Men in Green achieved a massive feat in the format. Pakistan have joined India and Australia to win 500 or more ODI matches. Thus, it is a perfect start for the home side in their five home ODIs versus the Black Caps as they gear up for this year's 50-over World Cup in India. Pakistan have played a total of 949 ODIs, winning 500 and losing 420 games. Australia is at the top winning 594 ODIs out of 978. Meanwhile, India follow suit as they occupy the second position with 539 wins from 1029 games. Thus, Australia have most wins in the format but Men in Blue have played the most number of 50-over games to date. Here's the overall list: TEAMS MATCHES WINS LOSSES Australia 978 594 341 India 1029 539 438 Pakistan 949 500 420 West Indies 854 411 403 South Africa 654 399 228 Sri Lanka 883 399 440 England 739 392 348 New Zealand 800 368 383 Bangladesh 409 149 252 Zimbabwe 559 146 392 Also Read: 'From 42 to 50...' - After Babar, Doull slams Virat Kohli for being 'concerned about personal milestone' 500 ODI wins and counting! 🏏🥳 A proud moment for Pakistan cricket as we celebrate this milestone.#PAKvNZ | #CricketMubarak pic.twitter.com/0wLx3jE24U — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 27, 2023 × 5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ ODI wins recorded 🇵🇰💚#PAKvNZ | #CricketMubarak pic.twitter.com/hdDZp2NhDc — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 27, 2023 × Talking about the first ODI between Pakistan and Tom Latham-led NZ, Pakistan opted to bowl first. Riding on Darly Mitchell's 113 and Wil Young's 86, the Black Caps posted a challenging 288 for 7 in 50 overs. In reply, the hosts rode on Fakhar Zaman's 117, Imam-ul-Haq's 60, Babar's 49 and Mohammad Rizwan's 42 to chase down the score with five wickets in hand, in 48.3 overs. At the post-match presentation, Babar said, "This was a team effort, we want to start well. The credit belongs to the fast bowlers for the way we restricted them in the end. As a captain, to see players respond and execute plans feels good. The way Naseem bowled put the pressure on them and then the spinners could dominate. Then the way Fakhar and Imam played, then the innings Fakhar and I build together was great to see." The second ODI will be held on Saturday (April 29) at the same venue.

Pak vs NZ: HISTORIC FEAT! Pakistan join India, Australia in elite list after 1st ODI win over Black Caps

<p>Former Australian opener Michael Slater is reported to have assaulted a police officer and got charged and arrested for the same past Friday night. The incident happened in Noosa Heads (Queensland), where police were called to a residence over an alleged domestic violence and medical issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by the Daily Mail, Slater had obstructed police and even assaulted an officer causing a small cut on his hands. For the similar reasons mentioned, the ex-Australian opener is expected to appear at Noosa Magistrates Court on May 2. The police didn’t provide further information on privacy grounds.</p>

<p>“The man is expected to appear before Noosa Magistrates Court on May 2," police told AAP in a statement. “As the matter is domestic violence and medical in nature, for privacy reasons, no further information will be provided."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-unsure-how-this-star-csk-player-will-play-in-chepauk-says-aakash-chopra-578511">IPL 2023: Unsure how THIS star CSK player will play in Chepauk, says Aakash Chopra</a></p>

<p>Having made headlines for wrong reasons lately, in the past year only, Slater was convicted of assault and breaching a restraining order among other offences against a woman.</p>

<p>Although the domestic violence charges against him dismissed, citing mental health issues, he was reportedly diagnosed with bipolar disorder by a psychologist and two doctors. At that time, the court got informed that Slater was dealing with ‘significant mental impairment.’</p>

<p>“That’s significant because if he has bipolar disorder and he’s not being treated for it, then … it’s likely that any treatment he has had hasn’t treated the whole of his condition,” Slater’s lawyer told the court in November last year as quoted by Fox Sports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even in 2021, when covid was at its peak, Slater, who wrapped up his commentary duties in IPL (during the India leg in April), got stuck in the Maldives as the permission for the flights coming from India to land in Australia got denied owing to the strict covid protocols in the country. For this, Slater even went public against the Australian government.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the stylish opener, who played 74 Tests and 42 ODIs for Australia between 1993 and 2001, took up a career in broadcasting later on and became a popular commentator with time.&nbsp;</p>


Former Australian opener Michael Slater is reported to have assaulted a police officer and got charged and arrested for the same past Friday night. The incident happened in Noosa Heads (Queensland), where police were called to a residence over an alleged domestic violence and medical issue.

