Ex-Australian test cricketer Michael Slater has been sentenced to jail for domestic violence charges but will be released from custody straight away on a suspended sentence. His release was threatened with being delayed as his lawyers rushed to complete a second charge of drink and drug driving.

Slater, 55, was convicted in Maroochydore district court on tuesday after entering pleas of guilty to seven offences including two of choking a woman. The charges that also involved stalking, assault and burglary concerned offences carried out on Queensland's Sunshine Coast during December 2023.

He also sent an abusive woman text messages, police discovering some while carrying out a welfare check on Slater in march 2024. Slater has been in prison for over 12 months and has attempted several times without success to be granted bail.

Slater sentenced to four years in domestic violence case, released under suspended term

Judge Glen Cash on tuesday sentenced Slater to four years' imprisonment to be partially suspended after serving time. The balance of Slater's sentence is suspended for five years, during which he will risk being sent back to jail if he commits another serious offence.Slater was cleared for release after he also pleaded guilty to a drink and drug driving offence in Maroochydore Magistrates Court following his domestic violence sentencing. Supreme Court Justice Paul Freeburn last august learned Slater had a history of mental illness and a series of diagnoses including alcohol use disorder.

Defence barrister Gregory McGuire at the time made submissions in favour of bail conditions that saw Slater relocate to NSW and enter into rehabilitation."He was obviously under the grip of a vicious alcohol habit," Mr McGuire previously stated. NSW magistrate in 2022 found Slater guilty of common assault, violating a restraining order and two other charges against a woman. Slater was intoxicated and agitated when he pulled the woman's hoodie and she hit her head on a kitchen benchtop. In the subsequent months, he attempted to email, phone and text her over 100 times in defiance of a court order.

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Following his debut on the 1993 Ashes tour, Slater represented Australia in 74 Tests, scoring 5312 runs at 42.83 with 14 centuries. He also appeared in 42 ODIs. Slater retired in 2004, taking up a television commentary career.

Cricket Australia revealed the men's centrally contracted list for the season 2025-26. The list of 23 includes three new names: Beau Webster, Sam Konstas, and Matthew Kuhnemann.

Sam Konstas made a debut test appearance against India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which impressed cricket administrators, earning him a central contract. Opening his Test account as a teenager of 19, he did amazingly well when pitted against world-class bowlers and gave instant returns in his first effort.

Matthew Kuhnemann, the left-arm spinner, played a key part in Australia's series victory over Sri Lanka. He picked 16 wickets in two matches and was also declared Player of the Series. His consistent play has seen him included in the team as Nathan Lyon's reserve.

Beau Webster, who is an all-rounder, impressed everyone with his batting and bowling skills on his Test debut. His dual ability as a medium-fast bowler and off-spinner brings balance to the Australian team. Chief selector George Bailey had all praise for Webster's efforts, emphasizing his flexibility and promise.

The trio takes the place of Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie, and Todd Murphy, who were excluded from contracts this year. Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Spencer Johnson, who have represented Australia in limited-overs cricket, also did not cut. T20 specialists Tim David and Marcus Stoinis are outside the contracted list but are likely to play in the shortest format.

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Cricket Australia's centrally contracted players for 2025-26:

The list shows Cricket Australia's determination to have a solid team across all formats. With players like Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green back from injury, Australia anticipates a lively international season.

The Indian cricket team is going on a tour of Australia in 2025 that is filled with a lot of action and entertainment. It will be a battle of three ODIs and five T20Is. The series, no doubt, is going to be very interesting. Both teams are up for some fierce contests at Australia's most iconic venues. Here are the details of the schedule and what to expect from such a high-profile tour.

ODI Series Schedule:

• First ODI – Perth (October 19)
• Second ODI – Adelaide (October 23)
• Third ODI – Sydney (October 25)

The ODI series will be very crucial for both teams, as it will enable them to have a detailed look at their respective squads in preparation for forthcoming international tournaments. The adaptability and resilience of the Indian team are to be severely tested at the different locations across the vast land of Australia.

T20I Series Schedule:

• First T20I – Manuka Oval (October 29)
• Second T20I – MCG (October 31)
• Third T20I – Bellerive Oval (November 2)
• Fourth T20I – Gold Coast (November 6)
• Fifth T20I – Gabba (November 8)

This five-match T20I series, given that the T20 World Cup is just around the corner, will be the most important platform for both sides of India and Australia to experiment with their strategies, the performance of the players, and the combination of the squad. The MCG and Gabba would also be the venues where the fans worldwide, as well as the players, will enjoy engaging in a whole new spectacle.

