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David Boon names his Australia XI for the Ashes

Charbel Coorey
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David Boon names his Australia XI for the Ashes

David Boon has named his Australia XI for the Ashes, backing incumbents Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas despite a difficult tour of the West Indies. Boon’s XI does not include Marnus Labuschagne, and the former opener believes selectors should look to the future when assessing contenders from the Sheffield Shield.

David Boon’s Australia Ashes XI: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Sam Konstas, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Travis Head, 5. Cameron Green, 6. Beau Webster, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Pat Cummins (c), 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood

Boon thinks Australia won’t make too many changes personnel wise. However, he has called for some positional changes with Steve Smith and Travis Head both moving up a spot to accommodate both Cameron Green and Beau Webster in the middle order.

“I’ve got to be a bit careful here because if I go too hard one way, George (Bailey) won’t speak to me,” said Boon on SEN Tassie.

“I don’t think there will be that much change in the Perth team. The way it has been selected in the last six months or so, I don’t think there will be much change but there will be change after the Ashes.

“I’d stick with Usman and there’s a choice to make in the second opener. I’d like them to give Konstas a go, with Smith 3, Head 4, Green at 5, Webster at 6, Carey 7 then Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Lyon.”

Despite Boon’s views on giving the openers a chance, he said the first few rounds of the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield will tell us more. The 107-Test veteran is hoping to see some new names, and pinpointed three in particular he will keep a close eye on.

“The second opening position may depend on the four Shield games prior to the Ashes. There are three names for me: [Jake] Weatherald and then two young talented players [Nathan] McSweeney and [Campbell] Kellaway from Victoria.

“The key is, those that may be in the mix, they have to play those four Shield games for maximum opportunity.”

Konstas, along with McSweeney and Kellaway, have been selected for Australia A’s two four-day games against India A in September. The Sheffield Shield will then get underway on October 4.

R Ashwin criticised for stating CSK paid “extra money” to buy Dewald Brevis in IPL 2025

Charbel Coorey
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R Ashwin criticised for stating CSK paid “extra money” to buy Dewald Brevis in IPL 2025

Offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been criticised by fans after publically stating that his current franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), paid “extra money” to buy Dewald Brevis during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin revealed that CSK landed Brevis ahead of other franchises as they were able to offer a better deal.

“Is he the next AB or the first DB? Brevis had a great time with CSK last year. I came to understand two or three other teams also spoke with him, but they missed picking because of having to pay extra money,” Ashwin said.

“While picking up a player mid-season, there will be discussions with the player’s agent to negotiate on an ‘X’ amount apart from the base price to acquire his services. CSK were willing to pay the extra money due to which he (Brevis) came into the franchise.”

Fans uneasy about R Ashwin comments regarding Dewald Brevis as offspinner is still with CSK

Fans were critical of Ashwin’s comments as the veteran is leaking inside information despite still being part of the franchise.

“I was one of the first to hype Ashwin’s homecoming to CSK. He had a rough season, but I held back criticism because ups and downs happen. But today’s incident about Brevis? That crossed a line. I lost respect for him. Maybe it’s really time to let him go,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).

“Very poor from R Ashwin. Professionalism at its low. He should have some control in his mouth. He is yet to get released and he is leaking the inside news,” wrote another.

Brevis was outstanding for CSK in IPL 2025, adding some spark to what had been a dismal season for the franchise. The South African smashed 225 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 180, including two half-centuries.

Brevis has gone from strength-to-strength since. He is now the holder of the highest-ever individual score in T20Is for South Africa, having smashed 125 off 56 balls against Australia in Darwin.

CA CEO Todd Greenberg fears nations can go bankrupt if forced to play Tests

Tarkesh Jha
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CA CEO Todd Greenberg fears nations can go bankrupt if forced to play Tests

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has warned that the future of Test cricket is in jeopardy unless the game’s longest format is restructured to focus on fewer, financially sustainable contests.

As the Ashes series approaches, Greenberg said forcing all cricketing nations to play five-day Tests risks crippling boards with limited resources. “We’re trying to send countries bankrupt by forcing them into a model they can’t afford,” he said, adding that Test cricket should be preserved for contexts that carry history, meaning and financial viability.

