Lyon puts Aussies in box seat

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AUSTRALIA need 201 runs to win the fourth Ashes Test as spinner Nathan Lyon celebrated his 100th Test scalp and a five wicket haul on day three at the MCG.

Aussie openers Chris Rogers (18) and David Warner (12) will begin again on Sunday morning, having faced eight overs on Saturday afternoon to steer Australia to 0-30.

England collapsed on Saturday and was all out for 179 in its second innings - setting the home side a target of 231.

Australia resumed this morning at 9-164 and was all out for 204 chasing England's first innings of 255.

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The visitors looked on top early at 0-54, but lost their last five wickets for just six runs.

Kevin Pietersen (49) was solid for the English before he lofted a Lyon delivery to Ryan Harris in the deep.

The maligned batsman gained few Aussie fans at the MCG after a verbal spat with fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, who again could do no wrong.

Johnson was angered - along with a fair few of the almost 64,000-strong MCG crowd - when Pietersen pulled out of his stance midway through a delivery, prompting the fast bowler to throw the ball past the batsman to the slips. A heated discussion followed.

Lyon took 5-50 off 17 overs - his 100th Test wicket was Stuart Broad, who was caught by Michael Clarke at slip.

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Harris and Shane Watson appeared to be nursed through the day.

Harris (0-34) , who has a chronic knee issue, left the MCG after sending down just two overs in the morning, but returned soon after and bowled 10 overs for the day.

Watson (0-13) had groin soreness on Day 1 and bowled just four overs, looking uncomfortable in the field.

Johnson was pivotal again with his three wickets just after the start.

After snaring the crucial scalp of England captain Alastair Cook (51) lbw after lunch, he threw down the stumps fielding at midoff to have Joe Root (15) run out.

But he wasn't done.

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Ian Bell was out for a duck, lobbing a Lyon delivery directly to yes, Johnson, at midoff.

Cook surpassed 8000 runs posting his half century off 60 balls.

Earlier Root was given out edging to the keeper only for the England No.3 to review and have the decision overturned after both Hot Spot and Snicko failed to detect an edge.

Steve Smith copped a Michael Carberry sweep shot in the left hand while fielding at short leg. It'd be harsh to call it a chance and Smith was forced from the field for treatment but he returned a few overs later.

Peter Siddle had Carberry, who made an agonising 12 off 81 balls, trapped lbw.

Brad Haddin (65) and Lyon (18 not out) batted for about 45 minutes on the morning of day three to improve Australia's first innings total.

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Wild Oats rules the seven seas

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CHAMPION supermaxi Wild Oats XI has blasted her way to a record-equalling seventh line-honours win in the 69th edition of the Sydney to Hobart.

Bob Oatley's record-equalling yacht did it in style, too - hitting speeds in excess of 50km/h as she powered into Hobart just before sunset.

The spectacular daylight finish was one of the most memorable in recent years, with thousands lining the foreshores of the Derwent River and flocking to Constitution Dock to greet the 100-footer on her arrival.

The yacht sailed across the finish line with three reefs in her main sail after hitting tremendous speeds in the final approach to the Derwent River.

Behind her on a power boat was proud owner Oatley, 86, waving to his crew as they raced to history.

Wild Oats XI motors into Storm Bay as the supermaxi benefits from the change in conditions. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

The Mark Richards-skippered Wild Oats now owns seven line-honours trophies, two overall titles and two race records to become the most successful yacht in the history of the Australian classic.

Her win equals the record of the yacht Morna/Kurrewa IV, which won seven races in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

Wild Oats held off a fast-finishing Perpetual Loyal and her crew of celebrities and the 100-footer Ragamuffin, skippered by the oldest man in the race, 86-year-old Syd Fischer.

"It is just sensational, our best ever win,'' Richards said.

"The competition for this race this year was the best. It's very special.''

Hobart straight ahead as the crew aboard Wild Oats XI know they have their seventh win in the bag. Picture: Leigh Winburn Source: News Limited

Oatley also rated the line-honours victory as the best of the seven.

"It's a piece of history, that's always special,'' Oatley said.

"This boat is just fantastic and she had more to give, for sure."

Tactician Iain Murray, the race director of the recent America's Cup and onboard for all of Wild Oats' triumphs, agreed.

"You get asked that every year but this one does rate,'' he said.

"Having the other yachts, such good yachts makes it very special.''

Wild Oats XI stamped her authority on the 628 nautical mile race from the start, winning the race to Sydney Heads.

Crew members aboard Wild Oats XI adjust the sails as the supermaxi pours on the speed in the closing stages of the race. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

A decision by Perpetual Loyal not to pursue a protest over an incident soon after the start meant the result of this year's race was decided on the water rather than the jury room.

The champion yacht lead down the NSW coast before Anthony Bell and his team overtook Wild Oats XI before entering Bass Strait.

Wild Oats XI then took back the lead around 2pm on Friday with the yachts passing within 300m of each other.

"We came within nine miles of them early today but they just skipped away again, " Bell told The Daily Telegraph.

Surf's up as Wild Oats XI smashes her way through a wave 10 nautical miles east of Maria Island. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

Last night hundreds of boats took to the Derwent River to greet Wild Oatsand honour her sailing into the history books.

But her time of two days and six hours seven minutes 27 seconds was well outside the race record of one day 18 hours 23 minutes and 12 seconds set in 2012.

The multi-million dollar yacht was launched in 2005 and took the first of race wins just 11 days later.

She has been beaten only twice, by Alfa Romeo in 2009 and Investec Loaylin 2011.

Crew members aboard Wild Oats XI are greeted by a huge crowd at the Hobart docks after taking line honours in the 2013 Sydney to Hobart. Picture: Leigh Winburn Source: News Limited

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From Friday: THE oldest sailor to race to Hobart and a man who grew up on a chicken farm have emerged as the most likely roadblocks to Wild Oats XI claiming a record-equalling seventh line-honours win in the Sydney to Hobart today.

As the Mark Richards-skippered Wild Oatsand Anthony Bell's Perpetual Loyal slugged it out last night, octogenarian Syd Fischer (Ragamuffin) and Grant Wharington (Wild Things) moved within striking distance of the leaders as they raced through Bass Strait.

Aiding both Ragamuffin and Wild Thing's bids for an upset victory is the fact both yachts have aboard special sails they are hopeful of using in the final stretch of the line-honours race.

"This is one hell of a race and it really could go all the way to the line,'' Bell said.

"We aren't looking that flash right now but things can change, things can happen and we will be fighting to the end.''

Fischer, 86, and already planning to be part of the fleet next year, last claimed line honours in 1990.

Wharington, who grew up on a farm but has spent most of his life on the water, won in 2003. Each has positioned his yacht to take advantage of any slip made by the frontrunners or even the slightest change in the weather, which last night favoured Richards and his crew.

Bell will also be hoping for a change in fate after his yacht was overtaken by Wild Oats late yesterday thanks to ultralight winds on the racetrack.

"We are going to every playbook and we are not giving up the fight until it's over,'' said Bell, who is hoping today's forecast stronger winds will be fresher than anticipated.

Hong Kong businessman Karl Kwok's 80-footer Beau Gesteis also still in the mix.

Meteorologist Roger Badham said the key to victory this year was how the yachts dealt with light winds overnight - and pockets of no wind - and then fast running conditions to the finish.

Wild Oats XI leads Perpetual Loyal north east of Flinders Island in Bass Strait on day two. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

Wild Oats XI will equal the record of Morna/Kurrawa IV if she takes her seventh line-honours victory in the Sydney to Hobart.