Former Australian opener Michael Slater is reported to have assaulted a police officer and got charged and arrested for the same past Friday night. The incident happened in Noosa Heads (Queensland), where police were called to a residence over an alleged domestic violence and medical issue. As reported by the Daily Mail, Slater had obstructed police and even assaulted an officer causing a small cut on his hands. For the similar reasons mentioned, the ex-Australian opener is expected to appear at Noosa Magistrates Court on May 2. The police didn’t provide further information on privacy grounds. “The man is expected to appear before Noosa Magistrates Court on May 2," police told AAP in a statement. “As the matter is domestic violence and medical in nature, for privacy reasons, no further information will be provided." ALSO READ: IPL 2023: Unsure how THIS star CSK player will play in Chepauk, says Aakash Chopra Having made headlines for wrong reasons lately, in the past year only, Slater was convicted of assault and breaching a restraining order among other offences against a woman. Although the domestic violence charges against him dismissed, citing mental health issues, he was reportedly diagnosed with bipolar disorder by a psychologist and two doctors. At that time, the court got informed that Slater was dealing with ‘significant mental impairment.’ “That’s significant because if he has bipolar disorder and he’s not being treated for it, then … it’s likely that any treatment he has had hasn’t treated the whole of his condition,” Slater’s lawyer told the court in November last year as quoted by Fox Sports. Even in 2021, when covid was at its peak, Slater, who wrapped up his commentary duties in IPL (during the India leg in April), got stuck in the Maldives as the permission for the flights coming from India to land in Australia got denied owing to the strict covid protocols in the country. For this, Slater even went public against the Australian government. Meanwhile, the stylish opener, who played 74 Tests and 42 ODIs for Australia between 1993 and 2001, took up a career in broadcasting later on and became a popular commentator with time.

Ex-Aussie opener Michael Slater charged with assaulting Queensland police following a heated confrontation

<p>Cameron Bancroft led Western Australia (WA) to back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles last week after beating Victoria in the final in Perth. The former banned Aussie opener had a stupendous Shield season, where he scored 945 runs in 20 innings at an average of 59.06, including four centuries&nbsp;and one fifty. With the 2023 Ashes looming and considering David Warner’s poor recent run and a poorer record in England, Bancroft has pressed his case for a return to international cricket after four years.</p>

<p>WA’s&nbsp;legend and current coach Adam Voges heaped praises on the 30-year-old batter, saying he was leading to this point and had the right build-up going his way.&nbsp;<br />
"Cameron's been building to a season like this for a little while now," WA coach Adam Voges said. "Technically, I think he's in a much better space than he has been previously."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/otd-in-1994-a-teenager-changed-indian-cricket-forever-watch-video-576263">#OTD in 1994 a youngster changed Indian cricket forever! WATCH VIDEO</a></p>

<p>Voges also said that Bancroft polished his skills and can grind for longer hours at the crease now. He added Bancroft is more technically sound and is aware of his strengths.</p>

<p>"He's always had those really remarkable powers of concentration and ability to bat for long periods and now that he's technically in a better place, I think that just allows him to be able to draw on that strength," Voges said.</p>

<p>As Bancroft will head to the English County to play four matches for Somerset, he will further improve his chances of breaking into the Australian team for the away Ashes later this year.</p>

<p>"The focus shifts pretty quickly from this onto that [county cricket]. The dreams and aspirations of playing higher are always there, and I'm sure they are for all cricketers but I just tried to finish this season off really well and then move on to the next lot of cricket I'm playing," Cameron Bancroft said.</p>

<p>As things stand, Australia have three openers fighting for the top two spot – Usman Khawaja, David Warner and Travis Head. Following the India series, where in absence of injured Warner, who returned home after the end of the second Test, make-shift opener Head impressed all alongside Khawaja, who further made headlines for his incredible outing after early failures.</p>

<p>The 2023 Ashes begin on June 16th in Birmingham.&nbsp;</p>


Cameron Bancroft led Western Australia (WA) to back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles last week after beating Victoria in the final in Perth. The former banned Aussie opener had a stupendous Shield season, where he scored 945 runs in 20 innings at an average of 59.

