Hobart day two: Geeves' Top Five

Hilfenhaus ... the man has an incredible knowledge of numbers. Source: David Mariuz / AAP

What happened at the Test on day two? You'll find out plenty from former Australia and Tasmania all-rounder Brett Geeves, but probably not that.

1. Rainy days

Did you know that in the great musical movie Singin' in the Rain, the rain was a mixture of water and milk to make it visible on screen? So when Gene Kelly filmed that iconic dance scene, he was actually singing in the milk? Further to this, the Milk and Water Embrace of the Kama Sutra is not for family reunions, or the cricket dressing rooms, although they could do with some excitement on days like this.

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Being at the cricket when it's raining is as tedious as the Naked Gun's Albert S. Meinheimer's power point presentation on the need for a policy, based on energy efficiency and clean renewable energy sources.

The modern cricketer is a very different beast to the one that filled the domestic and international ranks pre-2008.

I can only imagine that during an extended delay in play, caused by rain or (pre-2008) someone placing ice bags under the covers on the way home from a bender, in the hope of catching up on kip the following day; players are now involved in alternate forms of yoga and are more than likely required to offer urine and stool samples to ensure their levels of hydration and fibre intake are both at acceptable levels.

When I retired from first-class cricket, I promised myself that I wouldn't become that guy. We all know the guy, maybe not directly, but you know him.

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Relive all the day two action from Hobart with our interactive blog!

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He sits at your local bar, on his own, and is forever spruiking - "BACK WHEN I PLAYED". Apologies. But ... it was a free-for-all of cards, drinking, dancing and practical jokes. Of course, we were drinking coffee, which does nothing for your hydration levels  - these were rebellious days, man.

There is one rainy day that stands out and the villain was current one-day spinner, Xavier Doherty. This may come as a surprise to some of you, because on TV he comes across as having a personality as straight as the neck of a female member of the Kayan tribe, Africa: Xavier Doherty is not straight.  Xavier Doherty is a closet..... mad man.

Anyway, it was a rainy day at the Gabba and by tea time, there had been no play. All players were going a touch crazy. Due to his inability to sit still, James Faulkner had been involved in 11 different physical altercations, Jason Krezja had smoked three packets of ciggies and most others slept or played cards. It was while George Bailey slept, that Xavier Doherty pounced. Keep in mind that he is a closet ... architect. See the photo - he created a masterpiece over the motionless body of Bailey.

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2. You've gotta love Hilfy

The kid from North West Tasmania. The former bricky. The man who has an incredible knowledge of numbers and in particular - Sudoku.

Fast bowlers are perceived as having minimal intelligence and well-suited to playing the drums and lifting heavy stuff, like bricks.

It's said, by whom I'm unsure, that Hilf has been asked to play Raymond Babbitt (Dustin Hoffman) in the re-release of Rain Man, such is his love of numbers and the un-canny similarities in personalities. The pressing questions is: To stay with Charlie Babbitt or go back to Walbrook?

It's been well documented that Hilf has spent the last few weeks re-modeling his action. Hilf never actually bowls poorly, but he becomes less efficient when it comes to swinging the ball and in turn, being an aggressive wicket taker.

Even at Hilf's worst, he has the ability to play international cricket because he is so economical and bowls well in partnerships. He can dot up one end, for extended periods, allowing the FAST men to bowl aggressively from the other.

This is partnership bowling and it is effective in all forms of the game, at all levels. So far in this Test, his seam position is good and if he can stay strong with his current action, he will find swing and wickets at some stage in this match.

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3,4,5. Mike Hussey

There aren't many words us mere mortals can use when describing Mike Hussey as a person and a cricketer.

Right now, I feel dirty for even thinking about him.

I sang a song about him in the media room and was told very quickly to sod off, such was the disgust in me saying his name out loud.

As I write this, he just took a catch. Wow - I, like you, am in love with Mike Hussey.

As a sign of my respect and love (and not because the page is about to end)  I am dedicating numbers 3, 4 and 5 to Mike Hussey.

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What was your favourite moment from day two of the first Test? Let us know by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

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Victory, Roar produce thrilling draw

Thriller ... Victory and Roar players compete for the ball. Source: Salpigtidis George / AAP

A former hero at one A-League club thwarts his old side as Melbourne Victory draw 1-1 with Brisbane Roar - but it wasn't Ange Postecoglou.

Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo, a two-time championship winner at Melbourne Victory before joining Brisbane, steals the show producing several important saves.

Victory coach Postecoglou's hopes of securing a win over his former club were scuttled virtually single-handedly by Theo in a superb goalkeeping performance.

Two important stops from Marco Rojas shots in the first half were followed by a world-class save in the 74th minute to deny Gui Finkler - and what would have been a win for the Victory.

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Catch all the goals, saves and highlights at our Match Centre.

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The Victory totally controlled the opening 20 minutes, with Rojas running amok and the Roar looking clueless.

But the Victory's wobbly defence - their problem all season - found a new and inventive way to leak goals against the run of play after 24 minutes.

Fullback Diogo Ferreira's fresh air swing at a ball across goal gave Roar striker Ben Halloran a half-chance, and he punished the Victory with a superb finish that had evaded them to that point.

The Roar controlled the remainder of the first half and maintained their 1-0 lead to halftime, before the home side equalised four minutes after the break.

Midfielder Mark Milligan's thunderous shot from the edge of the 18-yard-box from a Finkler pass levelled the scores and again changed the momentum of the game.

The Victory had the best chance to win it, but after Finkler brilliantly turned a defender in the box, he was denied by Theo's remarkable one-handed save from point-blank range.

Then Theo stood up again to block Archie Thompson's shot just minutes later, and ensure the Roar a share of the points as their defence held firm under a late match onslaught. 

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Aussies take control on day two

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Dismissed ... Siddle takes the key scalp of Sangakkara. Source:AAP

Sri Lanka have collapsed to 4-87 with their two superstar batsmen already in the sheds after Australia dominated day two of the first Test in Hobart on Saturday.

1st Test - Blundstone Arena

14 December 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

Sri Lanka 1st Innings

T. Dilshan	50	85	8	0	58.82
T. Samaraweer...	7	20	0	0	35
N. Lyon	2.1	2	0	1	0.00

The ultra-consistent `Mr Cricket' Mike Hussey was the backbone of Australia's 5-450 declared, finishing unbeaten on 115 after skipper Michael Clarke made 74.

Returning to full fitness and growing in confidence, Tasmania's swing specialist Ben Hilfenhaus removed Sri Lankan second-gamer Dimuth Karunaratne caught behind for 14.

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Pace spearhead Peter Siddle claimed the key wicket of Kumar Sangakkara caught in the gully by Hussey for four.

But the biggest blow to Sri Lanka's hopes of a first-innings lead came with the score on 70 when their alltime leading runscorer Mahela Jayawardene was lbw to Shane Watson for 12.

Skipper Jayawardene immediately referred the decision to the third umpire but replays showed the ball was on line.

Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan has played a typically aggressive knock of 50 not out including eight fours.

However on the last ball of the day Dilshan lost his fourth batting partner as spinner Nathan Lyon claimed the wicket of Thilan Samaraweera caught behind for seven.peHussey's hundred was his 19th and third in four home Tests this summer.

The 37-year-old has developed a fondness for Sri Lankan bowling attacks, reaching three figures five times in six Tests.

For once it was Hussey who overshadowed Clarke, who was caught at first slip off the bowling of Shaminda Eranga in the third over of the day.

The in-form Clarke leads all runscorers in Tests in 2012 with 1432 at a staggering average of 102.28.

Clarke and Hussey added 106 for the fifth wicket before Hussey and Matthew Wade (68 not out) shared an unbroken partnership of 146.

Hussey was dropped at deep mid-wicket on 96 as Angelo Mathews fumbled the chance and watched in horror as the ball rolled over the rope to hand Hussey his fourth hundred of 2012.

The West Australian hit eight fours and one six from 184 balls in a brilliant display.

Play will start 30 minutes early at 10am on Sunday following a series of rain interruptions on Saturday.

