South Africa take 4-0 lead
South Africa have taken a 4-0 lead going into the fifth ODI. The Proteas scored a grand total and world record score of 5-452, boosted by 42 from Hashim Amla, 192 by Quinton De Kock, 138 by Temba Bavuma and 38 by Faf du Plessis.
And in reply, Australia scored their highest yet this series - 8-324, an innings held together by Aaron Finch's 114 runs. James Faulkner helped with a handy 43*, but in the end the target proved to big for Australia's reach, with the tourists falling 128 runs short after 50 overs.
And in reply, Australia scored their highest yet this series - 8-324, an innings held together by Aaron Finch's 114 runs. James Faulkner helped with a handy 43*, but in the end the target proved to big for Australia's reach, with the tourists falling 128 runs short after 50 overs.
PROTEAS WIN SERIES WITH THIRD WIN
South Africa have won game 3 by 9 wickets. After Australia scored 6-200 thanks to 65 from skipper George Bailey and 46 from opener Aaron Finch, South Africa dominated.
Quinton De Kock scored a hundred, and alongside a Hashim Amla 70, cruised South Africa to 1/201 off only 33.4 overs. They won the series with their third consecutive victory.
Quinton De Kock scored a hundred, and alongside a Hashim Amla 70, cruised South Africa to 1/201 off only 33.4 overs. They won the series with their third consecutive victory.
SOUTH AFRICA TAKE OUT GAME 2
After Australia were forced to bowl first, Hashim Amla and Quinton De Kock set out to make a big total, before Amla was caught on 33. De Kock and De Villiers created an 109 run partnership, before De Kock was undone by a stumping from Matthew Wade. Temba Bauma scored another 80, leading South Africa to a mammoth total of 333.
The Australians couldn't do much in reply, with Marcus Stoinis falling cheaply on the first ball. They put up little resistance, and could only manage a weak 10-123.
The Australians couldn't do much in reply, with Marcus Stoinis falling cheaply on the first ball. They put up little resistance, and could only manage a weak 10-123.
PROTEAS DRAW FIRST BLOOD IN ODI SERIES
Aaron Finch was off to a shaky start, being run out for only 2 runs. Shaun Marsh was soon to follow, trapped lbw for 2. Warner fell early as well, leaving Australia 3-30. But George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell helped the Aussies, creating a 66 run partnership before Bailey departed for 39. But Glenn Maxwell batted on, bringing up another ODI hundred, helping the Aussies in their total of 6/238.
Mitch Marsh had Quinton de Kock caught in the slips early, but AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla made a 87 run partnership before De Villiers was caught by Maxwell for 61. Temba Bavuma scored a match winning 80, and Hashim Amla stayed 83*, with South Africa cruising to a 7 Wicket win.
Mitch Marsh had Quinton de Kock caught in the slips early, but AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla made a 87 run partnership before De Villiers was caught by Maxwell for 61. Temba Bavuma scored a match winning 80, and Hashim Amla stayed 83*, with South Africa cruising to a 7 Wicket win.
Ryan carters joins royal challengers bangalore
Australian batsman Ryan Carters has been the first trade of this year's trade period ahead of IPL10. The 26 year old signed with Royal Challengers Bangalore for $900,000. Carters will add to RCB's batting lineup with the likelihood that Sanju Samson will be unavailable due to injury.
Carters with Australians Travis Head, Shane Watson, Mitchell Starc and Kane Richardson
STRIKE BOWLING LEADS AUSTRALIA TO VICTORY
After Australia won the toss and elected to bowl, England paid the price when Mitchell Starc and Mitch Marsh tore through the English order. Joe Root was bowled for a first ball duck, and then Starc also took the key wicket of Jos Buttler. Mitch Marsh removed Morgan courtesy of a brilliant catch by Glenn Maxwell. Starc took 6-15 and Marsh followed with 3-12.
In pursuit of 34, Australia lost early wickets. But a cameo from Ryan Carters who scored 18 off 3 balls, lead Australia to a bonus point victory over England, taking first spot on Pool A.
In pursuit of 34, Australia lost early wickets. But a cameo from Ryan Carters who scored 18 off 3 balls, lead Australia to a bonus point victory over England, taking first spot on Pool A.
AUSTRALIA TO DON CLASSIC GOLD FOR 2016 CHAMPIONS TROPHY
Australia have announced their new classic gold kits for the ICC Champions Trophy in August of this year. Their uniform resembles similarity between their ODI shirt that they used in the One Day Internationals against India at the beginning of the year.
5 other nations (Pakistan, Scotland, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe) have also announced their kits:
AUSSIES SHINE IN T20 One-OFF
The Australian bowlers have shined in the T20I against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Mitch Starc bowled Kumar Sangakkara for 8 in the first over, and then struck Nuwan Perera and Angelo Mathews in suite. James Faulkner took two more to leave the hosts 10/52 off one 7.0 overs. In return, Finch was run out on 3, and then George Bailey came in and hit 7 sixes in his quickfire innings of 43 off 11 balls. He fell stumped of Sachithra Senanayake, but Steve Smith delivered the winning runs in the third over, handing the Aussies a 2 wicket win.
Glenn Maxwell missed an opportunity to bat due to a favourable DRS decision
surprise names in australia's test squad for windies
Some surprise names have been added to Australia's 15 man squad for their upcoming 7 match Test series against the West Indies, playing away. The series will be crucial for the Aussies, If they lose 3 matches in the series, and South Africa win to Bangladesh, the Australians will be in second position for the first time since 2013.
David Warner will open the batting in a lineup that boasts depth in many areas across the different techniques. His aggressive style will be much needed, in order to match the power of the West Indies. It was no surprise that he was selected for this series as vice-captain and in the starting 11.
Joe Burns will be looking to continue his stellar form in this series, and will be looking to cement himself as Australia's long term opener. Warner and Burns make a great combination, and that is always good to have on a team.
Steve Smith has surprised no-one in being named captain of this squad, due to his excellent form in the last 2 years. He is young, and will always be able to be relied on when needed.
Adam Voges has been selected as the number four batsman, ridding doubts and beliefs that Usman Khawaja would be named at 4 if Smith was at 3. At an average of 95.50 after 15 tests means that his Bradman-like first year of cricket will give him a massive confidence boost.
Shaun Marsh has been picked for number 5, meaning that the selectors think that his old purple patch hasn't faded away fully. Now 32, this is his last chance to really prove to the selectors he could play on in 2017.
Mitch Marsh, brother of Shaun has been picked at number 6. His patience at the crease is a virtue, while his sometimes aggressive batting is helpful for a number 6 batsman. His bowling offers great line and length, and he is a promising young cricketer.
Peter Nevill was no surprise for the Australian wicket keeper position, but his age might be a foe for the selectors. At 29, he looks and feels young, but he can't keep forever.
Mitchell Starc's return to ODI cricket was incredible, and impressive enough to land him a spot in the Test team. He is the most feared bowler in the world, and he will show us why.
James Pattinson has been named as the second paceman for the Australian side, with his 6 month recent injury shattering his hopes of the ODI Series. But he is back now, and is fit and firing them down in the nets.
Nathan Lyon has been named in the squad, with his spin a virtue on a subcontinental wicket. His role will be lessened with another spinner on tour, but he will still bowl 30 overs each innings.
AUSTRALIA CRUMBLE ON DAY 1
After David Warner (36) and Joe Burns (21) made a solid start to day 1, Australia crumbled, falling to an uncompetitive 10/262. The highlight was a flurry by Nathan Lyon, with his 36 runs the only highlight from a dismal batting display by the Aussies.
With the ball, Mitchell Starc removed Alvaro Peterson on the first ball of the innings, then 4 overs later Nathan Lyon removed Dean Elgar courtesy to some quick movement by Peter Nevill. South Africa came to 2/75 at stumps, in a massively strong position.
With the ball, Mitchell Starc removed Alvaro Peterson on the first ball of the innings, then 4 overs later Nathan Lyon removed Dean Elgar courtesy to some quick movement by Peter Nevill. South Africa came to 2/75 at stumps, in a massively strong position.
LATHAM LEADS BLACKCAPS TO COMPETITIVE 172
New Zealand keeper-batsman has lead New Zealand to a competitive 10/172 in the first T20I against England. The innings started with Martin Guptill smashing Steven Finn for 6 off the third ball of the innings, but not to be outdone, England took Nuptial next over through Rashid. Munro also made a quick fire 6, but when Kane Williamson was bowled by Steven Finn, New Zealand were in trouble at a doubtful 3-17. Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott scored 13 and 4 respectively, but when they departed both via Adil Rashid - New Zealand were 5-35, with Latham batting. Latham scored 12 off his first 2 overs, but in overs 9-15 Latham scored a whopping 88 runs, the highlight 30 runs off of one Stuart Broad over. England finally got Latham by some great fielding from Moeen Ali, but the damage was done, with New Zealand on 135. Tim Southee and Trent Boult both scored 19, and New Zealand scored 172.
In reply, England started strongly with openers Alistair Cook and Luke Wright scoring 13 and 15 respectively. But when Cook fell caught Williamson off of the bowling of Ish Sodhi, Joe Root unleashed, obviously targeting New Zealands quicks in Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Williamson took another catch, off the bowling of Santner. When rain halted play in the 12th over, England were 2/99, needing 72 for victory.
In reply, England started strongly with openers Alistair Cook and Luke Wright scoring 13 and 15 respectively. But when Cook fell caught Williamson off of the bowling of Ish Sodhi, Joe Root unleashed, obviously targeting New Zealands quicks in Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Williamson took another catch, off the bowling of Santner. When rain halted play in the 12th over, England were 2/99, needing 72 for victory.
PLAYERS BATS OF 2016
LYON LOOKED TO SWANN TO BECOME "G.O.A.T"
With his parents, brother and numerous other relatives in Christchurch this week, it would be fitting if Nathan Lyon could ford that stepping stone at Hagley Oval and nothing short of remarkable when his age (or comparative lack thereof) is factored in.
Lyon will be a stripling 28 years and three months when play begins on the reclaimed parkland venue alongside a city centre still rendered ghost-like by the catastrophic earthquake of five years earlier, yet he has 192 wickets from his 53 Tests.
Which is 192 wickets more than Swann had taken at the same age, given the man who sits behind Derek Underwood as England’s second-most successful spinner with 255 scalps was not introduced to Test cricket until he was 29 years and 262 days.
