Bulls on top as Blues collapse again

Warner ... departs for 39 as NSW stare down the barrel. Source: Darren England / News Limited

Down and seemingly without star allrounder Shane Watson, NSW are sweating on a controversial substitute call by Cricket Australia which could resuscitate their Sheffield Shield fortunes against Queensland.

SHEF - Allan Border Field

2 November 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

New South Wales 2nd Innings

P. Nevill	10	23	2	0	43.48
M. Starc	4	4	1	0	100

The Blues (5-121) are staring down the barrell of an outright defeat after losing five quick wickets before stumps on day two at Allan Border Field - leaving them with an overall lead of just 49.

With Watson injuring his calf while bowling and immediately put on ice, the Bulls only need take four more tail-end wickets.

But NSW are hopeful they can replace Watson with a specialist batsman in an unlikely left-field call.

Provisional replacements had initially been marked down to take over from their four Australian players on day four to allow them extra preparation time for the first Test against South Africa.

An injured player normally can not be replaced but CA may have set a precedent after withdrawing Ricky Ponting (hamstring soreness) from Tasmania's Shield match this weekend as a precaution and allowing Steve Cazzulino to substitute fully.

While the Blues don't want to jeopardise Watson's chances of playing in next week's Gabba Test, they don't want to be denied a fit batsman.

"We're in a situation where (Watson) was going to be replaced on day four anyway," coach Anthony Stuart said. "Obviously with Ricky's situation in (Hobart) we don't know how that's going to impact on us.

"It's not anyone else's fault but our own that we're in this position so whatever the ruling is we have to deal with it

"The fact we lost five wickets in the last hour has nothing to do with Shane or CA or anyone else."

The Blues had turned the match in their favour when David Warner and Scott Henry quickly erased Queensland's 72-run first-innings lead with a freewheeling opening stand, but once Warner fell for 39 the momentum viciously swung back the Bulls way.

Among the 5-45 slump was Test skipper Michael Clarke who also looked in good touch before he was caught behind off youngster Cameron Gannon (2-35) just before stumps for 28.

In reply to the Blues' first-day total of 184, Joe Burns top-scored for Queensland (256) with 64 in a pivotal 110-run stand with Usman Khawaja (54).

Chris Hartley (54) and Nathan Reardon (42) also combined for a crucial 89-run partnership which took the Bulls to first-innings points after the hosts were teetering at 5-132 following the losses of Burns and Khawaja.

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Melbourne Cup formguide

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From the horses's mouth ... the expert opinion on Tuesday's Melbourne Cup. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

All you need to know about all the 24 runners in the race that stops a nation, the 2012 Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday.

1. DUNADEN (Mikel Delzangles) 7h By Nicobar - La Marlia (34:10-9-7): Set the pace when 3-1/2 len 6th (60.5) Danedream 2414m GB - Ascot King & Queen July 21 then produced stunning effort to come from third last in a field of 18 to score 1/2 len win (58.0) Alcopop, Lights Of Heaven 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Outstanding French stayer who is the defending champion in this race. Showed he is on track again with a superb performance to win the Caulfield Cup after drawing the outside barrier and settling at the rear. Rises 4.5kgs on last year's winning weight but looks to be going just as well. Unbeaten in three starts in Australia and looks a key player again.

2. AMERICAIN (A De Royer-Dupre) 8h By Dynaformer - America (33:11-4-4): Returned from a break with 3-3/4 len 6th (60.0) Joshua Tree 3000m Fr - Deauville Prix Kergorlay Aug 19 then found trouble early on and lost a plate before finishing strongly to run 1-1/2 len 4th (58.0) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Grand stayer who won this race in 2010 before returning last year to run a gallant fourth, only a length and a half from the the winner, Dunaden. Looked one of the unlucky runners in the Caulfield Cup and did a great job to finish so close to the placegetters. Gets a 4.5kg swing in the weights on Dunaden from last year and he'll appreciate getting back to Flemington. Top chance.

3. JAKKALBERRY (M Botti) 7h By Storming Home - Claba Di San Jore (25:10-2-3): Outstayed rivals to score 2-1/4 len win (54.0) Ioya Bigtime, Zuider Zee 2716m USA - Arlington St Leger Aug 18 then was slowly away and hampered near the turn when 6-1/2 len 13th (55.5) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Widely-travelled galloper who has raced in six countries in his 25 starts including 11 at G1 level. Last-start win was his first outside Italy and Dunaden has beaten him home at each of their three meetings so far. Didn't enjoy the best of luck in the Caulfield Cup when trapped deep the whole way so he did a reasonable job to beat a third of the field home. Worth noting his St Leger win in the US two starts back was only his second start beyond 2400 metres. At his only other start in that distance range, he ran third in the G3 Nad El Sheba Trophy over 2800 metres to the ill-fated Fox Hunt which ran 7th in this race in 2011. Worth some thought.

1. Dunaden (Barrier 16) Craig Williams 59kg

2. Americain (12) D Oliver 58kg

3. Jakkalberry (19) Colm O'Donoghue 55.5kg

4. Red Cadeaux (18) M Rodd 55.5kg

5. Winchester (22) J Mott 55.5kg

6. Voila Ici (13) V Duric 55kg

7. Cavalryman (6) L Dettori 54kg

8. Mount Athos (8) Ryan Moore 54kg

9. Sanagas (4) Nicholas Hall 54kg

10. Ethiopia (14) R McLeod 53.5kg

11. Fiorente (2) J B McDonald 53.5kg

12. Galileo's Choice (11) P J Smullen 53.5kg

13. Glencadam Gold (7) Tommy Berry 53.5kg

14. Green Moon (5) B Prebble 53.5kg

15. Maluckyday (9) J A Cassidy 53.5kg

16. Mourayan (3) J Bowman 53.5kg

17. My Quest For Peace (1) C W Brown 53.5kg

18. Niwot (15) D Dunn 53.5kg

19. Tac De Boistron (21) O Dolueze 53.5kg

20. Lights Of Heaven (17) L Nolen 53kg

21. Precedence (20) B Shinn 53kg

22. Unusual Suspect (23) G Schofield 53kg

23. Zabeelionaire (24) C Newitt 52kg

24. Kelinni (10) G Boss 51kg

4. RED CADEAUX (Ed Dunlop) 7g By Cadeaux Genereux - Artisia (30:6-8-5): Ran on stoutly when 3-1/4 len, 3/4 len 3rd (57.0) Sea Moon, Dunaden 2414m GB - Ascot Hardwicke Stks slow trk June 23 before finishing 2-3/4 len, 1-1/2 len 3rd (59.5) Fiorente, Joshua Tree 2414m GB - Newmarket Goldsmith's Stk slow trk July 12. Looking to atone for a nose defeat by Dunaden in this race last year and gets a 2kg swing in the weights on that horse which has beaten him home in two subsequent meetings. Very genuine galloper who has placed at all three runs at G1 level and will come into this race fresh having not raced for four months. Must be included in the chances.

5. WINCHESTER (J D Sadler) 8h By Theatrical - Rum Charger (29:6-6-3): Went back from a wide alley but worked home nicely for 4-3/4 len 9th (57.5) Green Moon 2000m F'ton Turnbull Stakes Oct 6 then was slowly away and again did best work late when 4-3/4 len 9th (55.5) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Again near tail and taken wide into stretch before turning in a late grinding finish for 2-3/4 len 6th (59.0) Alcopop 2000m F'ton Mackinnon Stks Nov 3. Three-time G1 winner from the US who has been far from disgraced at all four Australian starts incl a late grinding finish in the Mackinnon on Saturday. Each time he has got a long way back in the run but reeled off good late sectionals. Racing pattern suggests he'll be suited over this trip. Look for him to be closing hard.

