Reds stay second after stalemate

Blocked ... Zadkovich has a shot at goal as the Jets try to wear the Reds down. Source: Liam Driver / News Limited

Newcastle Jets finally got their first A-League clean sheet of the season but still came away unfulfilled, drawing 0-0 at home with Adelaide at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.

Second-placed Adelaide looked the more fluent and dangerous team early in the first half, which featured a drinks break after 22 minutes due to the heat.

But with stand-in skipper Ruben Zadkovich driving the Jets forward, the home team created most of the significant second-half chances.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	14	9	3	2	13	30
2	Adelaide	15	9	2	4	7	29
3	Western Sydney	14	7	2	5	6	23
4	Victory	14	7	2	5	-2	23
5	Perth	14	5	3	6	2	18
6	Brisbane	14	5	2	7	1	17
7	Newcastle	15	5	2	8	-9	17
8	Wellington	14	4	4	6	-1	16
9	Heart	14	4	3	7	-3	15
10	Sydney	14	4	1	9	-14	13

Dario Vidosic had a shot stopped by former Adelaide goalkeeper Mark Birighitti in the sixth minute and a few seconds later Bruce Djite shot wide.

The Jets came into the game more as the half progressed with James Virgili especially dangerous on the right-hand side.

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Ryan Griffiths had a shot tipped over the bar by Eugene Galekovic and he and James Brown also came close just before halftime.

Jets' marquee player Emile Heskey was replaced at halftime by Adam Taggart after suffering a minor quadriceps injury.

Galekovic was forced to make saves to deny Griffiths and Taggart early in the second half.

Newcastle's other veteran English striker, Michael Bridges, was brought off the bench in the 63rd minute and showed some deft touches, but couldn't unlock the Adelaide defence.

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Hussey unilkely to bat up order

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One more time? ... Hussey may have played his last innings. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

The Test cricketing world has almost certainly seen the last of retiring champion Mike Hussey.

3rd Test - Sydney Cricket Ground

3 January 2013 - Day 3, Session 3

Sri Lanka 2nd Innings

D. Chandimal	22	35	5	0	62.86
R. Herath	7	16	0	0	43.75
M. Hussey	1	0	4	0	4.00

A pitiful Sri Lankan collapse and Hussey's own reluctance to embrace the spotlight put paid to that.

The visitors' meagre 87-run lead will need a significant boost from Dinesh Chandimal (22no) on Sunday or run the risk of being eaten up by Australia's top three batsmen - let alone No.4 Michael Clarke.

One thing appears certain, Hussey won't appear in the middle until three wickets fall.

"I don't think Huss will want to go up the order to be honest," century-maker Matthew Wade said on Saturday.

"He's been really funny this week. He just wants us to win and he wants it to be his last cricket match.

"He wants to play it exactly the way he'd play it if it wasn't his last one I suppose.

"... But we'll try and push him out there, don't worry about that."

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That means his last effort with bat in hand produced 25 runs before he was cruelly run-out chasing a quick single, called through by skipper Clarke.

That exit drew rapturous applause from a delirious SCG crowd, eager to celebrate Hussey's career.

They cheered when he wandered near the boundary, every time he fielded a ball and even when he stretched.

Every one of his four catches have been received with applause that rocked the stadium and, of course, he was given a standing ovation when he walked out to bat for what now looks like being the final time.

But the crowd wasn't satisfied.

They simply wanted one more memory of Mr Cricket.

And so the chant began.

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Re-live the action from day three with our Test Match Centre and don't forget to join us on Friday from 10.30am (EDT) to see if Australia can wrap up the Sri Lanka tail and chase down the runs for victory.

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"Give it to Hus-sey" sang out around the SCG before a chorus of boos rained down on Mitchell Starc for being selected to bowl the penultimate over.

But they got their wish, with captain Clarke relenting and throwing the rock to the affable 37-year-old - who couldn't deliver the wicket they desired.

"The crowd have been awesome with Huss," Wade added.

"It's been fun to be out there and watch him - he gets a little bit embarrassed by all that stuff.

"So the Hussey chants, he tends to shy away from.

"He didn't really want to bowl I don't think tonight. The crowd got him a bowl to be honest."

Hussey won't want to have to bat on Sunday either, but the crowd may demand otherwise.

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Video: flying bat almost hits fielder

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Missing something? ... Tim Ludeman gets his bat back after being caught. Source:Fox Sports

Cricketers have to deal with all sorts of distractions while on the field, especially during a KFC T20 Big Bash League game, but a flying bat isn't usually one of them.

