Alex Carey has posted a hometown hundred and Usman Khawaja has scored 82 after a last-minute recall to help Australia reach 326 for eight at stumps on the first day of the third Ashes test.

Steve Smith has taken a brilliant catch and then hit the winning runs to give Australia a 2-0 lead in the Ashes.

Now that Mardi Gras celebrations are behind us, Ash Wednesday begins a new journey for many people.

A Maine family that long ago gave up on a lost family cat is being reunited more than six years and 1,500 miles later.

After emphatic wins in the first two tests, Australia can retain the Ashes — the traditional prize for the winner of the regular series between Australia and England — with victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the five-day match starting Sunday.