Wednesday's Ashes gossip column - Australia v England

Bowling coach David Saker insists he is happy on the England backroom staff

England bowling coach David Saker has ruled out applying for the forthcoming vacancy to succeed Troy Cooley, one of his predecessors, as Australia's fast bowling coach. "I'm very happy in England and I'm staying put," the Victorian said.
Full story: Sydney Morning Herald

Debutant spinner Michael Beer "endured one of the most horrible experiences in Test cricket" after he had Alastair Cook caught off a no-ball on the second day of the final Test - but leg-spin legend Shane Warne is backing him to take it in his stride.
Full story: The Australian

Former Australia coach John Buchanan concedes that the hosts have been outplanned by England in this series - but feels this is the perfect time for Australia to review how they should operate. "There are way too many people who have influence on the side," he says.
Full story: Herald Sun

Steve Smith's struggles with the bat may put his immediate Test future in doubt - and injured captain Ricky Ponting could replace him at number six in Australia's tours to Sri Lanka and South Africa later this year.
Full story: The Australian

Smith has also been described as "the Clockwork Orange of Australian cricket", and after his demotion to number seven in the order, "neither spinner nor batsman."
Full story: Herald Sun

Ponting will be given up to seven weeks to recover from finger surgery and prove his fitness for the World Cup.
Full story: Sydney Morning Herald

Former Australia paceman Geoff Lawson has called for seamer Ben Hilfenhaus to be dropped because his bowling is too predictable.
Full story: The Age

All-rounder Shane Watson has won the McGilvray Medal as Australia's Test cricketer of the year - but his statistics, 897 runs at an average of 42.71, would have been "nowhere near" the figures needed to win such awards in the past.
Full story: Sydney Morning Herald

AND FINALLY...

Australia's one-day international against England at Brisbane on 30 January is to be dedicated to raising funds to help those affected by the floods in Queensland.
Full story: Cricket Australia media release

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This story is updated throughout the day.