🚨India Tour Of Australia 🎫 pic.twitter.com/EGSNIRgxFo

— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) March 30, 2025

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What to Expect?

This tour will be seen as the battle between the two strongest cricket teams in the world. While Australia will be enjoying the benefit of playing at home, India will be looking to retain their form in this kind of condition. This series will keep the fans fixated with high-scoring games, big-hitting displays, and fierce rivalries all around.

The cricket fans globally are watching the upcoming India-Australia match with bated breath. Keep in touch for reports from the game and series analysis as the matches continue.

Glenn Mcgrath the legendary fast bowler of Australia has bit of small advice to Jasprit Bumrah who is been recovering from back stress which caused in 5th test of Bgt series. Mcgrah says he has to work hard in his body off the field as his body posses more power than other bowler so he needs to find an alternative way which lower the risk on his body. 

Glenn Mcgrath was renowned fast bowler for Australia who had played 124 tests and 250 ODI matches for Australia where he has taken 563 wickets in tests and 381 wickets in ODI. He has won three world cups(1999, 2003,2007) with Australia, and he was one of the prominent and go-to bowlers at that team. That was one of Australia's dangerous team. 

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The Load Is Too Much On Him

Jasprit Bumrah has been a go-through bowler for India since his debut. He has bowled some crucial overs for Team India. Though in his initial days, he was in his learning phase which constrained some runs later with the time being he mastered his art. Mcgrath says Bumrah has found some ways to get relief from his stress but needs to work on his speed and technique.

He moves on with his own example that he had bigger fuel tank but the speed was quite lower than him. Bumrah has a vivid action which extracts more pressure on his back. He needs to adgacent his body, he knows better than us that how he feels because he is not the same as he used to be before. He has to work more harder to get into field. Because the expectation on him is so high that drives more. 

Will Bumrah Back To IPL Nearby

Bumrah suffered Back stress injury in the 5th test of Bgt series on the second day where he found some discomfort in his back and left the the field where, Australia got the target of 168 and it was chased by Australia. From there he is been on recovering phase, though at initial stage he was on the cards for Champions Trophy but later he was dropped back. 

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He is doubtful for IPL too where its been said that he will be skipping the initial stages of IPL and may get into action at the later half of the IPL but it may be subject to later things. Even Mcgrath has adviced the same to balance the work load which is done by most of the players by today. 

Australian fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins are all ready to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, as per The Indian Express. The three had missed the Champions Trophy because of injuries but are now ready to return to the field.

Big Boost for IPL Teams

Their return is good news for their respective franchises since all three are world-class fast bowlers with significant experience in T20 cricket.

• Pat Cummins will remain the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad and will lead them right from the first match.
• Mitchell Starc, who took the IPL 2024 championship with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has joined Delhi Capitals this season.
• Josh Hazlewood, who had suffered from several injuries, will again be playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

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Injury Return & Expectations

Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood all were excluded from the Champions Trophy due to various injury issues but now are well and ready for IPL 2025. Returning will strengthen their respective teams' bowling attacks and increase the intensity of the competition.

With all these key Australian pacers returning to the field, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to some exciting performances in IPL 2025!

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will feature in the next IPL 2025 season but as a batter only. The Australian player, who has been rehabilitating from a back injury, will return to the team next week.

Marsh was out of Australia's ODI tour of Sri Lanka and the 2025 Champions Trophy owing to his injury. But after visiting a specialist in February, he has been batting in the last few weeks.

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LSG acquired Marsh for ₹3.3 crore during the IPL 2025 auction. He won't be bowling, so he could feature mostly as an impact player for the team.

🚨 MITCHELL MARSH FIT FOR IPL. 🚨

- Marsh cleared to participate in IPL 2025 as a batter. (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/weOIMTGDWP

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 13, 2025

In the previous season, while representing Delhi Capitals, Marsh was forced to withdraw after participating in only four matches because of a hamstring strain. Now, he will be expecting a good comeback this season with Lucknow Super Giants.