T20 - Blundstone Arena

5 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 1

Strikers 1st Innings

M. Klinger	71	61	8	0	116.39
J. Botha	12	3	3	0	400
S. Styris	4	0	42	1	10.50

But, as weird as it sounds, that was exactly the case for Ben Laughlin on Saturday night as he took a catch to dismiss dangerous Adelaide Strikers batsman Tim Ludeman.

The Strikers wicketkeeper must have a fairly loose grip when he bats, because the pull shot he played off Xavier Doherty resulted in the ball spooning out to square leg and the bat following suit.

Luckily for Laughlin, it landed a few metres away from him and he was able to block out the prospect of getting whacked on the head by an airborne piece of wood to take a good diving catch.

The loss of Ludeman was a big blow for the Strikers, who also lost West Indies star Kieron Pollard early on, but Ludeman's opening partner Michael Klinger led the charge for the away side as they finished on 4-162 from their 20 overs.

Follow the rest of the game LIVE with our Match Centre, featuring video of every wicket and boundary.

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Barty on cloud nine after giant win

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Bright future ... Barty is already showing signs of class at just 16. Source:AFP

She's just 16 and stands at a diminutive 166cm, but Queensland schoolgirl Ashleigh Barty is already making a splash on the world tennis stage.

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Barty notched the biggest scalp of her fledgling career on Thursday night with a 6-0 6-3 demolition of 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone at the Hopman Cup in Perth.

The 55-minute rout capped a dream week for Barty, who was also handed a wildcard into this month's Australian Open.

The right-hander, who improved her ranking from 669 to 175 in 2012, was only playing at the Hopman Cup following the withdrawal of Casey Dellacqua (foot).

Barty showed glimpses of her talent in a 6-2 6-3 loss to former world No.1 Ana Ivanovic in front of 13,509 fans at a packed Perth Arena on Wednesday night.

And she displayed no fear when she took on the might of Serbia's world No.1 Novak Djokovic in the mixed doubles.

But it was her win over Schiavone that has fuelled her belief of greater success down the track, with Barty rating it more satisfying than her 2011 juniors triumph at Wimbledon.

"I think this trumps everything," Barty said.

"It has to be close to one of the best performances I've ever played."

Barty's coach Jason Stoltenberg was equally ecstatic after the win, and was confident a bright future lay ahead for his pupil, who is also coached by Jim Joyce.

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"Most 25-year-old men would have been scared (playing Djokovic)," Stoltenberg said.

"And to have a 16-year-old girl out there playing Novak in the mixed doubles and Ana in the singles, just to see how she handled that was pretty special.

"I'm really proud of her and happy for her, because I know it's not an easy road for any player.

"And although she looks like she does it easy and she's kind of relaxed and casual, I know she's like every player.

"She still feels the bumps like everyone else. I'm relieved for her and proud of her.

"To see someone go out there and grow in a week like I've seen this week, that's what I'm most happy about."

Stoltenberg said Barty possessed deceptive power despite her small stature.

But he said it was her variety that would bring her future success.

"She's not going to win matches by going out there and overpowering a lot of girls," Stoltenberg said.

"She's got to use her variety and her slice.

"She's not really using her net game that much anymore, but she volleys very well.

"The good thing is there's a lot of variety in her game, and she's pretty tough under pressure.

"There's a lot of upside."

Before the Australian Open, Barty will contest the Hobart International after also being handed a wildcard.

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Sore toe forces Azarenka to withdraw

Sore toe ... Azarenka has withdrawn from the Brisbane International. Source: AFP

World No.1 Victoria Azarenka has protected her Australian Open title defence plans by withdrawing from the WTA's Brisbane International with a toe infection.

The 23-year-old pulled out just half an hour before her much-anticipated semi-final showdown with world No.3 Serena Williams on Friday.

Azarenka was the second big name to withdraw from the Brisbane event following French Open champion Maria Sharapova (collarbone).

Azarenka of Belarus blamed a bad pedicure for the infection that required a minor surgical procedure on Thursday.

But she insisted she was not concerned about its impact on her Australian Open plans.

"I have had it for about 10 days, I had tried medication and taping it but yesterday it got a lot worse and I had to take action," she said.

Williams will take on the winner of the other semi-final between Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia and lucky loser Lesia Tsurenko of the Ukraine in Saturday night's tournament decider.

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Mundine feeling good in Brisbane

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Ready ... Anthony Mundine finishes his training in Brisbane. Source: Torsten Blackwood / AFP

Daniel Geale and Anthony Mundine have taken opposite paths to prepare for their eagerly awaited boxing world title rematch, one man staying at home and the other heading interstate.

