Australia closed day two of the pink-ball Test in a commanding position at 378 for 6, taking clear control after surpassing England’s first innings score of 334. Openers Jack Weatherald and Travis Head laid a solid foundation with a 77-run stand, with Weatherald registering his maiden Test fifty. Marnus Labuschagne continued the momentum with a composed half-century before falling, while skipper Steven Smith contributed a valuable 61, marking his 40th Test fifty. At stumps, Michael Neser and Alex Carey were at the crease, ensuring Australia maintained momentum and extended their lead to 44 runs.&nbsp;The day saw England struggling to get a breakthrough. Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse looked tired, while Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson failed to make an impact. After Joe Root’s brilliant century in Perth, England hoped to fight back, but Australia quickly took charge at the Gabba. At one point, they were cruising at 3-293, with Steve Smith and Cameron Green dominating a worn-out English attack.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-root-breaks-long-wait-with-maiden-test-century-on-australian-soil-1764844001513">Joe Root breaks long wait with maiden Test century on Australian soil</a>&nbsp;England did fight back a little late in the day. Carse and Stokes picked up a couple of wickets, but England’s fielding let them down, with five catches dropped. Travis Head added 30 more runs after being dropped, and Alex Carey stayed not out on 46, taking advantage of two missed chances. Marnus Labuschagne’s 65 was another solid contribution before he got out.&nbsp;Australia’s top order had dominated throughout, with Weatherald scoring a sparkling 72 and Labuschagne and Smith adding steady half-centuries. England’s fast bowlers struggled to create pressure for most of the day, and although Green and Smith fell late to Carse, missed catches allowed Australia to recover quickly.&nbsp;By the end of the day, Neser and Carey had added an unbeaten 49 runs. Australia scored at over five runs per over in the final session.

Openers Jack Weatherald and Travis Head laid a solid foundation with a 77-run stand, with Weatherald registering his maiden Test fifty. Marnus Labuschagne continued the momentum with a composed half-century

Australia closed day two of the pink-ball Test in a commanding position at 378 for 6, taking clear control after surpassing England’s first innings score of 334. Openers Jack Weatherald and Travis Head laid a solid foundation with a 77-run stand, with Weatherald registering his maiden Test fifty. Marnus Labuschagne continued the momentum with a composed half-century before falling, while skipper Steven Smith contributed a valuable 61, marking his 40th Test fifty. At stumps, Michael Neser and Alex Carey were at the crease, ensuring Australia maintained momentum and extended their lead to 44 runs. The day saw England struggling to get a breakthrough. Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse looked tired, while Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson failed to make an impact. After Joe Root’s brilliant century in Perth, England hoped to fight back, but Australia quickly took charge at the Gabba. At one point, they were cruising at 3-293, with Steve Smith and Cameron Green dominating a worn-out English attack. Also read | Joe Root breaks long wait with maiden Test century on Australian soil England did fight back a little late in the day. Carse and Stokes picked up a couple of wickets, but England’s fielding let them down, with five catches dropped. Travis Head added 30 more runs after being dropped, and Alex Carey stayed not out on 46, taking advantage of two missed chances. Marnus Labuschagne’s 65 was another solid contribution before he got out. Australia’s top order had dominated throughout, with Weatherald scoring a sparkling 72 and Labuschagne and Smith adding steady half-centuries. England’s fast bowlers struggled to create pressure for most of the day, and although Green and Smith fell late to Carse, missed catches allowed Australia to recover quickly. By the end of the day, Neser and Carey had added an unbeaten 49 runs. Australia scored at over five runs per over in the final session.

Openers Jack Weatherald and Travis Head laid a solid foundation with a 77-run stand, with Weatherald registering his maiden Test fifty. Marnus Labuschagne continued the momentum with a composed half-century.

Ashes 2025-26: Australia take control of Brisbane Test with 44-run lead

Test cricket is the purest and oldest format of the game, where your skill, determination, and patience are tested every minute, every ball, every session, and each day. One must remain vigilant at all times and keep their eyes firmly on the ball with full concentration. Additionally, scoring in England poses different challenges, such as overcast conditions, rain showers, the lateral movement of the ball and varied pitch behaviour. Despite these difficulties, here are five batters who have scored the most runs against England in Test cricket.<h2>1. Don Bradman&nbsp;</h2>Former Aussie legend Don Bradman leads the tally with 2,674 runs in 19 Tests at an astonishing average of 102.84, with 11 centuries. His highest score was 334 against England at Leeds.&nbsp;<h2>2. Allan Border</h2>Allan Border amassed 2,082 runs in 25 Tests at an average of 65.06, hitting five centuries. He was a key figure in Australia’s batting lineup during the 1980s and early 1990s. Under his captaincy, Australia won its first ICC title at the 1987 World Cup, where they defeated England by seven runs in the summit clash.<h2>3. Viv Richards&nbsp;</h2>West Indies' legendary batter Viv Richards piled up 2,057 runs in 24 Tests, including five centuries and 12 half-centuries. Richards was a fearless and powerful player who showed the dominance of West Indies cricket in the 1970s and 80s. Notably, he was named 'Player of the Match' in the 1979 Prudential World Cup final for scoring an unbeaten 138 runs off 157 balls.<h2>4. Steven Smith&nbsp;</h2>Australian stalwart Steven Smith has scored 2,000 runs in 19 Tests and is the only active player on this list. In 36 innings so far, he has never been dismissed for a duck. Additionally, he holds the record for the most runs scored by an overseas batter at Lord's (604 runs in six outings).<h2>5. Garry Sobers&nbsp;</h2>Former West Indies all-rounder Garry Sobers piled up 1,820 runs in 21 Tests with five centuries. Sobers was equally effective with the ball, picking 102 Test wickets against England. Interestingly, Sobers became the first batsman ever to hit six sixes in a single over of six consecutive balls in first-class cricket (1986).

Batting in England involves numerous challenges and few players have scored many runs despite these difficulties. Here are the five batters with the most Test runs in England.

