Silver lining for Khawaja after washout

DARK clouds may have hung over the Gabba on Sunday but Usman Khawaja could see a silver lining as another Test audition slipped through his grasp.

Not sighted since his one-day international debut on January 11, Khawaja had hoped to provide national selectors a not-so-subtle reminder before the squad for next month's four-Test tour of India was finalised this week.

However, Queensland's must-win one-day Gabba clash with Tasmania was washed out without a ball being bowled as ex-tropical cyclone Oswald caused heavy showers in south-east Queensland.

But Khawaja, 26, refused to let it dampen his enthusiasm as he prepared for one last hurrah before the Test squad announcement - Tuesday's Prime Minister's XI one-day clash with the West Indies at Canberra.

Khawaja threatened to become Australian cricket's forgotten man after being run out for three on ODI debut in the opening clash with Sri Lanka and not being seen in national colours since.

The classy left-handed batsman missed out again on Friday when Aaron Finch was recalled after David Hussey's axing for the opening two ODIs against the West Indies in Perth.

It was a confusing call after chief selector John Inverarity claimed the one-dayers would be used as a form guide ahead of the upcoming Indian tour.

"It is always disappointing (to miss out). I would have loved to have played both (opening) one-dayers (against Sri Lanka) but I think the selectors had the clear view of playing me in one and Steve Smith the other - that's just how it is," Khawaja said on Sunday.

"I have been around the (national) squad a fair bit so I have been able to chat with (coach) Mickey (Arthur) and John Inverarity.

"But I am not sure what is going on before the team comes out for India."

Chances have been limited and competition for Test spots tough - Khawaja is vying with the likes of Smith, Glenn Maxwell and George Bailey as Australia's back-up batsman following Mike Hussey's retirement.

However, Khawaja has still fine-tuned his game for spin as he sweats on an Indian tour call-up.

"I have given it (India) a lot of thought. Spin will be the big challenge for everyone," he said.

"Spinners always give you an opportunity to score runs.

"As long as you have a gameplan and a way to score runs over there that's all that matters."

Bulls coach Darren Lehmann - who stroked 63 and 129 against Muttiah Muralitharan's Sri Lanka on a "raging turner" at Galle in 2004 - has offered plenty of advice on how to combat spin, as only he can.

"He's quite funny the way he talks about cricket. You ask him about Galle and he says 'I couldn't pick Murali so I tried to slog him'," Khawaja laughed.

Third-placed Queensland (15pts) and No.4 Tasmania (11) each received two points after the washout - but still have work to do to chip away at competition leaders Victoria (19) and No.2 South Australia (18), which has a game in hand.

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Blues rue another Shield washout

FOR the third time this summer, NSW were left cursing the elements which robbed them of the chance to secure an outright Sheffield Shield victory over Western Australia.

The Blues' clash at Blacktown International Sportspark ended in a draw on Sunday when persistent rain washed out nearly all of the final day.

With WA resuming at 8-211, holding onto a second-innings lead of just 109 runs, the Blues were confident of getting a result before they were confronted by a soggy outfield.

On six occasions the covers were removed, only to be put back moments later as the drizzle persisted.

The players eventually took to the field for 10 overs, with no wickets falling and the Warriors adding just eight runs through Ashton Agar (34) and Jason Behrendorff (seven) to finish 8-219.

NSW claimed first-innings points, thanks to classy half-centuries from Test hopefuls Steve Smith (72) and Moises Henriques (71) that gave them a 102-run first-innings lead.

But the missed opportunity to claim the maximum six points from the game will irk them and Blues coach Chandika Hathurusingha admitted the draw was a "hollow" feeling.

"We were in a good position to get the four points. But you can't do anything about Mother Nature," he said.

Perhaps the most frustrating factor for the luckless Blues is that Mother Nature hasn't been on their side all summer after bad light denied them outright victory against Tasmania in September.

Two months later against Victoria they were denied a chance of forcing a result with the Blues holding onto a 157-run lead on day four but rain and bad light meant just five overs were bowled.

The Blues move to 15 points with a game in hand, but drop to fifth on the Shield ladder following South Australia's one-wicket victory over Victoria on Sunday.