Ellyse Perry has become the sixth woman cricketer to score 9,000 runs in T20 cricket. She reached this milestone during a match in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Perry's Performance

Perry scored an unbeaten 49 off 38 balls, hitting 5 fours and 1 six. She built key partnerships:

• 59 runs with Smriti Mandhana (53) for the second wicket.
• 53 runs with Richa Ghosh (36) for the third wicket.

WPL's Highest Run-Scorer

With 972 runs in 25 innings, Perry is now the highest run-scorer in WPL history, surpassing Meg Lanning (939 runs in 26 innings).

9,000 T20 Runs Club

Perry joins an elite group of women cricketers with 9,000 T20 runs:

• Suzie Bates
• Sophie Devine
• Beth Mooney
• Meg Lanning
• Danni Wyatt

In T20 Internationals, Perry has scored 2,109 runs for Australia at an average of 30.12.

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Leading WPL 2025

Perry is also the highest run-scorer in WPL 2025, with 372 runs in 8 innings at an average of 93.00 and a strike rate of 148.80. Her top score this season is 90*.

Perry's outstanding form continues to make her one of the best batters in women's T20 cricket.

Most Runs in T20Is:

Australian cricket veteran Steve Smith has made his One Day International (ODI) retirement official after Australia's semi-final loss to India in the Champions Trophy 2025. The 35-year-old veteran batter, who scored a gritty 73 as the top scorer for his side, told his teammates straight after the match that it was his last ODI outing.

But Smith has asserted that he will play Test and T20I cricket, with emphasis on future big red-ball series, such as the World Test Championship Final, West Indies tour, and Ashes series against England in Australia.

An Emotional Farewell

Looking back at his career, Smith has credited being part of an exemplary ODI career lasting almost 15 years. It has been a wonderful ride, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. There have been so many great times and great memories. Winning two World Cups was a wonderful highlight, as well as the many great teammates who were part of the journey," Smith stated.

He added that with the 2027 ODI World Cup looming, it was the appropriate time for Australia to begin planning for the future.

Now is an excellent time for individuals to begin preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it is the perfect time to step aside."

🚨BREAKING🚨: Australian stalwart Steve Smith has announced his retirement from ODI cricket#SteveSmith #CricketAustralia pic.twitter.com/eTYWGLGnFu

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 5, 2025

Steve Smith's Magnificent ODI Career

Smith departs ODIs with a fantastic record:

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• 5800 runs in 170 games
• 12 centuries and 32 half-centuries
• Two-time ICC Cricket World Cup champion (2015, 2023)
• Captained Australia in 64 ODIs, winning 32

Smith was instrumental in Australia's 2015 World Cup win under Michael Clarke and also a member of the team that won the trophy once again in 2023 under Pat Cummins.

His stint in leadership included many highlights such as series wins against England and India in 2016, a Chappell-Hadlee Trophy victory, and a tri-series victory over South Africa and West Indies. His most recent effort was guiding Australia to a 3-0 ODI clean sweep against West Indies in 2023-24.

Tribute from Cricket Australia

After his statement, Cricket Australia's Selectors Chairman, George Bailey, noted Smith's input into Australian cricket.

"We wholeheartedly agree and endorse Steve's retirement from One Day International cricket. His batting record over 167 matches is second to none, and to depart the format as a two-time World Cup champion is testament to his place among the great Australian ODI players."

Bailey also reaffirmed that Smith is entirely committed to Test cricket, where he remains an integral leader and precious asset.

The Journey of a Leg-Spinner to a Great Batsman

The career of Smith on the international scene started in 2010, when he played as a leg-spinning all-rounder against the West Indies. Over time, he developed into one of the great batters of his time with his unorthodox batting and capability to command in all weather.

Apart from his batting exploits, Smith also made contributions with the ball, picking up 28 wickets at a mean of 34.67. His performance in ODIs saw him receive several awards, including:

• Australian Men's ODI Player of the Year (2015, 2021)
• ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year (2015)

What's Next for Smith?
Even though his ODI career is over, Smith's attention now turns to red-ball cricket, where he is still an integral part of the Australian Test team. With the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies tour, and the Ashes series on the horizon, fans can still look forward to witnessing the Australian maestro at his best.

As Australia sets its sights on a new era of ODIs, Steve Smith's legacy as a two-time World Cup champion, a fearless captain, and one of the greatest batters of his era will always be remembered in cricketing history.

