Australia's selection panel is to be overhauled over the next six months, with the imminent retirement of Greg Chappell and the expiry of Trevor Hohns' contract at the end of the home summer ushering a generational change to better reflect the Twenty20 era the game has now spent more than a decade in.

Reshaping the way Australian teams are chosen is a key plank of the job for the new head of national teams Ben Oliver, who commenced his role at the outset of the Ashes series after a lengthy interim stint by Belinda Clark. Kevin Roberts, the Cricket Australia chief executive, has flagged it to be one of the first issues he and Oliver will address upon his return home from England, via a brief visit to Pakistan that is part of CA's wider efforts to improve relationships with other boards.

Nevertheless, there have already been plenty of moves afoot around the selection area, ever since ESPNcricinfo revealed that Chappell would exit at the end of the Ashes. Discussions have revolved around whether or not the current panel format should be retained or pared down to a single selection convener working with the national team coach Justin Langer and the state and Big Bash League coaches, and also the need for more contemporary voices, particularly relevant to T20. The likes of Cameron White and Michael Klinger have been raised as possible selectors, though there is also a view that selection, complete with an ever more comprehensive use of statistics and analytics, is a skill requiring more than playing experience.

"Certainly we need to take into account the sorts of experience that are required," Roberts said. "If you look at the shape of the panel now, one of the things we'd like to have more of in the future is more experience in T20 games as an example. So rather than targeting an individual person, it's really about determining what are the characteristics or capabilities we need among the panel and who are the people in Australian cricket who can fulfil those.

"I think it's knowledge of the T20 game, whether it be playing, coaching, and various other roles in the T20 game. So I probably wouldn't describe it as generational change but I would absolutely say it is a matter of having a really deep knowledge of T20 cricket. A lot of Australians have been involved in the IPL and the BBL as well and some of those are young, some are not so young. Really it's about the experience they've had as opposed to when they might've been born.

A hallmark of Roberts' tenure so far has been to repeatedly emphasise the need for deeper and better relationships between CA and the state associations, something he said needed also to be reflected in the way selection was done. "The main thing I would say is certain is that we need to deepen the links through the state system and domestic competitions and make sure that we've got the best possible view of all players who are in contention to play," Roberts said.

"What sort of form are they in, how's their physical health, how's their mental well-being. That's a key consideration these days in all walks of life and the same certainly goes for players. One of the benefits of splitting the old role and having Ben Oliver playing the national teams role and Drew Ginn the high performance role working with the states is Drew can then work with the states and make sure we've got a very clear overview of the top X number of players, their position in terms of form, physical and mental well-being and everything else that contributes to how they're going as a player. I'm really looking forward to that coming to fruition too."

"I don't think there's another leader in Australian men's cricket that could've done the job that Tim Paine has done over the last 18 months." CA chief Kevin Roberts

Following the successful retention of the Ashes, the next major goals for Australian cricket are the women's and men's Twenty20 World Cups on home soil in 2020, while balancing a sustained bid to contest the first World Test Championship final in 2021. Roberts was rich in his praise for Langer and the Test captain Tim Paine, declaring that no other figure in Australian cricket could have led the team through the choppy waters of 2018 and into the success of this Ashes tour.

"I don't think there's another leader in Australian men's cricket that could've done the job that he's done over the last 18 months," Roberts said. "I also think he's only been able to do that job because if you think about his challenges over the years he was almost out of the game for a number of years with a smashed finger. He gained some life experience during that time that's really set him up to be the leader that he is and without that I'm not sure he could've done it the way that he has.

"We've just been so happy with the way he's led from the front and there's no thought of succession planning at this stage. He's got our support to continue leading from the front the way that he has done so far. We couldn't be happier with the performance of Justin or Tim in terms of the cultural transformation of the men's team and what that's contributed to Australian cricket more broadly."

Most pointedly, the Australians have avoided run-ins with officialdom or opponents since the Newlands scandal, returning a clear rap sheet in terms of ICC code of conduct breaches for more than 18 months. "Look at the commitment they've made to make Australians proud, and also the commitment we've all made as an organisation," Roberts said. "We've said before it's a professional sport so the goal will always be to win and we shouldn't hide from that.