Quick Single: Walking the Lyon to greatness
Indeed, only seven specialist spin bowlers in Test history have reached 200 wickets before age 30 – India’s Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble, Pakistan pair Saqlain Mushtaq and Danish Kaneria, Sri Lanka’s Muthiah Muralidaran, New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori and Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne.
All but Saqlain and Kaneria went on to finish with more than 350 Test victims to their name, and at his current strike of around three and half wickets per Test Lyon is likely to overtake Swann’s wicket tally by the time England arrive down under for the 2017-18 Ashes summer.
During which Lyon will turn 30, adding an extra element of poignancy to parallels between his own career and that of the bowler he set out to emulate, only to hastily overtake.
"As an offie, I looked at Graeme Swann a fair bit, especially leading up to playing against him," Lyon told cricket.com.au in an exclusive interview leading into the series-deciding Test at Christchurch.
"He’s been a great player for the game, especially for England.
"But he’s one guy I’ve looked at before and thought ‘there’s no reason why I can’t do that’.
"We’re different bowlers in our own right I guess, so I’ve got to forge my own path and keep walking down that and enjoying it."
While evergreen spinners the likes of Muralidaran, Kumble and Warne pushed on at Test level into their late 30s, Swann retired at age 34 in the middle of England’s previous Ashes tour citing an ongoing elbow problem that robbed him of revs on the ball.
"Elbow … and Shane Watson," Lyon smiles, referencing the onslaught the Australia allrounder launched on Swann’s bowling in Perth two summers ago that triggered the Englishman’s immediate retirement and his team’s five-nil Ashes defeat.
WATCH: Watson destroys Swann, England en route to Test ton
Perhaps because of his comparative youth, Lyon reports no such body aches or repetitive strain injuries as he prepares for his 32nd consecutive Test match – the most by a specialist spinner for Australia since Warne’s 40 on the trot between 1992 and 1996.
"Touch wood, I’m okay - I’ve got a bad little pinky finger nail, but I should be right," Lyon offers, flashing the flint dry humour forged over the groundsman’s tools at Adelaide Oval where he plied his trade as a groundsman before he swapped spraying for playing.
But personal numbers such as his Test wicket tally, his chronological milestones and consecutive Test appearances represent an alien currency to the father of two whose partner Melissa and daughters Harper and Milla are also in Christchurch for the upcoming Test.
"I’ve always been taught growing up not to think about that stuff," said Lyon, now senior member of a team radically reshaped over the past year and in which his role as song master is one of the few not to have changed hands.
"That if you play for a team and keep enjoying that part of it then the wheel was always go around for you and you’ll have your time in the light.
"But I’m a big one for winning as many games of cricket as we can for Australia.
"When I finish my career I’ll sit down with my mates and family and look back and pick out the Test matches that stand out for me, whether it’s been the best team performances or whether it’s been personal highlights.
"It’s just going to be about what series we win and what series I look back on with fond memories.
"As I keep saying, I just want to keep going out there and performing, keep winning games of cricket for Australia.
"If it means it’s next week or however long (before his time in the game comes to an end), there’s no number on it."
WATCH: Lyon's amazing Adelaide afternoon
If Lyon needed any prompting that careers in professional sport are brutally finite, he needed only to look around the 10 others clad in white as he launched into his most recent rendition of ‘Beneath the Southern Cross’ amid a celebration of fried chicken and bottled beer in the Basin Reserve dressing room last Monday.
Missing from the chorus that had belted out the team song following their previous overseas Test win, at The Oval to conclude an unsuccessful Ashes tour, were Michael Clarke, Mitchell Johnson and Chris Rogers.
All lost to retirement in the intervening six months, as were Ryan Harris, Brad Haddin and Shane Watson who were earlier casualties of that campaign and accepted the guard was changing.
That shift has been as pronounced as it has been prompt.
The team that Steve Smith led throughout the six Tests of the Australia summer and into New Zealand is the first Australia Test XI since the disastrous India tour of 2013 – which led to unprecedented upheaval in the months that followed – to complete a full series with an average age below 29 years.
And the first of such long-term promise to complete an entire season with such an imposing record (seven Tests played thus far for five wins and two draws) since Mark Taylor’s star-studded line-up retained the Ashes in England in 1997 and rolled into a triumphant home summer.
Before evolving into the teams led by Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting that went on to dominate world cricket in long and short forms of the game for the next decade.
WATCH: Lyon leads the team song after Ashes triumph
Little wonder that Lyon, while noting the loss of wisdom and "mongrel" that those long-time servants brought to the playing field during the reign of Michael Clarke, believes the current crop is capable of creating some enduring history for themselves.
With Adam Voges (36) and ‘keeper Peter Nevill (30) the only incumbent members of the Test XI to know what a 30th birthday is like.
"I think it is a different vibe, but I think it’s an exciting vibe too," Lyon said of the dressing room feeling under 26-year-old Smith’s leadership.
"Obviously losing as lot of old heads you lose a lot of experience and a lot of mongrel I guess, out in the field with the ruthlessness they provide.
"But this group is quite young and exciting, there’s no limits to where we want to take the game really.
"If you look at the team, there’s a lot of young guys around similar ages, some who are at the same point of their careers and some who are older guys who are probably looking at the back end of their careers.
"But even those guys have been great leaders for our younger batsmen.
"You look at Adam Voges who’s been an exceptional player for WA over umpteen years but now he’s cashing in on an unbelievable Test career.
"You look at the way he’s been able to help the likes of Joe Burns and Peter Nevill with their batting, it’s been really exceptional to look at that side of the guys with their different leadership roles.
"So there’s no reason why we can’t build something pretty special with this team that we’ve got.
"The batters are hitting the ball harder and stronger, and as bowlers we’re planning to get better each and every day we go out to training.
"As a bowling group I know we want to keep getting better and better, so the sky’s the limit for us."
SMIth, MARSH LEAD AUSSIES TO WIN
A 267* to Steven Smith and a 205* to Shaun Marsh lead the Aussies to win, chasing 596 on day 5. "I can't believe we actually won that match, and I think Steve played a wonderful innings.
WARNER WINS AB MEDAL, Dispite form slump
David Warner is the 2016 Allan Border Medal, a surprise winner ahead of captain Steve Smith.
Warner also won the Test Player of the Year award. Warner polled an overall 240 votes (split evenly between those awarded by his teammates and those from umpires and media representatives) in the AB Medal count, 21 more than Steve Smith and 57 ahead of third-placed Mitchell Starc.
In the Test Player of the Year, Warner (30 votes) polled six more than Smith with Starc again placed third with 18 votes, while Josh Hazlewood was also a contender.
"My heart is racing. I honestly thought 'Smudge' had a terrific year and he would have taken this out," Warner said on stage at the Allan Border Medal event, presented by Crown Golden Ale.
"People said to me I can be one of the greats of the game but you just sit there and let that go through both of your ears. You can only control what you control and for me that's being the best person I can be on and off the field. "
Warner also paid tribute to wife Candice, with whom the pair have two daughters, Ivy Mae and newborn Indi Rae. His voice wavered as he called his wife "my rock" and added: "I probably wouldn't be playing cricket today without you."
"I love waking up every day and knowing I'm playing for Australia, and I wouldn't change a thing," Warner said.
"I'll try my best to keep entertaining everyone while I'm on the field, and try and keep my mouth shut a bit as well."
Andrew Ramsey: Warner blossoms on and off field
Warner had earlier in the day downplayed his chances of winning, saying he expected Smith to repeat his achievements from the 2015 ceremony and sweep the pool.
However, Smith went through the night without an individual award, with Glenn Maxwell picking up the One Day International Player of the Year Award.
Full details of the winners below the event's live blog.
LIVE blog direct from the event
Warner also won the Test Player of the Year award. Warner polled an overall 240 votes (split evenly between those awarded by his teammates and those from umpires and media representatives) in the AB Medal count, 21 more than Steve Smith and 57 ahead of third-placed Mitchell Starc.
In the Test Player of the Year, Warner (30 votes) polled six more than Smith with Starc again placed third with 18 votes, while Josh Hazlewood was also a contender.
"My heart is racing. I honestly thought 'Smudge' had a terrific year and he would have taken this out," Warner said on stage at the Allan Border Medal event, presented by Crown Golden Ale.
"People said to me I can be one of the greats of the game but you just sit there and let that go through both of your ears. You can only control what you control and for me that's being the best person I can be on and off the field. "
Warner also paid tribute to wife Candice, with whom the pair have two daughters, Ivy Mae and newborn Indi Rae. His voice wavered as he called his wife "my rock" and added: "I probably wouldn't be playing cricket today without you."
"I love waking up every day and knowing I'm playing for Australia, and I wouldn't change a thing," Warner said.
"I'll try my best to keep entertaining everyone while I'm on the field, and try and keep my mouth shut a bit as well."
Andrew Ramsey: Warner blossoms on and off field
Warner had earlier in the day downplayed his chances of winning, saying he expected Smith to repeat his achievements from the 2015 ceremony and sweep the pool.
However, Smith went through the night without an individual award, with Glenn Maxwell picking up the One Day International Player of the Year Award.
Full details of the winners below the event's live blog.
LIVE blog direct from the event
aussies win tight match
Joe Burns has made 2 centuries and Josh Hazlewood took 7 for the match to lead Australia to a win against New Zealand at the Rose Bowl. Steve Smith made 117 and Shaun Marsh 157 as Australia went up 1-0
shaun marsh makes his fourth straight ton
Shaun Marsh has made his fourth straight hundred and lead Australia to a successfull chase of 233 against South Africa. Josh Hazlewood bagged 5 Wickets including big ones of Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, David Miller and Vernon Philander. Faulkner took 2, as Australia cruised to an 8 wicket victory
MArsh blasts another ton
Shaun Marsh has taken a liking to the English soil, with another hundred in the World Cup, this time against the West Indies. He hammered the ball, hitting 11 fours and 5 sixes in his onslaught. Pattinson and Watson both took four wicket hauls, as the Aussies won 4 on the trot.
Marsh continues outstanding form with 2nd consecutive ton
Shaun Marsh has scored his second consecutive World Cup ton, against Ireland at the Oval. He blasted 118 in a 135 run stand with other inform batsman Shane Watson (44) to lead the Aussies to a 51 run win.
