Australia's third Test report card

Report ... Australia capture a Test series clean sweep over Sri Lanka. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

The SCG Test had added emotion to it this year with the passing of Tony Greig, the retirement of Michael Hussey and the annual Jane McGrath Day.

Australia were made to work hard but ultimately pulled out a five-wicket win against a much-improved Sri Lanka.

We rate the performances of the team but did we get it right? Have your say and leave a comment below.

---

3rd Test - Sydney Cricket Ground

3 January 2013 - Day 4, Session 3

Australia 2nd Innings

M. Hussey	27	42	2	0	64.29
M. Johnson	1	7	0	0	14.29
R. Herath	16.5	0	47	3	2.79

Ed Cowan
Rating: 5/10
A horrific run out in the first innings and a gritty 36 on day four to ensure Australia went a long way to chasing 141. We all know Cowan's role is to be the rock to David Warner's roll but consistency is still an issue. His battle with spin showed he can handle it but a tour to India will be a much tougher test.

David Warner
Rating: 7.5/10
They say you're only as good as your last innings and Warner produced a golden duck when Australia needed him to provide a good start. However, his performance in the first innings and his brilliant fielding overshadow that failure. He created the run out of Angelo Mathews in the second innings out of nothing and generally gave the Sri Lankans nightmares.

Phil Hughes
Rating: 7.5/10
Two excellent innings' without ever going on with it. The Sydney Test might just be Hughes's turning point as a test cricketer. There's no reason why he can't make No.3 his own in the same way as David Boon. The 87 in the first innings was almost chanceless - until he got out - and full of attack. In contrast, the second innings showed he could knuckle down when needed and grind out the runs against one of the world's best spinners in Rangana Herath.

Michael Clarke
Rating: 6/10
We don't like giving the captain a poor mark but after 2012 and the summer he's had so far, Sydney was a bit of a disappointment. Perhaps that hamstring was bothering him more than he let on but he was never going to rest during the SCG Test. He got out to a rash shot in the first innings when he'd just reached a half century, and he also ran out Michael Hussey. Finally, his captaincy on day four when chasing the final few wickets was too defensive and poor.

Michael Hussey
Rating: 7.5/10
Everything the retiring great did was first class. Unfortunately, he was run out in the first innings but it wasn't his fault. He took three catches in the field and produced a great catch to get rid of Thilan Samaraweera on day three. The cheer he got when bowling the final over of the day was one of the highlights of the entire Test. On day four Australia were in trouble and it was Hussey who guided the team home. A brilliant career.

Matthew Wade
Rating: 8/10 (Bat), 3/10 (Wk)
To give Wade an overall rating would be too difficult. As a batsman he was superb but with the wicketkeeping gloves on he was, at times, diabolical. He is still learning his craft at Test level and should be perservered with but a dropped catch and a botched run out add to some embarassing gaffs this summer. As a batsman, Wade was unstoppable and went to another level when No.11 Jackson Bird came to the crease. He was on 70 at the time and he simply monstered the Sri Lanka attack to reach his century.

Mitchell Johnson
Rating: 6/10
It's pretty clear the experiment with Johnson as the all-rounder didn't work on this occasion. To be honest, he didn't perform that well with bat or ball. He couldn't buy a wicket in the first innings but picked up three in Sri Lanka's second dig - including Dilshan and Thirimanne. He managed 13 runs in the first innings before nicking one off Pradeep and he stuck around with Hussey in the second innings to help guide Australia home. He's been given a third chance by the selectors and seems ready to grasp it this time ... but only as a bowler.

Peter Siddle
Rating: 7/10
The big Victorian continues to be the heart of the Australian attack but when the likes of Bird and Starc are firing he is outshone. However, it is when they can't find the breakthrough that Siddle steps up. He picked up Mahela Jayawardene when Sri Lanka looked like taking the game away from Australia on day three. His work-rate in India will be vital. He also provided 38 high-quality runs in the first innings.

Mitchell Starc
Rating: 7/10
A contrasting Test for Starc. After a good first innings with the ball, where he picked up the big wickets of Jayawardene and Mathews, he struggled in the second innings. Consistency is going to be a catch phrase for Starc moving forward but he is clearly a favourite of the selectors and will be given a chance to further push his case for an Ashes berth in the limited overs series against Sri Lanka and West Indies.

Nathan Lyon
Rating: 6.5/10
Nathan Lyon has got to be Australia's unluckiest bowler this summer. He only took two wickets - one of which was Thirimanne - in Sydney but it could have been far better as a couple of catches went down off his bowling. In saying that, he does need to slow down at times as the batsman were easily anticipating his speed and lack of flight. Lyon is still young and statistically one of Australia's best spinners at his age. It will be interesting to see how he fares in India.

