Former Australian international cricketer David Warner was convicted of mid-range drink-driving in Sydney after recording a blood-alcohol reading more than twice the legal limit on Easter Sunday. Court proceedings revealed that Warner attempted to evade a random breath-testing site by stopping short and trying to switch seats with a female passenger.


Former Australian cricketer Warner convicted for drink-driving; Warner tried to switch seats

<p>Former Australian cricketer-turned-commentator Michael Slater has been arrested after he allegedly sent several text messages and made phone calls to the person he was charged with stalking and harassing in October this year.<br />
<br />
The 51-year-old, who played 74 Tests and scored 5,000-plus runs, was arrested by the New South Wales (NSW) Police for allegedly breaching an apprehended violence order (AVO) on Wednesday morning after he "allegedly sent at least 66 text messages and made 18 phone calls to the complainant".<br />
<br />
A report in abc.net.au said on Wednesday that, "Slater appeared at Manly Local Court via video link and crossed his arms on the screen as details of the alleged breach were revealed. The court was told that, during a two-and-a-half-hour window on Tuesday evening, Mr. Slater allegedly sent at least 66 text messages and made 18 phone calls to the complainant."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravindra-jadeja-shuns-test-retirement-rumours-in-style-courtesy-a-fitting-post-on-twitter-437162"><strong>Ravindra Jadeja shuns Test retirement rumours in style courtesy a fitting post on Twitter</strong></a><br />
<br />
As per the report, the prosecutor termed the nature of the messages as "harassing and highly offensive".<br />
<br />
In October this year, Slater had appeared in court after he was "charged with stalking/intimidating" his partner of three years in an alleged incident. It was then reported that he was arrested "at his home in Manly, north of Sydney and taken to Manly police station".<br />
<br />
Officers attached to the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command, NSW had then been quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz that Slater was "arrested and taken to Manly police station, where he was charged with use (of a) carriage service to menace/harass/offend and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm."<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, Slater's lawyer, James McLoughlin, was quoted as saying that his client suffered from an alcohol disorder and had been receiving treatment in hospital since he was originally granted bail.<br />
<br />
"But he had relapsed and slipped up once," McLoughlin was quoted as saying.<br />
<br />
McLoughlin said that at the time Slater sent the messaged and made phone calls, "the disorder was heavily at play".<br />
<br />
The lawyer pleaded that Slater be released on bail "with conditions including that he travel directly to his sister`s house until a Northern Beaches Hospital bed was available".<br />
<br />
Slater was recently dropped from the Channel 7 commentary panel ahead of the 2021/22 season. The reason behind the non-renewal of Slater's contract was "budgetary constraints".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-pujara-or-bumrah-indias-experienced-campaigner-frontrunner-to-be-vice-captain-for-sa-tests-report-437134"><strong>Not Pujara or Bumrah! India's experienced campaigner frontrunner to be vice-captain for SA Tests: Report</strong></a><br />
<br />
There were reports that Slater's infamous tweets against Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in May this year made a partial contribution to his exit from Channel 7.<br />
<br />
In a series of fierce tweets, Slater controversially accused Morrison of having 'blood on his hands'&nbsp;for preventing 40 Australian citizens participating in first half of IPL 2021 to return from India, where the second wave of COVID-19 infections put a halt to the tournament.<br />
<br />
"If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It's a disgrace! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out the quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect," Slater had tweeted.<br />
<br />
His second tweet read, "Amazing to smoke out the PM on a matter that is a human crisis. The panic, the fear of every Australian in India is real!! How about you take your private jet and come and witness dead bodies on the street!"</p>


Former Australian cricketer-turned-commentator Michael Slater has been arrested after he allegedly sent several text messages and made phone calls to the person he was charged with stalking and harassing in October this year.