Test cricket is the purest and oldest format of the game, where your skill, determination, and patience are tested every minute, every ball, every session, and each day. One must remain vigilant at all times and keep their eyes firmly on the ball with full concentration. Additionally, scoring in England poses different challenges, such as overcast conditions, rain showers, the lateral movement of the ball and varied pitch behaviour. Despite these difficulties, here are five batters who have scored the most runs against England in Test cricket. 1. Don Bradman Former Aussie legend Don Bradman leads the tally with 2,674 runs in 19 Tests at an astonishing average of 102.84, with 11 centuries. His highest score was 334 against England at Leeds. 2. Allan Border Allan Border amassed 2,082 runs in 25 Tests at an average of 65.06, hitting five centuries. He was a key figure in Australia’s batting lineup during the 1980s and early 1990s. Under his captaincy, Australia won its first ICC title at the 1987 World Cup, where they defeated England by seven runs in the summit clash. 3. Viv Richards West Indies' legendary batter Viv Richards piled up 2,057 runs in 24 Tests, including five centuries and 12 half-centuries. Richards was a fearless and powerful player who showed the dominance of West Indies cricket in the 1970s and 80s. Notably, he was named 'Player of the Match' in the 1979 Prudential World Cup final for scoring an unbeaten 138 runs off 157 balls. 4. Steven Smith Australian stalwart Steven Smith has scored 2,000 runs in 19 Tests and is the only active player on this list. In 36 innings so far, he has never been dismissed for a duck. Additionally, he holds the record for the most runs scored by an overseas batter at Lord's (604 runs in six outings). 5. Garry Sobers Former West Indies all-rounder Garry Sobers piled up 1,820 runs in 21 Tests with five centuries. Sobers was equally effective with the ball, picking 102 Test wickets against England. Interestingly, Sobers became the first batsman ever to hit six sixes in a single over of six consecutive balls in first-class cricket (1986).

Batting in England involves numerous challenges and few players have scored many runs despite these difficulties. Here are the five batters with most Test runs in England.

5 players with most Test runs in England: No Indian makes the cut

With the WTC Final 2025 on the horizon, here are 7 players who top-scored in the 23-25 WTC Cycle, including Root, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Travis Head. Sports Cricket Photos

WTC 2023-2025: Top 7 batters revealed! No Kohli, no Rohit, just one Indian star

Steve&nbsp;Smith – It is enticing to say that Steve&nbsp;Smith is an upshot of the current generation, and an expression progressively utilised by journalists to rationalize trudging, however, in truth, he is the most recent in a long queue of manifestations.

At the point when Steve&nbsp;Smith made his first appearance in 2010, the job attributed to him was that of a leg spinner who might bat down the order. The Australian camp comprehended that something was dazzling about this 20-year-old child from New South Wales.

Steve Smith's fielding was impeccable, and the team management needed to sharpen his bowling abilities. When Smith came into the Australian squad in 2010, many had the perception that he would be the next Shane Warne.

Between Steve&nbsp;Smith's debut and Shane Warne's retirement, Australia had utilized various spinners.&nbsp;

Steve&nbsp;Smith was not adequate to play Test cricket as a leg spinner batting at number 8. After a line of lackluster showings, he was supplanted by another spinner named Nathan Lyon.&nbsp;

Steve&nbsp;Smith, however, in contrast to different spinners, got&nbsp;back to the Australian Test squad in their visit to India in 2013. Just this time, he was playing as a middle-order batsman with bowling being his optional expertise. He scored a splendid 92 in&nbsp;that match.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-are-those-people-judging-you-sheldon-jackson-lashes-out-on-team-indias-selectors-388955" hreflang="en">'Who are those people judging you': Sheldon Jackson lashes out on Team India's selectors</a>

His turning point, nonetheless, returned in the back-to-back Ashes soon thereafter. His unbeaten 138 at Oval was the high place of Australia's frustrating Ashes excursion in England.&nbsp;

His best exertion, however, came in the Ashes that late spring in Australia. He scored two centuries - one in Perth and the other in Sydney saving Australia from underneath in both circumstances. His crucial commitments assisted Australia with whipping England 5-0 and reclaim the urn.

He doesn't follow the instructing manual; he doesn't have a characteristic style that makes you expand at him in amazement. His batting procedure has consistently been exceptional. His way of batting is profoundly subject to making changes and discovering security in his underlying mix. However, he is seemingly the best batsman in the longest format of the game right now.

Also, what says a lot about his character is his capacity to get back to the Test format following a 12-month break because of sandpaper gate. He strode out, one certain foot before the other, everything he saw around him are&nbsp;the things he would prefer not to see, courageous the serenades of a threatening English crowd, posters of his pictures. Yet, there isn't anything else to do. At 17-2, there is nothing else to do except for striding out to the middle with a bat in his hand.&nbsp;

As Smith nears to three-mark score the sandpapers go up again. The boos just get stronger. They disdain him more if that was even conceivable. He had given them the most exceedingly terrible sight possible. He showed them that you could return from your most noticeably terrible mix-ups. He showed them how to trust. He grinned, crushed the air, and glanced back at the dressing area he ached to turn out to be essential for once more. His partners applaud in delight, and so do other spectators.

To score consecutive tons to agree with his position to an unrealistic triumph. Cricket is known to be a team sport; however, Smith can gladly say that he has been the sole motivation behind why Australia had acquired the high ground in the 2019 Ashes series. This comeback is one that will be carved perpetually in cricketing old stories.&nbsp;

Smith is the fastest batsman to cross the 7000 Test runs mark. His strong average of 61.8 and 27 centuries from only 139 innings mirror his willfulness to have the disposition to be in there for the long stretch and be an adversary for the resistance. Also, in his last 50 innings, the expert Test batsman has scored 3036 runs in Test cricket. Steve&nbsp;Smith's stupendous average of 67.46 in the longest format of the game is second just to the exceptional Sir Don Bradman, a definitive batting godlikeness.

All the more along these lines, unusual and versatile as he will be, he has demonstrated his virtuoso in his home conditions as well as in violent turning or seaming conditions overseas against the best of the sides.

His craving for runs is ravenous, his want achievement is unquenchable, and his capacity to vanquish difficulties is unmatched. Smith actually has far to go, a lot of assaults to tame, and significantly more fights to win. Be that as it may, at 32 years old, Steve Smith is now well on his approach to accomplishing batting interminability in the longest format of the game.

He meandered. He was lost. However, presently, he is here. Happy Birthday, Steve&nbsp;Smith.&nbsp;

Steve Smith – It is enticing to say that Steve Smith is an upshot of the current generation, and an expression progressively utilised by journalists to rationalize trudging, however, in truth, he is the most recent in a long queue of manifestations.

