Cricket
Pat Cummins Reveals Australia’s Strategy to Defend WTC Title Against South Africa
As Australia gears up for the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, captain Pat Cummins outlines his plans to counter South Africa’s challenge and secure back-to-back titles.

Australia’s Test captain, Pat Cummins, is leading his team into the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final with a clear vision: to defend their title against a formidable South African side at Lord’s starting June 11.
Cummins has confirmed that veteran batter Steve Smith will retain his pivotal No. 4 position in the batting lineup. “I can confirm that Smudge will be batting at four,” Cummins stated, emphasizing Smith’s consistency and experience in that role. Smith has amassed 10,271 runs at an average of 56.7 from 206 innings at this position, including 36 centuries and 41 fifties.

Reflecting on the journey to the final, Cummins highlighted the team’s resilience across diverse conditions. “It’s a tournament that every other Test-playing nation is vying for, so it just signifies a pretty good couple of years,” he remarked. Australia’s path included challenging tours, such as victories in Sri Lanka and New Zealand, showcasing their adaptability and strength.
Acknowledging the threat posed by South Africa, Cummins noted, “They always seem to compete in every tournament. They’ve got a lot of experience… They have really good fast bowlers, and they always seem to have not just one or two main guys but four to six they can call upon.”

Cummins also addressed his own fitness, having returned to training after an ankle injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. “The ankle is all going strong… It’s feeling as strong as it has for a fair while,” he assured, indicating his readiness for the final.
With a full-strength squad, including the returns of Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green, Australia is poised to defend their WTC title. The team aims to become the first to win consecutive WTC finals, a testament to their dominance in the Test arena.
Sports
Tom Holland Injured on Set of Spider-Man Brand New Day Leaving Fans Concerned
The actor suffers a mild concussion and is taking a break from filming Spider-Man Brand New Day, but what does this mean for the movie’s release?

In a shocking turn of events, Spider-Man star Tom Holland has been injured on the set of his latest film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The 27-year-old actor, known for his portrayal of the iconic superhero, reportedly sustained a mild concussion on Friday, leaving fans and Hollywood insiders worried about the future of the highly anticipated film.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Holland’s injury occurred while filming at Leavesden Studios in Watford, Herts, where the production of Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been in full swing. The actor was quickly attended to by medical professionals, and an ambulance was called to the scene. A spokesperson for the East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that Holland was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. While initial reports suggest the injury is not life-threatening, it remains unclear how long Holland will be sidelined from filming.
The Spider-Man franchise has always been a fan favorite, and with Spider-Man: Brand New Day set to hit theaters on July 31st, 2026, the timing of this injury could raise concerns about potential delays. As one of the most highly anticipated films of the next few years, fans are eagerly waiting for updates regarding Holland’s recovery and the impact this may have on the film’s production schedule.

The incident comes at a critical point in the movie’s production, with many scenes reportedly featuring complex action sequences. Holland, known for performing many of his own stunts, is a crucial part of the film’s action-heavy scenes, making his recovery all the more important.
The film, directed by Jon Watts, is expected to continue the story of Peter Parker as he navigates new challenges in his life, both as Spider-Man and as a young adult. With a stellar cast, including Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, and Benedict Cumberbatch, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is already generating excitement, despite this unforeseen setback.

Fans around the world are rallying behind the actor, wishing him a speedy recovery. Holland has always been known for his dedication to his craft, and his commitment to delivering thrilling performances has earned him a loyal following.
For now, it remains to be seen when filming will resume and whether the injury will cause any disruptions to the film’s release. One thing is for certain: Tom Holland’s health is the top priority, and fans are hoping to see him back in action soon.
Sports
Sonny Baker suffers brutal debut as Aiden Markram’s explosive 86 leaves England humiliated
England collapse for just 131 before Aiden Markram’s 55-ball masterclass and Keshav Maharaj’s spin brilliance secure South Africa a dominant ODI victory

