Have England turned nasty in pursuit of the Ashes?
While Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland atomised the West Indies in Jamaica, Ben Stokes' England team won a classic against India at Lord's, in a game that was marked not only by plenty of tension but also an elevated level of spitefulness.
That aggression, England's players have revealed, was to a certain degree premeditated. No one used the words 'headbutt the line', like Nathan Lyon famously said Australia would ahead of the 2017 Ashes, but it was patently clear that under Stokes and Brendon McCullum, England are now willing to be nasty if it means lifting the two bilateral trophies they care about most. England last won a Test match on Australian soil in January 2011.
Here are the key factors at play looking ahead to this summer's Ashes.
The return of Jofra Archer
Of course, it helps the verbal jousting if it can be backed up with the kind of speed and hostility afforded England by the return of Jofra Archer. Alongside Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson and company, Archer offers a fast-bowling threat that has the potential to trouble Australia: something underlined by how Shamar and Alzarri Joseph got the Australians, young players and old alike, hopping around in the Caribbean.
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Among 15 redundancies at Cricket Australia this week was the exit of Alex Kountouris, the governing body's head of sports science. Over a long and distinguished career, Kountouris was one of the leading figures in devising Australia's world-leading approach to keeping its best fast bowlers fit.
Nearly a decade after they started playing regularly together, the durability of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Starc, and their splendid back-up Boland has been the greatest competitive advantage for the Test side.
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The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Opals finally strike gold to end Asia Cup anguish
With a first Asia Cup title under now their belt, the Opals can turn their attention to next year's Women's Basketball World Cup in Germany full of confidence. At the fifth time of asking, a new-look squad finally stood atop the podium on Sunday night in China. After topping Group A with three wins and then beating South Korea in the semi-finals, the Australians proved too strong for the second time in a matter of days against Japan at Shenzhen Sports Centre. The 88-79 victory over the world No.9 Japanese, shock winners over hosts China in their semi, finally clinched the gold medal after a 2017 silver and bronze in the next three editions. "Really happy and proud of the team for their efforts this whole week," Opals coach Paul Goriss said. "We knew coming in that Japan had a huge win ... against China and that they're going to be a formidable opponent. "I think that our team and the players really bought into the game-plan." Alex Wilson provided the spark for the world's second-ranked Opals, the 31-year-old spearheading a decisive late fourth-quarter 12-2 run for an 85-75 advantage. One day before her 24th birthday, Townsville Fire forward Alex Fowler top-scored for Australia with 15 points, pulled down six rebounds and went on to earn the tournament's Most Valuable Player award. Point guard Stephanie Reid added 13 points in the championship match while centre Zitina Aukoso went close to a double-double with 11 points and eight boards. Superstar guard Kokoro Tanaka led Japan with 21 points, 19 of which came in the opening term. The Opals join hosts Germany, AmeriCup winners the USA and EuroBasket champions Belgium as automatic qualifiers for the expanded 16-team September 2026 World Cup in Berlin, after a 24-team qualifying tournament takes place in March. With a first Asia Cup title under now their belt, the Opals can turn their attention to next year's Women's Basketball World Cup in Germany full of confidence. At the fifth time of asking, a new-look squad finally stood atop the podium on Sunday night in China. After topping Group A with three wins and then beating South Korea in the semi-finals, the Australians proved too strong for the second time in a matter of days against Japan at Shenzhen Sports Centre. The 88-79 victory over the world No.9 Japanese, shock winners over hosts China in their semi, finally clinched the gold medal after a 2017 silver and bronze in the next three editions. "Really happy and proud of the team for their efforts this whole week," Opals coach Paul Goriss said. "We knew coming in that Japan had a huge win ... against China and that they're going to be a formidable opponent. "I think that our team and the players really