Ashes

One of England's great bowling hopes for the summer cops a blow, as Mark Wood fails to finish the first day of a tour match.

Test all-rounder Cameron Green is dismissed six runs shy of a drought-breaking Sheffield Shield century, while Victoria coach Chris Rogers thinks he may have found Usman Khawaja's successor.

Critics of England's truncated preparation for this summer's Ashes Test series are off the mark, according to touring captain Ben Stokes.

Josh Hazlewood's hamstring scare is not serious, but the news was less promising for fellow Ashes squad member Sean Abbott.

England insists Joe Root's lack of centuries in Australia is not an issue, pointing to the fact he has thrived around the world under Brendon McCullum.

Jake Weatherald feared playing for Australia was out of reach when dropped by South Australia, but a move to Tasmania has him on the verge of a Test debut.

Jake Weatherald could become the latest player to represent Australia in the Ashes following a superb 18 months in the Sheffield Shield. But his path to the Test squad has not been conventional.

Pat Cummins says his return to bowling has gone better than expected, with Australia's captain still eyeing off a return for the second Ashes Test.

Australia has named its squad for the first Ashes Test, but is no closer to knowing who will open the batting in Perth on November 21.

With the first men's Ashes Test starting in just over two weeks, Marnus Labuschagne reminds selectors of his ability with the bat after hitting another century for Queensland.

Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins completes a brief return to bowling as he steps up his bid to play in the Ashes series against England.

Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey says he wants to be part of more Ashes history, after being central to one of the most infamous moments during the previous series.

Pat Cummins is officially ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England, with Steve Smith named to step in as skipper in Perth.

Australian Test paceman Scott Boland says his five-wicket spell for Victoria last Friday was important for his confidence ahead of the Ashes.

As speculation swirls about Sam Konstas's spot in the Australian side ahead of the Ashes series, Steve Smith says he's happy to offer some advice to the struggling young gun about batting.

Michael Vaughan wants Mitch Marsh opening the batting for Australia in the Ashes but it would require a serious leap of faith from Test selectors.

Marnus Labuschagne's magical early season form continues with the bat, Scott Boland and a pair of spinners offer a reminder of their skill, while Sam Konstas turns on the flair at round two of the Sheffield Shield.

Sean Abbott becomes the latest Test hopeful to suffer an injury, ruled out of NSW's Sheffield Shield match after splitting the webbing on his bowling hand.

Stuart Broad lights the fuse ahead of the men's Ashes series, saying England has its best chance of winning in Australia since the 2010/11 series.

Pat Cummins all but rules himself out of the first Ashes Test, saying he is still a way short of completing his condensed recovery schedule from a back injury.