Australia's longest-serving Labor prime minister Bob Hawke died on Thursday aged 89.

"Today we lost Bob Hawke, a great Australian -- many would say the greatest Australian of the post-war era," his second wife Blanche d'Alpuget said in a statement.

"He died peacefully at home."

The son of a preacher, Hawke led his country during the 1980s, a period during which he seduced the nation with his everyman appeal while beginning deregulation of the economy, including floating the dollar.

From negotiating with Frank Sinatra to ensure the crooner's 1974 Sydney concerts went ahead to shedding tears over bloodshed in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, Hawke was a huge presence on Australia's political landscape.

Never voted out by the public, which forgave him his faults, he won four elections on the run beginning in 1983, and only left office following a party room coup.

To many, he was a quintessential Australian "larrikin" -- a beloved rogue. His death comes days before Australians go to the polls.

The Labor party posted a tribute on Twitter to one of their most fondly-remembered characters.

"Vale Bob. We will remember him. In solidarity, forever. May he rest in peace."

"When you would go out campaigning with Bob you were... absolutely mobbed," recalled Hawke cabinet member Susan Ryan.

"He was extremely popular with the women voters. They really, really liked to get near him and to touch him and to get him to sign the autographs and so forth.

"And the men liked him too because he was a sportsman and he had been a very effective trade union leader. So he was certainly Mr. Popularity."

When Australia won the America's Cup yacht race in 1983, a jubilant Hawke sporting a white blazer printed with the words 'Australia', memorably said: "Any boss who sacks a worker for not turning up today is a bum."

Nonetheless, he helped forge a consensus between labour unions and business, and used his appeal to win broad support for economic reforms which sometimes saw critics accuse him of moving the Labor Party to the right.

Robert James Lee Hawke was born on December 9, 1929 in Bordertown in South Australia, the younger of two sons. After his brother Neil died from meningitis in his teens, the family moved to Perth in Western Australia.

The grief-stricken parents devoted themselves to their younger son, who went on to become a Rhodes scholar at Oxford.

Recounting a terrible motorcycle accident as a 17-year-old, which resulted in a ruptured spleen and nearly killed him, Hawke said he felt he had been given a second chance at life and drove himself even harder to achieve.&nbsp;

On his return from Oxford he married Hazel Masterson, and devoted himself to the Australian Council of Trade Unions.

Hawke's first attempt to enter parliament in 1963 failed and he did not try again for 17 years. By the time he won the seat of Wills in Melbourne, he was a senior figure in the Australian Labor Party.&nbsp;

Because of questions about his reported womanising and drinking -- which earned him a world record for drinking a yard-glass of beer, about three pints, in the fastest time -- he gave up the booze.

Except, that is, for his tradition in his final years of chugging a beer on camera at sporting events to raucous cheers.

"I knew that if I was going to go into parliament I could never afford to be in a position where I could do something stupid as a result of having too much to drink which would bring disgrace upon me and on my country," he told broadcaster ABC in 2014.

Less than three years after entering parliament he was Labor's opposition leader and a month later was elected prime minister in the party's greatest victory in 40 years. He went on to win elections in 1984, 1987 and 1990.

Cultivating a mindset of consensus rather than confrontation, Hawke's government opened the nation's economy to global competition and 'floated' the Australian dollar.

Direct controls on Australian interest rates were removed, tariffs designed to protect Australian industry were reduced and foreign competition in banking was allowed.

While Hawke won the 1983 election convincingly, the following year he suffered the devastating blow of learning that one of his daughters was a heroin addict, giving a tearful press conference in which he said prime ministers were still husbands and fathers.

"People say he was a typical Australian man but in many respects he wasn't," said Ryan.

"He never had any inhibition about expressing his feelings, so if something was very sad or distressing he would cry in public and be quite at ease with it. And people accepted that."

As the recession of the early 1990s took hold, Hawke lost the Labor leadership in a party room coup to Paul Keating in December 1991.

He quit parliament two months later and involved himself in business, particularly as a consultant in China, where he was said to have laid the foundation for the current robust economic relationship between Beijing and Canberra.

Leaving politics allowed him to resume his love of alcohol, and he became known for downing a beer in one go at the cricket ground in Sydney each year, usually shown on the stadium's big screen to huge cheers and broadcast around the country.&nbsp;

In 1995 he divorced Hazel, with whom he had four children, and married mistress Blanche d'Alpuget.

It was one of the most talked-about scandals in Australian political history.&nbsp;

Asked how she would cope without him in an interview in early 2018, d'Alpuget said: "With difficulty. He's my best friend."

Australia's longest-serving Labor prime minister Bob Hawke died on Thursday aged 89. "Today we lost Bob Hawke, a great Australian -- many would say the greatest Australian of the post-war era," his second wife Blanche d'Alpuget said in a statement.