bought into the game-plan." Alex Wilson provided the spark for the world's second-ranked Opals, the 31-year-old spearheading a decisive late fourth-quarter 12-2 run for an 85-75 advantage. One day before her 24th birthday, Townsville Fire forward Alex Fowler top-scored for Australia with 15 points, pulled down six rebounds and went on to earn the tournament's Most Valuable Player award. Point guard Stephanie Reid added 13 points in the championship match while centre Zitina Aukoso went close to a double-double with 11 points and eight boards. Superstar guard Kokoro Tanaka led Japan with 21 points, 19 of which came in the opening term. The Opals join hosts Germany, AmeriCup winners the USA and EuroBasket champions Belgium as automatic qualifiers for the expanded 16-team September 2026 World Cup in Berlin, after a 24-team qualifying tournament takes place in March. With a first Asia Cup title under now their belt, the Opals can turn their attention to next year's Women's Basketball World Cup in Germany full of confidence. At the fifth time of asking, a new-look squad finally stood atop the podium on Sunday night in China. After topping Group A with three wins and then beating South Korea in the semi-finals, the Australians proved too strong for the second time in a matter of days against Japan at Shenzhen Sports Centre. The 88-79 victory over the world No.9 Japanese, shock winners over hosts China in their semi, finally clinched the gold medal after a 2017 silver and bronze in the next three editions. "Really happy and proud of the team for their efforts this whole week," Opals coach Paul Goriss said. "We knew coming in that Japan had a huge win ... against China and that they're going to be a formidable opponent. "I think that our team and the players really bought into the game-plan." Alex Wilson provided the spark for the world's second-ranked Opals, the 31-year-old spearheading a decisive late fourth-quarter 12-2 run for an 85-75 advantage. One day before her 24th birthday, Townsville Fire forward Alex Fowler top-scored for Australia with 15 points, pulled down six rebounds and went on to earn the tournament's Most Valuable Player award. Point guard Stephanie Reid added 13 points in the championship match while centre Zitina Aukoso went close to a double-double with 11 points and eight boards. Superstar guard Kokoro Tanaka led Japan with 21 points, 19 of which came in the opening term. The Opals join hosts Germany, AmeriCup winners the USA and EuroBasket champions Belgium as automatic qualifiers for the expanded 16-team September 2026 World Cup in Berlin, after a 24-team qualifying tournament takes place in March. With a first Asia Cup title under now their belt, the Opals can turn their attention to next year's Women's Basketball World Cup in Germany full of confidence. At the fifth time of asking, a new-look squad finally stood atop the podium on Sunday night in China. After topping Group A with three wins and then beating South Korea in the semi-finals, the Australians proved too strong for the second time in a matter of days against Japan at Shenzhen Sports Centre. The 88-79 victory over the world No.9 Japanese, shock winners over hosts China in their semi, finally clinched the gold medal after a 2017 silver and bronze in the next three editions. "Really happy and proud of the team for their efforts this whole week," Opals coach Paul Goriss said. "We knew coming in that Japan had a huge win ... against China and that they're going to be a formidable opponent. "I think that our team and the players really bought into the game-plan." Alex Wilson provided the spark for the world's second-ranked Opals, the 31-year-old spearheading a decisive late fourth-quarter 12-2 run for an 85-75 advantage. One day before her 24th birthday, Townsville Fire forward Alex Fowler top-scored for Australia with 15 points, pulled down six rebounds and went on to earn the tournament's Most Valuable Player award. Point guard Stephanie Reid added 13 points in the championship match while centre Zitina Aukoso went close to a double-double with 11 points and eight boards. Superstar guard Kokoro Tanaka led Japan with 21 points, 19 of which came in the opening term. The Opals join hosts Germany, AmeriCup winners the USA and EuroBasket champions Belgium as automatic qualifiers for the expanded 16-team September 2026 World Cup in Berlin, after a 24-team qualifying tournament takes place in March.
Canberra Times
6 hours ago
- Canberra Times
Opals finally strike gold to end Asia Cup anguish
After topping Group A with three wins and then beating South Korea in the semi-finals, the Australians proved too strong for the second time in a matter of days against Japan at Shenzhen Sports Centre.