Cameron Bancroft led Western Australia (WA) to back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles last week after beating Victoria in the final in Perth. The former banned Aussie opener had a stupendous Shield season, where he scored 945 runs in 20 innings at an average of 59.06, including four centuries and one fifty. With the 2023 Ashes looming and considering David Warner’s poor recent run and a poorer record in England, Bancroft has pressed his case for a return to international cricket after four years. WA’s legend and current coach Adam Voges heaped praises on the 30-year-old batter, saying he was leading to this point and had the right build-up going his way. "Cameron's been building to a season like this for a little while now," WA coach Adam Voges said. "Technically, I think he's in a much better space than he has been previously." ALSO READ: #OTD in 1994 a youngster changed Indian cricket forever! WATCH VIDEO Voges also said that Bancroft polished his skills and can grind for longer hours at the crease now. He added Bancroft is more technically sound and is aware of his strengths. "He's always had those really remarkable powers of concentration and ability to bat for long periods and now that he's technically in a better place, I think that just allows him to be able to draw on that strength," Voges said. As Bancroft will head to the English County to play four matches for Somerset, he will further improve his chances of breaking into the Australian team for the away Ashes later this year. "The focus shifts pretty quickly from this onto that [county cricket]. The dreams and aspirations of playing higher are always there, and I'm sure they are for all cricketers but I just tried to finish this season off really well and then move on to the next lot of cricket I'm playing," Cameron Bancroft said. As things stand, Australia have three openers fighting for the top two spot – Usman Khawaja, David Warner and Travis Head. Following the India series, where in absence of injured Warner, who returned home after the end of the second Test, make-shift opener Head impressed all alongside Khawaja, who further made headlines for his incredible outing after early failures. The 2023 Ashes begin on June 16th in Birmingham.

Sandpaper Gate guilty Aussie opener eyes return to 2023 Ashes squad following super Shield show

<p>Tasmania great Tim Paine quietly decided to step aside from first-class cricket following his team’s draw against Queensland in the final group round of Sheffield Shield. The 38-year-old Paine didn’t make any prior announcement about his retirement plans but is believed to have informed his teammates ahead of the match. Paine was given a guard of honour as he left Bellerive Oval for the last time following the early conclusion of the match on the final day.</p>

<p>While Paine didn’t even come out for the post-match presser, Tasmania captain Jordon Silk informed the media about Tim’s decision to retire from first-class cricket.</p>

<p>“He's been a phenomenal player. I think it's around 22 years of professional cricket. It's an incredible effort to have the longevity that he's had. He's certainly going to be missed behind the stumps,” Silk said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psl-2023-babar-azam-breaks-chris-gayles-record-following-stunning-64-in-eliminator-1-vs-islamabad-united-572858">PSL 2023: Babar Azam breaks Chris Gayle's record following stunning 64 in Eliminator 1 vs Islamabad United</a></p>

<p>Showering praises on the former Australian captain, Silk said how Paine contributed with the bat and how he operated behind the wickets even at this age is commendable. Silk added Paine had set an example in the Tasmanian camp with his work ethic and that everyone in the dressing room respects him.</p>

<p>"Considering his age the level of the standard of keeping and he's still been able to generate has been really incredible. He's always someone that you know is doing the work behind the scenes. I think he sets a great example for work ethic and all that sort of stuff for all of our guys,” Silk added.</p>

<p>In a career that spanned over 18 years, the right-handed batter played 154 first-class matches, including 35 Tests and 95 Shield matches. He scored 6490 first-class runs at an average of 29.63 with three centuries including a best of 215.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, following the sandpaper gate sage in Cape Town in 2017 after which the regular skipper Steve Smith and openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft got suspended for a year, Tim Paine got appointed as the new Test captain. The keeper-batter led Australia in 23 Tests from 2018 to 2021 before his Test career came to an abrupt end following the sexting controversy he got involved in.</p>


Tasmania great Tim Paine quietly decided to step aside from first-class cricket following his team’s draw against Queensland in the final group round of Sheffield Shield.