Australia's longest-serving Labor prime minister Bob Hawke died on Thursday aged 89. "Today we lost Bob Hawke, a great Australian -- many would say the greatest Australian of the post-war era," his second wife Blanche d'Alpuget said in a statement. "He died peacefully at home." The son of a preacher, Hawke led his country during the 1980s, a period during which he seduced the nation with his everyman appeal while beginning deregulation of the economy, including floating the dollar. From negotiating with Frank Sinatra to ensure the crooner's 1974 Sydney concerts went ahead to shedding tears over bloodshed in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, Hawke was a huge presence on Australia's political landscape. Never voted out by the public, which forgave him his faults, he won four elections on the run beginning in 1983, and only left office following a party room coup. To many, he was a quintessential Australian "larrikin" -- a beloved rogue. His death comes days before Australians go to the polls. The Labor party posted a tribute on Twitter to one of their most fondly-remembered characters. "Vale Bob. We will remember him. In solidarity, forever. May he rest in peace." "When you would go out campaigning with Bob you were... absolutely mobbed," recalled Hawke cabinet member Susan Ryan. "He was extremely popular with the women voters. They really, really liked to get near him and to touch him and to get him to sign the autographs and so forth. "And the men liked him too because he was a sportsman and he had been a very effective trade union leader. So he was certainly Mr. Popularity." When Australia won the America's Cup yacht race in 1983, a jubilant Hawke sporting a white blazer printed with the words 'Australia', memorably said: "Any boss who sacks a worker for not turning up today is a bum." Nonetheless, he helped forge a consensus between labour unions and business, and used his appeal to win broad support for economic reforms which sometimes saw critics accuse him of moving the Labor Party to the right. Robert James Lee Hawke was born on December 9, 1929 in Bordertown in South Australia, the younger of two sons. After his brother Neil died from meningitis in his teens, the family moved to Perth in Western Australia. The grief-stricken parents devoted themselves to their younger son, who went on to become a Rhodes scholar at Oxford. Recounting a terrible motorcycle accident as a 17-year-old, which resulted in a ruptured spleen and nearly killed him, Hawke said he felt he had been given a second chance at life and drove himself even harder to achieve. On his return from Oxford he married Hazel Masterson, and devoted himself to the Australian Council of Trade Unions. Hawke's first attempt to enter parliament in 1963 failed and he did not try again for 17 years. By the time he won the seat of Wills in Melbourne, he was a senior figure in the Australian Labor Party. Because of questions about his reported womanising and drinking -- which earned him a world record for drinking a yard-glass of beer, about three pints, in the fastest time -- he gave up the booze. Except, that is, for his tradition in his final years of chugging a beer on camera at sporting events to raucous cheers. "I knew that if I was going to go into parliament I could never afford to be in a position where I could do something stupid as a result of having too much to drink which would bring disgrace upon me and on my country," he told broadcaster ABC in 2014. Less than three years after entering parliament he was Labor's opposition leader and a month later was elected prime minister in the party's greatest victory in 40 years. He went on to win elections in 1984, 1987 and 1990. Cultivating a mindset of consensus rather than confrontation, Hawke's government opened the nation's economy to global competition and 'floated' the Australian dollar. Direct controls on Australian interest rates were removed, tariffs designed to protect Australian industry were reduced and foreign competition in banking was allowed. While Hawke won the 1983 election convincingly, the following year he suffered the devastating blow of learning that one of his daughters was a heroin addict, giving a tearful press conference in which he said prime ministers were still husbands and fathers. "People say he was a typical Australian man but in many respects he wasn't," said Ryan. "He never had any inhibition about expressing his feelings, so if something was very sad or distressing he would cry in public and be quite at ease with it. And people accepted that." As the recession of the early 1990s took hold, Hawke lost the Labor leadership in a party room coup to Paul Keating in December 1991. He quit parliament two months later and involved himself in business, particularly as a consultant in China, where he was said to have laid the foundation for the current robust economic relationship between Beijing and Canberra. Leaving politics allowed him to resume his love of alcohol, and he became known for downing a beer in one go at the cricket ground in Sydney each year, usually shown on the stadium's big screen to huge cheers and broadcast around the country. In 1995 he divorced Hazel, with whom he had four children, and married mistress Blanche d'Alpuget. It was one of the most talked-about scandals in Australian political history. Asked how she would cope without him in an interview in early 2018, d'Alpuget said: "With difficulty. He's my best friend."

Former Australian prime minister Bob Hawke dies at 89

Ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hot-conditions-in-england-would-be-an-advantage-for-sub-continent-teams-kevin-pietersen-207925">former England batsman Kevin Pietersen</a> has compared the current England side with the 'great' Australia squad, who lifted two World Cups.

The 38-year old, on Wednesday, took Twitter to share his opinion and wrote: "This England ODI side is like that great Aussie side...if (Matthew) Hayden didn't get you, then (Ricky) Ponting would &amp; if they missed out, (Adam) Gilchrist would. This England team, the same, (Jason) Roy, (Jonny) Bairstow, (Jos) Buttler etc...SOOOOO good!"

Pietersen has compared the former Australian batsmen-- Hayden, Ponting and Gilchrist -- with England's Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow and Jos Butler.&nbsp;

All three Australia veterans featured in the 2003 and 2007 World Cup, beating India and Sri Lanka, respectively, in the final match to clinch the title two times in a row.

England is going to host the forthcoming quadrennial tournament and will try to justify the 'favourite' tag they have got since World Cup hype came into being.

Apart from having the home benefit, it is the England team which makes them a tough competitor in the premier tournament and will require a great effort for any team to overpower them. The corroboration for this is that they atop the ICC ODI rankings list.

Ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has compared the current England side with the 'great' Australia squad, who lifted two World Cups.

Ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has compared the current England side with the 'great' Australia squad, who lifted two World Cups. The 38-year old, on Wednesday, took Twitter to share his opinion and wrote: "This England ODI side is like that great Aussie side...if (Matthew) Hayden didn't get you, then (Ricky) Ponting would & if they missed out, (Adam) Gilchrist would. This England team, the same, (Jason) Roy, (Jonny) Bairstow, (Jos) Buttler etc...SOOOOO good!" Pietersen has compared the former Australian batsmen-- Hayden, Ponting and Gilchrist -- with England's Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow and Jos Butler. All three Australia veterans featured in the 2003 and 2007 World Cup, beating India and Sri Lanka, respectively, in the final match to clinch the title two times in a row. England is going to host the forthcoming quadrennial tournament and will try to justify the 'favourite' tag they have got since World Cup hype came into being. Apart from having the home benefit, it is the England team which makes them a tough competitor in the premier tournament and will require a great effort for any team to overpower them. The corroboration for this is that they atop the ICC ODI rankings list.

Kevin Pietersen compares England's current team with former Australian side

Victorian Amateur Football Association teams, St Bernards and Old Melburnians were playing a club game on Saturday when two-year-old Pippa Biggs wandered onto the field.St Bernard's player Alex McLead chose to pick up Pippa rather then chase the ball, and carried her over the boundary line.

WION Global Round-Up: Toddler rescued off football pitch in Australia

Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann expects <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/cheats-aussies-braced-for-england-siege-as-barmy-army-savage-david-warner-217463&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiil8fv9priAhW773MBHU9JBoUQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3B-YlTZlbwmawOY2xdotAX">Steve Smith and David Warner </a>to play a big role in their title defence on their return to international cricket at the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-paceman-jhye-richardson-ruled-out-of-world-cup-due-to-shoulder-injury-216923&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiil8fv9priAhW773MBHU9JBoUQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2O8INFZs1sPIeibwEXwPi_">World Cup.</a>

Smith and Warner have returned from year-long bans following a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa which also prompted Lehmann to step down as coach of the side in March last year.