"The opposition should always know they're in a contest when they play against Australian but at the same time the non-negotiable expectation we have of ourselves on and off the field is we compete with respect. And Justin has really led that strongly, a values-driven culture. Tim has complemented Justin brilliantly and led with real courage. They deserve huge credit. There's been so many milestones in the way the men's team has performed on the field, but the way they've done it as well.

"If you look at the code of conduct charges, or the lack thereof, over the Australian summer, no code of conduct charges against the men's team - first time in many many years and not surprisingly that saw a similar trend right across Australian cricket because of the role models the men are. The women's team are obviously outstanding ambassadors for the game and for our country as well. It's brilliant to know I can sleep soundly at night in the knowledge we've got a men's team and a women's team living the sort of values and behaviours that we aspire to as a sport."

As for the use of the Dukes ball in Sheffield Shield cricket, something that better equipped the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Wade and Michael Neser for their selection on this tour, Roberts indicated that CA should maintain a habit of ensuring players are bred to be versatile. "I think if you ask Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Steven Smith they'd say it's been tremendously successful, coming into this day Josh and Pat were averaging less than 20 and going for about two and a half runs an over and of course Steve has shot the lights out with the bat," he said. "In all seriousness we need to keep preparing our players to play in different conditions overseas, whether it be the swinging ball or the spinning ball."

A still recovering Deandra Dottin couldn't make it to West Indies women's squad to face Australia women in a three-match T20I series starting on Saturday. There were several other senior players making way as well, including opener Hayley Matthews who had been suspended from taking part in the recently concluded ODI series between both teams.

West Indies haven't played any T20I cricket since June, when they beat Ireland 3-0 but lost to England 1-0, with two matches washed out. Six of the players who went to the UK could not find a place in this squad, making way for new face such as wicketkeeper Reniece Boyce, offspinner Sheneta Grimmond and allrounder Shabika Gajnabi. Both players - in fact all 13 members - were part of the squad that had been picked for the third ODI against Australia earlier this week.

Kycia Knight remains sidelined by a back injury she picked up during those 50-over games while legspinner Anisa Mohammed makes a T20 comeback having played her last short-format game in February 2019.

TORONTO -- The Raptors say a new line of team-branded hijabs is part of an effort to be more inclusive to fans of all cultures.

The team's parent company, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, unveiled the Nike Pro hijabs emblazoned with the team logo in a social media post Friday. The Raptors say they are the first NBA team to offer an athletic hijab for Muslim women.

MLSE senior marketing director Jerry Ferguson says the organization was inspired to create the hijabs by a local Muslim women's organization known as the Hijabi Ballers. The women regularly play basketball at a community court associated with the team.

Ferguson told The Canadian Press the Raptors organization wants to send a message of inclusion to its diverse fan base, which grew substantially during last season's run to the team's first NBA title.

"One of the things that we are very interested in is moving from saying we are just about inclusivity and accessibility, and finding ways to bring products and ideas to market that actually prove that," he said by phone.

The International Basketball Federation and FIFA lifted bans on head coverings in recent years.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims praised the Hijabi Ballers for spurring the Raptors to act. Mustafa Farooq, the council's executive director, acknowledged that the issue of hijabs in sports has proved divisive. Opponents have called them a symbol of oppression.

"It's hard for me to understand that," Farooq said. "One of the beautiful things about sports is that everyone can play. Highlighting that ... everyone should get a shot is such a beautiful thing to do, so obviously we thank the Raptors for taking this step."

Toronto Blue Jays reliever Tim Mayza will undergo Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.

The news comes a day after Mayza dropped to his knees in pain after delivering an awkward pitch that sailed behind New York Yankees batter Didi Gregorius.

Mayza clutched his pitching arm and covered his face with his right hand as concerned teammates gathered around him at the mound. He left the field with a team trainer.

Friday's game marked Mayza's team-high 68th appearance of the year, tied for fourth most in the American League, though he has had at least two days off after his previous four appearances. He is 1-3 with a 4.91 ERA on the season.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

GLENEAGLES, Scotland – The Korda sisters were benched Saturday afternoon at the Solheim Cup.

Though Jessica and Nelly Korda are both undefeated, each with 2-0-1 records this week, U.S. captain Juli Inkster will rest them in the fourballs session.

Is it a mistake?

Even Brittany Lincicome, a six-time Solheim Cup veteran, with two of those appearances with Inkster as her captain, can’t help wondering.

