Tigers crush Warriors in Shield

Superb spell ... Butterworth was devastating with the second new ball after tea. Source: News Limited

Tasmania have notched their first home win of the season in emphatic style, crushing Sheffield Shield opponents Western Australia by an innings and 118 runs.

SHEF - Blundstone Arena

25 November 2012 - Day 3, Session 3

Western Australia 2nd Innings

Western Australia

67 & 263

A. Voges	94	230	11	0	40.87
M. Hogan	14	24	2	0	58.33

The Tigers had been out of sorts in Shield and one-day losses to South Australia and Queensland at Bellerive, but last season's finalists recorded the third-biggest innings victory in their history on day three.

Tasmania move to third on the Shield ladder with 16 points, and within striking distance of second-placed Victoria (20) who were thrashed by South Australia in their last match.

The Warriors never recovered from their skittling for 67 on day one, when leading wicket-taker Jackson Bird snared a stunning 6-25 on a good batting strip.

Youngster Sam Whiteman (96) and skipper Adam Voges (94no) fought hard and put on 137 for the third wicket on Tuesday.

But WA lost 8-72 after Whiteman fell at 3-191 to be all out for 263 in their second dig.

Tigers paceman Luke Butterworth finished with figures of 5-50 from 25.1 overs, while James Faulkner (2-41) and Bird (2-61) chipped in.

Tasmania had made 448 in their first innings with Ben Dunk (97), James Faulkner (76no) and George Bailey (66) anchoring their total.

The home batsmen withstood a fiery performance from recalled Test quick Mitchell Johnson (4-103) who battered them with a barrage of short balls and verbals before heading home to link with the Australian side.

Bird's failure to be called up to join Johnson and two other pacemen will be a talking point in the island state after he took his Shield tally to 27 wickets at 20.55.

New Warriors coach Justin Langer has his work cut out after his first Shield game at the helm, with his side sitting at the bottom of the ladder on eight points.

Resuming at 1-54, WA lost Marcus North (33) to the second ball of the day from Bird before Whiteman and Voges fought back.

Whiteman was caught behind shortly before tea before Butterworth and Faulkner ripped through the remainder of the Warriors line-up in a devastating spell with the second new ball after tea.

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Blues better Bulls on day one

Finding form ... Bollinger sent a timely reminder to national selectors on Tuesday. Source: News Limited

Former Test paceman Doug Bollinger led a depleted NSW attack to first day honours in their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland at Manuka Oval on Tuesday.

SHEF - Manuka Oval

27 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Queensland 1st Innings

B. Cutting	23	35	0	2	65.71
C. Gannon	4	8	1	0	50

Bollinger (2-39) owned the opening hour, before twin half-centuries to Queensland pair Nathan Reardon and Chris Hartley helped the Bulls stagger to 7-198 before rain washed away the final hour of play.

Leading a pace attack robbed of Test hopefuls Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Shane Watson and the injured Trent Copeland (ankle), Bollinger bowled with the venom which earned him 12 Test caps and 50 wickets.

It took Bollinger just three deliveries to rip the heart out of the Bulls' top order, trapping both Wade Townsend and former teammate Usman Khawaja lbw for ducks - both so plum they prompted almost instantaneous reactions from umpire, and former Test seamer, Paul Reiffel.

It is a timely reminder to selectors as Bollinger has not featured in the Test side since an Ashes humiliation at the Adelaide Oval in 2010 when his fitness was called into question.

He's fallen so far down the pecking order that even with injuries to young guns James Pattinson and Pat Cummins, Bollinger couldn't jag a spot in the 14-man squad for the WACA Test that featured six fast bowlers.

The Bulls fell further into the mire when Joe Burns (1) and Peter Forrest (17) departed in quick succession at the hands of left-arm quick Josh Lalor to reduce them to 4-18.

But a 117-run partnership between Reardon (71) and captain Hartley (66) dragged the Bulls back into the contest, though Blues all-rounder Steve Smith paid dearly for dropped chances off both batsmen.

Reardon was on two when he chopped a tough, low chance to Smith's left, while Hartley was on just eight when the former Australia representative put down a far more regulation chance at second slip off Bollinger.

