Browsing: Australia

Former England bowler Chris Woakes says Ben Stokes’ side “have a hell of a chance” of winning the Ashes in Australia for the first time since 2010-11 this winter.

Woakes retired from international cricket last month after a shoulder injury sustained in his 62nd and final Test against India this summer ruled him out of the tour.

The 36-year-old was part of two Ashes tours in which England failed to win a Test but is confident of a better showing this winter.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Going to Australia is a different beast. I’m hoping the guys can go and do a good job and we’ve got a great chance this time.

“We have great depth and a great squad. The lads in the first XI, if they can stay fit and on the field we have a hell of a chance.

“Ashes cricket is played with more venom behind it but these players have played a lot of international cricket and enough to know what it’s about.

“We have been building nicely over the last few years but not quite got over the line in the big series, but it doesn’t get any bigger than this.

“We are due a competitive performance down under and these guys have got that in the locker.”

Woakes called time on his career when it became clear he would not be fit to make the Ashes tour.

But he thinks he would have been selected without the injury – which famously saw him come out to bat against India with his arm in a sling – and says he is ‘on track’ to make a playing return in franchise cricket by the end of the year.

He said: “From the moment I was injured it would have been a real push to get fit for the Ashes and they needed to select the squad. It was clear I wasn’t going to make it.

“In my mind I would have made the squad if I didn’t get injured, I have a lot to give and it’s always good to have guys who have done it in Australia and know what is expected.

“Physically I feel great apart from a freak accident with the shoulder and it’s repairing nicely and getting stronger.

“I have made big progress in the last few weeks and am hoping to play some franchise cricket in December.”

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Teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda has scored his second goal in two matches, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo starred to deliver the Socceroos a fiery 1-0 win over Canada.

After surviving a dour first half dominated by Canada, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller and Patrick Yazbek, while Watford star Irankunda netted in the 71st minute.

Randers goalkeeper Izzo, who started ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, to secure Australiaâ€s seventh-straight win.

After Irankunda and Mohamed Toure starred against New Zealand, they vindicated Popovicâ€s decision to start them at Montrealâ€s Stade Saputo. The Socceroos are now unbeaten in their 11 matches under Popovic.

In just the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box but the excellent Alessandro Circati, again given the captainâ€s armband, slid in with a perfectly timed tackle to clear it to safety.

Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two defenders and cut back to Max Balard, who had a shot blocked.

Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to get on the ball or to keep possession. Buchanan caused makeshift left wing-back Rowles plenty of issues down the right flank.

But otherwise world No 26 Canada struggled to break down the Socceroos†organised defence, or Izzo. Australia had just one shot to Canadaâ€s seven at the break but came out of the break with more energy and impetus.

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball into the near post, where Toure scuffed his shot.

The introduction of Bos and Miller in the 57th minute delivered immediate energy. In the 59th minute, Irankunda pounced on a deflected Canada pass, burst forward and picked out Toure, who shot off target.

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Then, Miller put a lovely ball in for Yazbek, who backheeled towards Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar. The ball pinballed around the Socceroos†defensive area in the 70th minute before they cleared it to safety.

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

As Canada defender Nico Sigur dithered in taking possession, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third international goal. The Socceroos couldnâ€t find a second goal and Izzo came to their rescue late.

Tempers flared and Popovic substituted Irankunda when the youngster got a yellow card amid an injury-time scuffle. In a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos†defence and Izzo held firm.

Having already qualified for next yearâ€s World Cup in North America, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against hosts Canada and the United States with a game to come against the latter in Colorado on Wednesday.

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At Friday’s SmackDown in Australia, two absent WWE stars made their returns after having been off TV for months.

Shinsuke Nakamura and Tama Tonga both returned on the pre-Crown Jewel edition of SmackDown in Perth, Australia. Nakamura answered Sami Zayn’s United States Championship open challenge at the show. He was going for a Kinshasa at the end of the bout when Tonga interfered and caused a disqualification.