Inkster is 2-0 as the American skipper, and she’s sticking with a strategy that has worked well in both her team’s victories. She has never played anyone in all five matches since becoming the U.S. captain. She wants all her players rested for the vital Sunday singles finish.

Though it is a strategy that has worked well for Inkster, it is bound to be second guessed if the Americans lose this week.

Europe’s Catriona Matthew will play her Spaniards, Carlota Ciganda and Azahara Munoz, in all five matches this week.

The Korda sisters didn’t seem bothered by the decision after they teamed to win another foursomes match in a rout Saturday morning. They defeated Ciganda and Bronte Law, 6 and 5. They beat Caroline Masson and Jodi Ewart Shadoff, 6 and 4, in Friday’s opening foursomes session. The Kordas were split up for Friday fourballs, with each winning a half-point with their new partners.

“We’re going to rest up today and give it our all tomorrow,” Nelly Korda said.

Inkster didn’t play anyone all five sessions when she was captain two years ago in Iowa, nor when she led the team in Germany four years ago, even with her team facing large deficits all weekend. Inkster’s team was down 8-4 going into Saturday foursomes in Germany and she still sat Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel and Angela Stanford in that last session of partnered play to give all her players rest.

This strategy of resting everyone has become an American staple. No U.S. player has competed in all five matches since Creamer did so in Ireland in 2011, with Rosie Jones as her captain. Cristie Kerr was also scheduled to go five matches that week but withdrew from Sunday singles with a wrist injury. American captain Beth Daniel didn’t play anyone five matches in ’09 when she led the team to victory at Rich Harvest Farms outside Chicago.

Tucked away in a lovely corner of the world called Dhaka - even as most were obsessed with the Ashes or rejoicing at the return of the Indian team onto their screens again - Afghanistan gave another reminder of just why they are one of THE most exciting teams in the world.

Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran turned a sleepy old T20 - the score was a mere 123 after 16 overs - into an absolute firecracker, hitting seven sixes in seven balls. Here's how ESPNcricinfo's Hemant Brar captured the mayhem.

It all began with Tendai Chatara

16.3 Chatara to Mohammad Nabi, SIX, legcutter from Chatara but too short and Nabi just waits at the back foot before pulling it way over the deep midwicket boundary

16.4 Chatara to Mohammad Nabi, SIX, fuller, doesn't miss the yorker by much but Nabi clears the front leg and makes full use of the bottom hand it smash it for a straight six

16.5 Chatara to Mohammad Nabi, SIX, three in three for Nabi! A low full toss on the stumps, Nabi was just standing very still in his crease and sends it over deep midwicket. Moves to 26 off 11

16.6 Chatara to Mohammad Nabi, SIX, is that the fourth one? Yes!!! Another low full toss from Chatara, this time outside off and Nabi moves towards the off stump and lofts it over deep extra cover. Another big over for Afghanistan - 26 from that

Then came Neville Madziva, the man who went toe-to-toe with MS Dhoni in the last over of a T20I and still came away with victory

17.1 Madziva to Najibullah Zadran, SIX, Madziva too disappears! Was a length ball and Najib just pulls it with utter disdain, over deep midwicket, that's fifth six in last five balls

17.2 Madziva to Najibullah Zadran, SIX, makes it six in six! Short, just outside off and pulled almost into the second tier this time, way over deep midwicket

17.3 Madziva to Najibullah Zadran, SIX, this is carnage! A slower one gone wrong, loopy delivery down the leg side, Najib helps it over fine leg. Another six. Seven now. This must be some kind of a record

Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov has been suspended three games for inappropriate conduct, the NHL announced Saturday.

Kuznetsov tested positive for cocaine at the 2019 IIHF World Championship on May 26. He will not appeal the suspension.

"I am once again sorry that I have disappointed my family, my teammates, and the Capitals organization and fans," Kuznetsov said in a statement. "I promise to do everything in my power to win you back with my actions both on and off the ice. I also understand that I am fortunate to have an opportunity to make things right.

"Thanks to the Capitals, NHL, and NHLPA, I have taken many steps in the right direction and I'm confident that I will continue on that path. I am grateful for everyone's support and I'm looking to move forward from this point. While I can appreciate that people may have additional questions, I will not be commenting further on this matter."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman met with Kuznetsov and NHLPA representatives on Monday.

Kuznetsov, 27, is under contract with the Capitals through 2024-25 and competes internationally for Russia, which won the bronze medal in May.

