Australian consumer prices rose at the slowest pace in almost four years in the December quarter, while a pullback in housing costs helped cool core inflation and open the door to a cut in interest rates as early as next month.

Inflation in Australia remained in retreat in the last quarter of 2024, stoking the case for the central bank to join the global easing cycle by cutting rates at its coming meeting in February.

Australia's CPI inflation slows to 2.4% YoY in Q4 2024, driven by government rebates. Click here to find out what investors need to know.

Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith resume their innings against Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle with centuries already on the board to start day two. Follow day two of the first Test in our live blog below, check out the full ScoreCentre, and tune in to our live radio coverage.

Australia’s batters have feasted on Sri Lanka’s bowling, racking up milestones and dominance on a rain-curtailed opening day of the first test in Galle.

The 35-year-old, captaining the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, needed just one run in Galle to reach the milestone in Galle.

Kate Cross will not feature in the Women's Ashes Test against Australia starting on Thursday after failing to recover fully from a back injury.