Reds stay second after stalemate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hussey unilkely to bat up order

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

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

3rd Test - Sydney Cricket Ground

3 January 2013 - Day 3, Session 3

Sri Lanka 2nd Innings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But the crowd wasn't satisfied.

They simply wanted one more memory of Mr Cricket.

And so the chant began.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Video: flying bat almost hits fielder

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

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

T20 - Blundstone Arena

5 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 1

Strikers 1st Innings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Barty on cloud nine after giant win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I think this trumps everything," Barty said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stoltenberg said Barty possessed deceptive power despite her small stature.

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

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

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

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

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

"There's a lot of upside."

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

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Sore toe forces Azarenka to withdraw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Mundine feeling good in Brisbane

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Top five celebrity sports fans

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

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

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

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

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

Osama Bin Laden - Arsenal

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Cruise: South Sydney Rabbitohs

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

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

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

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

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

Daniel Craig: Liverpool

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

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

John Travolta - Socceroos

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

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

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

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

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Live: AUS v SL, New Year's Test

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Pup desperate to fix farewell demons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Van Egmond in angry ref outburst

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Managers are entitled to ask the question though."

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

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

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