Ashes | DD News

March 25, 2026 10:55 AM

Australia board to keep hands off pitches despite Ashes debacle

Australia's cricket board will resist calls to exert greater control over the nation's test wickets despite a pair of two-day matches during the Ashes that cost the local game millions of dollars. The first Ashes test against England at Perth Stadium and the fourth at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) were decided in two days, prompting widespread criticism of the pitches' preparation. While the Perth wicket was rated highly by the International Cricket Council's match referee, the MCG pitch ...

March 19, 2026 11:13 AM

England batter Ollie Pope hopeful of test recall after Ashes axe

England batter Ollie Pope said he remains hopeful of returning to the national test side after accepting that his omission following a poor Ashes series was the right call. Pope was dropped after managing just 125 runs in six innings during England's 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia in January, with Jacob Bethell replacing him at number three for the last two tests. "I guess I knew where I stood," Pope said. "Getting dropped is tough. I didn't want to get dropped of course, but it was the right ...

January 14, 2026 6:31 PM

Australia’s Josh Hazlewood ‘on track’ to start T20 World Cup after Ashes absence

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood expects to be ready for the start of the Twenty20 World Cup next month after sitting out their Ashes series victory against England through injuries, the 36-year-old said. The right-arm quick missed Australia's 4-1 Ashes victory with a hamstring strain. He subsequently suffered Achilles soreness in his rehabilitation, but was confident he would be ready for Australia's tournament opener against Ireland in Colombo on February 11. "Everything's going to plan,...

January 8, 2026 10:07 AM

Australia get over the line in Sydney for 4-1 Ashes triumph

Australia had a few nervous moments but safely chased down their 160-run victory target before tea on the final day of the fifth Ashes test on Thursday for a five-wicket victory and a 4-1 series triumph. Seamer Josh Tongue led England's battling rearguard with 3-42 but Alex Carey got Australia across the line with a four through the covers in mid afternoon in the company of Cameron Green. "It's nice to finish on a high note," said stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith. "We know the importanc...

January 7, 2026 2:43 PM

England have created a cult around the way they play and talk, a lot of it is nonsense: Vaughan

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has launched a fierce critique of the current England setup, accusing the side of developing a “cult” mindset and warning that sweeping changes may be unavoidable following another faltering Ashes campaign. Pressure is mounting on captain Ben Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director of cricket Rob Key as England edge towards defeat in the Sydney Test — a result that would see the series conclude 4-1 in Australia’s favour. England a...

January 6, 2026 12:25 PM

Ashes: Steve Smith moves up in record books with 37th Test ton

Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith notched his 37th Test century on Day 3 of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), climbing further up the record books on Tuesday. Smith brought up his hundred by running three off a shot to fine leg off Jacob Bethell, prompting rapturous applause from the SCG crowd. The milestone came at a venue that has long been a happy hunting ground for the right-hander, who removed his helmet, raised his bat and acknowledged the cheers,...

January 5, 2026 4:46 PM

Joe Root says offering thanks, not bidding farewell, after Sydney century

England's Joe Root paused as he left the field to salute all four corners of the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday after making a fine 160 in the fifth Ashes test, but the 35-year-old does not want to consider if this is his final bow in Australia. Root showed all of his qualities of composure, technique, timing and patience to compile his second century of this series having headed out to Australia never having made three figures in the country. Asked about his gesture to the crowd after he was...

January 5, 2026 4:44 PM

Ashes 5th Test: Root ton fires England before Head strikes back for Australia

Joe Root contributed a magnificent 160 to England's first-innings tally of 384 but Travis Head drove Australia to 166 for two in response on the second day of the fifth and final Ashes test on Monday. England's hopes of winning the urn are long gone after defeats in the first three tests of the series but they continued to show the spirit, lacking in previous beaten touring sides, that was evident in their victory in Melbourne last week. Until Australia took the second new ball, Root looked in...

January 5, 2026 10:01 AM

England all out for 384 after Root ton in fifth Ashes test

England were dismissed for 384 in their first innings to bring up tea on the second day of the fifth Ashes test at Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday. Joe Root hit his second century of the series and had made 160 when he was finally caught and bowled by Michael Neser (4-60). It was Root's 41st test hundred but only second in Australia after his century in the second test in Brisbane. England resumed on 211-3 at a sun-bathed SCG with no sign of the stormy weather that washed out the final sess...

January 4, 2026 4:23 PM

Ashes: Harry Brook finally shows the patience and control his critics have demanded

England batsman Harry Brook struck his highest score of the Ashes series on Sunday, ending the first day of the fifth test on 78 not out after showing the kind of patience and discipline that he has too often lacked on a disappointing tour. Brook still rode his luck at times, particularly when he was tempted into pull shots by Australia's short-pitched bowling, but his 154-run partnership with fellow Yorkshireman Joe Root left England in a good position at 211 for three when bad light and rain ...