Th Redbacks climbed into third place behind equal leaders Victoria and Queensland who are both on 20 points.

The Sunday washout also denied players a final chance at pushing their Test cases, with the squad for next month's four-Test tour of India expected to be announced on Thursday.

Blues captain Stephen O'Keefe, considered an option to be picked as the back-up spinner to Nathan Lyon, did his chances no harm with match figures of 8-102 to take his season tally to 17 wickets.

Warriors coach Justin Langer said he sympathised with the Blues.

"I'd say it would be particularly frustrating for NSW, they had a great day (on Saturday) and had us really on the back foot," he said.

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'Nobody ready for Hussey's spot'

Irreplaceable ... Mike Hussey's retirement from international cricket has left a gaping hole. Source: AAP

Former Test opener Justin Langer says no one is banging down the door to replace Mike Hussey in the Australia team, lamenting the lack of depth in batsmen and spinners across the country.

Hussey retired from international cricket following the three-Test sweep of Sri Lanka earlier this month, opening up a middle-order spot in the Test, one-day and Twenty20 sides.

Queensland's Usman Khawaja is considered the front-runner to claim Hussey's spot in the team for Australia's four-Test tour of India next month, though his Shield average of 39.81 this season doesn't suggest he is dominating at domestic level.

Victorian Rob Quiney was given a two-Test audition, Tasmania's Alex Doolan has been spoken about and budding allrounder Glenn Maxwell is well liked.

But, with champion batsman Ricky Ponting also retiring in December, Langer said there is a dearth of quality batsmen looking to step into Hussey's shoes but nominated former opener Shane Watson as the man to step in in the short term.

''I would say no, there's no one smashing the door down,'' Langer, who until recently was also Australia's batting coach, said.

Western Warriors coach Justin Langer joins Brendon Julian, Allan Border, Stuart MacGill and News Ltd journalist Malcolm Conn on Inside Cricket this week.

The former champion Australia opener will talk about the challenges he faces as he looks to turn around the fortunes of Western Australian cricket.

Plus we'll get JL's take on the state of the game, including the controversial rotation policy and the upcoming tours of India and the UK.

Inside Cricket – 6:30pm EDT, Monday January 28  on Fox Sports 2HD.

''Shane Watson will obviously come back in but I'm not sure who they're going to go with.

''But the reality is no one's really been so good they can't be ignored and that's what we have to get in Australian cricket.

''The lack of perceived depth means there's unbelievable opportunities for kids out there who want to work hard and improve their technique and be mentally resilient.

''Imagine being a youngster now if you're a spinner or a batsman, it'd be awesome.''

Of the other names mentioned to step into Hussey's shoes, Blues allrounder Steve Smith earned praise from Langer.

Langer, as coach of Western Australia, saw first hand Smith's revitalised game as the 23-year-old compiled an impressive knock of 72 on a low, slow Blacktown wicket in their drawn Sheffield Shield match which finished on Sunday.

Smith's patient innings helped secure the Blues first-innings points and certainly caught Langer's eye.

''I thought Steve Smith batted well, whether he comes back in for Test selection I'm not sure,'' he said.

''But I thought he played quite well and in Indian conditions he might get an opportunity.

''I was impressed with how patient he was on a tough wicket and he seemed to have tightened up his game ... (he) showed good discipline.

''He's very talented and I love his work ethic.''

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Catch Justin Langer in an exclusive interview on Inside Cricket at 6:30pm EDT on Monday on Fox Sports 2HD.

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Sydney claim second W-League title

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Sky Blue champions ... Sydney win their second W-League title. Source:FOX SPORTS

Sydney FC captain Kyah Simon praised her young side after they powered to a 3-1 win over Melbourne Victory to claim their second W-League championship.

Two second-half goals ensured victory for the Sky Blues in what was a hard-fought encounter at AAMI Park.

Melbourne had their chances to secure a maiden grand final win after midfielder Petra Larsson cancelled out Nicola Bolger's opener for Sydney in front of 4181 spectators.

However, goals at either end of the second half from star forwards Sam Kerr and player of the match Simon got the Sky Blues home.