6. VOILA ICI (P G Moody) 8h By Daylami - Far Hope (32:13-6-5): Struck interference near the post when 1-3/4 len 4th (55.5) Green Moon 2000m F'ton Turnbull Stakes Oct 6 then shared the lead before knocking up to finish 17-1/2 len last (55.0) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Italian import who had run well in both the Turnbull Stakes and Underwood Stakes before a disappointing effort in the Caulfield Cup. Scored at G2 level over 2800 metres in France at his only run beyond 2400 metres but that was more than three years ago. Entitled to be forgiven his last-start effort but last bit here could be the test.

7. CAVALRYMAN (Saeed Bin Suroor) 7h By Halling - Silversword (27:6-4-3): Ran 6-1/2 len 4th (57.5) Times Up 3299m GB - York Lonsdale Cup dead trk Aug 25 then finished strongly for 2-1/4 len 2nd (60.0) Caucus 3219m GB - Newmarket J.C. Rose Bowl Sept 27. Well-performed and widely-travelled galloper from the Godolphin yard. Thirteen of his 27 starts have been at G1 level and include a third in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe in 2009 behind the champion Sea The Stars. Proven over the trip and will carry the lowest weight of his career in this. Don't ignore.

8. MOUNT ATHOS (L M Cumani) 6g By Montjeu - Ionian Sea (20:7-0-1): Followed 4 len win (63.5) High Jinx, Lyric Street 2816m GB - York Silver Cup July 14 with 3-1/4 len win (59.0) Brown Panther, Modun 2716m G B - Newbury Freer Stakes Aug 18. Late bloomer from strong UK stable which knows how to find the right horse for this race. Last-start win was his first at G3 level so this is a big step-up in grade but he's a strong stayer with a good turn of foot. Must go to another level here but strong market support suggests he is heading in the right direction. Keep in mind.

9. SANAGAS (J B Cummings) 7g By Lomitas - Scota (15:7-1-0): Followed 5-3/4 len last (59.0) Ocean Park 2000m Caulfield Stks Oct 13 with 4-3/4 len 10th (54.0) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. German-bred stayer who has been successful at G1 level in the US and comes into this race under the care of Cups legend Bart Cummings. Ran in three unsuitable races over shorter trips before an even effort in the Caulfield Cup when finished less than five lengths from the winner and in front of eight rivals. All seven wins have been over distances longer than 2200 metres including three past 2400 metres so the further he goes the better he gets. Can improve without surprising.

10. ETHIOPIA (P G Carey) 4g By Helenus - Shona (7:1-1-2): Pulled hard during the run when 3-1/4 len 6th (56.5) Green Moon 2000m F'ton Turnbull Stakes Oct 6 then shared the pace before holding on for 4-1/4 len 4th (57.5) Ocean Park 2040m M Valley W.S. Cox Plate dead trk Oct 27. Australian Derby winner who has improved at every run this campaign and comes off a super effort in the Cox Plate. Lightly-raced galloper who oozes class and looks to be peaking at the right time here. Could be the local hope.

11. FIORENTE (Ms G Waterhouse) 5h By Monsun - Desert Bloom (9:2-3-0): Followed 2-3/4 len win (58.0) Joshua Tree, Red Cadeaux 2414m GB - Newmarket Goldsmith's Stk slow trk July 12 with 7-1/4 len 4th (58.0) Orfevre 2400m Fr - Longchamp Prix Foy dead trk Sept 16. Up-and-coming stayer with consistent form at G2 level in the UK up to 2414 metres. Proved too strong for Red Cadeaux two starts back and meets that horse better at the weights here for beating him. May be coming good at the right time but strikes a tough assignment here. Keep safe.

12. GALILEO'S CHOICE (D K Weld) 7g By Galileo - Sevi's Choice (16:8-4-1): Returned from a break with 2 len win (61.0) Aklan, Steps To Freedom 2816m Ire - Leopardstown Challenge Stks slow trk July 19 then scored 1-1/2 len win (61.0) Massiyn, Bible Belt 2414m Ire - Leopardstown Ballyroan Stks dead trk Aug 9. Typical Dermot Weld-trained stayer who arrives here on the back of a mix of flat and hurdle racing. Has won his three most recent flat starts including two at G3 level but hasn't raced outside of Ireland on the flat. Stable has won this race twice previously so knows what it takes. Must be respected.

13. GLENCADAM GOLD (Ms G Waterhouse) 5g By Refuse To Bend - Sandrella (13:6-2-1): Made it four wins from four starts in Australia when scoring 3-3/4 len win (53.0) Kelinni, Reuben Percival 2400m R'wick The Metropolitan Oct 6 then knocked up after setting the pace to finish 8-3/4 len 15th (53.5) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Imported stayer who had thrived in his new environment, winning his first four starts for Gai Waterhouse before failing as favourite in the Caulfield Cup. Some question about the depth of the races he was winning before his last-start failure and he'll have to go to another level here to be competitive.

14. GREEN MOON (Robert Hickmott) 6h By Montjeu - Green Noon (19:6-3-0): Scored lg nk win (55.5) Seville, December Draw 2000m F'ton Turnbull Stakes Oct 6 then looked to have every chance when 6-1/4 len 7th (59.0) Ocean Park 2040m M Valley W.S. Cox Plate dead trk Oct 27. Imported galloper who was runner-up in last year's Caulfield Cup and has been high in the betting charts for this race since then. Had done everything right this campaign until his last-start failure in the Cox Plate but will appreciate getting back to Flemington where his two most recent wins have come. Untried at the trip and that looks his major obstacle.

15. MALUCKYDAY (M, W & J Hawkes) 6g By Zabeel - Natalie Wood (17:5-3-2): Was disappointed for a run when len 2nd (59.0) Tanby 2520m F'ton Bart Cummings Oct 6 then jumped awkwardly before finishing 3-1/4 len 5th (58.5) Gatewood 2400m Geelong Cup Oct 24. Runner-up in this race two years ago to Americain and is on the comeback trail. Showed a glimpse of form here two starts back when stepped up in trip and he drops 5.5kgs from that run. Yet to win past G3 level and the jury is still out as to whether he is as good as he was in 2010. Place looks best.

16. MOURAYAN (Robert Hickmott) 7h By Alhaarth - Mouramara (32:4-8-5): Followed lg hd 2nd (59.0) Lamasery 2000m R'wick Hill Stakes Sept 22 with hd win (59.0) Western Symbol, Dare To Dream 2000m R'wick Craven Plate Oct 6. Very honest galloper who has progressed at each run this campaign. Finished within a length of Americain in the G2 Zipping Classic last spring and meets him 5.5kgs better from that race. Don't dismiss.

17. MY QUEST FOR PEACE (L M Cumani) 5h By Galileo - Play Misty For Me (12:5-1-2): Scored len win (62.5) Electrolyser, Berling 2816m G B - Goodwood March Stakes dead trk Aug 25 then struck interference early on before finishing 1-1/2 len 5th (53.5) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Highly-rated UK stayer who hit the front too soon in the Caulfield Cup but battled on well to finish within two lengths of the winner. Should be suited by the bigger track at Flemington and doesn't need to improve much from Caulfield to be competitive here. Lightweight chance.

18. NIWOT (M, W & J Hawkes) 8g By Galileo - Too Darn Hot (32:9-4-1): Worked home OK when 3-3/4 len 8th (57.5) Green Moon 2000m F'ton Turnbull Stakes Oct 6 then disappointed when 5-3/4 len 12th (53.5) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Finished 8th in this race last year, less than four lengths from the winner and he's won the Sydney Cup over this trip in the interim with 2kgs more than he'll carry here. Has a superb record at 2500 metres and further and may pay to forgive last-start failure. Has claims.