Todd Greenberg believes financial strength is key to Test cricket being played around the world

Greenberg, who took over the top role in March, argued that the Ashes remains “enormous and profitable” because of its tradition and competitiveness, but warned that trying to replicate that level of engagement for every bilateral Test series is unrealistic. He suggested the sport’s administrators may need to accept fewer Test-playing nations to protect the quality and sustainability of the format.

“I don’t think everyone in world cricket needs to aspire to play Test cricket, and that might be OK,” Greenberg said on Wednesday, as quoted by ABC News.

“A lot of traditionalists might not like that. I’m not suggesting I know the number that will play, but literally we’re trying to send countries bankrupt if we force them to try to play Test cricket.

“We need to make sure we invest in the right spaces to play Test cricket where it means something, and has jeopardy, and that’s why the Ashes will be as enormous and as profitable as it is because it means something.”

The rise of lucrative T20 and ODI competitions, including global franchise leagues, has further reduced the space for Test matches in the calendar. Greenberg said these shorter formats are drawing away top players and audiences, creating additional pressure on the viability of Tests.

According to a the CricBlog future of Test cricket survey, over half of the 2,000+ respondents said they are in favour of a two-division Test system provided there is promotion and relegation. Whether that eventuates remains to be seen given the state of Test cricket around the world plus the England and Wales Cricket Board’s reluctance due to the possibility of relegation.

Cricket West Indies pinpoint 5 key areas for improvement

Tarkesh Jha
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Cricket West Indies pinpoint 5 key areas for improvement

Cricket West Indies (CWI) held an emergency summit in Trinidad on August 11–12, bringing together some of the greatest cricketing names of the country. Brian Lara, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Clive Lloyd, Desmond Haynes, Shivnarine Chanderpaul along with head coach Daren Sammy met to address the deepening crisis in West Indies cricket.

The two-day discussions produced a list of around several issues affecting the game, with five areas marked as immediate priorities:

  • Improving player facilities
  • Upgrading practice pitches across islands
  • Strengthening the domestic competition structure
  • Enhancing physical conditioning; and
  • Introducing early-career skill development.

West Indies Cricket focus on key areas of improvement as they look to become a force once again

CWI CEO Chris Dehring stressed that the decline is systemic, with technical and fitness shortcomings exposed when players reach the international stage. A key recommendation from the meeting was to seek “special dispensation” from the ICC for increased financial support, citing the funding gap and West Indies’ historical contribution to world cricket.

Clive Lloyd warned that without such backing, the team risks languishing in a lower tier if a two-division World Test Championship is implemented.

Brian Lara noted the growing gap between West Indies and top teams, pointing to advancements in technology, analytics, and preparation globally. He also highlighted a shift in player priorities, with franchise T20 leagues often taking precedence over national duty, and urged the board to create an environment that retains talent like Nicholas Pooran.

The meeting also discussed establishing a centralised high-performance centre and formal academy structure to create a stronger talent pipeline. Lara cautioned that while the roadmap is clear, meaningful change will take years, not months.

This intervention comes after the team’s humiliating collapse for 27 in a recent Test against Australia. The lowest total in their history served as a wake-up call for both management and former greats. The unity between CWI and past legends marks one of the strongest collaborative efforts yet to restore the West Indies to competitive strength on the world stage.

Amid this chaos, West Indies produced an inspiring performance to command a 2-1 series win in the ODIs against Pakistan, including a 202-run victory in the decider on Tuesday.

Reactions: Pakistan fans slam team after ODI series loss to West Indies

Tarkesh Jha
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Reactions: Pakistan fans slam team after ODI series loss to West Indies

Pakistan suffered one of their biggest ODI defeats after they were bowled out for 92 while chasing 295 against West Indies in the series decider at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad on Tuesday night.

Pakistan endured a nightmare start with their top three being dismissed for ducks – Saim Ayub (0), Abdullah Shafique (0) and Mohammad Rizwan (0). Young pacer Jayden Seales produced a career-best spell, taking six for 18 to dismantle the batting order.

The visitors folded for just 92 in 24.1 overs, which is their lowest total against the West Indies in over three decades and their biggest loss to the Caribbean side in 50 years. In the process, the Windies sealed their first ODI series win against Pakistan since 1991.

Pakistan fans critical of team following disappointing defeat

Pakistan produced a solid series win in the T20Is, but followed it up with a disappointing performance in the ODIs.