At 11.30pm last night, she was 20 nautical miles in front of Perpetual Loyal, with Ragamuffin almost 12 nautical miles further back. Giacomo was 55 nautical miles behind Wild Oats, with Black Jack in fifth place, 53 nautical miles astern.

The Bob Oatley yacht won the race on debut in 2005 and is the only yacht in history to have claimed the race record twice - in 2005 and in 2012 when she covered the course in one day 18 hours 23 minutes and 12 seconds.

The race for the overall honours is still wide open with the early money on a bigger yacht claiming the handicap prize over one of the smaller boats in the fleet.

While the line-honours winner is expected to be docked in Hobart by late today, the majority of the fleet will still be sailing south and battling a nasty sou'westerly front packing a punch.

The crew aboard Perpetual LOYAL rest on the bow during very light conditions off Flinders Island in Bass Strait. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

Sailors may have to deal with 50-knot gusts down the east coast of Tasmania.

Last night, Wilperina, the smallest yacht in the fleet at 34-foot became the third casualty of the race. The immediate reason for her retirement was unknown.

Just before 2pm yesterday, Wild Oats XI reclaimed the lead, coming from 13 nautical miles behind to again assume the leader's role in the southbound ocean classic.

"We have just taken them,'' Wild Oats navigator Tom Addis told The Daily Telegraph.

"We passed them approximately 300m away.''

It set the scene for a great battle in Bass Strait between the two frontrunners.

In the early hours of Friday morning, Perpetual LOYAL had established a 10 nautical mile lead over Wild Oats XI in light wind conditions.

But Wild Oats XI made steady inroads into that gap as the morning progressed, closing within three miles of the frontrunner, which was 44 nautical miles south east of Gabo Island off the Victorian coast.

Perpetual LOYAL can see her arch rival as she trails Wild Oats X1 across Bass Strait. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

A crewman aboard Wild Oats told The Daily Telegraph the yacht had sailed into a major wind hole off the NSW far south coast that had seen her concede her early lead to Perpetual LOYAL during the night.

But around midday the Mark Richards-skippered champion was back up there with her rival with the pair leading the 91-strong fleet into Bass Strait.

The 2013 race was billed as a thriller and it is living up to its pre-race hype with more than seven yachts still in the mix to claim the fastest time honours in this year's race.

These include the New Zealand 70-footer Giacomo, which early Friday was in third place and leading the race handicap overall despite being 30-foot smaller than the fleet headliners, Syd Fischer's Ragamuffin, the Queensland yacht Black Jack and Hong Kong's Beau Geste.

Round the world navigator Adrienne Cahalan, aboard the 55-footer Wedgetail, said the conditions at sea were pleasant but very light on the opening night.

"It is sunny and warm and a nice change to the normal wet and windy and bumpy approach to Bass Strait,'' she said.

Perpetual LOYAL lies 65 miles off Eden on Friday. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

From Thursday, the pre-race prediction of Perpetual LOYAL skipper and owner Anthony Bell that navigators would play an important part in the race appeared spot on.

After an incident-filled start on Sydney Harbour, Wild Oats XI was hounded by a group of rivals as she sailed down the NSW south coast before surrendering her lead.

In a boost for Wild Oats XI, Bell and his team on Perpetual LOYAL revealed they had lowered their protest flag over an incident just after the start.

This means there is no protest against Wild Oats, which could impact on her race result.

"We've had a meeting and decided not to proceed with the protest,'' Bell said.

"At first we thought we had been fouled, but in a sense we had not.''

Perpetual LOYAL sits about 65 nautical miles off Eden on day two. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

The early leading pack included the four supermaxis Perpetual LOYAL, Wild Oats XI, Ragamuffin 100 and Wild Thing; new 80-foot boat Beau Geste and the Volvo 70s Giacomo and Black Jack.

But the news was not all good in the early afternoon, with the fleet reduced to 92 following the retirement of Audi Sunshine Coast (mast damage) and Dodo (torn mainsail).

The fleet was making slow work of the 628 nautical mile race because of headwinds but sailors were optimistic their journey south would speed up overnight when more favourable nor'easterlies hit the fleet.

Wild Oats XI makes good time on the opening day. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

Skipper Eric Holden, aboard the clipper round the world race leader Henri Lloyd, reported that conditions at sea were pleasant after a hectic start.

"It was organised chaos as usual,'' said the Canadian who is skippering one of the 12 70-footers using the Sydney to Hobart as a leg of their round the world event.

"The conditions are fine and no one has any problems. We are chugging along quite nicely.''

The protest, retirements, and the thrilling early duel between Wild Oats XI and Perpetual LOYAL combined to make it the most eventful and exciting start of recent times.

Wild Oats XI off Port Kembla on day one of the Sydney to Hobart. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

Cloudy skies gave way to a spectacular and sunny start to the 69th edition of the race, with Wild Oats winning the honour of leading the fleet up Sydney Harbour and out to sea.

Rival supermaxi and race debutante Perpetual LOYAL looked to have the inside running on Wild Oats XI approaching the first mark.

Perpetual LOYAL seemed to hesitate, with some commentators suggesting she might have been confused over which marking buoy to round.

Wild Oats XI, going for a record-equalling seventh line honours title, swept past the Sydney to Hobart rookie to be first to exit Sydney Harbour and turn south, followed by new 80-foot Hong Kong yacht Beau Geste and then Perpetual LOYAL.

Ichi Ban, skippered by Matt Allen, during the start of the Sydney to Hobart. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

Perpetual LOYAL raised a protest flag soon after, though the reason for it wasn't immediately clear.

The race fleet was quickly reduced by two with Audi Sunshine Coast and Dodo retiring.

Queensland 50-footer Audi Sunshine Coast was forced out inside the first 30 minutes with rig damage, completing an unfortunate double. It was also the first boat out of last month's Cabbage Tree Island Race.

Crew of Audi Sunshine Coast during the start of the Sydney to Hobart. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

"The code zero masthead fitting failed and the halyard tore down the side of the mast to the hounds fitting,'' owner and skipper Rod Jones said.

"I felt it wasn't prudent to continue.

"I feel subdued, very disappointed, but the world moves on.''

Sydney-based 52-footer Dodo had to pull out with mainsail damage.

The 2013 Sydney To Hobart start viewed from North Head. Picture: Bradley Hunter Source: News Limited

Fears of a rainy start to the race were allayed, as the sun broke through around an hour before the start and the fleet set sail in 15 to 18 knot southerly winds.

Supermaxi Ragamuffin 100 was right up there alongside Wild Oats XI and Perpetual LOYAL at the start.

The 1997 line-honours winner, maxi Brindabella, broke the start and had to turn back and go around again.

Thousands jumped aboard an array of vessels to be close to the action at the start, with the harbour foreshore crammed with spectators keen to farewell the fleet at the start of their annual trek south.

"It is just so exciting, I cannot wait," said Grace Kennedy, making her debut aboard Faceboat Sailors with disABILITIES.

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While Kennedy and the other sailors in the race will enjoy some fast downwind sailing tonight, they and other mid-sized yachts will be clobbered by a big front late Saturday night which comes with huge gusts and 4-5m seas.

While there have been reports of 12m seas they are unlikely to eventuate on the racecourse, with the fleet likely to tuck in close to the coastline to avoid the worst conditions as they sail towards the finish line on the Derwent River.

"I doubt if any of the boats will be seeing that where they are," top maritime weather specialist Roger "Clouds" Badham said.