19. TAC DE BOISTRON (M C Kent) 6g By Take Risks - Pondiki (27:5-2-2): After sht hd win (56.5) Vadamar, Shahwardi 2800m Fr - Longchamp De Nieuil slow trk July 14 was vetted following 7-3/4 len 6th (58.5) Gatewood 2400m Geelong Cup Oct 24. French import with excellent staying credentials including three wins at 2800 metres and beyond. Two starts back scored at G2 level in France against opposition which included recent Herbert Power Stakes (G2) winner Shahwardi and he will be improved by his Geelong Cup run. Comes into calculations.

20. LIGHTS OF HEAVEN (P G Moody) 5m By Zabeel - I'm In Heaven (18:6-3-3): Held on well for lg hd, 1/2 len 3rd (57.0) Lamasery, Mourayan 2000m R'wick Hill Stakes Sept 22 before finishing 1/2 len, 3/4 len 3rd (53.0) Dunaden, Alcopop 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Quality mare who has a Brisbane Cup win and a Caulfield Cup placing to her name at her only two starts at 2400 metres. She looks to be peaking at the right time and has claims as one of the picks of the locals on her latest run. Rate highly.

21. PRECEDENCE (J B Cummings) 7g By Zabeel - Kowtow (44:7-5-1): Got checked near the 800m and was disappointed for a run when 4-1/4 len 6th (58.0) Shahwardi 2400m C'field Herbert Power Oct 13 then finished 3-3/4 len 4th (57.0) Vatuvei 2500m M Valley M.V Gold Cup dead trk Oct 27. Having his third attempt at this race after finishing 8th to Americain in 2010 and 11th to Dunaden last year. Has had 13 starts at G1 level prior to this and is yet to place and he has failed at four attempts previously over this trip. A win would surprise.

22. UNUSUAL SUSPECT (M C Kent) 9h By Unusual Heat - Penpont (68:9-8-6): Finished 8-3/4 len 15th (58.5) Midnight Martini 2025m Cranbourne Cup dead trk Oct 14 before running 6-3/4 len 5th (58.0) Vatuvei 2500m Moonee Valley Gold Cup dead trk Oct 27. Veteran campaigner who doesn't appear to be going as well as he was at this time last year when he followed a 6th in the Caulfield Cup with 9th in this race. He'll appreciate getting down in the weights but his chance to win this race may have passed him by.

23. ZABEELIONAIRE (L J Corstens) 4h By Zabeel - Kisumu (17:3-1-0): Got checked near the 1600m before finishing 6 len 14th (56.5) Green Moon 2000m F'ton Turnbull Stakes Oct 6 then as checked early on before finishing 2-3/4 len 6th (52.0) Dunaden 2400m Caulfield Cup Oct 20. Turned in a real eyecatcher on Saturday sweeping home for2-1/4 len 5th (58.5) Alcopop 2000m F'ton Mackinnon Stks Nov 3. SA Derby winner who didn't have much luck in the Caulfield Cup before producing a strong finish in the Mackinnon on Saturday. Appears to have been aimed specifically at this race and he's always shaped as a horse who would appreciate this trip. Will be finishing hard with his light weight.

24. KELINNI (C J Waller) 5g By Refuse To Bend - Orinoco (18:8-3-3): Scored sht nk win (55.5) Julienas, Strawberry Boy 2400m R'hill Colin Stephen dead trk Sept 29 before running 3-3/4 len 2nd (52.0) Glencadam Gold 2400m R'wick The Metro Oct 6. Midfield in transit then advanced to lead inside final 150m and kicked on for an authoritative nk win (57.0) Dare To Dream, Exceptionally 2500m F'ton Lexus Stakes dead trk Nov 3. Super consistent import who forced his way into the field with an excellent win in the Lexus on Saturday. In the big time now but gives impression he'll get the trip and looks a genuine knockout hope on Saturday's performance.

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Whincup wins in Abu Dhabi

Whincup ... strengthens his championship lead in Abu Dhabi. Source: Edge Photographics / AAP

Holden star Jamie Whincup has tightened his grip on this year's V8 Supercars championship after winning the first of three sprint races in Abu Dhabi.

Whincup jumped ahead of Ford polesitter Will Davison before the end of lap one to lead each of Saturday's 12 laps at Yas Marina Circuit.

Davison managed to hold on to second place in a hard-fought battle with fellow Ford driver Shane Van Gisbergen. Tim Slade, Lee Holdsworth and Mark Winterbottom rounded out the trail of Fords in the top six.

Holden's James Courtney was the only car forced to retire in a relatively-clean race on the 5.5km Formula One circuit.

He returned to the pits less than a quarter of the way through with damage from a collision involving Holden drivers Alex Premat and Rick Kelly, and Ford's Tony D'Alberto.

Kelly's smoking Holden also made a brief appearance in the pit lane on lap eight with suspected oil cooler issues.

Whincup's victory is his 61st race win in the V8 Supercars and adds 100 points to his 3060 championship total, extending his lead over Winterbottom by 318 points.

The race is the only one of the weekend to be run on the harder compound tyre, with the next two - at 7pm (EDT) Saturday and 8.30pm (EDT) Sunday - to use soft tyres.

It's the first time the V8s have raced for championship points at a Formula One Grand Prix meet.

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Fiery Pattinson lifts the Vics

Fiery spell ... James Pattinson stormed in late at the MCG on day two. Source: Stephen Harman / News Limited

James Pattinson showed plenty of aggression in a frightening spell of bowling as Victoria claimed five second-innings wickets to stay in the hunt after day two of their Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia.

SHEF - Melbourne Cricket Ground

1 November 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

Western Australia 2nd Innings

A. Voges	8	44	1	0	18.18
T. Triffitt	20	36	2	0	55.56

Western Australia reached 5-76 at stumps on Friday, an overall lead of 105 on an MCG pitch offering assistance to the pace bowlers.

Tom Triffitt is 20 not out and Adam Voges is unbeaten on eight.

Victoria had resumed on Friday on 0-21 in reply to the Warriors' 248 and the home side were dismissed for 219 at tea, including No.10 Clint McKay's 65.

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McKay (2-20) followed up his career-best score by claiming the early wickets of debutant Sam Whiteman for a duck and Test batsman Mike Hussey for three in the Warriors' second innings.

Jayde Herrick removed opener Marcus Harris (29) caught at second slip with the score on 47 and two runs later Test quick Pattinson struck a double blow.

Marcus North (13) fended a rising delivery to third slip and Mitchell Marsh was bowled between bat and pad for a third-ball duck.

Pattinson finished the day with 2-19 from 10 overs in an encouraging performance ahead of next week's first Test against South Africa in Brisbane.

Earlier, Western Australia's fifth-gamer Jason Behrendorff took a career-best 4-29.

The 22-year-old left-arm quick's victims included Victoria's top order of Chris Rogers (43), Peter Handscomb (13) and Cameron White (duck).

McKay's 65 came off 51 balls and included six fours and two sixes, which were both off the bowling of spinner Michael Beer.

Pattinson (18) and fellow tailender McKay added 83 runs for the ninth wicket after the Bushrangers had been 8-135.

Victoria's other major partnership was the fourth-wicket stand of 71 between Rogers and Aaron Finch (34).

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SA on verge of ending Shield horror

Tough day at the office ... Ben Hilfenhaus picks up his only wicket of the day. Source: Richard Jupe / News Limited

A fighting 75 from South Australia teenager Travis Head and a late cameo from Dan Christian have the Redbacks in with a chance of ending a horror Sheffield Shield run against Tasmania at Bellerive.