Only three Pakistan batters – Salman Agha (30), Hasan Nawaz (13) and Mohammad Nawaz (23) reached double figures in a performance marked by poor shot selection and vulnerability to seam movement. The result handed the West Indies a 2-1 series win and a morale boost ahead of their ICC Cricket World Cup Super League fixtures. At the same time, Pakistan faces renewed questions over their batting depth and consistency in pressure situations. 

Earlier, West Indies captain Shai Hope struck his 18th ODI century, anchoring the hosts to 294 for 6. Solid middle-order contributions ensured a challenging target, which proved far beyond Pakistan’s reach once early wickets fell.

Former Pakistan keeper-batsman Kamran Akmal was scathing of the defeat. “Our cricket team has been performing like this for the past seven years. At this point we’ve stopped worrying about embarrassing losses. No one even cares anymore not even if Pakistan wins the series. And the funniest part? Pakistan didn’t even win this one. Still no one cares,” wrote Akmal on X (formerly Twitter).

Here are some of other reactions by Pakistan fans to the West Indies’ huge win by 202 runs.

Next up for Pakistan is a T20I tri-series against Afghanistan and UAE later this month ahead of the Asia Cup. West Indies will also soon travel to the UAE for three T20Is against Nepal in Sharjah next month.

“Announcing himself to the world” – Twitter Reactions to stunning by 125 off 56 balls Dewald Brevis against Australia

Charbel Coorey
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“Announcing himself to the world” – Twitter Reactions to stunning by 125 off 56 balls Dewald Brevis against Australia

Dewald Brevis has produced exactly the kind of innings he is capable of, taking the Australian bowlers to the cleaners in the second T20I in Darwin. In an incredible display of hitting, Brevis single-handedly took the Proteas from the brink to a mammoth total, compiling the highest-ever individual score (125*) by a South African in T20Is off just 56 balls.

Down 1-0 in the three-match series, South Africa were struggling at 73/3 after nine overs. That’s where Brevis took over. He struck 15 off the tenth over and didn’t look back, taking a liking to the spinners in particular as he raced to 50 off 25 balls. He had already struck five sixes by that point.

Crucially, sub fielder Matt Kuhnemann dropped Brevis on 56, and the 22-year-old made Australia pay. Brevis’ second fifty came off just 16 balls as he pummelled the Aussie attack to all parts of Marrara Oval, achieving the second-fastest century by a South African, in just his ninth T20I.

In addition to Brevis’ clean striking, it was his solid base and excellent head position that was the hallmark of an incredible innings. Even if the Australians went wide, Brevis was in position very quickly to flay the ball through the offside. At one point, he even swatted a wide Adam Zampa legspinner gun barrell straight down the ground.

Cricket world reacts to stunning 125* off 56 balls by Dewald Brevis against Australia in Darwin

South African fans were full of joy. So were supporters of the Chennai Super Kings, as Mumbai Indians fans lamented the fact that Brevis was once part of the franchise.

“There was such a golden opportunity for IPL teams to pick up Dewald Brevis at the auction! Missed out badly. CSK either got very lucky, or maybe the biggest master stroke ever. The boy can play,” wrote AB de Villiers on X (formerly Twitter).

Australia didn’t know what hit them. Here are some of the reactions to a stunning hundred.

South Africa finished with 218/7. Australia’s powerful batting lineup has a big task on their hands to chase the total and take out the T20I series.

Indian fans react to reports that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not certainties for the 2027 World Cup

Tarkesh Jha
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Indian fans react to reports that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not certainties for the 2027 World Cup

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s hopes of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup has stirred a lot of reaction on social media. Fans want to see their stars in the playing XI while the selectors are appearing to be in two minds about the same.

According to multiple media reports, the Indian team management and selectors are yet to commit to the inclusion of the veteran duo in their long-term plans for the tournament, which will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. While neither player has officially commented on the speculation, the news has triggered intense debate over India’s future squad composition.

Rohit, 38, and Kohli, 36, took retirement from Test cricket and T20Is but are currently part of India’s setup for bilateral series and ICC events. Both the veteran batters annouced their test retirement after the rumours of Shubman Gill becoming the new Test captain came out.