NAKMURA SETS UP FOR THE KINSHASA

BUT HE’S ATTACKED BY TAMA TONGA 🤯🤯🤯#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Nw79Te3mjo

— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) October 10, 2025

A post-match angle then saw Tonga, Talla Tonga, Tanga Loa, and JC Mateo beat down both Nakamura and Zayn. With his Family Tree now at full strength, Solo Sikoa then appeared with the other four as they stood tall over Nakamura and Zayn. Sikoa had been United States Champion before dropping the title to Zayn at the end of August.

Since becoming champion, Zayn has made weekly open challenges the theme of his United States title reign. Nakamura answering the challenge today pitted him against one of his most memorable WWE opponents, with Zayn having been the first person Nakamura ever faced when he arrived in NXT in 2016.

Nakamura had a babyface presentation today with his old “Rising Sun” theme music coming back.

NAKAMURA ANSWERS THE US OPEN CHALLENGE

AND HE’S GOT HIS OLD THEME SONG BACK â¤ï¸#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/4GGUnqFgKp

— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) October 10, 2025

Before their returns, Nakamura and Tonga had been away since June and April respectively. Nakamura’s absence was due to not being used, while an undisclosed injury had been rumored for Tonga.

Sikoa and his Family Tree also appeared later on today’s SmackDown for a confrontation with The Wyatt Sicks. The episode took place from Perth, Australia and aired live on Netflix outside of the United States. It will be broadcast on USA Network tonight in its regular 8 p.m. Eastern time slot.

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WWEâ€s Crown Jewel 2025 is set to make history by venturing outside Saudi Arabia for the first time, with the action landing Down Under at Perthâ€s RAC Arena on October 11, 2025. The company has already confirmed several high‑profile matchups that promise to deliver drama, championship intrigue, and must-see showdowns. Hereâ€s a look at the card as it stands, with every confirmed match and whatâ€s riding on each bout.

Menâ€s Crown Jewel Championship

Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins

At the top of the card, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will face World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins to determine the 2025 Menâ€s Crown Jewel Champion. This champion‑versus‑champion bout was officially confirmed following WrestlePalooza and immediately became WWEâ€s headliner for the Perth event. The stakes may be symbolic, but the rivalry between Rhodes and Rollins has deep history.

Womenâ€s Crown Jewel Championship

Stephanie Vaquer vs. Tiffany Stratton

WWE wasted little time confirming the womenâ€s side of the championship stakes. Stephanie Vaquer, the Womenâ€s World Champion, will take on WWE Womenâ€s Champion Tiffany Stratton for the Womenâ€s Crown Jewel Championship.

AJ Styles vs. John Cena

WWE has confirmed that AJ Styles will go head-to-head with John Cena in what is being billed as another marquee singles match. The matchup holds extra weight given Cenaâ€s pending retirement and the storied history between these two legends from their clashes in 2016-2017. Cena, only months away from his final in‑ring matches, is hoping to add another high-profile victory to his farewell tour.

Asuka & Kairi Sane vs. IYO SKY & Rhea Ripley

WWE has officially added a tag team clash to the card: Asuka and Kairi Sane will take on IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley. This match emerges from ongoing tensions, betrayals, and shifting alliances within the womenâ€s roster, particularly as SKY and Ripley have been embroiled in conflict with the Kabuki Warriors.

Australian Street Fight: Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed

The biggest late surprise: Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed in an Australian Street Fight is now officially confirmed. Reigns will battle Reed in a “vicious Australian Street Fight.â€

Bronson Reed, being Australian, brings hometown momentum and local flavor to the match. Reports leading up to the event have revealed that this match will use “open rules†and may incorporate uniquely Australian weapons or props, from cricket bats to boomerangs.

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Australia remain hopeful that captain Pat Cummins will be fit for the first Ashes Test against England in November but coach Andrew McDonald says it is getting “tight”.

The 32-year-old pace bowler has not played since suffering a back injury against the West Indies in July. Australian media reported on Wednesday that he will miss the first Test in Perth on 21 November and is doubtful for the whole series.

