Ringrose out of first Test and Cowan-Dickie doubtful
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The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
Pressure mounts on Australia openers as lean run continues in third West Indies Test
The questions around Australia's openers are set to linger ahead of the Ashes, after Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja's difficulties against West Indies continued. After winning the toss and batting in the third and final Test in Jamaica, Australia went to dinner on the first evening at 138 for three with Konstas out for 17 and Khawaja 23. Cameron Green was also bowled for 46 before the second break, with Steve Smith 36 not out and Travis Head unbeaten on three on a day where selectors made the shock call to leave out Nathan Lyon. Still, all eyes remain on Australia's top order, with Khawaja's 47 in the first Test in Barbados the only score from either opener above 25 in this Frank Worrell Trophy series. The 38-year-old Khawaja fought through a torrid opening session on Saturday (Sunday AEST), as the pink Dukes ball was moving and regularly beat the bat. But the left-hander was superbly caught behind by Shai Hope on 23, edging a ball that was angled back in at him from around the wicket by Shamar Joseph. Konstas had also shown signs of digging in, before being lbw for 17 after moving to an off-stump guard for this Test. He at one stage faced 18 straight dot balls early, while surviving a run-out scare and edge to third slip on consecutive deliveries while on one. Konstas threatened to find some rhythm when he hooked Alzarri Joseph's first ball for four and later punched the quick to the point boundary off the back foot. But the 19-year-old fell lbw to Justin Greaves' first ball and his series average sits at just 10. Khawaja's is 20.6, with one innings remaining in Australia's last Test before this summer's home Ashes. Australia have battled with the opening spot since David Warner's retirement, after Smith's aborted move up the order last year and Nathan McSweeney's three Tests last summer. Marnus Labuschagne also opened in the World Test Championship final loss to South Africa, for scores of 17 and 22 before being dropped. The other chief talking point of Saturday was the omission of Lyon, with Scott Boland coming in for the day-night Test. Sign up to The Spin Subscribe to our cricket newsletter for our writers' thoughts on the biggest stories and a review of the week's action after newsletter promotion Lyon has played every Test he has been fit for since the second Test of the 2013 Ashes, racking up 100 consecutive matches after that. The spinner then suffered a calf tear at Lord's in 2023 and missed the final three Tests of that Ashes, before returning to the side for the start of the next summer. While the day-night Tests are generally thought to suit the quicks under lights, Lyon has a better record with pink balls than red. This Test is being played with a Dukes ball rather than a Kookaburra, with the Windies' two tweakers finding some turn. Lyon has had strong returns of nine wickets at 18.33 in a series dominated by quicks, but bowled only 32.3 overs across two Tests. West Indies also made a big call, dropping out-of-form ex-captain Kraigg Brathwaite, ending his run of 90 straight Tests.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Veteran Aussie bowler Nathan Lyon axed for final Test against West Indies in 12-year first
The questions around Sam Konstas ahead of the Ashes are set to linger, with the teenage opener out for 17 on the first day of the third Test against West Indies. After winning the toss and making the bold call to overlook a fit Nathan Lyon for the first time in 12 years on Saturday, Australia went to the first break at 1-50 in Jamaica. Usman Khawaja fought through 71 balls at Kingston's Sabina Park to remain unbeaten on 16, after a tough session for Australia's top order where the pink ball regularly went past the edge. Cameron Green was alongside Khawaja at the break on six, having overturned an lbw decision on review. Konstas fought hard for his 17, but it ultimately leaves the 19-year-old with a return of 50 runs at an average of 10 for the first five innings of the three-Test series. Taking up more of an off-stump guard, Konstas survived an edge to third slip on one after narrowly avoiding being run out the previous ball. Konstas threatened to find a rhythm when he hooked Alzarri Joseph's first ball for four, and later punched the first-change quick to the point boundary off the back foot. But the right-hander's reconfigured guard ultimately left him trapped lbw, hit on the pad from the first ball of Justin Greaves' spell. Australia are desperately searching for answers at the top ahead of this summer's Ashes, with neither Konstas nor Khawaja firing in the first two Tests in the Caribbean. The other chief talking point of the morning session was the omission of Lyon, with Scott Boland coming in for the third and final Test. Lyon has played every Test he has been fit for since the second Test of the 2013 Ashes, racking up 100 consecutive matches after that. The spinner then suffered a calf tear at Lord's in 2023 and missed the final three Tests of that Ashes, before returning to the side for the start of the next summer. While the day-night Tests are generally thought to suit the quicks under lights, Lyon has a better record with pink balls than red. But pace has dominated this series, with seamers accounting for 67 of 78 wickets across the first two Tests. Lyon has played every Test he has been fit for since the second Test of the 2013 Ashes Lyon has had strong returns of nine wickets at 18.33, but has bowled only 32.3 overs. Australia can also use Travis Head and Beau Webster's spin if needed. West Indies also made a big call, dropping out-of-form ex-captain Kraigg Brathwaite among three changes.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Proud of the boys – George Ford hails England's attitude
England captain George Ford said he was 'proud of the boys' after a last-gap 22-17 victory over Argentina in San Juan sealed a 2-0 Test series win. Replacement scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet went over in the final minute with the score locked at 17-17 following Guy Pepper's brilliant blind-side break as England followed up last week's 35-12 win in La Plata in style. Ford, who made his 101st Test appearance for England, said: 'We found a way in the end. We had a lot of opportunities in the 22, but couldn't get over the line. 'I'm proud of the boys. I like our fight, our togetherness, showing how much we care. 'There was some great stuff, we should have scored more tries but the attitude of the group is great.' Both sides scored two tries in the first half, with Argentina twice hitting back through centre Lucio Cinti and wing Ignacio Mendy after touchdowns from England pair Seb Atkinson and Freddie Steward. In a fast and furious encounter at the Bicentenary Stadium, Santiago Carreras' first-half penalty had edged Argentina into a 17-14 interval lead, with George Ford's penalty in the second period hauling England level before Van Poortvliet's thrilling late effort. Argentina captain Julian Montoya said his side paid the price for their ill-discipline. He said: 'We were not good enough, we have to be honest with ourselves. I am sorry we couldn't get the win, we gave away too many penalties.' England forward Ben Curry was sent to the sin-bin for his high tackle on Pablo Matera in the 20th minute and Argentina made their advantage count as Cinti went over for their opening try. Argentina were reduced to 14 men in the second half when number eight Matera received a yellow card just before the hour for killing the ball at a maul just yards from his try line. Two tiring teams maintained their ferocious battle – almost entirely in Argentina's half – as the game headed into the final 10 minutes. But with the clock ticking down, replacement flanker Pepper stole clear from a maul and after charging down the blind side he turned inside to send the supporting Van Poortvliet over for the decisive score.
