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The 2025 Ashes series between Australia and England promises high drama, historic rivalries, and key battles featuring stars like Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Steven Smith, and Mitchell Starc, across five Tests starting in Perth.

The Ashes: What to know about cricket's most storied rivalry

The 2025 Ashes series between Australia and England promises high drama, historic rivalries, and key battles featuring stars like Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Steven Smith, and Mitchell Starc, across five Tests starting in Perth.

Few sporting contests carry the history, drama, and aura of the Ashes.&nbsp;
Born from a mock newspaper obituary in 1882 and symbolized by a tiny urn, the rivalry between Australia and England has shaped more than a century of Test cricket.&nbsp;
Ahead of one of the biggest contests on the cricket calendar, here's what to know about the upcoming five-match series.
<h3> The Origins</h3>
The Ashes is one of the oldest and most iconic rivalries in international sport, featuring Test cricket contests between Australia and England. Cricket tests between English and Australian teams started in 1877.
According to the Marylebone Cricket Club, the Lord's-based custodian of the laws of the game, the term &ldquo;Ashes&rdquo; was first used in August 1882 in a satirical obituary for English cricket printed in The Sporting Times after the representative team lost on home soil to Australia for the first time.
The obituary reported that the body of English cricket would be cremated and the Ashes taken to Australia.
English captain Ivo Bligh led a team to Australia later that year with a vow to reclaim &ldquo;the ashes.&rdquo;
A fan presented Bligh with a small terracotta urn as a symbol of the Ashes after an England victory &mdash; and that's how the Ashes and the urn became intrinsically connected.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/691c03853da10_1763443589.jpg" width="576" height="523">
Bligh met his future wife on that day. The couple moved to England and took the urn with them, keeping it in the family until after Bligh died, when it was bequeathed to the MCC.
The Ashes series has evolved into a regular event, held approximately every two years and alternating between the two countries.
<h3> Some Classic Moments</h3>
1932&ndash;33 &ldquo;Bodyline&rdquo; Series: England used hostile &ldquo;fast leg theory&rdquo; bowling tactics to intimidate Australian batters, especially Don Bradman. England reclaimed the Ashes, but the rules were later modified to restrict similar tactics.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/691c04265d4fe_1763443750.png" width="575" height="320">
&nbsp;
Shane Warne&rsquo;s &ldquo;Ball of the Century&rdquo; (1993): At Old Trafford, Warne&rsquo;s first Ashes delivery for Australia drifted and spun almost incomprehensibly to bowl Mike Gatting, announcing Warne as a generational star.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/691c04922a6e8_1763443858.png" width="570" height="317">
&nbsp;
Ben Stokes&rsquo; Headingley Innings (2019): His unbeaten 135, mixing supreme composure with fearless hitting, dragged England to an improbable one-wicket victory and etched a new legend into Ashes folklore.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/691c057bbba75_1763444091.jpg" width="565" height="315">
&nbsp;
Jonny Bairstow Controversy (2023): England&rsquo;s Jonny Bairstow was controversially stumped at Lord's after wandering out of his crease, believing the ball to be out of play.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/691c0605be560_1763444229.jpg" width="567" height="316">
While entirely within the laws, the incident sparked fierce debate over the spirit of cricket, igniting a storm across the cricketing world.
<h3> Recent History</h3>
Australia has held the Ashes since 2017, retaining the urn with series wins at home and drawn series in England, including a 2-2 result in a highly charged tour two years ago.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/691c06e08fe61_1763444448.jpg" width="562" height="313">
England has not won an Ashes Test in Australia since 2011 &mdash; also the last time it won a series in Australia. That span includes a 5-0 loss in 2013-14, and 4-0 defeats in 2017-18 and 2021-22.
The 3-1 series loss to England in 2010-11 was Australia&rsquo;s only Ashes series loss at home since it reclaimed the urn in England in 1989.
<h3> England Players to Watch</h3>
Joe Root: No. 1-ranked batter and second-highest scorer in Test cricket, but he has never scored an Ashes century in Australia. His average of 35.68 in 14 Tests here lags far behind his career mark of 51.29.
Ben Stokes: England&rsquo;s talismanic captain and &ldquo;Bazball&rdquo; figurehead. Stokes can win matches almost single-handedly. Despite being Test cricket's leading six-hitter, he averages just 28.61 with the bat and 41 with the ball in Australia.
Jofra Archer: Playing his first Ashes in Australia but already famous for his express pace, including the 2019 blows to Smith and Labuschagne. Injuries have stalled his career since his 22-wicket breakout series, and England will hope he stays fit.
<h3> Australia Players to Watch</h3>
Steven Smith: Australia&rsquo;s premier batter for more than a decade and anchor of an unsettled lineup. With 10,447 runs, 36 centuries, and an average of 56.02, he sits just behind Bradman among Australia&rsquo;s Test greats. Smith has 12 Ashes hundreds, including a best of 239 at Perth.
Mitchell Starc: The last fit member of Australia&rsquo;s first-choice pace trio, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to injuries. Starc has 402 wickets in 100 Tests, placing him fourth on Australia&rsquo;s all-time list.
Scott Boland: A cult hero since his remarkable 6-7 on debut at the MCG in 2021. His 62 wickets at 16.53 in 14 Tests would make him an automatic pick, though the 36-year-old has often been squeezed out behind Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood.
<h3> The Schedule</h3>
The five-Test series starts Friday in Perth, Western Australia.
Second Test: Day-nighter at the Gabba in Brisbane, starting Dec. 4.
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, Dec. 17&ndash;21.
Fourth Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Boxing Day Test, starting Dec. 26.
Fifth Test: Sydney, starting Jan. 4.

Mitchell Starc makes a comeback to Australia’s 15-member ODI squad for the India series starting October 19.

Starc returns to Australia ODI squad for home series against India

Mitchell Starc Joins Australia for India ODI Series

Mitchell Starc makes a comeback to Australia&rsquo;s 15-member ODI squad for the India series starting October 19.