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Mundine claims he has received a timely boost ahead of his January 30 bout with IBF middleweight champion Geale, by returning to the city where he last defeated his rival - Brisbane.

Conversely, Geale has stayed at his western Sydney base and has no plans to go elsewhere before their Sydney Entertainment bout.

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Mundine on Friday completed a month-long training stint in the Queensland capital where he was awarded the controversial 2009 victory - Geale's only professional loss.

He claimed there was "something special'' about Brisbane and believed the four-week camp had provided the finetuning needed ahead of his re-match with Geale in Sydney.

"I always feel different when I leave this joint. I always feel a lot fitter and stronger,'' Mundine said.

"Moving to a different climate, it's like altitude training for me.''

"Now I am ready to shake the world up again.''

Geale lost his IBO middleweight title to Mundine in a split-points decision in Brisbane in May 2009.

He went on to win the IBF and WBA Super titles, though he was stripped of the latter for choosing to fight Mundine.

Tasmanian-born Geale relocated to Sydney several years ago and saw no reason to change his usual routine and follow Sydneysider Mundine out of town.

"Everybody to their own - I'm getting the best out of what I need to do right where I am. It definitely works for me,'' Geale said.

"We pretty much do everything we need (to) here in Sydney.

"We're very happy - we've got good sparring partners. Everything has fallen into place perfectly for us.''

Geale, who has sparred with Trent Broadhurst and former Mundine victim Rob Medley, said he kept working throughout the holiday season.

The 37-year-old Mundine, is a $3.36 outsider with bookies against hot favourite Geale ($1.30).

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Top five celebrity sports fans

David Hasselhoff ... is a fan of Barclays Premeir League side Manchester City. Source: Twitter

David Hasselhoff was a famous face in the stands during Manchester City's win over Stoke City and, judging by the Hoff's Twitter photos, it seems the team enjoyed the actor's company in the dressing room.

The former Baywatch star donned a City jersey and posed for photos with the squad in the aftermath of the 3-0 victory at the Eithad Stadium.

Hasselhoff isn't the first Hollywood star to pledge their allegiance to a sporting team, and we have looked at five notable celebrity sports fans down the years.

Have we missed any? Let us know by leaving a comment at the bottom of this page.

Osama Bin Laden - Arsenal

The deceased former al-Qaeda leader spent two years living in London in the early 1990s and developed an affinity to the Gunners during his time in the capital.

Bin Laden attended several games and even brought a jersey back of Arsenal legend Ian Wright to give to his son when he left England.

When news of Bin Laden's link with Arsenal was revealed in 2001, home fans began the following chant:

"Obama-woah-woah, He's hiding near Kabul, He loves the Arsenal"

Pulling power ... Cruise watches the Bunnies. Source: AAP

Tom Cruise: South Sydney Rabbitohs

South Sydney have had plenty of celebrity fans over the years, mainly due to the influence of owner and Hollywood heavyweight Russell Crowe.

Tom Cruise watched a game with Crowe in 1999 (pictured right) while the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Jay Leno and Christian Bale have been pictured in Bunnies merchandise.

Snoop Dogg: Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, QPR and Birmingham City

Loyalty counts for a lot amongst English football fans, but someone forgot to tell Snoop Dogg.

The legendary rapper, who is a good friend of Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, has been photographed in jerseys of the Red Devils, Liverpool, Chelsea, QPR and Birmingham City during his gigs over England.

Daniel Craig: Liverpool

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson recently shared a flight with Scottish actor Daniel Craig's mother, and offered her son tickets to see the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

Unfortunately for Ferguson, 007 is actually a Liverpool fan and his mother was forced to politely decline Sir Alex's offer.

John Travolta - Socceroos

Looking closer to home and it seems Olivia Newton-John's Australian influence rubbed off on John Travolta, the actor declaring his love for the Socceroos in 2010.

Travolta travelled to South Africa to watch the team play in the 2010 World Cup and revealed he even joined the players in the sheds to belt out a rendition of Summer Loving.

Travolta reckons he was a good luck charm when the Socceroos qualified for the 2006 World Cup and Australian football fans will be hoping for much of the same this year as the team look to book a place in Brazil in 2014.

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What are some other famous sports fans you know of? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

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Live: AUS v SL, New Year's Test

Farewell ... the third Test against Sri Lanka will be Mike Hussey's last. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Whether you're at home, at work or even at the ground, foxsports.com.au is your one-stop shop for following the action from the third Test between Australia and Sri Lanka.