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As it happened: AUS v SL, T1 D1

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Hussey ... has established a solid partnership with Clarke. Source: Rick Rycroft / AAP

Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey will look to push on to a big first innings total after making it to stumps unbeaten on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Bellerive Oval.

Re-live the action with our live and interactive blog.

Stick with us on Saturday from 10.30am (EDT) and don't forget to send in your questions and comments by emailing blogs@foxsports.com.au or leaving a comment at the bottom of the page

You can also review all the stats, pitch maps and wagon wheels at our Cricket Match Centre.

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1st Test - Blundstone Arena

14 December 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Australia 1st Innings

M. Clarke	70	136	7	0	51.47
M. Hussey	37	81	1	0	45.68
N. Kulasekara	22	2	51	0	2.32

Stumps

First ball: 10:30 AM December 14, 2012
Location: Blundstone Arena

Match Summary

Australia: 4/299
Sri Lanka:

Latest comments (all times EDT):

1752: STUMPS: Well that's all she wrote on day one here in Hobart, with Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey again coming to the rescue when Australia looked a little shaky midway through the afternoon. Clarke will appreciate some treatment on that left knee after copping a nasty one and hobbling for much of the afternoon. Phillip Hughes helped set up the total with a promising 86 on return to the side, while David Warner also made a good fifty. Sri Lanka's bowlers have work to do tomorrow morning if they're to get back into this Test. Thanks again for joing me, Trent Hile, throughout the day. My esteemed colleague John Clark will be in the chair from 10.30am (EDT) tomorrow as we pick up the action.

1745: FOUR! Clarke flicks one away through the leg side in seemingly effortless fashion. He moves to 69 and Australia are now an over away from stumps.

1736: FOUR! Bang! Welegedara overpitches this time and Clarke plays one of the shots of the afternoon - a brutal straight drive. Save your legs, boys. AUS 4/289

1734: FOUR! Clarke flashes hard at one outside off from Welegedara and gets enough of it for the ball to sail away to the fence behind point.

1729: FIFTY TO CLARKE! The Bellerive crowd give the skipper a healthy applause as he notches another milestone in his remarkable season. It hasn't been easy, with the 51 coming off 117 balls. AUS 4/274

1715: FOUR! Welegedara pitches up and Clarke follows through on a drive with the full face, taking one hand off the bat in the process, as it runs away down the ground for four. AUS 4/271

1713: Bluey of Sydney asks: Has Malinga done a Shaun Tait and only plays in 20/20? Very sad theres only 3 decent sides left in Test cricket, the future is bleak for the 5 day game!

Trent says: Yes Bluey, sadly the Slinger has restricted his talents to the T20 format - and as he showed the other night in Melbourne Stars' win over Perth Scorchers in the BBL, he's still got it!

1707: Clarke is in a fair bit of pain here. Eranga hits him just above the pad with one - the Sri Lankans appeal but there was an inside edge. He's still hobbling a few deliveries later.

1703: A brief delay in Hobart as Umpire Hill raises the new ball. Sri Lanka will be keen to take one, if not two wickets with them to stumps in this final hour.

1657: Ouch! Hussey gets one that rears up at him from Eranga and catches him high on the forearm. Hussey rings his arm in pain. That would've hurt.

1644: Chance ... close! Hussey pushes back to cut the off-spinner Dilshan but gets a thick edge. It flies in the air past Jayawardene at slip but he can't repeat his earlier heroics. He might be standing a touch close there.

1633: Lewis of Macksville must have hit the pub early - too early - this afternoon and says: Punter hung around for the money and in one game Hughes shows that he will be a better batsman then Punter ever was, Ricky who.

Trent says: Can someone up there at the Star get Lewis a water?

1624: FOUR! Mathews strays down the leg side and Clarke just has to help it on it's way round the corner for four. AUS 4/234

1613: FOUR! There we go ... Clarke drives straight into the wicket and it evades both the bowler and man at mid off.  He's up to 24 with minimal fuss.

1611: Hussey is just taking his time getting going but rotating the strike nicely. Clarke looks a shot or two away from hitting his straps - he's had a couple of big drives cut off by fielders.

1603: The next hour is shaping as a really crucial period in the context of the match. Sri Lanka have plugged the flow of runs and if they can break this partnership, they can expose Australia's tail this evening. But if these two get in, there could be big runs on offering tomorrow morning.

1556: Here's a beauty from Boof's left foot of SA: Hey Trentster, Tea trivia - notice the 2 current bowlers UWMBCA Welagedara and HMRKB Herath have 11 initials between them. Must be a record no?

Trent says: There's been some beauties in the Sri Lankan team over the years ... David Lloyd tells a ripper about the great Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas. If I recall correctly, the Sri Lankan naming system is very different from the western system where they take on clan names rather than surnames, hence the lengthy titles. And I thought I had trouble learning to spell in kindergarten!

1547: FOUR! Welegedara drops short to Clarke and with the pitch not offering too much bounce, the skipper helps himself to an easy boundary through mid-wicket.

1545: Greg of WA: Hey Trent, why do you think the selectors continually stick with a proven dud like Ed Cowan,giving him chance after chance and only gave Khawaja 6 test matches to prove himself?

Trent says: Well Greg I think people have very short memories - Cowan scored a pretty good ton in the first Test against South Africa, which after seeing Sri Lanka's attack today, will count for more than any runs made in this particular series in my opinion. However, I do agree that he is only a short-term plug. I would much rather see Hughes elevated to opener and Khawaja come into the side to bat at three.

1537: WICKET! (Hughes 86, b Welegedara, AUS 4/198) Hughes is undone almost straight away by a beauty! Welegedara gets a ball that shapes back in late, beating the gap between Hughes' bat and pad. He hears the death rattle and is forced to depart. That brings Michael Hussey to the crease.

1512: That's tea in Hobart, with Michael Clarke surviving a few early jitters and Phil Hughes looking rock solid and poised for what would be a memorable comeback ton. Enjoy your afternoon teas and scones and we'll be back shortly for the final session. 

1455: Well that was certainly one of the best catches I've seen this summer - right up there with one from Adelaide Strikers keeper Tim Ludeman in last night's BBL. Check it out and tell us which one was better.

1450: WICKET! (Watson 30, c Jayawardene b Welegedara, AUS 3/183) What a catch! Watson edges one wide of Jayawardene at third slip and the skipper holds on to a one-handed, full length diving screamer. Has the luck finally turned for the visitors? Wait ... Michael Clarke, a man who has scored four double hundreds this year is making his way to the crease ... perhaps not.

1442: Wicket ... wait ... no ball! Well there's a rarity in modern Test cricket: a wicket from a no ball, but without the use of DRS! Hughes gets a big nick from Welegedara and is caught behind, but Umpire Tony Hill has his arm raised. Replays show Welegedara over-stepped the mark by a long way too.

1432: FOUR! Welegedara back into the attack and Hughes greets his warm-up ball with a superb cut behind point for four.

1428: SIX! Hughes comes down the track and swats Herath over the fence at cow corner. A spectator in Row A drops a dead set sitter.

1426: FOUR! Mathews overpitches this time and Hughes is onto it in a flash, leaning into a perfectly-timed straight drive which races down the ground. The clouds aren't the only ominous signs for Sri Lanka now.

1421: FIFTY TO HUGHES! He brings up the half-century in good style too, with a lovely square-drive pulling up just short of the rope. Still, they pick up three. That's his first fifty on Aussie soil. AUS 2/145

1416: FOUR! Crunch... don't bowl there. Mathews bowls short to Watson and his eyes light up like it's Christmas come early. He pulls in front of square for four.

1412: Rippersportspro of NSW says: Hughes is looking good at the moment and it looks like that little tweak in his technique has made him a more expansive player, because although he is still playing the cover drive well, he has added more leg side shots to his repertoire. Watson looks more composed than he has a few times in the past and hopefully he gets some decent runs, ideally a century.

Trent says: Agree on both points Ripper. Although at the moment, I'd back my grandma to make runs against this Sri Lankan attack ... and she usually needs a few scotches to start seeing them in the Christmas Day Test in the Hile backyard. Ricky Ponting must be sitting back wondering 'what if' he made just one score against South Africa...