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc returned to the Australian ODI squad for the three-match home series against India starting on October 19 where Mitchell Marsh will continue to captain in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is recuperating from a back injury.
Starc, who retired from T20 internationals last month, sat out the home ODI series against South Africa in August after returning from the West Indies Test tour. With his workload being carefully managed ahead of the Ashes, Starc last played an ODI in November 2024 in Adelaide against Pakistan.
Alongside uncapped batter Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short and Mitch Owen, Starc is one of four inclusions to Australia's 15-strong ODI squad which lost 1-2 to the Proteas.
Short also missed the last series with a side strain and Owen was concussed in the T20I leg against South Africa.
Marsh will continue to captain the ODI team in the absence of Cummins, who is continuing his recovery from lumbar bone stress in preparation for the Ashes.
The selectors also named a 14-member team under Marsh for the first two T20Is that follow the ODIs against India as the side continue their buildup to next year's T20 World Cup.
Alex Carey will miss the first match of the ODI series in Perth to play the second round of Sheffield Shield against Queensland at the Adelaide Oval, having missed the opening game through his call-up to the New Zealand tour.
Josh Inglis comes back into the T20 squad following a minor calf injury along with Nathan Ellis who attended the birth of his first child. Glenn Maxwell is still unavailable due to the fracture he suffered to his wrist on the tour to New Zealand.
Cameron Green will continue his preparation for the Test summer with Western Australia following the ODI leg of the Indian series.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey said: "We have named a squad for the ODI series and first two games of the T20 series as there will be some management through the back end of the series as individuals prepare for the summer through Sheffield Shield cricket.
"The majority of the T20 squad will remain together as it's an important period in the build towards the World Cup next year, however we are trying to strike a balance to ensure we simultaneously prepare certain individuals for the Test series ahead." The first ODI will be played in Perth on October 19 while the second and third matches will be held on October 23 (Adelaide) and October 25 (Sydney).
After that, the five matches of the T20I series will be played on October 29 (Canberra), October 31 (Melbourne), November 2 (Hobart), November 6 (Gold Coast) and November 8 (Brisbane).
Australian ODI Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
Australian T20 Squad (first two games): Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.to continue to captain the side in the absence of Pat Cummins.
Starc, who retired from T20 internationals last month, sat out the home ODI series against South Africa in August after returning from the West Indies Test tour with his workloads being carefully managed ahead of the Ashes. He last played an ODI in November 2024 in Adelaide against Pakistan.
He is one of four inclusions to Australia's ODI squad from the 2-1 series defeat to the Proteas, alongside uncapped batter Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short and Mitch Owen.
Short also missed the last series with a side strain and Owen was concussed in the T20I leg against South Africa.
Marsh will continue to captain the ODI team in the absence of Cummins, who is continuing his recovery from lumbar bone stress in preparation for the Ashes.
The selectors also named as 14-member team under Marsh for the first two T20Is that follow as the side continue their buildup to next year's T20 World Cup.
Alex Carey will miss the first match of the ODI series in Perth to play the second round of Sheffield Shield against Queensland at the Adelaide Oval, having missed the opening game through his call-up to the New Zealand tour.
Josh Inglis comes back into the T20 squad following a minor calf injury along with Nathan Ellis who attended the birth of his first child. Glenn Maxwell is still unavailable due to the fracture suffered to his wrist on the tour to New Zealand.
Cameron Green will continue his preparation for the Test summer with Western Australia following the ODI leg of the Indian series.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey said: "We have named a squad for the ODI series and first two games of the T20 series as there will be some management through the back end of the series as individuals prepare for the summer through Sheffield Shield cricket.
"The majority of the T20 squad will remain together as it's an important period in the build towards the World Cup next year, however we are trying to strike a balance to ensure we simultaneously prepare certain individuals for the Test series ahead." The first ODI will be played in Perth on October 19 while the second and third matches will be held on October 23 (Adelaide) and October 25 (Sydney).
After that, the five matches of the T20I series will be played on October 29 (Canberra), October 31 (Melbourne), November 2 (Hobart), November 6 (Gold Coast) and November 8 (Brisbane).
Australian ODI Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
Australian T20 Squad (first two games): Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc has retired from T20 internationals to prioritize Test cricket and ODIs. The 35-year-old, second-highest T20I wicket-taker for Australia, aims to stay fit for the Ashes and 2027 ODI World Cup.

Mitchell Starc Retires from T20 Cricket to Focus on Tests and ODIs

Mitchell Starc Retires from T20 International Cricket

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc has retired from T20 internationals to prioritize Test cricket and ODIs. The 35-year-old, second-highest T20I wicket-taker for Australia, aims to stay fit for the Ashes and 2027 ODI World Cup.

Veteran Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has retired from Twenty20 international cricket in a bid to extend his career in the Tests and ODI formats.
Starc and Test skipper Pat Cummins, two members of Australia's long-serving pace bowling triumvirate, were missing from the national T20 squad announced Tuesday for a three-game series in New Zealand starting Oct. 1.
The 35-year-old Starc, who took 79 wickes in 65 T20 internationals for Australia, said Test cricket was his priority and he needed to prepare for an intense international schedule over the next two years.
Cummins has been rested since the test series in the Caribbean last month and has experienced some lower back pain, limiting his preparation for the Ashes series against England starting in November.
Starc wants to be at full fitness for the Ashes and test series in India next year and the next ODI World Cup in 2027, and decided something had to give.
"I have loved every minute of every T20 game I have played for Australia, particularly the 2021 World Cup &mdash; not just because we won but the incredible group and the fun along the way," he said.
"Looking ahead (T20 retirement) is my best way forward to remain fresh, fit and at my best for those campaigns.
"It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament." Starc has been instrumental in Australia's success, and is second on the list of all-time wicket-takers for the national team in the T20 format. The left-arm paceman's full-length deliveries have cemented his reputation as a strike bowler.
"Mitch should be incredibly proud of his T20 career for Australia. He was an integral member of the 2021 World Cup winning side and, as across all his cricket, had a great skill for blowing games open with his wicket taking ability," Australia selection chairman George Bailey said.
"We will acknowledge and celebrate his T20 career at the right time, but pleasingly he remains focused on continuing to play test and ODI cricket for a long as possible."&nbsp;

Indian women's hockey, led by Harendra Singh, tackles defensive challenges against Australia. The team, integrating young talent, preps for Pro League contests, aiming to build experience and skill. Key focus: strategic enhancements and player exposure.