Former Australian cricketer-turned-commentator Michael Slater has been arrested after he allegedly sent several text messages and made phone calls to the person he was charged with stalking and harassing in October this year. The 51-year-old, who played 74 Tests and scored 5,000-plus runs, was arrested by the New South Wales (NSW) Police for allegedly breaching an apprehended violence order (AVO) on Wednesday morning after he "allegedly sent at least 66 text messages and made 18 phone calls to the complainant". A report in abc.net.au said on Wednesday that, "Slater appeared at Manly Local Court via video link and crossed his arms on the screen as details of the alleged breach were revealed. The court was told that, during a two-and-a-half-hour window on Tuesday evening, Mr. Slater allegedly sent at least 66 text messages and made 18 phone calls to the complainant." ALSO READ: Ravindra Jadeja shuns Test retirement rumours in style courtesy a fitting post on Twitter As per the report, the prosecutor termed the nature of the messages as "harassing and highly offensive". In October this year, Slater had appeared in court after he was "charged with stalking/intimidating" his partner of three years in an alleged incident. It was then reported that he was arrested "at his home in Manly, north of Sydney and taken to Manly police station". Officers attached to the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command, NSW had then been quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz that Slater was "arrested and taken to Manly police station, where he was charged with use (of a) carriage service to menace/harass/offend and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm." On Wednesday, Slater's lawyer, James McLoughlin, was quoted as saying that his client suffered from an alcohol disorder and had been receiving treatment in hospital since he was originally granted bail. "But he had relapsed and slipped up once," McLoughlin was quoted as saying. McLoughlin said that at the time Slater sent the messaged and made phone calls, "the disorder was heavily at play". The lawyer pleaded that Slater be released on bail "with conditions including that he travel directly to his sister`s house until a Northern Beaches Hospital bed was available". Slater was recently dropped from the Channel 7 commentary panel ahead of the 2021/22 season. The reason behind the non-renewal of Slater's contract was "budgetary constraints". ALSO READ | Not Pujara or Bumrah! India's experienced campaigner frontrunner to be vice-captain for SA Tests: Report There were reports that Slater's infamous tweets against Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in May this year made a partial contribution to his exit from Channel 7. In a series of fierce tweets, Slater controversially accused Morrison of having 'blood on his hands' for preventing 40 Australian citizens participating in first half of IPL 2021 to return from India, where the second wave of COVID-19 infections put a halt to the tournament. "If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It's a disgrace! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out the quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect," Slater had tweeted. His second tweet read, "Amazing to smoke out the PM on a matter that is a human crisis. The panic, the fear of every Australian in India is real!! How about you take your private jet and come and witness dead bodies on the street!"

Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater arrested and charged in case of stalking and harassment

'India holds a deep place in my heart' says Australia's Pat Cummins in his first interview after donating $50,000 to India's Covid-19 fight. Here are excerpts of the all-rounder's exclusive conversation with WION's Palki.

Gravitas: Pat Cummins speaks to WION

<p><em><strong>By: Amartya Sharma</strong></em></p>

<p>Today marks the 5th death anniversary of Phillip Hughes, an Australian Cricketer whose death shocked the whole world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tragic event in the cricketing world that compelled people across the globe to put their bats out to honour the memory of the batsman. Michael Clarke and Steve Smith pay their tributes on social media.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5TTZCFpSzz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Everyday I think of you, but this week even more. Wish you were here buddy</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/michaelclarkeofficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Michael Clarke</a> (@michaelclarkeofficial) on <time datetime="2019-11-25T20:20:43+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 25, 2019 at 12:20pm PST</time></p>
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<p>Hughes suffered a tragic blow on his head after being hit by a Sean Abbott bouncer after missing a hook shot while playing for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield game. He was taken to the hospital after collapsing face-first. Phil went through emergency surgery before being placed in an induced coma. However, he failed to regain consciousness and passed away on November 27, 2014, aged 25.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The young Aussie's playing style was compared to that of Adam Gilchrist, an Australian Cricketing Legend by the former Australian captain Ricky Ponting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hughes was born in Macksville, New South Wales, he played his junior cricket for Macksville RSL Cricket Club, where he excelled so quickly that he was playing A-Grade at the age of 12 and in Representative Cricket he scored a century.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He earned a New South Wales, rookie-contract in the year 2007-08.&nbsp;After scoring of 51 and 137 for the New South Wales Second XI against Victoria's Second XI, he got his call-up to make his First-class Debut. Phil Hughes at 18 years became the youngest New South Wales debutant since Micheal Clarke in 1999. Hughes had an outstanding debut season playing for New South Wales, he played 7 matches and scored 559 runs. He scored six fifties and one century with an average of 62.11.</p>

