Australia's decision to field no specialist spinner at the SCG underlined how far spin has slipped from relevance in home Test conditions

Sydney, Australia, is 16 hours ahead of the United States' East Coast, meaning it is already Jan. 1, 2026, down under. So Australians already switched their calendars to 2026, while it was only 8 a.m. in New York City, and most folks on the West Coast hadn't even rolled out of bed yet.

The Australian government has been accused of failing to heed warnings about antisemitic threats ahead of the deadly attack.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a national bravery award to honor those who confronted an antisemitic terror attack.

Australia's women began the year in all-conquering style with a historic 16-0 Ashes whitewash of England in the multi-format series, sealed by a dominant Test win at the MCG that featured centuries from Annabel Sutherland and Beth Mooney, plus a ball-of-the-century contender from Alana King.

The authorities are vowing to crack down after a mass shooting at a Jewish holiday celebration. Experts say that what the country needs might not be new laws.

Police and local media reports said the shooting began while some people were attending a Hanukkah party on the beach. At least 40 people were hospitalized.

The 43-year-old allegedly displayed a Nazi symbol and advocated for violence against the Jewish community on X as Australia cracks down on antisemitism after the Bondi Beach shooting.

After the country barred children under 16 from using social media, many parents have been asking whether similarly tough action is needed in their own countries.