INDIA lose lords blockbuster
India have suffered a 15 run loss at Lords, due to hundreds to Shaun Marsh and Shane Watson. Watson proved he was not to old to play for Australia, backing up his 12 ball 50. The sparkling all-rounder even chimed in with 2 wickets, the prized ones of Rohit Sharma and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Aussies beat zimbabwe due to watson fifty
The fastest ODI World Cup fifty from Shane Watson has lead Australia to beat Zimbabwe by 103 runs. Shaun Marsh hit 48, but the main highlight was Watson's 12 ball 52. Hazlewood, Faulkner and Pattinson took 3 wickets each. Australia are now the most economical ODI team with an economy of 5.21.
Nevill leads aussies to big win
Australia have beaten Afghanistan in the World Cup, due to 70 and 4 catches by Peter Nevill, and 3 wickets to paceman James Pattinson. Faulkner, Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell picked up 2 each, and 69 by Steve Smith and 43 by Marsh gave Australia a total of 297 runs.
Aussies beat west indies in thrashing
The West Indies have given up all hope before the 3rd Test, due to a 396 run thrashing to Australia. Burns and Warner added 89, but they both fell within 2 balls of each other. Steve Smith and Voges worked well for a 50 partnership, before the skipper fell on 42. Khawaja, Marsh and Nevill all fell cheaply, leaving the Aussies out for 284.
Ashton Agar starred with the ball, taking a 4 wicket haul, including the wicket of Kraigg Brathwaite and Darren Bravo. Burns and Nevill added centuries in the second innings, boasting Australia a score of 378, with a lead of 508. Agar finished it off with 3, with Smith and Lyon 2.
Ashton Agar starred with the ball, taking a 4 wicket haul, including the wicket of Kraigg Brathwaite and Darren Bravo. Burns and Nevill added centuries in the second innings, boasting Australia a score of 378, with a lead of 508. Agar finished it off with 3, with Smith and Lyon 2.
pUNJAB NAME SQUAD FOR IPL 2016
aussies win, thrash windies
Of the bevy of records to tumble during Australia's ruthlessly one-side victory sealed in Hobart today, perhaps the most worryingly significant was the one that served as the truncated Test's full point.
When West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite was bowled within one mighty blow of a deserved, defiant century to close out Australia's victory by an innings and 212 runs.
The second-biggest win that Australia has forged over the once mighty, previously proud collective of Caribbean nations since the very first series between rivals now treading disparate paths in world cricket.
Apart from the fact it took a couple of days longer to reach its inevitable conclusion (including the then obligatory rest day), the game that yielded that widest margin between the teams when played at the Brisbane Exhibition Ground in January 1931 bore some similarities to that which finished at 2.35pm this afternoon.
Almost three hours before the scheduled time for stumps on day three.
Back then, Australia's win by an innings and 217 runs was set up by the batting dominance of Don Bradman (223) and Bill Ponsford (108), with their roles reprised with added volubility by Adam Voges (269*) and Shaun Marsh (182) in the contemporary version.
And while the wickets were shared by spinner Clarrie Grimmett (9-144) and local Queensland seamer Ron Oxenham (6-76) in just the second Test match staged in Brisbane, across the Tasman the lion's share of wickets fell to pace pair Josh Hazlewood (7-78) and James Pattinson (5-27 today after going wicketless in the first innings).
Who between them accounted for seven of the eight wickets that tumbled for a paltry 51 runs in less than 20 overs in this morning's session that saw the tame end to the West Indies first innings followed by an even limper start to their second after they were forced to follow-on 360 runs behind.
But the glaring difference between that Test that was the last played at the Exhibition Ground before cricket moved to its current Queensland home at the Gabba and this week's at Blundstone Arena – a venue with its own clouded Test future – was that back then the West Indies could look forward with promise.
Given they were just 10 matches into their Test cricket tenure and had lost four of their previous nine matches by an innings, they were clearly a team learning their trade and already boasted at least one genuine superstar in their midst – George Headley, who became known as 'the Black Bradman'.
Not only is there an absence of any such supernova in the current incarnation of the West Indies line-up, after 20 years of inexorable decline in the strength and substance of top-level cricket in the Caribbean even the most committed and loyal of their fans now accept that the best years have gone.
When West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite was bowled within one mighty blow of a deserved, defiant century to close out Australia's victory by an innings and 212 runs.
The second-biggest win that Australia has forged over the once mighty, previously proud collective of Caribbean nations since the very first series between rivals now treading disparate paths in world cricket.
Apart from the fact it took a couple of days longer to reach its inevitable conclusion (including the then obligatory rest day), the game that yielded that widest margin between the teams when played at the Brisbane Exhibition Ground in January 1931 bore some similarities to that which finished at 2.35pm this afternoon.
Almost three hours before the scheduled time for stumps on day three.
Back then, Australia's win by an innings and 217 runs was set up by the batting dominance of Don Bradman (223) and Bill Ponsford (108), with their roles reprised with added volubility by Adam Voges (269*) and Shaun Marsh (182) in the contemporary version.
And while the wickets were shared by spinner Clarrie Grimmett (9-144) and local Queensland seamer Ron Oxenham (6-76) in just the second Test match staged in Brisbane, across the Tasman the lion's share of wickets fell to pace pair Josh Hazlewood (7-78) and James Pattinson (5-27 today after going wicketless in the first innings).
Who between them accounted for seven of the eight wickets that tumbled for a paltry 51 runs in less than 20 overs in this morning's session that saw the tame end to the West Indies first innings followed by an even limper start to their second after they were forced to follow-on 360 runs behind.
But the glaring difference between that Test that was the last played at the Exhibition Ground before cricket moved to its current Queensland home at the Gabba and this week's at Blundstone Arena – a venue with its own clouded Test future – was that back then the West Indies could look forward with promise.
Given they were just 10 matches into their Test cricket tenure and had lost four of their previous nine matches by an innings, they were clearly a team learning their trade and already boasted at least one genuine superstar in their midst – George Headley, who became known as 'the Black Bradman'.
Not only is there an absence of any such supernova in the current incarnation of the West Indies line-up, after 20 years of inexorable decline in the strength and substance of top-level cricket in the Caribbean even the most committed and loyal of their fans now accept that the best years have gone.
marsh leads aussies to massive first innings lead
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Australia knocked over the West Indies without trouble, with 4-61 to Nathan Lyon and 2/65 for Peter Siddle leading the Aussies to get the 10 wickets with only 220 runs on the board. Marlon Samuels was the leading run scorer with a quick 51, with Kraigg Brathwaite second with 47.
Joe Burns and David Warner survived the first 20 overs unscathed, before Devendra Bishoo clean bowled Warner for 40. With Australia at an average pace of 1/54, Steve Smith came in at #3, but Burns fell to captain Holder on 20. Shaun Marsh came in at a troubled 2/60, but built a partnership of 81 with Smith. Smith was Holder's second scalp on 49, when he was stumped by Denesh Ramdin. Marsh and Adam Voges put on an 131 run stand, in which Marsh made his century, off a record 50 balls. When Voges was stumped on 36, Marsh also stopped scoring, and was run out for 137. James Pattinson and Peter Siddle batted a 50 partnership after a quick-fire Mitch Marsh 50, before 2 more stumpings fell. Pattinson ended on his highest test score of 84*.
Joe Burns and David Warner survived the first 20 overs unscathed, before Devendra Bishoo clean bowled Warner for 40. With Australia at an average pace of 1/54, Steve Smith came in at #3, but Burns fell to captain Holder on 20. Shaun Marsh came in at a troubled 2/60, but built a partnership of 81 with Smith. Smith was Holder's second scalp on 49, when he was stumped by Denesh Ramdin. Marsh and Adam Voges put on an 131 run stand, in which Marsh made his century, off a record 50 balls. When Voges was stumped on 36, Marsh also stopped scoring, and was run out for 137. James Pattinson and Peter Siddle batted a 50 partnership after a quick-fire Mitch Marsh 50, before 2 more stumpings fell. Pattinson ended on his highest test score of 84*.
3rd test, day 3 highlights
3rd test DAY 2 highlights
3rd test, DAY 1 highlights
STARC SIDELINED with injury
Scans reveal early stage stress fracture in paceman's right foot after he was forced from field for treatment
It was an historic and largely successful day for Steve Smith's Australians at the Adelaide Oval, but any sense of satisfaction will have been soured by the news of a potentially serious injury to paceman Mitchell Starc.
Starc had scans after play and has been diagnosed with an early stage stress fracture in the third metatarsal on his right foot.
He will bat if required but will not bowl again in the Test, and the injury has put an immediate cloud over his involvement in the upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies, starting December 10 in Hobart.
The 25-year-old took 3-24 from nine overs on day one and looked in peak form with the pink ball, but just moments after knocking over Mitchell Santner to claim his third scalp he pulled up in his post-delivery stride, and left the field a short time later.
The left-arm quick was seen on crutches as the players headed across the ground and toward the team bus around an hour after stumps.
"It's obviously very disappointing," fellow quick Peter Siddle said of the injury news. "He was bowling so well and has been bowling well for a very long time.
"You never want one of your teammates to go down, especially so early on, (but) we've got enough bowling in our line-up anyway to take the 10 wickets required, so I think we'll be fine.
"But it's very disappointing for him. He has been on fire and I think he showed that again today – even with a bit of pain, he could get the job done and get those few breakthroughs for us in the middle order.
"We know Starcy – he'll be back. It's a nice little rest for him. It's not a bad thing for him at this time of the year. I think he will be back firing in no time at all."
WATCH: Troubled Starc forced from the field in Adelaide
Fast-bowling legend Glenn McGrath was less optimistic, suggesting the prognosis was a concerning one for both Starc and Australia, particularly given the form of the left-armer and the recent departure of Mitchell Johnson.
"When you've got a guy bowling that pace, (as) an attacking bowler, he picked up three wickets again today for not many runs, it's a huge loss for Australia, especially considering Mitchell Johnson retired last week," McGrath said.
"So fingers crossed it's not too bad, but he's going to be out for a while."
Starc grimaces after a delivery in Adelaide // Getty
Initial fears for Starc centred upon his troublesome right ankle, given his recent history of bone spurs and the decision he made to postpone surgery and avoid an extensive lay-off across the middle of an Australian summer that effectively includes eight Tests, with two in New Zealand in February.
At this stage it's unclear if unclear if those bone spurs have in any way impinged on the metatarsal bone, with further news expected out of the Australian camp on Saturday.
James Pattinson appears the likely front-runner to replace Starc if the left-armer is unable to play against the Windies in the first Test, after the Victorian was named 12th man today but left Adelaide to play Sheffield Shield in Perth.