Indian Women's Hockey Vs Australia: Defensive Strategy

The Indian women's hockey team, led by Harendra Singh, takes on Australia aiming for defensive improvements. With a strong lineup, the team integrates young players, focusing on strategic experience ahead of the FIH Pro League matches.

Indian women's hockey team tackles defensive challenges against Australia

Indian women's hockey team, led by coach Harendra Singh, prepares to face Australia in a Test series focusing on defensive enhancements. Despite past losses, the team aims to leverage young talent and apply best combinations.

The Indian women's hockey team will field its "best combinations" and look to fix some defensive frailties in the three-match Test series against Australia starting here on Thursday, with head coach Harendra Singh hoping to identify his core group for the FIH Pro League matches in June.
After opening the tour with back-to-back losses to the Australia A side, India will be eager to bounce back with a stronger performance.
"In the first two games, most of the players have had a chance to play, and now we will try out the best combinations among players," chief coach Harendra Singh said in a press release issued by Hockey India.
"I am looking forward to this because this is how we identify the players who can compete in the forthcoming Pro League matches in Europe.
"Before going to the World Cup next year, the new girls should play a minimum of 35 matches. That is the goal we keep in mind while preparing for such tournaments," he added.
India went down 3&ndash;5 in the opening match before narrowly losing 2&ndash;3 in the second against Australia A. Despite the results, the coach was upbeat about the team's effort.
"In both the matches, we have conceded some soft goals, which were disheartening, but apart from that, we have been very competitive. This is a test series, so it is not about winning or losing; it is about the experience," the coach said.
He stressed the importance of giving youngsters early exposure at the international level.
"There are some players who have come out of the country to play for the very first time. I am giving the youngsters a chance to play so they are prepared to be the next generation," he added.
India's 26-member squad, led by Salima Tete with Navneet Kaur as vice captain, will now face a bigger challenge against the senior team of Australia over the next three matches on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The last time both sides met, India enjoyed a 1-0 victory during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023&ndash;24 and will look to obtain a similar result.
Giving his assessment of the youngsters in the team, Harendra said, "Everyone is giving their heart, and there is healthy competition within the team. The one girl who has caught my eye is Mahima Tete. She's mobile, quick, and has great potential." "Same for Pooja, Sujata, Ajmina and all the other young players. Everyone is working hard and trying to learn. The key is to play simple hockey and gain experience against tough opponents like Australia," he concluded.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals bring a sense of déjà vu, with India vs. Australia and New Zealand vs. South Africa set to battle. Can India avenge their 2023 heartbreak? Will South Africa break their knockout curse?

Champions Trophy 2025: India Faces Australia, South Africa Takes on New Zealand in Semifinal Showdown

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals bring a sense of d&eacute;j&agrave; vu, with India vs. Australia and New Zealand vs. South Africa set to battle. Can India avenge their 2023 heartbreak? Will South Africa break their knockout curse?

Several star cricketers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, have been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to injuries. Australia suffers the biggest setback with five key players missing.

Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins among top players ruled out

Several star cricketers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, have been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to injuries. Australia suffers the biggest setback with five key players missing.