Steve Smith – It is enticing to say that Steve Smith is an upshot of the current generation, and an expression progressively utilised by journalists to rationalize trudging, however, in truth, he is the most recent in a long queue of manifestations. At the point when Steve Smith made his first appearance in 2010, the job attributed to him was that of a leg spinner who might bat down the order. The Australian camp comprehended that something was dazzling about this 20-year-old child from New South Wales. Steve Smith's fielding was impeccable, and the team management needed to sharpen his bowling abilities. When Smith came into the Australian squad in 2010, many had the perception that he would be the next Shane Warne. Between Steve Smith's debut and Shane Warne's retirement, Australia had utilized various spinners. Steve Smith was not adequate to play Test cricket as a leg spinner batting at number 8. After a line of lackluster showings, he was supplanted by another spinner named Nathan Lyon. Steve Smith, however, in contrast to different spinners, got back to the Australian Test squad in their visit to India in 2013. Just this time, he was playing as a middle-order batsman with bowling being his optional expertise. He scored a splendid 92 in that match. ALSO READ: 'Who are those people judging you': Sheldon Jackson lashes out on Team India's selectors His turning point, nonetheless, returned in the back-to-back Ashes soon thereafter. His unbeaten 138 at Oval was the high place of Australia's frustrating Ashes excursion in England. His best exertion, however, came in the Ashes that late spring in Australia. He scored two centuries - one in Perth and the other in Sydney saving Australia from underneath in both circumstances. His crucial commitments assisted Australia with whipping England 5-0 and reclaim the urn. He doesn't follow the instructing manual; he doesn't have a characteristic style that makes you expand at him in amazement. His batting procedure has consistently been exceptional. His way of batting is profoundly subject to making changes and discovering security in his underlying mix. However, he is seemingly the best batsman in the longest format of the game right now. Also, what says a lot about his character is his capacity to get back to the Test format following a 12-month break because of sandpaper gate. He strode out, one certain foot before the other, everything he saw around him are the things he would prefer not to see, courageous the serenades of a threatening English crowd, posters of his pictures. Yet, there isn't anything else to do. At 17-2, there is nothing else to do except for striding out to the middle with a bat in his hand. As Smith nears to three-mark score the sandpapers go up again. The boos just get stronger. They disdain him more if that was even conceivable. He had given them the most exceedingly terrible sight possible. He showed them that you could return from your most noticeably terrible mix-ups. He showed them how to trust. He grinned, crushed the air, and glanced back at the dressing area he ached to turn out to be essential for once more. His partners applaud in delight, and so do other spectators. To score consecutive tons to agree with his position to an unrealistic triumph. Cricket is known to be a team sport; however, Smith can gladly say that he has been the sole motivation behind why Australia had acquired the high ground in the 2019 Ashes series. This comeback is one that will be carved perpetually in cricketing old stories. Smith is the fastest batsman to cross the 7000 Test runs mark. His strong average of 61.8 and 27 centuries from only 139 innings mirror his willfulness to have the disposition to be in there for the long stretch and be an adversary for the resistance. Also, in his last 50 innings, the expert Test batsman has scored 3036 runs in Test cricket. Steve Smith's stupendous average of 67.46 in the longest format of the game is second just to the exceptional Sir Don Bradman, a definitive batting godlikeness. All the more along these lines, unusual and versatile as he will be, he has demonstrated his virtuoso in his home conditions as well as in violent turning or seaming conditions overseas against the best of the sides. His craving for runs is ravenous, his want achievement is unquenchable, and his capacity to vanquish difficulties is unmatched. Smith actually has far to go, a lot of assaults to tame, and significantly more fights to win. Be that as it may, at 32 years old, Steve Smith is now well on his approach to accomplishing batting interminability in the longest format of the game. He meandered. He was lost. However, presently, he is here. Happy Birthday, Steve Smith.

Happy Birthday Steve Smith - The batting virtuoso

Sarfaraz Ahmed insists Pakistan fans won't boo shamed Australia star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/booing-smith-not-acceptable-i-said-sorry-to-him-on-behalf-of-the-crowd-kohli-225807">Steven Smith during their World Cup </a>match in Taunton on Wednesday.

Pakistan fans are expected to make up a large chunk of the crowd in the west country and there are fears they might follow the example of the India supporters who jeered Smith at the Oval on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-steve-smiths-reaction-when-virat-kohli-stopped-indian-fans-from-booing-him-225897">Watch: Steve Smith's reaction when Virat Kohli stopped Indian fans from booing him</a>

But Pakistan captain Sarfaraz says his compatriots will not resort to such tactics. &nbsp;

"I don't think Pakistani people will do that," Sarfaraz told reporters on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"Pakistani people love cricket, they love to support and they love the players."

A large number of Indian fans chanted "cheater" at Smith, who back in action following a year-long ball for his role in the ball-tampering scandal that rocked Australia during their tour of South Africa in 2018.

India captain Virat Kohli gestured in an effort to quiet the crowd and later apologised to Smith.

Meanwhile, Sarfaraz vowed Pakistan will put their 5-0 whitewash by Australia in March behind them.

"I think that thing is gone, it's past," said Sarfaraz of the series in which he and six other top players were rested by Pakistan.

"We're not thinking about that. Actually we are thinking about the&nbsp;game. So our morale is very high and we will do our best."

Sarfaraz refused to be drawn on whether Australia will be troubled by the absence of all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who has been ruled out with a side strain.

Australia have summoned another all-rounder Mitchell Marsh as potential cover for Stoinis.

"I am not thinking about them, what they are thinking at the moment. I am thinking about my team, so we'll make good planning against them," Sarfaraz said.

Pakistan were left frustrated after their match against Sri Lanka was washed out at Bristol on Friday, leaving them to share a point.

Before that, Pakistan had brought their campaign back on track with a surprise 14-run win against tournament favourites England, after a poor defeat at the hands of the West Indies.&nbsp;

With bad weather forecast for Taunton on Wednesday, Sarfaraz said his team are ready for a shortened match.&nbsp;

"Firstly, we can't control the weather. It's same for both teams. But if the match is short, definitely the planning is a change one," he said.

Sarfaraz Ahmed insists Pakistan fans won't boo shamed Australia star Steven Smith during their World Cup match in Taunton on Wednesday. Pakistan fans are expected to make up a large chunk of the crowd in the west country and there are fears they might follow the example of the India supporters who jeered Smith at the Oval on Sunday.