1405: FOUR! Well Hughes's leg-side play may have improved dramatically but his work on the off-side is still as potent as ever. He sways onto the back foot to Herath and punches him through the gap between cover-point to move within a shot of his fifty. AUS 2/136

1402: Mark offers up this little gem: Wanna hear an interesting stat? Hughes has scored more in this match than Ponting has against Saffers all series.

1400:  FOUR! Short from Eranga, Hughes is onto it quickly and plays a fantastic pull shot. He looked in complete control of that one and watches as it flies away through mid-wicket for four.

1354: FOUR! Hughes finds a gap behind point for his fourth boundary of the day. He moves to 39.

1349: Here's one of the more interesting bowling changes of the day ... the left-arm spinner Herath into the attack for the first time. He's certainly no Imran Tahir. He kicks off with a solid over, just the one from it.

1341: Bill of Warilla says: With Warner 54, he played the ball in front of the wicket. It was his call and Hughes reacted. No fault with Hughes.

Trent says: It was Warner's call, and he appeared to say 'no' but Hughes kept coming. He could have either held his ground or set off and hoped for the best. He went with the latter.

1333: FOUR! Classical drive from Watson, who shows the full face of the bat to record his second boundary of the day. I can see Herath loosening up in the distance...

1330: Parko of Queanbeyan chips in on the Warner run out: I was always taught in front of wicket is the striker's call; behind the wicket, non-striker's call. What's so hard about that?

Trent says: I think that's one of the first things they teach you in the Under 10s. Going by that principle, it was Hughes' fault.

1321: Hughes keeps out one that stays awfully low. That prompts a lengthy gardening session that would make Don Burke proud. AUS 2/105.

1318: FOUR! Watson gets away with an elegant drive through the off side. Superb timing.

1314: Just watching a replay of the Warner run out. For mine, Hughes looked at fault - it was Warner's call. What do you think? Post your verdict below or by using the hashtag #AUSvSL on Twitter.

1306: The Sri Lankans are in a huddle and Phillip Hughes and Shane Watson have emerged from the dressing sheds. Play is set to resume at 2/97.

1303: What did everyone think of that unbelievable Big Bash game last night? My cash was on the Strikers, but gee the Heat deserve credit for holding their nerve in those final couple of overs. And what about Kieron Pollard's run out? Check out all the highlights of the match here.

1246: Touching scenes in Hobart with one of Tasmania's favourite sons, Ricky Ponting, completing a lap of honour with his kids in the back of a ute. Farewell Punter. You'll be sorely missed.

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1243: Well that wicket will certainly put a dampener on the mood in the Aussie sheds at lunch, they were travelling along so well after losing the early wicket of Cowan. Sri Lanka's bowlers don't appear to have the pace to trouble Australia's batsmen. It will be interesting to see what impact their brilliant spinner Rangana Herath can have on this wicket.

1229: WICKET! (Warner 57, run out, AUS 2/97) Tragedy strikes before lunch! Dilshan comes into the attack for the last over before lunch, and there's a mix-up between Warner and Hughes. Warner hits one straight to cover, Hughes calls through for a single and Warner hesitates before reluctantly setting off. He's caught miles short. It might be lunch, but there's already been a barbeque at Bellerive.

1225: FOUR! Kulasekara sends a well-directed bouncer down to Warner but he's equal to the task, pulling him away in front of square for a boundary.

1222: Mark asks: Hi trent, What do you think of Hughes. Without Martin and Guptil it seems like he'll stay in for a while.

Trent says: Looks a shadow of the man who just about had those dreaded words 'c Guptill b Martin' branded on his backside 12 months ago. It's very early doors, I know, but he might have the right tools now to become the brilliant, consistent player we thought he could be.

1214: Fifty to Warner! The nuggety opener gets a short one that rears at him but he's good enough to bat it away through square leg and pick up three. That's a half century to Warner and he and Hughes are chugging along nicely. AUS 1/87.

1213: Chance! Just wide! Welegedara throws up a fuller delivery and Warner takes the bait, edging just wide of Jayawardene at slip. That was close!

1212: FOUR! Welegedara drops short and wide and this time Warner loosens his arms with a well-timed cut through cover-point.

1204: Close! FOUR! Warner gets away with a streaky drive that he French cuts - just missing his stumps - and it trickles away to the fine leg boundary.

1202: FOUR! Glorious cover drive from Warner. He's really kept his head this morning and looks in terrific order. That's also the 50 partnership between this pair. AUS 1/70

1155: Drew of Cairns asks: How is the pitch looking down there? has the hulk materialised?

Trent says: Sorry Drew, in the mad rush this morning I forgot to offer you my best Tony Greig impersonation. The pitch looks terrific - there's a slight greenish tinge with a hint of grass. There's been some early movement but it's certainly nothing like 'the Hulk' many feared it would be.

1143: FOUR! Terrific cricket shot from Warner, who simply leans on a straight drive from an Eranga half-volley and watches it run away to the rope.

1134: As the players enjoy a drinks break, just a reminder that Inside Cricket on Fox Sports 2 on Monday from 8.30pm (EDT) will feature one of the blog's all-time favourites, Viv Richards. As part of the show Viv will answer questions from you. Leave your question as a comment here or tweet it to us @FOXCricketLive using the hashtag #FoxChat - and we'll put the best five questions to the great man live on the show.

1129: Angelo Matthews completes a tidy first over of the match, with just a single from it. Hughes (19) and Warner (21) are moving along nicely. AUS 1/49

1121: After that ordinary shot to get out, the Cowan critics are starting to warm their voices:

PM Tony Abbott 2013 says: The selectors must drop Ed Cowan right now, the guy couldn't hit the basketball with the bat. Get either P Hughes or A Doolan to bat at 2 and U Khawaja at 3.

Trent says: Is Cowan skating on thin ice? Tell us what you think the opening pair should be by posting a comment below.

1115: FOUR! Take two! Hughes plays a carbon copy of the first stroke to record his third boundary of the morning and move to 17 off just 15 balls.

1113: FOUR! Shot of the morning from Hughes! The new bowler Shaminda Eranga offers him some width outside the off stump and Hughes crunches a drive through cover-point. That's the shot of a man in form.

1106: FOUR! Welegedara overpitches and Warner launches into a straightish drive through the off-side. The man at mid-off stood no chance there. AUS 1/31

1059: FOUR! Hughes opens his account with a characteristic swipe over backward-point for four.

1056: WICKET! (Cowan 4, c Eranga b Welegedara, AUS 1/18) Poor shot from Cowan. He attempts to pull a delivery that gets onto him too quick and probably wasn't short enough for the shot, and succeeds only in popping a simple chance to Eranga at mid-on. That brings Phillip Hughes to the crease. What a moment for the 23-year-old. 

1054: Brett Geeves will be a busy boy this Test, joining the ABC team – and writing his match highlights for us every day right here at www.foxsports.com.au. Keep an eye out for his entertaining pieces throughout this Test.

1047: Warner looking very comfortable at the crease this morning. He picks up seven runs with a cut and two nice drives off that Welegedara over. 

1045: Apologies for the slow progress this morning folks, we're experiencing a few technical glitches. Hope to have it sorted ASAP to give you timely updates.

1034: DROPPED! Cowan edges the first ball he faces and Angelo Mathews grasses a tough chance at third slip. It went low - he did well just to get a hand under it. That was very nearly another golden duck for the opener.

1032: David Warner and Ed Cowan are out in the middle with Nuwan Kulasekara to take the new ball.

1031: Good morning everyone and welcome to foxsports.com.au's live blog of the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka in Hobart. Trent Hile joining you after a spell in the paddock in between series and looking forward to what shapes as an intriguing contest. Will Sri Lanka shape up to the challenge? Can Phil Hughes blossom in his recall to the Test side? Sit back over the course of the next five days as we find out!