Our new-look interactive blog captures the best of the action utilising social media, videos and pictures direct from the ground.

If you are at the SCG , we'd love to see your images and will use as many as possible during the day, in what is set to be a massive occasion as fans farewell 'Mr Cricket' Mike Hussey and take a moment to remember legendary commentator and former England captain Tony Greig.

We'll tackle all the big issues and invite you to have your say on everything from the result of the Test to who should make the squad for the tour of India, and everything in between.

If, however, it's a ball-by-ball description and up to the second scoreboard you want, along with wagon wheels and ball tracking technology, we have that covered in our MATCH CENTRE.

Join us from 1030am (EDT) on Thursday for all the day one action.

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Want to see what our blog looks like? Click here to see our coverage from the Boxing Day Test.

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Pup desperate to fix farewell demons

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Swansong ... Hussey looks set to farewell Test cricket in style. Source:News Limited

A cavalcade of Australia greats have farewelled Test cricket at the SCG, and Michael Hussey will be looking to follow in their footsteps and produce a match-winning performance.

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Australia skipper Michael Clarke said farewelling "Mr Cricket" would be emotional for the team's young stars - and sending him out the right way was something the team had discussed.

"I think a lot of guys will be emotional that Mr Cricket's finishing up in Test match cricket after this game," Clarke said.

"He's played nearly 80 Test matches so he's been around for such a long time. He'll definitely be missed."

Clarke said there were no scars from the last mission to send a teammate out a winner - when Ricky Ponting's last Test turned into a 309-run defeat to South Africa.

"I don't think it had an impact on the team," Clarke said.

"It probably gave us more ammunition ... it's just unfortunate we got beaten by a better team.

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"... Our goal is the same as it was for Punter (Ponting). We want to make sure we send them out on a high. Hopefully, the result's a little bit different to what it was in Perth.

"But we'd love to see Michael Hussey go out with a win, and hopefully another Test match hundred for him."

Should Hussey be led off the SCG with a bagful of runs and another victory, he'll join an impressive list of Australia champions who said goodbye to Test cricket in Sydney.

In 2006, Australia's two leading wicket-takers, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, joined respected opening batsman Justin Langer in ending their careers with a 10-wicket win over England which secured a 5-0 Ashes sweep.

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Twenty-two years before that, arguably Australia's most-fearsome quick Dennis Lillee, brilliant batsman Greg Chappell and one of the finest wicketkeepers of all time, Rod Marsh, bowed out with starring roles in a 10-wicket win over India.

Australia's most successful captain Steve Waugh was unable to notch his 33rd Test century in his final innings, against India at the SCG in 2004, but notched a typically gutsy 80.

McGrath, Test cricket's fourth-highest wicket-taker with 583 scalps, said Hussey was due to follow in their footsteps by playing a leading role.

"Your last Test match is always incredible and - to go out on your own terms and to be playing well like Huss is - I'm looking forward to him getting another hundred,'' McGrath said.

"So hopefully, I don't put the mocker on him but he's been incredible for the game and probably one of the last old boys to hang the boots up."

McGrath, who took six wickets in his final Test, said he had fond memories for life from that match.

"It was something I will always remember," he said.

"I think the three of us retiring in that same Test also made it that little bit more special as well."

Hussey also requires just 34 runs to pass Ponting's Australian record for the most Test runs against Sri Lanka of 975 runs from 14 Tests.

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Van Egmond in angry ref outburst

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Tirade ... Gary van Egmond fumes at a non-decision from referee Chris Beath. Source: Liam Driver / News Limited

Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond was involved in a heated exchange with match officials during the half-time break in his team's loss to Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park.

Van Egmond followed officials into the tunnel at the end of the first half, and Fox Sports cameras showed the coach delivering an angry tirade to referee Chris Beath and his assistants.

Van Egmond was infuriated with Beath's decision to award a first-half penalty to Melbourne Heart, believing his goalkeeper Mark Birighitti was fouled while trying to collect the ball before he dragged down the Heart's Germano.

Striker Josip Tadic converted from the spot in what proved to be the winner in the Heart's 2-1 victory, a win that moved them off the bottom of the A-League ladder.

Van Egmond gave his version of events at the post-match press conference.

"There was some frustration out there," van Egmond said.

"I was just wondering about the decision with the penalty.

"I think he misinterpreted. He was talking about a different decision so nothing really got cleared up.

"I thought (Birighitti) had the ball and then there was a collision and then he didn't have the ball.

"If he has got the ball first, I would suggest that's it. If he gets collided into, there's a reason why he's dropped it.