That Shield match began today and Pattinson will only be available for days three and four of the match, meaning he will more than likely get just one innings of bowling against the Warriors.
Victoria's next Shield match is on December 6 against South Australia at the MCG, while the West Indians begin their tour with a four-day match against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane on December 2.
It was an historic and largely successful day for Steve Smith's Australians at the Adelaide Oval, but any sense of satisfaction will have been soured by the news of a potentially serious injury to paceman Mitchell Starc.
Starc had scans after play and has been diagnosed with an early stage stress fracture in the third metatarsal on his right foot.
He will bat if required but will not bowl again in the Test, and the injury has put an immediate cloud over his involvement in the upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies, starting December 10 in Hobart.
The 25-year-old took 3-24 from nine overs on day one and looked in peak form with the pink ball, but just moments after knocking over Mitchell Santner to claim his third scalp he pulled up in his post-delivery stride, and left the field a short time later.
The left-arm quick was seen on crutches as the players headed across the ground and toward the team bus around an hour after stumps.
"It's obviously very disappointing," fellow quick Peter Siddle said of the injury news. "He was bowling so well and has been bowling well for a very long time.
"You never want one of your teammates to go down, especially so early on, (but) we've got enough bowling in our line-up anyway to take the 10 wickets required, so I think we'll be fine.
"But it's very disappointing for him. He has been on fire and I think he showed that again today – even with a bit of pain, he could get the job done and get those few breakthroughs for us in the middle order.
"We know Starcy – he'll be back. It's a nice little rest for him. It's not a bad thing for him at this time of the year. I think he will be back firing in no time at all."
WATCH: Troubled Starc forced from the field in Adelaide
Fast-bowling legend Glenn McGrath was less optimistic, suggesting the prognosis was a concerning one for both Starc and Australia, particularly given the form of the left-armer and the recent departure of Mitchell Johnson.
"When you've got a guy bowling that pace, (as) an attacking bowler, he picked up three wickets again today for not many runs, it's a huge loss for Australia, especially considering Mitchell Johnson retired last week," McGrath said.
"So fingers crossed it's not too bad, but he's going to be out for a while."
Starc grimaces after a delivery in Adelaide // Getty
Initial fears for Starc centred upon his troublesome right ankle, given his recent history of bone spurs and the decision he made to postpone surgery and avoid an extensive lay-off across the middle of an Australian summer that effectively includes eight Tests, with two in New Zealand in February.
At this stage it's unclear if unclear if those bone spurs have in any way impinged on the metatarsal bone, with further news expected out of the Australian camp on Saturday.
James Pattinson appears the likely front-runner to replace Starc if the left-armer is unable to play against the Windies in the first Test, after the Victorian was named 12th man today but left Adelaide to play Sheffield Shield in Perth.
That Shield match began today and Pattinson will only be available for days three and four of the match, meaning he will more than likely get just one innings of bowling against the Warriors.
Victoria's next Shield match is on December 6 against South Australia at the MCG, while the West Indians begin their tour with a four-day match against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane on December 2.
START OF SOMETHING BIG
For the benefit of sports historians, social anthropologists and the pathologically curious that might follow, let history record the following.
The first delivery in day-night Test cricket was bowled at 2pm on a temperate Friday afternoon in Adelaide by Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, who dead-batted it to extra cover.
WATCH: Starc forced from field
The opening run was posted four minutes later when Guptill knocked a single backward of point, with the same batsman becoming the first pink ball wicket 15 minutes into the match when he pushed his bat unsuccessfully towards a Josh Hazlewood delivery angled in towards the stumps.
WATCH: Hazlewood's historic first wicket
Not surprisingly, Kane Williamson scored the first boundary thanks to a generous leg stump full toss from Starc, and Ross Taylor survived the inaugural day-night Test DRS review against Peter Siddle.
Who in turn became the first bowler to reach 200 Test wickets using a pink ball when he nicked off Taylor and outfoxed Doug Bracewell.
Quick Single: Countless firsts marks historic day
In between those events, the Black Caps endured the first middle-order collapse in the unprecedented format in losing 3-4 in less than two overs, the height of which saw Brendon McCullum become the first skipper to throw away a day-night Test innings with a wild heave.
That was after opener Tom Latham became the first (and to date, only) player to score a half century against the pink ball at international level, and immediately fell victim to the best pink ball catch taken in Tests when 'keeper Peter Nevill clutched a chance in the very tips of his be-gloved fingers.
WATCH: Latham, Taylor, McCullum fall in quick succession
The Black Caps' 23-year-old spinner Mitchell Santner, the first player to make his Test debut in a day-night fixture, also became the first to be treated to a verbal send-off by an opposition bowler with the same Christian name in said format after Starc gave him a blast upon rattling his stumps.
WATCH: Starc gives Santner a welcome to Test cricket
Shortly before Starc himself became the first fast bowler to retire from the field injured during the dinner break in a Test (the 40-minute adjournment that now falls between tea and stumps), and soon after found himself on his way to hospital for scans on his bone spur-afflicted right ankle.
Quick Single: Starc limps off in Adelaide
In the interests of academic integrity, Steve Smith can be listed as the first bowler to have rolled over his arm under floodlights in a Test match, having granted himself a couple of overs as the light towers started humming in the five minutes prior to the first Test dinner to fall within a match.
But those purists who had not flicked over to the 7pm news will surely concur the man to be recognised as beginning the historic post-dinner session under lights and a setting sun was Siddle, with the Black Caps’ keeper BJ Watling showing no difficulty in seeing or negotiating his history making delivery at the other end.
When Watling became the first victim to a smartly-held catch in the slips cordon, Tim Southee then claimed his moment in the spotlights by belting a pink ball into the crowd for the first time in a Test match (where the first crowd catch was spectacularly plucked by one of the 47,441 in the house).
WATCH: Southee's six leads to great grab
The NZ opening bowler then doubled up in the history book by becoming the first batsman to be handed a life, with Adam Voges’ failed attempt to scamper back and clutch a swirling fly ball owing more to the difficulty of the task than the job of sighting the pink ball against the pale-lit evening sky.
And even though NZ's 202 all out just 42 minutes into the night session was their lowest first innings Test total at the Adelaide Oval, it currently stands as the highest by a team in a day-night Test with Australia ending the evening 2-54, still 148 runs in deficit.
That score line included the loss of David Warner, dismissed for a single-figure score for the first time since that two hours of horror at the hands of England at Trent Bridge last August.
Which was also the last time Australia's top-order batters had encountered conditions that enabled swing bowlers to generate such movement.
Indeed, any movement.
And Joe Burns incurred the inaugural self-inflicted wound when – after a studious 14 from 41 pink deliveries faced – he pushed an angled bat and the resultant inside edge dislodged the never-before-seen navy blue bails.
Which will interest those scholars with a view to the interpretive rather than the narrative.
Because it will come after all those months of scrutiny of the pink ball’s durability, which outwardly appeared vastly superior to recent incarnations of the red.
It will follow in the wake of the all those divergent views on how easily it could be detected or otherwise against the sky and the crowd and the grass.
And it will weigh up the significant visual evidence that it swings far more pronouncedly and for longer under the fall of night than the glare of day.
And after a day of day-night cricket, it will show that it wasn't the ball at all to emerge as the point of difference between the one-sided run gluts staged in Brisbane and Perth, and the bowlers’ revenge gained today.
Quick Single: New ball swings balance against bats
Rather it was the additional coating of grass on the pitch, admittedly installed as a cushion on which the pink ball could glide lest it lose its lustre too early in its Test match life, that restored a long lost equilibrium between bat and ball.
Not only did it allow Hazlewood to extract some seam movement previously thought to have gone the way of the moa, it offered grip for Nathan Lyon’s spin – unheard of in the days when he was helping to tend Test pitches in his one-time home town.
It provided Starc with sufficient swing to loom as Australia’s trump once again, until hobbled by injury.
It enabled bowlers to build pressure by landing the ball in places that posed questions of batsmen who, as was the case for Williamson in his 83-minute innings, and Latham and Taylor and McCullum in the over he lasted, ultimately lost the battle of patience and concentration and created wicket-taking opportunities.
Where previously few had fallen across days of Test cricket that offered little in the way of variety, not just in the colour of the ball and hour of the day.
The fans voted with their feet as day one attracted a crowd of 47,441 spectators // Getty Images
Apart from a few pronounced outswingers from Southee and Trent Boult in the final testing hour that Smith and Voges survived – and they came as no surprise to anyone who had seen the NZ pair bend the Duke red ball in England earlier this year – the pink ball did nothing extraordinary.
But the conditions created to usher it in, the unique ambience the event generated and the element of curiosity it brought to an otherwise predictable summer meant there were many who left Adelaide Oval at 9.30pm tonight knowing they had seen the first of many day-nights of Test cricket to come.
WATCH: The first pink-ball delivery in day-night Test cricket
Day-Night Test trivia
First ball: Mitchell Starc. An anticlimactic full delivery that was defended by Martin Guptill
First wicket: Josh Hazlewood. A fine ball that nipped off the deck and trapped Guptill lbw
First catch: Peter Nevill. Was up to the stumps and the ball somehow stuck in the webbing of the outstretched keeper's gloves
First dropped catch: Adam Voges. Ran a long way from first slip but was camped under the ball when it somehow slipped out of his hands
First boundary: Kane Williamson. Flicked a full toss from Starc away to the leg-side fence
First six: Tim Southee. Cleared the rope easily when he pulled a short ball from Hazlewood
First half-century: Tom Latham. Cut a short ball outside off stump from Nathan Lyon.
Teams
Australia: Joe Burns, David Warner, Steve Smith (c), Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, Peter Nevill (wk), Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon. James Pattinson (12th).
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum (c), Mitchell Santner, BJ Watling (wk), Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Tim Southee, Trent Boult. Luke Ronchi (12th).
The first delivery in day-night Test cricket was bowled at 2pm on a temperate Friday afternoon in Adelaide by Mitchell Starc to Martin Guptill, who dead-batted it to extra cover.
WATCH: Starc forced from field
The opening run was posted four minutes later when Guptill knocked a single backward of point, with the same batsman becoming the first pink ball wicket 15 minutes into the match when he pushed his bat unsuccessfully towards a Josh Hazlewood delivery angled in towards the stumps.
WATCH: Hazlewood's historic first wicket
Not surprisingly, Kane Williamson scored the first boundary thanks to a generous leg stump full toss from Starc, and Ross Taylor survived the inaugural day-night Test DRS review against Peter Siddle.