Stick with us throughout the day and don't forget to send in your questions and comments by emailing blogs@foxsports.com.au or leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

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Stellar Clarke puts Aussies on top

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Skipper's knock ... Michael Clarke steady's Australia's innings. Source: Richard Jupe / News Limited

Michael Clarke has continued his pursuit of the Australian record for most calendar-year runs by scoring an unbeaten 70 in his side's 4-299 on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Troubled by a couple of blows to the knee and thigh, Clarke had two on-field conversations with team physio Alex Kountouris before battling on. In sparkling form despite a limp, Clarke hit seven boundaries from 136 deliveries.

1st Test - Blundstone Arena

14 December 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Australia 1st Innings

M. Clarke	70	136	7	0	51.47
M. Hussey	37	81	1	0	45.68
N. Kulasekara	22	2	51	0	2.32

Clarke had won the toss in overcast conditions on a green-tinged pitch at Hobart's Bellerive Oval and has put his side in a strong position with the wicket expected to play low and slow later in the game.

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The skipper has now scored 1428 runs in 10 matches in 2012 and has the Melbourne Test to follow later this month in his bid to edge past Ricky Ponting's 2005 mark of 1544.

The consistent Mike Hussey is 37 not out, playing a crucial role in a 101-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Phil Hughes made an entertaining 86 in his first Test appearance for 12 months, posting the highest score by a No.3 for Australia in 2012.

Opener David Warner scored a hard-hitting 57 before he was run out while left-arm seamer Chanaka Welegedara claimed 3-99 for Sri Lanka.

Hughes was bowled between bat and pad by Welegedara in the second over after tea.

The 24-year-old Hughes hit eight fours and one massive six. The left-hander had some luck on 77 when he was caught behind off Welegedara who was called for overstepping.

Earlier, opener Ed Cowan top-edged a pull shot to mid-on as he was dismissed for four after being dropped at third slip from the first ball he faced.

Hughes and Warner added 79 for the second wicket before Warner was run out following a mix-up with Hughes in the final over of the first session.

In his next over following the no-ball to Hughes, Welegedara had success as Shane Watson (30) fell to a brilliant diving catch by Mahela Jayawardene at second slip at 3-183 after an 86-run stand.

Tasmania's Ponting, Australia's leading Test runscorer who retired earlier this month, was given a lap of honour at the lunch interval in front of an adoring but small crowd of 6,221.

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Hobart day one: Geeves' Top 5

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Good knock ... Read Geeves' unique perspective on day one of the Hobart Test. Source: William West / AFP

Former Australia and Tasmania player Brett Geeves reflects on day one of the Hobart Test between Australia and Sri Lanka, where he returned to commentary duties in the ABC radio box.

1. Day one of this Test has a strange feel to it. Driving to the ground this morning, I felt like I had left something at home.

You know that empty feeling you get when you've left home without your pants on?

I was got that exact feeling but my pants were on, albeit tightly (I've gained weight of late and am in need of some sort of shake diet and an abmaster/stair-master combo).

The keys are obviously in the ignition because the car is moving and I have triple checked my backpack for lunch.

I am yet to leave home without my lunch, ever. This is a fact. So what was plaguing me? When I arrive to the ground, I check the team sheets and chat with Jim Maxwell about the pronunciation of players names.

The Sri Lankans are a tough mob to master. HIlfenhaus will no doubt cause me some grief later in the test also.

I then walk, with Jim, down to ground level and chat with folk about the game. As we make our way through the media scrum, Jim says "I feel sad and empty today".

I ponder that statement for a moment and come up with two things. The first, Jim shouldn't feel empty as his pants cover at least 86% of his body. He should, in fact, feel quite full and proud to be flying the flag for high pant wearers the world over. The second was to ask him why? "No Ponting today, sad day" replies Jim, adjusting his pants to cover his nipples.

That was it. Jim had just identified why I feel lonely and abandoned. It's the realisation that one of the games' greats is now lost to the "real world".

For me that is 9-5 working for a recruitment agency, drinking six cups of coffee a day and four trips to the toilet, just to kill some time. Jim is right. It is a sad day.

---

What is your Top Five from day one of the Hobart Test?

---

Cricket Australia shove Ponting in a Toyota ute and give him a lap of honour around his home ground, Bellerive, during the lunch break.

I pop out on the ABC balcony and clap lovingly. Emotion overwhelming me and I blow Rick a kiss in memory of his double hundred against India at Adelaide, 2003.

Fortunately for me, he did not see this and my dignity is kept in check. Congratulations Ricky Ponting for your enormous contribution to Australian Cricket. I hope that retirement treats you well and you are not forced to join the "real world".

---

2. Being a bits and pieces player for ABC Grandstand's coverage of cricket has its positives and negatives.

The positives are that I get a free lunch. Being a packed lunch man, it means double lunch! BAM!

One negative is that because I only get the Hobart based international games, the frequently used commentators forget who I am.

When I enter the room this morning, I expect a shaking of hands and some back-slapping (that's what old friends do). Instead, Geoff Lawson turns his back and requests that I use herbal infused oils when massaging his neck.

Um, Geoff, I'm hear to call the game with you - not rub your neck.

---

3. When Jim and I make our way down to the ground to talk with folk about the match (see earlier); I ran into my old Delhi Dardevils teammate Glenn McGrath. What excites me most about this, is the fact that he actually remembers me ... as Brent, but that's cool. Atleast he doesn't think I am the team masseuse.

During that time in Delhi, whenever we travelled anywhere as a team, there were always a million photographers on hand, wanting to take "one snap" of Mr McGrath. Myself and team Physiotherapist, Justin Steer, decided that a competition was in order, to see who could get in the most published photos with Glenn. We didn't have to be right in  the photo with Glenn, just lurking around the outskirts was enough to score a point. Glenn didn't realise we were doing this, until Justin sticky taped himself to Glenn one night at the F-Bar. Too far Justin, too far.

---

4. Phil Hughes makes his return to the Australian team as a result of the departing Ricky Ponting, who is seeking a tour card for the PGA Tour. Terrific striker of the ball, but has the short game of a one-armed bear, who's only knowledge of golf is that the players are tasty.

Phil has had two stints at the top level. The first against South Africa, in South Africa, where he dominated their attack like Brendon Julian would have dominated the night scene of Perth many moons ago.

---

Follow our live blog of the first Test in Hobart from 10.30am

---

From there it was the Poms attempting to hit him in the face with every ball, ultimately bringing about his demise.

He went back to domestic cricket and plundered more runs, earning a recall against New Zealand, where he failed again miserably. Caught Guptill bowled Martin became as famous a catch cry in New Zealand as caught Marsh bowled Lillee in Australia, circa 78. It is said that Martin Guptill popped out of Phil Hughes's vanity cabinet, to offer some assistance with a snick from shaving, such was Guptill's ability to catch any snick from Hughes. I think that's how the gag went. Kerry O'Keeffe - funny, funny man.

There has been a lot of talk about Hughes's change in technique and how this is making him a better player.

Nothing about this new technique struck me as being new or fixed. What is evident, is the maturity and increased knowledge of his own game. He played within himself scoring a healthy 86. This is Phil Hughes' time. He has the ability to succeed at international level and I hope it works for him.

5. The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling!! This makes me happy.

---

Brett Geeves will return on Saturday

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Popovic upstages big guns at Coolum

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Shock leader ... Popovic fired an eight-under 64 to grab a two-shot lead. Source:AAP

Victorian Daniel Popovic upstaged the big names to shoot an opening round 64 to lead the Australian PGA Championship at the Palmer Coolum resort on Thursday.

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The 26 year-old set the course alight with nine birdies and at one stage looked a chance of shooting the magical 59 when he was eight-under through 11 holes.

His eight-under, two shots off the Coolum course record, gave him a two shot lead over West Australian Scott Strange who was the clubhouse leader after opening with a flawless 66.

One shot further back was China's Xin Jun Zhang, who didn't pick up a golf club until he was 17, and carded six birdies and one bogey in his 67, the same score as Singapore's Tze-huang Choo, and Geoff Ogilvy who had two eagles in his round.

Popovic, who topped the qualifying school early this year, revealed his father Radi, who was battling incurable bone cancer, had been an inspiration to him.

