Cricket News sort by Edward James McKenzie Cowan

Ricky Ponting’s retirement has expectedly left a big hole in Australia’s batting line-up, that at the significant number three position. And one of the reasons for Australia’s failure in this Ashes has been the fact that he haven’t found a stable influence at the anchor position over the four Tests.

Were they able to, the Australians would probably have delayed the start of what will be back-to-back ashes contests until a more opportune time. With all the troubles swirling around them, the men from Down Under are simply not in the best position to mount a serious challenge to an England team near the top of their test game -- especially in home conditions.

A key reason behind Australia’s 0-4 loss to India was the poor batting exhibition of their batsmen, some experienced and many who were on their first trip to India, and were completely found out under the tough conditions.

India bowled out as many as 104 overs in six and a half hours to restrict the Aussies to 273 for 7. This was despite the tourists getting a strong opening stand of 139! It was a dramatic collapse for the Aussies – losing two wickets in two balls on two occasions in the day’s play. The match is now nicely in the favour of an Indian victory although the first day’s play was completely washed out.

Australia dismissed the Sri Lankans openers before close of play on Day 4 after having set a target of 393 to the visitors in the first Test at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. Sri Lanka are 67 for 2 in 37 overs with Dilshan falling early to Watson for 11 and Karunaratne for 30 to Starc.

The Gabba Test is heading towards a definite draw as Australia moved into a first innings lead closing Day 4 at 487 for 4 in 121 overs

Australia end Day 3 at 200/6 to take their overall lead to 310 runs. This was after bowling out West Indies for 218 in their first innings.

Cricwaves looks at the performances of the heroes of Day 1 - Umesh Yadav and Ed Cowan.