SHEF - Blundstone Arena

1 November 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

South Australia 2nd Innings

J. Botha	17	72	1	0	23.61
C. Sayers	6	28	0	0	21.43

Eighteen-year-old Head made the most of a life when he was 17 to crack his third Shield half-century, and first of the season, off 108 balls with 10 fours.

Australia one-day all-rounder Christian then smacked 50 off just 59 balls to help the Redbacks to a handy lead of 199 after they had bowled the Tigers out for a first innings 138 earlier on day two.

South Australia have not taken outright points in a Shield match since November 2010, but that was against Tasmania at Bellerive.

At stumps, the Redbacks were 7-225 in their second innings with skipper Johan Botha unbeaten on 17 and Chadd Sayers six.

Tigers seamer Jackson Bird had figures of 3-48 with Ben Hilfenhaus (1-80), Luke Butterworth (1-39), James Faulkner (1-47) and Xavier Doherty (1-8) taking a wicket apiece.

It proved a frustrating day at the office for Test paceman Hilfenhaus, who had to take a catch off his bowling himself to get a wicket after two simple chances had been dropped.

The big swing bowler made no mistake in getting underneath a miscue from Christian at 7-213 after catches were grassed by Ed Cowan at gully and Mark Cosgrove in the slips.

After making just 112 in their first dig, the Redbacks had looked to be in trouble again at 3-31 before a 118-run fourth-wicket partnership between Callum Ferguson (41) and Head steadied the ship.

They lost that pair and Tim Ludeman (0) within the space of one run to slide from 3-149 to 6-150 before a 63-run seventh-wicket stand between Christian and skipper Botha averted disaster again.

Earlier in the day, South Australia paceman Sayers had finished with 4-29 and Christian 3-31 as the Redbacks took 7-75 to have the Tigers all out with a modest lead of 26 on the first innings.

Ex-Queenslande Bull Ben Dunk top-scored with 45 in his first Shield outing for Tasmania.

Test spinner Nathan Lyon didn't bowl a ball in the Tasmania innings with the green-tinged pitch and cool conditions favouring the seamers.

Steve Cazzulino was called in by the Tigers to replace Ricky Ponting, who was withdrawn from the game with hamstring soreness.

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Live blog: 2012 Melbourne Cup

The race ... it stops a nation but gets our hearts going. Source: FOX SPORTS

Punters rejoice; the much-loved foxsports.com.au live blog of Melbourne Cup day is back in 2012 with a new jockey in the saddle.

Trent 'Horse Whisperer' Hile will be in the hot seat from 10.30am (EST) on Tuesday, November 6, to guide you through one of the biggest day on the nation's sporting calendar.

Hile will be on hand to keep you across the fashion, fun and financial gains made at headquarters.

The famous Fox Sports Fiver will be wagered each race as Hile helps build your bank.

And, for those who think they've got a better handle on the nags than the Horse Whisperer, you can join the conversation.

Bookmark this page and return on Tuesday to be part of the action.

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North finds form but Vics on top

Back in the runs ... North put a difficult couple of weeks behind him to top score for the Warriors. Source: News Limited

Western Australia's Marcus North regained form with a fine 87 but Victoria claimed the upper hand after day one of their Sheffield Shield clash at the MCG.

SHEF - Melbourne Cricket Ground

1 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Victoria 1st Innings

C. Rogers	12	25	1	0	48
P. Handscomb	6	30	0	0	20

The Warriors were sent in and were bowled out for 248.

Victoria will resume on Friday on 0-21 with Peter Handscomb on six and lucky to be there, with Chris Rogers 12 not out.

Handscomb was dropped on three at first slip by Adam Voges from the bowling of Mitchell Johnson.

North, who stepped down this week as captain after scoring 23 runs in his side's opening two games, was last man out when he was bowled by Test quick James Pattinson.

North hit eight fours and one six and faced 170 deliveries, adding 59 for the third wicket with Test batsman Mike Hussey (65).

Pattinson and Test teammate Peter Siddle claimed two wickets each as did Clint McKay, Jayde Herrick and young all-rounder Alex Keath.

Victoria captain Cameron White chose to bowl first in overcast conditions on a green-tinged MCG pitch.

Hussey played a determined knock in tough conditions before he was caught at second slip by his brother David from Herrick's bowling at 3-122.

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Voges (10) poked a catch to second slip and Mitchell Marsh (two) was caught behind as Siddle struck in consecutive overs.

Wade, who missed last weekend's Ryobi Cup clash with Tasmania because of a sore thumb, took several blows to the injured area during the post-lunch session.

Tom Triffitt (12) was out in the second over after tea to Pattinson as David Hussey pouched his third catch and Johnson (five) was caught behind at 7-190.

Michael Beer (22) was eighth man out after adding 48 with North as the courageous Wade claimed his fourth catch.

North's decision to quit the captaincy of the Warriors and Perth Scorchers came after the Scorchers' boozy night out for Mitchell Marsh's 21st birthday during their Champions League Twenty20 campaign in South Africa last month.

Marsh's brother Shaun was left out of this week's side for form reasons, the Warriors said.

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Origin coach welcomes Izzy home

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Back in the frame ... will we see more of this in 2013? Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

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New South Wales coach Laurie Daley might change his opinion come State of Origin time but the new Blues boss is leading the homecoming celebrations for Israel Folau.

Folau revealed his dalliance with AFL was over on Thursday after telling Greater Western Sydney powerbrokers on Wednesday night that his heart wasn't in his adopted game.

He is yet to reveal his next move but a return to the NRL - most likely with Parramatta - is on the cards.

Daley, who will coach New South Wales in their quest for a drought-breaking Origin series win in 2013, said Folau's tipped return to the NRL was good for the code.

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"First and foremost it's great to see Israel back in the game of rugby league and I am hoping he does come back," Daley told Fox Sports News.

"Over the last couple of years he's looked unhappy and hasn't adjusted to the game of AFL.

For Israel to be back in the NRL is a big bonus for everyone involved and if he plays for Queensland then so be it, he's just another player that they'll have that will make it difficult for us."  

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Daley expects most supporters to forgive Folau and welcome him back to the sport he was a dominant force in before his big-money move to AFL.

He also applauded Folau for taking a huge pay cut to return to a more familiar game.

"Most league supporters are very forgiving," Daley said.

"It's a bit like Sonny Bill (Williams). I think a lot of people at the time, and myself included, you're unhappy to see these guys go.

"But at the end of the day you realise they are in charge of their own destiny and they live and die by all the decisions they make.

"When it's a financial decision you can never criticise someone.

"But he (Folau) is back and he's making decision based on where he will feel more comfortable and most happy in his environment.

"He'll be welcomed back by most of the rugby league fans. There'll be a few out there who'll be a little bit disappointed but as far as I am concerned it's a great thing to have him back in our game."

Folau's first challenge if he is to make the switch back to league is putting on the size he shed for his AFL career.

When Folau arrived at the Giants he was a strapping 195cm tall and 104kg, a great size for rugby league but not quite the right shape for Aussie rules.

The former State of Origin winger dropped almost 10kg after embarking on an intense training regime.

Now, he's going to have to trade time trials for bench presses as he beefs up once more. Daley expects him to manage.

"I don't think it will be that difficult given he's got time on his side," Daley said.

"He won't do as much running as he has done with the AFL club and it will allow him time to put more muscle on his frame.

"He'll be looking to do three or four weight sessions a week.

"It'll take him a while to get him back to the shape he was in before he left for AFL in terms of the bulk and the size but you would think he would put it on quite quickly."