"Dad introduced me to golf," he said.

"It (cancer) is not exactly like Jarrod Lyle's one. It's called multiple myeloma.

"It's leukaemia in his bones. It's one that is unable to be cured. It's a slow growing cancer but you are unsure of when the actual day will come.

"But he is a strong man and a very stubborn man and I think he'll be here for a little while longer."

Popovic played a practice round with Ogilvy on Tuesday and said the advice he got from the 2006 US Open winner and his caddie proved invaluable for his opening round.
 

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Starc inclusion a look to Ashes

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Eye on the future ... Starc's age may have given him the selection edge. Source:News Limited

Australia selectors are likely to have had one eye on the upcoming Indian and Ashes tours when they preferred Mitchell Starc over Mitchell Johnson for the first Test against Sri Lanka.

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The Australia team heads to India in February, part of a tough 2013 campaign that will also feature the Ashes series in England from June.

Whether they have room for two left-armers in their attack remains to be seen, but Johnson, at 31, is nearly 10 years older than 22-year-old Starc.

Selectors may view a home series against opponents Australia are expected to beat - Sri Lanka - as valuable Test experience for the New South Welshman.

Captain and selector Michael Clarke said his focus in picking an XI for the opening Test at Bellerive in Hobart was purely on beating Sri Lanka.

But he conceded others in the Cricket Australia set-up were looking further ahead.

"The reason Mitchell Starc's there is because he's been next in line in the queue for a while," Clarke said.

"Whoever we left out in this Test match it was always going to be a topic of conversation.

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"(Chairman of selectors) John Inverarity, (coach) Mickey Arthur and (performance manager) Pat Howard need to continue to look to India and then to the Ashes.

"But for me as a player and for the rest of this team, we're focused on this Test match."

Johnson returned strongly in the series-deciding loss to South Africa in Perth after he was recalled due to Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus being rested.

The West Australian finished with match figures of 6-164, while Starc also impressed at times in grabbing his 8-209.

Starc, though, had previously jumped ahead of the 48-Test veteran, whose injuries and erratic bowling had left him starting from scratch to get back to the form that made him the 2009 ICC international cricketer of the year.

"It probably wasn't as simple a choice as that," Clarke said.

"Sidds and Hilf come back into the team being two guys who've performed very well over the past 12 months for us (and) both being 100 per cent fit.

"Mitch should feel unlucky, there's no doubt about it."

Johnson needs four more Test wickets to join the 200-club, his 196 coming at 31.17 each.

Starc has 18 wickets from his five matches at 29.66.

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NRL privatisation here to stay

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Adamant ... John Quayle says private ownership of NRL teams will continue. Source: Liam Driver / News Limited

Veteran rugby league administrator John Quayle says privatisation will continue to be a part of the NRL despite Newcastle owner Nathan Tinkler's continued financial woes.

On Thursday, the Australian Tax Office applied for the Knights to be wound up due to unpaid debts of $1.4 million according to documents filed in the Federal Court.

The move follows continued speculation over Tinkler's money problems and his ownership of the NRL club.

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It continues an uneasy run with private ownership for rugby league with Michael Searle's time as owner of the Gold Coast a failure, both Melbourne's and Manly's struggles under privatisation and uncertainty over South Sydney's future after part-owner Russell Crowe's decision to quit his share in the Rabbitohs at the end of the 2013 season.

But Quayle said private ownership in rugby league would not die.

"The Tinkler situation is especially disappointing given the game has just started a new era," Quayle said.

"But I don't think it will disappear.

"This is not the first time we have seen this kind of thing in sport in Australia. What you have to remember is that Tinkler saved the Knights.

"You have to look at the positives. I think one of the main points is that you have to ensure that there are provisions in place and that you do not completely hand the licence over without those."

A $20 million bank guarantee was a condition of Tinkler's Hunter Sports Group's privatisation of the Knights.

Quayle said the game's governing body the ARL Commission needed to ensure that such strict restrictions continued to be a condition of private ownership.

"Whoever ensured that bank guarantee was doing their job and ensuring that things would not go wrong with private ownership of the Knights under Tinkler," the long-time general manager of the NSWRL said.

"That guarantee means the club's future is secure. The NRL needs to ensure that each time a licence is handed over it is done so with similar guarantees in place."

Quayle is the chairman of Venues NSW, which the Knights still owe around $600,000 for the lease of their home ground Hunter Stadium, another matter that is currently before the courts.

Hunter Sports Group issued a statement saying that the monies owed to the ATO would be paid as soon as possible.

Knights chief executive Matt Gidley said: "We are looking forward to regrouping after the Christmas break and looking forward to a positive 2013 on and off the field."

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Sharpe awarded another honour

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Further recognition ... Sharpe's final season has been one to remember. Source:AFP

He may have been on a fishing trip but retired Wallabies captain Nathan Sharpe still hooked another award on Wednesday.

Another chapter was added to his memorable swansong tale when Australia's most capped forward claimed a record fourth Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) Medal for Excellence in Sydney.

But the medal was accepted in Sharpe's absence by Queensland Reds captain James Horwill because the keen outdoors man had already booked an off-season fishing sojourn.

Sharpe becomes the first player to savour the top RUPA honour four times after equalling George Gregan's record of three last year.

Sharpe emerged triumphant in a field of finalists that also included Berrick Barnes, Gareth Delve, Michael Hooper, David Pocock and Sitaleki Timani.

Every Super Rugby player in Australia voted on the Medal for Excellence.

"His contributions go far and beyond the playing field," Wallabies coach Robbie Deans told Fox Sports.

"He is the second most capped Wallaby of all time and he exhibits all the qualities of the game."

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Sharpe's honour came barely a month after he became just the second player to win a John Eales Medal twice, joining George Smith.

"We came from the same club in Brisbane. He has always been someone I have looked up to coming through the ranks," Horwill said.

Brumbies winger Joe Tomane was named Newcomer of the Year after going from rugby league convert to Wallabies back within 12 months.

The dumped Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans NRL player - currently nursing an ankle complaint - beat out a field that also included Bernard Foley, Kyle Godwin and Cadeyrn Neville.

In other awards, Jesse Parahi won the Sevens Excellence Award and Pat McCabe won the Academic Achievement Award for fast-tracking his law degree while recovering from a neck injury.

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Melbourne Rebels' Eddie Aholelei won the Community Service award for more than 75 hours spent this year mentoring underprivileged youth.

Meanwhile, Reds lock Adam Wallace-Harrison and Melbourne Rebels young gun James O'Connor met as part of a new-look RUPA board on Wednesday.

Wallace-Harrison replaces the retiring Adam Freier as RUPA president.

He joined the RUPA board with fellow new appointees O'Connor who was representing the Rebels, Matt Hodgson (Western Force), Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs) as well as re-elected representatives Horwill (Reds) and Stephen Moore (Brumbies).

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NZ women thrash Australia

Fine knock ... Meg Lanning produced a great innings in a losing side. Source: Supplied

New Zealand captain Suzie Bates scored an unbeaten century to help her team end a three-year one-day international drought against Australia in the opening match of the Rose Bowl cricket series in Sydney on Wednesday.

A massive second wicket stand of 168 off 169 balls between opener Bates (122 not out off 131 balls) and Amy Satterthwaite (98 off 95) helped the White Ferns achieve their target of 249 with 5.1 overs to spare.

It was New Zealand's first ODI win over Australia in their past 13 completed games since March 2009. Bates, who struck 16 fours and a six, notched her fourth ODI ton.

Satterthwaite, who was dropped on nine by Australian captain and wicketkeeper Jodie Fields, also struck 16 fours.

Together they plundered an attack missing injured pace bowlers Ellyse Perry and Julie Hunter.

Satterthwaite was dismissed just two runs short of her maiden ODI century, when trapped lbw by part-time bowler Meg Lanning (1-30 off four overs).

Lanning (87 off 71 balls) and Fields (51 off 57) provided most of the substance during an Australian innings in which the Southern Stars scored quickly but lost wickets at regular intervals.

After winning the toss, Australia were dismissed for 248, with 11 balls of their allocation left.