Who in turn became the first bowler to reach 200 Test wickets using a pink ball when he nicked off Taylor and outfoxed Doug Bracewell.
Quick Single: Countless firsts marks historic day
In between those events, the Black Caps endured the first middle-order collapse in the unprecedented format in losing 3-4 in less than two overs, the height of which saw Brendon McCullum become the first skipper to throw away a day-night Test innings with a wild heave.
That was after opener Tom Latham became the first (and to date, only) player to score a half century against the pink ball at international level, and immediately fell victim to the best pink ball catch taken in Tests when 'keeper Peter Nevill clutched a chance in the very tips of his be-gloved fingers.
WATCH: Latham, Taylor, McCullum fall in quick succession
The Black Caps' 23-year-old spinner Mitchell Santner, the first player to make his Test debut in a day-night fixture, also became the first to be treated to a verbal send-off by an opposition bowler with the same Christian name in said format after Starc gave him a blast upon rattling his stumps.
WATCH: Starc gives Santner a welcome to Test cricket
Shortly before Starc himself became the first fast bowler to retire from the field injured during the dinner break in a Test (the 40-minute adjournment that now falls between tea and stumps), and soon after found himself on his way to hospital for scans on his bone spur-afflicted right ankle.
Quick Single: Starc limps off in Adelaide
In the interests of academic integrity, Steve Smith can be listed as the first bowler to have rolled over his arm under floodlights in a Test match, having granted himself a couple of overs as the light towers started humming in the five minutes prior to the first Test dinner to fall within a match.
But those purists who had not flicked over to the 7pm news will surely concur the man to be recognised as beginning the historic post-dinner session under lights and a setting sun was Siddle, with the Black Caps’ keeper BJ Watling showing no difficulty in seeing or negotiating his history making delivery at the other end.
When Watling became the first victim to a smartly-held catch in the slips cordon, Tim Southee then claimed his moment in the spotlights by belting a pink ball into the crowd for the first time in a Test match (where the first crowd catch was spectacularly plucked by one of the 47,441 in the house).
WATCH: Southee's six leads to great grab
The NZ opening bowler then doubled up in the history book by becoming the first batsman to be handed a life, with Adam Voges’ failed attempt to scamper back and clutch a swirling fly ball owing more to the difficulty of the task than the job of sighting the pink ball against the pale-lit evening sky.
And even though NZ's 202 all out just 42 minutes into the night session was their lowest first innings Test total at the Adelaide Oval, it currently stands as the highest by a team in a day-night Test with Australia ending the evening 2-54, still 148 runs in deficit.
That score line included the loss of David Warner, dismissed for a single-figure score for the first time since that two hours of horror at the hands of England at Trent Bridge last August.
Which was also the last time Australia's top-order batters had encountered conditions that enabled swing bowlers to generate such movement.
Indeed, any movement.
And Joe Burns incurred the inaugural self-inflicted wound when – after a studious 14 from 41 pink deliveries faced – he pushed an angled bat and the resultant inside edge dislodged the never-before-seen navy blue bails.
Which will interest those scholars with a view to the interpretive rather than the narrative.
Because it will come after all those months of scrutiny of the pink ball’s durability, which outwardly appeared vastly superior to recent incarnations of the red.
It will follow in the wake of the all those divergent views on how easily it could be detected or otherwise against the sky and the crowd and the grass.
And it will weigh up the significant visual evidence that it swings far more pronouncedly and for longer under the fall of night than the glare of day.
And after a day of day-night cricket, it will show that it wasn't the ball at all to emerge as the point of difference between the one-sided run gluts staged in Brisbane and Perth, and the bowlers’ revenge gained today.
Quick Single: New ball swings balance against bats
Rather it was the additional coating of grass on the pitch, admittedly installed as a cushion on which the pink ball could glide lest it lose its lustre too early in its Test match life, that restored a long lost equilibrium between bat and ball.
Not only did it allow Hazlewood to extract some seam movement previously thought to have gone the way of the moa, it offered grip for Nathan Lyon’s spin – unheard of in the days when he was helping to tend Test pitches in his one-time home town.
It provided Starc with sufficient swing to loom as Australia’s trump once again, until hobbled by injury.
It enabled bowlers to build pressure by landing the ball in places that posed questions of batsmen who, as was the case for Williamson in his 83-minute innings, and Latham and Taylor and McCullum in the over he lasted, ultimately lost the battle of patience and concentration and created wicket-taking opportunities.
Where previously few had fallen across days of Test cricket that offered little in the way of variety, not just in the colour of the ball and hour of the day.
The fans voted with their feet as day one attracted a crowd of 47,441 spectators // Getty Images
Apart from a few pronounced outswingers from Southee and Trent Boult in the final testing hour that Smith and Voges survived – and they came as no surprise to anyone who had seen the NZ pair bend the Duke red ball in England earlier this year – the pink ball did nothing extraordinary.
But the conditions created to usher it in, the unique ambience the event generated and the element of curiosity it brought to an otherwise predictable summer meant there were many who left Adelaide Oval at 9.30pm tonight knowing they had seen the first of many day-nights of Test cricket to come.
WATCH: The first pink-ball delivery in day-night Test cricket
Day-Night Test trivia
First ball: Mitchell Starc. An anticlimactic full delivery that was defended by Martin Guptill
First wicket: Josh Hazlewood. A fine ball that nipped off the deck and trapped Guptill lbw
First catch: Peter Nevill. Was up to the stumps and the ball somehow stuck in the webbing of the outstretched keeper's gloves
First dropped catch: Adam Voges. Ran a long way from first slip but was camped under the ball when it somehow slipped out of his hands
First boundary: Kane Williamson. Flicked a full toss from Starc away to the leg-side fence
First six: Tim Southee. Cleared the rope easily when he pulled a short ball from Hazlewood
First half-century: Tom Latham. Cut a short ball outside off stump from Nathan Lyon.
Teams
Australia: Joe Burns, David Warner, Steve Smith (c), Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, Peter Nevill (wk), Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon. James Pattinson (12th).
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum (c), Mitchell Santner, BJ Watling (wk), Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Tim Southee, Trent Boult. Luke Ronchi (12th).
VOges excited by pink ball
Veteran stands by comments from PM's XI game but looking forward historic fixture
Adam Voges stands by his critique of the pink balls from a match in Canberra last month but rejects that he is a day-night Test doubter, saying excitement is his overriding emotion as Australia prepare to make history against New Zealand.
Voges played a day-night match for the Prime Minister's XI against the Black Caps last month at Manuka Oval, saying after the game that the pink ball had been "chewed up" in the conditions.
"The lacquer had come off and it was turning green basically ... it was more green than pink by the end," he said at the time.
Quick Single: Voges concerned by pink ball
Almost a month has passed since then and Voges has no regrets over his comments.
"I don't think any of what I said was untrue .. it was just an honest opinion based on what I saw," Voges told AAP.
"I'm happy to give some honest feedback after this Test match as well.
"But I'm certainly not against pink-ball cricket.
"My comments were very specific about that particular night and that very abrasive wicket. Hopefully they're not taken as my general opinion of the pink ball."
WATCH: Black Caps cruise over PM's XI
The same balls will be used for the third Test against New Zealand at Adelaide Oval, where the historic match starts on Friday.
However, a grassy pitch is expected to help the pink Kookaburras stay in better shape.
While Voges's comments raised questions about the suitability of the pink ball for Test cricket, he didn't receive any feedback from Cricket Australia.
"I certainly didn't get any phone calls or anything like that," Voges said.
"I think they're happy to have that feedback.
"We can speak honestly and openly, which is good.
"Because the concept is great and you want to see it go ahead in the future, but obviously with the thoughts and ideas of the players involved."
Adam Voges stands by his critique of the pink balls from a match in Canberra last month but rejects that he is a day-night Test doubter, saying excitement is his overriding emotion as Australia prepare to make history against New Zealand.
Voges played a day-night match for the Prime Minister's XI against the Black Caps last month at Manuka Oval, saying after the game that the pink ball had been "chewed up" in the conditions.
"The lacquer had come off and it was turning green basically ... it was more green than pink by the end," he said at the time.
Quick Single: Voges concerned by pink ball
Almost a month has passed since then and Voges has no regrets over his comments.
"I don't think any of what I said was untrue .. it was just an honest opinion based on what I saw," Voges told AAP.
"I'm happy to give some honest feedback after this Test match as well.
"But I'm certainly not against pink-ball cricket.
"My comments were very specific about that particular night and that very abrasive wicket. Hopefully they're not taken as my general opinion of the pink ball."
WATCH: Black Caps cruise over PM's XI
The same balls will be used for the third Test against New Zealand at Adelaide Oval, where the historic match starts on Friday.
However, a grassy pitch is expected to help the pink Kookaburras stay in better shape.
While Voges's comments raised questions about the suitability of the pink ball for Test cricket, he didn't receive any feedback from Cricket Australia.
"I certainly didn't get any phone calls or anything like that," Voges said.
"I think they're happy to have that feedback.
"We can speak honestly and openly, which is good.
"Because the concept is great and you want to see it go ahead in the future, but obviously with the thoughts and ideas of the players involved."
World cup squad announced
Australia have named it's 15 man squad for the ODI World Cup in England.
Aaron Finch, David Warner, Shaun Marsh, Steve Smith, George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Shane Watson, Joe Burns, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Boyce, James Pattinson
Aaron Finch, David Warner, Shaun Marsh, Steve Smith, George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Shane Watson, Joe Burns, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner, Josh Hazlewood, Cameron Boyce, James Pattinson
Mitchell Johnson set to retire
The decision that has been crowding Mitchell Johnson’s thinking over recent months has finally crystallised and he will end his international cricket career at the close of play in Perth later today.
Johnson has confirmed that he will retire from all cricket immediately the second Test against New Zealand comes to a close at the WACA, and will not see out the current series against the Black Caps or the remainder of the Australia summer.
Johnson has confirmed that he will retire from all cricket immediately the second Test against New Zealand comes to a close at the WACA, and will not see out the current series against the Black Caps or the remainder of the Australia summer.
Australia vs new zealand, day 5
Australia vs new zealand, day 4
Australia vs New Zealand, Day 3
australia vs New zealand, day 2
Australia vs New Zealand, day 1
should peter siddle have been picked earlier
Should Peter Siddle have been picked much earlier?
One of the biggest stories in Australian cricket is Peter Siddle. Siddle lead wicket taking, bowling averages, and Man of the Match awards (2), and overall dominated the man of the series.