Both batsmen made the most of their opportunities, with Hartley taking an aggressive approach to evening the game up by smashing10  boundaries.

In the end it was debutant Adam Zampa (2-30) who chipped in to remove both top-scorers, trapping Hartley lbw before getting Reardon caught behind off a sweep shot.

Ben Cutting is 23 not out, and has already belted two big sixes, while Cameron Gannon is unbeaten on four.

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Australia want Ponting for Ashes

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Still wanted ... selectors are backing Ponting to play through to the Ashes. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

Australian coach Mickey Arthur says selectors are unanimous in not wanting Ricky Ponting phased out before next year's Ashes but warns there's mounting pressure on him from beneath.

Arthur couldn't deny that the third Test against South Africa in Perth could be pivotal in the future of Australia's highest-ever run scorer, with Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja and even Rob Quiney still in the picture.

Ponting has had three successive failures to start the series against South Africa, and in the second Test in Adelaide was bowled twice in a match for only the second time in his career.

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The Tasmanian turns 38 next month, but unfortunately that same number is the former captain's Test batting average for the past three years.

Arthur said Ponting's position was dependent on runs but he made it clear the selectors were keen to avoid losing his experience and presence before Australia head to England.

"All I know is inside that dressing room and privately we've all backed Ricky Ponting. At the moment (he) has the unanimous backing of the selection panel," said Arthur.

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"If he's scoring runs we certainly want Ricky Ponting around for the next six months.

"We want Ricky Ponting to go to the Ashes, there's no doubt about that.

"Like any batsman though you've got to keep scoring runs ... and Perth is a big Test for him, and that's by Ricky's own admission.

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"I'm 100 per cent sure though and confident Ricky will come through in Perth."

Ponting has already thrown himself at the mercy of selectors, conceding a frank chat with the panel probably isn't far away.

But Arthur said there was yet to be any discussion about Ponting's future.

"No, none whatsoever," he said.

Clarke said Ponting's strong Shield form prior to the Test series hadn't been forgotten and his brilliant record for Australia meant he deserved to have faith shown in him.

"Once he gets in I have no doubt at all he'll go on and make a big score," said the skipper.

"He knows how to make big hundreds. He's still as good a player under pressure as anyone in that changeroom."

In the first Test against Sri Lanka next month in Hobart, Ponting would be in line to break Waugh's all-time record and become the second most capped Test cricketer of all time behind Sachin Tendulkar, in front of his home-State fans.

It would be a massive call to drop him before then.

But further failures against South Africa's highly-touted quicks in Perth would raise serious questions about whether he is too far in decline to see out the summer.

A young player like Hughes, Khawaja or Quiney looking for a second chance at Test level, could benefit from making their return against the weaker attack of Sri Lanka.

Hughes, who hasn't played for Australia since being dropped after the New Zealand Test in Hobart last year, is the highest run-scorer in Shield cricket this season and averages 51.8.

"We've got some young players there that have a taste now of international cricket and when called up or when needed are ready to step into the breach," said Arthur.

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This is what the A-League's about

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Champions ... Sydney FC celebrate winning the 2010 grand final. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

With the news that Fox Sports will remain the home of the A-League for another four years, some of your favourite pundits have revealed their favourite moments since the league's inception.

Last week it was announced that a deal had been struck with the FFA that Fox Sports will retain the television rights until the 2016-17 season, which means four more years of Archie Thompson celebrations, grand final thrillers and intense rivalries.

In a high-octane video celebration of the deal, and the fantastic seven years that have been, former Socceroos midfielder Robbie Slater talks about the first ever game in the A-League, one of the best goals ever scored - in or out of the A-League - and that thriller of an inaugural final.

"I'll always remember Dwight Yorke picking that ball up and dribbling for what seemed like an eternity," says Slater.

"That was the birth of old soccer, new football."

Simon Hill highlights the growing rivalry between the A-League's giants Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC, and John Kosmina's infamous throat grab, while Adam Peacock picks out his favourite celebration - Brisbane Roar doing the row boat.

See all these fantastic A-League moments and so many more in the pulsating dedication at the top of the page.

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SBW bemoans shoulder charge ban

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Technique change ... New Roosters recruit Sonny Bill Williams on the shoulder charge ban. Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

He still expects to be a big hit upon his NRL return next year but Sonny Bill Williams concedes he will have to change his tackling approach thanks to the controversial shoulder charge ban.