Jackson Bird
Rating: 8.5/10
A man-of-the-match effort in just his second Test. Bird has been compared to Australian legend Glenn McGrath and he delivered at the SCG. The lanky quick picked up both openers in the first innings and then returned to clean up the tail. In the second innings, he again dismissed Karunaratne before cleaning up the tail and finishing with seven wickets for the match. If he is given the opportunity and can show this type of consistency in the long-term he will be one of the world's best.

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Enter sandman: SCG beach tales

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Sandy tales ... Phil Hughes throws a beach ball back into the crowd. Source:News Limited

It wasn't until the last day of this Test that I realised the SCG had morphed a few of the seats into a fake beach.

Seventy tons of sand, 80 deck chairs and a 10-metre wading pool filled a spot that would have more than likely been empty from day two onwards.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

This is a great idea.

Of course, there are concerns with this type of facility at a Test match.

One in particular is when that facility is directly across from the members's area.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The members, in their jackets, ties and long dresses, enjoy the traditions of the game while partaking in tea and freshly cut sandwiches.

For them to have to watch the cricket with half-naked girls and beer-chugging men as their back drop would have them saying, "gosh darn it, I do wish that young lass would cover herself with some type of knitted garment, she will catch her death"

Another is for the people involved in the beach environment. The rules have changed for patrons of Test-match cricket over the years - no beach balls, no full-strength beer and no esky.

What sort of beach is this?

The security guards will be enforcing the "no swimming for 60 minutes after you have eaten" rule and will also be ensuring that all patrons are wearing appropriate levels of SPF.

The red-headed patrons will be issued rashies and these are to be worn in the water at all times.

One key element missing in the beach area was a toilet facility, judging by the changing colour of the pool water throughout the day - crystal clear at 11am to a murky browny/yellow at 4pm.

Take yourself back to when there were no rules at the cricket. Clothing was optional, you could take your own beer to the game and you could do as you pleased.

I was fortunate enough to travel to South Africa a few years ago. The crowds, from a behavioural perspective, are very similar to Australian crowds of the late 1970's. The only difference being that their security guards are armed with machine guns.

---

Hussey magic

I don't need me to tell you what a star Michael Hussey is.

It is universally known that Hussey is one of the good guys. He is so well respected that he has been compared to Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris is the epitome of man. When he is in a fight, he seems to be able to place his enemy in a trance that leaves them standing still for extended periods of time, enabling him to perform outrageous martial arts manoeuvres that finishes them off.

Some people wear Superman pyjamas, Superman wears Mike Hussey pyjamas.

Mike Hussey ordered a Big Mac at Burger King, and got one.

Lady Gaga's song, Poker Face, was written about Mike Hussey. It helped him win the 1983 World Series of Poker despite holding just a Joker, a get-out-of-jail-free Monopoly card, a two of clubs, seven of spades and a green four card from the game, Uno.

I made my first-class debut against Western Australia in 2004. The bad news for me was that the WA team had a bloke called Hussey in it.

In true Chuck Norris-style, I bowled a bouncer to Mike in this game and using his inner Norris, he caught the ball before it hit him, took a bite out of it, lobbed it in the air to himself and smashed it over deep backward square for a towering six. Mike scored 210 on this day and, in fairness to my own bowling, he should have been out leg before on 0 if it wasn't for Bruce Oxenford using the "you can't get Mike Hussey out, he gets himself out" rule.

Upon entry to the Australian set-up, Hussey was the man to make me feel most welcome. He went out of his way to make sure I was comfortable in my new environment. To be honest, it's an environment that can be a little awkward, particularly when you've got a mouth like mine.

His journey to the international stage has taken a different path to the majority of those who have played before him. He was not touted as a golden child of Australian cricket and therefore given opportunities to represent his country based on potential.

This is a man that truly earned his spot in the Australian team and once he made it, he wasn't giving it up. Not for anyone. Not even Chuck Norris could prize this opportunity away.

Such is Mike Hussey's class as a human being, whenever I send him a congratulatory text, not only does he always reply, but he always asks how I am and you know that he genuinely wants to know.

His innings on Sunday epitomises his legacy as a cricketer. Team first. Team first ALWAYS.

Take a bow Mike Hussey.

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

McBreen wins thriller for Mariners

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

On song ... Daniel McBreen scores to put the Mariners in front. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

His side may have just extended their lead at the top of the A-League ladder with a 2-0 win over Western Sydney but Central Coast coach Graham Arnold has labelled the Wanderers the competition's form team.