"But I haven't seen it on the replay."

Fox Sports football commentator, and former Socceroos goalkeeper, Mark Bosnich offered his thoughts on the incident following the match.

"The player (Germano) went straight through and knocked the ball out of Birighitti's hands," he said.

"I thought that quite easily it could have been a foul and should have been.

"It's similair to what we've seen in the EPL and Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Managers are entitled to ask the question though."

The penalty wasn't the only decision that drew the ire of van Egmond, the coach cut a visably frustrated figure on the sideline throughout the second half.

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Watch van Egmond's angry exchange with the referees in the video at the top of this page and re-live all the action from the clash, including video highlights, at our A-League Match Centre.

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I'm not worthy of knighthood, says Murray

THE perks for winning the US Open have been savoured by Andy Murray but the world No.3 reckons his historic triumph had not been worthy of Britain's ultimate - a knighthood.

Murray hopes to enjoy a dream start to his Australian Open preparation by defending his Brisbane International title this week.

But the Scot's thoughts on Tuesday drifted to last year's US Open, admitting he had soaked up the benefits of ending British tennis' 76-year grand slam curse.

It added to the back slaps he earned a month earlier for winning London Olympic gold.

"A few weeks afterwards around the Olympics time and the US Open, I got a few upgrades on flights and things like that which is nice," a smiling Murray said.

"But that's died down a little bit over the last few months."

The accolades kept coming in the Queen's New Year Honours list in the form of an OBE.

But Murray, 25, seemed bemused by the British media's claim he should have risen with fellow Scot, Tour de France victor Brad Wiggins, as a knight.

"You need to do a lot for a long time to deserve an honour like that," he said.

"I've only been doing it for a couple of years so I think I'll definitely need to win a few more matches and have more tournaments to have a chance of getting that."

Not that Murray warmed to being called "Sir Andy".

"I think with the people around you, I think everyone just kind of stays the same (when knighted) - it'll be people that you don't know that will come up to you and address you as that," he said.

"But I wouldn't want my friends and family to call me like that."

Not much might change if Murray earns a knighthood but the rangy Scot admits his countdown to the Australian Open had after finally claiming his maiden grand slam on his fifth attempt.

"It's a little bit different. I probably just feel a little bit more relaxed maybe the last few weeks than I normally do a few weeks out from a slam," he said.

"I think a lot of people that follow tennis and were sort of general sports fans knew my story a little bit of how long it had been since any British player had won a slam and how many times I had lost in the finals.

"Especially after Wimbledon when I was very upset this year.

"It was very nice for me to finally be able to move on and not worry about that stuff anymore."

But Murray admitted the pressure of winning Wimbledon would always be there.

"I think there will be a lot of pressure again, but I don't think there will be more pressure than what I went through probably during Wimbledon this year, to be honest," he said.

"That was a tough tournament for me.

"I think whatever happens at Wimbledon this year ... I think I'll be able to deal with it better than I have done in the past."

Murray begins his Brisbane International title defence with a second-round clash against Australian qualifier John Millman.

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Ono masterclass sees Wanderers win

Quality ... A Shinji Ono double helps deliver a Wanderers win. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

A freakish double strike by marquee star Shinji Ono continued Western Sydney Wanderers' remarkable rise in a 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory at Parramatta Stadium.

The Japanese playmaker scored brilliant goals in either half in front of 13,659 fans as the Wanderers leapfrogged the Victory into third spot in their debut A-League campaign.

It was Tony Popovic's side's fourth win in five games to confirm their credentials as genuine title contenders.

While the A-League's form player, Melbourne star Marco Rojas, hogged the pre-game headlines, it was Ono who stole the show.

He opened the scoring with a remarkable piece of technical skill in the 42nd minute and delivered again with a cracking late winner after Victory substitute Spase Dilevski had equalised seven minutes earlier.

After resting a host of key players in last week's 1-1 draw with Perth, Popovic made seven changes to his starting line-up with Ono, Mark Bridge and Youssouf Hersi among those returning.

The Wanderers looked the fresher side in the first half and created several clear-cut chances as the Victory couldn't find much in attack.

Bridge had a great chance to open the scoring in the seventh minute but blasted a volleyed attempt over the bar from Hersi's headed pass.

The visitors suffered an early blow with Gui Finkler forced off in the 10th minute with an knee injury.

The Wanderers continued to mount pressure and Ono finally achieved the breakthrough three minutes before halftime with a moment of magic.

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Relive the magic in the Wanderers' win over Victory with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and all the important stats.