Sarfaraz Ahmed insists Pakistan fans won't boo shamed Australia star Steven Smith during their World Cup match in Taunton on Wednesday. Pakistan fans are expected to make up a large chunk of the crowd in the west country and there are fears they might follow the example of the India supporters who jeered Smith at the Oval on Sunday. Watch: Steve Smith's reaction when Virat Kohli stopped Indian fans from booing him But Pakistan captain Sarfaraz says his compatriots will not resort to such tactics. "I don't think Pakistani people will do that," Sarfaraz told reporters on Tuesday. "Pakistani people love cricket, they love to support and they love the players." A large number of Indian fans chanted "cheater" at Smith, who back in action following a year-long ball for his role in the ball-tampering scandal that rocked Australia during their tour of South Africa in 2018. India captain Virat Kohli gestured in an effort to quiet the crowd and later apologised to Smith. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz vowed Pakistan will put their 5-0 whitewash by Australia in March behind them. "I think that thing is gone, it's past," said Sarfaraz of the series in which he and six other top players were rested by Pakistan. "We're not thinking about that. Actually we are thinking about the game. So our morale is very high and we will do our best." Sarfaraz refused to be drawn on whether Australia will be troubled by the absence of all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who has been ruled out with a side strain. Australia have summoned another all-rounder Mitchell Marsh as potential cover for Stoinis. "I am not thinking about them, what they are thinking at the moment. I am thinking about my team, so we'll make good planning against them," Sarfaraz said. Pakistan were left frustrated after their match against Sri Lanka was washed out at Bristol on Friday, leaving them to share a point. Before that, Pakistan had brought their campaign back on track with a surprise 14-run win against tournament favourites England, after a poor defeat at the hands of the West Indies. With bad weather forecast for Taunton on Wednesday, Sarfaraz said his team are ready for a shortened match. "Firstly, we can't control the weather. It's same for both teams. But if the match is short, definitely the planning is a change one," he said.

Pakistani fans love cricket, they won't boo Steven Smith: Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed

Captain Steven Smith&#39;s love affair with Pune continued as he led Rising Pune Supergiant to a seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in an IPL match, dishing out an unbelievable unbeaten knock under pressure in a tense last-over finish, here today. 
 
Smith finished off the match with two consecutive sixes in the final over and remained not out on 84 from 54 balls as Pune chased down the target of 185 with one ball to spare as the match went down the wire. 
 
Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni&#39;s inability to finish off matches put pressure on the home side and Smith, at the other end, pulled of a sensational innings at the same ground where he had smashed a century to set up a memorable win for Australia in the recent Test series. 
 
Pune needed 13 runs from the final over and Smith hit a six off the fourth ball, picking a Kieron Pollard slow ball needing another four for a win from two balls. He did not wait for the final delivery and hit the fifth ball of the final over to the stands to the huge roar of home crowd to reach 187 for 3 in 19.5 overs. 
 
India batsman Ajinkya Rahane also made a significant contribution as he hit a brilliant 60 from 34 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes. 
 
Smith and Rahane stitched 58 runs for the second wicket from seven overs to lay the foundation for the run chase. 
 
Pune began brightly but lost Mayank Agarwal (6) in the fourth over bowled by Mitchell McClenaghan and that put some brake on the quick start. 
 
The other opener Ajinkya Rahane and captain Steven Smith batted sensibly with a mix of caution and aggression to take Pune to 93 for 1 at the halfway mark. 
 
Rahane reached to his 32nd T20 fifty with a four off Hardik Pandya in the ninth over but he fell two overs later while attempting a pull shot with Nitish Rana taking a smart catch at deep square leg. 
 
Rahane hit six boundaries and three sixes in his 34-ball knock and shared 58 runs for the second wicket with Smith. 
 
Smith then dropped anchor and showed his class by hitting some exquisite shots to ensure that Pune remained in the hunt in his debut captaincy for the Pune side. 
 
Smith was dropped on 36 off the bowling of McClenaghan with Nitish Rana being the culprit. 
 
Mumbai raised some hopes of a win after Hardik Pandya dismissed Ben Stokes, this IPL season&#39;s costliest buy, for 21. 
 
But it was shortlived as Smith snatched the game from the jaws of defeat. 
 
Earlier, Hardik Pandya&#39;s late heroics took Mumbai Indians to 184 for 8 after leg-spinner Imran Tahir produced a sensational three-wicket burst in the space of 10 balls. 
 
South African Tahir (3/28), who was unsold in the IPL auction and drafted in the Pune team as a late replacement, triggered a top-order collapse to put brakes on Mumbai&#39;s rollicking start after they were put into bat. 
 
Mumbai did not have any substantial partnership after the opening wicket stand of 45 between Parthiv Patel (19) and Jos Buttler (38) before Pandya&#39;s late flourish took them to a competitive total. Pandya remained not out at 35 from 15 balls (1x4; 4x6) as Mumbai added 64 runs in the last five overs. 
 
Tahir cleaned up Patel in his second ball of the match, giving Pune the first breakthrough after Mumbai had knocked off 41 runs in the first four overs. He dealt a body blow to Mumbai in his next over by sending back captain Rohit Sharma (3 off 7 balls) who tried to work Tahir&#39;s delivery to the leg side without any foot movement only to lose his stumps. 
 
Just two balls later, Tahir dismissed opener Buttler in an LBW decision to rock the Mumbai innings. Butler, who hit three sixes and as many fours in his 19-ball knock, was a bit unlucky as it appeared the ball got an inside edge of his bat. 
 
Butler had hit his England team-mate and this season&#39;s costliest buy Ben Stokes (1/36) for two consecutive sixes to set the tempo of the match. 
 
Rajat Bhatia (2/14) had Ambati Rayudu caught and bowled for 10 before Mumbai reached 100-run mark in 13th over. Bhatia then cut short Krunal Pandya&#39;s (3) stay at the crease to just five balls to reduce Mumbai to 107 for five in the 14th over. 
 
Nitish Rana tried to steady the Mumbai innings with a 28-ball 34 but he was also out in 16th over. Kieron Pollard was dismissed for 27 (17 balls; 3x4; 1x6) in the penultimate over by Stokes for the bowler&#39;s first IPL wicket. 
 
Hardik Pandya then stunned the home crowd as he scored four sixes and a boundary to take 30 runs from the final over bowled by Ashok Dinda.

(PTI)

Needing 13 of the last over, Steven Smith finished off the match with two consecutive sixes in the final over