The top order duo made an impressive return from elbow surgeries for their respective franchises at the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament and Lehmann was convinced they will shine at the World Cup in England and Wales.

"Smith at number three or four, he'd be exceptional at the World Cup," Lehmann told Macquarie Sports Radio.

"People are worried about the break they've had with 12 months out, but you see them in the IPL performing and making runs'', Lehmann added.

"David Warner is an excitement machine, at the top of the order, he can set it alight. If he has a really good tournament, he set us on the road to winning a lot of games in the last World Cup. If he does it again at the top of the order with Aaron Finch, they'll be hard to stop", Lehmann said.

Warner, who will never captain <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/humble-aussies-head-to-gallipoli-for-world-cup-inspiration-217745&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiil8fv9priAhW773MBHU9JBoUQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1oTOv6wh1lvv0E6lr7_jvs">Australia </a>for his role in the scandal in South Africa, looked particularly impressive at the IPL finishing as its leading scorer with 692 runs from 12 innings that included nine 50-plus scores.

In his absence, Finch and Usman Khawaja have formed a steady opening partnership for Australia but Lehmann expected Warner to slot back at the top of the order.

"Opening with Finch and Warner, I think that's a certainty," the former Australia all-rounder said.

"And then there's Khawaja or Shaun Marsh at three I'd think and Smith at four - this is your top four", he added. 
&nbsp;

Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann expects Steve Smith and David Warner to play a big role in their title defence on their return to international cricket at the World Cup.

Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann expects Steve Smith and David Warner to play a big role in their title defence on their return to international cricket at the World Cup. Smith and Warner have returned from year-long bans following a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa which also prompted Lehmann to step down as coach of the side in March last year. The top order duo made an impressive return from elbow surgeries for their respective franchises at the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament and Lehmann was convinced they will shine at the World Cup in England and Wales. "Smith at number three or four, he'd be exceptional at the World Cup," Lehmann told Macquarie Sports Radio. "People are worried about the break they've had with 12 months out, but you see them in the IPL performing and making runs'', Lehmann added. "David Warner is an excitement machine, at the top of the order, he can set it alight. If he has a really good tournament, he set us on the road to winning a lot of games in the last World Cup. If he does it again at the top of the order with Aaron Finch, they'll be hard to stop", Lehmann said. Warner, who will never captain Australia for his role in the scandal in South Africa, looked particularly impressive at the IPL finishing as its leading scorer with 692 runs from 12 innings that included nine 50-plus scores. In his absence, Finch and Usman Khawaja have formed a steady opening partnership for Australia but Lehmann expected Warner to slot back at the top of the order. "Opening with Finch and Warner, I think that's a certainty," the former Australia all-rounder said. "And then there's Khawaja or Shaun Marsh at three I'd think and Smith at four - this is your top four", he added.

Former coach Darren Lehmann expects Steve Smith and David Warner to shine for Australia in World Cup

This segment offers you global round-up of top stories of 14 May 2019.

Global Round-up: Watch major global headlines of the day

Aus Envoy Harinder Sidhu impressed with EVMs, VVPATs. Watch this video to know more.

Aus Envoy Harinder Sidhu impressed with EVMs, VVPATs

Australia's cricketers were headed to the battlefields of Gallipoli for inspiration to kick off a gruelling four-month tour taking in the defence of their World Cup crown and an Ashes series.&nbsp;

The team, led by Justin Langer, flew out of Australia late Friday for a multi-day stop in Turkey before arriving in England for three warm-up games ahead of their opening World Cup clash on June 1.&nbsp;

"Where we are right now, on the way to England for a long campaign representing our country, hopefully it will be a real catalyst for gelling together and success," Langer said about visiting the World War I site.&nbsp;

Australia and New Zealand lost more than 10,000 men in 1915 when British and French troops landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in the Dardanelles Strait in Germany-allied Ottoman Turkey.&nbsp;

It became a defining event for both nations, marking the first time these newly independent countries fought under their own flags.&nbsp;

The Steve Waugh-led 2001 Ashes-winning side made a similar pilgrimage, but Langer missed the trip, something he has called "one of the regrets of my career".&nbsp;

Last year, he took the squad to the WWI battlefields of northern France ahead of his first series in charge following the ball-tampering scandal that rattled Australian cricket.&nbsp;

He said the players learned about "humility and perspective and understanding how lucky we are".&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It's very sobering, and it was an incredible life experience for the boys, and also it gelled the team together with different experiences and interpretations of our history," he said.&nbsp;

"We talk a lot about our history and the humility of times before."&nbsp;

Since his appointment, Langer has worked hard in restoring faith in Australian cricket after the "Sandpaper-gate" affair in South Africa that led to bans for then captain Steve Smith, his deputy David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft.&nbsp;

Cricket Australia on Thursday hailed the team's once-notorious behaviour as significantly improved as Langer's new less-abrasive attitude beds in.&nbsp;

Aussie spirit

Smith and Warner's one-year suspensions are now over and they were welcomed back to the Australian fold for three warm-up games against New Zealand over the past week.&nbsp;

Former skipper Ricky Ponting, who will be Langer's assistant at the World Cup, was on the 2001 visit to Gallipoli and told cricket.com.au it was a motivating experience.&nbsp;

"The thing that was really rammed home to us on that trip was what the ANZAC spirit is all about," he said, referring to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.&nbsp;

"It really does typify even the modern Australian person.&nbsp;

"I've been lucky enough to travel around the world and play cricket against a lot of opposition teams in a lot of different countries and you just don't see that same sort of spirit in a lot of people from other countries.&nbsp;

"The will to want to do whatever you can for your mate, to help your mate in a time of crisis."&nbsp;

Australia head to the World Cup in top form. They won eight straight one-dayers against India and Pakistan before winning their "unofficial" three-game series against New Zealand in Brisbane this week 2-1.&nbsp;

While their starting XI is firming up, the batting order remains in flux.&nbsp;

Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja and Warner all opened against New Zealand. It is Warner's favoured position, but he made just 0 and 2 in his two knocks there since returning from suspension.&nbsp;

Smith fared much better, hitting 89 not out at number four, then 91 not out at three.&nbsp;

The pace attack will almost certainly feature Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jason Behrendorff, but questions remain as to whether Nathan Lyon or Adam Zampa will claim the spinner's spot.&nbsp;

Australia's cricketers were headed to the battlefields of Gallipoli for inspiration to kick off a gruelling four-month tour taking in the defence of their World Cup crown and an Ashes series.

