Last Post: A wandering Australian batsman

David Warner is nothing if not consistent. In three previous Ashes tours he averaged in the mid-20s. After six innings on this tour it’s a little over 23. That SCG swan-song is looking like a pipe dream.

Kim Keogh, East Fremantle, WA

What is the real spirit of cricket? Analysing Sir Donald Bradman’s cricketing genius, his contemporary, Sir Robert Menzies, wrote: “Bradman believed in the virtue of concentrating all his mind on the job in hand.” The Don would be proud of the Australian cricket team.

Elizabeth Osborne, North Hobart, Tas

I always say there’s nothing like a good gloat. In the case of the Ashes, I just hope it’s not pride coming before a fall.

John Sheldrick, Peppermint Grove, WA

If a wandering Australian batsman had been stumped by an English wicketkeeper, the Englishman would’ve been given a knighthood, a parade through the members’ pavilion, a fawning interview from Piers Morgan, a pat on the head from the British PM, a telegram from the King, and admiring headlines from all the tabloids. Australians would have just nicknamed the errant Australian batsman “dopey”. Hysterical hypocrisy from the aged country?

Brian Marsden, Sunnybank, Qld

The findings from the royal commission on Robodebt once again show the verity of Donald Horne’s statement some 60 years ago that “Australia is a lucky country run mainly by second-rate people who share its luck”.

David Wallingford, Croydon Hills, Vic

As a shareholder via my superannuation fund in Wesfarmers, I object to some of my earnings being donated to the Yes campaign. I therefore request Wesfarmers balance the books by giving the equivalent amount to the No side in the referendum.

Roger Bee, Rossmoyne, WA

After reading the story about pokies king Len Ainsworth’s centenary in The Weekend Australian Magazine (“ ‘My critics can get stuffed’: Is Len Ainsworth the devil incarnate?”, 8-9/7), a friend asked me about the factors contributing to my longevity on the eve of my 95th birthday. My response was a happy marriage spanning more than 70 years, a caring wife, a highly capable GP and Chia seeds. I retired at 92.

Peter Searcy, Mile End, SA

With the Prime Minister claiming the high moral ground on so many issues, he will soon be out of sight.

Ed Turner, Sinnamon Park, Qld