Wild Oats XI surrounded by spectator fleet outside The Heads. Picture: Tim Hunter Source: News Limited

Wild Oats XI heads out into open water. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

Perpetual Loyal (left) and Beau Geste make their way out of Sydney Harbour. Source: AP

Wild Oats XI (left) leads Black Jack and Perpetual LOYAL out of The Heads. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

A yacht drags its spinnaker during the start of the Sydney to Hobart. Picture: Craig Greenhill Source: News Limited

The fleet heads out to sea as they begin their long journey south. Source: Getty Images

The crew onboard Wild Oats before the race start. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Limited

Wild Thing, skippered by Grant Wharington, makes good time as she leaves The Heads. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

The crew onboard Black Jack ready themselves before the start of the trek south. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Limited

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Aloisi's future hanging by a thread

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MELBOURNE Heart is planning for life after John Aloisi with the under-siege coach hanging on to his job by a thread while finally confirming that sale talks were taking place.

Aloisi cancelled training on Saturday as he and the club considered his future after ­Friday night's 1-0 loss to Wellington left Heart six points behind second-last Phoenix and winless in 17 games - two shy of New Zealand Knights' A-League record.

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Aloisi, who has another year left on his contract after this season, has lost 24 of his 39 games as A-League coach while recording just eight wins and seven draws.

The Herald Sun on Friday revealed a $12 million sale to a consortium led by Melbourne Storm chairman Bart Campbell was imminent and Heart broke its ­silence yesterday confirming talks commenced four months ago and were ongoing.

"Melbourne Heart has been approached by a number of parties over the past 12 months,'' the statement said.

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"The club has always maintained that the owners would consider transferring ownership if they considered the sale to be in the best long-term interests of the club, which includes players, staff and members.

"Over the last four months the club's ownership has held discussions with one particular group who has expressed an interest in growing the club.

"Any discussions will ensure the club's existing ­structures remain, in order to prevent dislocation to the club's ­philosophies or personnel.''

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It's an intriguing backdrop to Aloisi's future.

Sections of Friday's 6486 AAMI Park crowd chanted "Aloisi out'' and "You're s--t, and we still turn up'' at the final ­whistle. With Harry Kewell back in action only suspended Patrick Kisnorbo and injured marquee Orlando Engelaar were missing from Heart's best XI against the battling Kiwis.

Former coach and now technical manager John van't Schip is favoured to take over from Aloisi if he departs.

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Van't Schip, who returned to the club on a part-time basis this season, flew back to ­Europe after last week's Melbourne derby.

There's no respite for Heart, which travels to Central Coast Mariners next Sunday followed by a tough trip to Perth Glory.

Aloisi did not address the squad after Friday's loss and, as is customary, will review the game at training this week.

"There's going to be pressure on me I know that, but all I can do is make sure I prepare the team to beat the Mariners and to make sure the players are ready,'' Aloisi said.

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Bogut: Expect more Aussies in NBA

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FOUR Australians in the NBA still is not enough according to our most successful current player, Andrew Bogut of the Golden State Warriors.

But it's a good start considering all four - Bogut, Patty Mills and Aron Baynes (at San Antonio) and Matthew Dellavedova (at Cleveland) - are playing important roles on their teams.

No, none has played on a triple-championship winner such as Luc Longley with Chicago Bulls in 1996-98, but they all have started for their respective teams and aren't just training fodder gathering moss at the deep end of a bench.

In fact Bogut, who in 2005 became Australia's first NBA No.1 draft selection, is a regular starter for the Warriors but there was history made this month when he walked onto the floor against San Antonio.

With the Spurs resting playmaker Tony Parker and veteran forward/centre Tim Duncan, Mills and Baynes both joined Bogut for the opening tip.

Patty Mills hugs Spurs teammate Marco Belinelli. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) Source: AP

That meant not only did three Australians start together in the same NBA game for the first time, but with Bogut and Baynes taking the opening jumpball, two Aussies touched the ball first.

It tipped to Mills.

"It was an unbelievable feeling to start an NBA match alongside two other Australians," an elated Mills blogged.

"I don't think any of us realised what was actually occurring until just before tipoff.

"I got told earlier in the day that I was starting and I knew Aron Baynes was going to as well.

"We walked out on court together and I saw Andrew Bogut out of the corner of my eye and went up to him to wish him luck and all of a sudden it started to sink in what was happening.

"There were three of us Aussies starting the match and it was really special to be involved in what was a first for Australian basketball."

Matthew Dellavedova drives to the basket against Miami Heat. Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Source: AFP

Dellavedova has been the inspirational story of the season, going undrafted and working his butt off through training camps and the summer pro league to prove he was worth a shot at "The Show".

Eventually given a roster spot at the far end of the bench, the Maryborough junior worked his way up and has now been a starter in three separate games.

After a particularly galling Cleveland loss to Washington late last month, Cavaliers coach Mike Brown singled Dellavedova out for praise.

"We didn't compete. We had one guy compete the entire time he was on the floor - Matthew Dellavedova," Brown said.

A week ago in Milwaukee, Dellavedova's Melbourne-born (but US-bred) teammate Kyrie Irving went off for 39 points in a gutsy road win.

Luc Longley attempts to stop Dikembe Mutombo. AFP Source: AFP

"The game went into overtime and we managed to get the win," Dellavedova said.

"Kyrie had 39 points after being in bed for a few days with the 'flu.

"The atmosphere was electrifying with 19,000 people in attendance."

Currently Cleveland is a couple of wins short of an Eastern Conference playoff berth but over in the Western Conference, the Aussies are pencilling in playoffs.

Last season, Bogut's Warriors took San Antonio to a tough six-games in their best-of-seven Western Conference semi final before the Spurs went on to contest an epic championship series against Miami Heat.

That went the full seven games before the Heat prevailed and took Mills and Baynes within a Ray Allen three-pointer of joining Longley and Andrew Gaze with NBA championship rings.

San Antonio currently has the third-best record in the West and Golden State also is looking at a return to the post-season.

Teen sensation Dante Exum is the next big thing in Australian basketball. Picture: Jason Edwards Source: News Limited

"Having four Australians in the NBA is a fantastic achievement but we shouldn't be satisfied until we reach double figures," Bogut blogged.

"We are probably going to have some high draft picks in the coming draft (so) it is certainly something to aim for.

"At the moment we are definitely batting above our weight. If we can get a few more guys in the NBA in the coming years we can push for becoming the second biggest country in terms of contribution of players.

"That would be a fantastic achievement for a small country like Australia.

"Spain currently have the second most players in the NBA, but I think they only have six, while countries like Brazil also have a similar amount.

"To have more NBA players than these other countries is definitely something that should be a goal of ours.

"It is not just a numbers game. The more players we get in the NBA should help with exposure back home and get basketball back to where it belongs."

The NBA has its eyes on Canberra schoolboy Dante Exum, the irony being if he is drafted by Philadelphia 76ers.

The Sixers are coached by Brett Brown - no, not an Aussie - but a man who cut his coaching teeth in Australia, married an Australian and coached Australia at the London Olympics.

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Patience helps Poms roll Aussies

Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson of England celebrate another Aussie dismissal. Source: Gareth Copley / Getty Images

ENGLAND spearhead Jimmy Anderson said patient and disciplined bowling had been the key to reducing Australia to 9/164 on the second day of the MCG Test.

"We would have like a few more runs this morning - we talked about getting up to 300 being a challenging score - but then having spoken to our batters last night we knew that we could make it difficult (for Australia) to score because it's quite a slow pitch,'' Anderson said.

"If we set the right fields and bowled in the right areas we could get some rewards and we did that.