Australia's cricketers were headed to the battlefields of Gallipoli for inspiration to kick off a gruelling four-month tour taking in the defence of their World Cup crown and an Ashes series. The team, led by Justin Langer, flew out of Australia late Friday for a multi-day stop in Turkey before arriving in England for three warm-up games ahead of their opening World Cup clash on June 1. "Where we are right now, on the way to England for a long campaign representing our country, hopefully it will be a real catalyst for gelling together and success," Langer said about visiting the World War I site. Australia and New Zealand lost more than 10,000 men in 1915 when British and French troops landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in the Dardanelles Strait in Germany-allied Ottoman Turkey. It became a defining event for both nations, marking the first time these newly independent countries fought under their own flags. The Steve Waugh-led 2001 Ashes-winning side made a similar pilgrimage, but Langer missed the trip, something he has called "one of the regrets of my career". Last year, he took the squad to the WWI battlefields of northern France ahead of his first series in charge following the ball-tampering scandal that rattled Australian cricket. He said the players learned about "humility and perspective and understanding how lucky we are". "It's very sobering, and it was an incredible life experience for the boys, and also it gelled the team together with different experiences and interpretations of our history," he said. "We talk a lot about our history and the humility of times before." Since his appointment, Langer has worked hard in restoring faith in Australian cricket after the "Sandpaper-gate" affair in South Africa that led to bans for then captain Steve Smith, his deputy David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft. Cricket Australia on Thursday hailed the team's once-notorious behaviour as significantly improved as Langer's new less-abrasive attitude beds in. Aussie spirit Smith and Warner's one-year suspensions are now over and they were welcomed back to the Australian fold for three warm-up games against New Zealand over the past week. Former skipper Ricky Ponting, who will be Langer's assistant at the World Cup, was on the 2001 visit to Gallipoli and told cricket.com.au it was a motivating experience. "The thing that was really rammed home to us on that trip was what the ANZAC spirit is all about," he said, referring to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. "It really does typify even the modern Australian person. "I've been lucky enough to travel around the world and play cricket against a lot of opposition teams in a lot of different countries and you just don't see that same sort of spirit in a lot of people from other countries. "The will to want to do whatever you can for your mate, to help your mate in a time of crisis." Australia head to the World Cup in top form. They won eight straight one-dayers against India and Pakistan before winning their "unofficial" three-game series against New Zealand in Brisbane this week 2-1. While their starting XI is firming up, the batting order remains in flux. Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja and Warner all opened against New Zealand. It is Warner's favoured position, but he made just 0 and 2 in his two knocks there since returning from suspension. Smith fared much better, hitting 89 not out at number four, then 91 not out at three. The pace attack will almost certainly feature Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jason Behrendorff, but questions remain as to whether Nathan Lyon or Adam Zampa will claim the spinner's spot.

'Humble' Aussies head to Gallipoli for World Cup inspiration

A typographical error was discovered on millions of A$50 banknotes in Australia on Thursday. Watch this video to know more.

WION Wallet: Typo found on Australian banknote

Australia coach Justin Langer said his team won't be rattled by a hostile reception at the World Cup as England's Barmy Army gave them a taste of what to expect.

The defending champions are on a hot run of one-day form and have been <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/team-boosted-as-david-warner-and-steve-smith-join-australias-world-cup-training-camp-215707&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjEzYfywpDiAhU8_XMBHRwcDD8QFjAAegQIBRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw3cDTNIqfPhm16-ez9mmWBE">boosted by the return of Steve Smith and David Warner</a> after their one-year bans for ball-tampering.

But a trip to England is never easy, and the visit for the World Cup -- followed by an Ashes Test series -- is shaping up to be even more challenging than usual after the cheating row.

England's fiery Barmy Army supporters rarely need much incentive to get stuck into their arch-rivals and got the ball rolling on Twitter Thursday with a brutal pot shot.

In a taste of what to expect from British crowds, they doctored an image of Warner's official World Cup player portrait, replacing 'Australia' on the front of his shirt with 'Cheats'.

They also photo-shopped Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon holding sandpaper.

Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft were all banned over the scandal last year in Cape Town involving sandpaper to alter the ball.

"We're ready for it, If we're under siege the second we get off the plane, we're ready for it",&nbsp;Langer told SEN sports radio late Thursday.

"The World Cup might be a bit different to start off, but certainly once the Ashes kicks off there will be plenty of commentary", he added.

Warner returned to the Australian team this week after prolific form at the Indian Premier League, while Smith stroked an unbeaten 89 in Brisbane against a New Zealand XI on Wednesday.

Langer said Warner "has got this look in his eye at the moment" while praising Smith's innings as a "tutorial in batting".

"It's great for the team, I can honestly say I don't think we could be in a better position'',&nbsp;he added.

"It's a bit like facing fast bowling, you worry, worry, worry and once you get out in the middle, it's ok. The worst time to face fast bowling is in bed the night before", Langer said.

"There's been a huge lead-up to this (Smith and Warner's return) and the boys have come in so far quite seamlessly", Australian coach said.

Heading into this week's 'unofficial' three-match one-day practice series against a New Zealand XI, Australia had won eight one-dayers on the trot, against India and Pakistan.

They won the opening match against New Zealand before losing the second.

The games are not counted as full internationals.

"My main concern is we've had a month's break at the end of the Pakistan series," Langer said.

"Guys were weary at the end of long taxing summer but we were match-hardened and battle-hardened and had a great sense of confidence. We're working back up towards it. That's why we're having these practice games", Langer added.

Australia coach Justin Langer said his team won't be rattled by a hostile reception at the World Cup as England's Barmy Army gave them a taste of what to expect.