It was supposed to be a fresh chapter for England in the one-day arena, but the series opener against South Africa turned into a nightmare. All eyes were on young debutant Sonny Baker, but instead of a dream start, he found himself the target of Aiden Markram’s blistering assault, as the Proteas romped to a seven-wicket win with 175 balls to spare.
ALSO READ : Markram destroys England with record 23 ball fifty as South Africa seal 7 wicket win in 1st ODI
England’s batting, so often criticized for inconsistency, completely unraveled. Bowled out for just 131 in 24.3 overs, they never recovered from the early loss of Ben Duckett and the cheap dismissals that followed. Only Jamie Smith showed any resistance, carving out a battling 54 before a brilliant catch from Corbin Bosch ended his fight.
The real destruction, however, came from Keshav Maharaj. Officially ranked the ICC’s No.1 ODI bowler, Maharaj dismantled England’s middle order with a mesmerizing spell of 4 for 33. In just 33 deliveries, he reduced a strong batting lineup to rubble, ensuring the hosts collapsed spectacularly, losing their last seven wickets for only 29 runs.
Even fielding was a reminder of the gulf between the two sides. Temba Bavuma’s men produced sharp catches and run-outs, with Markram himself diving to remove Jofra Archer and Tristan Stubbs firing in a pinpoint throw to dismiss Harry Brook.
Brook later admitted England had no excuses, despite their rushed preparation following the Hundred final just 48 hours earlier. “We’re not a team that makes excuses,” he told reporters. “We’ve just got to crack on and put that performance behind us.”
For Baker, the day will be remembered with mixed emotions. Thrown the new ball in his very first ODI, he was pummelled for 56 runs in his first four overs, with Markram plundering 45 of them. To his credit, the 20-year-old returned for a second spell and showed resilience, but by then the damage was long done. Brook defended his teammate: “He got a bit of tap at the start but the way he kept cracking on and digging deep was awesome to see.”
England could have clawed back some control had fortune favored them. An edge from Ryan Rickelton fell inches short of Joe Root, and a subsequent lbw shout against the opener was not reviewed despite clear evidence in Archer’s favor. Small margins went against them, but it was the larger collapse that defined the day.
South Africa’s preparations had looked shaky, arriving from a long trip via Australia, Singapore, and London, but once on the field they looked sharper, fresher, and vastly superior. For England, jet lag wasn’t the excuse—it was poor application, poor execution, and the kind of collapse that has haunted them for years.
The series is far from over, but unless England rediscover discipline with both bat and ball, Markram’s statement innings and Maharaj’s ruthless spell could set the tone for another chastening campaign.
Cricket
Australia pick Ben Dwarshuis to replace Mitchell Starc after shock T20I retirement but can he really fill the void
Mitchell Starc’s retirement leaves Australia scrambling as Ben Dwarshuis steps up amid doubts over pace attack balance

The cricket world is still absorbing the news of Mitchell Starc’s sudden retirement from T20 internationals, a move that has left a significant hole in Australia’s pace attack just months before a demanding white-ball schedule and with the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka fast approaching.
Starc retires as Australia’s leading T20I wicket-taker with 79 scalps. More than numbers, his left-arm angle, searing pace, and calmness in death overs gave the team rare variety and balance. Replacing him is no small task.

Selectors have turned to Ben Dwarshuis, a left-arm seamer who has built a strong reputation in domestic cricket and impressed recently in South Africa. Dwarshuis, named in the squad for next month’s three-match T20I series against New Zealand, represents the most like-for-like option. He swings the new ball, bowls clever slower deliveries, and can operate at the death.
But the question remains — can Dwarshuis replicate what Starc offered at the highest level? While reliable and consistent, he lacks Starc’s raw speed and intimidation factor, attributes that often rattled opposition batters on the biggest stages.
Australia’s squad for New Zealand T20Is
- Mitchell Marsh (captain)
- Sean Abbott
- Xavier Bartlett
- Tim David
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Matt Kuhnemann
- Glenn Maxwell
- Mitchell Owen
- Matthew Short
- Marcus Stoinis
- Adam Zampa
With Josh Hazlewood leading the pace attack, supported by Sean Abbott and the promising Xavier Bartlett, the team has experience but may lack the raw firepower that Starc provided. Bartlett, known for his ability to swing the ball in the Powerplay, is a different type of bowler — effective, but not the strike weapon that terrifies batters.

The contenders beyond Dwarshuis
Selectors are also watching other bowlers closely:
- Spencer Johnson: Perhaps the closest stylistic successor to Starc. A left-arm quick with serious pace and death-over skills, he is working his way back from injury. If fit, Johnson is considered the most natural long-term replacement.
- Lance Morris: Known for red-ball cricket, Morris has raw speed but recent back surgery has sidelined him for now.
- Nathan Ellis: Not a left-armer, but a proven death-overs specialist who thrives under pressure. Currently on paternity leave, Ellis is expected to return as a key figure in World Cup discussions.
With Pat Cummins also sidelined due to a lumbar stress issue, Australia’s pace stocks are stretched. The selectors will lean heavily on Hazlewood’s experience and Marcus Stoinis’ all-round skills to steady the ship.

A critical audition
For now, the opportunity belongs to Dwarshuis. The New Zealand tour will be more than just a series — it’s his audition to prove he can handle the intensity of international cricket and perhaps carry Australia’s hopes into the 2026 T20 World Cup.
But the reality is clear: Starc’s departure marks the start of a transition phase. Whether Dwarshuis, Johnson, Ellis, or another emerging name can take up the mantle will define Australia’s short-format success over the next two years.
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