Tasmania great Tim Paine quietly decided to step aside from first-class cricket following his team’s draw against Queensland in the final group round of Sheffield Shield. The 38-year-old Paine didn’t make any prior announcement about his retirement plans but is believed to have informed his teammates ahead of the match. Paine was given a guard of honour as he left Bellerive Oval for the last time following the early conclusion of the match on the final day. While Paine didn’t even come out for the post-match presser, Tasmania captain Jordon Silk informed the media about Tim’s decision to retire from first-class cricket. “He's been a phenomenal player. I think it's around 22 years of professional cricket. It's an incredible effort to have the longevity that he's had. He's certainly going to be missed behind the stumps,” Silk said. ALSO READ: PSL 2023: Babar Azam breaks Chris Gayle's record following stunning 64 in Eliminator 1 vs Islamabad United Showering praises on the former Australian captain, Silk said how Paine contributed with the bat and how he operated behind the wickets even at this age is commendable. Silk added Paine had set an example in the Tasmanian camp with his work ethic and that everyone in the dressing room respects him. "Considering his age the level of the standard of keeping and he's still been able to generate has been really incredible. He's always someone that you know is doing the work behind the scenes. I think he sets a great example for work ethic and all that sort of stuff for all of our guys,” Silk added. In a career that spanned over 18 years, the right-handed batter played 154 first-class matches, including 35 Tests and 95 Shield matches. He scored 6490 first-class runs at an average of 29.63 with three centuries including a best of 215. Meanwhile, following the sandpaper gate sage in Cape Town in 2017 after which the regular skipper Steve Smith and openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft got suspended for a year, Tim Paine got appointed as the new Test captain. The keeper-batter led Australia in 23 Tests from 2018 to 2021 before his Test career came to an abrupt end following the sexting controversy he got involved in.

Tasmania great Tim Paine says quiet goodbye to first-class cricket following draw in final Shield game

<p>Western Australia (WA) great Shaun Marsh, on Friday, March 10th, announced his retirement from First-Class, One-Day cricket, putting curtains down on his stellar 23-year-old career. One of Australia’s classiest left-handed batters, Marsh is WA’s highest run-scorer across formats – amassing 12,811 runs in 236 matches including 31 hundreds.</p>

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<p>A year after representing Australia at the Under-19 level in Sri Lanka in 2000, Marsh, aged 17 years and 236 days, became the youngest player in WA’s 50 years history to debut in Sheffield Shield. His first game was against South Australia at the WACA in Perth, where Tom Moddy captained the side - an ex-Australian all-rounder, who even played with Shaun’s father, Rodney Marsh. While Darren Lehmann, who later coached Marsh in Australian colours, was SA’s skipper.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/international-cricket-must-be-protected-mcc-on-growth-of-franchise-based-t20-leagues-570428">International cricket must be protected - MCC on growth of franchise-based T20 leagues</a></p>

<p>Following several good seasons with Western Australia, Shaun made his ODI debut against the Windies in 2008, where he scored an impressive 81 off 97 balls&nbsp;earning him the Player of the Match.</p>

<p>Later, his stints in ODI and T20 cricket for Australia brought him laurels following which he played for Punjab Kings (Kings XI Punjab then), where he even won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs (616) in the maiden edition. Fast forward a few years, in 2011, Marsh made his Test debut and scored a hundred (141) in his first game, becoming the 14th Australian batter to achieve this feat.</p>

<p>Looking promising from day one, Marsh’s career was marred majorly by injuries and poor form that too in patches, which saw him miss more matches for Australia than he appeared. Struggling with calf and back injuries during his prime days, left-handed Marsh returned to play for Australia in the 2017 Ashes while he played his final Test against India at the SCG in 2019.</p>

<p>A couple of years later 2021-2022, aged 38 then, Marsh accomplished the Shield-One Day Cup double with WA. Besides these, Marsh won two Big Bash titles with Perth Scorchers in 2013/14 and 2014/15. Turning 40 in four months, Shaun is under contract with Melbourne Renegades next season.</p>


Western Australia (WA) great Shaun Marsh, on Friday, March 10th, announced his retirement from First-Class, One-Day cricket, putting curtains down on his stellar 23-year-old career.