The 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy is set to take place from February 19 to March 9 across three venues in Pakistan (Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi) and one in Dubai.&nbsp;
However, ahead of the prestigious eight-team tournament, the event has lost some of its shine due to injury concerns plaguing several top players worldwide.
More than half a dozen key players have already been ruled out, dampening the excitement of the tournament&rsquo;s return after eight years.
Here&rsquo;s a look at the top players who will miss the Champions Trophy 2025:
Jasprit Bumrah (India): Star Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 on February 12 due to a lower back injury.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨 NEWS 🚨 Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury. Harshit Rana named replacement. Other squad updates 🔽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophy</a> <a href="https://t.co/RML5I79gKL">https://t.co/RML5I79gKL</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1889372858058744075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The BCCI confirmed the development on X, noting that Bumrah last played a 50-over match for India in the ODI World Cup 2023 final.
Pat Cummins (Australia): Australia&rsquo;s ODI and Test captain, Pat Cummins, will also be absent from the Champions Trophy. The 2023 ODI World Cup-winning captain was announced as Australia&rsquo;s skipper for the ICC event on January 12.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Australia will need to make four changes to their preliminary squad for the upcoming <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophy</a> with confirmation skipper Pat Cummins and fellow fast bowler Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out of the tournament<a href="https://t.co/zYgCBUQb0v">https://t.co/zYgCBUQb0v</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1887412337927463079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
However, on February 6, Cricket Australia confirmed that Cummins would miss the tournament due to an injury sustained after the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.
Josh Hazlewood (Australia): Experienced Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will not participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 34-year-old pacer, who has claimed 138 wickets in 91 ODIs, suffered a hip injury during the third India-Australia Test in Brisbane last year, ruling him out of the tournament.
Mitchell Marsh (Australia): Australia&rsquo;s T20I captain and star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 on January 31 due to a back injury. Cricket Australia stated that Marsh is unlikely to play again this season.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨 Mitch Marsh has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy with a back issue More: <a href="https://t.co/tRDaUSHYrX">https://t.co/tRDaUSHYrX</a> <a href="https://t.co/ozuXcLYctT">pic.twitter.com/ozuXcLYctT</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1885202154996347376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men&rsquo;s Champions Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction," Cricket Australia said in a statement.
Mitchell Starc (Australia): Mitchell Starc has opted out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to personal reasons, prompting Australia to make key adjustments to their 15-player squad led by Steve Smith.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Australia's finalised squad is finally in for the upcoming <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophy</a> - with Mitch Starc the latest big name to miss
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1889480104449032242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The left-arm pacer, who has requested privacy regarding his decision, had shown signs of discomfort during the latter stages of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.&nbsp;
Marcus Stoinis (Australia): Experienced Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis will not take part in the Champions Trophy 2025 after suddenly announcing his retirement from international cricket just weeks before the tournament. His unexpected departure further weakens the Australian squad, which is already dealing with multiple injury setbacks.
Anrich Nortje (South Africa): South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who last played a 50-over match for the Proteas on September 9, 2023, against Australia in Bloemfontein, was initially named in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
However, he was ruled out on January 15 due to a back injury. MI Cape Town all-rounder Corbin Bosch was announced as his replacement on February 9.
Gerald Coetzee (South Africa): South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has also been ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025. The 23-year-old, known for his pace and aggressive bowling, suffered a groin injury during a domestic match in January, forcing him to miss the tournament.
Jacob Bethell (England): England&rsquo;s 21-year-old batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell will miss the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury.
He sustained the injury while playing in the first ODI of the ongoing three-match series against India at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on February 6.
Saim Ayub (Pakistan): Young Pakistani opening batter Saim Ayub was not included in the Men in Green&rsquo;s 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury.
He suffered the injury while playing in the second Test of the away series against South Africa in Cape Town last month.
Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan): 18-year-old Afghan spinner Allah Ghazanfar, who has 21 wickets in 11 ODIs, was ruled out of the Champions Trophy on Wednesday due to a fracture in the L4 vertebra, specifically in the left pars interarticularis.
He sustained the injury during Afghanistan&rsquo;s recent tour of Zimbabwe and will be sidelined for at least four months.
&nbsp;
With these key players missing, the tournament landscape has undoubtedly shifted, presenting opportunities for new stars to emerge on the global stage. However, fans and teams alike will feel the absence of these top-tier cricketers.
Australia has suffered the most setbacks, with five of their star players ruled out of the tournament, significantly impacting their squad depth and performance prospects.

Australia’s ICC Champions Trophy squad faces major setbacks as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are ruled out due to injuries, and Marcus Stoinis announces his ODI retirement.

Champions Trophy 2025: Australia’s pace battery depletes further as Cummins, Hazlewood ruled out

Australia&rsquo;s ICC Champions Trophy squad faces major setbacks as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are ruled out due to injuries, and Marcus Stoinis announces his ODI retirement.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood are set to miss the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to injuries, further depleting Australia's already weakened squad.&nbsp;
With Mitchell Marsh sidelined due to a back injury and Marcus Stoinis announcing his shock retirement from ODI cricket, the team's options for pace bowling have become even more limited.&nbsp;
Cummins is struggling with an ankle injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Hazlewood is dealing with a hip issue, following previous side and calf strains. Both pacers will need extended rehabilitation before they can return to action.
The news of Cummins and Hazlewood's exclusion came on the same day Stoinis announced his ODI retirement. With these absences, Australia will now need at least four replacements, including two all-rounders, to cover for the loss of balance and experience in the team. The final squad will be announced after the second Test against Sri Lanka, which is currently ongoing in Galle.
Marsh had already withdrawn from the tournament due to his back injury, which has worsened over time and impacted his workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leading him to miss the final Test. He is currently undergoing rehab. As for Cummins and Hazlewood, both will need time to recover and may also miss the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).
Looking ahead, Australia's next international commitment after the Champions Trophy will be the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa in mid-June at Lord's.&nbsp;
George Bailey, chairperson of the national selection panel, said, "Unfortunately Pat, Josh and Mitch are managing some ongoing injuries and have not come up in time for the Champion's Trophy. While disappointing, it does present a great opportunity for other players to perform for Australia in a world event."
Coach Andrew McDonald has suggested Steve Smith and Travis Head as possible alternate captains for the team. Australia&rsquo;s campaign opener will be a high-profile clash with arch-rivals England in Lahore on February 22, followed by matches against South Africa and Afghanistan in Rawalpindi on February 25 and 28, respectively.
Australia's preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy (yet to be finalised) includes:
Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

Heavy storms have caused severe flooding in northeastern Australia, particularly in Queensland, forcing evacuations and cutting off rural communities. Authorities have warned of continued rainfall, power outages, and potential crocodile sightings.

Rising floodwaters force evacuations in eastern Australia

Heavy storms have caused severe flooding in northeastern Australia, particularly in Queensland, forcing evacuations and cutting off rural communities. Authorities have warned of continued rainfall, power outages, and potential crocodile sightings.