Captain Steven Smith's love affair with Pune continued as he led Rising Pune Supergiant to a seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in an IPL match, dishing out an unbelievable unbeaten knock under pressure in a tense last-over finish, here today. Smith finished off the match with two consecutive sixes in the final over and remained not out on 84 from 54 balls as Pune chased down the target of 185 with one ball to spare as the match went down the wire. Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's inability to finish off matches put pressure on the home side and Smith, at the other end, pulled of a sensational innings at the same ground where he had smashed a century to set up a memorable win for Australia in the recent Test series. Pune needed 13 runs from the final over and Smith hit a six off the fourth ball, picking a Kieron Pollard slow ball needing another four for a win from two balls. He did not wait for the final delivery and hit the fifth ball of the final over to the stands to the huge roar of home crowd to reach 187 for 3 in 19.5 overs. India batsman Ajinkya Rahane also made a significant contribution as he hit a brilliant 60 from 34 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes. Smith and Rahane stitched 58 runs for the second wicket from seven overs to lay the foundation for the run chase. Pune began brightly but lost Mayank Agarwal (6) in the fourth over bowled by Mitchell McClenaghan and that put some brake on the quick start. The other opener Ajinkya Rahane and captain Steven Smith batted sensibly with a mix of caution and aggression to take Pune to 93 for 1 at the halfway mark. Rahane reached to his 32nd T20 fifty with a four off Hardik Pandya in the ninth over but he fell two overs later while attempting a pull shot with Nitish Rana taking a smart catch at deep square leg. Rahane hit six boundaries and three sixes in his 34-ball knock and shared 58 runs for the second wicket with Smith. Smith then dropped anchor and showed his class by hitting some exquisite shots to ensure that Pune remained in the hunt in his debut captaincy for the Pune side. Smith was dropped on 36 off the bowling of McClenaghan with Nitish Rana being the culprit. Mumbai raised some hopes of a win after Hardik Pandya dismissed Ben Stokes, this IPL season's costliest buy, for 21. But it was shortlived as Smith snatched the game from the jaws of defeat. Earlier, Hardik Pandya's late heroics took Mumbai Indians to 184 for 8 after leg-spinner Imran Tahir produced a sensational three-wicket burst in the space of 10 balls. South African Tahir (3/28), who was unsold in the IPL auction and drafted in the Pune team as a late replacement, triggered a top-order collapse to put brakes on Mumbai's rollicking start after they were put into bat. Mumbai did not have any substantial partnership after the opening wicket stand of 45 between Parthiv Patel (19) and Jos Buttler (38) before Pandya's late flourish took them to a competitive total. Pandya remained not out at 35 from 15 balls (1x4; 4x6) as Mumbai added 64 runs in the last five overs. Tahir cleaned up Patel in his second ball of the match, giving Pune the first breakthrough after Mumbai had knocked off 41 runs in the first four overs. He dealt a body blow to Mumbai in his next over by sending back captain Rohit Sharma (3 off 7 balls) who tried to work Tahir's delivery to the leg side without any foot movement only to lose his stumps. Just two balls later, Tahir dismissed opener Buttler in an LBW decision to rock the Mumbai innings. Butler, who hit three sixes and as many fours in his 19-ball knock, was a bit unlucky as it appeared the ball got an inside edge of his bat. Butler had hit his England team-mate and this season's costliest buy Ben Stokes (1/36) for two consecutive sixes to set the tempo of the match. Rajat Bhatia (2/14) had Ambati Rayudu caught and bowled for 10 before Mumbai reached 100-run mark in 13th over. Bhatia then cut short Krunal Pandya's (3) stay at the crease to just five balls to reduce Mumbai to 107 for five in the 14th over. Nitish Rana tried to steady the Mumbai innings with a 28-ball 34 but he was also out in 16th over. Kieron Pollard was dismissed for 27 (17 balls; 3x4; 1x6) in the penultimate over by Stokes for the bowler's first IPL wicket. Hardik Pandya then stunned the home crowd as he scored four sixes and a boundary to take 30 runs from the final over bowled by Ashok Dinda. (PTI)

IPL: Pune's Smith plays captain's knock to beat Mumbai

Allegations and denials flew thick and fast between rival captains Virat Kohli and Steven Smith with the India skipper claiming that the home team physio Patrick Farhart was &quot;disrespected&quot; by visiting players.

Kohli alleged that some Australians unnecessarily taunted Farhart but Smith denied the claim.

&quot;They (four-five of them) started taking Patrick&#39;s name. I don&#39;t know why. He&#39;s our physio. His job is to treat me. I don&#39;t find the reason behind it. I could not understand. You must ask why they have started taking his name,&quot; said Kohli at a post-match press conference.

While saving a run on the first day of the third Test here, Kohli hurt his shoulder and Farhart rushed onto the field to attain to his injury. Kohli eventually left the field with the physio.

Later Glenn Maxwell was seen mocking Kohli&#39;s injury when he imitated his action by clutching his right shoulder after his dive to save a boundary. The Indian skipper&nbsp;too&nbsp;gave it back with a similar gesture when David Warner got out yesterday.

When an Australian scribe asked about the mocking incident involving himself and Glenn Maxwell, an upset Kohli said: &quot;It&#39;s funny all our guys ask about cricket as the first thing and you ask about something controversial. But it&#39;s okay. These things happen on the field.&quot;

However, Smith insisted that they never disrespected Farhart, who himself is an Australian.

&quot;It was a bit disappointing. I didn&#39;t actually do anything. Virat was having a go at me saying I was disrespecting Patrick Farhart. I was probably the exact opposite.

&quot;I think he probably did a pretty terrific job to be able to get Virat back on the field after that shoulder injury. He&#39;s a terrific physio and he obviously does a great job for them,&quot; said Smith.

Asked about his take on the spirit of the game, Smith said: &quot;There&#39;s always a bit of tension when you&#39;re playing India in Test matches. As far I&#39;m concerned it&#39;s being played in the right spirit on the field and it&#39;s a hard and tough grind. That&#39;s how I would explain it and no issues with that.&quot; 
 
(PTI)

Kohli alleged that some Australians unnecessarily taunted Patrick Farhart by taking his name

Allegations and denials flew thick and fast between rival captains Virat Kohli and Steven Smith with the India skipper claiming that the home team physio Patrick Farhart was "disrespected" by visiting players. Kohli alleged that some Australians unnecessarily taunted Farhart but Smith denied the claim. "They (four-five of them) started taking Patrick's name. I don't know why. He's our physio. His job is to treat me. I don't find the reason behind it. I could not understand. You must ask why they have started taking his name," said Kohli at a post-match press conference. While saving a run on the first day of the third Test here, Kohli hurt his shoulder and Farhart rushed onto the field to attain to his injury. Kohli eventually left the field with the physio. Later Glenn Maxwell was seen mocking Kohli's injury when he imitated his action by clutching his right shoulder after his dive to save a boundary. The Indian skipper too gave it back with a similar gesture when David Warner got out yesterday. When an Australian scribe asked about the mocking incident involving himself and Glenn Maxwell, an upset Kohli said: "It's funny all our guys ask about cricket as the first thing and you ask about something controversial. But it's okay. These things happen on the field." However, Smith insisted that they never disrespected Farhart, who himself is an Australian. "It was a bit disappointing. I didn't actually do anything. Virat was having a go at me saying I was disrespecting Patrick Farhart. I was probably the exact opposite. "I think he probably did a pretty terrific job to be able to get Virat back on the field after that shoulder injury. He's a terrific physio and he obviously does a great job for them," said Smith. Asked about his take on the spirit of the game, Smith said: "There's always a bit of tension when you're playing India in Test matches. As far I'm concerned it's being played in the right spirit on the field and it's a hard and tough grind. That's how I would explain it and no issues with that." (PTI)

Virat Kohli claims Aussies 'disrespected' Team India physio, Steven Smith denies claims

Steve Smith hit a record-breaking century and took two superb catches as Australia beat New Zealand by 68&nbsp;runs in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day series opener in Sydney on Sunday.