Williams' main priority is putting his recovering pectoral muscle to the test in a WBA international heavyweight boxing bout with South African veteran Francois Botha in Brisbane on February 8.

But Williams is already sweating on his long awaited rugby league comeback with the Sydney Roosters in their season opener against South Sydney on March 7.

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Williams was one of the most spectacular exponents of the charge during his previous NRL stint with the Bulldogs and had looked forward to compiling another highlights package in 2013.

"I don't know if I can tackle now,'' Williams joked about the ARL Commission's decision to outlaw the act on health recommendations.

However, the ex-All Blacks powerhouse believed the ARLC could have done more to keep the shoulder charge in the game.

"When I was in rugby league nine out of 10 of my tackles were shoulder charges but they never hit the head area,'' Williams said.

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"I would have liked to have seen more bans in place before they cut it off completely then you would have got the players who could do it.

"It's a special thing if you can do it.

"But they are the bosses. I may have to bring my tackle technique over from rugby (where the charge has long been banned).''

However, Williams has more pressing concerns.

The sport-hopping Kiwi admitted he was taking a big risk taking on 44-year-old Botha, a former world champion.

Dubbed the "White Buffalo'', Botha has a resume boasting fights against boxing's who's who, including Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield.

"The only advantage I have is age,'' said the 27-year-old Williams, the New Zealand heavyweight champion.

"It's a massive step up.

"He's fought some of the best in the business and I only have respect for him.

"I have met him a few times and he is a gentleman but once I get in there he will want to knock my head off.

"It's a big challenge but I feel this is the right direction for me.''

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Redbacks claim big win at MCG

Destructive ... Gary Putland took 12 wickets against Victoria at the MCG. Source: Simon Cross / News Limited

Gary Putland took match figures of 12-92 to bowl South Australia to a nine-wicket win over Victoria in the Sheffield Shield clash at the MCG on Monday.

SHEF - Melbourne Cricket Ground

23 November 2012 - Day 4, Session 1

South Australia 2nd Innings

M. Klinger

18

19

2

0

94.74

Resuming on the fourth day on 6-86, Victoria were bowled out for 132 to set the Redbacks a target of 36 to win, which they achieved before lunch.

The visitors needed just seven overs to score 1-36 with Sam Raphael 10 not out and Michael Klinger on 18 after Phil Hughes was out for eight.

Left-arm swing bowler Putland picked up 5-28 off 25 overs in Victoria's second innings.

South Australia are celebrating their first Shield win at the MCG since 1998 and their second victory for the season, climbing to fourth on the table on 12 points.

Victoria remain second on 20.

Putland formed a fine double-act with seamer Chadd Sayers (2-72 and 4-50) while Peter Handscomb top-scored with 50 in Victoria's second dig.

Victoria quickly lost John Hastings (13), Jayde Herrick (18), Handsomb and Louis Cameron (1) on Monday with Putland taking two of the four wickets to fall.

Former Test opener Hughes hit 158 as South Australia scored 443 on Sunday in their first innings in reply to Victoria's 346.

While Hughes jumped to the top of the Shield run-scoring list to push his case for a Test recall, Victoria's Hastings made sure his name was also under discussion.

The Australia A allrounder posted scores of 80 and 13 and claimed 5-66 in South Australia's first innings.

The Bushrangers had been 6-41 in their second innings which was their third-worst start for their first six wickets in a Shield game at the MCG.

Victoria coach Greg Shipperd said losing 6-41 was a disgraceful effort and described his side's batting as woefully under-par.

''Two wins in the last three games, it's starting to turn in the right direction,'' South Australia coach Darren Berry said of a side who were without a victory last season.

Berry says Putland's ability to bowl inswingers to the right-handers is crucial.

''He's take six five-fors in 15 Shield matches. He is a serious bowler,'' Berry said.

''Gary Putland would be an ideal Ashes bowler.

''If an opening comes and that's what I'm going to be pushing with him, and it's not just based on this game.

''They're extraordinary figures, 12-92 off 61 overs. It's an unbelievable effort.

''He should be (talked about) in the same vein as Jackson Bird and Josh Hazlewood.