In May, Kuznetsov appeared in a now-deleted video that surfaced on social media in which he was sitting in a hotel room near lines of a white, powdery substance. Kuznetsov denied ever taking drugs. The NHL launched an investigation into the incident that it swiftly closed after five days.

The International Ice Hockey Federation announced in August that it had suspended Kuznetsov from international play for four years -- until June 12, 2023.

Kuznetsov led all NHL players with 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) in the 2018 playoffs, which culminated with the Capitals winning the franchise's first Stanley Cup. He had 21 goals and 51 assists last season for the Capitals, who were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes.

"He realizes he makes mistake," captain and fellow Russian Alex Ovechkin said Thursday. "Sometimes the best thing is just support him and be at his side."

The NHL tests its players for drugs of abuse such as cocaine and marijuana. However, according to the NHL and NHLPA's joint substance abuse and behavioral health program, players are not suspended for positive tests. Rather, if the program administrators flag "abnormally high levels" of any substance, the veil of anonymity is lifted and doctors can recommend treatment. The player is not required to enter the program if he doesn't want to.

ESPN's Emily Kaplan and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

BEIJING -- From the minute Team USA lost to France in the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup earlier this week, USA Basketball had to begin preparing itself for 10 months from now and the Olympics in Tokyo.

Fair or not, that is shaping up to be a referendum on the state of the national team.

The modern era of Olympic basketball started in 1992 in Barcelona. And for all the Olympics since, the Americans have sent a team loaded with All-Stars and high-level role players who represented the birthplace of the game at the highest level. Even when they were beaten, it was not because of talent issues.

But that model is a bit on the line now. Players are pulling back on summer commitments as rest and recovery methods become more of a focus. And a new calendar where the World Cup and Olympics are played in back-to-back summers is clearly going to stress America's stars going forward.

There is an assumption that the cavalry will come next year with the event in the middle of the offseason in late July, and in the wake of this showing, which ended Saturday with a win over Poland and a seventh-place finish -- their worst finish in either the Olympics or World Cup. Perhaps that will be the case and James Harden, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard and the like will be striding into the opening ceremony in Japan with this adventure in China reduced to an asterisk.

But making that assumption is perhaps a little dangerous. If nothing else, this summer showed that.

While still in China, USA Basketball officials already have been meeting to discuss strategy for how to approach putting the pieces back together. Though in the disappointment of the moment, coach Gregg Popovich was a little defiant on Saturday.

"What does USA Basketball have to do? Continue and keep going. We coach and they play and we do our best. That's what USA Basketball does," he said. "It's not like something has to be changed or do this O's and X's wise or do something strategy-wise. It's a tough competition. You do the best you can with whoever comes and that's it. All the other countries have some guys who didn't come."

Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo was feeling a little raw, too. He told the Associated Press after the France loss that "you can't help but notice and remember who you thought you were going to war with and who didn't show up."

Of course they do have to make changes. They finished 13th in the tournament in 3-point shooting and eighth in scoring. They were scrambling to fill out the roster to be sure, but it had some holes that could've been better addressed on this front. Whoever is on the roster next year, there's going to have to be some better decisions made, especially after seeing how the competition handled them this summer.

But they also have to evaluate the approach. Colangelo was stunned by the number of pullouts and the timing of many of them, leading to some self-evaluation on the process. But again, maybe it's just changing tastes and there was nothing that could be done. It became fashionable among the superstars to pull out of China, and for a few weeks there, it almost seemed cool to pass.

These aren't just issues for the U.S. but for much of international basketball. In general, this tournament was missing a lot of big names. The move to an odd year just before the Olympics has been blamed.

"The FIBA calendar proved to be wrong in any competition they have organized. From the national team windows in the middle of the season 'til organizing the World Cup one year before the Olympics," Euroleague CEO Jordi Bertomeu said at an event in Italy this week. "The logic says to return to World Cup to even years."

Colangelo has a track record of fixing Team USA's problems. He also has been able to win over stars and assemble megastar teams. Unless there was a widespread cover-up, the players who were here enjoyed much of the experience with Popovich and, in theory, that word should spread.

Fearing a black mark on their reputations for being part of a losing roster could've played a role in the dropout rate this summer once the ball got rolling. But rallying to the rescue could reverse the trend among the big names.

One thing is clear: For the first time in a long time, there is some real drama involved in the future of USA Basketball.