Australia coach Justin Langer said his team won't be rattled by a hostile reception at the World Cup as England's Barmy Army gave them a taste of what to expect. The defending champions are on a hot run of one-day form and have been boosted by the return of Steve Smith and David Warner after their one-year bans for ball-tampering. But a trip to England is never easy, and the visit for the World Cup -- followed by an Ashes Test series -- is shaping up to be even more challenging than usual after the cheating row. England's fiery Barmy Army supporters rarely need much incentive to get stuck into their arch-rivals and got the ball rolling on Twitter Thursday with a brutal pot shot. In a taste of what to expect from British crowds, they doctored an image of Warner's official World Cup player portrait, replacing 'Australia' on the front of his shirt with 'Cheats'. They also photo-shopped Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon holding sandpaper. Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft were all banned over the scandal last year in Cape Town involving sandpaper to alter the ball. "We're ready for it, If we're under siege the second we get off the plane, we're ready for it", Langer told SEN sports radio late Thursday. "The World Cup might be a bit different to start off, but certainly once the Ashes kicks off there will be plenty of commentary", he added. Warner returned to the Australian team this week after prolific form at the Indian Premier League, while Smith stroked an unbeaten 89 in Brisbane against a New Zealand XI on Wednesday. Langer said Warner "has got this look in his eye at the moment" while praising Smith's innings as a "tutorial in batting". "It's great for the team, I can honestly say I don't think we could be in a better position'', he added. "It's a bit like facing fast bowling, you worry, worry, worry and once you get out in the middle, it's ok. The worst time to face fast bowling is in bed the night before", Langer said. "There's been a huge lead-up to this (Smith and Warner's return) and the boys have come in so far quite seamlessly", Australian coach said. Heading into this week's 'unofficial' three-match one-day practice series against a New Zealand XI, Australia had won eight one-dayers on the trot, against India and Pakistan. They won the opening match against New Zealand before losing the second. The games are not counted as full internationals. "My main concern is we've had a month's break at the end of the Pakistan series," Langer said. "Guys were weary at the end of long taxing summer but we were match-hardened and battle-hardened and had a great sense of confidence. We're working back up towards it. That's why we're having these practice games", Langer added.

'Cheats': Aussies braced for England 'siege' as Barmy Army savage David Warner

Red-faced bank bosses in Australia admitted to an embarrassing error Thursday, revealing their state-of-the-art $50 note had a typo.

The yellow and green note, which is worth around US$35, came into circulation last October. It has multiple security features -- including microprint of a speech by Australia's first female parliamentarian, Edith Cowan.

But the technology seemingly did not include a spellchecker.

It took seven months for the public to notice "responsibility" was repeatedly misspelt in the text of Cowan's 1921 maiden speech.

"I stand here today in the unique position of being the first woman in an Australian parliament. It is a great responsibilty," the text reads, missing an "i".

The script is barely legible to the naked eye and the Reserve Bank of Australia may have got away with it, were it not for one eagle-eyed radio listener.

But there are no plans to pull the notes from circulation.

"The Reserve Bank of Australia is aware of it and the spelling will be corrected at the next print run," said a bank spokesperson.

Edith Cowan played a crucial role in winning the vote for women in Western Australia and at the age of 60 entered parliament. There she was instrumental in opening the legal and other professions to women. 
&nbsp;

Red-faced bank bosses in Australia admitted to an embarrassing error Thursday, revealing their state-of-the-art $50 note had a typo. The yellow and green note, which is worth around US$35, came into circulation last October.

Red-faced bank bosses in Australia admitted to an embarrassing error Thursday, revealing their state-of-the-art $50 note had a typo. The yellow and green note, which is worth around US$35, came into circulation last October. It has multiple security features -- including microprint of a speech by Australia's first female parliamentarian, Edith Cowan. But the technology seemingly did not include a spellchecker. It took seven months for the public to notice "responsibility" was repeatedly misspelt in the text of Cowan's 1921 maiden speech. "I stand here today in the unique position of being the first woman in an Australian parliament. It is a great responsibilty," the text reads, missing an "i". The script is barely legible to the naked eye and the Reserve Bank of Australia may have got away with it, were it not for one eagle-eyed radio listener. But there are no plans to pull the notes from circulation. "The Reserve Bank of Australia is aware of it and the spelling will be corrected at the next print run," said a bank spokesperson. Edith Cowan played a crucial role in winning the vote for women in Western Australia and at the age of 60 entered parliament. There she was instrumental in opening the legal and other professions to women.

Typo found on Australian fifty dollar note

They were billed as innovative, next-generation banknotes with added security -- but Australia's new $50 note also contain another feature: An unfortunate typo.

WION Wallet: Typo found on Australian new $50 banknote

ICC World Cup 2019: All teams and their squad list

Australian pace bowler Jhye Richardson has been ruled of his maiden <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-world-cup-india-vs-australia-whose-squad-is-better-210751&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiGjPOJqIviAhWu6XMBHcIeCjEQFjABegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw3qrWypU1_Sj2NNBX5KVy74">Cricket World Cup</a> by a shoulder injury and was withdrawn from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/team-boosted-as-david-warner-and-steve-smith-join-australias-world-cup-training-camp-215707&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiGjPOJqIviAhWu6XMBHcIeCjEQFjAAegQIBhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw0H_GmNadYAGL570vNAucI4">the squad for the tournament</a> in England and Wales on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old, who made his one-day international debut in January last year, will be replaced by namesake Kane Richardson after failing to recover from a shoulder dislocation he suffered playing against Pakistan in March.

"This is obviously very disappointing news for the team and for Jhye, who has been exceptional throughout his rehabilitation process," team physiotherapist David Beakley said in a Cricket Australia news release.

"After his most recent assessment and attempting to bowl in the nets, it was clear that Jhye was not progressing as fast as required and therefore, in consultation with selectors, we made the decision to withdraw him from the squad.

"Jhye will continue with his rehabilitation and we will look to resume bowling in the coming weeks," Beakley said.

Kane Richardson, who has taken 29 wickets in 20 ODIs, was already at the pre-World Cup training camp in Brisbane and got the nod over test paceman Josh Hazlewood, who is on the comeback trail after a back injury.

Hazlewood was a key member of the team that won the World Cup in 2015 but will also be vital to Australia's hopes of winning the Ashes series in England that follows the World Cup.

Australia's first match in their World Cup title defence is against Afghanistan in Bristol on June 1.

Revised squad: 

Aaron Finch (captain), Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa.

Australian pace bowler Jhye Richardson has been ruled of his maiden Cricket World Cup by a shoulder injury and was withdrawn from the squad for the tournament in England and Wales on Wednesday.