<p>He was the key player in the Pura Cup final 2007 as the New South Wales batsman scored 116 against Victoria making him the youngest batsman to score a century in a Pura Cup final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was called up as a replacement for the retired Mathew Hayden for a Test series against South Africa in 2009. The 20-year-old scored a duck in the first innings of his debut, but in the second innings, he got over his fears and scored 75 runs. In the second test match of that series, Phil Hughes created a history that made him famous overnight. He scored a century in each innings in the next game at Durban. He had become the youngest player ever to achieve this feat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was awarded the prestigious Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year at the Allan Border Medal ceremony by the Cricket Australia in 2009</p>

<p>His Test-career faced a lot of ups and downs. He played 26 Test matches and scored 1535 runs. He hit 3 centuries and 7 fifties with an average of 32.66.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Australian debut his ODI innings with a century against Sri Lanka became the first Australian to score a century on a debut in the One Day Internationals. He played 25 ODIs and scored 826 runs. He hit 2 centuries and four half-centuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Big Bash League, Hughes represented the Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers.</p>

<p>His death raised many questions on the safety of the Helmets. An inquest into Hughes' death began on October 10, 2016. The final result of the investigation was that the death of Hughes was a tragic accident arising from a minuscule misjudgment from the batsman and no players or umpires were at fault. Thus, stating that no modern helmet could have saved Phil Hughes.</p>

<p>Sean Abbott returned to cricket after 17 days, he found it very difficult to make it to the ground after delivering the fatal bouncer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cricketing Legend across the globe poured their condolences, his fans wore T-shirts on which "63 not out" were written as a mark to pay respect to the late Australian batsman. Michael Clarke, best friend of Hughes gave a tearful send-off.</p>


By: Amartya Sharma Today marks the 5th death anniversary of Phillip Hughes, an Australian Cricketer whose death shocked the whole world. The tragic event in the cricketing world that compelled people across the globe to put their bats out to honour the memory of the batsman.

By: Amartya Sharma Today marks the 5th death anniversary of Phillip Hughes, an Australian Cricketer whose death shocked the whole world. The tragic event in the cricketing world that compelled people across the globe to put their bats out to honour the memory of the batsman. Michael Clarke and Steve Smith pay their tributes on social media. View this post on Instagram Everyday I think of you, but this week even more. Wish you were here buddy A post shared by Michael Clarke (@michaelclarkeofficial) on Nov 25, 2019 at 12:20pm PST × Hughes suffered a tragic blow on his head after being hit by a Sean Abbott bouncer after missing a hook shot while playing for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield game. He was taken to the hospital after collapsing face-first. Phil went through emergency surgery before being placed in an induced coma. However, he failed to regain consciousness and passed away on November 27, 2014, aged 25. The young Aussie's playing style was compared to that of Adam Gilchrist, an Australian Cricketing Legend by the former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Hughes was born in Macksville, New South Wales, he played his junior cricket for Macksville RSL Cricket Club, where he excelled so quickly that he was playing A-Grade at the age of 12 and in Representative Cricket he scored a century. He earned a New South Wales, rookie-contract in the year 2007-08. After scoring of 51 and 137 for the New South Wales Second XI against Victoria's Second XI, he got his call-up to make his First-class Debut. Phil Hughes at 18 years became the youngest New South Wales debutant since Micheal Clarke in 1999. Hughes had an outstanding debut season playing for New South Wales, he played 7 matches and scored 559 runs. He scored six fifties and one century with an average of 62.11. He was the key player in the Pura Cup final 2007 as the New South Wales batsman scored 116 against Victoria making him the youngest batsman to score a century in a Pura Cup final. He was called up as a replacement for the retired Mathew Hayden for a Test series against South Africa in 2009. The 20-year-old scored a duck in the first innings of his debut, but in the second innings, he got over his fears and scored 75 runs. In the second test match of that series, Phil Hughes created a history that made him famous overnight. He scored a century in each innings in the next game at Durban. He had become the youngest player ever to achieve this feat. He was awarded the prestigious Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year at the Allan Border Medal ceremony by the Cricket Australia in 2009 His Test-career faced a lot of ups and downs. He played 26 Test matches and scored 1535 runs. He hit 3 centuries and 7 fifties with an average of 32.66. The Australian debut his ODI innings with a century against Sri Lanka became the first Australian to score a century on a debut in the One Day Internationals. He played 25 ODIs and scored 826 runs. He hit 2 centuries and four half-centuries. In the Big Bash League, Hughes represented the Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers. His death raised many questions on the safety of the Helmets. An inquest into Hughes' death began on October 10, 2016. The final result of the investigation was that the death of Hughes was a tragic accident arising from a minuscule misjudgment from the batsman and no players or umpires were at fault. Thus, stating that no modern helmet could have saved Phil Hughes. Sean Abbott returned to cricket after 17 days, he found it very difficult to make it to the ground after delivering the fatal bouncer. Cricketing Legend across the globe poured their condolences, his fans wore T-shirts on which "63 not out" were written as a mark to pay respect to the late Australian batsman. Michael Clarke, best friend of Hughes gave a tearful send-off.