''He's gone under the radar a little bit but a couple of performances like that and I'm sure they (selectors) will be taking notice.''

Putland boasts 19 wickets at 16.84 in three Shield games this season.

Berry says Hughes must be awfully close to a Test recall after his 158 lifted him to the top of Shield cricket's runscoring list.

''If Hughes plays I think he can bat anywhere in the top six,'' Berry said confidently.

South Australia celebrated their first Shield win at the MCG since 1998, doubling their points tally to 12 from six games.

Victoria remain second on 20 points.

Victoria assistant coach Simon Helmot said the Bushrangers had some major batting flaws to address after their top order collapsed to 5-83 in the first innings and 6-41 in the second dig.

Helmot also said Victoria's bowlers were unable to match Putland's ability to build pressure.

''We probably missed an Andrew McDonald-type in this game who could just hold up an end,'' Helmot said of Victoria's injured allrounder.

''Our inability to execute consistently and be precise enough with the ball was glaringly obvious.''

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Tahir and sport's other epic fails

Dejected ... Imran Tahir waves away the abuse from the local crowd during his horror Test. Source: AFP

South Africa spinner Imran Tahir went from bad to worse; all-time worst, in fact.

Tahir has recorded the worst bowling figures in a Test match.

The legspinner's match figures of 0-260 against Australia in the second Test in Adelaide surpassed the previous worst-ever by Pakistan's Khan Mohammad.

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Khan posted figures of 0-259 against the West Indies in 1958 - all from one innings.

Tahir's figures came from two innings in Adelaide - after 0-180 in Australia's first innings, he recorded 0-80 in the second dig completed on Sunday.

Adding to his insult, the Pakistan-born tweaker thought he had escaped the inglorious record by taking a wicket on Saturday when Australia opener Ed Cowan was caught at cover from his bowling.

Tahir jubilantly raised his arms and cupped an ear to an Adelaide crowd which had been taunting him for days.

But a video review revealed a no-ball, Imran's heel landing on, instead of partially behind, the bowling crease.

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When brought on to bowl after lunch the next day, the crowd cheered like Tahir was an Australian. And given the help he has given the hosts this Test, he may as well be.

Tahir again went wicketless and finished his nightmare with an average of 7.02 runs being scored from his 37 overs in the game. He managed just one lonely maiden.

But the 33-year-old isn't the first sportsperson to blow it on the big stage. Even within cricket he is not alone.

Many will remember Australian Bryce McGain, who for so many years was denied a chance to test his skills on the international stage. The spinner had to wait until he was 36 to make his Test debut in 2009, in the third Test against South Africa at Newlands.

McGain could hardly have risen to the occasion less, finishing the match with figures of 0-149 and scoring just two runs from two innings. McGain never played Test cricket again.

Golf has its own history of grand chokers, and if Greg Norman had any day he could forget it would be the final round of the 1996 Masters.

Heading into the day Norman led playing partner Nick Faldo by six shots. Then, halfway through the round things fell to pieces as 'The Shark' carded three consecutive bogeys followed by a double bogey, and ultimately lost by a whopping five strokes.

Little known French golfer Jean van de Velde managed to do what Norman did, but in just one hole at the 1999 British Open.

He lined up at the 18th tee needing just a double bogey or better to become the first Frenchman since 1907 to win the Open, and had birdied the hole twice already that week.

Van de Velde proceeded to spray his poor, needlessly aggressive shot selection all over the course and finally holed a triple bogey seven, forcing him into a three-way play-off. Which he lost.

Jana Novotna also famously snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at the 1993 Wimbledon Championhip.

Novotna faced top-seed Steffi Graf in the final and, despite losing a tight first set 6-7, dominated the second 6-1. She maintained her control in the decider, surging to a 4-1 lead.

Sitting just five points from victory at 40-30 on her own serve, Novotna double-faulted and within 10 minutes had lost five games straight, and the title.

To make matters worse she burst into tears when, during the awards ceremony, Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, consoled her by saying "don't worry, Jana, you'll be back next year," prompting the Czech to cry on the Duchess's shoulder.

The once invincible Arsenal aren't the team they perhaps used to be, but 4-0 with less than a quarter to go is as 'in the bag' as it gets in football.