The Australia skipper smashed 164 off 157 balls, the highest one-day international score at the&nbsp;Sydney Cricket Ground, to lead Australia to 324&nbsp;for eight.

Man of the match Smith struck 14 fours and four&nbsp;sixes in his seventh ODI century after winning the toss to give the Black Caps a tough target to chase down.

Smith then took two great catches and paceman Josh Hazlewood claimed three&nbsp;wickets to dismiss the Kiwis for 256 in 44.2 overs.

Smith&#39;s knock, the seventh highest by an Australian, surpassed South Africa&#39;s AB de Villers 162 at the same ground in last year&#39;s World Cup.

It was also the joint-highest by an Australia captain. Ricky Ponting also made 164 against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2006.

He then underlined his man-of-the-match qualities with two decisive catches in the Black Caps&#39; innings.

It was his throat-high catch at slip that got a big breakthrough to dismiss skipper Kane Williamson for just nine.&nbsp;

Smith later latched onto a flying one-handed screamer to dismiss BJ Watling for six off Mitchell Marsh, hurling himself to his left in the gully for a stunning catch.&nbsp;

&quot;I got a bit of luck. I was probably out lbw at one point,&quot; Smith said.

&quot;It&#39;s nice to get my highest score at my home ground and post a huge total.

&quot;We were able to get over the line, which was the most pleasing thing. I am sure New Zealand will hit back hard.&quot;

Opener Martin Guptill raised his 11th ODI century with a mighty six off Marsh over long-on off 93 balls and was his side&#39;s major hope of reeling in Australia&#39;s huge target.

But leg-spinner Adam Zampa coaxed Guptill into a false shot to find fielding substitute Glenn Maxwell at mid-wicket and he was on his way for 114 off 102 balls in the 33rd over.

&quot;Guptill&#39;s was fantastic hundred -- one of his better hundreds -- and gave us a chance,&quot; Williamson said.

&quot;If we reflect back, we bowled poorly in the middle stage. I think we were good in patches, and not so good in some, which left us a tall total to chase.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jimmy Neesham put on 92 runs for the third stand with Guptill before he holed out to Hazlewood off Mitchell Starc in the 22nd over.

Smith&#39;s top-ranked team suffered a 5-0 ODI series drubbing in South Africa in October and earlier looked shaky again when reduced to 92 for four in the 21st over.

But Smith, who could have been out three times, flailed the Black Caps&#39; bowlers and put his side in the ascendancy.

Smith was finally out three overs from the end when he skied Trent Boult to Colin Munro at midwicket.

Smith was supported by 52 from newcomer Travis Head, who was dropped by Matt Henry on nine, while wicketkeeper Matt Wade clobbered three sixes off a Jimmy Neesham over on his way to 38 off 22 balls.

Smith gave New Zealand two chances in Boult&#39;s third over.&nbsp;

BJ Watling missed a leg-side catch on 13 and one run later Boult&#39;s leg before wicket appeal was turned down by the umpire.

New Zealand inexplicably did not call for a review, which showed the Australian captain would have been out.

Smith had a third &quot;life&quot; on 152 when Munro dropped him at square leg.

David Warner attacked debutant paceman Lockie Ferguson, smashing two boundaries off the youngster&#39;s first over before he inside-edged on to his stumps for 24 off 29 balls.

Head put on 127 for the fifth wicket with Smith, before he was caught and bowled low down by Boult.

The second match in the series takes place at Canberra&#39;s Manuka Oval on Tuesday.

(AFP)

Reeling at 4 for 92, Smith smashed 164 to help his team set a daunting 325-run target for New Zealand, who fell short by 68 runs

Steve Smith hit a record-breaking century and took two superb catches as Australia beat New Zealand by 68 runs in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day series opener in Sydney on Sunday. The Australia skipper smashed 164 off 157 balls, the highest one-day international score at the Sydney Cricket Ground, to lead Australia to 324 for eight. Man of the match Smith struck 14 fours and four sixes in his seventh ODI century after winning the toss to give the Black Caps a tough target to chase down. Smith then took two great catches and paceman Josh Hazlewood claimed three wickets to dismiss the Kiwis for 256 in 44.2 overs. Smith's knock, the seventh highest by an Australian, surpassed South Africa's AB de Villers 162 at the same ground in last year's World Cup. It was also the joint-highest by an Australia captain. Ricky Ponting also made 164 against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2006. He then underlined his man-of-the-match qualities with two decisive catches in the Black Caps' innings. It was his throat-high catch at slip that got a big breakthrough to dismiss skipper Kane Williamson for just nine. Smith later latched onto a flying one-handed screamer to dismiss BJ Watling for six off Mitchell Marsh, hurling himself to his left in the gully for a stunning catch. "I got a bit of luck. I was probably out lbw at one point," Smith said. "It's nice to get my highest score at my home ground and post a huge total. "We were able to get over the line, which was the most pleasing thing. I am sure New Zealand will hit back hard." Opener Martin Guptill raised his 11th ODI century with a mighty six off Marsh over long-on off 93 balls and was his side's major hope of reeling in Australia's huge target. But leg-spinner Adam Zampa coaxed Guptill into a false shot to find fielding substitute Glenn Maxwell at mid-wicket and he was on his way for 114 off 102 balls in the 33rd over. "Guptill's was fantastic hundred -- one of his better hundreds -- and gave us a chance," Williamson said. "If we reflect back, we bowled poorly in the middle stage. I think we were good in patches, and not so good in some, which left us a tall total to chase." Jimmy Neesham put on 92 runs for the third stand with Guptill before he holed out to Hazlewood off Mitchell Starc in the 22nd over. Smith's top-ranked team suffered a 5-0 ODI series drubbing in South Africa in October and earlier looked shaky again when reduced to 92 for four in the 21st over. But Smith, who could have been out three times, flailed the Black Caps' bowlers and put his side in the ascendancy. Smith was finally out three overs from the end when he skied Trent Boult to Colin Munro at midwicket. Smith was supported by 52 from newcomer Travis Head, who was dropped by Matt Henry on nine, while wicketkeeper Matt Wade clobbered three sixes off a Jimmy Neesham over on his way to 38 off 22 balls. Smith gave New Zealand two chances in Boult's third over. BJ Watling missed a leg-side catch on 13 and one run later Boult's leg before wicket appeal was turned down by the umpire. New Zealand inexplicably did not call for a review, which showed the Australian captain would have been out. Smith had a third "life" on 152 when Munro dropped him at square leg. David Warner attacked debutant paceman Lockie Ferguson, smashing two boundaries off the youngster's first over before he inside-edged on to his stumps for 24 off 29 balls. Head put on 127 for the fifth wicket with Smith, before he was caught and bowled low down by Boult. The second match in the series takes place at Canberra's Manuka Oval on Tuesday. (AFP)

Captain Smith clips Kiwi wings to hand Australia Sydney ODI

Australia captain Steven Smith said he was embarrassed by his team&#39;s performance against South Africa and accused his players of lacking pride in their wickets after another batting collapse paved the way to a crushing 2-0 series defeat.