5th death anniversary of Phil Hughes: His career, records and death

<p>Steve Smith is set to make his return to action in a tour match against Derbyshire after the Australia star batted against bowlers for the first time on Sunday since being concussed.</p>

<p>Smith, one of the world's leading batsmen, was ruled out of the ongoing third Ashes Test at Headingley with concussion after being hit by a 92 mph bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer in the drawn second match at Lord's.</p>

<p>But he is now expected to return to action in a three-day tour match at Derby starting Thursday with a view to being available for selection for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, that begins on September 4.</p>

<p>"Steve Smith batted against bowlers for the first time today (Sunday)," said an Australia team spokesman.</p>

<p>"The session lasted 25 minutes. He also did some high intensity running."</p>

<p>The spokesman added: "He will continue to be assessed but is expected to play in the tour match at Derby."</p>

<p>Smith has made a spectacular return to Test cricket in what is the former Australia captain's first series since he completed a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.</p>

<p>He made 144 and 142 in Australia's 251-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston and 92 at Lord's, having retired hurt on 80 when struck on his unprotected neck by Archer.</p>

<p>Marnus Labuschagne, Test cricket's inaugural concussion substitute, has made three successive fifties against England since replacing Smith, including scores of 74 and 80 at Headingley.</p>

<p>Australia lead the five-match series 1-0 and victory in Leeds will see them retain the Ashes at 2-0 up with two to play.</p>

<p>England began the fourth day of the third Test on 156-3, still needing a further 203 runs to reach a target of 359 that would see them complete a remarkable win given they were bowled out for just 67 -- their lowest Ashes total in 71 years -- in the first innings of this match.</p>

<p>Joe Root, the England captain, is 75 not out on his Yorkshire home ground, and Ben Stokes two not out.</p>


Steve Smith is set to make his return to action in a tour match against Derbyshire after the Australia star batted against bowlers for the first time on Sunday since being concussed.

Steve Smith is set to make his return to action in a tour match against Derbyshire after the Australia star batted against bowlers for the first time on Sunday since being concussed. Smith, one of the world's leading batsmen, was ruled out of the ongoing third Ashes Test at Headingley with concussion after being hit by a 92 mph bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer in the drawn second match at Lord's. But he is now expected to return to action in a three-day tour match at Derby starting Thursday with a view to being available for selection for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, that begins on September 4. "Steve Smith batted against bowlers for the first time today (Sunday)," said an Australia team spokesman. "The session lasted 25 minutes. He also did some high intensity running." The spokesman added: "He will continue to be assessed but is expected to play in the tour match at Derby." Smith has made a spectacular return to Test cricket in what is the former Australia captain's first series since he completed a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. He made 144 and 142 in Australia's 251-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston and 92 at Lord's, having retired hurt on 80 when struck on his unprotected neck by Archer. Marnus Labuschagne, Test cricket's inaugural concussion substitute, has made three successive fifties against England since replacing Smith, including scores of 74 and 80 at Headingley. Australia lead the five-match series 1-0 and victory in Leeds will see them retain the Ashes at 2-0 up with two to play. England began the fourth day of the third Test on 156-3, still needing a further 203 runs to reach a target of 359 that would see them complete a remarkable win given they were bowled out for just 67 -- their lowest Ashes total in 71 years -- in the first innings of this match. Joe Root, the England captain, is 75 not out on his Yorkshire home ground, and Ben Stokes two not out.