That's the situation the Gunners found themselves in against Newcastle United in a February 2011 Premier League match. But had already begun unraveling when midfielder Abou Diaby was sent off at the beginning of the second half.

Newcastle scored four goals in 19 minutes, including two penalties, to complete one of the game's greatest comebacks. Or worst capitulations, depending on how you look at it.

So chin up Tahir. At least you're in good company.

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There are so many more we couldn't possibly list them all. But you can help us by adding your pick for sport's most epic fails in the comments.

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Mariners outlast Roar at Bluetongue

Tight contest ... The Mariners grabbed the winner inside the final 10 minutes. Source: News Limited

Central Coast finally ended one of the A-League's longest hoodoos when they defeated arch-rivals Brisbane Roar 2-1 at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday.

Two-time champions Roar had previously not lost a game in 13 starts in seven seasons at the venue.

The Mariners' winner, which extended their unbeaten streak to five, came in deserved fashion in the 81st minute when Tomas Rogic volleyed home after Michael McGlinchey had cleverly kept in an Oliver Bozanic free kick.

Young gun Rogic constantly terrorised the Brisbane defence and was clearly the best player on the park until he was replaced in the 87th minute.

Mariners striker Bernie Ibini's header in just the fourth minute had been cancelled out by a rare Massimo Murdocca strike in the 32nd minute before a crowd of 9,084.

On a day that temperatures reached into the low 30s, the Mariners started the game in blistering fashion when Ibini scored from a pinpoint cross from Pedj Bojic.

After Rogic had prized apart the Brisbane defence further upfield, Bojic sent a lovely cross from the right of the box to Ibini to head in from the left for his second goal of the season.

It looked like the goal might be a double whammy for the visitors as captain Matt Smith went down with a leg injury in the lead-up. But he slowly recovered to resume his place in the Brisbane defence.

With conditions better suited to the Roar they were enjoying the majority of possession but it was the Mariners who were pressing the issue most.

And they almost went two goals ahead when Rogic hit the woodwork in the 19th minute from a Joshua Rose cross.

With the Mariners looking for their third home win in as many starts it was the visitors who scored next to tie things up 1-1 in the 32nd minute.

A short corner taken from Thomas Broich caught the Mariners napping as Murdocca lined up a sweet strike from three metres outside the box to beat goalkeeper Matt Ryan for just his third goal since the start of the A-League.

The game then threatened to explode two minutes later with Besart Berisha at the heart of the drama.

The Roar striker executed a clumsy late challenge on John Hutchinson, then when the Mariners captain reacted, Berisha launched what appeared to be an attempted headbutt as a scuffle between the two teams ensued.

Berisha was lucky to stay on the field and was given a yellow card by referee Chris Beath. Daniel McBreen, who rushed in to back up his captain, was also shown yellow.

In the testing conditions the game settled down after that until the latter stages when Matthew Jurman (80th), Hutchinson (87) and Mitch Nicholls (90) were all yellow carded.

Mariners coach Graham Arnold said his improving side were ready to prove themselves against Adelaide United next weekend.

"We are really looking forward to the top of the table clash," he said.

"The next few weeks will be very interesting with all the Socceroos players missing. It is a test of depth for all clubs.

"It is going to be a tight competition. We spoke before the year about how important it is to win your home games and we have won three from three so that is nine out of nine points."

Check out the goals and stats at Match Centre!

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SA on top after day three at MCG

In form ... Putland (C) grabbed three wickets to the Redbacks right on top. Source: News Limited

South Australia are poised for their first Sheffield Shield win at the MCG since 1998 after a 10-wicket performance from swing bowler Gary Putland.

SHEF - Melbourne Cricket Ground

23 November 2012 - Day 3, Session 3

Victoria 2nd Innings

P. Handscomb	32	80	5	0	40
J. Hastings	10	40	1	0	25

Victoria will resume on Monday's final day on 6-86, requiring another 11 runs to make the Redbacks bat again.

South Australia had reduced the Bushrangers to 6-41 before a stubborn seventh-wicket stand of 45 between John Hastings (10 not out) and Peter Handscomb (32 not out) in 68 minutes.