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Nikolai Topor-Stanley headed the ball down field and the Japanese playmaker collected it on the volley, juggled it and finished superbly from the edge of the box.

The Victory tried to respond after halftime with Archie Thompson squandering a decent chance in the 54th minute.

The Wanderers suffered a scare midway though the second half as Ono was hurt in a challenge on Jonathan Bru but he was able to continue.

Western Sydney looked to put the result beyond doubt and had a decent penalty shout turned down before Nathan Coe made a brilliant save to deny Michael Beauchamp in the 65th minute.

The Victory kept fighting, though, and were rewarded when Dilevski created something out of nothing with a low drive from just outside the box that beat Wanderers 'keeper Ante Covic.

But it was Ono's day and he sent a passionate home crowd into raptures as he put the Wanderers ahead again with a curling, long-range effort.

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Djokovic hurt while giving autograph

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Hurt ... Djokovic was in a playful mood before the unfortunate incident. Source: Tony Ashby / News Limited

Serbian world No.1 Novak Djokovic escaped injury despite copping the brunt of a falling barrier while signing autographs at the Hopman Cup in Perth on Monday.

Djokovic was in good spirits as he mixed with fans after defeating Italian Andreas Seppi 6-3 6-4 at the new $550 million Perth Arena.

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But with numerous people leaning over in their bid to get his autograph, the hoarding holding them back toppled over, collecting Djokovic's legs in the process.

Djokovic crouched on the ground in pain after the incident, before limping back to the players' lounge to receive treatment.

However, the 25-year-old was given the all-clear by medical staff and was able to join Ana Ivanovic in the mixed doubles.

Serbia still won the tie 2-1 after singles wins to both Djokovic and Ivanovic.

"It was a bit of a shock and I am glad that the children involved are OK. I am fine," Djokovic said of the injury scare.

The incident capped a turbulent 24 hours for Djokovic, who only arrived in Perth on Sunday evening after winning an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi.

The lengthy flight over and the four-hour time difference didn't seem to faze Djokovic, who always looked on control against Seppi.

"I arrived quite late last night and didn't get a lot of sleep," Djokovic told the crowd shortly before he got hit by the toppling barrier.

"I felt like I was dream walking this morning.

"But as the match went on, I was managing to get my rhythm."

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Wade ready for batting promotion

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Moving on up ... Wade could be promoted to No.6 in the batting order. Source: Chris Crerar / AAP

Australia wicketkeeper Matthew Wade says he's ready and able to step up to No.6 in the batting order for the New Year's Test - and beyond if required.

Captain Michael Clarke has flagged the prospect of promoting Wade from the traditional 'keeper/batsman role at No.7 in the absence of the injured Shane Watson for the third and final Test against Sri Lanka starting on Thursday.

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While Usman Khawaja is on standby for Clarke, who is still carrying a hamstring niggle, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is another option to take Watson's place and could slot in at No.7.

Wade is yet to be told exactly where he'll be batting in Sydney but insisted on Monday he'd feel at home further up the order.

"I'd be comfortable moving up to six if that's what the team needed me to do to win a Test," Wade said.

"I've been lucky enough to bat at six for Victoria for a couple of years now and, in terms of impacting keeping, it doesn't make too much of a difference."

Wade averages 36.27 from eight Tests, including an impressive century against the West Indies in April.

He stressed he wouldn't need to change his batting style, or preparation, if promoted.

"My personal expectation if I'm at six or seven is to contribute runs for the team," he said.

"Maybe outside expectation is the number six needs to get a little bit more runs but I'm trying to get runs every time I'm out there."

Wade also hinted he'd be happy to take on the role permanently.

Asked if he would seek the advice of retired great Adam Gilchrist, who played at No.6 many times to great effect, he said:

"Going forward, if it becomes too much of an issue for me or I'm finding things a bit difficult, I'll source out Gilly, definitely.

"He's always there - he's a phone call away for me."

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Australia have an unassailable 2-0 series lead but will be motivated to send retiring batsman Mike Hussey out a winner in his final Test, starting on Thursday.

Wade said Hussey's shock retirement meant Australia's entire batting order needed to step up ahead of next year's Ashes.

"There's going to be a lot more expectation on players that have played under 20 Tests but that's the way it goes. We've got to accept the responsibility," Wade said.

"It's a big hole that's going to be out of our team but our young batters are keen and eager to learn and get better and hopefully there's another 'Mr Cricket' waiting in our top six or seven."

It remains to be seen how Australia will deal with the loss of Hussey and Ricky Ponting for the upcoming tour of India but David Hussey, 35, has not given up hope of replacing his brother in the Test side.

