Cricket

Victoria's batting lineup faced a stern test on the opening day of their Sheffield Shield clash against New South Wales at the MCG, with Sean Abbott's exceptional bowling performance putting the Blues in a commanding position.Abbott, who is vying for a spot in Australia's Test squad, claimed four wickets for 50 runs, including a devastating spell after tea that yielded three wickets in 15 balls. His sustained fast bowling kept the Victorian batsmen on edge throughout the day.Peter Handscomb and Campbell Kellaway provided some resistance for Victoria, scoring half-centuries in challenging conditions. However, Mitchell Starc's impressive morning spell, which included a nasty blow to Marcus Harris's arm, set the tone for NSW's dominance.Harris, who batted the entire first session, was unable to capitalize on his start and was eventually dismissed by Starc for 26. The left-armer's extra pace and bounce proved too much for Harris, who was caught down the leg side.Kellaway and Handscomb shared a century stand, but their partnership was broken by Jackson Bird's off-cutter, which dismissed Kellaway for 55. Abbott then returned to wreak havoc, removing Handscomb, Sam Harper, and Will Sutherland in quick succession.Victoria's collapse continued as Nathan Lyon had Sam Elliott caught at short leg, leaving the home side reeling at 185 for 7. Tom Rogers and Fergus O'Neill mounted a brief rearguard, but O'Neill's dismissal late in the day left Victoria in a precarious position.Jack Nisbet picked up a second wicket when he had Todd Murphy caught behind, leaving Victoria on 259 for 9 at stumps. Abbott's outstanding performance has put NSW in a strong position heading into day two, while Victoria will need to find a way to rebuild their innings and avoid a heavy defeat.

Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson's injury has forced him out of Australia's upcoming T20I series against Scotland and England. The 26-year-old sustained a side strain while playing for Oval Invincibles in the Hundred.Johnson's absence has opened the door for New South Wales allrounder Sean Abbott, who was initially only included in the ODI squad. Abbott, a leading wicket-taker in the BBL, has also impressed in the Hundred, claiming nine wickets in seven matches for Birmingham Phoenix.Johnson's injury is a setback for Australia, who view him as a potential replacement for Mitchell Starc in the T20 side. Starc has been rested for the T20Is but will feature in the ODIs. Pat Cummins will miss the entire tour, while Josh Hazlewood is part of both squads.Abbott joins Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis as the frontline seamers in the T20I squad. Australia's selectors are keeping an eye on the next T20 World Cup in 18 months' time, but have not ruled out Starc or Cummins from the format.Johnson's focus will now be on recovering in time for the start of the Australia domestic season, where he plays for South Australia. Australia's next T20Is after the UK tour are a three-match series against Pakistan in mid-November, which could provide another opportunity for Johnson.

Surrey's dominance in the South Group of the Vitality Blast continued as they crushed arch-rivals Middlesex by 56 runs at Lord's. The victory propelled Surrey back to the summit of the standings, while Middlesex's misery extended to 13 consecutive home defeats in the competition.Sean Abbott's devastating spell of 5 for 18 proved decisive for Surrey. The Australian seamer's variations, including slower balls and pinpoint yorkers, exposed Middlesex's batting frailties. Luke Hollman also impressed with a career-best 5-16, including a remarkable three wickets in one over.Despite the Middlesex bowlers' heroics, Tom Curran (48 from 28) and Laurie Evans (41 from 20) propelled Surrey to a challenging 185 for 9. Evans' belligerent approach, including two sixes, set the tone for Surrey's innings.Middlesex's chase never gained momentum. Martin Andersson's early dismissal was followed by a double-wicket maiden from Abbott, who removed Stephen Eskinazi and Holden with successive yorkers. Leus Du Plooy's departure left Middlesex reeling at 41 for 4.Jack Davies' defiant 35 provided some resistance, but Abbott's hat-trick ball was dispatched for four. Ryan Higgins' dismissal soon after effectively ended Middlesex's hopes. Curran was forced out of the attack due to an arm injury, but Hollman's inability to replicate his bowling heroics with the bat sealed Surrey's comfortable victory.