Prior to this, Siddle hadn't played international cricket for over 6 months. But his form in the Sheffield Shield was spectacular, with 46 wickets in 13 matches, with a best of 8-11.
But it was fellow Victorian Shane Warne who thought it bad for Siddle to play. He said that "Younger bowlers need to get more expierience, since our older men are getting rusty. But that was incorrect, with Siddle, Pattinson, Johnson and Starc in the best form of their life. Siddle is a great player because he isn't that quick, but he always gets the job done, with very few runs scored against him. He is also a bit handy with the bat, scoring 67 in a Sheffield Shield match in 2015. In the T20 Big Bash, Siddle took 17 wickets in 9 games, coming equal 3rd with Mitchell Johnson and Andrew Flintoff.
South Africa batsman David Miller spoke to cricket.com about Siddle:
"He is a great bowler, and his line and length is excellent, and he is extremely deceptive and is probably one of the best bowlers I've faced in my career."
- Daniel Jesudason, cricket.com.au
Johnson takes 5th place in odi best figures
Mitchell Johnson is ranked 5th with best One Day International figures with 7-23 against Bangladesh in the first ODI.
Warner and Finch added 22 for no loss, before Finch was run out for 14. That lead to Warner and Shaun Marsh falling cheaply for 8 and 2. Steve Smith and George Bailey added 78, which included a Smith 50, before Bailey fell for 27. Smith fell to a magnificent catch by Tamim Iqbal on the boundary for 65. James Faulkner and Mitchell Johnson added 55, leading Australia to a poor total of 10/235.
Mitchell Johnson opened the bowling, and dismissed Mominul Haque for a golden duck. Then he got Mushfiqur Rahim next ball. He ended the over at 4/1. Tamim Iqbal added 26, but Bangladesh were bowled out for 43.
Warner and Finch added 22 for no loss, before Finch was run out for 14. That lead to Warner and Shaun Marsh falling cheaply for 8 and 2. Steve Smith and George Bailey added 78, which included a Smith 50, before Bailey fell for 27. Smith fell to a magnificent catch by Tamim Iqbal on the boundary for 65. James Faulkner and Mitchell Johnson added 55, leading Australia to a poor total of 10/235.
Mitchell Johnson opened the bowling, and dismissed Mominul Haque for a golden duck. Then he got Mushfiqur Rahim next ball. He ended the over at 4/1. Tamim Iqbal added 26, but Bangladesh were bowled out for 43.
matthew wade happy with batting
cMatthew Wade says that he is happy with his current form. In the first innings, he added a modest, but steady 23* (38), with a Strike-Rate of 60.29. His keeping was exeptional, taking 2 run outs, and only letting past 6 extras (Bangladesh keeper Mushfiqur Rahim let past 59).
He is ready for the challenges ahead of him, although Peter Nevill will return in 2 weeks, and if Wade doesn't perform, his place will be taken. He is keen to play an ODI match soon, after the 4 match Test series, and his ODD form has been good.
Matthew Wade
Team: Victoria Bushrangers (#13)
Premierships: 2
Fans MVP: 5
MOTTs: 3
Matches: 67
Innings: 133
Runs: 4,925
Batting Avg: 63.96
High Score: 217*
50/100: 11/7
Catches: 203
Stumpings: 3
He is ready for the challenges ahead of him, although Peter Nevill will return in 2 weeks, and if Wade doesn't perform, his place will be taken. He is keen to play an ODI match soon, after the 4 match Test series, and his ODD form has been good.
Matthew Wade
Team: Victoria Bushrangers (#13)
Premierships: 2
Fans MVP: 5
MOTTs: 3
Matches: 67
Innings: 133
Runs: 4,925
Batting Avg: 63.96
High Score: 217*
50/100: 11/7
Catches: 203
Stumpings: 3
Chris rogers & Michael Clarke both with farewell tons
Chris Rogers and Michael Clarke have scored hundreds in their last test match for Australia, against South Africa. Chasing just 95 in their first innings, Michael Clarke added 109 off 87 balls, combining with Shaun Marsh, to lead Australia to an 85 run lead. Peter Siddle and Mitchell Johnson bowled South Africa out for 270, chasing 196 for victory. Rogers hit a ton, scoring his hundred and the match winning runs on the same ball.
Gray-Nicolls new 2015-16 range released
Windies smash England at Trent bridge
Thanks to a Shivnarine Chanderpaul century, the West Indies have beaten England by 177 runs at Trent Bridge. Batting first, the West Indies openers Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels fell for under 10 runs. then Jermaine Blackwood & Jonathon Carter fell cheaply. Devon Smith and Chanderpaul added 73, with them both bringing up 50s. Smith fell for 57, but Shiv went on to blast 135 off 77 balls. The West Indies finished on 378.
Shannon Gabriel got Ian Bell for a golden duck, and Moeen Ali for 7. Captain Alistair Cook and Joe Root added 40, before Cook fell to Sunil Narine for 45. Root fell to Gabriel for 34, and then there was a collapse. Morgan, Broad, Buttler, Bresnan and Anderson fell for only 77 runs, leaving England bowled out for 201.
Shannon Gabriel got Ian Bell for a golden duck, and Moeen Ali for 7. Captain Alistair Cook and Joe Root added 40, before Cook fell to Sunil Narine for 45. Root fell to Gabriel for 34, and then there was a collapse. Morgan, Broad, Buttler, Bresnan and Anderson fell for only 77 runs, leaving England bowled out for 201.
Siddle leads aussies to 14 run thriller
Peter Siddle has lead Australia to a 14 run victory in the first match against South Africa. Australia were behind, 7 down trailing by 40 runs. But Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin hit out, and Australia lead by 85 when 10 down. Siddle bowled Dean Elgar for 0, off the first ball of the innings. That only brought AB de Villiers in, who smashed 38 runs of the next 6 overs. Then Starc removed Amla. When Siddle got de Villiers, South Africa's hopes were disappearing, with the last 4 wickets falling for 8 runs. South Africa were bowled out for 70.
Australia vs South Africa - who will be our best?
MICHAEL Clarke retires
Michael Clarke has announced his retirement after the first test against South Africa.
Clarke scored 37 test centuries in over 100 tests, with a high score of 329* against India at the SCG in 2012. He debuted against India in 2004, replacing Ricky Ponting. He became Australia's 44th Test captain later on in his career.
Clarke scored 37 test centuries in over 100 tests, with a high score of 329* against India at the SCG in 2012. He debuted against India in 2004, replacing Ricky Ponting. He became Australia's 44th Test captain later on in his career.
WATch: australia's warm up scratch match pre-proteas series
Watch exclusive highlights from Australia's tour match against the West Indies Presidential XI.
Clarke under pressure ahead of test series
Australia captain Michael Clarke is under pressure ahead of Australia's test series against South Africa. Clarke is likely to be forced into retirement if he doesn't perform soon. Steve Smith has been compared, and the results were one sided.
Nevill, smith lead nsw to 117 run win
Peter Nevill and Steve Smith have lead New South Wales to a 117 run victory over Queensland. NSW Batted first, and made 411, with 123* to Smith, and 105* to Nevill. Warner made 74. In reply, Smith took 2/7 off 2 overs, including a stunning caught and bowled. Nevill took 5 catches, and the pair were named equal man of the match.
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clear favourites Australia start second innings strongly
After David Warner and Chris Rogers added 87 for the first wicket, Rogers departed for 48. Warner then fell for 44. Shaun Marsh and Steve Smith added a massive 133 partnership in which Marsh made 50 and Smith made 50. Smith fell for 68, but Peter Nevill came in at 5. Marsh and Nevill both made tons with Marsh on 156* and Nevill on 105*.
Nevill to replace Haddin for 4th test due to injury
Due to the veteran Australian wicket keeper's injury, Brad Haddin will need to be replaced for the 4th Test. In-Form Keeper Batsman Peter Nevill will come in to make his test debut.
Nevill said that he is ready to take on the responsibility to be Australia's 33rd Test Wicket Keeper. The New South Wales boy made his first ODI hundred in his second ODI against Scotland. He is now the permanent One Day International keeper, with T20 Wicket Keeper Tim Paine the spare. Paine was considered the job but he wanted to work on his T20 game for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Hobart Hurricanes
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Nevill has been working with current keeper Brad Haddin since he debuted in 2009. Haddin has been his role model and they work well together. Haddin has been giving tips to the young gun. Nevill played well in the Sheffield Shield in the 2014 season.
Aussies win toss, bat first at lords
The Aussies won the toss and batted first. Chris Rogers fell for a 2 ball duck, and Anderson had struck. Clarke whacked the next ball and ran 1, but Warner signalled 2, but was run out. 2/5. Clarke added 37 and fell. Marsh added his 50, and Australia were 3/135. Marsh landed on 63* and celebrated. Marsh made his century with a straight drive SIX. Marsh fell for 111. Australia were 4/253. Smith made his 100 with a six too, but a Lofted Sweep. He fell for 101. Australia declared at 462.
aussies in trouble after England fight back
Australia are in trouble at 3/17. Australia started strongly when Rogers made it to 16 with 3 fours. Warner fell for a duck and Rogers fell for 16, leaving Anderson on a Hatrick. Clarke left for 0, but Anderson didn't make a get it. Lyon came in as the nightwatchman and fell for 8. Steve Smith (4) and Shaun Marsh (13) are batting on day 3 stumps.
aussies bat first, start strongly
After winning the toss and batting, Australia picked up the momentum from ball 1. With Rogers and Warner on fire, The Aussies added 49 in no time. But Rogers fell for 26. Shaun Marsh came out to bat. Warner brought up his 50 and the Aussies were looking commanding at 1/104. At Lunch on day 1 Australia were 1/159 with Warner on 88 and Marsh on 40. Shaun Marsh made his 50 and Australia were on fire. Warner made his hundred, but fell for 112. Steve Smith left for 8. Callum Ferguson picked up his game instantly with a fifty. After not playing an international match for 2 years, making his test debut, also made a debut hundred. Clarke made a 50 and Australia declared at 4/407.
callum ferguson in 2014-15
Although some power hitting from Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh and Chris Rogers lead the Aussies, Callum Ferguson was leading run scorer in total with 2,213 First Class/Domestic Runs.