Should Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma be certainties for the 2027 ODI World Cup? Fans have their say

But with more than two years to go for the next 50-over World Cup, there is an increasing focus on transitioning towards younger talent. Both players were central to India’s campaign in the 2023 edition, where they reached the final but lost to Australia in Ahmedabad.

On X (formerly Twitter), reactions ranged from emotional defences of the pair’s legacy to pragmatic acceptance of a generational shift. “You don’t just drop legends like Rohit and Kohli. They are still match-winners,” wrote one fan. Others argued that planning for 2027 should begin now, with an eye on players who will be in peak form and fitness at that time.

The development comes amid a busy calendar for the Indian team, including the ongoing preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the World Test Championship cycle. Selectors are reportedly evaluating performances in both international matches and the IPL before finalising long-term plans.

Kohli is India’s second-highest run-getter in ODIs with over 13,000 runs. Rohit is regarded as one of the format’s most destructive openers, holding the record for the highest individual score in an innings (264). Despite their achievements, selectors face the challenge of balancing experience with the need to build a squad capable of competing in changing conditions and formats.

For now, the possibility of an ODI World Cup without India’s two modern-day greats remains hypothetical but the conversation around it has clearly struck a chord with fans.

Will R Ashwin play for CSK in IPL 2026?

Tarkesh Jha
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Will R Ashwin play for CSK in IPL 2026?

Former India all-rounder R Ashwin has sought clarity from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), on his role for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season and is open to parting ways if he does not feature in their plans, ESPNcricinfo has reported.

Ashwin was bought for ₹9.75 crore at the 2025 mega auction, which was billed as a homecoming. He featured in only nine of the team’s 14 league matches last season, the fewest games he has played in a single campaign since his debut year in 2009. The 38-year-old off-spinner endured his most expensive IPL season yet, conceding runs at 9.12 an over, surpassing his previous worst economy rate of 8.49.

Chance that R Ashwin has played his last game for CSK

The player release deadline will depend on the yet-to-be-finalised date of the IPL 2026 auction. While mega auctions occur every three years, a mini auction is held annually between November and February. Player trades can be conducted until a week before the auction. Ashwin, during an interview with Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson, had even hinted light-heartedly at the possibility of a trade.

A veteran of 197 IPL matches, Ashwin is the league’s fifth-highest wicket-taker. He began his IPL career with CSK, later representing Rising Pune Supergiant, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, before returning to Chennai in 2025 after an eight-season gap.

Here is Ashwin’s detailed look at his IPL career:

Matches: 221
Runs: 833
Wickets: 187
Highest Score: 50
Bowling Average: 30.22
3 Wickets in an Innings: 9
4 Wickets in an Innings: 1

The franchise faces other major decisions, notably around captaincy. In 2025, Ruturaj Gaikwad began the season as skipper but was sidelined mid-tournament due to injury, prompting MS Dhoni to step back into the role. CSK typically awaits Dhoni’s decision on his availability after he resumes training at the end of the year. Despite Dhoni’s presence, Gaikwad is expected to remain captain if fit, continuing the leadership transition initiated last season.

With Ashwin’s future under discussion and leadership roles yet to be confirmed, CSK could be heading into a pivotal off-season phase ahead of IPL 2026 auction.

Ricky Ponting a fan of Bazball but provides warning to England

Charbel Coorey
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Ricky Ponting a fan of Bazball but provides warning to England

Ricky Ponting is a fan of Bazball, but says England face a conundrum for the Ashes. The former Australian captain, now one of the world’s finest commentators, believes England will bat aggressively in Australia, but even flat pitches can work against them in their quest to win.

“I’m as Aussie as anyone and I love watching the way England play. The Aussies embraced it and learnt about it the last time they were here,” Ponting said in an interview with The Times.

“They’ll have an understanding now of what is a slightly more refined version of what England started a few years ago [when Ben Stokes became captain and Brendon McCullum coach].

“I think they can [bat aggressively in Australia], and they will definitely try.”

The key question Ricky Ponting has about Bazball

With the praise came a key question. Ponting believes the England batting lineup will be tested significantly in more bowler-friendly conditions. However, it is those spicier conditions that England may actually need from a bowling perspective.

Pitches down under have provided more assistance for the fast bowlers in recent years, with Australia fighting hard against Pakistan, West Indies and India in the past two years. England have not won a Test in Australia since 2011 and have struggled for bowling penetration in the three subsequent tours.