Victorian Lanning smashed 13 fours and a six in a typically enterprising innings before being run out.

The innings subsided to 7-157 in the 32nd over before Fields and Erin Osborne (34 off 38) added 80 off 83 balls.

Fields struck seven boundaries and Osborne weighed in with three fours and a six, before the last three wickets fell for 11 runs.

Fast medium bowler Rachel Candy (4-35 off 9) was the most successful member of the New Zealand attack.
Left arm medium bowlers Sian Ruck (2-37 off 9.1) and Morna Nielsen (2-39 off 10) were the other main wicket takers.

The four-match series continues on Friday at North Sydney Oval.

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Pacquiao vows to 'rise again'

No quitter ... Manny Pacquiao has said he will keep on fighting. Source: JOE KLAMAR / AFP

Manny Pacquiao vowed to "rise again'' as he flew home on Wednesday after a brutal knockout defeat that prompted some fans and experts to urge him to retire.

"Don't worry, we will rise again,'' he told well-wishers as he arrived in Manila from the United States, where he suffered his second consecutive loss with a sixth-round knockout by Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday.

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Pacquiao, who has 54 wins, five defeats and two draws in nearly 18 years in the pro ring, had lost his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown in June on a controversial points decision to unbeaten US fighter Timothy Bradley.

But retirement appeared far from the mind of Pacquiao, who turns 34 on Monday and was once regarded as the world's best pound-for-pound fighter.

"I watched a replay of my fight and I am satisfied with my movement,'' Pacquiao said.

"I was fighting very well from the first to the sixth round. I was moving well. It was just that I got hit with a lucky punch on the last second of the round.''

Pacquiao, who on Wednesday also announced he was donating 10 million peso ($A233,000) to the victims of a typhoon which devastated the country's south last week, said he had been looking to finish off Marquez by the eighth round.

"The way the fight was going, there was no way it would have reached the 12th round,'' he said.

He cited how he had broken the Mexican's nose, leaving him with breathing difficulties that Pacquiao claimed had forced his foe to remove his mouthpiece at one point.

But Pacquiao acknowledged: "He owned that night. Let's give him due credit.''

Former world champion Ricky Hatton, 34, who was knocked out by Pacquiao in May 2009, has added his voice to calls for the Filipino to hang up his gloves.

"The only advice I could give Manny Pacquiao is that his legacy is already secured,'' said the Briton, a former world light-welterweight and welterweight champion who retired for a second time last month.

"The thing is with us fighters is that there is always one more fight.''

"What's he (Pacquiao) going to achieve by having one more fight? Probably nothing. He's an eight-weight world champion. There's nothing more to be said.''

Hatton, who was knocked out in a failed return to the ring in November, in what he says was his last fight, said of his Filipino rival: "You'd like to see him go into retirement and spend some time with his family and be happy.

"He can't do any more from a boxing point of view."

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Gallen and Mason fear KO in ring

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Fight night ... Paul Gallen is worried about being knocked out on his boxing debut. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Paul Gallen didn't mince words when asked about the greatest fear heading into his boxing debut on Saturday night.

"Getting knocked out by a 115kg monster,'' said the NSW and Cronulla Sharks skipper, who will swap footy boots for boxing gloves in the name of charity.

Gallen will go up against Hika Elliott as part of a rugby league versus rugby union 'Fight for Life' event in Auckland that also includes NRL stars Willie Mason, Greg Bird and Manu Vatuvei.

The Sharks hardman admitted nerves were starting to take hold as he headed into the great unknown.

"I'm nervous, no doubt about it,'' Gallen said.

"On the footy field I put myself in this position every week of possibly getting myself knocked out, but I've been doing it since I was six years old so I know what to do when I get in certain circumstances, I feel comfortable out there.

"This is an arena where I don't know what to do.''

Mason, who recently re-signed with Newcastle for two more years, said the boxing ring can be a lonely place.

"We all feel safe on the footy field, you've got your mates there backing you up,'' he said. "But we're all well aware that you are by yourself in there.''

Gallen's fears haven't been helped by reports Elliott, an All Blacks hooker who plays with Super Rugby champions the Chiefs, is an experienced kick-boxer who also holds a black belt in kung fu.

Still, the prospect of an ugly mismatch hasn't stopped Gallen getting ribbed by his mates.

''(Sharks teammate) Ben Pomeroy's come up with the best line so far,'' Gallen said. "We've (Gallen and Bird) been known as the 'Bruise Brothers', but if we get knocked out we'll be the 'Snooze Brothers.' Let's hope that doesn't happen."

There'll be a few NRL coaches hoping the same.

"He just said enjoy the experience and come back in one piece,'' Mason said of the advice from Knights coach Wayne Bennett. "He'll be blaming Flavs (opponent Troy Flavell) if I get knocked out.''

A popular villain across the Tasman, Mason has assumed the role of headline act with his heavyweight bout against 22-Test former All Blacks second-rower Flavell.

Of all the fighters taking to the ring on Saturday night, Mason - who has been training with three-time world champion Jeff Fenech - is seen as the one most likely to make a career as a pugilist.

His desire to box was one of the chief reasons he quit the Bulldogs in 2007, but he said he was taking a wait-and-see approach to any possible career change.

But he said following the lead of good friend Sonny Bill Williams by mixing boxing with footy wasn't on the cards.

"I don't know if I want to keep training this hard,'' Mason said of the possibility of turning his hand to boxing full-time.

"I might think about it after (Saturday night), but I'm dedicated to the Knights for two more years.

"I don't think I'll be one of those blokes throwing in a couple of fights every year because I know how hard it is to play at the top of the NRL and to box at a high level - it's 24-seven.''

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Warne refuses to rule out Test return

I could still do it ... Warne believes his form would hold up in Test cricket. Source: News Limited

Legendary spinner Shane Warne is adamant he's good enough to make a Test comeback, claiming he's bowling as well as he was when he retired in 2007.

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And although the 43-year-old says any talk of him returning in time for next year's Ashes is just hypothetical, he feels it could benefit Australia's next wave of spinners if it did happen.

The odds of Warne making a Test comeback remain slim.

But the 145-Test veteran hasn't closed the door completely on the prospect, saying he will give it some thought once the KFC T20 Big Bash League season has finished.

"I've been bowling as good as I have since I retired from international cricket, which was five or six years ago," Warne said in Perth on Tuesday ahead of Melbourne Stars' clash with Perth Scorchers.

"And if it gets to the serious stage about that stuff, there's obviously a process - grade cricket, state cricket, and then you've got to get selected, too.

"So there's a lot of things to happen before that even gets to a serious stage.

"At the moment I'm being asked, 'could I do it?'

"And I'm saying, 'Yeah, I have absolutely no doubt that I could because of the way I'm bowling'.

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"But whether it's going to happen or not is a completely hypothetical situation and a different chat.

"At the moment I'm just worried about the Stars and getting us on the winning ledger."

Scorchers spinner Brad Hogg, who at 41 years of age made a shock return to international T20 ranks earlier this year, felt the longer form of the game would be a bridge too far for older players.

"I'm 41, Warney's 43. You might get through the first day. But if you had to come back a second day and bowl for a session and a half, that's where the older blokes would struggle," Hogg said.

Although some people would view a Warne return as a backward step for Australian cricket, the leg-spinner said it could also have some crucial benefits.

"It might be a short-term thing where you work with a few of the younger spinners and take them with you and work with them all and see how it goes," Warne said.

Warne made a disastrous start to this summer's T20 competition, returning figures of 0-41 from just two overs in the Stars' eight-wicket loss to Melbourne Renegades.

Although he was disappointed with his return, Warne said the hit-and-miss nature of T20 cricket meant it was inevitable for bowlers to have a bad day out every now and then.

The Stars welcome back all-rounder Glenn Maxwell into their line-up, while Scorchers batsman Marcus North will replace the injured Shaun Marsh (hamstring).

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Deans gets ARU backing before crucial year

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Defence ... ARU chairman Michael Hawker has backed Robbie Deans ahead of a make-or-break year. Source:AAP

Australian Rugby Union chairman Michael Hawker has made a passionate defence of the Wallabies' season ahead of a make-or-break year for coach Robbie Deans.