2014-15 Stats
Format: M R Avg. HS 50/100
FC 17 1947 62.80 214* 4/11
ODD 5 266 66.50 107* 3/1
2014-15 Stats
Format: M R Avg. HS 50/100
FC 17 1947 62.80 214* 4/11
ODD 5 266 66.50 107* 3/1
root, stokes lead poms, rogers leads aussies
After 100s from Joe Root and Ben Stokes lead England to 488, Australia lead a comeback through Chris Rogers. Dave Warner fell for 34, but Shaun Marsh steadied the ship. Rogers made a 50, but Shaun Marsh fell for 40 by James Anderson. Smith brought up his 50, and then Rogers fell for 128. Smith made a hundred and Clarke made a 50, until he fell for 50. The Aussies made 534.
Australia t20 premiers - AGAIN!
Australia are the T20I Premiers again after beating South Africa in the final. Shaun Marsh and Steve Smith lead them home after SA only made 150
Aussies beat new Zealand and move to semi
David Warner started strongly making 16 off the first over, before falling with Australia 1/22 off 4.1 overs. Although that meant Shaun Marsh came in, Trent Boult had a lot of momentum and got Marsh for 16. Glenn Maxwell played 1 to many reverse sweeps and fell for 24. Aaron Finch then went via a stunning catch by Boult. The Aussies made 240. NZ could only make 213.
uae batting lineup crumbles
After half-centuries from Aaron Finch, Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell lead the Aussies to 3/193, UAE Crumbled to 3/81! Overs 1, 2, 6, 9, 11 and 17 were maidens.
aussies smash Canada, Haddin shines
Aaron Finch was bowled for 6, but David Warner made 170* and Marsh made 164*. The Aussies were 1/353. After Mitchell Starc came and went in the bowling attack, Brad Haddin had a bowl and took 4 WICKETS!!! The best bowling by a WK in HISTORY!!
the big show shows the Windies how to bat
Glenn Maxwell has made a Lords century against West Indies. The Aussies started well with David Warner making a fifty, but Aaron Finch couldn't keep up his excellent form, and only made 9. Shaun Marsh and Warner added 44 for the second wicket, but Warner fell for 52, then Marsh for 36. Steve Smith made a low 16. Then the Big Show Hit Out. Mitch Marsh made a duck, but then Maxi and Haddin added 137. Maxi made 100 and Haddin made 56. Starc (11*) and Pattinson (23*) lead the Aussies to 7/317. The Windies suffered Mitch Starc and lost.
Zimbabwe suffer wrath of warner, finch
Zimbabwe suffered the wrath of Aussie openers Aaron Finch and David Warner, in their World Cup clash. Finch made 213* and Warner made 166* as the Aussies made the 2nd Highest T20I score of 0/383. The record was made when Steve Smith and Nic Maddinson made hundreds and Finch made 62. With Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins making Zimbabwe pay, they could only make 7/92. The Aussies sealing the victory by 292 runs.
aussies beat india in opener
In the World T20I Opener, Australia have beaten India by 7 Wickets. With Australia's quicks taking 2 wickets each. Finch made 86* and Australia won comfortably.
Coaches XI announced
Australia's coach announced his official best squad of all forms of cricket.
Clarke triple hundred #2
Michael Clarke has made a hundred in the ODI against Pakistan. Australia made 706 with a hundred to Steve Smith. Clarke was playing in his final ODI match, and after 251 ODIs, his high score came in his last match.
A tribute to Michael clarke
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#5 Cape Town Bravery
After spending over 30 balls on 99, The Australian skipper recorded his first hundred since 2013. He played so hard and got hit on the body so many times, and still kept going like a machine. |
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#4 Captain Courageous
After tiring out England's quicks early, Clarke hit the spinners all over the place. Australia had just come out of a Ashes 3-0 loss and he helped the Aussies over the line |
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#3 Double Greatness
Having to face South Africa's quicks is incredibly hard, but Clarke just whacked them like they were bowling with a tennis ball. He survived the innings under pressure, putting on a good Partnership with his best batting partner, Mike Hussey |
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#2 Tribute Hundred
In honour of Phil Hughes, he fought over 3 bouncers, and had to retire hurt on 60, then make the other 40 the next day. Very emotional for Michael. |
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#1 Triple Magic
After Australia were 2/37, Clarke came in and at the end, they were 4/659! He put on a 332 run stand with Mike Hussey and battled the Aussies home. His 18th Hundred and his first score over 200, it inspired him and in the next 3 successive tests, he scored 200+ scores! |
Australia train hard, anxious in the wait
Australia are training hard for the game against South Africa in the final. The ODI against Pakistan has been moved to the MCG so the Aussies won't need to travel. The predicted crowd for the final is between 91000 and 96000! It has sold all general admission.
The team for the important clash for Australia is: David Warner, Shaun Marsh, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Michael Clarke (c), Mitch Marsh, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood. For South Africa it is: Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, David Miller, AB de Villiers, Rilee Rossouw, JP Duminy (c), Kyle Abbott, Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel
Clarke retires
Australia captain Michael Clarke has said he will make his retirement from limited over cricket. He will play the Final of the t10 World Cup and play 1 ODI against Pakistan. That will be his last Match.
Clarke debuted in 2003, and has played 245 in those 12 years. He is aged 33 and has captained Australia to an ODI World Cup Flag and will hopefully captain a winning T10 Flag. He top scored 130 in his ODI Career.
Clarke debuted in 2003, and has played 245 in those 12 years. He is aged 33 and has captained Australia to an ODI World Cup Flag and will hopefully captain a winning T10 Flag. He top scored 130 in his ODI Career.
aussies bowl first, Pakistan make high total
Australia have bowled first and Pakistan made 270. Smith and Finch made 50s and S.Marsh made a hundred. Australia won by 3 wickets.
lyon wins aussies the match
Due to some excellent bowling figures of 4-34, Nathan Lyon has won the Aussies the match. Lyon removed Ahmed Shezad in the 5th Over by an excellent from Brad Haddin. Mitchell Johnson got 3-55 and a terrific catch-
Aussie second innings starts strong
Australia's second innings has started strongly with Chris Rogers and David Warner putting on 73. Rogers made his 50 and Warner left for 32. With 2 Days of play left, they need to make a total of 350+ today and bowl Pakistan out tomorrow. At Lunch Australia were 1/198! Rogers made his hundred and put on a partnership with Shaun Marsh, who then fell for 56. He put on one with Steve Smith who kept hitting runs non stop. Rogers was finally dismissed for 174. Clarke and Smith put on a massive partnership and Smith ended on 155* and Clarke 111*. The Aussies were 3/547 with a lead of 494
Australia in horrible position after batting lineup crumbles
Australia are in a horrible position after batting first in the Second Test. David Warner fell for 6 and so did Chris Rogers. Michael Clarke fell for a 2 ball duck. Steve Smith hit 2 fours and then left for 9 off 11. Australia were 4/64. Shaun Marsh on 41 is their only hope with Mitch Marsh on and Brad Haddin to come.
Nathan Lyon came in for Australia to save Mitch Marsh and Haddin for later. He fell for a duck and the Marsh brothers batted out until lunch. Australia were 5/140 off 35 overs. Shaun Marsh was on 81 and Mitch was on 36.
player profile: james pattinson
Age: 24
Test Matches: 20 Test Runs: 354 Test Best Batting: 42 Test Overs: 591 Test Wickets: 93 Test Best Bowling: 6/31 Test 5wI: 5 A member of Australia’s young fast-bowling cartel, Pattinson was rewarded for some impressive showings in domestic cricket with a Test debut against New Zealand in 2011. He repaid the faith of selectors with a blistering spell in the second innings that yielded figures of 5-27 and man-of-the-match honours, before he picked up another five-wicket haul in the second Test. He followed it up with two hauls of four wickets against India, before the first of several chronic injuries stalled his momentum. His figures of 5-96 on an unresponsive Chennai pitch in 2013 were unfortunately overlooked in the wake of Australia’s Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood but it highlighted Pattinson’s skill, work rate and courage. In 2014, he was named Man of the Tournament in the annual ICC T20I World Cup in the UAE in December. He took 15 wickets and a Hat-Trick. If he can get his body fit, Pattinson could be a star of Australian cricket for several years to come |
James pattinson rips through pakistan
Australian fast bowler James Pattinson has lead Australia to a great position over Pakistan, who were bowled out for 367. Pattinson took the key wickets of Ahmed Shezad (45), Safraz Ahmed (78), Younis Khan (109), Azhar Ali (13), Umar Akmal (0) and Wahab Riaz (1). Johnson took the other 4.
Aussies FIGHT for comeback through rogers, Clarke
Australia were in trouble early at 2/36. Warner and S.Marsh made 0 and 30. Chris Rogers and Michael Clarke added 197 for the 3rd Wicket and Australia had 273. Steve Smith came in and was playing defensively. Michael Clarke fell for 102 and Rogers fell for 134. Mitchell Marsh fell for 1. Johnson and Harris came in before Haddin, and both got out for 0. Haddin and Smith kept going and both made hundreds, and Australia were 7/538d.
Australian odi squad named for series against new zealand
#2 GJ Bailey (c)
#3 XJ Doherty
#8 MR Marsh
#9 SE Marsh
#19 JL Pattinson
#23 MJ Clarke (Last Match Before Retiring)
#25 MG Johnson
#30 PJ Cummins
#31 DA Warner
#32 GJ Maxwell
#33 SR Watson
#36 TD Paine
#44 JP Faulkner
#45 RJ Harris
#56 MA Starc
#57 BJ Haddin
#3 XJ Doherty
#8 MR Marsh
#9 SE Marsh
#19 JL Pattinson
#23 MJ Clarke (Last Match Before Retiring)
#25 MG Johnson
#30 PJ Cummins
#31 DA Warner
#32 GJ Maxwell
#33 SR Watson
#36 TD Paine
#44 JP Faulkner
#45 RJ Harris
#56 MA Starc
#57 BJ Haddin
finch leads aussies to massive total
Australian Opener Aaron Finch has helped Australia to a massive win in the T20I Tri-Series Final. Finch hit 115* off 67 balls with a Strike Rate of 171.0! He captained the Aussies to 0/193, making all the runs by him and other opener Tim Paine (85*). He said that he was struggling for runs in the ODIs and T20s and was really happy to have made his ton. Finch praised Mitchell Starc & Glenn Maxwell for their performances in the field. Finch took a screamer to remove AB de Villiers. He was named Man of the Match.
icc teams come to England for icc warm up carnival
Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Netherlands, Canada, Ireland, India, Kenya and Pakistan have come to England to play some warm up matches. All these matches are for fun and the results will not be recorded as the team's previous record. There will be a 10 Over World Cup and a Small Warm up ODI Series.
t20 team of the year announced
Reserves: Steve Smith, David Warner, AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock
t20i world cup results released
10 Months after the tournament, the full match stats has been released.
Aussies name odi squad until 2016
Australia have named their squad for the One Day Internationals For the next year. Glenn Maxwell was unlucky to miss out, since he was tired after his Tests. Mitch Marsh and James Faulkner have been injured and will also miss out. The starting XI is Aaron Finch, David Warner, Shane Watson, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, George Bailey (c), Brad Haddin (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon.