Having resumed on 121 for two on day four in Hobart, Australia lost eight wickets for 40 runs before lunch to crumble to an innings and 80-run loss, the team&#39;s fifth successive defeat in tests.

Australia head to Adelaide for the series finale under lights next week with confidence at rock-bottom and pundits demanding wholesale changes to the team&#39;s roster and staff.

While giving credit to South Africa&#39;s outstanding pace attack, Smith offered no defence for the struggles of his players and instead slammed them for failing to live up to the demands of international cricket.

&quot;It&#39;s not working. Obviously on the back of five losses there&rsquo;s going to be a lot talked about in regards to selection and things like that,&quot; he said at a candid post-match media conference.

&quot;We&#39;re not digging in enough, we&#39;re not having the pride in our wicket ... Something&rsquo;s got to change and we&rsquo;ve got to play a lot better than we have been if we&rsquo;re going to beat any opposition around the world at the moment.

&quot;I need players that are willing to get in the contest and get in the battle and have some pride in playing for Australia and pride in the baggy green (cap).

&quot;I&rsquo;m quite sick of saying it. We&rsquo;ve lost five times in a row and for an Australian cricket team that&rsquo;s humiliating and I&rsquo;m embarrassed to be sitting here in this position, to be honest with you.&quot;

After being trounced by 177 runs in Perth, Australia brought a re-tooled lineup to Hobart, with Joe Burns replacing injured opener Shaun Marsh and specialist number six batsman Callum Ferguson debuting in place of all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.

Burns scored one and a duck, while Ferguson scored one in the second innings and ran himself out for three in the first.

Seamer Joe Mennie, who replaced injured paceman Peter Siddle, took 1-85 and rarely threatened.

Smith said it was inevitable that selections would be under the microscope but he offered a bleak prognosis of the available reserves.

&quot;We need guys in state cricket to really step and jump out of the pack. I don&rsquo;t think there&rsquo;s anyone really doing that at the moment, that&rsquo;s really averaging 55-60, things like that,&quot; he said.

&quot;So there&rsquo;s obviously going to be questions asked in all different ways.&quot;

Smith said his bowlers also needed to lift, berating them for lacking discipline and giving the South Africa batsmen &quot;freebies&quot; with loose deliveries in each over.

But they would at least be rested before Adelaide, in contrast to the batsmen, who faced a week of toil for their Sheffield Shield sides.

&quot;(Have them) try and spend some time out in the middle and score some runs,&quot; he said.

&quot;It&rsquo;s not happening at the moment so we&rsquo;ve got to find a way to get better and concentrate on some of the things that I&rsquo;ve talked about.&quot;

(Reuters)

'We?ve lost five times in a row and for an Australian cricket team that?s humiliating and I?m embarrassed to be sitting here,' he said

Australia captain Steven Smith said he was embarrassed by his team's performance against South Africa and accused his players of lacking pride in their wickets after another batting collapse paved the way to a crushing 2-0 series defeat. Having resumed on 121 for two on day four in Hobart, Australia lost eight wickets for 40 runs before lunch to crumble to an innings and 80-run loss, the team's fifth successive defeat in tests. Australia head to Adelaide for the series finale under lights next week with confidence at rock-bottom and pundits demanding wholesale changes to the team's roster and staff. While giving credit to South Africa's outstanding pace attack, Smith offered no defence for the struggles of his players and instead slammed them for failing to live up to the demands of international cricket. "It's not working. Obviously on the back of five losses there’s going to be a lot talked about in regards to selection and things like that," he said at a candid post-match media conference. "We're not digging in enough, we're not having the pride in our wicket ... Something’s got to change and we’ve got to play a lot better than we have been if we’re going to beat any opposition around the world at the moment. "I need players that are willing to get in the contest and get in the battle and have some pride in playing for Australia and pride in the baggy green (cap). "I’m quite sick of saying it. We’ve lost five times in a row and for an Australian cricket team that’s humiliating and I’m embarrassed to be sitting here in this position, to be honest with you." After being trounced by 177 runs in Perth, Australia brought a re-tooled lineup to Hobart, with Joe Burns replacing injured opener Shaun Marsh and specialist number six batsman Callum Ferguson debuting in place of all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. Burns scored one and a duck, while Ferguson scored one in the second innings and ran himself out for three in the first. Seamer Joe Mennie, who replaced injured paceman Peter Siddle, took 1-85 and rarely threatened. Smith said it was inevitable that selections would be under the microscope but he offered a bleak prognosis of the available reserves. "We need guys in state cricket to really step and jump out of the pack. I don’t think there’s anyone really doing that at the moment, that’s really averaging 55-60, things like that," he said. "So there’s obviously going to be questions asked in all different ways." Smith said his bowlers also needed to lift, berating them for lacking discipline and giving the South Africa batsmen "freebies" with loose deliveries in each over. But they would at least be rested before Adelaide, in contrast to the batsmen, who faced a week of toil for their Sheffield Shield sides. "(Have them) try and spend some time out in the middle and score some runs," he said. "It’s not happening at the moment so we’ve got to find a way to get better and concentrate on some of the things that I’ve talked about." (Reuters)

Cricket: 'Humiliated' Australia captain Smith says team lacking pride

Veteran spinner Rangana Herath grabbed a five-wicket haul to help Sri Lanka stun top-ranked Australia by 106 runs on the fifth and final day of the first Test in Pallekele on Saturday. 
 
Australia, chasing a challenging 268 for victory, were bundled out for 161 before tea to trail the three-match series 0-1. Steven Smith top-scored with 55. 
 
The left-arm spinner sent back Adam Voges and Mitchell Marsh before dealing the biggest blow when he trapped Steven Smith leg-before, ending the Australian captain&#39;s dogged resistance. 
 
