Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • Australia win final Test to seal 4-1 Ashes triumph over England

    Australia win final Test to seal 4-1 Ashes triumph over England

    Australia has concluded a dominant Ashes campaign with a hard-fought five-wicket victory in the final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground, securing a comprehensive 4-1 series triumph over England. The hosts successfully chased their 160-run target during the fifth day’s lunch session, despite facing some tense moments as wickets fell during the pursuit.

    The match marked the emotional farewell of Australian batsman Usman Khawaja, who received a ceremonial guard of honor from English players in his final Test appearance. Khawaja, playing his 88th and final Test match, acknowledged struggling with emotions throughout the game. “The whole Test match I found it hard to control my emotions,” the retiring veteran stated, nearly in tears as he left the field to a standing ovation after scoring six runs in his final innings.

    England’s hopes briefly flickered when they reduced Australia to 121-5, with Marnus Labuschagne’s unnecessary run-out providing temporary momentum. However, the victory never appeared seriously in doubt following England’s second-innings total of 342, built primarily upon Jacob Bethell’s impressive 154-run contribution.

    Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who hit the winning runs alongside Cameron Green (22 not out), acknowledged the tense atmosphere: “That’s Ashes cricket. Everyone got tense. Usman is going to be missed. A great career and a great way to finish.”

    The series outcome proved particularly disappointing for England, who arrived confident of securing their first series win in Australia since 2010-11. Their tour quickly deteriorated into what commentators termed a “horror show” after losing the opening two Tests in Perth and Brisbane by eight wickets, followed by an 82-run defeat in Adelaide.

    Despite facing heavy criticism for their preparations, discipline, and aggressive “Bazball” approach, England managed a stunning four-wicket comeback victory in the fourth Test at Melbourne—their first win in 18 Tests on Australian soil. However, the final defeat in Sydney ensures they will face rigorous scrutiny upon returning home, with coach Brendon McCullum’s position potentially at risk.

    England captain Ben Stokes conceded: “Australia are an incredible team. They had individuals who stood up. Full credit to them. But we know we could have done better.” He added that reflection would come later: “Time for reflection is not right now. We’ve got a long time away to reflect on it.”

    Australia’s achievement appears more remarkable considering they competed without pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood throughout the series and captain Pat Cummins for all but one Test, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon played a limited role. Mitchell Starc emerged as the series’ leading bowler with 31 wickets.

    The match witnessed controversy when the Snicko technology—unreliable throughout the series—appeared to indicate a faint edge from Jake Weatherald that was ultimately dismissed upon review, triggering heated exchanges between players.

    The series attracted nearly 860,000 spectators, with a record 211,032 passing through the turnstiles in Sydney alone, demonstrating the enduring appeal of cricket’s oldest rivalry.

  • Optus poaches senior Telstra executive for top technology chief role

    Optus poaches senior Telstra executive for top technology chief role

    In a strategic move to strengthen its technological leadership, Australian telecommunications provider Optus has secured the appointment of Sri Amirthalingam as its new Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Amirthalingam joins Optus after an extensive 36-year tenure with rival telco Telstra, where he held significant responsibilities in investment strategy, technology development, and the planning and construction of both fixed and mobile networks.

    This executive transition comes at a critical juncture for Optus as it continues efforts to restore consumer confidence following a catastrophic 14-hour triple-0 emergency service outage in September 2025. The network failure, which has been connected to multiple fatalities, severely damaged the company’s reputation for reliability.

    Outgoing CTO Tony Baird will depart the company following a transition period, with Amirthalingam formally assuming his new position in January. The appointment signals Optus’s commitment to leveraging extensive industry experience as it works to overhaul its network infrastructure and operational resilience.

    Industry analysts view this recruitment as a significant coup for Optus, bringing onboard one of Telstra’s most experienced network infrastructure veterans. Amirthalingam’s deep understanding of Australia’s telecommunications landscape is expected to play a crucial role in Optus’s ongoing recovery strategy and future technological development.

