Search
thewest.com.au
ProfilesChevron Right IconJohn Townsend

John TownsendChief Cricket Writer

Cricket writer John Townsend has covered more than 100 Tests and three winning World Cup campaigns since 1999. He is also an award-winning football reporter.

Email John TownsendTwitter @johnt237

Perth Ashes doubtPremiumPayback time? MCG poised amid Optus Ashes uncertainty

Two months after Optus Stadium grasped the AFL grand final from the MCG, the Melbourne sporting landmark is preparing to return the favour with the fifth Ashes Test.

John Townsend

Precedent set Randall could start pre-season despite positive drug test

Suspended Peel footballer Michael Randall could start pre-season training next month if he receives the same penalty that applied to Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne in 2017.

John Townsend

Next in lineCarey set to keep out West Aussie for first Ashes Test

Alex Carey is set to mirror wicket-keeping great Adam Gilchrist by making a Gabba Test debut after the contentious exit of a veteran predecessor.

John Townsend

Test educationPremiumCaptain Cummins had head in books, not PlayStation

Pat Cummins believes his university studies in executive management and organisational structure will help him deploy the diverse skills and characters under his control in the Test team.

John Townsend

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
STOOD DOWN Premium
The West Australian exclusive
Draft shock: WA prospect tests positive to banned substance

A WA draft prospect has tested positive to a banned substance present in weight loss products and is awaiting a tribunal hearing that will determine his eligibility to play next season.

John Townsend

Shield lossRichardson unable to carry WA to victory

Western Australia have lost two Sheffield Shield matches to Tasmania in a month after Sam Whiteman’s attempt to conjure a win in Hobart was thwarted by opposite number Jordan Silk.

John Townsend

Test bolter?Richardson rips through Tassie to further Ashes claims

Jhye Richardson has torn through the Tasmania middle order to strengthen his bid to make a Test comeback at the Gabba next month, putting pressure on incumbent quick Mitchell Starc.

John Townsend

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
Perth blowCommentsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
Whiteman CAN jump - to Scorchers’ Big Bash rivals

Sam Whiteman has played his last match for the team where he won three BBL titles, with the Perth Scorchers hero set to head east.

John Townsend

Wiley returnsPremiumHall of Famer returns to lead WAFL Eagles

Inaugural West Coast player Rob Wiley will extend his relationship with the club to nearly four decades after agreeing to coach the Eagles’ WAFL team next season.

John Townsend

West Coast backPremiumWAFL Eagles survive, eye a player from each club

West Coast will be able to recruit one player from every WAFL club and will play five home games at Mineral Resources Park as part of an agreement to remain in the State league for the next three seasons.

John Townsend

analysis
analysis
Limited changesPremium
analysis
Why Travis is just a-Head of Khawaja

The biggest shock next month when the Australian team walks onto the Gabba to start the Ashes defence will be if Usman Khawaja is part of it.

John Townsend

Backing BangersPremiumBotham backs Bancroft for Test comeback

Cam Bancroft might be the forgotten man of Australian cricket but his mentor Ian Botham would not be surprised if the WA opener had another coming in Test ranks.

John Townsend