Fast-moving floodwaters rose Monday in northeastern Australia after forcing many to flee, blacking out homes, and sweeping away a chunk of a critical bridge.
Storms have already dumped more than a metre (39 inches) of rain in two days in parts of Queensland, engulfing homes, businesses and roads in muddy waters, authorities said.
Aerial footage showed rural communities surrounded by the floodwaters, cut off from nearby roads.
"We are going to see widespread rain and storms spread across much of northern Queensland," the state's premier, David Crisafulli, warned in a news conference.
"We remain prepared for the ongoing prospect of more rain and the likelihood of more flooding, both flash flooding and riverine flooding," he said.
Emergency services carried out 11 "swift water rescues" overnight, the premier said.
Areas of flood-hit Townsville, a popular coastal tourist destination that lies near the Great Barrier Reef, had been declared a "black zone", he said.
"Our advice to residents in the black zone at the moment is to stay out of that zone and stay safe."
The authorities told 2,100 people in the town to evacuate at the weekend, though about 10 percent refused, emergency services officials said.
- 'Bridge torn in two' -
One woman in her 60s was killed Sunday when the rescue boat she was in flipped over in the flood-hit rural town of Ingham, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Townsville, police said.
Her body was recovered later.
The floods swept away a section of a concrete bridge over a creek, cutting off the state's main coastal road, the Bruce Highway, the state premier said.
"It's not every day you see a bridge torn in two. That's what has happened at Ollera Creek, and it is significant," Crisafulli said.
Almost 11,000 properties remained without power across north Queensland, Ergon Energy said, with no timeframe given for when electricity would be restored.
The heavy rain is expected to continue for 24 hours -- with some locations to receive 300 millimetres (12 inches) -- before it begins to ease, the national weather agency said.
Townsville acting mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the floods were expected to peak on Tuesday morning.
"The roads at the moment are cut off, so communities are isolated," she told AFP.
- Crocodiles -
The town was pressing for power to be restored and working with large supermarket chains to deliver food, the mayor said.
People could expect to see crocodiles moving about in search of calmer waters, the environment department warned this weekend.
One farmer told national broadcaster ABC he saw a "bunch of crocodiles" around his rural property -- 140 kilometres (87 miles) south of Cairns -- &nbsp;sharing a photo of one of the reptiles lit up by a car's headlights as it lurked on a flooded road.
As global temperatures rise because of climate change, scientists have warned that heatwaves and other extreme weather events, will become more frequent and more intense.
Queensland is Australia's most disaster prone state, experiencing major floods in 2019, 2022 and 2023, research from the non-profit Climate Council shows.

Australia defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 242 runs in the first Test, with Matthew Kuhnemann taking career-best figures of 9-149. Sri Lanka’s batting collapse saw them lose their last five wickets for just nine runs, sealing the heavy defeat.

Australia crushes Sri Lanka by an innings and 242 runs in historic Test victory

Australia defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 242 runs in the first Test, with Matthew Kuhnemann taking career-best figures of 9-149. Sri Lanka&rsquo;s batting collapse saw them lose their last five wickets for just nine runs, sealing the heavy defeat.

Sri Lanka suffered their heaviest defeat in Test cricket history on Saturday as Australia flexed their muscles to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series with a crushing victory by an innings and 242 runs.
The contest was wrapped up before tea on day four, with rookie left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann's match-winning spell delivering him career-best figures of 9-149 over both innings.
"We were put under pressure," Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya de Silva said afterwards. "The batters should have put up a better show."
Kuhnemann underwent surgery only two weeks ago on a broken right thumb sustained during the Big Bash League and battled through the match in pain, requiring constant medical attention.
He was well-supported by the ever-dependable Nathan Lyon, who spun a web around the Sri Lankan batters to finish with seven match wickets.
Sri Lanka's heaviest defeat before Saturday was in Nagpur in 2017, when India hammered them by an innings and 239.
Sri Lanka resumed on 136 for five overnight but their first innings folded for 165, losing their last five wickets for a mere nine runs.
Put straight back in to bat chasing 489, they lost three wickets before lunch and then capitulated in the second session -- a humiliating finish for a team once renowned for its prowess on turning tracks.
Dinesh Chandimal had waged a lonely battle in the first innings to top-score with 72 and, with Angelo Mathews, stitched together one of only two 50-plus partnerships in the second.
However, he was sent back for 31 on the last ball before lunch when he gloved Lyon to Travis Head at short leg.
Oshada Fernando failed to make an impact in his return to the side, undone by a sharp inswinger from Mitchell Starc that trapped him plumb in front for six to go with his first innings seven.
Former skipper Dimuth Karunaratne's horror run with the bat continued after an avoidable dismissal for nought by Todd Murphy.
 - 'Tough place to play' -
Rain forced an early lunch on day three before washing out the final two sessions.
Australia declared on 654-6 late on the second day after opener Usman Khawaja's career-best 232.
"Galle is a tough place to play cricket and we are very happy with this win," Khawaja said.
"I've played a lot of cricket in Sri Lanka, this being my fifth tour. I've made lot of mistakes before. I guess all that experience came in handy in this game."
Stand-in skipper Steve Smith also had a game to remember, becoming only the fourth Australian to breach the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket on the first ball he faced.
He finished his innings with a masterful 141, while wicketkeeper Josh Inglis hit a century on debut.
Galle will host the second and final match of the series next week before a two-match ODI series in Colombo.

Australia revamps its squad for the fourth Test against India, dropping Nathan McSweeney and introducing teenager Sam Konstas. Jhye Richardson also returns, while Josh Hazlewood is ruled out with a calf injury. Both teams are tied 1-1 in the Border-G

BGT 2024-25: Sam Konstas Replaces Nathan McSweeney in Australia squad

Australia revamps its squad for the fourth Test against India, dropping Nathan McSweeney and introducing teenager Sam Konstas. Jhye Richardson also returns, while Josh Hazlewood is ruled out with a calf injury. Both teams are tied 1-1 in the Border-Gavaskar series.

The two sides are locked at 1-1 in the five-Test series with India needing one more win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Opener Nathan McSweeney was dropped from Australia's squad for the fourth Test against India on Friday, with teenager Sam Konstas getting his first call-up.
Fast bowler Jhye Richardson was also included in the 15-man lineup to give the team more options with Josh Hazlewood sidelined by a right calf injury.
The two sides are locked at 1-1 in the five-Test series with India needing one more win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
McSweeney had played in all three Tests so far after winning the race to replace the retired David Warner at the top of the order alongside Usman Khawaja.
But the 25-year-old, who is not a specialist opener, struggled to assert himself, particularly against Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
His highest score was 39 and he was dismissed for nine and four in the third Test at Brisbane.
In contrast, 19-year-old Konstas has been in sizzling domestic form with calls mounting to bring him into the international fold.
Earlier this season, he became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match.
He also slammed a century playing for the Prime Minister's XI against India.
His inclusion does not necessarily mean he will play, with reserve batsman Josh Inglis also a potential opening partner for Khawaja.
"Sam gets a call up to the Test squad for the first time. His style of batting offers a point of difference and we look forward to watching his game develop further," said chief selector George Bailey.
"We remain confident Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future. It was a difficult decision to leave him out.
"It has clearly been a challenge at the top of the order for batters throughout the series and we want to provide the option of a different line up for the next two matches," he added.
Despite Richardson returning to the squad after a wretched run with injuries, Scott Boland is widely expected to replace Hazlewood in the starting XI alongside fellow quicks Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
"In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye provides further options in the fast bowling space," said Bailey.
"It has been pleasing to see his successful return throughout the early part of the domestic summer."
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (capt), Travis Head, Steve Smith, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

The tax would be offset through money paid to Australian media organisations. The size of the tax is not clear.