On Friday McDonald said there was “a lot more positivity” surrounding the skipper’s chances of playing in the opening Test but he would need at least “four, four-and-a-half weeks” of bowling practice to condition his body for the rigours of Ashes cricket. The first Test is six weeks away.

“The reality is, we’re starting to get tight in terms of the times,” McDonald said.

“We’re still optimistic, hopeful, but this time next week, I think we’ll be in a position to get a better gauge on where he’s at.”

McDonald said he would weigh up whether Cummins could be included in the side even if he was a “little bit underdone”.

Cummins has taken 309 Test wickets at an average of 22.10 runs per dismissal.

He is even more formidable in Australia, taking 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has also taken 91 wickets against England in 19 matches.

England vice-captain Harry Brook said it would be a “bonus” if Cummins was to miss out but warned that they could not take any replacement lightly.

“Pat Cummins is a phenomenal bowler and has been for so many years now,” said Brook on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“He’s got incredible skill at high pace and if he’s not there it’s a bonus for us.

“But they have got lots of amazing bowlers so I’m sure they’ll draft someone in who is very skillful. We can’t take anyone lightly.”

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If youâ€re a wrestling fan in Australia or abroad, hereâ€s your complete guide to streaming WWE Crown Jewel 2025 live, without missing a moment of the main card.

Event Overview & Start Time

DetailInformationEventWWE Crown Jewel 2025DateSaturday, October 11, 2025VenueRAC Arena, Perth, Western AustraliaMain Broadcast Partner (Australia)NetflixMain Broadcast Partner (United States)ESPN / ESPN Streaming ServiceOther RegionsWWE Network or local partners (where applicable)Notable FactFirst Crown Jewel event held outside Saudi Arabia

Where to Watch in Australia (and Internationally)

Australia & Most Countries: Netflix

For viewers in Australia and many international markets, Netflix is the official platform streaming WWE Crown Jewel 2025 live. Even the preshow will be integrated into the live feed on Netflix, so no extra add-ons or separate channels are required.

United States: ESPN & ESPNâ€s Streaming Service

In the U.S., WWE has shifted premium live events to ESPNâ€s direct-to-consumer platform.

To access it:

• Use the ESPN App (or the ESPN website) with a subscription.
• The event is available through ESPNâ€s streaming tiers

Regions With Legacy Contracts (where WWE Network still operates)

In a few markets that havenâ€t fully migrated to Netflix, WWE Network or other local services may still host the live stream.

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Marnus Labuschagne’s push for a recall to Australia’s Test squad for the Ashes received another boost as he hit his third century in four innings for Queensland.

The 31-year-old top-order batter made 105 off 91 balls in his side’s One-Day Cup defeat by Tasmania, just three days after he scored 160 against the same opponents in Australia’s red-ball competition, the Sheffield Shield.

He also scored 130 off 118 in Queensland’s One-Day Cup opener against Victoria in September.

Labuschagne, who has hit 11 centuries in 58 Tests, was dropped from Australia’s Test squad for July’s series against West Indies.

He faces competition from the likes of Travis Head, Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney to force his way back into the side, possibly as Usman Khawaja’s opening partner.

Australia left out Labuschagne from their squad for this month’s one-day international series against India, but did call up top-order batter Matthew Renshaw.

Labuschagne has not scored a Test century since July 2023 – a knock of 111 against England – and is averaging just 24.74 in the format since then, but he attributes his upturn in form to stripping his game back to basics.

“I felt good out there,” Labuschagne said after his Shield century against Tasmania.

“I feel like I’ve really stripped it back and my focus is just scoring runs. It’s not really too technical – just what I need out there to score runs.”

The first Ashes Test is scheduled to begin on Friday, 21 November in Perth.

England have already named their squad for the Ashes but the Aussies are not expected to announce their party until closer to the first Test.

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As WWE prepares to hold Crown Jewel 2025 in Perth, Australia on Saturday, October 11, fans around the world are gearing up for live viewing. Below is the definitive guide to main card start times, based on the confirmed 8:00 AM ET kickoff for the U.S. (main card).