Simon, the only survivor from Sydney's 2009 championship-winning team, was delighted that a youthful Sky Blues side rose to the occasion despite the unavailability of regulars Emma Kete and Ellyse Perry.

Dual international Perry is in India with the Australian cricket team, while Kete was suspended after being sent off last week.

"We lost some crucial players but we have a lot of depth in our team, and all credit to our girls that they stuck in there and played some good football,'' she said.

"The girls did great, doubly so given they are so young and inexperienced but they proved everyone wrong that age doesnt matter.

"There is no better feeling than winning the championship.''

After a tense opening Sydney defender Renee Rollason forced Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Brianna Davey into a superb sprawling save midway through the opening period.

The league's tightest defence, however, was soon breached in unusual fashion as Rebekah Stott's under hit backpass allowed Bolger to charge down Davey's attempted clearance.

On the back foot for periods of the first half, the Victory came back strongly and drew level thanks to a perfectly executed free-kick from Swede Larsson four minutes from the break.

Kerr gave the Sky Blues the ideal start to the second half powering a spectacular diving header into the net after profiting from Simons smart cross.

Sydney goalkeeper Sham Khamis produced an excellent point-blank save to deny Enza Barilla, while at the other end the impressive Davey was at full stretch to keep out Simons powerful strike.

The match remained an open affair with play swinging from end-to-end and both sets of player looking weary as the contest wore on.

Melbourne's hopes were extinguished four minutes from time as Maika Ruyter-Hooley was sent off after bundling over substitute Larissa Crummer which allowed Simon to coolly sweep home the resultant penalty.

Melbourne Victory co-captain Danielle Johnson said her side can continue to build after reaching their first W-League decider.

"I think they (Sydney) did really well in the midfield and it was hard breaking them down,'' she said.

"You learn a lot when you lose so hopefully we can take a lot away from this experience.''

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Watson not an open and shut case

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Open battle ... Shane Watson and Ed Cowan. Source: Arnulfo Franco / AAP

Everyone talks about the balance of a side. Sometimes it just doesn't look right, then you move one or two around and it just has a better feel to it.

Australian selectors are hoping their balance is right come Test cricket, that's evident by sticking with Ed Cowan and batting Shane Watson at number four.

But we've heard arguments for Watson to open and that's no surprise when you look at his record.

Watson's career average is only 37, but his average as an opener is 43.67.

Delve deeper, remembering there's a double Ashes campaign coming up and his record against England is even better. He's batted 15 times against them, opening on every occasion and averages 48.21.

Before the Ashes though, there's India, where he's batted 11 times and averaged just over 40.

On seven of those occasions though, he came in at number six. Of the four innings he opened he hit 126, 56, 57 and 32 – averaging just over 67.

It's a compelling argument to have him bat with Warner.

But what about Ed Cowan. He has the look of an opener, but not the stats to match – so far.

In 13 tests and 22 innings he's averaged just 32.82. He did score a ton against South Africa this summer but inconsistency is his biggest problem. But let's not be too quick to crucify him, given Australia really doesn't have a wealth of batting to call on and the retirement of Mike Hussey hasn't helped the cause.

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And remember, Matt Hayden was dropped twice from the test team before third time lucky saw him cement his spot. After the same period, 13 tests, Hayden didn't even average 25.

At the back of the selectors minds is Cowan's trip with Australia A to England last year, where he averaged a touch of over 61. His patience and ability to let balls go in moving conditions will be a plus and the selectors are hoping that's the case. It would also make a great foil for Warner.

Clever Cowan will also have stint with Nottinghamshire in the first half of their season, ensuring he gets his eye in before the Ashes.

But with Watson's record as an opener so compelling, Ed is safe for India, a series could make or break him.

We'll get through India first with Warner, Cowan, Hughes, Watson, Clarke and probably Khawaja to make up the top six.

Will the same six play the first test in Trent Bridge in early July?  Selectors hope so because it means form on the board.

But a nasty tour of India could change all that! And well know Watson wants to open !