Sydney Morning Herald
6 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Boxing: Tszyu taken to hospital after loss to Fundora, Pacquiao earns draw in comeback fight
Latest posts Just as the great Manny Pacquiao was entering the ring at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas at the age of 46, Tim Tszyu was being rushed from the arena to hospital. It meant Tszyu didn't get a chance to see what true greatness looks like. This was the Australian's third shot at a world title and it again ended in heartbreak. There was no asterisk next to this result, a rematch against WBC super-welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora. When they first clashed 16 months ago, Tszyu could point to blood pouring into his eyes from a horror head cut as a mitigating factor. There were no excuses this time. At the scene of his father Kostya's most famous victory, that stupendous knockout of Zab Judah almost a quarter of a century ago, Tszyu copped a sobering lesson about where he sits in boxing's world order. Fundora dominated from the outset, flooring Tszyu in the opening round. Somehow he survived until the end of the seventh, before failing to come out to meet the bell for the start of the eighth. It was a surprise to witness Tszyu finish on his stool, given he landed his best shots in the moments just before the bout was called off. There was contention over whether the decision was made by Tszyu or his corner, who felt their man was gassed after walking into a barrage of jabs over the preceding 21 minutes. Either way, Tszyu had no more fight left in him. 'He is one tough motherf-—r,' Tszyu said. 'I tried to give it everything, but just couldn't do it. Victory belongs to Sebstian Fundora, the best 154-pounder on the planet right now.' Tszyu said a cut that had opened above his right eye didn't contribute to the stoppage. 'He was just a better man,' Tszyu said. 'He's just very hard to land [on]. He's tough as f–-. Sometimes it felt like I was shadow boxing with myself. It is what it is, congratulations to Fundora and his team.' There will be no trilogy fight. In the space of 16 months, Tszyu has lost his undefeated record and the three world championship fights that he has contested. This might be as close to a world title as he will ever get to again. The 'Soul Taker' labelled Fundora's punches as 'stringy' and lacking power in the lead up, but there was a sting in the American's jab. Fundora, standing at 197 centimeters tall, had a distinct height and reach advantage and used it to good effect. The southpaw clipped Tszyu every time he lunged in, and also showed a solid chin whenever a punch got through his defences. 'You know what, I woke up this morning, I looked at myself in the mirror and went 'Oh wow, I have reach,' Fundora said, a hint to the way he controlled the ring. 'We've been working on aggression my whole professional career and now we're just adding the length of my arms.' Tszyu's handlers insisted Tszyu was taken to hospital as a 'precaution', but it remains to be seen if the real damage is physical or psychological. This was meant to be his big American moment, sharing the stage with Pacquiao, who was making a comeback at 46 years of age. Ultimately, the 'Pac Man' had to settle for a majority draw against Marios Barrios, meaning the latter retained his WBC welterweight title. It's one thing to share the stage with the greats, owning it is another altogether. yesterday 2.28pm Both men want a rematch Barrios won the last three rounds, just enough to level it up in the eyes of the judges. 'I thought I pulled it out,' Barrios said. 'I still tip my hat to Manny, nothing but love and respect. 'We still came in here and left everything in the ring … he is still a very awkward fighter to figure out. 'I tried to make him feel old, but he still has some legs in the tank.' Both men said they were keen for a rematch. yesterday 2.24pm And the winner is: No one! It's a majority draw! One judge gave it to Barrios 115-113, the other two scored it 114-all. So it's a draw. Which means Barrios, as the title holder, remains the WBC belt. According to Compubox, Barrios landed the more punches, 120-101. However, Pacquiao apparently landed the more power punches, 81-75. 'I won the fight,' Pacquiao said. 'It was a close fight, very tough. Wonderful fight. 'It's an inspiration to old boxers, if you have discipline and hard work, you can still fight.' Asked if he will fight again, Pacquiao said: 'I think so.' yesterday 2.15pm Round 11: Barrios wins that round His corner told him not show Pacquiao any respect. No touching gloves. Take none of his nonsense. While Pacquiao landed late, I'd give that round to Barrios. He landed a beautiful combination early in the round, perhaps the best of the round. yesterday 2.10pm Round 10: Championship rounds coming up Terrific flurry from Barrios at the minute mark, one of his better combinations of the fight. He needs more of that; the unofficial scorecard has Pacquiao in front by three rounds after the ninth. Pacquiao landed a nice body shot with a minute to go, and then landed the last combination of the round. yesterday 2.06pm Round 9: Pacquiao in control Pacquiao is getting better the longer the fight goes on. He no longer throws those four or five-punch combinations that he did in his pomp, but Pacquiao has been the better man over the last few rounds. yesterday 2.01pm Round 8: 'Pac Man' lands the better blows A couple of nice body shots from Barrios midway through the round. After seven rounds, the broadcaster had Pacquiao ahead by one after seven rounds. I've given this round to Pacquiao, he's countered really well and the crowd is going spare. yesterday 1.58pm Round 7: Manny Pacquiao not slowing down Interesting to see how Manny Pacquiao fares in the second half of the fight. There's a feeling he will get better once he shakes off the ring rust, but then there's the fact that he's going deep in a title fight at the age of 46. Pacquiao started the seventh really well and the broadcaster claims he has landed the more power punches so far. Barrios' team is imploring him to stay busy and not just load up for one big shot. yesterday 1.54pm Tszyu taken straight to hospital Tim Tszyu would have loved to watch the Manny Pacquiao fight, but that's not happening. The Australian has been taken straight to hospital for what his team describes as a 'precautionary' measure. I'm hearing it was Tszyu's corner who made the decision to stop the fight, rather than Tszyu. However, Tszyu didn't argue with the move when the prospect of stopping was put to him. Tszyu was just too gassed after copping all those jabs and couldn't go on. Round 6: Will the judges lean towards 'Pac Man'? There's little between these two, which is a concern for Barrios. If it goes to the judges, and I think it will, I'm tipping they will lean towards the hall-of-famer.