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"There wasn't much there (for the bowlers). There was some reverse at some point in the day but there wasn't really much seam movement or anything, and we had to work really hard, stay patient and work with the guy at the other end.

"We were all trying to bowl maidens, bowl dot balls, and as boring as it sounds that was the way to go on that pitch and it worked well for us.''

Anderson returned tour-best figures of 3/50 off 16 overs, including the key wickets of Michael Clarke and David Warner, but said he struggled throughout the day.

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"I felt terrible today, I didn't have any rhythm … I felt really frustrated at times but I thought the other guys bowled brilliantly, Broady especially.''

He said opening partner Stuart Broad had done "a great job'' considering his right foot was still saw from where he was struck by a Mitchell Johnson Yorker in Perth. ''It does look uncomfortable, but he's coping very well with it, being a brave little soldier and taking painkillers,'' Anderson said.

Anderson said there had not been as much swing in Australia as the Englishmen expected and that there had "not been as much seam movement as there was last time here''.

James Anderson of England appeals for the wicket of George Bailey. Source: Getty Images

In the lead-up to this Test he had worked hard with bowling coach David Saker to make sure he was pitching on the right length and holding the ball with the correct seam position at the point of release.

The dismissal of Clarke, who left a delivery that came back and clipped off stump, was simply a matter of putting the ball in a decent area and letting the ball either hit the seam or swing Irish.

Anderson also said the inclusion of all-rounder Ben Stokes in the team had taken the pressure off the English strike bowlers and allowed them to bowl in shorter shaper bursts. ''It keeps us a lot fresher and having someone like that in the team is great for the balance,'' he said.

He said the tourists were determined to register a win here and in the fifth Test in Sydney. "We're just really hungry to get something out of this tour and I think we showed that today.''

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Replay: Boxing Day Test, day two

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ENGLAND holds a commanding position in the fourth Ashes Test with Australia sitting perilously at 9-164 at stumps on day two at the MCG.

Stuart Broad dismissed Peter Siddle off the last ball of the day to leave Brad Haddin the not out batsman on 43, with Nathan Lyon to join him tomorrow morning.

Click here to see a full scoreboard, ball-by-ball commentary, stats and FoxTracker in our Match Centre.

Broad and fellow paceman James Anderson picked up three wickets each as Australia's batsmen gave away their wickets in sometimes-similar ways to the English batsmen yesterday.

It was a very different story early on Friday, as Mitchell Johnson tour through the tourists' tail to see England all out for 255.

But perhaps the biggest victory for both sides came in the MCG nets, as CCN talk show host and Twitter loud mouth Piers Morgan faced six balls from Brett Lee and failed to hit a single one of them.

Relive the action in our live blog below, featuring videos, analysis and reaction from the ground and around the world via social media. Join the conversation by commenting at the top of the blog, or contact us on Twitter @FoxCricketLive.

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Windies beat Kiwis by two wickets

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Darren Sammy made an unbeaten 43 from 27 balls to help the West Indies to a two-wicket win over New Zealand in the series-opening limited-overs international on Thursday, helping the tourists rebound from their 2-0 test series defeat.

The win, completed in only 27.3 overs when the West Indies reached 157-8 in reply to 156, overshadowed the return to international cricket after two years of New Zealand opener Jesse Ryder, who made a five-ball duck and dropped a catch.

Sammy held together the lower part of the West Indies innings, battering three sixes and five fours to guide his team home after Mitchell McClenaghan had taken 5-58 for New Zealand.

The Eden Park match was notable for the performances of captains and brothers. New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum top-scored for his team with 51 while brother Nathan McCullum made 47, helping add 52 for the last two wickets before New Zealand's innings ended in the 43rd over.

West Indies players celebrate the wicket of New Zealand batsman Luke Ronchi. Source: AFP

West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo took 4-44, while his brother Darren Bravo held three catches as the tourists dismissed New Zealand in 41.2 overs after winning the toss and bowling.

Sammy then took the reins of a disordered West Indies reply to lift his team to an important victory.

The allrounder set out to assert himself at the expense of the New Zealand bowlers, particularly the aggressive McClenaghan, and did so with a series of forceful, if improvised scoring shots.

McClenaghan took the first four wickets to fall and finished with 5-58 from 9.3 overs to help New Zealand make a deficient total seem competitive, though the erratic fast bowler embarrassed himself and his team by bowling head-high full tosses, jostling and abusing batsmen and scattering six wides.

Few bowlers in international cricket have taken a five-wicket haul from a more unfitting display. McClenaghan started strongly, bowling openers Kieran Powell and Johnson Charles which excellent deliveries which nipped back off a length. After having the West Indies reeling at 60-4, he returned to claim the important wicket of Denesh Ramdin.

Mitchell McClenaghan is expressive after removing Johnson Charles. Source: AFP

But his antics, inappropriate to a bowler of limited pace and control, detracted from his career-best bowling effort.

He specifically targeted Sammy, who had the last laugh when he hit McClenaghan for a six and a four to clinch the West Indies' victory.

"I think the team needed a victory, we needed to start well as a wounded team," Dwayne Bravo said. "We are missing some key players but it's important that the players who come in grab the opportunity."

Lendl Simmons made 34, lifting the tourists from 60-4 to 94-5 before Sammy steered them home from a tenuous 96-6.

"I don't think we played very well right throughout the game," Brendon McCullum said. "Credit to Darren Sammy at the end there, holding his nerve and coming out and wresting the game back their way."

Jason Holder is euphoric after dismissing Kane Williamson. Source: AFP

The match started on a low note when Ryder's eagerly-anticipated return to international cricket lasted five balls before he was out without scoring.

Ryder's was the first wicket to fall in a top-order collapse which saw New Zealand tumble from 10-3 to 6-66 on a briskly-paced pitch.

The 29-year-old lefthander's previous match for New Zealand was an ODI against South Africa in February, 2012. He was censured after the match for drinking alcohol while injured and immediately withdrew from the New Zealand team, refusing an international contract, while he tackled fitness and personal issues, including problems with alcohol.

What many supporters had hoped would be a stirring comeback story ended in anti-climax when Ryder chased a wide delivery in the second over and was caught at cover by Darren Bravo off Ravi Rampaul.

Ravi Rampaul ensured Jesse Ryder's comeback match ended in a five-ball duck. Source: AFP

His dismissal set in motion the progressive collapse of New Zealand's top order. Martin Guptill (2), returning to the New Zealand lineup after a lengthy absence through injury, was trapped lbw by Rampaul in the 4th over.

And Ross Taylor (3), the star of New Zealand's test series win, was wastefully run out in the seventh over.

Brendon McCullum rallied New Zealand before he was out in the 31st over, trapped lbw by his counterpart Bravo who had his fourth wicket of the innings.

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Aussies' day starts with a smile

Comedian Dave Hughes speaks to the Australian team before play on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Ashes Test. Source: Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

DARREN 'Boof' Lehmann is a tough task master as coach of the Australian cricket team.

He demands excellence and commitment and has been known to lock players - even the skipper - out of team meetings if they arrive a minute late.

But he is also a big believer in the players enjoying their cricket.

One of his first initiatives when he took over during this year's tour of England was to bring an esky on to the team bus and pass out a few cleansing beverages.

Another initiative has been to introduce a "joke of the day'' on days one, three and five of Test matches to lighten the mood among the group.

Thus far the task has fallen to players and staffers, but before the first day's play at the MCG, comedian Dave Hughes delivered the punchline to the assembled throng.

Lehmann sent a direct message to Hughes on Christmas Eve to line him up for the gig.