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Bell ton hands England ODI win

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Match winner ... Ian Bell scored a classy unbeaten century against India. Source:AAP

Ian Bell scored a superb unbeaten century to guide England to a morale-boosting seven-wicket victory over India in the fifth and final one-day international in Dharamsala.

Bell finished on 113 not out, becoming the tenth Englishman to record a one-day hundred on Indian soil, to ensure the tourists ended on a high despite India ultimately claiming a 3-2 series win.

Earlier Tim Bresnan had led the way for England with the ball on his final appearance before being sent for treatment on a nagging elbow injury, taking 4-45 as the hosts struggled to 226 all out.

Suresh Raina held the India innings together as he made a tenacious, if at times fortunate, 83 to help his side recover from 49-4 early on.

But things could and perhaps should have been better for England who put down a total of five catches, including two tough ones in three balls off Raina.

Bresnan quickly proved he was still fit enough to cause India problems when he sent back Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli with successive balls in the fourth over; Sharma was first to go for four as he edged to James Tredwell at second slip and the dangerous Kohli bagged a golden duck next up, following a wider one and offering Tredwell a second catch which he clung on to after a spot of juggling.

Yuvraj Singh survived the hat-trick ball but was soon gone for nought, squared up by Steven Finn and floating a catch to Eoin Morgan at point and, when Gautam Gambhir (24) was caught by Ian Bell off Tredwell, India had still not reached 50.

Raina and Mahendra Singh Dhoni set about rebuilding the innings and added 30 - including a straight six from Raina off Tredwell - before Finn returned to trap the home captain lbw for 15.

It was a huge scalp but Raina had not given up the fight and found a willing ally in Ravindra Jadeja (39), who helped accelerate the run-rate with two straight sixes of his own and taking the score to 136-5 with 15 overs left.

England put down Raina twice in the space of three balls, on 61 and 63, Cook diving at square leg and Tredwell getting finger tips to a return chance, but Tredwell (2-25) continued his memorable series by breaking the 78-run partnership when a Jadeja mis-hit looped into Bell's hands.

Raina was now playing a lone hand and reached 83 before pulling Woakes straight to Bell at mid-wicket, but the Indian tail then wagged as Ravichandran Ashwin (19) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (31) both had fun towards the end to push India on towards respectability.But the total always looked below-par, and even more so after Alastair Cook and Bell had given England a solid start to their reply by reaching 50 without loss.

Cook did depart soon after as Ishant Sharma snuck one through his defences to bowl him for 22, while Kevin Pietersen managed just six before he was well caught on the boundary rope by a running Jadeja off the bowling of Shami Ahmed.

But Joe Root joined Bell to put England back on track, the Yorkshireman contributing 31 in a stand of 79 before succumbing to Jadeja, bowled as he attempted a rather ambitious sweep.

That would be India's last success, though, as Eoin Morgan produced an impressive cameo of 40 from 40 balls to get England over the line alongside the majestic Bell.

The Warwickshire right-hander's innings contained 13 fours and a single six, while Morgan blazed four maximums during his stay to ensure the tourists got home with 16 balls to spare.

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Man United stars backed RVP move

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Player power ... Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes welcomed Robin van Persie. Source: Jon Super / AAP

Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson consulted his senior players before moving for Robin van Persie.

Van Persie made the move from Arsenal to Old Trafford last summer in a £24million deal and he has made an instant impact at United.

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Meulensteen admits the coaching staff spoke to Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes to find out if Van Persie's arrival would lead to any problems in the dressing room and that they gave their backing for the signing of the Dutchman.

"The players at United never saw Robin as an intruder," said Meulensteen. "The boss and I tested that before we made a move for him. We dropped Robin's name with Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

"We said to them, 'What would you think if Robin van Persie comes here?' They both said the same thing. They both thought it would be outrageous if Robin came to United - and later so did all the other players.

"The reason we discussed it with Ryan and Paul is because they stand for the culture of Manchester United in the dressing room. They keep that culture and protect it."

Meulensteen believes the arrival of Van Persie has given United and the rest of the squad an air of invincibility.

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"Robin is an absolute professional. He's a fantastic trainer and he delivers on the pitch," added Meulensteen.