Australian cricketer David Warner, who is a renowned fan of Tollywood films, is finally going to make his much-hyped Telugu film debut. The 38-year-old batsman, who has a special rapport with Telugu fans due to his successful journey with SunRisers Hyderabad, will be seen in the upcoming movie Robinhood, which features Nithiin and Sreeleela in the lead roles and is directed by Venky Kudumula.

The buzz about Warner's cameo grew stronger after he started following Nithiin and Venky Kudumula on Instagram, indicating that he would be a part of the project. There were reports that the cricketer shot his scene when the film's Australia schedule was on in September 2024. Now, finally silencing the rumors for months, the producer Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers officially announced Warner's cameo during the pre-release event of Kingston in Hyderabad.

David Warner is set to make his acting debut in the Telugu film Robinhood! 🎬🔥

Producer Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movies (Pushpa makers) confirmed the news, stating that Warner has played a small role in the film. Exciting times ahead! 🏏🎥 #DavidWarner #Robinhood #Tollywood pic.twitter.com/DPossLu3mN

— HK Chronicle (@HK_Chronicle_) March 5, 2025

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"David Warner has appeared in a cameo in the film. It'll be thrilling," Shankar divulged, even more heightening the expectations for the movie.

Warner's Affection for Telugu Cinema

Warner has been expressing his fondness for Tollywood consistently through his viral Instagram reels, where he has grooved to Allu Arjun's blockbuster songs from Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and Pushpa. His spirited interaction with Telugu cinema and its fans has endeared him to the hearts of the people in the region.

In the footsteps of Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan (Double XL), Sreesanth (Askar 2), Harbhajan Singh (Mujhse Shaadi Karoge), Irfan Pathan (Cobra), and Ajay Jadeja (Khel), Warner is the newest cricket star to venture into acting. Although nothing has been said about his character in Robinhood, fans await anxiously to know if he carries his energetic and fun-loving personality on the big screen

With Warner's appearance now officially announced, Robinhood is now among the most eagerly anticipated Telugu movies. The fans can hardly wait to witness what surprises this Australian cricketer has for them!

India and Australia are once again in the cards of the semi-final where Australia would be hoping to keep their dominance on India. On the other hand, India won't forget the injury that was caused on the eve of the World Cup final in Ahmedabad where India lost the World Cup in their backyard. This will be a fiery contest between these two teams. As there have been few changes in both the side's squads. 

India has lost their pace attacker Bumrah who has been sidelined due to a back injury. And there in Australia has lost their Captain Pat Cummins, and pace bowlers like Hazelwood and Mitchell Starc. It would be more of a contest with the bat. Australia chased a difficult target of 375 in their first encounter of the Champions Trophy against England. England's batting was firey at their innings. It seemed a lost game for them but this team is unpredictable and can pull off anything as different individuals rise on hard occasions. 

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Smith With A Special Message To India 

Their second and third match were whitewashed due to rain and they had to face South Africa and Afghanistan. Due to a better run rate Australia secured the top spot on Pool A. India won their all matches and secured the top spot in Pool B. It's Australia and India once again in the cards will it be a repeat of 2023 or India will seek their revenge? Through their ongoing presser meet it was been asked of a message to captains for each other. It all started when captain of Australia Pat Cummins made a statement " Nothing More Satisfying Than A Big Crowd Go Silent"

And won the World Cup 2023 in India and silenced the crowd He asked current Australian skipper Steve Smith whether he has any special message for India this time. Smith responded Yeah, I don't have a message, to be honest. Smith was dropped from captaincy after the sandpaper scandal which became the talk of the town both Steve Smith and Warner were banned for 1 year by Cricket Australia, and after that, Pat Cummins was appointed as captain for Australia. 

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Smith is Back On Guard

 Due to the ongoing injury of Pat Cummins which happened in a recent BGT series, Steve Smith has been called to captain Cricket Australia. It was too asked about the advantage that India possesses in the Champions Trophy. Smith says ya they have a slight edge as they have played all their, games here and accessed the pitch very well. India has quality spinners. 

Our priority will be taking on their spinners and playing into our merit. He said India is a tough team to challenge but we too had our preparation spot on. We too have included the spin department. The morning I spoke to the groundsman and he stated it was a dry pitch and spinners will come into play, we are looking for a good game.