Australia star Steve Smith set for tour match return

<p>Australian cricketer Steve Smith surpassed New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson to move to the number two spot in the latest ICC Test batsmen's rankings which was released on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli has retained his top spot with a margin of nine points from the second spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith has so far scored 378 runs in the ongoing Ashes series between England and Australia. But Kohli will get a chance to better his lead as India gear up to face West Indies in the two-match series.</p>

<p>England all-rounder Ben Stokes bettered his ranking by six places to achieve the 26th position while wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow moved seven places to take the 30th spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne, who played a match-winning knock of 122 against New Zealand at Galle, climbed four places to the 8th position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>England bowlers Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes gained two places in the bowler's list, and are currently positioned at the 14th and 27th spots respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pacer Jofra Archer also entered the rankings and was placed in 83rd position after ending up with five wickets in his debut Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the bowlers' rankings, Australia's Pat Cummins retained the top spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In terms of team rankings, India are at the pole position, but they can lose their spot if the side loses 0-1 against the Windies.</p>


Australian cricketer Steve Smith surpassed New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson to move to the number two spot in the latest ICC Test batsmen's rankings which was released on Monday.

Australian cricketer Steve Smith surpassed New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson to move to the number two spot in the latest ICC Test batsmen's rankings which was released on Monday. Indian skipper Virat Kohli has retained his top spot with a margin of nine points from the second spot. Smith has so far scored 378 runs in the ongoing Ashes series between England and Australia. But Kohli will get a chance to better his lead as India gear up to face West Indies in the two-match series. England all-rounder Ben Stokes bettered his ranking by six places to achieve the 26th position while wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow moved seven places to take the 30th spot. Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne, who played a match-winning knock of 122 against New Zealand at Galle, climbed four places to the 8th position. England bowlers Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes gained two places in the bowler's list, and are currently positioned at the 14th and 27th spots respectively. Pacer Jofra Archer also entered the rankings and was placed in 83rd position after ending up with five wickets in his debut Test. In the bowlers' rankings, Australia's Pat Cummins retained the top spot. In terms of team rankings, India are at the pole position, but they can lose their spot if the side loses 0-1 against the Windies.

ICC Test rankings: Virat Kohli retains top spot, Steve Smith moves to second position

<p>Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater was kicked off a plane after a heated argument with two friends, delaying the flight for 30 minutes, a report said Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macquarie Sports Radio, citing eyewitnesses, said the row erupted between Slater and two women as they boarded a flight from Sydney to his hometown Wagga Wagga on Sunday.</p>

<p>It escalated with yelling and swearing as they took their seats, the broadcaster reported, claiming Slater locked himself in a toilet and refused to come out, with security called to remove him.</p>

<p>Slater, now a well-known television pundit who is due to commentate at the upcoming World Cup in England, confirmed the incident in a statement, according to Macquarie.</p>

<p>"I did have an argument with two friends whilst boarding a flight to Wagga and I apologise for the inconvenience this caused other passengers on the flight," he said.</p>

<p>Australian airline Qantas also confirmed an incident, without naming Slater.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Prior to departure on a Sydney to Wagga Wagga flight on Sunday, a male passenger was asked to leave the aircraft for being disruptive," it said in a statement to AFP.</p>

<p>"He complied with the crew's request."</p>

<p>Slater occupied a position at the top of the Australian Test batting order for close to a decade, hitting 5,312 runs before his 2004 retirement.</p>


Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater was kicked off a plane after a heated argument with two friends, delaying the flight for 30 minutes, a report said Tuesday.

Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater was kicked off a plane after a heated argument with two friends, delaying the flight for 30 minutes, a report said Tuesday. Macquarie Sports Radio, citing eyewitnesses, said the row erupted between Slater and two women as they boarded a flight from Sydney to his hometown Wagga Wagga on Sunday. It escalated with yelling and swearing as they took their seats, the broadcaster reported, claiming Slater locked himself in a toilet and refused to come out, with security called to remove him. Slater, now a well-known television pundit who is due to commentate at the upcoming World Cup in England, confirmed the incident in a statement, according to Macquarie. "I did have an argument with two friends whilst boarding a flight to Wagga and I apologise for the inconvenience this caused other passengers on the flight," he said. Australian airline Qantas also confirmed an incident, without naming Slater. "Prior to departure on a Sydney to Wagga Wagga flight on Sunday, a male passenger was asked to leave the aircraft for being disruptive," it said in a statement to AFP. "He complied with the crew's request." Slater occupied a position at the top of the Australian Test batting order for close to a decade, hitting 5,312 runs before his 2004 retirement.

Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater kicked off plane

<p>Australian cricketer James Faulkner Tuesday cleared the air after being misunderstood as gay when he shared a picture with his "best mate" on the occasion of his 29th birthday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, the Australian cricketer shared a photo posing with his mother and friend Rob Jubb. The caption read, "Birthday dinner with the boyfriend (best mate!!!)" and added #togetherfor5years with his post. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The caption led many to think that Faulkner has revealed his sexual orientation and was widely interpreted as a landmark coming-out statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The post prompted hundreds of positive messages, including from fellow Australian cricketers Glenn Maxwell, Brett Lee and Shaun Tait.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw1epixh7hN/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Birthday dinner with the boyfriend (best mate!!!) @robjubbsta and my mother @roslyn_carol_faulkner ❤️❤️❤️ #togetherfor5years</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jfaulkner44/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> James Faulkner</a> (@jfaulkner44) on <time datetime="2019-04-29T10:10:44+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 29, 2019 at 3:10am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Maxwell said, "Happy Birthday mate! Great courage."</p>

<p>"Great courage mate, bet u feel better," Tait wrote.</p>

<p>But as reaction to Faulkner's post gained momentum, he took to social media again saying "there seems to be a misunderstanding".</p>

<p>"I am not gay... (Jubb) is just a great friend. Last night marked five years of being house mates!" he wrote.</p>

<p>He also praised the response to the coming-out that never was.</p>

<p>"It has been fantastic to see the support from and for the LBGT community. Let's never forget love is love," he wrote.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw2-aefB63J/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">There seems to be a misunderstanding about my post from last night, I am not gay, however it has been fantastic to see the support from and for the LBGT community. Let’s never forget love is love, however @robjubbsta is just a great friend. Last night marked five years of being house mates! Good on everyone for being so supportive.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jfaulkner44/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> James Faulkner</a> (@jfaulkner44) on <time datetime="2019-04-30T00:07:32+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 29, 2019 at 5:07pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Cricket Australia denied Faulkner's post was a misguided attempt at humour, saying both the player and the organisation recognised coming out could be "an incredibly emotional time".</p>

<p>"The post was not in any way meant to make light of this and, though the support from the community was overwhelming and positive, Cricket Australia apologises for any unintended offence," it said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cricket Australia statement regarding James Faulkner Instagram post: <a href="https://t.co/9d7jBTYx58">https://t.co/9d7jBTYx58</a></p>
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1123036541465419776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Faulkner has played one Test, 69 one-dayers and 24 Twenty20 matches for Australia, last representing his country in late 2017.</p>

<p>He was man-of-the-match when Australia won the Cricket World Cup final against New Zealand in 2015, taking three crucial wickets.</p>

<p>Faulkner still plays T20 for the Hobart Hurricanes in Australia and Lancashire in England.</p>

<p>The incident comes as Australian rugby moves to sack Wallabies star Israel Folau over a social media post saying "hell awaits" gays, with the matter set to go before a code of conduct hearing this weekend.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from AFP)</em></p>


Australian cricketer James Faulkner Tuesday cleared the air after being misunderstood as gay when he shared a picture with his "best mate" on the occasion of his 29th birthday.