Super striker Daniel McBreen ensured victory with his brace at Parramatta Stadium on Sunday night to end the Wanderers five-match unbeaten streak.

McBreen reclaimed top spot on the goal scorers' list, netting in each half to make it a dozen for the season so far, two ahead of Melbourne Victory's Marco Rojas and Wellington's Jeremy Brockie.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	15	10	3	2	15	33
2	Adelaide	15	9	2	4	7	29
3	Victory	15	8	2	5	0	26
4	Western Sydney	15	7	2	6	4	23
5	Perth	15	5	4	6	2	19
6	Heart	15	5	3	7	-2	18
7	Brisbane	15	5	2	8	0	17
8	Newcastle	15	5	2	8	-9	17
9	Wellington	15	4	4	7	-3	16
10	Sydney	15	4	2	9	-14	14

A-League newcomers the Wanderers, who played the majority of the second half with 10 men after midfielder Jason Trifiro was sent off for his second yellow card, remain in fourth spot.

The boisterous Red and Black Block were again out in force, their constant chanting engaging the entire 16,387-strong crowd.

"The challenge for us before we came here was to play probably the best team in the league with momentum and the team everyone's talking about in front of a very vocal crowd," Arnold said.

---

Re-live the game as it happened with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and all the key stats!

---

"The test today was more trying to take the crowd out of the game and try to beat the form team of the competition.

"They way we performed in front of that I was very happy."

Mariners veteran McBreen finally broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when he got onto a ball from Adam Kwasnik and penetrated the Wanderers' backline, missing suspended skipper Michael Beauchamp.

The hosts had a handful of chances through Mark Bridge, Joe Gibbs and Japanese star Shinji Ono.

Just when it looked like the Wanderers had the momentum Trifiro, who earned his first yellow card in the opening half, was sent off in the 54th minute for his second after a tackle on Kwasnik.

McBreen struck again in the 94th minute, curling the ball into the back of the net to seal the win.

Wanderers coach Tony Popovic said coming up against the front runners was a good yardstick for his side.

"When you're playing the league leaders you have to make the most of those limited opportunities because you don't get many," Popovic said.

"They're obviously a very good side and they've been in very good form so it was good to see where we're at and I thought we handled it very well.

"When we were down to 10 men the boys just kept going so I can't be disappointed at all."

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ryan move 'absolutely ridiculous'

Mat Ryan ... out to impress Rangers manager Ally McCoist. Source: News Limited

Fox Sports football commentator Mark Bosnich has hit out at Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Mat Ryan's 10-day trial with fallen Scottish giants Rangers, saying "it's absolutely ridiculous".

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	15	10	3	2	15	33
2	Adelaide	15	9	2	4	7	29
3	Victory	15	8	2	5	0	26
4	Western Sydney	15	7	2	6	4	23
5	Perth	15	5	4	6	2	19
6	Heart	15	5	3	7	-2	18
7	Brisbane	15	5	2	8	0	17
8	Newcastle	15	5	2	8	-9	17
9	Wellington	15	4	4	7	-3	16
10	Sydney	15	4	2	9	-14	14

The 20-year-old is set to leave for Glasgow on Monday as he looks to impress Rangers manager Ally McCoist and earn a contract.

Rangers were demoted to the fourth-tier of Scottish football last year due to financial irregularities and were also hit with a 12-month transfer embargo, meaning any agreement between the Mariners and Rangers over Ryan can't be consummated until September.

Bosnich, who played in England for 14 years, says Ryan should contact the Professional Footballer's Association (PFA) to get some advice over the move.

"He's going for a trial for the right to play Elgin City, Montrose, Clyde and Stirling and will miss the top-of-the-table clash with Melbourne Victory," said Bosnich on Sunday Shootout.

"This is one of Australia's top talents and he has to go down to the fourth tier of Scottish football?

"The Scottish Premier League, with the exception of Celtic, who even the Mariners beat two seasons ago, isn't as good as the A-League.

"I don't know what he's thinking. I don't know what the club is thinking. His management have a lot to answer to if they let him go there.

"He pays his fees to the PFA, and if I was Matty I would ring up Brendan Schwab immediately and get independent advice.

"I'm really upset about this."

Former Mariners goalkeeper Jess Van Stratten, who was a special guest on the show and who made his name playing in Italy, said Bosnich was "100 per cent correct".

"I can't see the sense in it midway through a season. I don't understand what the club policy is to just let a player go and miss a game. I think it's devaluing yourself going somewhere like that," he said.