  • Heatwave hits Australia as officials warn of ‘catastrophic’ fire risk

    Heatwave hits Australia as officials warn of ‘catastrophic’ fire risk

    Australia is confronting its most severe fire threat since the devastating 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires as extreme heatwaves blanket most of the nation. Meteorological authorities have declared severe to extreme heatwave conditions across every state and territory except Queensland, with temperatures predicted to remain dangerously elevated for multiple days.

    The state of Victoria has implemented comprehensive emergency measures in response to the crisis, declaring a total fire ban for Friday. Northern regions have taken the extraordinary step of closing 450 schools and childcare facilities, alongside numerous public parks, as the official fire danger level escalates to ‘catastrophic’ – the highest possible rating on Australia’s fire danger scale.

    Meteorologist Angus Hines from the Bureau of Meteorology characterized the situation as the ‘most significant event at a multi-day level for inland south-east Australia since 2019-2020.’ He emphasized that Friday would represent the ‘real peak of the current burst of heat,’ affecting virtually all of South Australia, Victoria, most of New South Wales, and parts of Tasmania.

    The convergence of intensifying winds, potential thunderstorms producing minimal rainfall, and dry lightning strikes creates particularly hazardous conditions across northern Victoria. Hines warned that these elements combined would elevate fire danger to catastrophic levels.

    Emergency services are already engaged in active firefighting operations. Firefighters continue battling a blaze in Longwood, northern Victoria that ignited on Wednesday, while a dozen water-carrying aircraft have been deployed to combat a major fire near Wodonga city according to ABC reports.

    Temperature records are being challenged nationwide. Melbourne endured its hottest day in six years on Wednesday with temperatures reaching 40.9°C (105.6°F), while several coastal towns in Western Australia recorded staggering highs of 49°C. The heatwave is expected to intensify in New South Wales through Saturday, with Sydney anticipating temperatures of 42°C.

    Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch issued grave warnings to communities in affected areas, stating that catastrophic fire conditions render potential blazes ‘unpredictable and uncontrollable.’ He urged residents to ‘prepare now and enact your bushfire survival plan,’ specifically advising those in catastrophic fire danger zones to ‘leave early to an area with a lower fire risk.’

    The current situation draws ominous parallels to the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020, Australia’s most severe fire season on record, which resulted in dozens of fatalities and burned thousands of hectares of land. Australia’s heatwave classification system requires unusually high minimum and maximum temperatures persisting for three or more consecutive days.

  • Trump has options in Greenland, but provocation may be the point

    Trump has options in Greenland, but provocation may be the point

    President Donald Trump’s persistent refusal to dismiss the potential use of military force to acquire Greenland continues to generate diplomatic tensions with Denmark, a longstanding NATO ally governing the autonomous Arctic territory. This controversial stance emerges amid growing concerns over Russian and Chinese military activities in the region and the strategic implications of rapidly melting Arctic ice due to climate change.

    While the United States maintains an established military presence at Greenland’s Pituffik base—operational since World War II with approximately 150 permanent personnel—historical precedents show the stationing of up to 6,000 troops during Cold War tensions. A 1951 defense treaty theoretically permits Washington to substantially increase its military footprint through simple notification to Denmark, bypassing need for complex negotiations.

    Analysts suggest Trump’s motivations extend beyond conventional security considerations. Kristine Berzina of the German Marshall Fund notes the president’s apparent fascination with territorial expansion as symbolic of ‘American greatness’—a core tenet of his Make America Great Again movement. The acquisition of Greenland’s vast territory (comparable to Alaska’s size with merely 57,000 inhabitants) would elevate the United States to the world’s third-largest nation by land area, surpassing China.

    The administration has floated alternative approaches, including replicating the compact association model used with Pacific island nations or resurrecting historical purchase precedents. The 1917 acquisition of the US Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold—completed under threat of force—provides historical context, though both Danish and Greenlandic authorities have unequivocally rejected contemporary sale discussions.

