SPORTS AGENDA: Australia receive unlikely warm welcome in Leeds for third Ashes Test

Thumbs down to those in Leeds who appear to have helped the Australians during the Headingley Test.

The tourists were said to be concerned about the prospect of substantial roadworks outside the Queens Hotel where they were staying in the city centre.

One Aussie made their feelings known, along with an informal request that work would not start before 9.30am, by which time Pat Cummins, Alex Carey and the rest would have departed for the ground following an uninterrupted night’s sleep.

Those involved were quick to oblige, leaving some to wonder what had happened to Yorkshire’s win-at-all-costs mentality.

‘While the Western Terrace were giving them hell, others were rolling out the red carpet,’ remarked one unimpressed observer.

Yorkshire have denied claims from one punter who claimed to have slept on the Western Terrace on Saturday night to ensure their spot for yesterday’s play.

The supporter was filmed on the iconic stand and claimed to have pulled the stunt but Headingley bosses were quick to insist that was not the case.

They did, however, admit there had been a breach of security and revealed that they were looking into how the prankster managed to get into the ground at 7.15am yesterday amid heightened safety concerns.

The upcoming Women’s World Cup is unlikely to see any of the rows over player expression that affected the men’s edition in Qatar — thanks to the work of a former Manchester City executive.

Captains will have a choice of armbands during the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, including one that highlights ‘inclusion’ and incorporates rainbow colours, which were off limits in Qatar.

Meanwhile, the flags of indigenous First Nations peoples will be flown proudly in stadiums. Both decisions follow quiet but