Western Australia (WA) great Shaun Marsh, on Friday, March 10th, announced his retirement from First-Class, One-Day cricket, putting curtains down on his stellar 23-year-old career. One of Australia’s classiest left-handed batters, Marsh is WA’s highest run-scorer across formats – amassing 12,811 runs in 236 matches including 31 hundreds. Congratulations Shaun Marsh on an outstanding state career! pic.twitter.com/9DsqNHJCFC — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 10, 2023 × A year after representing Australia at the Under-19 level in Sri Lanka in 2000, Marsh, aged 17 years and 236 days, became the youngest player in WA’s 50 years history to debut in Sheffield Shield. His first game was against South Australia at the WACA in Perth, where Tom Moddy captained the side - an ex-Australian all-rounder, who even played with Shaun’s father, Rodney Marsh. While Darren Lehmann, who later coached Marsh in Australian colours, was SA’s skipper. ALSO READ: International cricket must be protected - MCC on growth of franchise-based T20 leagues Following several good seasons with Western Australia, Shaun made his ODI debut against the Windies in 2008, where he scored an impressive 81 off 97 balls earning him the Player of the Match. Later, his stints in ODI and T20 cricket for Australia brought him laurels following which he played for Punjab Kings (Kings XI Punjab then), where he even won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs (616) in the maiden edition. Fast forward a few years, in 2011, Marsh made his Test debut and scored a hundred (141) in his first game, becoming the 14th Australian batter to achieve this feat. Looking promising from day one, Marsh’s career was marred majorly by injuries and poor form that too in patches, which saw him miss more matches for Australia than he appeared. Struggling with calf and back injuries during his prime days, left-handed Marsh returned to play for Australia in the 2017 Ashes while he played his final Test against India at the SCG in 2019. A couple of years later 2021-2022, aged 38 then, Marsh accomplished the Shield-One Day Cup double with WA. Besides these, Marsh won two Big Bash titles with Perth Scorchers in 2013/14 and 2014/15. Turning 40 in four months, Shaun is under contract with Melbourne Renegades next season.

Western Australia great Shaun Marsh announces retirement from first-class cricket

<p>Usman Khawaja continued to pile runs on Day 2 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia in Ahmedabad on Friday (March 10). After opting to bat first on Day 1, Australia ended at 255 for 4 with Khawaja being unbeaten on 104. He continued from there on and ended with a sublime 180 -- highest individual score by a batter in ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy -- to take his side past the 400-run mark. In addition, he achieved a historic feat of becoming only the second Aussie Test opener in ths 21st century with 150-plus score on Indian soil.</p>

<p>Khawaja joined Matthew Hayden, former Aussie legend, to become the second Australian with a 150-plus score in India. Before the duo, Jim Bruke and Graham Yallop had attained the historic feat in 1956 and 1979, respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>AUSTRALIAN OPENERS WITH 150-PLUS SCORE IN INDIA</strong></p>

<p>Jim Burke - 161 in Brabourne in 1956<br />
Graham Yallop - 167 at Eden Gardens in 1979<br />
Matthew Hayden - 203 in Chennai in 2001<br />
Usman Khawaja - 150 not out in Ahmedabad in 2023*</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ahmedabad-test-pitch-a-big-learning-curve-for-rohit-sharma-says-ex-india-head-coach-ravi-shastri-570558">Ahmedabad Test pitch a big learning curve for Rohit Sharma. says ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri</a></strong></p>

<p>During the lunch break on Day 2, Hayden lauded Khawaja and said he should have played 100 Tests by now for the Baggy Greens. He also compared him with Mark Waugh. The former opener told on-air, "Usman Khawaja should be in that 100 Test match category. He’s played 59 Test matches, I reckon that he is 40 short of what it should have been, and that is due to his underwhelming body language. He is similar to someone like Mark Waugh. He was so stylish that the word ‘soft’ was invented. He was so sharp and good, just like Khawaja."</p>