    Legal and diplomatic experts remain skeptical about feasibility. Former State Department legal advisor Brian Finucane characterizes the proposals as ‘far-fetched,’ noting significant constitutional and international law hurdles beyond the evident political obstacles. The concept appears particularly incongruous given Trump’s frequent criticism of NATO, through which Greenland’s defense is already indirectly addressed.

    This geopolitical posturing occurs against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, where traditional allies would typically welcome heightened US engagement with European security concerns. Instead, Trump’s Greenland rhetoric manifests as potentially performative nationalism rather than substantive policy advancement.

  • ‘Stars aligned’ for Australian beef exports, but China tariff sparks concern

    ‘Stars aligned’ for Australian beef exports, but China tariff sparks concern

    Australian beef exporters are confronting a severe market reversal following China’s imposition of substantial tariffs, abruptly ending an unprecedented export boom. Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals meat and meat preparations surged 12.4% between October and November 2025, reaching a monthly export value of $2.537 billion—a $280 million increase from October.

    The sector’s remarkable performance stemmed from a convergence of exceptional circumstances. According to Commonwealth Bank agricultural economist Dennis Voznesenski, Australia temporarily became the primary supplier to both the United States and China simultaneously. The US faced constrained domestic production with cattle herds at multi-decade lows, compounded by import restrictions. Mexico’s live cattle exports were halted due to sanitary concerns about parasites, while former President Donald Trump’s administration imposed prohibitive tariffs on Brazilian beef and engaged in tariff disputes with Canada.

    Concurrently, China shifted its beef sourcing patterns amid trade tensions with Washington, allowing US export licenses to lapse and turning to Australian producers instead. This created dual demand streams: American purchases of grinding beef for hamburger production and Chinese acquisition of premium grain-fed beef.

    However, the trade landscape has dramatically shifted in 2026. The United States has withdrawn many trade barriers that previously favored Australian exporters, while China’s commerce ministry has implemented a 55% tariff on beef imports exceeding quota levels, effective January 1 for three years. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins expressed ‘serious concerns’ about the measure, emphasizing Australian officials are engaged in discussions with Chinese counterparts to secure favorable terms.

    The Australian Meat Industry Council condemned the tariff as ‘unfair,’ warning it would disrupt trade flows, undermine longstanding relationships established under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, and limit Chinese consumers’ access to reliable Australian beef. Industry representatives argue the measure disproportionately rewards competitors who recently increased export volumes to China.

  • Australia win final Test to complete 4-1 Ashes triumph over England

    Australia win final Test to complete 4-1 Ashes triumph over England

    Australia concluded a dominant Ashes campaign with a hard-fought five-wicket victory in the fifth Test against England at Sydney, securing a comprehensive 4-1 series triumph. The hosts successfully chased down a 160-run target despite losing five wickets during the tense final day’s play, with Cameron Green (22 not out) and Alex Carey (16 not out) steering them to victory after lunch.

    The match witnessed dramatic moments including a heated confrontation between England’s Brydon Carse and umpires over a controversial Snickometer decision that spared Australian batsman Jake Weatherald. England captain Ben Stokes intervened to defuse the escalating situation, highlighting the intense pressure throughout the decisive match.

    Australia’s chase faced complications as they lost key batsmen including openers Travis Head (29) and Weatherald (34), captain Steve Smith (12), and retiring veteran Usman Khawaja, who scored six runs in his final Test innings after an 88-match career. Marnus Labuschagne’s unnecessary run-out at 37 provided England with temporary hope, reducing Australia to 121-5 before Green and Carey’s stabilizing partnership.

    England’s second innings concluded at 342, built primarily around Jacob Bethell’s magnificent 154-run contribution. Despite this impressive performance, England’s tour proved disappointing after losing the initial two Tests in Perth and Brisbane by eight wickets each, and the Adelaide match by 82 runs. Their sole consolation came with a stunning four-wicket victory in the fourth Test at Melbourne, breaking an 18-match losing streak on Australian soil.

