Victoria coach Chris Rogers has backed Will Pucovski to be ready to feature at the Ashes 2021/22, despite suffering a concussion last week. The 23-year-old was forced to consult his concussion specialist, after suffering a head knock during a throwdowns session during training in Victoria.

Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon suffered a minor concussion while fielding during New South Wales’ intrasquad match in Sydney on Tuesday. The 33-year-old is expected to be available for NSW’s first match of the Sheffield Shield 2021-22 against Victoria at Drummoyne Oval, beginning October 27.

Australia’s domestic stalwart Chadd Sayers, who represented the Aussies in one Test in 2018, has officially retired from first-class cricket, having represented South Australia for a decade. Sayers will end his red-ball career as the Redbacks’ 3rd highest wicket-taker, with 278 scalps to his name.

Mitchell Starc, who pulled out from the IPL auction for the third year running, revealed that he snubbed the T20 extravaganza in order to both play an abundance of red-ball cricket and take care of his body. Starc added that playing in the Shield has helped him express himself more with the ball.