Hughes did not so much tell a joke as go around the group and rib them, in keeping with the "super sprays'' he has delivered to most of the AFL player groups this year.

***

FOR Victorians, watching the Australian cricket team at the MCG invites the obvious questions about their AFL allegiances.

Consider that the London Telegraph's respected cricket writer Scyld Berry believes the MCG is a misnomer and that the stadium should be called the MARG (Melbourne Australian Rules Ground).

There was a time when Australian teams touring during winter would have a team photograph taken with each player wearing an AFL jumper.

Queries about the current squad have revealed that those with the strongest footy links include George Bailey (Carlton), Peter Siddle (North Melbourne), Ryan Harris and Lehmann (Crows), and David Warner (Swans), while Michael Clarke has a passing interest in Sydney.

Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Lyon lead the non-footy brigade, while batting coach Michael DiVenuto (Geelong) and fielding coach Steve Rixon (a former Tigers man who switched to the Swans when they moved to Sydney) are among the most passionate in the support staff.

***

PERHAPS the Ashes cricketer with the closest link to a football code, though, is English all-rounder Ben Stokes.

His father Gerard was a gun New Zealand prop whose career brought Ben to England at the age of 11.

Gerard Stokes is now the coach of the Serbian national rugby league team, the White Eagles, who failed to qualify for this year's World Cup in Britain and Ireland.

***

AN INTERESTED onlooker at Dandenong's Shepley Oval last Saturday was English paceman Tim Bresnan.

He was there to watch his good mate and Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale, who made 44 in the Panthers' one-day Premier cricket loss to Melbourne.

He would also have seen James Pattinson make his return to bowling, the opening bowler taking 2/14 off seven overs.

***

DON'T be surprised if you see Michael Clarke heading to the casino while in Melbourne.

He has now won all four tosses in this series and is on track to become the 12th skipper to win every toss in a five-Test series.

The most recent skipper to achieve the feat was Mark Taylor in the 1998-99 Ashes series, which Australia won 3-1.

Clarke has won 20 of his 33 tosses as captain, including all on the three-Test tour of India earlier this year.

***

CLARKE is not afraid to buck the conventional wisdom, either, and bowl after winning the toss, sending the opposition to the crease four times.

The decision paid dividends against India (won by an innings in Perth) and Sri Lanka (won by five wickets at the SCG), but famously backfired when Australia lost on home soil for the first time in 27 years when it lost by seven runs in Hobart two years ago.

***

THIS IS the first time in a decade that Australia has named the same XI for four consecutive Tests.

The last time it happened was in the summer of 2004-05 against Pakistan.

That team was Langer Hayden, Ponting, Martyn, Lehmann, Clarke, Gilchrist, Warne, Gillespie, Kasprowicz, McGrath.

***

ON THIS DAY - 1995

David Boon scored the last of his 21 Test centuries when he made 110 to put Australia on the road to a score of 6 (dec)/500.

The Aussies then bundled out the Lankans twice to win by 10 wickets.

Boonie would pull on the Baggy Green for the last time in the third and final Test of that series, in Adelaide over the Australia Day weekend.

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Live: Rivals hound Wild Oats

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AFTER an incident-filled start on Sydney Harbour, race favourite Wild Oats XI is now being hounded by a group of rivals as she sails down the NSW south coast.

In a boost for the six-time line-honours winner of the race, Anthony Bell and his team on Perpetual LOYAL revealed they had lowered their protest flag over an incident just after the start.

This means there is no protest against Wild Oats, which could impact on her race result.

``We've had a meeting and decided not to proceed with the protest,'' Bell said.

``At first we thought we had been fouled, but in a sense we had not.''

FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION IN OUR LIVE BLOG BELOW

The early leading pack included the four supermaxis, Wild Oats XI, Perpetual LOYAL, Ragamuffin 100 and Wild Thing; new 80-foot boat Beau Geste and the Volvo 70s Giacomo and Black Jack.

But the news was not all good, with the fleet reduced to 92 following the retirement of Audi Sunshine Coast (mast damage) and Dodo (torn mainsail).

The fleet was making slow work of the 628 nautical mile race because of headwinds but sailors were optimistic their journey south would speed up overnight when more favourable nor'easterlies hit the fleet.

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Skipper Eric Holden, aboard the clipper round the world race leader Henri Lloyd, reported that conditions at sea were pleasant after a hectic start.

"It was organised chaos as usual,'' said the Canadian who is skippering one of the 12 70-footers using the Sydney to Hobart as a leg of their round the world event.

"The conditions are fine and no one has any problems. We are chugging along quite nicely.''

The protest, retirements, and the thrilling early duel between Wild Oats XI and Perpetual LOYAL combined to make it the most eventful and exciting start of recent times.

Cloudy skies gave way to a spectacular and sunny start to the 69th edition of the race, with Wild Oats winning the honour of leading the fleet up Sydney Harbour and out to sea.

Rival supermaxi and race debutante Perpetual LOYAL looked to have the inside running on Wild Oats XI approaching the first mark.

Perpetual LOYAL seemed to hesitate, with some commentators suggesting she might have been confused over which marking buoy to round.

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Wild Oats XI, going for a record-equalling seventh line honours title, swept past the Sydney to Hobart rookie to be first to exit Sydney Harbour and turn south, followed by new 80-foot Hong Kong yacht Beau Geste and then Perpetual LOYAL.

Perpetual LOYAL raised a protest flag soon after, though the reason for it wasn't immediately clear.

The race fleet was quickly reduced by two with Audi Sunshine Coast and Dodo retiring.

Queensland 50-footer Audi Sunshine Coast was forced out inside the first 30 minutes with rig damage, completing an unfortunate double. It was also the first boat out of last month's Cabbage Tree Island Race.

"The code zero masthead fitting failed and the halyard tore down the side of the mast to the hounds fitting,'' owner and skipper Rod Jones said.

"I felt it wasn't prudent to continue.

"I feel subdued, very disappointed, but the world moves on.''

Sydney-based 52-footer Dodo had to pull out with mainsail damage.

The 2013 Sydney To Hobart start viewed from North Head. Picture: Bradley Hunter Source: News Limited

Fears of a rainy start to the race were allayed, as the sun broke through around an hour before the start and the fleet set sail in 15 to 18 knot southerly winds.

Supermaxi Ragamuffin 100 was right up there alongside Wild Oats XI and Perpetual LOYAL at the start.

The 1997 line-honours winner, maxi Brindabella, broke the start and had to turn back and go around again.

Thousands jumped aboard an array of vessels to be close to the action at the start, with the harbour foreshore crammed with spectators keen to farewell the fleet at the start of their annual trek south.

"It is just so exciting, I cannot wait," said Grace Kennedy, making her debut aboard Faceboat Sailors with disABILITIES.

Crowds gather to get a glimpse of the fleet as it makes its way out of Sydney Harbour. Picture: Bradley Hunter Source: News Limited

While Kennedy and the other sailors in the race will enjoy some fast downwind sailing tonight, they and other mid-sized yachts will be clobbered by a big front late Saturday night which comes with huge gusts and 4-5m seas.

While there have been reports of 12m seas they are unlikely to eventuate on the racecourse, with the fleet likely to tuck in close to the coastline to avoid the worst conditions as they sail towards the finish line on the Derwent River.

"I doubt if any of the boats will be seeing that where they are," top maritime weather specialist Roger "Clouds" Badham said.