"I desperately want to play Test cricket and I haven't had the opportunity," Hussey said on Monday.

"I think Michael Clarke always says that age is no barrier. If you're making runs at 17 or making runs at 45, you're still going to be in the frame for selection.

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Mariners squeeze past Glory

Tight ... Oliver Bozanic is tackled by Jacob Burns. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Substitute Bernie Ibini ensured an understrength Central Coast entered the new year on top of the A-League ladder with the decisive goal in the Mariners' 1-0 home win over Perth at Bluetongue Stadium on Monday.

Ibini's 68th-minute goal was the first shot on target of a match dominated by two well-drilled defences.

It was the Mariners' sixth win from as many home games this A-League season.

Without the suspended trio of playmaker Tomas Rogic, leading goal-scorer Daniel McBreen and captain John Hutchinson, Central Coast struggled to penetrate the Glory rearguard.

Perth were a man down from the 76th minute when Dutch central defender Bas van den Brink was sent off after collecting a second yellow card.

Glory created the only decent chance of the first half, but it was spurned by normally deadly striker Shane Smeltz.

The unmarked New Zealand international put a sidefoot volley wide from six metres out following a good cross from Steven McGarry.

At the other end, former Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic pushed away a couple of dangerous crosses, but the home team struggled to create a genuine shot on goal in the first half.

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Re-live the action between the Mariners and Glory with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and all the important stats!

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The Mariners upped the tempo in the second half and looked the more likely to score.

Striker Adam Kwasnik had a headed goal disallowed in the 47th minute for offside and headed wide 12 minutes later.

The breakthrough came shortly after when 53rd-minute substitute Ibini won a challenge with Scott Jamieson to an Oliver Bozanic cross.

The 20-year-old striker drilled the ball past Vukovic for his third goal of the season.

Glory didn't create much in the second half and their hopes plummeted after van Den Brink, who had earlier been booked for a foul on Michael McGlinchey, was given his second card for an illegal challenge on Mile Sterjovski.

Perth didn't have an attempt on target in the whole game, while the Mariners had just two.

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Hussey says his shoes can be filled

Replacement ... Mike Hussey says there is enough talent to replace him in the team. Source: Lakruwan Wanniarachchi / AFP

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Michael Hussey insists there is quality and quantity to replace him despite leaving a second chasm in Australia's middle order ahead of a critical 12 months.

• PJ Hughes (SA) 518 at 51.8
• CJ Ferguson (SA) 463 at 42.09
• UT Khawaja (QLD) 438 at 39.81  
• AJ Doolan (TAS) 409 at 58.42  
• MJ Cosgrove (TAS) 373 at 37.30
• RT Ponting (TAS) 355 at 118.33  
• BCJ Cutting (QLD) 348 at 38.66
• CJL Rogers (VIC) 340 at 42.50
• BJ Haddin (NSW) 337 at 67.40  
• MC Henriques (NSW) 314 at 78.50

Hussey's announcement on Saturday that he'll retire from international cricket after this summer came exactly a month after Ricky Ponting revealed he was calling time on his storied career.

That leaves another middle-order batting vacancy going into February's tour of India, followed by two Ashes series, in England then Australia.

But 37-year-old Hussey - set to play his 79th and last Test this week against Sri Lanka at the SCG - said on Sunday there was talent available to step in after his surprise decision to retire despite averaging close to 80 this summer.

And he said his 35-year-old brother David, a regular contributor at domestic level for Victoria, should be among those considered.

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"I'm not worried about the team whatsoever. We've got some fantastic candidates to come in - probably too many to name,'' Hussey said.

"Maybe David Hussey could get a run - one Hussey out, one Hussey in. History has shown players have come and gone. But the game continues to move forward, and it'll be no different with me.''

With Phil Hughes already recalled to replace Ponting, Queensland batsman Usman Khawaja is almost certain to get first crack at Hussey's spot, while Victorian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is in the 13-man squad for the Sydney Test as injured Shane Watson's replacement.

Maxwell bats at No.5 or 6 for Victoria, and comes with the bonus of bowling decent off-spin.

The younger Hussey and fellow Victorian Rob Quiney - used and discarded already this summer - will also be among the candidates, along with Tasmania's Alex Doolan and South Australia's Callum Ferguson.

Hussey said his decision to walk away - mostly for family reasons as he didn't want to commit to a six-month-plus stint away from home next year - had shocked teammates.

He rang them all personally on Saturday after he had broken the news to Michael Clarke and Mickey Arthur.