The fight for a middle order spot will continue with Watson, Bailey, Clarke, Smith and Marsh named in the squad
Australia have named 3 quicks and 1 spinner with Doherty, Hazlewood, Cummins and Sandhu as reserves.
siddle, Watson prepare for mcg blockbuster
Australia completed a training session today in preparation for the 4th Test at the MCG next week. Victorian duo James Pattinson and Peter Siddle are training and looking to make the squad. Siddle is looking to make way for Pat Cummins who has been not at his best and James Pattinson might come in for the injured Mitchell Johnson. Shane Watson will be looking to give Australia some experience in the underdog side with 3 players with less than 10 tests.
Peter Siddle (left) and Mitchell Johnson (right) are fighting for a spot in the team with slight injury. Shane Watson (centre) will give some experience to the young Australian lineup
Australia thrash, win series
Australia have beaten the West Indies by an Innings and 23 runs! They have confirmed the Series win, leading 3-0, with 2 matches to go.
rogers, Maxwell fall, pollard on hat-trick
Chris Rogers was caught on the boundary for 26, and then Maxwell left a fast ball and as it hit the stumps, he just stared and watched it hit. This was very similar to his leave against Brisbane Heat.
After Michael Clarke has been ruled out of the WACA Test, and Brad Haddin will captain due to Steve Smith saying he needs to concentrate on batting with Clarke gone, so Haddin was up for the roll.
openers fall early, smith and Maxwell dominate
Australia are in trouble at 2-31 after Warner departed for 6 off 7 and Rogers fell for 20 off 15.
our batsmen name their favourite bats
Misbah retires from limited overs cricket
Pakistan captain Misbah Ul-Haq has retired from ODI and T20I cricket. He will play his last game for Pakistan against India on Friday.
Misbah will be remembered for his 100 off 56 balls, equalling the record for the fastest hundred when he set Australia to set 602 to win.
Misbah will be remembered for his 100 off 56 balls, equalling the record for the fastest hundred when he set Australia to set 602 to win.
The Pakistani will also be remembered for making a horrible call that cost Pakistan the 2014 T20I World Cup, Electing to bowl. The Aussies then made a record 384 for 5!
Although he won't play with the white ball, he will still play tests.
Although he won't play with the white ball, he will still play tests.
mitch marsh inspires aussies
Mitchell Marsh's double hundred has inspired the Aussies to go up and beyond, and lifted the scoring by over 150 runs. He and Clarke both made double hundreds on the first day of the Test Match. Marsh hit 22 fours and 1 six in his knock of 200*. Clarke made 265* which was his second highest score in Test Cricket. Australia declared overnight at 4/561. Mitch Marsh is now ranked #12 in the ICC Test Rankings, overtaking Haddin, Williamson and Kohli. Clarke is now #6, overtaking Shaun Marsh and Angelo Matthews. Clarke is now equal 6th in most double hundreds, making six in total.
Clarke makes legendary double ton
Michael Clarke has made a legendary double hundred against West Indies. He made his 50 off 71 balls and hundred off 119.
Australia announce 2013-2016 kits
Australia have announced that they will use the following 4 Kits for Test, ODI and T20I Formats until 2016.
The Commonwealth Bank Test shirt will remain the same.
Australia will have a Home/Away ODI Kit and a ODI World Cup kit, which won't be used again until 2017.
There will also be a T20I Shirt and a T20I World Cup shirt which was recently used in UAE, but will not be used until 2018.
4 close bowlers in icc rankings battle in tri series spectacular
Fast Bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Vernon Philander, Wayne Parnell and Darren Bravo will face off and fight for a place on the ICC Ranking Board. Cummins is at #39, Hazlewood is at #36, Philander at #33, Parnell at #40 and Bravo at #44, will fight to get into the top 35 ICC Test Bowlers Position.
VOTE; who will fall first? finch or warner
ODI SQUAD released
Australia have named a 15 man squad for the ODIs against West Indies. The selectors have chosen George Bailey to captain.
Aaron Finch, David Warner, Shane Watson, Steve Smith, Ryan Carters (wk), George Bailey (c), Mitch Marsh, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins,
12th James Pattinson
12th James Pattinson
David Warner and Aaron Finch are the most dangerous openers in world cricket (currently). Watson is a strong number 3, with In-Form Smith at 4, Carters at 5, and Captain Bailey at number 6 will be interesting. 3 Quicks and an Off-Spinner will be their bowling attack with Johnson, Starc, Cummins and Lyon.
new medal released:
Australia and India cricket have made a special once off award for Man of the Tour. Every Match a player will get 3 2 and 1 votes. The player with the most votes after the 4 Tests, 4 ODIs and 1 T20I, will win the Player of the Tour.
Cummins to make test debut
Pat Cummins will make his Test debut for the match against India replacing Nathan Lyon for a team of 4 quicks.
ROGERS castled for 97
Chris Rogers has been clean bowled for 97 against India. He made his 50 off just 69 balls and was playing well until Ishant Sharma came into the attack and got him.
HADDIN Injury: nsw v sa abandoned
Brad Haddin has had a major injury for the NSW Blues and will definitely NOT play against Shri Lanka on Saturday. He was diving to take a catch and he fell awkwardly and injured his shoulder. It was similar to his shoulder injury against Pakistan.
PATTINSON Named mots
James Pattinson was named Player of the World Cup with 15 Wickets and a Hat-Trick. He got a Hat-Trick in his first 3 balls.
WATSON MAKES double ton under pressure
Shane Watson has glued his spot at #3 for at least the series with a WACA 200. Watson scored 11 Fours and 8 Sixes to help Australia to 402d. Mitch Johnson made 86 and Brad Haddin made 56.
MCG Test sold out
The MCG Test with Australia and Sri Lanka has already sold 11,500 General Tickets with 3 weeks to go. It will be looking to beat last years 91,092 attendance record.
ROGERS Provokes sri lanka
Rogers was able to cope well and get quick runs after David Warner fell for 0 off 2 balls. He was bowled by Lasith Malinga with a crucial wicket. Australia were 1/38!. Rogers fell for 45 off 51 balls. Smith came and went for 16, with Australia 4/70 with Haddin, Johnson, Harris, Pattinson, Lyon to come. S.Marsh and Clarke were currently batting, both on 0.
AUSSIES beat the Pakistanis 1-0
Australia won the Test at Abu Dhabi against Pakistan with Watson, Smith, Marsh and Rogers making hundreds.
AUSTRALIA WIN THE 2015 icc T20I world cup!
Australia have had a thrilling win against India in the Grand Final. Steve Smith made 116 and James Faulkner made 56 (6 sixes and 1 four) And Johnson and Starc got three victims.
AUSTRALIA beat proteas to book a place in the final
Australia beat SA by 103 runs in the semi final and will play India in the final at Abu Dhabi. Warner made 52 and Johnson was 3-17.
New players announced at the Draft aNd their Numbers
#34 Pick 1: Travis Head (ADE)
#1 Pick 2: Ryan Carters (SYDS)
#28 Pick 3. Alex Doolan (MELR)
#1 Pick 2: Ryan Carters (SYDS)
#28 Pick 3. Alex Doolan (MELR)
WINDIES fight hard against aussies
West Indies have made a loss of 56 against Australia. Shaun Marsh (88) and Mitch Marsh (65) helped Australia to 202. The Windies made 146 with fifties from Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard. Mitchell Starc made 2-19 and Gurinder Sandhu on debut made 1-9.
AUSTRALIA cruise to victory
Lead by skipper Aaron Finch, Australia made an impressive first innings total and bowled beautifully. All of the Aussies main bowlers (Johnson, Pattinson and Richardson) got 3 wickets each, and Steve Smith made 1. David Warner made the 2nd highest T20I score of 160, and James Faulkner hit 8 sixes to make 113*.
Warner fell 15 runs short of equalling Chris Gayle's record 175.
smith, Hazlewood shine in training+
Josh Hazlewood has taken 4 wickets in a training session and bowled some quick Yorkers and some slower short balls. Steve Smith spun the ball and removed Shaun Marsh. Shaun Marsh hit 4 sixes and a four off his 5 overs. Strikers stars Ryan ten Doeschate and Kieron Pollard who were playing in the world cup trained with Cricket Australia for a session. Below you can see Pollard, Richardson, ten Doeschate, Haddin, Watson and Bailey's gear.
RICHARDSON EARNS RE-CALL UP
Australia strike bowler Kane Richardson will play the third match of the group stage after a unbeaten 113 off 61 balls and 6-17 in his 4.0 overs he bowled. Richardson played the first match in the world cup, before being replaced by Mitchell Marsh. Richardson was named man of the match and was earned the most BBL Fantasy points with 225 Points. The BBL has now closed at the end of round 2 with the Strikers top of the ladder.
dangermen: England
Ian Bell: The aggressive batsman will want to make a hundred and is capable of winning England the world cup trophy.
Michael Carberry: England's best fielder and comfortable at making 50s and can shine. Loves playing against the Aussies.
Jimmy Anderson: Covers 17 metres of the field in ODIs and bowls quickly. A real danger to the Aussie Openers.
Michael Carberry: England's best fielder and comfortable at making 50s and can shine. Loves playing against the Aussies.
Jimmy Anderson: Covers 17 metres of the field in ODIs and bowls quickly. A real danger to the Aussie Openers.
MISBAH ELECTS TO BOWL FIRST IN THRILLER
Pakistan Captain Misbah Ul-Haq elected to bowl after Australia scored 369 batting first in a T20 match against South Africa. Australia won the first match of the World Cup with hundreds from Nic Maddinson and Steve Smith.
James Pattinson made 4-22 off his 4 overs. Above he is celebrating his Hat-Trick with David Warner, Brad Haddin, Kane Richardson and Steve Smith who took an amazing catch at first slip to remove Misbah-Al Haq.
Steve Smith made hundred in his first T20I World Cup match.