June 06, 2026
The first Ashes Test against England at Perth Stadium and the fourth at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) were decided in two days
He backs McCullum despite concluding the Ashes series with a 4-1 defeat to Australia
Despite a few nervy moments and determined resistance from England, the hosts secure a five-wicket win in the fifth Test in Sydney
Anchored by Bethell’s 142 not out, England finish the day on 302/8, taking a modest lead of 119 runs
They are still 103 runs behind Australia's first-innings tally of 567
Australia finish the day on 518 for seven with Smith 129 not out and Beau Webster unbeaten on 42
He says he had no idea whether he could yet return as a 39-year-old for another Ashes series Down Under
The England captain Stokes jokes that nobody really knows what they are doing when they inspect a wicket before a Test match