Deans may struggle to push beyond his contract, which finishes in 2013, following a season in which the Wallabies dropped from second to third in the world rankings and played a brand of rugby which delivered just 15 tries in 15 games.

Hawker admitted 2013 shaped as a significant year for Deans and the Wallabies, with the three-Test British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia the biggest indicator of success in the coming 12 months.

"I think for coaches every year is make or break,'' Hawker said on Tuesday. "That's the nature of coaching. I don't think Robbie takes anything for granted.

"For us, I think everyone in the Australian public is pretty keen to win all the games. So is Robbie, and he'll do the best he can to do that. In the board's view we've got every chance of defeating the Lions next year ... Next year is a huge year.

"(The Lions tour) always creates a huge wave of anticipation in this country, seeing the best of the northern hemisphere come here. We're pretty keen to try and thump them.''

Despite the Wallabies' dour playing style, it hasn't hampered participation rates across the country, with the ARU announcing on Tuesday a fourth consecutive year of growth - with player numbers totalling 323,115 in 2012.

Hawker said it was unfair to criticise the Wallabies simply on their record of nine wins, five losses and a draw - pointing to the unprecedented number of injuries which rocked the national team this year.

Playmakers Will Genia, Quade Cooper, James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale all missed significant portions of 2012, as did skipper James Horwill and world-class flanker David Pocock.

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"From the Australian Rugby Union, we're happy with where the Australian team is. We'd like to have less injuries and I think if we didn't have as many injuries we'd have been right up the top,'' Hawker said.

"You've got to put the Wallabies performance in context with how many injuries we've had. We've had 55 people play for the Wallabies this year, which is a pretty broad number of players, and so we've had an unusual level of injury rate.

"You look at some of the international teams (and) if you took Carter and Richie McCaw out in New Zealand you have a different proposition.''

So severe was the injury crisis Hawker revealed it had prompted an internal investigation, the result of which was a new process to handle injured players.

"We've actually just approved a better player management process between the Australian Rugby Union and the Super Rugby franchises to make sure that a player's welfare is managed right collectively across those two levels of the game,'' he said.

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Power opt against signing Jurrah

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Off-field assistance ... The Power are setting up a support structure for Jurrah. Source:News Limited

Port Adelaide have confirmed they will not select Liam Jurrah via the pre-season or rookie drafts, instead opting to put in place a support structure they believe will maximise his opportunity to resume an AFL career.

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Port Adelaide general manager football Peter Rohde said Jurrah had performed well while training with the Power over the past fortnight, but that it wasn't in the club's nor the 24-year-old's best interests to recruit him at this stage.

"Port Adelaide is committed to doing everything it can to assist Liam Jurrah to get back to the top level," Rohde said.

"However, we think that injury-related fitness concerns together with off-field issues he is dealing with, means it is not yet the right time to fully integrate him back into the AFL system and all that it demands.

Rohde said Jurrah had clearly shown a strong desire to relaunch his AFL career.

"We have given an enormous amount of careful thought to this decision and have weighed up a lot of factors, none more so that what we believe is the best thing for Liam and his long-term ability to continue what is a unique football journey," he said.

"Liam wants to return to AFL football and he has demonstrated that to a significant degree by the way he has applied himself to training in the last couple of weeks.

"We also think Port Adelaide has demonstrated its intent to help him achieve that goal when we think he has the best chance of doing it."

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Angry Fergie fumes at Aloisi

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Blame game ... Perth boss Ian Ferguson hits out at rival coach John Aloisi. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Angry Perth coach Ian Ferguson has hit back at John Aloisi, claiming the Melbourne Heart coach was in the wrong during his heated verbal altercation with Glory skipper Jacob Burns.

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Burns and Aloisi had to be separated as the teams headed to the change rooms at halftime of Heart's 1-0 A-League win over Glory on Saturday.

Aloisi, who was talking to the fourth official about Perth's physicality when Burns first confronted him, labelled the Glory midfielder as "disrespectful" after the match.

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But Ferguson returned fire on Monday, saying Aloisi's decision to follow Burns down the tunnel further inflamed the situation.

"To me it was wrong," a fired-up Ferguson said on Monday.

"He (Burns) has seen Aloisi trying to influence the fourth official, and Jacob's not happy with that, and quite rightly so.

"If my captain sees that and he's trying to protect his players, then that's the way he should be.

"And then he (Aloisi) follows the player down the tunnel and tries to make something of it.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	10	7	2	1	11	23
2	Adelaide	10	7	1	2	8	22
3	Victory	10	5	1	4	-3	16
4	Western Sydney	10	4	1	5	-2	13
5	Newcastle	10	4	1	5	-5	13
6	Wellington	10	3	3	4	1	12
7	Heart	10	3	3	4	0	12
8	Perth	10	3	2	5	-1	11
9	Brisbane	10	3	1	6	0	10
10	Sydney	10	3	1	6	-9	10

"Whether he's done that deliberately, I don't know. To kickstart something? To me it was wrong, and he shouldn't have done it."

Aloisi further infuriated Ferguson when he said: "A few of their players, once our player releases the ball, they either foul them a little bit or go through them a little bit."

Ferguson said that claim was nonsense, despite an incident in which Glory defender Dean Heffernan felled Josip Tadic off the ball.

"They keep on using that bullying word, that we're too physical, too strong," Ferguson said.

"They should go check the facts and stats before he starts making stupid comments.

"He said that we come in from the back and either kick you a little bit or go right through you.

"I don't know where he gets that from.

"I'm annoyed that a coach has actually said that."

Burns picked up his sixth yellow card of the season in the loss to Heart.

But Ferguson felt the 34-year-old was again harshly dealt with, and said the level of refereeing in the A-League needed to improve.

"I just don't understand where they're coming from with Jacob and I'm getting a little bit peeved off to be honest with you ... because he just doesn't deserve it," Ferguson said.

"There are jobs at stake.

"They (referees) keep making the same mistakes. They get a one-game ban, (but) we (coaches) are out the door.

"If results don't go right, we're out the door, it's as simple as that."

Perth, who take on Newcastle at nib Stadium on Friday night, have slipped to eighth on the table following a five-game winless run.

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Sironen fears for Leichhardt Oval

Spiritual home ... Tigers fans love their rugby league at Leichhardt Oval. Source: News Limited

Leichhardt mayor Darcy Byrne says the current proposal to rebuild Balmain Leagues Club would have no impact on keeping Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.

Balmain great Paul Sironen on Monday handed nearly 5,000 submissions to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure in support of bringing the leagues club back to its Rozelle base.

Sironen said the development was crucial to saving rugby league in the inner west, and would shore up the future of Leichhardt Oval - which could stop hosting games after next year, Wests Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys told a Sunday newspaper.

But Byrne said it was misinformation to suggest approving the 24-storey proposal at the Rozelle site would increase the likelihood of the Tigers retaining a base at their spiritual home, where they currently play three games a year.

"There's not a cent for the club in the redevelopment," Byrne told AAP.

"There's no cash payment to the club if this redevelopment is approved.

"The only benefit for the club is a 15-year lease at commercial rates.

"We had a representative of the club suggest in the paper on Sunday that this would be the last year the Tigers would play at Leichhardt Oval.

"Some people might interpret it as hypocrisy to suggest that we have to have skyscrapers in Rozelle to bring the Tigers home, whilst in the same breath agreeing to the government and the NRL's proposal to end rugby league at Leichhardt Oval."

Sironen admitted the future of the Tigers was in doubt if the latest proposal was blocked.

"It's dire alright. It could spell the end of (the fight to save the leagues club)," he said.

"That's how bad it is. We need support from the leagues club to help fund Tigers football.

"This has dragged on for a long time now. For the sake of Tigers football in the Balmain area we need some positive news."

While Sironen was pleased to have Byrne's support for keeping Leichhardt Oval operational, he urged the mayor to listen to the fans who want a rebuilt leagues club.