Wild Oats XI surrounded by spectator fleet outside The Heads. Picture: Tim Hunter Source: News Limited

Wild Oats XI heads out into open water. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

Perpetual Loyal (left) and Beau Geste make their way out of Sydney Harbour. Source: AP

Wild Oats XI (left) leads Black Jack and Perpetual LOYAL out of The Heads. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

A yacht drags its spinnaker during the start of the Sydney to Hobart. Picture: Craig Greenhill Source: News Limited

The fleet heads out to sea as they begin their long journey south. Source: Getty Images

The crew onboard Wild Oats before the race start. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Limited

Wild Thing, skippered by Grant Wharington, makes good time as she leaves The Heads. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

The crew onboard Black Jack ready themselves before the start of the trek south. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Limited

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Lisicki says Christmas can wait

Sabine Lisicki gets into the festive spirit before the serious stuff begins on Christmas Day. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

GERMAN star Sabine Lisicki is keeping her Christmas festivities to a minimum as she prepares for the start of her 2014 assault at the Brisbane International.

The beaten Wimbledon finalist only has plans to train in Brisbane's sweltering heat tomorrow before Sunday's start of tournament at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

"We're used to having it cold outside and warm inside which is the nice part about Christmas in Germany," Lisicki said today.

Sabine Lisicki during a visit to King George Square in Brisbane. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: News Limited

"That's something that I definitely miss. As a professional player, that's one of the hardest parts for me, but it's nice to be out here … I can't complain about that.

"I haven't played since October … you really want to play as many matches as possible.

"You want to peak at the (Australian) Open, but you want to play as good as possible."

The world No. 15, whose 2013 Wimbledon scalps included Serena Williams before losing the final 6-1 6-4 to Marion Bartoli, declared it was time break into the top 10.

"I'm really looking forward to this season. I don't have any points to defend (at the Australian Open) in Melbourne - that's a great thing.

"In the first four months (of the year) I have only points to gain."

Sabine Lisicki helps six-year-old Pippa Moore with her swing. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: News Limited

Lisicki was thrilled, rather than daunted, about the possibility of facing world No. 1 Williams in Brisbane.

"It gave me a lot of confidence to beat Serena, especially on grass where she was favourite,'' the 24-year-old right-hander said.

"She's No. 1 in the world and she's the best player, so I think it's a great tournament.

"We have a very good line-up, so you have to play well and I'm excited to play."

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Bombers re-sign Myers

David Myers in action against Collingwood. Picture: Getty Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

ESSENDON has locked away midfielder David Myers until the end of 2016.

Myers said he was "thrilled" to sign the extension after cementing his spot in the Bombers' midfield.

" ... I believe we are entering a really exciting new period," the West Australian said.

"We have a really strong and united playing group that is heading in the right direction and I am grateful that I get a chance to repay the loyalty the club has shown me."

Myers, 24, played 20 games in 2013 taking his career tally to 65 in five seasons at Windy Hill.

He averaged 18 disposals per game last year.

Interim coach Mark Thompson congratulated Myers on the extension.

"David is a hard working and dedicated player who has tremendous talent. He is a fantastic person to have at our football club," Thompson said.

"While he understands there are areas of his game to further develop, he is emerging in to an established midfielder and we're excited to have him on board at the club until at least 2016."

Myers was linked to Melbourne and St Kilda during the trade period.

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Izzy is No.1 dual international: Sailor

Israel Folau at Wallabies training at Ballymore. Pic Jono Searle. Source: Jonathon Searle / News Limited

FORMER Kangaroo and Wallaby Wendell Sailor is tipping Israel Folau will wind up as the greatest dual international of the professional era.

In Sailor's opinion, English 2003 Rugby World Cup winger Jason Robinson and Sydney Roosters juggernaut Sonny Bill Williams, who hoisted the Webb Ellis Cup with the All Blacks in 2011, presently share the mantle.

Roosters Sonny Bill Williams celebrates his team's grand final victory with the crowd. Source: News Limited

But after watching Folau equal Lote Tuqiri's all-time record for most Wallabies tries in a calendar year during a spectacular 15-Test debut season, Sailor thinks the 24-year-old will have Robinson and SBW covered by the end of his career.

Tuqiri, Sailor and fellow rugby league convert Mat Rogers played a total of 149 Tests and amassed 57 tries, but Sailor says Folau has already eclipsed all three as Australia's premier dual international.

"I think Israel, he's mixed a bit of everything," Sailor said.

"He's taken what Lote's done, what I've done, Mat Rogers ... and Israel even though he's a by-product of that, I just think Israel's taken it to a new level now.

"Jason Robinson, Sonny Bill has been good, but I think he can nearly be better than all of those guys.

"He's only 24 or 25 or something. He can probably go to a whole new level." Folau remains the youngest player, at 18, to represent Australia in a rugby league Test and scored on debut for both the Kangaroos and the Wallabies, collecting a memorable double against the touring British and Irish Lions in Melbourne this year.

Sailor attributes the code-hopper's tough two-year stint in the AFL with Greater Western Sydney for his rapid rise in rugby. "Just his confidence, I think going to AFL has helped him because from league he was at the heights of his stuff and then when you go to AFL you have to learn new stuff," he said.

Israel Folau at a Wallabies training session at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Pic Peter Wallis Source: News Limited

"And he was in reserve grade a bit and getting ripped into a bit about not being that good at that level.

"I think it just shows that hunger.

"His switch (to rugby) was amazing. They were playing against the British lions - that can't be easy to do, but he was our best player and was nearly the best player through the series.

"I'd like to see him come back to league at some stage, but (after) a few more years in rugby and I'm happy he's going well because I know he got kicked a bit when he went to AFL and he showed what a class act he is."

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Lisicki says Christmas can wait

Sabine Lisicki gets into the festive spirit before the serious stuff begins on Christmas Day. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

GERMAN star Sabine Lisicki is keeping her Christmas festivities to a minimum as she prepares for the start of her 2014 assault at the Brisbane International.

The beaten Wimbledon finalist only has plans to train in Brisbane's sweltering heat tomorrow before Sunday's start of tournament at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

"We're used to having it cold outside and warm inside which is the nice part about Christmas in Germany," Lisicki said today.

Sabine Lisicki during a visit to King George Square in Brisbane. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: News Limited

"That's something that I definitely miss. As a professional player, that's one of the hardest parts for me, but it's nice to be out here … I can't complain about that.

"I haven't played since October … you really want to play as many matches as possible.

"You want to peak at the (Australian) Open, but you want to play as good as possible."

The world No. 15, whose 2013 Wimbledon scalps included Serena Williams before losing the final 6-1 6-4 to Marion Bartoli, declared it was time break into the top 10.

"I'm really looking forward to this season. I don't have any points to defend (at the Australian Open) in Melbourne - that's a great thing.

"In the first four months (of the year) I have only points to gain."

Sabine Lisicki helps six-year-old Pippa Moore with her swing. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: News Limited

Lisicki was thrilled, rather than daunted, about the possibility of facing world No. 1 Williams in Brisbane.

"It gave me a lot of confidence to beat Serena, especially on grass where she was favourite,'' the 24-year-old right-hander said.

"She's No. 1 in the world and she's the best player, so I think it's a great tournament.

"We have a very good line-up, so you have to play well and I'm excited to play."

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MCG ton to cap big year for Warner

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IT HAS fallen - surprise, surprise - to Davey Warner to provide a clue or two to what the Australian team really thinks about the shock mid-series retirement of one of England's most senior cricketers, Graeme Swann.

"It's different ... it's like a little bit of a knockout blow," the outspoken opening batsman said at the MCG on Christmas Eve.