“It’ll be interesting to see which way we prepare our tracks,” Ponting said. “I don’t think the Aussies will be saying anything to the groundsmen. Certainly through my time, I didn’t speak to the groundsman, and even my coaches didn’t speak to him.

“They always expected them to prepare the best wicket they could… I don’t really know which way England want it.

“They probably play their best cricket when they’ve got flatter pitches because that’s what they need for their batting, but in Australia, they probably need something in the wickets to help their bowling.”

From a bowling perspective, England’s fastest bowlers – Jofra Archer and Mark Wood – will be key to their chances. However, it is highly unlikely either will play five Tests given their injury history. So, the likes of Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and especially Ben Stokes will have a vital role to play.

Also vital to England’s hopes is Joe Root. England’s stalwart recently went past Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history. Now, a century and dominant performances in Australia will seal Root’s legacy.

However, Ponting has seen enough, naming Joe Root among the very best he’s witnessed.

“Brian Lara was the most skillful batsman I played against, and when I was captain, he gave me more sleepless nights than anybody. Sachin [Tendulkar] was technically as good as anyone I’ve seen, along with Rahul Dravid; I’d put Joe in there now as well, and Kane Williamson.”

Why is Australia vs South Africa being played in Darwin, Cairns and Mackay?

Charbel Coorey
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Why is Australia vs South Africa being played in Darwin, Cairns and Mackay?

South Africa are touring Australia for a bilateral white-ball series for the first time since 2018. This time, the matches will be played at Marrara Oval in Darwin, Cazalys Stadium in Cairns, and Great Barrier Reef in Mackay; a shift away from the usual SCG, MCG and the like we’ve become accustomed to over the years.

It is currently winter in Australia and it is rare to see internationals being played in the country in August. In 2022, Australia hosted Zimbabwe and New Zealand in August and September, and those matches were also played in the northern regions. Before that, Australia’s men’s team hadn’t played a home international at this time of year since the the three ODIs against Bangladesh in Darwin in 2008.

ALSO READ: Australia possible XI for the opening T20I against South Africa

Australia vs South Africa series to take place in lesser-known grounds in northern Australia

Why the Australia-South Africa matches will be taking place at these lesser-known venues is two-fold.

First, it is much warmer and drier in Darwin, Cairns, and Mackay than further south including Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. In fact, Darwin has top temperatures of 31-32 degrees every day even in the winter months. Cairns is in the mid-20s, while Mackay is cooler in the lower 20s.

Also, the cold winter climate in cities like Sydney and Melbourne is not suitable for cricket. Sydney, for example, has shivered through very cold temperatures and plenty of rain this winter. More rain is forecast this weekend.

Second, the major cricket grounds in Australia, namely the SCG, MCG, Gabba, Adelaide Oval and Perth’s Optus Stadium are all occupied by Australian Rules Football, also known as the Australian Football League (AFL). These grounds all have multi-million dollar contracts with the AFL and getting the grounds ready for cricket matches during this time is not feasible.

AFL, along with the National Rugby League (NRL), are the sporting codes that garner the most attention in the winter months. Sport in the major capital cities is very seasonal, with footy the talk of the town until cricket fever takes over when summer arrives.

Two key reasons why the 2025 South Africa tour of Australia is being played at lesser-known venues in northern Australia.
AFL being played at the SCG on a cold, rainy day in early August.
Two key reasons why the 2025 South Africa tour of Australia is being played at lesser-known venues in northern Australia.
AFL played at the MCG on August 8, 2025.

Also, fans up north have a rare opportunity to witness international cricket. The first T20I in Darwin on Sunday August 10 is reportedly sold out. Tickets are selling fast for the second T20I at Marrara Cricket Ground as well.

Australia vs South Africa tour schedule:

T20Is:

  • August 10: First T20I, Marrara Stadium, Darwin, 7pm AEST
  • August 12: Second T20I, Marrara Stadium, Darwin, 7pm AEST
  • August 16: Third T20I, Cazalys Stadium, Cairns, 7pm AEST

ODIs:

  • August 19: First ODI, Cazalys Stadium, Cairns, 2:30pm AEST
  • August 22: Second ODI, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 2:30pm AEST
  • August 24: Third ODI, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 2:30pm AEST
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