Mariners coach Graham Arnold defended the decision, saying Ryan goes to Glasgow with the club's blessing.

"It's always been a dream of his to play overseas," he said.

"The positive is that he will come back and finish the season with us."

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Finch stars again in fiesty derby

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Fiery ... Shane Warne and Marlon Samuels face off. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

Melbourne Renegades star import Marlon Samuels has become the subject of another KFC T20 Big Bash League throwing controversy, this time involving his bat and Australian spin star Shane Warne.

T20 - Melbourne Cricket Ground

6 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Renegades 1st Innings

A. Finch	67	47	6	2	142.55
P. Nevill	24	23	1	0	104.35
J. Hastings	3.5	0	31	0	8.09

In a heated clash, the Renegades sealed top spot and a home semi-final by thrashing Warne's Melbourne Stars in front of a record crowd of 46,681 at the MCG on Sunday night.

The previous Australian Twenty20 domestic crowd record was 43,125 for a Victoria-Tasmania game at the MCG in January 2010.

Chasing the Stars' disappointing 9-146, Renegades skipper Aaron Finch (67 not out from 47 balls), the BBL's top-scorer, ensured his side won with seven balls and nine wickets to spare.

But teammate Samuels ended the night with his face bloodied by a Lasith Malinga bouncer after a verbal barrage by the Stars towards the West Indian all-rounder.

Samuels' bowling action was questioned by Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann earlier in the competition and he was also involved in a heated exchange with Adelaide Strikers coach Darren Berry last week, with Lehmann having been sanctioned and Berry facing possible disciplinary action.

There could be more code of conduct charges stemming from Sunday night.

Late in the Stars' innings, batsman David Hussey gestured unhappily towards Samuels after the West Indian seemingly impeded the Victorian when he turned for a run, although Samuels tried to make light of tugging his shirt.

But there was no hint of friendliness when Samuels started batting.

Warne, bowling at the time, marched to Samuels at the end of his over, tugged at his shirt, then swore at him and pointed angrily, seemingly remonstrating over the earlier Hussey incident.

Next over, after Samuels was peppered with short balls by Clint McKay, a Warne throw struck the West Indies star on the body.

Samuels responded by hurling his bat down the pitch, with the umpires having to step in to restore calm.

Asked about the incident by Fox Sports commentators, Warne said: "What are you meant to do when someone throws a bat at you?"

Post-match, Warne denied trying to hit Samuels with the ball and passed off their altercation as a "heat of the moment thing".

"I'm more disappointed with the loss to be fair," Warne said, adding the Stars' batting performance was not up to scratch.

Finch said Samuels was "pretty severely injured" by the Malinga delivery.

He was taken to hospital for scans with bleeding under his eye.

Finch said he had tried to help Samuels keep his cool.

"Marlon was getting pretty fired up and so was Warney ... I don't really know what to think of it. I haven't seen anything like that before," he said.

Two overs later, Samuels' night was over, after he top-edged a Malinga short ball into his helmet and had to leave the field with blood running down his face.

The Stars can still ensure a semi-finals berth by beating Sydney Thunder at the MCG on Tuesday night.

---

Relive all the action with our Match Centre, featuring videos of every wicket and boundary!

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bozza's Save of the Week R14/R15

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Paston ... wins Bozza's Goal of the Week for a save against Brisbane Roar. Source: Liam Driver / News Limited

Wellington goalkeeper Mark Paston has won Mark Bosnich's Save of the Week for a technically perfect dive to his right in the Phoenix's round 14 encounter with Brisbane Roar.

Paston had some incredibly tough competition across round 14 and round 15, with a number of top class saves vying for the gong.

But former Manchester United goalkeeper Bosnich was particularly impressed with Paston's ability to stretch low and to his right to deny a certain goal to Besart Berisha.

---

Click on the video at the top of the page to see Paston's outstanding save and for more of Bosnich's critique of two rounds of A-League goalkeeping.

---

"Absolutely outstanding save," Bosnich said on Fox Sports program Sunday Shootout.

"It would have been remiss of me not to include this one.

"There were some great saves: Redmayne on Goodwin; Janjetovic in a game against Adelaide; Galekovic on the weekend against Newcastle, but this one just tops the lot. And it just shows the standard of goalkeeping couldn't be higher in the A-League.

"Right in the bottom corner and right in the top corner are the two hardest places to get to and that was an outstanding save."

The save gave Paston his second Goal of the Week gong of the season, leaving him joint top of the season table.