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Cummins has scans for back soreness

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Fresh concerns ... Cummins has had a dreadful run with injury over the last 12 months. Source:News Limited

Pat Cummins's immediate playing future is again under a cloud after the injury-troubled fast bowler had scans on a sore back on Wednesday.

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A Cricket Australia spokesperson confirmed that the bright young star will have further checks for any potential injury in coming days.

Cummins complained of back and rib soreness, sparking concerns of another side strain injury, after touching down in Sydney with the Sydney Sixers following their Champions League Twenty20 triumph.

"I'm not 100 per cent sure of the results yet," Cummins said. "We're still investigating, but will know in the next couple of days."

Originally hopefully of being part of the NSW team for the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland beginning at Brisbane's Allan Border Field tomorrow, Cummins said he was now not playing club cricket on the weekend.

"Pat came back from Champions League T20 with some back soreness,'' the CA spokesperson said.

"He had preliminary scans (on Wednesday) and is due to have further investigations over the next few days to establish a diagnosis.''

Cummins starred for the Sixers in the tournament in South Africa, playing in all six matches while picking up six wickets at an average of 26.5.

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It is understood Cricket Australia ordered the scans, with Cummins yet to link up with the NSW team since returning to Sydney on Tuesday.

After having the scans, the 19-year-old met CA physiotherapist Alex Kountouris to discuss the latest injury setback.

Last year, Cummins sat out the entire Test summer with a heel complaint incurred in the Test series in South Africa.

He also flew home midway through Australia's one-day tour of England after picking up a side strain in the first match in June.

Cummins, whose only first-class match in the past 18 months was his brilliant Test debut against South Africa, had been hopeful of playing on the fourth day of NSW's Sheffield Shield match against Queensland, which starts on Friday.

That was considered the first step in his plans to regain Test selection later in the summer, but those plans might have to be shelved again.

- Additional reporting: The Daily Telegraph

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Your club's ins and outs for 2013

Wellingham ... is a star recruit for West Coast Eagles. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

AFL clubs are a step closer to finalising their lists for the 2013 season. Each club was on Wednesday required to submit their ins and outs in preparation for the draft, to be held on the Gold Coast on Thursday, November 15.

Each club was on Wednesday required to submit their ins and outs in preparation for the draft, to be held on the Gold Coast on Thursday, November 15.

The ins and outs that each club submitted are as follows:

ADELAIDE CROWS 
Ins
Brad Crouch, GWS Trade Incentive
Angus Graham, Traded From Richmond
 
Outs
Michael Doughty, Retired
Chris Knights, Free Agent
Brad Symes, Delisted
 
BRISBANE LIONS
Ins
Jack Crisp, Promoted Rookie
Stefan Martin, Traded from Melbourne
Brent Moloney, Free Agent from Melbourne
Niall McKeever, Promoted Rookie
 
Outs
Amon Buchanan, Retired
Josh Drummond, Retired
James Hawksley, Delisted
Ben Hudson, Retired
Bryce Retzlaff, Delisted
Sam Sheldon, Delisted
Cheynee Stiller, Delisted
 
CARLTON BLUES
Ins
Levi Casboult, Promoted Rookie
Zach Tuohy, Promoted Rookie
 
Outs
Paul Bower, Delisted
Andrew Collins, Delisted
Rohan Kerr, Delisted
Jordan Russell, Traded to Collingwood
Bret Thornton, Delisted

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COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES
Ins 
Quinten Lynch, Free Agent from West Coast
Jordan Russell, Traded from Carlton
Marley Williams, Promoted Rookie
Clinton Young, Free Agent from Hawthorn
 
Outs
Simon Buckley, Delisted
Jonathon Ceglar, Delisted
Chris Dawes, Traded to Melbourne
Luke Rounds, Delisted
Chris Tarrant, Retired
Kirk Ugle, Delisted
Sharrod Wellingham, Traded to West Coast
Cameron Wood, Delisted
Tom Young, Traded to the Western Bulldogs
 
ESSENDON BOMBERS
Ins 
Mark Baguley, Promoted Rookie
Joe Daniher, Father Son Selection
Brendon Goddard, Free Agent from St Kilda
 
Outs
Sam Lonergan, Delisted
Mark McVeigh, Retired
Angus Monfries, Traded to Port Adelaide
Kyle Reimers, Delisted
Michael Ross, Delisted
Henry Slattery, Delisted
 
FREMANTLE DOCKERS
Ins
Clancee Pearce, Promoted Rookie
Danyle Pearce, Free Agent From Port Adelaide
Lee Spurr, Promoted Rookie
 
Outs
Greg Broughton, Traded to the Gold Coast Suns
Antoni Grover, Retired
Jay Van Berlo, Delisted

• Opening round spread over two weeks, commencing March 22 and climaxing April 1.
• Grand final rematch between Sydney Swans and Hawthorn in Round 7 at the MCG and again in Round 23 at ANZ Stadium.
• All clubs to play at least one match at the MCG, as part of a minimum five in Victoria.
• The top eight teams of 2012 to play the bottom eight teams only once, with the exception of Sydney Swans.
• Mid-season break for all clubs to be spread across Rounds 11-13. Six matches will be played in each round, enabling six clubs to enjoy a bye.
• Two Monday night matches, St Kilda v Carlton in Round 7 at Etihad Stadium and West Coast v Richmond in Round 10 at Patersons Stadium.
• St Kilda and Sydney Swans to play for premiership points outside Australia for the first time with a historic Anzac Day encounter in Wellington, New Zealand.

GEELONG CATS
Ins 
Josh Caddy, Traded from the Gold Coast Suns
Hamish McIntosh, Traded from North Melbourne
Jared Rivers, Free Agent From Melbourne
Jesse Stringer, Promoted Rookie
 
Outs
Shannon Byrnes, Free Agent to Melbourne
Simon Hogan, Retired
Tom Gillies, Delisted
Matthew Scarlett, Retired
Orren Stephenson, Delisted
David Wojcinski, Retired
 
GOLD COAST SUNS
Ins 
Greg Broughton, Traded from Fremantle
Clay Cameron, Zone Selection
Kyal Horsley, Promoted Rookie
Tom Murphy, Free Agent from Hawthorn
Jaeger O'Meara, GWS Trade Incentive Selection
 
Outs
Josh Caddy, Traded to the Geelong Cats
Piers Flanagan, Delisted
Josh Fraser, Retired
Tom Hickey, Traded to St Kilda
Sam Iles, Delsited
Hayden Jolly, Delisted
Nathan Krakouer, Delisted
Alik Magin, Delisted
Lewis Moss, Delisted
Josh Toy, Delisted
 
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY GIANTS
Ins 
Sam Frost, Promoted Rookie
Stephen Gilham, Traded from Hawthorn
Andrew Phillips, Promoted Rookie
 
Outs
Stephen Clifton, Delisted
Jack Hombsch, Traded to Port Adelaide
James McDonald, Retired
Luke Power, Retired
 
HAWTHORN HAWKS
Ins 
Jed Anderson, NT Zone Selection Traded from the GWS Giants
Brian Lake, Traded From the Western Bulldogs
Matt Spangher, Traded From the Sydney Swans
 
Outs
Chance Bateman, Retired
Jarrod Boumann, Delisted
Cameron Bruce, Retired
Stephen Gilham, Traded to the GWS Giants
Tom Murphy, Free Agent to the Gold Coast Suns
Michael Osborne, Delisted
Clinton Young, Free Agent to Collingwood
 
MELBOURNE DEMONS
Ins 
Dominic Barry, NT Zone Selection Traded by the GWS Giants
Shannon Byrnes, Free Agent from the Geelong Cats
Chris Dawes, Traded from Collingwood
Michael Evans, Promoted Rookie
Daniel Nicholson, Promoted Rookie
Camerson Pedersen, Traded From North Melbourne
David Rodan, Traded From Port Adelaide
Jack Viney, Father Son Selection
 