Paceman Mitchell Starc admitted he was surprised, and believed Hussey's replacement would have big shoes to fill.

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"He's still in great form with the bat, as we've seen through this summer so far,'' Starc said in Sydney on Sunday.

"He's going out the way he wants by the sound of things and it's going to leave a big hole.

"It's hard to replace Ricky Ponting. Now we've got to replace him and Mike Hussey, so it's a big gap.''

The Australians will also have to find a replacement for Hussey in his role of leading the singing of the team song after Test victories.

He refused to say who his preferred candidate was, but said he had already spoken to the player.

Hussey said he was comfortable with his decision to walk away after Sydney, despite his great recent form.

"I do still love the game, but I'm not up to the rigours, pressures and stresses of international cricket any more,'' Hussey said.

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Velasquez downs Dos Santos in Vegas

Belting ... Cain Velasquez lays into Junior Dos Santos. Source: David Becker / AAP

Cain Velasquez reclaimed the UFC heavyweight championship by battering Junior Dos Santos on the way to a lopsided unanimous decision in UFC 155 in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEDT).

Velasquez (11-1) took early control of the rematch of his only career loss, flooring the champion with a big right hand midway through the first round.

The American spent most of the match stalking and pounding on Brazil's Dos Santos (15-2), who never fully recovered from the first-round shot that left him bruised and woozy.

Velasquez won every round on every judge's scorecard in the UFC's traditional year-end event in its hometown.

Dos Santos took the UFC belt away from Velasquez in November 2011 in just 64 seconds, earning a first-round stoppage victory with one vicious overhand right in Anaheim, California.

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Rogic to learn from send-off: Arnie

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Tomas Rogic ... will learn from his shocking red card against Sydney FC. Source:News Limited

Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold say Tomas Rogic's wild tackle which earned him a three-match ban was a result of frustration, not a character flaw.

Rising star Rogic has always been singled out for talent rather than tempest during a meteoric 12-month rise to become one of the A-League's best players.

But the 20-year-old's shocking challenge on Sydney midfielder Rhyan Grant in an ill-tempered end to the Mariners' loss last week brought a new layer of scrutiny for a player likely to be a key Socceroo for the next decade.

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The lunge could have had dire consequences for Grant - also a young player feeling his way in the game.

Tellingly, the Mariners accepted the match review panel's three-match ban which rules Rogic out of the New Year's Eve clash with Perth Glory.

Arnold admitted it "wasn't a great tackle".

But he defended the youngster's character, saying he would learn from an incident the coach blamed on pent-up frustration from a succession of fouls committed against the youngster.

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"It's a learning lesson for Tommy,'' Arnold told reporters on the Central Coast on Sunday

"He's got to realise in his career, a player of his style is going to attract physical attention.

"(The ban) is very disappointing, because Tommy's not that type of player.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	13	8	3	2	12	27
2	Adelaide	13	8	1	4	4	25
3	Victory	13	7	2	4	-1	23
4	Western Sydney	13	6	2	5	5	20
5	Perth	13	5	3	5	3	18
6	Wellington	13	4	4	5	0	16
7	Newcastle	13	5	1	7	-8	16
8	Brisbane	13	4	2	7	0	14
9	Sydney	13	4	1	8	-11	13
10	Heart	13	3	3	7	-4	12

"He's an entertainer, he puts bums on seats and you see players get away with a lot plenty of other times."

Arnold reiterated his post-match call that referees needed to do more to protect Rogic and players like him, saying the midfielder had been "lined up" several times during the match.

Also on Sunday, Sydney FC coach Frank Farina made a similar plea about his Italian star Alessandro Del Piero.

He will miss the Sky Blues' away clash with Adelaide United on Monday because of niggling injury - Farina saying it was as a result of increased physical attention the 38-year-old has been getting during matches.

Arnold will also be without captain John Hutchinson, another sent off against Sydney FC, and leading goalscorer Daniel McBreen through suspension.

With veteran centre-half Patrick Zwaanswijk also out injured, Arnold has made Kiwi midfielder Michael McGlinchey skipper against the Glory at Bluetongue Stadium.

"It's a great honour to be the stand-in captain for Hutch," said McGlinchey, one of his side's best in their top-of-the-table season so far.

"I've been at the club four years now and hopefully it can add to my game."

Arnold will bring Adriano Pellegrino, Adam Kwasnik and Oliver Bozanic into the starting side to replace his suspended trio.

The Glory will be without centre-back Michael Thwaite following a bad calf injury sustained in the team's draw with Western Sydney Wanderers last week.

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