Left-arm chinaman bowler Lakshan Sandakan chipped in with the wicket of Mitchell Starc on the stroke of lunch under darkening skies in Kandy. 
 
Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis set up the win for the hosts with his superb maiden ton in his team&#39;s second innings after the home side overcame an 86-run deficit. 
 
The weather-hit first match of the three-test series got off to another delayed start following steady morning drizzle and Sri Lanka attacked with spin from both ends to unsettle the visitors, who have looked unconvincing against the slow bowlers. 
 
Herath (4-49) had proved a thorn in Australia&#39;s side with the ball as well as the bat in this match and the stocky spinner took a return catch to send back Voges (12) after Australia resumed what promised to be an intriguing final day on 83-3. 
 
Marsh (25) hit three boundaries before Herath struck him on the pad and a convinced home captain Angelo Mathews successfully reviewed the original not-out decision to send back the batsman. Smith (55), however, battled on, his doggedness underlined by the lone boundary he hit in his 17th test fifty, which was also only the second 50-plus score in the bowler-dominated contest. 
 
In the over prior to his dismissal, Smith was adjudged caught behind off Sandakan but the Australian captain reviewed the decision and managed to prolong his stay when replays showed the ball had clearly missed the edge of his bat. 
 
Nine balls later Herath trapped him leg before and this time, Smith was unable to reverse the decision with another review. 
 
(AFP, Reuters)

The left-arm spinner sent back Adam Voges and Mitchell Marsh before dealing the biggest blow when he trapped Steven Smith leg-before

Veteran spinner Rangana Herath grabbed a five-wicket haul to help Sri Lanka stun top-ranked Australia by 106 runs on the fifth and final day of the first Test in Pallekele on Saturday. Australia, chasing a challenging 268 for victory, were bundled out for 161 before tea to trail the three-match series 0-1. Steven Smith top-scored with 55. The left-arm spinner sent back Adam Voges and Mitchell Marsh before dealing the biggest blow when he trapped Steven Smith leg-before, ending the Australian captain's dogged resistance. Left-arm chinaman bowler Lakshan Sandakan chipped in with the wicket of Mitchell Starc on the stroke of lunch under darkening skies in Kandy. Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis set up the win for the hosts with his superb maiden ton in his team's second innings after the home side overcame an 86-run deficit. The weather-hit first match of the three-test series got off to another delayed start following steady morning drizzle and Sri Lanka attacked with spin from both ends to unsettle the visitors, who have looked unconvincing against the slow bowlers. Herath (4-49) had proved a thorn in Australia's side with the ball as well as the bat in this match and the stocky spinner took a return catch to send back Voges (12) after Australia resumed what promised to be an intriguing final day on 83-3. Marsh (25) hit three boundaries before Herath struck him on the pad and a convinced home captain Angelo Mathews successfully reviewed the original not-out decision to send back the batsman. Smith (55), however, battled on, his doggedness underlined by the lone boundary he hit in his 17th test fifty, which was also only the second 50-plus score in the bowler-dominated contest. In the over prior to his dismissal, Smith was adjudged caught behind off Sandakan but the Australian captain reviewed the decision and managed to prolong his stay when replays showed the ball had clearly missed the edge of his bat. Nine balls later Herath trapped him leg before and this time, Smith was unable to reverse the decision with another review. (AFP, Reuters)

Sri Lanka wins Pallekele test by 106 runs against Australia

Cricket Australia (CA) will push for up to two day-night Tests at next year&#39;s Ashes series despite the misgivings of captain Steven Smith and his England counterpart Alastair Cook. 
 
Both skippers said they felt the game&#39;s most enduring series could survive without being played under lights but CA CEO James Sutherland said he felt it was a &quot;natural progression&quot;. &quot;I respect the views of Steven and Alastair,&quot; he told reporters in Melbourne today. 
 
&quot;The Ashes is a great contest and will no doubt attract a huge audience both at the grounds and on television, but the facts of the matter are by playing day-night Tests, we&#39;re going to get even bigger audiences at the game and on television.&nbsp;The Ashes series is still a long way off and we want to get through this summer first but we will play somewhere between zero and two day-night Tests during the Ashes in 18 months&#39; time.&quot; 
 
Australia played the maiden day-night Test against New Zealand at Adelaide Oval last November and have just agreed another flood-lit match with South Africa at the same venue during the home summer. 
 
The hosts will also play their series-opener against Pakistan with the pink ball in Brisbane for the first time in December. 
 
Smith has backed day-night cricket repeatedly but said he did not feel it necessary for the Ashes, which reliably draws big crowds.&nbsp;&quot;I think it works pretty well with the red ball,&quot; he told media while on tour in the Caribbean.&nbsp;&quot;It&#39;s been around for years and I think playing against England we always get the viewers and the crowds out,&quot; added Smith. 
 
Cook echoed Smith&#39;s position. &quot;It&#39;s probably not a series where you need to do it exactly at this time,&quot; he said. 
 
England and Wales Cricket board chairman Colin Graves has also backed day-night cricket, saying it was only a matter of time that a match would be played in England.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland believes that day-night tests will draw bigger audiences to the game and on television

Cricket Australia (CA) will push for up to two day-night Tests at next year's Ashes series despite the misgivings of captain Steven Smith and his England counterpart Alastair Cook. Both skippers said they felt the game's most enduring series could survive without being played under lights but CA CEO James Sutherland said he felt it was a "natural progression". "I respect the views of Steven and Alastair," he told reporters in Melbourne today. "The Ashes is a great contest and will no doubt attract a huge audience both at the grounds and on television, but the facts of the matter are by playing day-night Tests, we're going to get even bigger audiences at the game and on television. The Ashes series is still a long way off and we want to get through this summer first but we will play somewhere between zero and two day-night Tests during the Ashes in 18 months' time." Australia played the maiden day-night Test against New Zealand at Adelaide Oval last November and have just agreed another flood-lit match with South Africa at the same venue during the home summer. The hosts will also play their series-opener against Pakistan with the pink ball in Brisbane for the first time in December. Smith has backed day-night cricket repeatedly but said he did not feel it necessary for the Ashes, which reliably draws big crowds. "I think it works pretty well with the red ball," he told media while on tour in the Caribbean. "It's been around for years and I think playing against England we always get the viewers and the crowds out," added Smith. Cook echoed Smith's position. "It's probably not a series where you need to do it exactly at this time," he said. England and Wales Cricket board chairman Colin Graves has also backed day-night cricket, saying it was only a matter of time that a match would be played in England.

Cricket Australia pushing for two day-night Ashes Tests

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