Australia Plans To Tax Digital Platforms That Don’t Pay For News

The tax would be offset through money paid to Australian media organisations. The size of the tax is not clear.

The Australian Government said on Thursday (December 12, 2024) that it will tax large digital platforms and search engines unless they agree to share revenue with Australian news media organizations.
The tax would apply from Jan. 1 to tech companies that earn more than 250 million Australian dollars ($160 million) a year in revenue from Australia, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said. They include Meta, Google, Alphabet and ByteDance.
The tax would be offset through money paid to Australian media organisations. The size of the tax is not clear.
"The real objective...is not to raise revenue &mdash; we hope not to raise any revenue. The real objective is to incentivise agreement-making between platforms and news media businesses in Australia,&rdquo; Mr Jones told reporters.
The move comes after Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, announced that it would not renew three-year deals to pay Australian news publishers for their content.
A previous Government introduced 2021 laws called the New Media Bargaining Code (NMBC) that forced tech giants to strike revenue-sharing deals with Australian media companies or face fines of 10% of their Australian revenue.
Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday (December 12).

Australian man's Nazi salute leads to first such conviction in Victoria

Australian man's Nazi salute leads to first such conviction in Victoria

Thousands of anti-war protesters in Australia clashed with police Wednesday outside a military arms convention in downtown Melbourne. Around 1,800 police officers have been deployed to a Melbourne convention center where the Land Forces International

Videos Show Clashes Outside Australian Arms Convention | Anti-War Protesters Clash With Police

Thousands of anti-war protesters in Australia clashed with police Wednesday outside a military arms convention in downtown Melbourne. Around 1,800 police officers have been deployed to a Melbourne convention center where the Land Forces International Land Defense Exposition will take place from Wednesday until Friday. Witnesses reported protesters throwing rocks, horse manure and tomatoes at police horses and officers with shields and wearing riot gear. A line of police was seen forcing protesters away from the convention center. Officers used pepper spray against some protesters and were seen taking others into custody.

Thousands of anti-war protesters in Australia clashed with police Wednesday outside a military arms convention in downtown Melbourne.&nbsp;

Thousands of anti-war protesters in Australia clashed with police Wednesday outside a military arms convention in downtown Melbourne. Around 1,800 police officers have been deployed to a Melbourne convention center where the Land Forces International Land Defense Exposition will take place from Wednesday until Friday. Witnesses reported protesters throwing rocks, horse manure and tomatoes at police horses and officers with shields and wearing riot gear. A line of police was seen forcing protesters away from the convention center. Officers used pepper spray against some protesters and were seen taking others into custody.

Australia plans to limit the entry of foreign students from next year, curbing a multi-billion dollar industry as it faces political heat on immigration. New international student numbers for university, higher education and vocational training will 

Australia To Cap Student Visas At 270,000 After Political Heat On Immigration

Australia plans to limit the entry of foreign students from next year, curbing a multi-billion dollar industry as it faces political heat on immigration. New international student numbers for university, higher education and vocational training will be capped at 270,000 in 2025. Official data show that foreign students were worth more than $28 billion to Australian universities and vocational education centres in 2023. Australian authorities granted more than 577,000 international student visas in 2023.

Australia plans to limit the entry of foreign students from next year, curbing a multi-billion dollar industry as it faces political heat on immigration.&nbsp;

Australia plans to limit the entry of foreign students from next year, curbing a multi-billion dollar industry as it faces political heat on immigration.
New international student numbers for university, higher education and vocational training will be capped at 270,000 in 2025.
Official data show that foreign students were worth more than $28 billion to Australian universities and vocational education centres in 2023. Australian authorities granted more than 577,000 international student visas in 2023.
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Participating at a rally in participated in a rally in Canberra, Albanese said called for the need to change the culture, attitudes and the need to change the legal system.

Wave of violence against women sweeps Australia, declared 'national crisis'

Participating at a rally in participated in a rally in Canberra, Albanese said called for the need to change the culture, attitudes and the need to change the legal system.

An Australian MP, Brittany Lauga, was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted on a night out in her constituency of Yeppon. This was not an isolated case. Australia has witnessed a wave of violence against women in recent weeks. Last month, a person stabbed six people to death in a Sydney shopping centre. Five of the victims were women. As many as 28 women have died this year till May 1. The situation is so alarming that statistically a woman is killed every four days in the country.
Experts have attributed the rise in such incidents to increasing misogyny, with many normalising the use of sexist and misogynistic language online. Hate speech, particularly online, dehumanising women, glorifying violence and advocating male supremacy is also one the rise, fuelling the crisis.
The rising gender-based violence has prompted massive rallies across the country. Thousands of people took to streets in major cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart calling for calling for an end to violence against women and seeking decisive action by the government.
As the series of protests shook the country, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared violence against women a &ldquo;national crisis&rdquo; and an epidemic.
Participating at a rally in participated in a rally in Canberra, Albanese said called for the need to change the culture, attitudes and the need to change the legal system.
Albanese has announced new funding to help women escape domestic violence and a crackdown on misogynistic online content. He said his government would invest A$925.2 million over five years to financially support women and children escaping violence.
The government has also proposed new measures to tackle violent online pornography and misogynist content targeting children and young people. The measures would include legislation to ban deepfake pornography.
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The alleged accused in the case also hails from Haryana. Meanwhile, the family has urged the government to repatriate Navjeet's remains.