"It sounds like the mayor is fully supportive of keeping the football ground there and NRL games there, but I wish it was the same with the leagues club side at Rozelle," Sironen said.

"As the mayor said, listen to the fans. The fans want us to go back to Rozelle as well."

To which Byrne responded: "(The form letter) asks people to show their support for the Tigers return to Rozelle - you'll find no one who supports that more strongly than me.

"But to interpret people signing onto that statement as them supporting 24-storey skyscrapers in low-rise Rozelle is stretching the truth quite a bit."

Byrne said it was unlikely the latest proposal would be approved, saying independent assessors had given it the thumbs down.

"The independent advice that we've got from planning experts and the people who are most respected in their field is that the revised proposal will still have a disastrous impact on local traffic, local businesses and will draw Victoria Road to a standstill," he said.

"As desperate as I am to see the Tigers return to Rozelle through a sensible redevelopment, I'm not in a position to ignore the independent planning advice of experts.

"The proposal as it stands doesn't comply with a single one of the state government's own planning controls."

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Nervy England chase down 41 in India

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Injury ... Bell would have been looking to build on his Test form in the one-dayers. Source: Nigel French / AAP

England have opened up a 2-1 series lead after speeding to a seven-wicket victory over India on day five at Eden Gardens.

3rd Test - Eden Gardens

5 December 2012 - Day 5, Session 1

England 2nd Innings

N. Compton	9	30	1	0	30
I. Bell	28	28	4	0	100
R. Ashwin	6.1	1	31	2	5.03

India's second-innings resistance lasted just 10 further deliveries on the final day as Pragyan Ojha was bowled by James Anderson (3-38) in the second over of the morning.

His dismissal left partner Ravi Ashwin stranded on 91 not out at the other end and set England a victory target of just 41.

The target looked straightforward, however England gave India a sniff of a miraculous turnaround when crashing to 8-3 inside the opening five overs.

Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen all departed to spin in quick succession, however Ian Bell (28 not out) and Nick Compton (9 not out) saw England to their first Test win at the famous Kolkata venue since 1977.

Ashwin's batting heroics the previous evening had delayed England's celebrations, but Cook and his side had to wait just seven minutes before taking the final India wicket on day five.

After Ashwin had taken Steven Finn for two boundaries in the opening over, Ojha failed to see his partner through to a second Test century when Anderson breached his defences and grazed off stump - the bail belatedly falling off.

Chasing a meagre total, captain Cook was eager to see his side through to victory quickly, however he paid the price just five balls in when walking past a wide Ashwin delivery and looking back to see Mahendra Singh Dhoni whip off the bails.

Trott made just three before falling lbw to Ojha and nerves on the away balcony began to jangle when Pietersen (0) edged Ashwin through to Dhoni the following over to leave England tottering on 8-3.

Bell quickly eased any fears of a spectacular collapse, though, finding the boundary on five occasions to help put England 2-1 ahead with one Test, in Nagpur, remaining.

For India, it was a first defeat since the last millennium at Eden Gardens, and England will become the first tourists since 2004 to win a Test series here if they can at least draw the last match in Nagpur.

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Kookaburras claim Champions Trophy

Australia's Russell Ford is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during their gold medal playoff match against the Netherlands. Source: AP

Australia have won their fifth successive Champions Trophy in sensational style, beating The Netherlands 2-1 in golden goal extra-time in Melbourne on Sunday.

Kieran Govers scored the Kookaburras' winner in an enthralling contest five minutes into extra-time to seal victory after the scores were tied 1-1 after normal time.

The Australians overcame an inspired goalkeeping performance from Dutchman Jaap Stockmann to eventually prevail.

Stockmann made five superb second half stops to deny the Kookaburras, and force the game into golden goal extra-time.

But in echoes of the Kookaburras' unforgettable golden goal win over the Dutch at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Govers' reverse stick shot from an Eddie Ockenden pass sealed gold for Australia.

Australia have now won the annual tournament featuring the world's top eight hockey nations for five years runnings.

The Dutch took an early lead, breaking Australia's run of four consecutive clean sheets at this tournament with Sander Baart's unstoppable drag flick on 18 minutes.

But Russell Ford netted the equaliser with a penalty corner after 31 minutes, before Stockmann came to the rescue just on halftime.

His excellent save from Jamie Dwyer's penalty stroke looked to be match-turning, and sent the teams to the break at 1-1.

Then Stockmann continued his heroics after the break - twice saving from drag flicks and making two more important saves from Ford and Mark Knowles.

With less than two minutes remaining, Stockmann again saved from a penalty corner - this time from Joel Carroll - to send the match into extra-time.

Earlier Pakistan won the bronze medal, fighting back from a goal down to beat India 3-2.
India's VR Raghunath netted early.

But Muhammad Rizwan Senior equalised midway through the first half, before Pakistan took the lead early in the second with a neat goal to Shafqat Rasool.

Both sides had their chances in a free-flowing match, before Muhammad Ateeq's drag flick with five minutes left sealed bronze for Pakistan.

India netted a consolation goal through Rupinder Pal Singh with the last play of the match.

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Ono delivers vital Wanderers win

Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Much-maligned striker Dino Kresinger won an 87th-minute penalty and marquee star Shinji Ono slotted his first A-League goal to give Western Sydney Wanderers their second win over reigning champions Brisbane Roar this season in a dramatic finish at Parramatta Stadium on Sunday.

Japanese playmaker Ono ended his frustrating wait for a first goal, converting an 87th-minute penalty in a 1-0 win to leave the Roar level with Sydney FC at the bottom off the ladder.

It was a repeat scoreline of the Wanderers' triumph over Brisbane earlier this season, the rookie club's first ever win.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	10	7	2	1	11	23
2	Adelaide	10	7	1	2	8	22
3	Victory	10	5	1	4	-3	16
4	Western Sydney	10	4	1	5	-2	13
5	Newcastle	10	4	1	5	-5	13
6	Wellington	10	3	3	4	1	12
7	Heart	10	3	3	4	0	12
8	Perth	10	3	2	5	-1	11
9	Brisbane	10	3	1	6	0	10
10	Sydney	10	3	1	6	-9	10

With the match seemingly headed for a draw as both sides struggled at times in strong winds, substitute Dino Kresinger - booed by his own fans as he came on - turned the game when he marched into the box and was brought down by Matthew Jurman.

Ono, who had missed a great opportunity to score just two minutes earlier, made no mistake with the spot kick to send the 6755 home fans into raptures.

Wanderers coach Tony Popovic was excited as the marquee man is starting to reaching peak fitness.

"He's had a lot of shots on goal today, which is encouraging for us,'' Popovic said.\

"He's getting into that area where he can actually score now and he's been able to reproduce that more often, so his fitness has obviously improved.

"Hopefully that's another tick in the box for him and he can build on that.''

The Roar's response was spectacular and they almost equalised several times, with Mitch Nichols and Shane Stefanutto both hitting the post.

Up until the goal it had been a tale of two halves with the Wanderers unlucky not to have taken at least a one-goal advantage into the break and Brisbane stronger after halftime with the wind at their backs.

Western Sydney were denied a spectacular opener only by the crossbar in the eighth minute when Youssouf Hersi unleashed a ferocious drive from 20m out.

Mateo Poljak hit a first time shot similarly well five minutes later only for it to be deflected just wide of the posts.
Ono had a good shot deflected away in the 26th minute and sent a curling free kick just wide.

Brisbane had several decent chances in the first half, probably the best falling to Ben Halloran in the 29th as he trickled a shot across the face of goal.

Ante Covic was called into action soon after the break to deny Besart Berisha as the Roar came out with renewed vigour.

They continued to mount pressure, though they were lacking a spark in front of goal.

Roar coach Rade Vidosic said it was only a matter of time.

"All we need to do is believe in ourselves and our system and keep working hard and sooner or later our luck will turn,'' he said.

Ono's drought looked set to continue when he flashed wide in the 85th but Kresinger set up a fairy tale finish and those that had booed him were soon chanting his name.

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Re-live all the highlights from the Mariners' win over the Jets in our A-League Match Centre, with video highlights and key stats.

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