Outs
Matthew Bate, Delisted
Jamie Bennell, Delisted
Lucas Cook, Delisted
Brad Green, Retired
Jordan Gysberts, Traded to North Melbourne
Liam Jurrah, Delisted
Stefan Martin, Traded to the Brisbane Lions
Brent Moloney, Free Agent to the Brisbane Lions
Cale Morton, Traded to West Coast

NORTH MELBOURNE KANGAROOS
Ins
Majak Daw, Promoted Rookie
Sam Gibson, Promoted Rookie
Jordan Gysberts, Traded from Melbourne
Aaron Mullett, Promoted Rookie
 
Outs
Matt Campbell, Delisted
Aaron Edwards, Traded to Richmond
Cruize Garlett, Delisted
Hamish McIntish, Traded to the Geelong Cats
Ben McKinley, Delisted
Camerson Pederson, Traded to Melbourne
Ben Speight, Delisted
Ben Warren, Delisted
 
PORT ADELAIDE POWER
Ins 
Campbell Heath, Traded from the Sydney Swans Rookie List
Jack Hombsch, Traded from the GWS Giants
Tom Jonas, Promoted Rookie
Angus Monfries, Traded from Essendon
Jake Neade, NT Zone Selection Traded from the GWS Giants
Lewis Stevenson, Traded from West Coast
 
Outs
Mitchell Banner, Delisted
Troy Chaplin, Free Agent to Richmond
John McCarthy
Danyle Pearce, Free Agent to Fremantle
Simon Phillips, Delisted
David Rodan, Traded to Melbourne
Steven Salopek, Delisted
Jacob Surjan, Delisted
 
RICHMOND TIGERS
Ins
Troy Chaplin, Free Agent from Port Adelaide
Aaron Edwards, Traded from North Melbourne
Chris Knights, Free Agent from the Adelaide Crows
 
Outs
Andrew Browne, Delisted
Daniel Connors, Delisted
Angus Graham, Traded to the Adelaide Crows
Dean Macdonald, Delisted
Kelvin Moore, Retired
Jayden Post, Delisted
Jeromey Webberley, Delisted
 
ST KILDA SAINTS
Ins
Trent Dennis-Lane, Traded from the Sydney Swans
Sam Dunell, Promoted Rookie
Tom Hickey, Traded from the Gold Coast Suns
Tom Lee, Previously Listed Player Traded from the GWS Giants
 
Outs
Raphael Clarke, Delisted
Jamie Cripps, Traded to West coast
Sam Crocker, Delisted
Brendon Goddard, Free Agent to Essendon
Jason Gram, Delisted
Brett Peake, Delisted
Dean Polo, Delisted
 
SYDNEY SWANS
Ins 
Harry Cunningham, Promoted Rookie
 
Outs
Trent Dennis-Lane, Traded to St Kilda
Nathan Gordon, Delisted
Brett Meredith, Delisted
Jarred Moore, Delisted
Mark Seaby, Delisted
Matt Spangher, Traded to Hawthorn
 
WEST COAST EAGLES
Ins
Jamie Cripps, Traded from St Kilda
Brad Dick, Promoted Rookie
Cale Morton, Traded from Melbourne
Sharrod Wellingham, Traded from Collingwood
 
Outs
Quinten Lynch, Free Agent to Collingwood
Ryan Neates, Delisted
Koby Stevens, Traded to the Western Bulldogs
Lewis Stevenson, Traded to Port Adelaide
Andrew Strijk, Delisted
Tom Swift, Retired
Gerrick Weedon, Delisted
 
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Ins
Tom Campbell, Promoted Rookie
Lachlan Hunter, Father/Son
Jason Johannisen, Promoted Rookie
Koby Stevens, Traded from West Coast
Tom Young, Traded from Collingwood
 
Outs
Nathan Djerrkura, Retired
Lindsay Gilbee, Retired
Ryan Hargrave, Retired
Tom Hill, Delisted
Andrew Hooper, Delisted
Brian Lake, Traded to Hawthorn
Brodie Moles, Delisted
James Mulligan, Delisted
Matthew Panos, Delisted

---

Fox Footy is the only place to see every game of the 2013 AFL regular season live in high definition and uninterrupted siren-to-siren.

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NRL increases club grants to $7m

Laughing ... NRL clubs are seeing the benefits of the new broadcast deal. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

NRL clubs will each receive an immediate $2 million injection thanks to the $1 billion broadcast deal signed earlier this year.

All 16 clubs will potentially have a funding package of $7 million to help balance the sheets in 2013, the NRL announced on Wednesday.

Most notably, the base grant provided to all clubs has risen dramatically from $3.85 million to $5.85 million for 2013.

The deal was signed off on Wednesday after consultation between the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and the club council.

"It is something that will provide the clubs with the ability to invest in their businesses for growth and it provides security for players and fans," interim chief executive Shane Mattiske said in a statement.

"The first of the six pillars of the strategic plan announced this week states that clubs should be sustainable and resourced to perform and grow and this is a direct investment in that outcome that we are pleased to deliver.

"The finalisation of club funding allows us to focus on player payments and the CBA and those ongoing discussions with the RLPA (Rugby League Players' Association) will continue (on Thursday)."

In addition to the base grant of $5.85 million, clubs can cash in on a further $1.15 million if they can deliver on off-field commitments - including online assets, ground signage and welfare, education and community relations.

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Teammates may not welcome Cooper

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Nowhere to hide ... Several Wallabies veterans may take a while to forgive Cooper. Source:AP

Injured Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper faces a frosty reception when he eventually returns to the national fold, Fox Sports rugby commentators Greg Clark and Brendan Cannon say.

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Cooper on Wednesday received a $60,000 fine, $20,000 of which is suspended, and a suspended three-match ban for his public outbursts about the Wallabies, coach Robbie Deans and the Australian Rugby Union.

The New Zealand-born No.10 appeared repentant following the marathon four-hour hearing at ARU HQ in Sydney, offering his apologies to supporters.

But Clark wasn't convinced Cooper's Wallabies teammates would be all that quick to forgive, saying comments about refusing the gold jersey had struck a chord throughout the squad.

"That's going to be the big question," Clark told Fox Sports News when asked what reaction Cooper could expect from his teammates.

"I know that players like Drew Mitchell certainly didn't jump on board and pat him on the back when he made those initial comments saying that there was a toxic environment in the Wallabies camp.

"And when he did say that he probably would have turned down the opportunity to wear Wallaby gold – that didn't go down too well.

"And that's probably the statement that got him into the hot water with his teammates.

"So he's going to have to certainly make it up and the best way to do that I guess is to get his body right and focus on getting back into the Reds' training system and back into the Wallabies in 2013."

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Clark's fellow Fox Sports rugby commentator, former Wallabies hooker Cannon, agreed with the severity of Cooper's fine but was disappointed part of it had been suspended.

Cannon also said the Queensland Reds fan favourite would have lost significant bargaining power in his ongoing contract negotiations with the ARU.

"It's (the punishment) extremely severe but also what Quade did was also an extremely severe act of ill-discipline," Cannon told Fox Sports News.

"He hasn't re-signed, I believe, with the Australian Rugby Union at this point. So from a bargaining or a negotiation perspective he's given up his rights effectively.

"And he's questioned everything about the Wallaby fabric – the jersey, the players that he's played with, Robbie Deans and the coaching staff.

"He's brought the whole thing into the spotlight for all the negative reasons so whilst it is a significant fine I don't get how a portion of it can be suspended."

