SIR JAMES ANDERSON: The first thing I would insist upon is players going back into county cricket to prove they are good enough to face New Zealand at Lord's in June.

A handful of England's stars have flown home after yet another disastrous Ashes series on Australian soil.

Kevin Pietersen has sensationally backed the man who effectively ended his international career to become England's next coach.

Let's face it, cricket and alcohol have history. In fact, they are intrinsically linked, dating back to Victorian times when village green contests were followed by post-match pints in the local.

Speaking after his side had surrendered the Ashes 4-1, but before news broke of the Brook incident in Wellington, McCullum insisted: 'Half our guys don't have a drink, to be honest.'

Evergreen paceman Mitchell Starc insists age should not be considered a barrier for Australia's frontline attack ahead of the 2027 Ashes series in the United Kingdom.

Cricket legend Mike Hussey believes Travis Head can be Australia's next David Warner as calls increase for the left-hander to remain atop the batting order.

Benaud is one of the great figures of the Aussie and English game thanks to his skill as a player and commentator.

LAWRENCE BOOTH IN SYDNEY: Harry Brook was involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer during England's recent tour of New Zealand, in their latest off-the-field misdemeanour.

There was a time, on a very flat track in Rawalpindi not so many winters back, when Harry Brook telegraphed the very distinct sense that he would become a tornado in Test cricket.

Steve Smith and Pat Cummins took to the temporary stage on Thursday afternoon at the Sydney Cricket Ground and beamed with delight.