A defeat to South Africa will spell the end to a 15-year spotless record for Australia and only a fourth loss across 14 ICC finals in 50 years.

Australia batter Steve Smith goes to hospital after dislocating his little finger on day three of the World Test Championship final against South Africa.

Australia batter Steve Smith will take no further part in the World Test Championship final after suffering a compound dislocation of his right pinkie on Friday. Smith was hurt at first slip trying to catch a thick edge by South Africa captain Temba Bavuma at Lord's.

US President Donald Trump’s administration has launched a formal review of former President Joe Biden’s AUKUS defense pact with Australia and Britain to allow Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines,

Parts of regional and rural Australia are suffering from the impact of extreme weather. Floods and droughts are taking a major financial toll. While rain has brought some relief to certain regions, the impact on mental health remains.

The review throws into doubt a strategic partnership that aims to give Australia nuclear-powered submarines and deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia foreign minister Penny Wong said on Friday she was alarmed by the escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran, after Israel said it had struck dozens of targets inside Iran.

Australia has jumped higher in a major global gender equality ranking, but the government is being warned not to get complacent.