Cricket World Cup 2027: The ICC has locked in the Men’s ODI World Cup pools and key dates, with India, Pakistan and defending champions Australia all in Group A. India open against Australia in Cape Town on Oct 7, then face Pakistan in Johannesburg on Oct 10, with the tournament running from Oct 2 to Nov 21 across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Test selection shake-up: Australia have recalled Nic Maddinson for the first Test vs South Africa in Durban, adding uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper after Josh Inglis was ruled out with a fractured finger; Cameron Green’s fitness is still in doubt. Rugby League World Cup squad talk: Ahead of Kevin Walters naming the Kangaroos squad, Luke Keary’s positional breakdown highlights the fullback race involving Reece Walsh, Dylan Edwards and James Tedesco. Retail cost pressure: Australia’s card surcharge ban is now reshaping how small retailers handle payment costs, with some businesses refusing card payments. Tech + energy: Atlassian has signed a 10-year deal to buy power from a community-owned solar and battery project in Goulburn, backing local investment and renewable supply. Privacy and AI: A new warning flags that Australia’s privacy risks are rising as chatbots and AI agents can remember, personalise and contact users. Markets: ASX futures are set to rise as US bond yields ease and oil jumps back above $US102 a barrel.