Sharma solo show in vain

ROHIT SHARMA’S century was not enough to prevent Australia bouncing back from their Test series defeat to India with a 34-run win over them in the opening one-day international in Sydney.

Half-centuries from Usman Khawaja (59) and Shaun Marsh (54), and Peter Handscomb’s fine 73 took the Aussies to 288 for five. The tourists, four for three at one stage, finished on 254 for nine, despite Sharma’s 133.

SOUTH AFRICA lead Pakistan by 212 with five wickets in hand after bowling the tourists out for 185 on day two of the third Test as they target a 3-0 whitewash.

AFORMER Australia captain Steve Smith could be out or the Ashes this summer as he faces elbow surgery.

Smith’s 12-month ban over the ball-tampering scandal ends in March and he could have been back in contention to play for Australia in the World Cup and Ashes. But following ligament problems in his

New director of cricket Giles wants skipper Joe Root and his players to be the best in the world – and the most admired.

Giles, who has stepped into the shoes vacated by Andrew Strauss, has seen the damage done by Steve Smith and David Warner to the reputation of Australian cricket with ‘Sandpapergate’. Giles

said: “We all right elbow, which forced Smith to stop playing for Comilla Victorians in the Bangladesh Premier League, it is unclear how long he will need to recover.

Cricket Australia revealed Smith (left), 29, is to undergo surgery on Tuesday and is expected to be in a brace for around six weeks before a period of rehabilitation.