---

How does Mark Paston's save stand up against other stops across rounds 14 and 15? Have your say below!

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

Video: Warne, Samuels showdown

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Flashpoint ... Warne wasn't happy with Samuels. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

This is the incident that has the cricket world talking.

The angry mid-pitch confrontation between Shane Warne and Marlon Samuels during the fiesty derby between Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades stole the show on an enthralling night at the MCG.

The incident had its roots in Samuels's actions during the Stars' innings, when he appeared to hold back batsman David Hussey while he was attempting a second run.

This must have upset not only Hussey but his teammates, because when Samuels came out to bat, all hell broke loose.

He faced one ball before Warne unleashed a tirade of abuse in his direction, which appeared to continue into the next over.

---

Watch the video at the top of the page to see the fiery confrontation in full!

---

A few minutes later, Warne ran in to field a ball and threw it towards the stumps, hitting Samuels in the body. The West Indies star responded by throwing his bat in Warne's direction.

Eventually the umpires stepped in to calm down the situation, but the damage was done and it remains to be seen if disciplinary action is taken against either party.

Unfortunately for Samuels, his night ended on a sour note after he was struck by a vicious bouncer from Lasith Malinga and was forced to retire hurt.

Early reports suggested Samuels may have suffered a fractured eye socket.

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Finishing difference for Mariners'

Tough battle ... WSW striker Mark Bridge takes on Zac Anderson. Source: News Limited

The Central Coast Mariners kick four points clear at the top of the A-League table while the perplexing Brisbane Roar crash to another defeat. Mark Bosnich and News Limited review an exciting round 15 of A-League action.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Western Sydney Wanderers 0 Central Coast Mariners 2

Bozza says: I thought Western Sydney Wanderers deserved a point. It was a fantastic game and really sugar-coated with a marvelous atmosphere. The atmosphere at Parramatta Stadium is getting better and better every week. It really makes a massive difference, especially viewing it on television as well. I thought the Wanderers had the better of the first half but the Mariners, being the team that they are, were deadly. Daniel McBreen's first goal was excellent and it was inevitable they would get more chances on the break once the Wanderers were chasing the game. The controversy for me came at the end when the Wanderers should have had a penalty. Mark Bridge was brought down. Both sets of players and coaches can take a lot of credit. I was always thought this game would be tight. It quite simply came down to McBreen taking his chances and the Wanderers not taking theirs. They can't be too disappointed though.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Melbourne Heart 3 d Brisbane Roar 2

Bozza says: Heart showed great fighting qualities in this. Brisbane had the better of the first half but it shows that you can be at your most vulnerable when you are in control. Perth showed that against Sydney on Saturday night as well. People lose concentration when the ball's up the other end of the pitch and you feel as though you are in total control. It only takes one lapse and that's what exactly happened to Brisbane, and they'll rue that. I've got no complaints over David Williams's red card either. It's completely out of character but the referee got it right. Roar didn't deserve to get anything out of this. There is still something missing from Brisbane Roar. Rado (Vidosic) couldn't put his finger on it. Mike Mulvey is struggling to put his finger on it as well.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Perth Glory 2 Sydney FC 2

Bozza says: There has definitely been a difference in Sydney since the arrival of Frank Farina. The fight has returned . It was certainly questionable at the start of the season, and I made my feelings known about that after the Central Coast Mariners game. But they really went at Perth in the second half of this. Perth will be kicking themselves. Goalkeeper Danny Vukovic has been exceptional but made an uncharacteristic mistake here - and it was costly. Sydney should be very happy.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Melbourne Victory 2 d Wellington Phoenix 0

Bozza says: I know Ange (Postecoglou) has been cautious but if you take a look at their squad , they definitely have the firepower to win this championship. They had a little bit of a hiccup against Western Sydney Wanderers and all it took was to watch the second half against Wellington to see how much off colour they were in Sydney. Gui Finkler is a huge loss and i think long term if they are to go and win the title they need to find a replacement. But when you have people likes Rojas, Flores and Thompson, for any team playing against them it's a real worry.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Newcastle 0 drew with Adelaide 0

News Limited says: Eugene Galekovic's shot-stopping brilliance saved Adelaide United from dropping all points in a 0-0 draw with out-of-form Newcastle at Hunter Stadium. The Socceroos gloveman made two stunning blocks either side of half-time - one from Ryan Griffiths and the other from Adam Taggart. Galekovic was content with the point after keeping Taggart scoreless with one of the saves of the season. "He (Taggart) was put through lucky enough I got a foot on it and it went out for a corner," Galekovic said.

23.01 | 0 komentar | Read More