Australian pace bowler Jhye Richardson has been ruled of his maiden Cricket World Cup by a shoulder injury and was withdrawn from the squad for the tournament in England and Wales on Wednesday. The 22-year-old, who made his one-day international debut in January last year, will be replaced by namesake Kane Richardson after failing to recover from a shoulder dislocation he suffered playing against Pakistan in March. "This is obviously very disappointing news for the team and for Jhye, who has been exceptional throughout his rehabilitation process," team physiotherapist David Beakley said in a Cricket Australia news release. "After his most recent assessment and attempting to bowl in the nets, it was clear that Jhye was not progressing as fast as required and therefore, in consultation with selectors, we made the decision to withdraw him from the squad. "Jhye will continue with his rehabilitation and we will look to resume bowling in the coming weeks," Beakley said. Kane Richardson, who has taken 29 wickets in 20 ODIs, was already at the pre-World Cup training camp in Brisbane and got the nod over test paceman Josh Hazlewood, who is on the comeback trail after a back injury. Hazlewood was a key member of the team that won the World Cup in 2015 but will also be vital to Australia's hopes of winning the Ashes series in England that follows the World Cup. Australia's first match in their World Cup title defence is against Afghanistan in Bristol on June 1. Revised squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa.

Australian paceman Jhye Richardson ruled out of World Cup due to shoulder injury

A 24-year-old woman who struck Australian<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-promises-migration-cut-refugee-freeze-if-re-elected-214043&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjvoNWf8YjiAhXEto8KHWq2BUUQFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0b2DyIGQ1h0yInY09Y352e"> Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> with an egg on Tuesday as he campaigned for a May 18 general election has been charged with assault, police said.

Security guards pounced on the protester, who was wearing a beanie and casual clothes and dragged her away moments after the attack.

"The prime minister was attending an event at Albury Entertainment Centre when a woman approached him from behind and allegedly struck him with an egg to the back of his head," New South Wales police said in a statement.

Police, who initially said the woman was 25, said they had been arrested her but they did not identify her nor give any details about her motive.

The woman told reporters moments after the incident that her action "speaks for itself" and she referred to Manus Island, in Papua New Guinea, where Australia has long detained refugees, according to a reporter with the Australian newspaper.

She was charged with common assault and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wallet-ness-wadia-sentenced-to-2-year-jail-term-in-japan-for-drugs-possession-214822&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiE6dbC8YjiAhUHiXAKHUW3D7MQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3LI2qefQudR4M6FOkPZrtM">drug possession </a>after police found cannabis on her. The woman was released on bail and ordered to appear in court on May 27.

Morrison rubbed his head briefly after being grazed by the egg, which did not break, and then helped an elderly woman who was pushed to the floor in the scuffle, television images showed.&nbsp;

No injuries were reported, the police said."We will stand up to thuggery whether it`s these cowardly activists who have no respect for anyone, or militant unionists standing over small businesses and their employees on work sites," Morrison tweeted after the incident. Later, he joked when asked about it, saying he did not want to "over-egg" it.

"Just because you have a difference of view to someone, doesn`t mean you have to engage in these sorts of ugly types of protests ... We have to learn to disagree better," he told reporters, referring also to recent protests by vegans against farmers. Opposition Labor leader Bill Shorten called the protester`s action unacceptable. "This is appalling and disgraceful behaviour," he told reporters.

The incident occurred during a visit by the prime minister to Albury, a New South Wales constituency where an independent candidate is the bookmakers` favourite as rural voters desert the government.

In March, a teenager smashed an egg onto the head of a controversial right-wing Australian lawmaker who had blamed New Zealand`s mosque shootings on its immigration programme.

A 24-year-old woman who struck Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison with an egg on Tuesday as he campaigned for a May 18 general election has been charged with assault, police said.

A 24-year-old woman who struck Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison with an egg on Tuesday as he campaigned for a May 18 general election has been charged with assault, police said. Security guards pounced on the protester, who was wearing a beanie and casual clothes and dragged her away moments after the attack. "The prime minister was attending an event at Albury Entertainment Centre when a woman approached him from behind and allegedly struck him with an egg to the back of his head," New South Wales police said in a statement. Police, who initially said the woman was 25, said they had been arrested her but they did not identify her nor give any details about her motive. The woman told reporters moments after the incident that her action "speaks for itself" and she referred to Manus Island, in Papua New Guinea, where Australia has long detained refugees, according to a reporter with the Australian newspaper. She was charged with common assault and drug possession after police found cannabis on her. The woman was released on bail and ordered to appear in court on May 27. Morrison rubbed his head briefly after being grazed by the egg, which did not break, and then helped an elderly woman who was pushed to the floor in the scuffle, television images showed. No injuries were reported, the police said."We will stand up to thuggery whether it`s these cowardly activists who have no respect for anyone, or militant unionists standing over small businesses and their employees on work sites," Morrison tweeted after the incident. Later, he joked when asked about it, saying he did not want to "over-egg" it. "Just because you have a difference of view to someone, doesn`t mean you have to engage in these sorts of ugly types of protests ... We have to learn to disagree better," he told reporters, referring also to recent protests by vegans against farmers. Opposition Labor leader Bill Shorten called the protester`s action unacceptable. "This is appalling and disgraceful behaviour," he told reporters. The incident occurred during a visit by the prime minister to Albury, a New South Wales constituency where an independent candidate is the bookmakers` favourite as rural voters desert the government. In March, a teenager smashed an egg onto the head of a controversial right-wing Australian lawmaker who had blamed New Zealand`s mosque shootings on its immigration programme.

Protester charged in Australia for striking PM with an egg

A 24-year-old woman who struck Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison with an egg on Tuesday (May 7) as he campaigned for a May 18 general election has been charged with assault.

Australia: Protester charged for striking PM Scott Morrison with an egg

A massive dust storm covered an Australian town and plunged it into darkness as it rolled through on Tuesday evening. A time-lapse video shared which showed the storm quickly dimming the skies. Andrew Thomas, who filmed the footage, told that the storm lingered for about an hour, before moving on and the skies became clear again.

Dust storm plunges Australian city in brief darkness

A man robbed a number of stores in a shopping centre near Brisbane, wearing what appeared to be a Donald Trump mask.

Trump masked thief robs jewellery store

Global ride-sharing firm Uber on Friday faced another legal bump on the road to its blockbuster initial public offering, with taxi drivers launching a class action lawsuit in Australia.