"That creates a security for players. They feel nothing bad can happen to them because we have got Robin van Persie. We really missed that kind of influence last season.

"He gives the team an invincible feeling. They think 'We've got Van Persie. With him we are always going to score. We can always give him the ball and he will always do something magical with it'."

Meulensteen feels Van Persie was the perfect signing to take United on to the next level after missing out on the Premier League title to neighbours Manchester City last season.

"It was time for Manchester United to have a big-name player like Robin van Persie again," continued Meulensteen. "In the last few seasons, we had squeezed everything out of our star players and last season we were just not good enough.

"He's a really world-class act. As one of the biggest clubs in the world we really needed a player like him."

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/8446019/Manchester-United-s-senior-players-consulted-before-Robin-van-Persie-deal

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Djokovic creates Aussie Open history

Novak Djokovic ... created history by winning his third straight Aussie Open crown. Source: Dita Alangkara / AAP

Tennis ironman Novak Djokovic has etched his name in the history books with a bruising four-set Australian Open final triumph over Andy Murray.

Australian Open: Mens Singles

Round F, 27/01/13

Djo (1)	6	7	6	6
Mur (3)	7	6	3	2

The world No.1 wore down Murray in a three-hour, 40-minute war of attrition to become the first man to complete an Australian Open hat-trick in the 45-year professional era.

Only two other men in history - American Jack Crawford (1931-33) and Australian Roy Emerson (1963-67) have won three or more consecutive Australian championships.

Djokovic's victory avenged his five-set final loss to Murray at last year's US Open and drew the Serb level on the all-time grand slam leaderboard with modern-day greats Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg with six career majors.

The 25-year-old's fourth Open crown also matched the record of Roger Federer and Andre Agassi, who fittingly was on hand to present the trophies to the two final combatants at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night.

"What a joy. It's an incredible feeling winning this trophy once more," Djokovic said

"It's definitely my favourite grand slam. I love this court."

Murray had been eyeing his own slice of history as the first man ever to hold the Olympic, US Open and Australian Open titles simultaneously - but instead suffered his fifth defeat in six grand slam finals.

But he was gracious in defeat.

"Novak, his record here is incredible. Very few people have been able to do what he's done here and he's a well-deserved champion," said Murray, runner-up in Melbourne in 2010, 2011 and now again.

After missing a real chance to claim a two-sets-to-love advantage, the Scot appeared to suffer a hamstring injury - possibly scar tissue from his sapping five-set semi-final win over Federer 48 hours earlier - and was unable to match the supreme physical conditioning of his great rival.

Last year's famous final between Djokovic and Rafael Nadal was the longest in grand slam history, an epic stretching five hours, 53 minutes and finishing at almost two o'clock on Monday morning.

And with the past two major meetings between Djokovic and Murray both lasting almost five hours as well, a repeat of the 2012 title marathon looked a possibility for more than two sets as the baseline gladiators slugged it out relentlessly from the back court.

Djokovic had five break-point chances in the opening set, including four after having Murray at love-40 in the seventh game, but his inability to convert proved costly.

Murray forced a tiebreaker and Djokovic handed it to the Scot with six unforced errors.

On a roll, Murray won 10 straight points - and 17 of 19 - to surge ahead 1-0 in the second set and suddenly have Djokovic under extreme pressure at love-40.

But the Serb dug deep to save and the service hold proved critical as the second set almost inevitably was decided almost an hour later in another tiebreaker.

On this occasion, it was Murray who lost his nerve, the third seed double-faulting after a feather blew onto the court to gift Djokovic the vital mini-break.

The top seed needed no second invitation back into the match and was on level terms after two hours, 13 minutes, and then delivered a hammer blow in the eighth game of the third set.

After the pair shared 31 straight service holds, Djokovic pressed to break Murray for 5-3 and closed out the set to be in front for the first time all match after two hours and 54 minutes.

Djokovic could smell blood when he broke Murray for a 2-1 lead in the fourth set and moved in for the kill.

All hope was lost for Murray when he double-faulted to hand Djovokic the decisive double break for 4-1 and the Serb triumphed on his first match point when a weary Murray netted a backhand.

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