    The series, attended by nearly 860,000 spectators with a record 211,032 in Sydney, raised serious questions about England’s preparation and their much-discussed ‘Bazball’ approach. Coach Brendon McCullum faces scrutiny despite the team’s late resurgence, while Australia celebrated their achievement despite missing key bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins for most of the series.

  • England beaten to give Australia 4-1 Ashes win

    England beaten to give Australia 4-1 Ashes win

    Australia has emphatically clinched the Ashes series with a 4-1 triumph following a decisive five-wicket victory in the fifth Test at Sydney Cricket Ground. The hosts successfully chased down a target of 160 runs on the final day’s afternoon session, cementing their fourth consecutive home Ashes domination and maintaining their hold on the urn since 2018.

    England’s tour concluded as one of their most disappointing Ashes campaigns in recent history. Despite being positioned as competitive contenders, the visitors never recovered from their spectacular collapse in the opening Perth Test, which they lost within two days. Plagued by insufficient preparation, scrutiny over off-field conduct, deteriorating form, and critical player injuries, England surrendered the series during the initial three Tests.

    Captain Ben Stokes, despite nursing a groin injury, led his team in Sydney’s final act and has expressed intentions to continue his leadership role. However, significant pressure now mounts on head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key, both having acknowledged tour deficiencies while stating their desire to remain in positions.

    The match itself featured moments of brilliance amid England’s struggles. Jacob Bethell’s stunning 154-run debut century in the final Test provided a belated silver lining, while Joe Root finally secured a Test hundred in Australian conditions. Josh Tongue emerged with enhanced credentials from England’s bowling attack.

    Australia’s victory proved particularly impressive given their own injury challenges. Captain Pat Cummins participated in only one Test due to back issues, while Josh Hazlewood missed entirely and Nathan Lyon had limited involvement. Mitchell Starc’s devastating 31-wicket performance, Travis Head’s series-defining promotion to opener, and Alex Carey’s wicketkeeping excellence propelled the hosts to victory despite what amounted to a second-choice bowling attack.

    The tour was marred by controversies including Snicko technology disputes, dropped catches (England recorded 18 throughout the series), and distractions from intense Australian media scrutiny that documented players’ off-field activities from golf courses to aquariums.

    With the T20 World Cup and Sri Lanka white-ball tour commencing in just two weeks, England’s leadership must demonstrate tangible improvements to retain their positions. Australia, while celebrating their comprehensive victory, now faces their own selection questions regarding opener, number three batsman, all-rounder, and frontline spinner positions as they prepare for the next Ashes contest in 2027.

  • Australia heatwave stokes risk of catastrophic bushfires

    Australia heatwave stokes risk of catastrophic bushfires

    Australian authorities have escalated warnings to millions of residents across southeastern regions as a severe heatwave creates what firefighters describe as potentially ‘catastrophic’ bushfire conditions. The Country Fire Authority has declared the highest possible danger rating across parts of Victoria state, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C (104°F) in multiple areas.

    Fire officials compared the current conditions to those that preceded the devastating 2019-2020 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires that ravaged Australia’s eastern seaboard. Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Jason Heffernan emphasized the extreme severity of the situation, stating that ‘catastrophic is as bad as it gets’ in terms of fire danger ratings. He warned that under these conditions, fires would be unpredictable, uncontrollable, and fast-moving once ignited.

    Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebush echoed these concerns, noting that hot, dry winds would significantly accelerate fire spread. Acting Victoria Premier Ben Carroll urged residents to prepare evacuation plans immediately, describing bushfire conditions as intensely frightening experiences that no one should have to endure.

    The crisis has already manifested in multiple fronts. Firefighters are currently battling blazes across Victoria and New South Wales, with authorities fearing property losses near the rural town of Longwood, approximately 150 kilometers north of Melbourne. Government meteorologist Sarah Scully reported that an extreme heat band had settled across the region, accompanied by dry thunderstorms capable of igniting new fires without producing meaningful rainfall.