WWE Crown Jewel 2025 US Start Time (Main Card) – 8:00 AM ET

In the United States, the main card of WWE Crown Jewel 2025 will begin at 8:00 AM Eastern Time (ET).

• That corresponds to 5:00 AM Pacific Time (PT).
• In Central Time (CT), the show begins at 7:00 AM CT.
  This timing places the U.S. audience in the early-morning window, allowing viewers to catch the main card live before the afternoon hours.

WWE Crown Jewel 2025 UK Start Time (Main Card) – 1:00 PM BST

In the United Kingdom and across much of Western Europe, the main card start time is 1:00 PM British Summer Time (BST). This midday slot gives fans in the UK a prime afternoon window to watch the show live.

WWE Crown Jewel 2025 Australia Start Time (Main Card) – 11:00 PM AEST

For Australian viewers, the main card kicks off at 11:00 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
Given that the event is staged in Perth (Western Australia), local time zone differences must be considered, but for fans across the east coast, thatâ€s the hour to tune in for the main card.

Other Key Time Zones for the Main Card

• 8:00 PM AWST (Western Australia Standard Time) – local Perth time for the venue.
• 2:00 PM CEST (Central European Summer Time) – for many Central European countries.
• 12:00 AM NZST (New Zealand Standard Time, next day) – for fans on the east side of the international dateline.

WWE Crown Jewel 2025 Main Card Start Times

Region / Time ZoneStart Time (Main Card)U.S. Eastern (ET)8:00 AMU.S. Pacific (PT)5:00 AMU.K. / BST1:00 PMCentral Europe / CEST2:00 PMAustralia (AEST)11:00 PMWestern Australia (AWST, Perth)8:00 PMNew Zealand (NZST)12:00 AM (next day)

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If youâ€re in Australia (or anywhere around the world) and want to catch the preshow for WWE Crown Jewel 2025 live, hereâ€s your complete guide. Here, we’ll focus on how to watch the preshow broadcast only.

How to watch the Crown Jewel Preshow live via Netflix in Australia

Because WWEâ€s global streaming rights have shifted, Netflix is the primary platform for live airing of WWE Premium Live Event content (including the preshow) in Australia and many other international markets.

• Ensure you have a Netflix subscription in Australia.
• When the preshow begins, Netflix will stream it live as part of the Crown Jewel event feed.
• No separate “preshow-only†channel or add-on is needed; it is bundled with the full event coverage on Netflix.
• Check your Netflix app or browser ahead of time to ensure itâ€s updated and ready for live streaming.

How to stream the Crown Jewel preshow in Australia via ESPN / local partners

Though Netflix is the dominant platform internationally, there are subtleties depending on regional rights platforms:

• In the U.S., WWE Crown Jewel content (including preshow) is handled via ESPN streaming services.
• In Australia, your path for the preshow will still primarily be Netflix. WWEâ€s official “How to Watch†guidance confirms that Netflix will carry WWE Premium Live Events in most international territories beyond the U.S.

If, for your region, there is a local broadcast or cable partner (for instance a sports channel or Foxtel bundle), you might check with that provider to see if they include the preshow feed. However, for Crown Jewel 2025 in Australia, Netflix remains the assured route.

How to prepare for the preshow live stream (Australia)

To make sure you donâ€t miss the preshow:

1. Confirm the start time – The preshow usually begins 30 to 60 minutes before the main card. Double-check WWEâ€s schedule for that detail.
2. Log in early – Open Netflix about 10-15 minutes before the preshow begins and search for “Crown Jewel 2025.†The live stream placeholder should appear.
3. Test your internet connection – Ensure sufficient speed and stability (e.g., 5–10 Mbps or more) for high-definition live streaming.
4. Device readiness – Use a compatible device (smart TV, streaming stick, tablet, laptop). Make sure the Netflix app is up to date.
5. Avoid region issues – Since Netflix is locally available in Australia, region locks shouldnâ€t be a problem. Just ensure your subscription is valid in your location.