The former Reds, NSW Waratahs and Western Force rake also said Cooper faced an uphill battle to win back the Wallabies No.10 jersey.

"They'll always say that it won't affect future chances (of selection) but he's got an enormous challenge to win back the respect of the Wallaby group that he's offended so terribly," he said.

"And if you were the coach of a team that one of the players has come out and said there's a toxic environment; well isn't that reflected upon the environment that you create?

"So one would say that unless he has a sublime season next year with the Queensland Reds; I think you've already seen this year that Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor and alike are pretty good options or alternatives at fly half.

"So Quade's gone from the space of the 12 months being this unbelievable rugby talent, and he still is, but there are other options available now."

Watch the John Eales Medal and every match from the Wallabies' spring tour Live and in HD on Fox Sports!

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Haddin saw Test omission coming

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No great shock ... Haddin says he knew Wade would get the nod to face South Africa. Source:AFP

Veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin says he saw his omission from the Australia side for the first Test coming, claiming the decision to go with Matthew Wade was made "a long time ago".

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Haddin on Tuesday arrived back in Sydney after leading Sydney Sixers to Champions League glory in South Africa - the gloss of the 10-wicket triumph in the final tarnished somewhat when he was left out of the Test side to face South Africa at the Gabba from November 9.

Selectors opted to stick with the 24-year-old Wade behind the stumps, after he shone while filling in during the tour of West Indies earlier this year when Haddin had returned home for personal reasons.

Haddin, 35, said he felt no bitterness to selectors or Wade even if it meant the end of his international career, saying he would be there if required by the Australia team into the future.

"I think this decision was made a long time ago ... I don't think it was made overnight," Haddin said.

"The decision to go in this direction was made a long time ago."

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Asked if he had been given an indication by selectors that this was the way they would go, Haddin said: "If you've been around cricket long enough, (it's not hard) to get the feeling that it was going to go this way.

"I'm content with where things are at. My job now is to get back to NSW and, like everyone else, enjoy Australia regain the No.1 Test ranking in the world."

There will be little rest for Haddin following his exploits in South Africa with the Blues to take on Queensland in a Sheffield Shield clash in Brisbane starting on Friday.

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A night out at the Test match?

Night cricket ... has been given the green light by the ICC. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Test matches at night are inevitable at Australian cricket grounds as soon as a suitable ball is found, following clearance from the International Cricket Council.

Cricket Australia says day-night Tests Down Under are inevitable. Great idea or should they leave Tests alone?

The ICC has ruled Test-match-participating countries may now agree to day/night Tests and will be able to decide on the hours of play as well as the brand, type and colour of ball to be used.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland welcomed the ruling, although a poll of more than 100 Australian players undertaken by the players' union last year found only 40 percent supported a move to day-nighters.

"Test cricket is by definition played on at least three week days, times when most people are at work or school, and this limits the ability of fans to attend or watch on TV," Sutherland said.

"We limit ourselves by staging cricket's premium format at times when fans often cannot watch. We know that the audience for the Perth Test, which is on TV in the evening on the east coast, is up significantly because fans in the East can tune in after work.

"CA has a formal strategic plan that demands that Australian cricket puts fans first and we will now add day/night Tests to the agenda when we talk to other Test nations about their future tours down under."

Sutherland says elite cricket's short formats had shown that batsmen could make big scores under lights.

"Finding a Test ball that is as easily visible in the day as it is at night is still a technical work in progress that the ICC is now leading and it has not yet been possible to predict when such a ball might be available.

"The traditional red ball is not regarded as suitable for night cricket because it is not as visible at night as it is in the day, and the ODI white ball is not suitable for Tests as it is not as durable as the red ball and does not last as well as a Test ball needs to last.

"Experiments with other colours such as pink, orange and yellow have seen some promising developments in recent times and Cricket Australia will, together with the ICC and ball manufacturers, continue to encourage research and development that delivers a ball with the optimal colour and durability for Test cricket."

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SBW sidelined for two months: report

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In doubt ... Williams will reportedly have to postpone his fight. Source:News Limited

The drama surrounding Sonny Bill Williams's anticipated return to the NRL has taken another twist with reports a chest injury will keep the dual international out of action for at least two months.

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The 27-year-old flew into Sydney on Tuesday to prepare for a boxing bout next month, but it is understood he was also set to formally sign a contract to return to rugby league with Sydney Roosters.

But after being spotted at the NRL club's headquarters at Moore Park, Nine News reported the former Canterbury-Bankstown backrower had scans on a pectoral injury and faces surgery followed by two to three months without any form of contact.

Williams suffered the injury playing rugby union for Japanese club Panasonic last weekend.

With Japanese rugby on a five-week break, his return to the Wild Knights is in jeopardy and his heavyweight fight with South African veteran Francois Botha on November 24 will almost certainly be postponed.

And while his mooted deal with the Roosters might still eventuate, the untimely injury has the potential to further complicate negotiations that have been bubbling away for months.

In July, Williams said he would quit the All Blacks to fulfil a handshake agreement made several years ago to return to rugby league in the NRL in 2013.

"At the moment, it (the fight) is a little bit in doubt," Williams told Fox Sports News at Sydney Airport earlier on Tuesday.

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I came close to suicide: Hatton

Turning point ... Ricky Hatton (L) says he went into depression after losing to Manny Pacquiao. Source: AFP

English boxer Ricky Hatton has revealed how close he came to suicide during his three-year break from the sport, as he prepares to relaunch his career with a fight next month.

The 34-year-old, who won world titles at both welterweight and light-welterweight, slipped into depression after a brutal second-round knockout by Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao in his last fight in May 2009.

He has revealed that, during the worst bouts of the illness, his girlfriend had to take a knife from him to stop him hurting himself.

"I was near to a nervous breakdown; depression, suicidal,'' he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"Most mornings my girlfriend would have to come downstairs and take a knife out of my hand. I had a knife at my wrists, I was in a really bad way, just hysterically crying for no reason.

"I've always liked a little bit of a drink, but my drinking had gone way off the Richter scale. I was having black-outs.

"And even if I was stone-cold sober, I was trying to kill myself. The real lowest point was when my little girl came along, who is one-year-old now.

"(Hatton's son) Campbell had the misfortune to see his dad in such a bad way. I am not going to do it anymore to my kids and I'm not going to put my family though it any more.''

Hatton will return to the ring against Vyacheslav Senchenko of Ukraine at the Manchester Evening News Arena on November 24.

A much-loved figure in Great Britain during the first part of his career, Hatton admitted his defeats at the hands of Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather left him feeling like a "failure''.

"I feel sad because I feel ashamed of myself,'' he said.

"It doesn't matter how many people say, 'Ricky, everyone has problems and you got beaten by Mayweather and Pacquiao, who are the two best fighters of our generation. You did the country proud.'

"That's very kind of people to say, but they don't have to deal with this little fella who sits on my shoulder every day telling me that I'm a failure and I've let my family and my fans down and British sport, British boxing, down.

"I feel a failure and it doesn't matter how many people say, 'Don't be too hard on yourself.' That's how I feel and that's how I'm coming back. I feel I've got to redeem myself.''

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NRL yet to see Sonny Bill contract

Still on? ... the NRL is yet to see a contract concerning Sonny Bill Williams. Source: Rick Rycroft / AP

Interim NRL chief executive Shane Mattiske says he needs to see a contract in his hands before determining whether or not Sonny Bill Williams will be cleared for a return to the game.

Speculation mounted on the weekend that the NRL are considering blocking Williams' widely-discussed return to rugby league with Sydney Roosters due to the fact the dual international is managed by non-accredited player agent Khoder Nasser.