    The environmental impact extends beyond human communities. Wildlife groups reported hundreds of baby bat fatalities in South Australia earlier this week due to the oppressive temperatures. This heatwave occurs against the backdrop of Australia’s documented 1.51°C temperature increase since 1910, which climate researchers attribute to accelerating extreme weather patterns. This trend continues despite Australia’s status as one of the world’s largest exporters of gas and coal, fossil fuels identified as primary drivers of global warming.

  • Ashes done and dusted: Australia survive day five drama to seal dominant series win over dreadful England

    Ashes done and dusted: Australia survive day five drama to seal dominant series win over dreadful England

    Australia has emphatically concluded the Ashes series with a commanding 4-1 victory, cementing its status as cricket’s preeminent force. The final chapter unfolded at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) where the hosts secured a five-wicket triumph, delivering a perfect farewell for retiring batsman Usman Khawaja in his 88th and final Test appearance.

    The Sydney match unfolded as a classic Test contest, contrasting with the disappointingly rapid pace of earlier matches. England’s much-touted ‘Bazball’ approach ultimately yielded limited success against Australia’s strategic superiority, with Travis Head’s aggressive batting repeatedly dismantling English morale throughout the series.

    Khawaja’s emotional departure featured a standing ovation from SCG spectators and a respectful guard of honor from English opponents, though the winning moment belonged to Alex Carey after Khawaja was dismissed for six runs. The retiring star celebrated with teammates and performed sajdah on the pitch beside a ‘thanks Uzzy’ tribute.

    The victory chase of 160 runs encountered brief turbulence when Marnus Labuschagne suffered a shocking run-out at 37, but Cameron Green and Carey steadied the innings to secure victory midway through the second session. The match attracted a record-breaking crowd of 211,032 spectators throughout the New Year’s Test.

    Controversy emerged through Decision Review System (DRS) drama when England disputed a not-out ruling regarding Jake Weatherald, provoking heated on-field reactions and critical commentary from former captain Michael Vaughan. Weatherald’s eventual dismissal for 34 before lunch continued his challenging debut series.

    Despite England’s overall disappointing performance, emerging talent Jacob Bethell provided a bright spot with a spectacular 154-run innings against Australia’s quality attack. The 22-year-old’s century demonstrated significant promise for England’s future batting lineup, though his efforts were undermined by senior teammates’ inconsistent performances.

    Australia now faces selection questions ahead of their August Test against Bangladesh, with Beau Webster’s strong showing and ongoing concerns about key bowlers’ fitness shaping future lineup decisions.

  • England all out for 342, set Australia 160 to win final Ashes Test

    England all out for 342, set Australia 160 to win final Ashes Test

    A valiant fourth-innings effort from England concluded at 342 all out on Thursday’s lunch session, establishing a 160-run target for Australia to claim victory in the final Ashes Test. The day’s play was headlined by Jacob Bethell’s magnificent 154, a career-defining maiden Test century that temporarily rekindled English hopes of squaring the series.

    Resuming overnight at 302-8 with a lead of 119, England’s aspirations heavily relied on Bethell, who added 12 runs to his Wednesday total of 142. His resilient innings was eventually terminated by Mitchell Starc, with the young batsman edging a delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Bethell’s performance is being widely hailed as a promising glimpse into the future of English cricket.

    Matthew Potts contributed a vital 18 runs before Josh Tongue (6) fell to Starc, wrapping up the English innings. Starc finished with figures of 3-72, while Beau Webster claimed 3-64.

    Australia, having already retained the Ashes with victories in the first three Tests at Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, now requires a manageable 160 runs to secure a series win. Their dominant first-innings total of 567, in response to England’s initial 384, positioned them favorably for this final chase. England’s recent two-day victory in Melbourne had offered a fleeting moment of optimism, which Australia now looks to extinguish.