Australian cricketer James Faulkner Tuesday cleared the air after being misunderstood as gay when he shared a picture with his "best mate" on the occasion of his 29th birthday. On Monday, the Australian cricketer shared a photo posing with his mother and friend Rob Jubb. The caption read, "Birthday dinner with the boyfriend (best mate!!!)" and added #togetherfor5years with his post. The caption led many to think that Faulkner has revealed his sexual orientation and was widely interpreted as a landmark coming-out statement. The post prompted hundreds of positive messages, including from fellow Australian cricketers Glenn Maxwell, Brett Lee and Shaun Tait. View this post on Instagram Birthday dinner with the boyfriend (best mate!!!) @robjubbsta and my mother @roslyn_carol_faulkner ❤️❤️❤️ #togetherfor5years A post shared by James Faulkner (@jfaulkner44) on Apr 29, 2019 at 3:10am PDT × Maxwell said, "Happy Birthday mate! Great courage." "Great courage mate, bet u feel better," Tait wrote. But as reaction to Faulkner's post gained momentum, he took to social media again saying "there seems to be a misunderstanding". "I am not gay... (Jubb) is just a great friend. Last night marked five years of being house mates!" he wrote. He also praised the response to the coming-out that never was. "It has been fantastic to see the support from and for the LBGT community. Let's never forget love is love," he wrote. View this post on Instagram There seems to be a misunderstanding about my post from last night, I am not gay, however it has been fantastic to see the support from and for the LBGT community. Let’s never forget love is love, however @robjubbsta is just a great friend. Last night marked five years of being house mates! Good on everyone for being so supportive. A post shared by James Faulkner (@jfaulkner44) on Apr 29, 2019 at 5:07pm PDT × Cricket Australia denied Faulkner's post was a misguided attempt at humour, saying both the player and the organisation recognised coming out could be "an incredibly emotional time". "The post was not in any way meant to make light of this and, though the support from the community was overwhelming and positive, Cricket Australia apologises for any unintended offence," it said. Cricket Australia statement regarding James Faulkner Instagram post: https://t.co/9d7jBTYx58 — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) April 30, 2019 × Faulkner has played one Test, 69 one-dayers and 24 Twenty20 matches for Australia, last representing his country in late 2017. He was man-of-the-match when Australia won the Cricket World Cup final against New Zealand in 2015, taking three crucial wickets. Faulkner still plays T20 for the Hobart Hurricanes in Australia and Lancashire in England. The incident comes as Australian rugby moves to sack Wallabies star Israel Folau over a social media post saying "hell awaits" gays, with the matter set to go before a code of conduct hearing this weekend. (with inputs from AFP)

Australian cricketer James Faulkner clarifies after being misunderstood as gay

<p>English county Durham have named Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft, who served a nine-month ban last year for his role in a ball-tampering scandal, as their captain for this season.</p>

<p>Bancroft returned to action in December after his suspension for his part in the Australian team's plan to change the condition of the ball during a test match in South Africa last year.</p>

<p>Australia captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner were both handed one-year bans for their roles in the incident.</p>

<p>Bancroft replaced as Durham captain former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood who retired at the end of last season.</p>

<p>"He's proven since returning to first-class cricket over the last few months that he has the mental toughness, skill and attitude to excel at the highest level and I'm sure he will relish the challenge we have at Durham this season," Durham's Lead High Performance Coach James Franklin told the club's website on Thursday.</p>

<p>"We're delighted to have Cameron with us for the season and we're confident he has the attributes to lead this exciting young Durham dressing-room."</p>

<p>The 26-year-old returned to action in the Big Bash League and has played four-day cricket for Western Australia.</p>

<p>Bancroft was caught on camera trying to tamper with the ball using sandpaper during Australia's test against South Africa in Cape Town last March. He admitted he lied in a subsequent news conference, saying he used sticky tape covered in dirt to change the ball's condition.</p>

<p>Smith later admitted the plan to use sandpaper had been hatched by the team's leadership group and in a later interview Bancroft, a relative newcomer to the side, said he had carried out the instruction to "fit in".</p>

<p>Bancroft, who has eight test caps, could be named in Australia's squad for the Ashes series in England this year.</p>


English county Durham have named Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft, who served a nine-month ban last year for his role in a ball-tampering scandal, as their captain for this season.

English county Durham have named Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft, who served a nine-month ban last year for his role in a ball-tampering scandal, as their captain for this season. Bancroft returned to action in December after his suspension for his part in the Australian team's plan to change the condition of the ball during a test match in South Africa last year. Australia captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner were both handed one-year bans for their roles in the incident. Bancroft replaced as Durham captain former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood who retired at the end of last season. "He's proven since returning to first-class cricket over the last few months that he has the mental toughness, skill and attitude to excel at the highest level and I'm sure he will relish the challenge we have at Durham this season," Durham's Lead High Performance Coach James Franklin told the club's website on Thursday. "We're delighted to have Cameron with us for the season and we're confident he has the attributes to lead this exciting young Durham dressing-room." The 26-year-old returned to action in the Big Bash League and has played four-day cricket for Western Australia. Bancroft was caught on camera trying to tamper with the ball using sandpaper during Australia's test against South Africa in Cape Town last March. He admitted he lied in a subsequent news conference, saying he used sticky tape covered in dirt to change the ball's condition. Smith later admitted the plan to use sandpaper had been hatched by the team's leadership group and in a later interview Bancroft, a relative newcomer to the side, said he had carried out the instruction to "fit in". Bancroft, who has eight test caps, could be named in Australia's squad for the Ashes series in England this year.

Australian Cameron Bancroft named captain of Durham

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