High-fives all round for the Matildas as they crush New Zealand in friendly

Former Australia captain Tim Paine stated that England faced the toughest conditions of the Ashes series during the first Test in Perth, where they lost by eight wickets. The pitch's pace and bounce proved challenging for many of England's batters, leading to a swift defeat. Paine emphasized that starting in Perth is particularly difficult for visiting teams.

Joe Root expressed his skepticism about the necessity of day-night Tests in the Ashes series, stating, 'I personally don’t think so,' while acknowledging the format's popularity in Australia. As England prepares for the second Test at the Gabba, Root's performance under lights will be crucial, especially in light of the team's recent struggles.

Australia opener Travis Head is preparing for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, emphasizing the importance of flexible batting positions for the future of the format. He echoed captain Pat Cummins' sentiment that traditional batting orders are overrated, suggesting that adaptable players can enhance team performance.

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his title against Brazilian contender Diego Lopes at UFC 325, scheduled for January 31, 2026, in Sydney, Australia. The event will take place at Qudos Bank Arena and will be broadcast live on Paramount+.

England's cricket captain Ben Stokes has acknowledged his mistakes following a heavy defeat to Australia in the first Test of the Ashes series, where England lost by eight wickets in just 48 hours. Stokes expressed a desire to improve and reset his team's approach ahead of the upcoming day-night Test at the Gabba.

Ben Stokes, the captain of the England cricket team, has responded to criticism from former Australian player Mitchell Johnson, who labeled the England team as 'arrogant' following their two-day defeat in Perth. Stokes acknowledged the criticism but defended his players against the arrogance claim, emphasizing the challenges of the results-driven nature of the sport.