"It's weird with Trotty going home and now Swanny retiring. We look at that and don't know what to think in a way - but credit to us, we're playing good cricket."

That's as close as anyone in the Oz camp has come to expressing a sense of triumph at having battered a key opponent into submission long before the fight is finished, which is hard for the English camp to deny with their matchwinning off-spinner reduced to seven wickets at 80 apiece.

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Swann's unexpected exit, which follows the earlier withdrawal of senior batsman Jonathon Trott with psychological problems after the first Test, has attracted plenty of acidic criticism from Australian fans despite his explanation that his body is simply no longer up to the task of delivering 70 or 80 overs across a gruelling five-day match.

Swann's explosive barb about some players - whom he declined to identify, even by nationality - being up themselves didn't help.

"Who cares what he thinks? He has left his mates for dead and run away. Weak as!" was one tweet that thudded into my in-box, encapsulating a widespread sentiment.

Despite the willing sledging that has been a much-debated feature of this series - or at least the early part of it, before it became obvious that the scoreboard was going to speak more loudly than anyone - the Australians have been mostly careful not to bad-mouth a player they do respect now that they have put him down for the count.

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To a man, they have been generous in their applause for a fine career, which Swann certainly did deliver with 255 wickets in 60 Tests making him England's sixth most successful bowler, fast or slow, in history.

But there is no doubt they were surprised to see him walk away as if there was nothing left to play for.

"I couldn't believe it," skipper Michael Clarke said in his column this week.

"(He is) the one player I am most surprised won't be stepping out to play against us."

Warner provided Swann with his last two wickets, but only after giving him plenty of stick on the way to making 60 and 112 in Perth.

He said he heard the retirement news as he boarded a flight to Melbourne for the Test.

"At first it was a bit of a surprise," he said. "As he said, he came out here to try to win four (Ashes series) in a row.

"From our point of view it was a bit of a shock to the system, but he's had a fantastic career and its been a privilege to play against him.

"I wish him all the best in his retirement.

"As we have all said, we don't really care about what happens in the English setup - we have to keep playing our brand of cricket."

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Warner's turbulent year, which has involved a twitter row with senior journalists, a physical altercation with England batsman Joe Root in a bar and a rebuke for failing to keep an appointment to play club cricket, is ending in a good place, with 454 runs at 91.4 in the series so far.

This will be his third Boxing Day Test and he is yet to make a Test ton at the MCG, where he first made his name with an explosive 89 in a Twenty20 match against South Africa in January 2009.

There was a huge crowd that day and Boxing Day will probably bring an even bigger one.

"You've got to pinch yourself really because you don't get 90,000 people every day of your life," he said.

Time was when the adrenalin surge created by such an audience might have been enough to see him cut loose regardless of the situation or the quality of the bowling.

But maturity has kicked in on and off the field, it seems.

"I've started to learn my game a lot more and it is helping me out," he said.

"It has a lot to do with the way I've been playing. I'm still at the crease longer, watching the ball harder, feeling much more comfortable at the crease.

"You've got to treat every ball that comes at you as if it is the first one and then try to play the role you can for the team."

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With comparisons being made in the past few days about Australia's pace attack and South Africa's - bowling coach Craig McDermott claims his troops have the edge on Dale Steyn and Co - Warner was asked if he was already switched on by the next big challenge.

"Not at all," he said.

"I'm thinking a bout today's training session rather than Boxing Day. We live in the present, not in the past, and that's what I'm focused on.

"I probably did get too far ahead of myself and was playing each innings in my head 15 times. I've worked out the way to keep thinking about now rather than a few days time."

Few players would be more acutely aware than Warner of how quickly, and profoundly, things can change in cricket. Fortunately for him, the pendulum has been swinging in nothing but the right direction as his year of living dangerously comes to a more peaceful end.

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Miami turn up heat to win

LeBron James lays up in front of Rasual Butler as Miami beat the Hawks following late rally. Source: CHRIS TROTMAN / AFP

MIAMI'S Michael Beasley sank two free throws with 9.2 seconds left to give the Heat a 121-119 overtime victory over Atlanta on Monday, opening a 6-1/2 game lead over the Hawks atop the NBA Southeast Division.

Other key results on Monday included Dallas' victory over state rival Houston with Dirk Nowitzki leading the way, the other Texan team San Antonio defeating Toronto, and Indiana winning comfortably again by bouncing Brooklyn.

Miami's LeBron James scored 38 points as the Heat struggled to see off Atlanta despite taking an early 13-0 lead.

The hosts trailed by seven points with 90 seconds left in regulation before tying the scores when Ray Allen made three free throws with eight seconds left after being fouled by DeMarre Carroll.

Allen finished with 19 points for the Heat, who played without Dwyane Wade and still beat the Hawks for the ninth straight time.

Jeff Teague scored 26 points for Atlanta.

Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki with a fade-away jumper over the Rockets' Terrence Jones. Source: AP

Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki scored 31 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter to guide the Mavericks to a 111-104 win over Houston.

The Rockets cut the lead to six points with about 3 minutes left, but Nowitzki knocked down consecutive baskets to push the Mavericks lead out to 107-97.

Dwight Howard had 29 points and 15 rebounds for the Rockets, who were playing their second straight game without leading scorer James Harden, who was out with a sprained ankle.

Houston's loss allowed San Antonio to build its Southwest Division lead to 4-1/2 games by beating Toronto 112-99.

Spurs guard Tony Parker squeezes past the Raptors' Terrence Ross and Amir Johnson. Source: AP

Tony Parker had 26 points and eight assists while Manu Ginobili had 18 points for the Spurs.

Kyle Lowry and Terrence Ross had 23 points each for the Raptors, who got within three or less on numerous occasions in the second half, but no closer.

Lance Stephenson eludes Joe Johnson for the Pacers against the Nets. Source: AP

Indiana's Lance Stephenson scored a career-high 26 points back in his hometown as the Pacers won 103-86 at Brooklyn.

Paul George also had 26 for the Pacers, who pulled away in the third period, when Brooklyn's Paul Pierce was ejected for a flagrant foul in only the second scoreless game of his career.

Indiana had won its previous two games by a combined 60 points and blew this one open after a competitive first half.

Joe Johnson scored 17 points for the Nets, who lost their third straight.

Gerald Green of the Suns with some hang time over the Lakers' Jordan Hill. Source: AFP

Phoenix's Gerald Green hit six 3-pointers and scored 22 points to lead the Suns to a 117-90 win over the undermanned Los Angeles Lakers.

Miles Plumlee grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds and added 17 points while having his way inside with an ailing Pao Gasol, who was still clearly struggling with a respiratory infection.

The Suns held a 62-39 edge on the boards in their eighth win in nine games.

Nick Young scored 19 points for the Lakers, who fell to 1-2 since Kobe Bryant was sidelined with a knee injury.

David Lee dunks in front of Timofey Mozgov, teammate Andrew Bogut and Wilson Chandler. Source: AP

Golden State's David Lee had 28 points and 10 rebounds for his ninth straight double-double, powering the Warriors to an 89-81 win over Denver.

Stephen Curry, battling foul trouble much of the night, added 14 points in the first meeting between the teams since the Warriors beat the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs last spring.

Klay Thompson scored eight of his 13 points in the fourth quarter, helping Golden State overcome a fourth-quarter deficit for the fourth time this season and sending the Nuggets to their season-high fourth consecutive loss.

Ty Lawson had 16 points to lead Denver, which was outscored 25-15 in the final period and sank to a fourth-straight loss.