<p>Hayden added, "He is an individual who bides his time and is a proper opening batter, he is a proper left-hander as well, he plays shots off his pads, waist back in the crease, and plays effortlessly through the covers."</p>

<p>Khawaja and Cameron Green (114) had already put on an unbeaten 85-run fifth-wicket stand at stumps on Day 1. They dominated proceedings on Friday (March 10) and eventually added a mammoth 208-run stand. The pair's impressive stand have taken Australia well past the 450-run mark with two wickets still in hand.</p>

<p>India lead the four-match series 2-1.</p>


Usman Khawaja continued to pile runs on Day 2 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia in Ahmedabad on Friday (March 10). After opting to bat first on Day 1, Australia ended at 255 for 4 with Khawaja being unbeaten on 104.

Usman Khawaja continued to pile runs on Day 2 of the fourth and final Test between India and Australia in Ahmedabad on Friday (March 10). After opting to bat first on Day 1, Australia ended at 255 for 4 with Khawaja being unbeaten on 104. He continued from there on and ended with a sublime 180 -- highest individual score by a batter in ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy -- to take his side past the 400-run mark. In addition, he achieved a historic feat of becoming only the second Aussie Test opener in ths 21st century with 150-plus score on Indian soil. Khawaja joined Matthew Hayden, former Aussie legend, to become the second Australian with a 150-plus score in India. Before the duo, Jim Bruke and Graham Yallop had attained the historic feat in 1956 and 1979, respectively. AUSTRALIAN OPENERS WITH 150-PLUS SCORE IN INDIA Jim Burke - 161 in Brabourne in 1956 Graham Yallop - 167 at Eden Gardens in 1979 Matthew Hayden - 203 in Chennai in 2001 Usman Khawaja - 150 not out in Ahmedabad in 2023* Also read: Ahmedabad Test pitch a big learning curve for Rohit Sharma. says ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri During the lunch break on Day 2, Hayden lauded Khawaja and said he should have played 100 Tests by now for the Baggy Greens. He also compared him with Mark Waugh. The former opener told on-air, "Usman Khawaja should be in that 100 Test match category. He’s played 59 Test matches, I reckon that he is 40 short of what it should have been, and that is due to his underwhelming body language. He is similar to someone like Mark Waugh. He was so stylish that the word ‘soft’ was invented. He was so sharp and good, just like Khawaja." Hayden added, "He is an individual who bides his time and is a proper opening batter, he is a proper left-hander as well, he plays shots off his pads, waist back in the crease, and plays effortlessly through the covers." Khawaja and Cameron Green (114) had already put on an unbeaten 85-run fifth-wicket stand at stumps on Day 1. They dominated proceedings on Friday (March 10) and eventually added a mammoth 208-run stand. The pair's impressive stand have taken Australia well past the 450-run mark with two wickets still in hand. India lead the four-match series 2-1.

IND vs AUS: Usman Khawaja becomes second Aussie Test opener in 21st century to hit 150 in India

<p>India and Australia locked horns on Day 1 of the fourth and final Test, in Ahmedabad, on Thursday (March 9). After Steve Smith-led Aussies opted to bat first, the visitors ended the day at 255&nbsp;for 4 with Usman Khawaja remaining unbeaten on 104*. The day belonged to Australia as they batted consciously and Indian bowlers were made to work hard for every wicket. Eventually, Md Shami ended the opening day with two scalps whereas R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja shared a wicket each.</p>

