New South Wales records 2,510 COVID-19 cases; Islamic countries have pledged to set up a humanitarian trust fund for Afghanistan and Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai says she never accused anyone of sexually assaulting her.

In this bulletin, the New South Wales opposition keeps up the pressure for a mask mandate as scientists race to understand the Omicron variant; a specialist forensic team from New South Wales to assist the investigation into the jumping castle tragedy; and in sport, Australia on the verge of victory after the fourth day of the second Ashes test.

The New South Wales premier resists calls for a mask mandate amid a record number of COVID-19 cases, Victoria's mental health workforce set to be expanded, and the Central Coast Mariners secure a hard-fought win over the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Australia's two most populous states - NSW and Victoria - continue to report high daily COVID-19 tallies; At least 15 people have died after a gas explosion in Pakistan;  England bracing for a crucial Sunday night as they fight to keep alive any realistic chance of regaining the Ashes.

In this bulletin, Australia's two most populous states - NSW and Victoria - continue to report high daily COVID-19 tallies; At least 15 people have died after a gas exposion in Pakistan; And in sports, US women's national team striker Lynn Williams helps Melbourne Victory continue their winning streak.