Brandon Jennings is fouled by Anthony Bennett in the Pistons' win over Cleveland. Source: AP

Detroit's Josh Smith scored 25 points as the Pistons beat Cleveland 115-92 to make it seven wins from eight road games.

New Orleans' Tyreke Evans made a memorable return, scoring a season-high 25 points and adding 12 assists to help the Pelicans defeat Sacramento 113-87 and end a four-game losing skid.

Charlotte's Al Jefferson had a season-high 26 points, and Kemba Walker nearly had a triple double as the Bobcats edged Milwaukee 111-110 in overtime.

Memphis' Zach Randolph scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Grizzlies beat Utah 104-94.

New York's Carmelo Anthony had 19 points before leaving the game with a sprained ankle in the third quarter, and the Knicks hung on to beat Orlando 103-98.

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League backs Demon pokies

Melbourne chief executive Peter Jackson. Source: Tim Carrafa / News Limited

THE Demons have taken $11.2 million in gaming and social club revenue in 2013, as it emerged the AFL is partly guaranteeing Melbourne's loan with the state gaming regulator.

The revenue figure is up from $6.9 million in 2012 and was revealed after Monday's Herald Sun reported the 1466 poker machines operated by Victorian AFL clubs had generated more than $100 million revenue this year.

MELBOURNE'S BEST 22

AFL CLUBS CAN'T BREAK POKIES HABIT

Details of the AFL's stake in the Demons' gaming arrangements were revealed in Melbourne's annual report and comes 19 months after league boss Andrew Demetriou said there was interest from clubs in getting out of the pokies business.

Demetriou indicated the league would help facilitate football clubs selling off their machines.

Since then, Collingwood, Carlton and Richmond have added to their pokies arsenal, while the Western Bulldogs have applied to almost double the number of machines at their venue in Dromana, from 20 to 38.

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Melbourne has 92 machines at the Leighoak Club in Oakleigh and a further 88 at The Bentleigh Club, although eight are not active.

The Demons have a $2.3 million loan with the Victorian Commissioner of Gaming Regulation, which relates to paying for gaming machine entitlements over the next four years.

The club's annual report notes: "This facility is supported by a $1.4 million guarantee provided by the Australian Football League. The facility is also secured by a fixed and floating charge over all existing and future assets of the club".

The AFL also guarantees the Demons' $4.1 million operating loan facility, of which $3 million was drawn as of October 31.

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Tigers battling to keep Goulding

Chris Goulding's British passport enables him to play in any European Union country. Source: Robert Prezioso / Getty Images

MELBOURNE Tigers has a fight on its hands to hold on to MVP Chris Goulding, with the British passport-holder expected to field strong offers to play in Europe next season.

The NBL's leading scorer is in the first of a two-year deal, although it is understood a get-out clause does exist in the event of overseas offers.

Although the Tigers are also protected with the club expected to be well compensated in the event of Goulding being lured abroad.

"I've got a British passport, so obviously it is an option (playing in Europe one day)," Goulding said.

"But that's something I will have to think about when it comes up and if it comes up sometime down the track.

"It could be in my future, but right now I am just thinking about finishing this season strongly."

Goulding's stock has risen dramatically this season and it is believed European clubs have taken notice.

Chris Goulding looks for an open teammate against the New Zealand Breakers. Source: Getty Images

His British passport - as a result of his father being English - makes him a very attractive target.

He is essentially a free hit bonus signing for European clubs as he does not fall under import status.

But the 25-year-old said he remained solely focused on Melbourne's push for a playoff spot this season.

"I've had a few people ask me just about it (my future) just from around the club and basketball fans around Melbourne and Australia," Goulding said.

"But I try to keep it out of my mind because we're in the middle of a season.

"We set out some specific goals at the start of the year so thinking about others things won't help that."

Tigers coach Chris Anstey acknowledged it would be difficult to retain Goulding and said he would not stand in the star's way.

"While we always want to keep the best players, I'd be hypocritical not to support any decision Chris makes in the future in regards to playing overseas," Anstey said.

Chris Goulding is fouled by Kevin White of the Sydney Kings. Source: News Limited

"I did the same myself and I know how I grew and developed from it, so a lot of the things we do with Chris centres around going to the next step and that next level.

"It is why I am often harder on him than anyone else."

Anstey said Goulding's development this season had helped both the team and his own future prospects.

"He's been really good and he's getting better in other areas, which I think other people haven't seen yet," Anstey said.

"That is the sort of thing that will help him help us win finals, I hope, and help him make the most of any next step.

"I do know that If we're good to Chris and he does decide to move on at any stage, I would hope he wouldn't even consider going anywhere else other than coming back to us."

The Tigers - who on Monday helped spread some Christmas cheer with a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital - meet Wollongong at The Cage on Friday night.

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Staff payouts cost Dees, Saints

Paying out senior staff including former coach Mark Neeld hurt Melbourne's bottom line. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

MELBOURNE'S purge of senior staff cost the club more than $1.8 million in payouts this year, with the Demons racking up losses totalling $3.1 million.

And St Kilda announced a $2.6 million statutory loss - becoming the seventh AFL club to report a negative result so far in 2013.

The Saints' bottom line was also hurt because of a large payout to sacked coach Scott Watters, who was contracted for 2014.

At Melbourne, coach Mark Neeld and chief executive Cameron Schwab headed a list of key figures to be axed during a turbulent season.

DEMONS' BEST 22

SAINTS' BEST 22

The Demons also paid out $787,000 over the tanking investigation - including a $500,000 AFL fine.

The total cost of the Demons' restructure - which also saw club development manager Chris Connolly and high performance director Neil Craig forced out - was more than $2 million.

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The changes were largely bankrolled by a $1.45 million handout from the AFL, which came conditional on boardroom appointments.

Connolly copped the biggest individual punishment from the tanking probe when he was banned for 12 months.

He had signed a two-year contract extension this year, before being made redundant in October.

Melbourne's annual report blamed the club's poor on field performance - just two wins and a percentage of 54 - for "a number of commercial challenges" in memberships, match returns, sponsorship and corporate hospitality that saw a $4.4 million drop in revenue compared to 2012.

Melbourne's directors said they "look forward addressing the football and commercial challenges facing the club over the coming 12 months".

"While we received $1.45 million from the AFL to assist in funding the restructure, we incurred an additional $584,000 in costs which have been funded by the club," the report said.

"We believe the structure and people we now have in place will hold us in good stead."

St Kilda hid the full cost of the Watters' sacking in its annual report, released two days before Christmas, by including the payout in a $20 million expenses item titled Salary, Wages, Termination Expense and Other Benefits.

Scott Watters was sacked by the Saints. Source: News Limited

In his president's report, Peter Summers noted that the $2.6 million loss includes employee payouts and "costs associated with the establishment of a soon-to-be launched foundation".

"Without these two costs, the trading loss before interest and depreciation would have been closer to $430,000" Summers said.

Summers said the Saints had not applied to the AFL for special assistance and a strategic plan for 2014-18 would detail "initiatives that will drive us back to profitability".

The Saints have increased their borrowing capacity to $6.75 million after having used $4.5 million of their available $4.75 million at October 31.

The AFL has guaranteed to the full borrowing amount.

St Kilda's move to play an Anzac Day home game in New Zealand resulted in $790,000 revenue.

The Saints return to play Brisbane in Wellington next year after signing a five-year deal for Anzac Day games.

Melbourne and St Kilda join Adelaide, Brisbane, Essendon and Port Adelaide in posting seven-figure losses, with competition newcomers GWS and Gold Coast yet to report. The Western Bulldogs recorded a $140,000 loss.

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