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Mattiske said no decision had been made on Williams - who walked out on Canterbury-Bankstown mid-contract in 2008 to take up a big-money offer in rugby union - simply because they had not yet been approached by the Roosters.

"The Roosters understand that if they are to bring Sonny Bill to the game, they need to come and approach us about that," Mattiske said.

"They need to get to a point where they've got a contract they can bring to us for registration - at this stage we're waiting for that to happen."

Midway through this year Williams, who is currently on a short-term deal to play rugby union in Japan and will have a boxing bout in Brisbane next month, said he was quitting union to honour a handshake deal with Roosters supremo Nick Politis.

But to date there is no contract in place, an issue recently appointed Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan said would be his first item of business.

Such has been the fanfare ahead of Williams' return that it is believed the NRL has tentatively scheduled the Roosters to open the season against South Sydney.

Mattiske denied any matches had been set in stone other than to say the Roosters would play the Rabbitohs sometime in round one.

"We haven't settled on the draw, so we haven't locked away the first game of the year," he said.

"We've consistently played in the first round Roosters v Souths - it's one of our biggest games so we intend on playing that (in the first round)."

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Lyon unruffled by Shield stats

Lyon ... is under pressure to perform for Australia after a tough patch in Shield. Source: AAP

For Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, there's lies, damned lies and his statistics this summer.

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The Test offie has managed just six wickets in three Sheffield Shield games at the unflattering average of 66.33.

It contrasts with his 42 wickets in 13 matches for Australia at 27.83 and, says Lyon, it's not a problem heading into a series against the world's No.1 team, South Africa.

"I've been quite happy with the way they've come out," he told reporters in Hobart, where South Australia will play a one-dayer against Tasmania on Tuesday.

"I've been creating chances and unfortunately they haven't been held.

"I'm really confident in my own skill set."

The 24-year-old was considered to be in a battle for a Test spot with Jon Holland until the Victorian's season was ended by a shoulder injury.

But Lyon took seven wickets in his last Test, in the West Indies in April, and Australia captain Michael Clarke said he had the ability to lift for the national team.

"We've been concerned about Nathan's form but he's performed very well for Australia and we're hoping that in the 10 or 11 days leading into the Test he really recaptures his old form and he's bowling at his best," Clarke said.

"But he's got a very good record for Australia. He's served us well overseas and in Australia."

Australia could play four pacemen at the seam-friendly Gabba but, like spin legend Shane Warne before him, Lyon says the Brisbane pitch will suit him.

He finished with match figures of 7-88 against New Zealand there last summer.

"I'm pretty confident I'll be part of the 11," he said.

"I love bowling there just because of the bounce you get there and early on day one it tends to spin a little bit with a bit of tackiness under the pitch.

"The bounce that you're able to generate there's fantastic."

---

Australia coach Micky Arthur and captain Michael Clarke will appear on the season-opening episode of Inside Cricket – Monday November 5, 8:30pm (EDT) on Fox Sports 2HD.

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Aussie MotoGP as it happened

Last blast ... join SPEED for our live blog of Casey Stoner's final Australian MotoGP. Source: FOX SPORTS

After a banner day for Australian motorcycle racing at Phillip Island, re-live all the action with SPEED's Australian MotoGP Live Blog.

For the first time in history, we had Australian riders finishing on the podium in each of the three MotoGP categories.

First up was the Moto3 race, where Arthur Sissis made a pass for third at Honda Corner on the final lap, then defended the position ahead of a frantic chasing pack of several riders to cross the finish line for his first podium finish, in a race won by 2012 Moto3 world champion Sandro Cortese.

Then we turned our attention to Moto2. It was hard to top the finish of the Moto3 race but somehow they did it, Anthony West charging up in the closing laps to beat Marc Marquez to second place. Pol Espargaro won the race, but Marquez's third place was enough to see him crowned world champion.

And then the finale, Casey Stoner's MotoGP finale at Phillip Island. In front of a bumper crowd, Stoner made the fairytale come true with his sixth-straight win. Meantime, Jorge Lorenzo finished second to be crowned world champion as title rival Dani Pedrosa crashed out of an early lead.

Sunday, November 28, 2012 will forever rank as one of the greatest days in Australian motorcycle racing. So sit back and enjoy the day as-it-happened with SPEED's Live Blog of the AirAsia Australian MotoGP.

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'I'm not changing my mind'

Winner ... Stoner bows out on top at Phillip Island. Source: Paul Crock / AFP

Casey Stoner says he won't walk away from MotoGP before the final race of the season, but won't be coming back afterwards.

Stoner's remarkable sixth successive Australian MotoGP victory - done as he recovers from ankle surgery - provided a perfect farewell at the Phillip Island track he loves and dominates before his retirement.

It had prompted suggestions the 27-year-old may not take part in the final race of the season in Spain in a fortnight - perhaps tempted to walk away from the sport on a high he described as one of his career highlights.

But Stoner was adamant he would complete the season before officially farewelling MotoGP, rather than bring forward his retirement.

"I'm here to finish this season, not just finish my home Grand Prix," Stoner said.

"It's not like that for me. I wasn't just planning for this race alone (from his injury). I was planning to come back for as many races as I could before the end of the season.

"It's fantastic, and I can't ask for a better way to end my career in Australia.

"But at the same time, I'm not finishing here. I'm going to Valencia to see if I can get another good result."

Stoner also hosed down any thoughts he may consider a comeback - following five-time world champion Mick Doohan's suggestion the 27-year-old might be in line for a MotoGP return after taking a decent break from the sport.

"I've got no thoughts whatsoever at this time of ever even thinking of coming back," Stoner said.

"I'm very established where I'm going (into retirement). I'm not changing my mind every couple of minutes."

Stoner's remarkable win came after he started the race badly from pole, but inherited the lead on lap two when Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa crashed out of the race and world title contention.

He capped off a superb day for Australia in front of a record Phillip Island MotoGP crowd of more than 53,000.

Queenslander Anthony West finished second in the Moto2 race, while Adelaide teenager Arthur Sissis was third in the Moto3 - his first Grand Prix podium finish.

The overall three-day crowd of more than 122,000 was a 25 per cent increase on last year - mostly due to the race being Stoner's Australian farewell.

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NRL expansion put on backburner

Changes ... The ARLC meets at Rugby League Central on Monday to announce several changes. Source: Bob Barker / News Limited

Expansion is expected to be officially put on the backburner on Monday when the ARL Commission unveils its long-term vision for the game.

With a $1 billion-plus broadcast deal now in place, the ARLC will present its strategic plan for 2013-2017 - with expansion and the split of the funding pie amongst the key topics.

A new logo for the NRL will also be revealed as the commission sets out its long-term priorities at Rugby League Central.

Consortiums up and down the eastern seaboard - including groups in Brisbane, Ipswich and the NSW Central Coast - along with others from Perth, Wellington and even Papua New Guinea have been building their case for inclusion for a number of years.

But intent on ensuring the survival and growth of the 16 teams already in the competition, the ARLC is set to announce that expansion is not on the agenda for at least the next five years.

Bid teams were always facing an uphill battle to secure a start from the moment Nine Network boss David Gyngell indicated more games would not drive up broadcast revenue.

The ARLC will confirm a $5 million salary cap for the 2013 season, while clubs are also set to be given an indication on where the cap and the annual grants will head over coming years.

It is anticipated that a greater financial commitment to both grassroots and country football will be announced, with plans for more NRL games to be played in the bush.

There will also be clarification on representative eligibility for both State of Origin and Test football.

The ARLC's strategic plan has been six months in the planning, though there is still no word on who will be empowered to enact the vison, with no word yet on a replacement for former chief executive David Gallop, who was forced out in June.

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