<p>Shami got both the wickets by cleaning up the stumps. Firstly, he got rid of Marnus Labuschagne before also claiming the scalp of Peter Handscomb. Talking about Handscomb's dismissal, Shami hit the deck on a good length and the ball straightened off the deck. The batter was caught on the back foot and completely got beaten to see his stumps get rattled.<strong> Here's the video of the dismissal:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cleaned-up-md-shami-rattles-marnus-labuschagnes-stumps-on-day-1-of-ahmedabad-test-watch-570152">CLEANED UP! Md Shami rattles Marnus Labuschagne's stumps on Day 1 of Ahmedabad Test - Watch</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As good as it gets! 🔥🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/MdShami11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MdShami11</a> uproots the off-stump to dismiss Handscomb for 17! 👏👏<br />
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Australia 170/4.<br />
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Follow the match ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/8DPghkx0DE">https://t.co/8DPghkx0DE</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/mastercardindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mastercardindia</a> <a href="https://t.co/2hXFYhvslW">pic.twitter.com/2hXFYhvslW</a></p>
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<p>After Handscomb's fall, there was no further breakthrough for Team India. Rohit &amp; Co. struggled to break Khawaja-Cameron Green's fifth-wicket stand. The duo stitched 85 runs go take Australia's score to 255 for 4 at stumps on Day 1. After stumps, Khawaja told the broadcasters, "A lot of emotion in that. Has been a long journey, getting a hundred, as an Australian you always want to do that. It's very special. Head took the new ball down. He was smacking them. Was pretty good to watch that from the other end. It was such a nice wicket, I didn't want to give my wicket away. It was a mental battle more than anything else. You need to keep doing it for a long time. I had the helmet in my right hand, I told him (Green) just me a hug, instead of a high five (following his century). I have no superstitions, I stretched a bit in the morning and I was ready to go."</p>

<p>Rohit &amp; Co. will hope for quick wickets on Day 2, on Friday (March 10), to restrict the Aussies below 320. At present, it looks a herculean task for the hosts. India lead the series 2-1 and need a win to not only take the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 and enter the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.</p>


India and Australia locked horns on Day 1 of the fourth and final Test, in Ahmedabad, on Thursday (March 9). After Steve Smith-led Aussies opted to bat first, the visitors ended the day at 255 for 4 with Usman Khawaja remaining unbeaten on 104*.

India and Australia locked horns on Day 1 of the fourth and final Test, in Ahmedabad, on Thursday (March 9). After Steve Smith-led Aussies opted to bat first, the visitors ended the day at 255 for 4 with Usman Khawaja remaining unbeaten on 104*. The day belonged to Australia as they batted consciously and Indian bowlers were made to work hard for every wicket. Eventually, Md Shami ended the opening day with two scalps whereas R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja shared a wicket each. Shami got both the wickets by cleaning up the stumps. Firstly, he got rid of Marnus Labuschagne before also claiming the scalp of Peter Handscomb. Talking about Handscomb's dismissal, Shami hit the deck on a good length and the ball straightened off the deck. The batter was caught on the back foot and completely got beaten to see his stumps get rattled. Here's the video of the dismissal: Also read: CLEANED UP! Md Shami rattles Marnus Labuschagne's stumps on Day 1 of Ahmedabad Test - Watch As good as it gets! 🔥🔥@MdShami11 uproots the off-stump to dismiss Handscomb for 17! 👏👏 Australia 170/4. Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/8DPghkx0DE#INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/2hXFYhvslW — BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023 × After Handscomb's fall, there was no further breakthrough for Team India. Rohit & Co. struggled to break Khawaja-Cameron Green's fifth-wicket stand. The duo stitched 85 runs go take Australia's score to 255 for 4 at stumps on Day 1. After stumps, Khawaja told the broadcasters, "A lot of emotion in that. Has been a long journey, getting a hundred, as an Australian you always want to do that. It's very special. Head took the new ball down. He was smacking them. Was pretty good to watch that from the other end. It was such a nice wicket, I didn't want to give my wicket away. It was a mental battle more than anything else. You need to keep doing it for a long time. I had the helmet in my right hand, I told him (Green) just me a hug, instead of a high five (following his century). I have no superstitions, I stretched a bit in the morning and I was ready to go." Rohit & Co. will hope for quick wickets on Day 2, on Friday (March 10), to restrict the Aussies below 320. At present, it looks a herculean task for the hosts. India lead the series 2-1 and need a win to not only take the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 and enter the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.

WATCH: Md Shami dismisses Peter Handscomb with a peach of a delivery on Day 1 of 4th Test