Thousands of cabbies are alleging that Uber gained an unfair advantage and destroyed their livelihoods by knowingly operating above the law, according to a filing lodged in the state of Victoria on Friday.

Law firm Maurice Blackburn said their clients want to recover income they claim is lost as a result of Uber allegedly operating without proper licences for their drivers and vehicles.

"It is shaping (up) as one of the largest class actions in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-promises-migration-cut-refugee-freeze-if-re-elected-214043&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7ja_Qv_7hAhXSheYKHYmUCrYQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3nuXtQnkkafwNk0qYMT6di"> Australian</a> history," said the firm's head of class actions Andrew Watson.

"Make no mistake, this will be a landmark case regarding the alleged illegal operations of Uber in Australia."

It is unclear whether the class action will be successful, or whether any payout -- even in the multiple millions of dollars -- would be anything more than a blip on the company's multi-billion dollar revenues.

But supporters hope it will serve as a reminder to investors that Uber's gig economy model is likely to face more legal and regulatory scrutiny.

That message comes at a sensitive time for the company, as it prepares to sell 207 million shares, raising up to $10 billion in a US IPO.

The company has already been hit by a series of scandals over executive misconduct, a toxic work atmosphere and potentially unethical competitive practices.

"It is a dud investment dressed up as something innovative," said Tony Sheldon of the Transport Workers' Union. "Its business model is based on exploitation, lies and illegal activity."

Uber told Australian media that it had not yet been notified of the action, but had become an established part of the transport mix, used by millions of people each year in Australia alone.&nbsp;

Global ride-sharing firm Uber on Friday faced another legal bump on the road to its blockbuster initial public offering, with taxi drivers launching a class action lawsuit in Australia.

Global ride-sharing firm Uber on Friday faced another legal bump on the road to its blockbuster initial public offering, with taxi drivers launching a class action lawsuit in Australia. Thousands of cabbies are alleging that Uber gained an unfair advantage and destroyed their livelihoods by knowingly operating above the law, according to a filing lodged in the state of Victoria on Friday. Law firm Maurice Blackburn said their clients want to recover income they claim is lost as a result of Uber allegedly operating without proper licences for their drivers and vehicles. "It is shaping (up) as one of the largest class actions in Australian history," said the firm's head of class actions Andrew Watson. "Make no mistake, this will be a landmark case regarding the alleged illegal operations of Uber in Australia." It is unclear whether the class action will be successful, or whether any payout -- even in the multiple millions of dollars -- would be anything more than a blip on the company's multi-billion dollar revenues. But supporters hope it will serve as a reminder to investors that Uber's gig economy model is likely to face more legal and regulatory scrutiny. That message comes at a sensitive time for the company, as it prepares to sell 207 million shares, raising up to $10 billion in a US IPO. The company has already been hit by a series of scandals over executive misconduct, a toxic work atmosphere and potentially unethical competitive practices. "It is a dud investment dressed up as something innovative," said Tony Sheldon of the Transport Workers' Union. "Its business model is based on exploitation, lies and illegal activity." Uber told Australian media that it had not yet been notified of the action, but had become an established part of the transport mix, used by millions of people each year in Australia alone.

Uber hit with Australia class action ahead of stock listing

Virgin Australia said on Tuesday it had delayed delivery of its order of 48 <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-software-upgrade-operationally-suitable-faa-panel-211034&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiHkbLmi_fhAhXz8HMBHZ8kCKcQFjAJegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw27GtgdDxnkRoIQyOo2MO_k">Boeing 737 MAX</a> aircraft over safety concerns, following two deadly crashes.

The 737 MAX has been grounded worldwide since mid-March following the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines flight and an earlier Lion Air crash in Indonesia, which killed a total of 346 passengers and crew.

Virgin Australia said in a statement that it was deferring delivery of its first batch of planes from November 2019 to July 2021.&nbsp;

"Safety is always the number one priority for Virgin Australia. As we have previously stated, we will not introduce any new aircraft to the fleet unless we are completely satisfied with its safety," Virgin Chief Executive Paul Scurrah said.

"We are confident in Boeing's commitment to returning the 737 MAX to service safely and as a long-term partner of Boeing, we will be working with them through this process", Scurrah said.

Virgin also said it was shifting some of its orders of 737 MAX 8s to Max 10s while keeping the total at 48 planes.

The Virgin announcement comes as Boeing executives faced several shareholder challenges Monday at its annual general meeting, with the crisis raising questions about whether the aerospace giant put profits ahead of safety to market a new narrow-body plane.

The US firm has said both crashes involved erroneous information generated by the anti-stall system.

But it has defended the design of the MAX saying multiple factors can contribute to catastrophic accidents.

Boeing expects the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a test flight of a software fix for the anti-stall system soon.

Virgin Australia said on Tuesday it had delayed delivery of its order of 48 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft over safety concerns, following two deadly crashes. The 737 MAX has been grounded worldwide since mid-March following the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines flight and an earlier Lion Air crash in Indonesia, which killed a total of 346 passengers and crew.

Virgin Australia said on Tuesday it had delayed delivery of its order of 48 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft over safety concerns, following two deadly crashes. The 737 MAX has been grounded worldwide since mid-March following the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines flight and an earlier Lion Air crash in Indonesia, which killed a total of 346 passengers and crew. Virgin Australia said in a statement that it was deferring delivery of its first batch of planes from November 2019 to July 2021. "Safety is always the number one priority for Virgin Australia. As we have previously stated, we will not introduce any new aircraft to the fleet unless we are completely satisfied with its safety," Virgin Chief Executive Paul Scurrah said. "We are confident in Boeing's commitment to returning the 737 MAX to service safely and as a long-term partner of Boeing, we will be working with them through this process", Scurrah said. Virgin also said it was shifting some of its orders of 737 MAX 8s to Max 10s while keeping the total at 48 planes. The Virgin announcement comes as Boeing executives faced several shareholder challenges Monday at its annual general meeting, with the crisis raising questions about whether the aerospace giant put profits ahead of safety to market a new narrow-body plane. The US firm has said both crashes involved erroneous information generated by the anti-stall system. But it has defended the design of the MAX saying multiple factors can contribute to catastrophic accidents. Boeing expects the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a test flight of a software fix for the anti-stall system soon.