Indian student from Haryana's Karnal stabbed to death in Australia, claims relative

The alleged accused in the case also hails from Haryana. Meanwhile, the family has urged the government to repatriate Navjeet's remains.

A 22-year-old MTech student was allegedly stabbed to death in Australia during a fight between some Indian students, the victim&rsquo;s uncle said on Monday.
He said that one more student was injured in the incident, which took place on Saturday around 9 pm local time in Melbourne.
According to Yashvir, the victim&rsquo;s uncle, Navjeet Sandhu was fatally attacked with a knife by another student when he tried to intervene in a dispute between a few Indian students over some rent issue.
&ldquo;Navjeet&rsquo;s friend (another Indian student) had asked him to accompany him to his house to pick up his belongings as he had a car. While his friend went inside, Navjeet heard some shouts and saw there was a scuffle. When Navjeet tried to intervene asking them not to fight, he was fatally stabbed in the chest with a knife,&rdquo; Yashvir, who&rsquo;ll retire from the Army in July, said.
He added that like Navjeet, the alleged accused also hails from Karnal. Yashvir said the family got the information about the incident early Sunday morning. Navjeet&rsquo;s friend, whom he was accompanying, also sustained injuries in the incident, the uncle of the deceased said.
Yashvir said the family is in a state of shock. &ldquo;Navjeet was a brilliant student and was to join his family in July for vacations,&rdquo; he said.
According to Yashvir, Navjeet had moved to Australia on a study visa one-and-a-half years ago and his father, who is a farmer, had sold one-and-half acres of their land to fund his education.
&ldquo;We urge the Government of India to help us to bring the body as soon as possible,&rdquo; he said.

Brittany Lauga said that tests conducted at the hospital confirmed the presence of drugs in her body which she did not take.

Australian MP Brittany Lauga says she was drugged, sexually assaulted during night out

Australian MP claims she was drugged, sexually assaulted on night out

Brittany Lauga said that tests conducted at the hospital confirmed the presence of drugs in her body which she did not take.

A 37-year-old Australian lawmaker has claimed that she was drugged and sexually assaulted on a night out. Queensland MP Brittany Lauga said she was attacked in her constituency of Yeppoon.
She said that tests conducted at the hospital confirmed the presence of drugs in her body which she did not take. She added that the substance had impacted her significantly.
The incident comes amid a spate of high-profile gender-based violence in recent weeks.
Lauga is said to have been contacted by other women saying that they were drugged on the same evening.
"This could have happened to anyone and tragically, it does happen to many of us," Lauga said.
Following the incident, the police said, "The Queensland Police Service (QPS) takes all reports of drink spiking seriously and investigates reports of drink spiking on a case-by-case basis, and often in conjunction with other offences such as sexual assault."
Lauga has been in parliament for nearly a decade and is currently serving as the assistant minister for health.
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"Any time there's a World Cup team picked, there's only 15 (players) and some guys have to miss out but I think we've got a really great squad that we've picked" - Marsh on Jake Fraser-McGurk and Steve Smith not featuring in T20 World Cup squad

Watch: Australia's T20 captain Mitchell Marsh says there are no favourites at upcoming World Cup

"Any time there's a World Cup team picked, there's only 15 (players) and some guys have to miss out but I think we've got a really great squad that we've picked" - Marsh on Jake Fraser-McGurk and Steve Smith not featuring in T20 World Cup squad

Tap to watch his full presser.

"Any time there's a World Cup team picked, there's only 15 (players) and some guys have to miss out but I think we've got a really great squad that we've picked" - Marsh on Jake Fraser-McGurk and Steve Smith not featuring in T20 World Cup squad

Mitchell Marsh, newly appointed as Australia's T20 captain, shared his insights ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup, emphasizing the open nature of the competition. Marsh, who leads the team into the upcoming tournament in the West Indies and USA, highlighted that up to seven teams have a realistic chance of claiming the title, dismissing the notion of any clear favorites.
Australia is on a mission to reclaim the T20 World Cup title they captured in 2021 and achieve a rare feat by holding both the 50-over and T20 World Cup titles simultaneously&mdash;a distinction only England has managed so far. Marsh's leadership comes at a crucial time as Australia aims to build on their success in global cricket.
During his media address, Marsh expressed pride in his new role. "Ah yeah, no shock just really proud. It's not every day you get to captain Australia and lead them to a World Cup so that's very exciting but I think one of the best things about our team is that we've got a lot of great leaders that will lead our group and give it our best shot," he said, acknowledging the collective leadership within the squad.
The selection of the 15-man squad has sparked discussions, notably due to the exclusion of Steve Smith and up-and-coming batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk. Addressing these decisions, Marsh remarked, "Any time there's a World Cup team picked, there's only 15 (players) and some guys have to miss out but I think we've got a really great squad that we've picked, we've got a lot of versatility, a lot of experience and that brings a lot of excitement."
Another focal point of his discussion was the impending retirement of David Warner from World Cup competitions. Marsh praised Warner's vast experience and crucial role in pivotal matches. "Yeah, it's been a long last hurrah for Davey hasn't it? I mean all the boys are really excited to have him in the team, just the experience he brings. I think if you look back at his career, there's been so many big moments that you need your big, experienced players to stand up (for) and Davey's always been one of those. so yeah, we're lucky to have him," he explained.
When questioned about Australia's status as favorites, Marsh offered a grounded perspective. "The favouritism stuff is always interesting to me. I think if you look at this tournament now and you look at all the teams around the world, I don't there can be a favourite. There's probably five, six, seven teams that can win it and we know that within tournament play it's all about getting things right at the right time and winning big moments. So that will be a big focus for us."
Discussing potential scoring trends, Marsh speculated on the evolution of gameplay, especially in the powerplay, acknowledging that conditions in the West Indies could differ significantly from those in India, which might influence scoring. "Yeah, I think I'd only be speculating around that but there's no doubt that some of the scores in the IPL have been incredible and yeah, I'm not sure I'd be lining up to bowl in the future over there. But the game is evolving and the game is moving forward, teams are going harder in the powerplay and that's been a real trend. But it's about getting on the ground, assessing conditions over in the West Indies that can sometimes be very different to what we face in India. So yeah, we'll play it as we see it."
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Australia's decision to postpone the upcoming series is in the continuation of its tough stand on the South Asian country. CA had cancelled a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Hobart in November 2021.