What to expect from the Crown Jewel preshow broadcast

The preshow typically includes:

• Match preview segments
• Interviews with WWE Superstars
• Commentary and hype packages
• Panel introductions and backstage scenes

These features set the tone for the main card and tend to kick off well before the main matches begin.

Because the preshow is integrated into the live event feed on Netflix, once Netflix starts streaming Crown Jewel 2025, the preshow will automatically be part of that feed, so no extra switching or channel changes required.

RegionPlatform / BroadcasterHow to Watch the Preshow LiveAustraliaNetflixAvailable as part of the Crown Jewel live stream. Log in before start time and search for the event.United StatesESPN+ESPN+ carries WWE Premium Live Events. The preshow is included with the event stream.United KingdomNetflixWatch the preshow on Netflix along with the full event feed.CanadaNetflixStream the preshow live on Netflix with an active subscription.IndiaSony Sports Network / Sony LIVPreshow is broadcast live via Sony Sports TV channels and available on Sony LIV streaming.Middle East (KSA, UAE, etc.)MBC / ShahidRegional partner MBC airs WWE content; preshow available via Shahid streaming.Europe (outside UK)NetflixNetflix streams the full Crown Jewel event including the preshow.Latin AmericaNetflixPreshow is live on Netflix across most Latin American countries.

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Ashes 2025-26 series: Apart from the uncertainty in their batting department, Australia will now have to contend with a huge jolt as skipper Pat Cummins is all but ruled out of the first Test of the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 series.

Cummins has been captaining Australia in Test cricket since the 2021/22 home Ashes, when Tim Paine announced a sudden retirement from international cricket. Under his leadership, Australia won the 2023 ICC WTC final against India but failed to defend their crown earlier this year, going down to South Africa at Lordâ€s.

Heâ€s led Australia in two Ashes series so far: Australia won the 2021/22 Ashes at home and drew the 2023 Ashes in England by a 2-2 scoreline.

Cummins had pulled up with a back issue following the Test series triumph in the West Indies in July. Heâ€s been out of action since.

Scans revealed a lumbar bone stress issue in his lower back. To manage it, the right-arm pacer decided to opt out of all international cricket until the Ashes, including the home white-ball matches against India.

However, he is now competing against the deadline to be fit for the 1st Ashes Test, which is set to begin on November 21 in Perth, a race he is nigh-certain to lose.

Cummins was said to feature in one or two domestic games ahead of the Ashes, but now his return to action is likely to be straightaway during the series.

It is also believed that Pat Cummins could miss more than just the first Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series, as a recurrence of his current back injury could lead to a serious or major injury. Cricket Australia, their selectors, physios, and team management will be monitoring Cummins†workload throughout the Ashes, and itâ€s possible that he will miss more than one Test, limiting his presence and impact on the field.

Now, the question remains over who would lead Australia in the Ashes in Cummins†absence. One name is set to get more votes than anyone else: Steve Smith.

Ashes 2025-26: Who Will Captain Australia In 1st Test If Pat Cummins Misses Due To Back Injury?

Steve Smith is the likely candidate to captain Australia if Pat Cummins misses one or more Tests in the Ashes 2025-26. Smith has been the vice-captain of the Test team since Cummins became the skipper in 2021 and has deputized for Cummins in six Test matches over the last four years.

Smith has 40 Test matches under his belt as Australiaâ€s Test captain. The other options are Travis Head and Alex Carey.

Mitchell Starc has given his backing to Smith: “Weâ€ve got a group of us that have played cricket with Steve as captain anyway. And then the times that heâ€s filled in over the last few seasons for Pat, whether it be for personal reasons, for illness or for injury, itâ€s an easy transition for Steve. Heâ€s obviously a very experienced cricket brain and thinks heavily about the game.â€

In Cummins†absence, Scott Boland will slot in the lineup to join Starc, Hazlewood, and Lyon. Other pace options as backup are Michael Neser and Sean Abbott, while Jhye Richardson is said to be ready to make a comeback to the Test setup from a long-term shoulder injury.

Get the Latest Cricket Updates at IceCric.News. Also, Follow Our Social Media for live updates on Facebook and Instagram.

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