The Ashes

Ashes 2021-22: Scott Boland fighting for Australia Test future despite dream debut

Despite equalling the record for the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history, Boland could well be overlooked for the fourth Test in Sydney starting on 5 January.

Ashes 2021-22: Australia retain Ashes after crushing humiliated England

Boland, called up as injury cover, was invincible on his home ground at the MCG, taking 6-7 off four overs, equalling the record for the fastest five-wicket haul in 19 balls.

Ashes 2021-22: Scott Boland the surprise hero for Australia in series clincher

The big right-armer's figures of 6-7 for the second innings, including the key wicket of England captain Joe Root caught at slip for 28, left Tuesday's crowd of 40,945 fans chanting his name.

Ashes 2021-22: Pat Cummins warns even more to come as Australia thrash England

The Australian attack destroyed tourists England for 68 in their second innings of the third Test, with Scott Boland taking an incredible 6-7 off four overs on his debut.

Ashes 2021-22: Joe Root says England must find 'inner belief' after mauling

Despite admitting they had been "completely outplayed" so far, Root did take heart from their Jimmy Anderson-led bowling effort

Joe Root ends with third-most calendar-year Test runs in history

The extent to which England have relied on Root this year is demonstrated by the numbers.

Ashes 2021-22: Australia scent victory as England collapse once again

Faced with surviving the final hour against a revved-up Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, England collapsed again, slumping to 31 for four at the close.

Ashes 2021-22: Series not at risk despite Covid cases in England camp, says Cricket Australia chief

England were given the all-clear barely 45 minutes before play was due to begin, with the start pushed back half an hour until 11am (0000 GMT) to give them a chance to warm-up.

Ashes 2021-22: Hapless England's dreams in tatters at MCG as Australia pounce

After batting collapses and poor bowling in the first two Tests, Root read his players the riot act — seemingly to little affect. They have failed to score more than 297 in five innings so far.

Ashes 2021-22: Josh Hazlewood 'not sure' of his return for fourth Test

Hazlewood, who had taken three wickets in the opening Test against England, missed the second and third matches in Adelaide and Melbourne, due to the injury which was earlier believed to be a "side strain"