'Incredible debut': Lyon hails Alex Carey after first Ashes Test win

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has stated that the board still intends to include a pink-ball Test in the 2029-30 men's Ashes series, despite recent reports suggesting a day-night match had already been ruled out, as per ESPNcricinfo.

While Men in Blue and their fans could get flashbacks of the Ahmedabad heartbreak against Australia, which stopped India's dominant 10-match win streak courtesy tactical masterclass of skipper Pat Cummins and a brutal hammering by Travis Head, the baggage of negativity will come down and everyone will find some comfort in team's most recent wins against New Zealand and the fact their country is on a winning run across the men's, women's and age-group cricket. The baggage will feel a little lighter.

Bethell's emergence as England's next all-format superstar continued as after an outstanding Sydney Ashes Test century, another century at another big stage, the T20 World Cup semifinal against India in front of a packed Wankhede, showcased his elite-level technique, mindset and nerves of steel. Despite wickets falling on the other side, the left-hander was relentless in his assault, scoring a 48-ball 105, with eight fours and seven sixes, which included a brutal beating of number one T20I bowler, Varun Chakravarthy.

A defeat at Adelaide back in 2022 caused Men in Blue to rethink their white-ball template and paved the way for young talent, while a win at Providence two years later marked a redemption for skipper Rohit Sharma, who went on to break the 11-year old trophy drought for India. Now, two of these teams, who have had imperfect campaigns so far, will be chasing perfection at iconic Wankhede, a venue which has witnessed history, heartbreak and records for years.

Australia, struggling with injuries leading upto the tournament, with pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood missing out due to injuries, and Tim David and Glenn Maxwell having injury scares leading upto the tournament, crashed out in the first round of the competition following humiliating losses to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. While they defeated Ireland in their campaign opener and absolutely dismantled Oman in their final group stage match, the Aussies were far from their dominant selves. Once again questioned were raised over the team's T20I future and if they took the format seriously at all, having won only one T20WC back in 2021.