Putland - who took 7-64 off 36 overs in Victoria's first innings - claimed the key scalps of Glenn Maxwell (0), David Hussey (six) and Cameron White (0).

The left-armer has proved almost impossible to score from, with figures of 3-14 from 15 overs.

Victoria's 6-41 was their third-worst start in a Shield match at the MCG. Paceman Chadd Sayers (3-25) dismissed Victoria's top order of Chris Rogers (two), Ryan Carters (three) and Aaron Finch (16).

Earlier, former Test opener Phil Hughes hit a superb 158 in South Australia's 443.

Callum Ferguson (73) and 18-year-old Travis Head (66) both made half-centuries for the Redbacks who had resumed on 2-244 in reply to Victoria's 346.

Hastings claimed 5-66 including 3-0 in five deliveries.

The 17-Test batsman Hughes has raced to the top of the Shield run-scoring table with 510 runs at 56.66 to keep his name in the minds of Test selectors.

Off-spinner Maxwell picked up the last four wickets to finish with a career-best 4-42.

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Aussies crumble late on day three

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Dale Steyn ... celebrates after picking up the big wicket of Ricky Ponting. Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

South Africa cricketers will likely need a record fourth-innings chase at the Adelaide Oval if they're to perform a miracle in the second Test.

Australia suffered an extraordinary final-session collapse on day three but at stumps were still favourites to win at 5-111 in their second dig, holding a lead of 273 with five wickets in hand.

2nd Test - Adelaide Oval

22 November 2012 - Day 3, Session 3

Australia 2nd Innings

M. Clarke	9	25	1	0	36
M. Hussey	5	8	1	0	62.5
M. Morkel	9	2	24	1	2.67

The final session carnage provided good and bad news for the never-say-die South Africans.

There's certainly going to be time for them to shatter the all-time record books in Adelaide, but the pitch is gradually turning into a minefield.

In a further boost to the Proteas' chances, Australia have likely lost pace weapon James Pattinson (side strain) for the match.

Unmovable skipper Michael Clarke (9no) is unbeaten at the crease with Mike Hussey (5no) after the Proteas were bowled out at tea for 388 - 162 runs shy of Australia's first innings 550.

More than a century of history and a crumbling Adelaide Oval wicket is on Australia's side with two days left in the match.

The highest successful fourth-innings chase at Adelaide Oval was 315 by Australia against England back in 1901-02.

Australia are still a chance to pass that mark before sending the Proteas back in at some stage on Sunday.

Even if they declared immediately, Australia's lead would require the second biggest chase ever seen at the ground.

However there's no doubt Australia missed a chance to completely hammer home their advantage - and individuals may pay the price.

Ricky Ponting (16) and Rob Quiney (0) are under intense pressure after failing again in the second innings.

Proteas rookie Rory Kleinveldt (3-14) caused carnage in the final session on Saturday, getting rid of David Warner (41), Quiney and Ed Cowan (29).

Dale Steyn (1-28) continued Ponting's misery against South Africa and Morne Morkel (1-24) had nightwatchman Peter Siddle (1).

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Follow day four of the second Test from Adelaide Oval with our live and interactive blog from 10.45am (EDT) on Sunday.

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Quiney will almost certainly be axed for the third Test after making a pair in Adelaide, while Ponting will need runs urgently in Perth.

Pattinson was forced to abandon his bowling of the 83rd over of the innings when he experienced pain in his side.

He was rushed for scans but the results aren't expected to be known until at least Sunday.

Pattinson (0-41) would also have to be in severe doubt for the third Test in Perth, a surface where the firebrand quick would be desperately missed.

The embarrassment continued for Proteas spinner Imran Tahir (0-38).

He thought he had Cowan caught for his first wicket and celebrated exuberantly, only to have it pinched off him for an unforgivable front-foot no-ball.

Earlier, Clarke (1-27) came up with the crucial wicket to break South Africa's back, when he had a heroic Jacques kallis (58) caught down the leg-side to break a 93-run ninth-wicket partnership with debutant Faf du Plessis (78).

Siddle (2-130) claimed key men Graeme Smith (122) and AB de Villiers (1) and was well supported by Nathan Lyon (2-91) and under-pressure quick Ben Hilfenhaus (3-49) who dismissed du Plessis and the tail.

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