MICHAEL CLARKE faces a “sink-or-swim” challenge when he takes over from the injured Ricky Ponting as Australia captain in the Sydney Test.

UNDERFIRE coach Duncan Fletcher has admitted he made selection blunders in choosing the England team for the disastrous Ashes series against Australia.

SHANE WARNE was carried off the field on the shoulders of his team-mates yesterday after the incomparable star helped Australia inflict another soul-destroying Ashes defeat on England.

Australian spin legend Shane Warne has announced his decision to retire from international cricket after the Ashes series against England.

MICHAEL VAUGHAN benefited from the hard nosed approach of modern cricket to continue his prolific year for England and provide Australian audiences with evidence of real competition during the remainder of the Ashes series.