Australia postpones T20I series against Afghanistan over deteriorating conditions for women

Cricket Australia on Tuesday postponed a 3-match T20I home series against Afghanistan's men's team in August this year, citing the "worsening" conditions for women and girls in that country.

Australia's decision to postpone the upcoming series is in the continuation of its tough stand on the South Asian country. CA had cancelled a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Hobart in November 2021.

Cricket Australia on Tuesday postponed a 3-match T20I home series against Afghanistan's men's team in August this year, citing the "worsening" conditions for women and girls in that country.
The Taliban, following its return to power in Afghanistan, imposed restrictions on girls attending high schools, barred women from universities and stopped female Afghan aid staff from working.
CA's decision to postpone the upcoming series is in the continuation of its tough stand on the South Asian country. CA had cancelled a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Hobart in November 2021, following which they also postponed a three-match ODI series in the UAE.
"Over the past 11 months, CA has continued to consult with the Australian Government on the situation in Afghanistan. The government's advice is that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse," read a statement from CA.
"For this reason, we have maintained our previous position and will postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan," it added.
Afghanistan were the only Full Member to not be represented at the Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa because the females in the country have been barred from playing cricket.
This is the third time CA has declined to play Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of the strife-torn country in September 2021 and placed restrictions on women's participation in sport.
"...(we) will continue to actively engage the International Cricket Council and work closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to determine what actions could be taken to support the resumption of bilateral matches in the future," the statement added.

Australian parliament passes motion to bring WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange home

Australian parliament passes motion to bring WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange home

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Thursday he hoped for an amicable end to the prosecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange after lawmakers ramped up pressure on the United States and Britain by passing a motion calling for the Australian citizen to be allowed to return to his home country.
Albanese told Parliament the days before Britain's High Court of Justice hears Assange's appeal next week against extradition to the United States on espionage charges were a &ldquo;critical period.&rdquo; &ldquo;I hope this can be resolved. I hope it can be resolved amicably. It's not up to Australia to interfere in the legal processes of other countries, but it is appropriate for us to put our very strong view that those countries need to take into account the need for this to be concluded,&rdquo; Albanese said.
&ldquo;Regardless of where people stand, this thing cannot just go on and on and on indefinitely,&rdquo; Albanese added.
Albanese congratulated independent lawmaker Andrew Wilkie for moving a motion in support of Assange in the House of Representatives on Wednesday ahead of the appeal.
Albanese was among the 86 lawmakers who voted for the motion that called on the United States and Britain to bring the "matter to a close so that Mr. Assange can return home to his family in Australia.&rdquo; The motion was opposed by 42 lawmakers including most of the main opposition party that unsuccessfully proposed amendments.
Leaders of both the government and the opposition have publicly stated that the United States' pursuit of the 52-year-old had dragged on for too long.
Assange has been in London's high-security Belmarsh Prison since he was arrested in 2019 for skipping bail during a separate legal battle. Before that, he spent seven years inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden to face allegations of rape and sexual assault. Sweden dropped the rape investigation in 2019 because so much time had elapsed.
Assange's brother Gabriel Shipton on Thursday welcomed the lawmakers' vote, adding that his notorious sibling could potentially be extradited to the United States next week.
&ldquo;That means all the ties to his family, his lifeline that are keeping him alive inside that prison will be cut off and he'll be lost into a horrific prison system in the United States,&rdquo; Shipton told reporters at Parliament House.
&ldquo;This show of support from the Parliament is at a crucial time and now gives the government a real mandate to advocate very, very strongly for a political solution to bring Julian Assange home,&rdquo; Shipton added.
Wilkie, who authored the motion, argues the extradition should be dropped.
But the Albanese government's language has been more circumspect. Australia's repeated calls for the charges to be &ldquo;brought to a conclusion&rdquo; leave open the possibility of a plea deal that could require Assange spend no more time in custody.
Assange's plight is seen as a test of Albanese's leverage with the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden.
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken pushed back against Albanese's position during a visit to Australia last year, saying Assange was accused of &ldquo;very serious criminal conduct&rdquo; in publishing a trove of classified U.S. documents more than a decade ago.
Senior opposition lawmaker Dan Tehan said the motion did not reflect his party's wish that the prosecution progress more quickly.
&ldquo;It was about criticizing the Americans for standing up for their right to be able to deal with the implications of people leaking national security issues and we have to get this right,&rdquo; Tehan told reporters Thursday.
&ldquo;What Julian Assange is accused of is leaking national security secrets. Now no one should condone that. What we do want to see though ... is that justice can prevail in a quick time, that he can be heard in court and that the length of time that it's taken to prosecute this isn't so long,&rdquo; Tehan added.
Assange faces 17 charges of espionage and one charge of computer misuse over WikiLeaks' publication of hundreds of thousands of classified diplomatic and military documents more than a decade ago. American prosecutors allege he helped U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal classified diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks later published, putting lives at risk.
Australia argues there is a disconnect between the U.S. treatment of Assange and Manning. Then-U.S. President Barack Obama commuted Manning's 35-year sentence to seven years, which allowed her release in 2017.&nbsp;

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