Australia

Hazlewood had suffered a side strain in the opening Test at the Gabba, Brisbane and hasn't featured in the series since. The pace bowler had hinted that he would try to return for the fourth Test at SCG, currently underway, but there is still some progress to be made on the fitness front.

Djokovic in his Instagram post on Tuesday said that he will be travelling to Australia with an 'exemption permission'. But he was denied entry upon landing in Melbourne late on Wednesday and authorities cancelled his visa. The player's lawyers then launched an appeal seeking to overturn the federal government decision, with a court agreeing not to deport him before a full hearing scheduled for Monday.

The multi-format series between England and Australia kicking will now begin with the first T20I on January 20 in Adelaide Oval. The Test match remains as is - to be played at the Manuka Oval in Canberra from January 27 to 30. This is followed by the ODIs, to be played on February 3, 6 and 8.

In a tweet on Thursday morning, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wrote: "Mr Djokovic's visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant."

Peers and Saville rose to the task throughout against the Italian duo, saving a set point on serve at 4-5 in the second set as they won the last nine points of the match to triumph after 84 minutes. Australia will next face reigning champion Russia on Tuesday, while Italy plays France, with both ties on Qudos Bank Arena.

The World No. 167 backed up his singles victory over Arthur Rinderknech by teaming with World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev to overcome Fabrice Martin and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-4, 6-4 in 76 minutes in the deciding doubles match to give Russia a winning start at the 16-team event.

After getting hammered by Australia in Ashes, England are facing all sorts of problems on and off the field. The under-pressure England coach Chris Silverwood won't be able to travel with the team for the fourth Test in Sydney as one of his family members tested positive to Covid-19 and has been instructed to isolate for up to 10 days.

"There is going to be a big inquest. There's gonna be a lot of things blamed, people's careers on the line, but first you marvel at Australia," Harmison, who took 226 wickets in 63 Tests and set England on their way to a historic Ashes victory in 2005, told BT Sport on Tuesday. England were bowled out for 68 in the second innings, with the hosts taking an unassailable 3-0 series lead going in the fourth Test at the SCG from January 5.

The 32-year-old Test debutant became the hometown hero after he added four more wickets to his overnight two to emerge the most successful bowler in the Australian side, giving away just seven runs in the four overs he bowled to demolish the tourists for 68 runs and earn the hosts an innings and 14-run victory.

On Tuesday, NSW health minister Brad Hazzard assured the fans that the SCG Test will go ahead as scheduled from January 5. While the hosts clinched the Ashes on Tuesday morning and took an unassailable 3-0 lead, the series is a money-spinner for the venues and the state governments.