Virgin Australia delays Boeing 737 MAX order over safety concerns

Tens of thousands gathered in Australia and New Zealand at Anzac Day memorials on Thursday amid heightened security following the shooting massacre at Christchurch mosques and deadly suicide bombings of churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.

A Sri Lankan government minister says the bombings on Easter Sunday were retaliation for the Christchurch massacre on March 15, in which a lone gunman killed 50 Muslim worshippers at two mosques.

New Zealand says it has no evidence of a link.

Turkish authorities arrested a suspected member of the Islamic State group they believe was planning to attack an Anzac Day commemoration at Gallipoli attended by hundreds of Australians and New Zealanders, Turkish police said on Wednesday.

The arrest didn`t deter some 1,100 Australians and New Zealanders who attended a dawn service at Anzac Cove in Turkey.

"I feel quite safe, I feel that if there is any concerns, that it would have been called off and they wouldn`t have put us at risk," said Chris King, a nurse from New Zealand.

Anzac Day commemorates the bloody battle on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey during World War One.

On April 25, 1915, thousands of troops from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) were among a larger Allied force that landed on the narrow beaches of the Gallipoli peninsula, an ill-fated campaign that would claim more than 130,000 lives.

While the Gallipoli campaign against the Turks failed, the landing date of April 25 has become a major day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand for their troops killed in all military conflicts.

Addressing thousands gathered for a dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that, in the wake of the Christchurch massacre, Anzac Day 2019 should be an even greater uniting force.

"Let us recommit to always remembering our shared humanity that there is more that unites us than divides us," Ardern said.

"Our sense of independence is as strong as our sense of responsibility to each other and not just as nation states but as human beings. That is part of the Anzac legacy," she said.

Heavily armed police surrounded the function area and snipers were positioned on rooftops during the ceremony.

Britain`s Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, paid tribute at the Auckland War Memorial alongside Ardern.

He will travel to Christchurch later on Thursday to honour the 50 victims of the shooting.

Heightened security saw about 1,000 police deployed across New Zealand at hundreds of locations and security concerns meant Anzac Day events in Auckland, New Zealand`s largest city, and elsewhere were scaled back.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed a dawn service in Townsville, Queensland, where he shared memories of his grandfather, who served in World War Two.

"Our heroes don’t just belong to the past, they live with us today," Morrison said.

Tens of thousands gathered in Australia and New Zealand at Anzac Day memorials on Thursday amid heightened security following the shooting massacre at Christchurch mosques and deadly suicide bombings of churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.

Tens of thousands gathered in Australia and New Zealand at Anzac Day memorials on Thursday amid heightened security following the shooting massacre at Christchurch mosques and deadly suicide bombings of churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. A Sri Lankan government minister says the bombings on Easter Sunday were retaliation for the Christchurch massacre on March 15, in which a lone gunman killed 50 Muslim worshippers at two mosques. New Zealand says it has no evidence of a link. Turkish authorities arrested a suspected member of the Islamic State group they believe was planning to attack an Anzac Day commemoration at Gallipoli attended by hundreds of Australians and New Zealanders, Turkish police said on Wednesday. The arrest didn`t deter some 1,100 Australians and New Zealanders who attended a dawn service at Anzac Cove in Turkey. "I feel quite safe, I feel that if there is any concerns, that it would have been called off and they wouldn`t have put us at risk," said Chris King, a nurse from New Zealand. Anzac Day commemorates the bloody battle on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey during World War One. On April 25, 1915, thousands of troops from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) were among a larger Allied force that landed on the narrow beaches of the Gallipoli peninsula, an ill-fated campaign that would claim more than 130,000 lives. While the Gallipoli campaign against the Turks failed, the landing date of April 25 has become a major day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand for their troops killed in all military conflicts. Addressing thousands gathered for a dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that, in the wake of the Christchurch massacre, Anzac Day 2019 should be an even greater uniting force. "Let us recommit to always remembering our shared humanity that there is more that unites us than divides us," Ardern said. "Our sense of independence is as strong as our sense of responsibility to each other and not just as nation states but as human beings. That is part of the Anzac legacy," she said. Heavily armed police surrounded the function area and snipers were positioned on rooftops during the ceremony. Britain`s Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, paid tribute at the Auckland War Memorial alongside Ardern. He will travel to Christchurch later on Thursday to honour the 50 victims of the shooting. Heightened security saw about 1,000 police deployed across New Zealand at hundreds of locations and security concerns meant Anzac Day events in Auckland, New Zealand`s largest city, and elsewhere were scaled back. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed a dawn service in Townsville, Queensland, where he shared memories of his grandfather, who served in World War Two. "Our heroes don’t just belong to the past, they live with us today," Morrison said.

Thousands gather for Anzac Day in Australia, New Zealand amid heightened security

Australia all-rounder Ashton Turner became the first batsman to register five straight ducks in Twenty20 cricket after another tame dismissal for Rajasthan in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Monday.

Turner was dismissed in the first ball that he faced, caught off the bowling of Ishant Sharma, for his third straight "golden duck" in the tournament as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-steals-ajinkya-rahanes-limelight-as-delhi-beat-rajasthan-to-top-ipl-table-212713">Delhi defeated Rajasthan by six wickets</a>.

The 26-year-old's three scoreless IPL innings follow another first-ball duck for Perth Scorchers in a Big Bash League loss to Adelaide Strikers and a five-ball nought for Australia against India during their two-match T20 series in February.&nbsp;

Turner, who was left out of Australia's squad for the World Cup beginning in England and Wales on May 30, has fared better in the 50-over format scoring an unbeaten 43-ball 84 against India in a one-day international match last month.&nbsp;

Delhi, with 14 points from 11 games, leapfrogged Chennai to top the standings on net run rate while Rajasthan remained in seventh place in the eight-team league.&nbsp;

Australia all-rounder Ashton Turner became the first batsman to register five straight ducks in Twenty20 cricket after another tame dismissal for Rajasthan in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Monday.

Australia all-rounder Ashton Turner became the first batsman to register five straight ducks in Twenty20 cricket after another tame dismissal for Rajasthan in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Monday. Turner was dismissed in the first ball that he faced, caught off the bowling of Ishant Sharma, for his third straight "golden duck" in the tournament as Delhi defeated Rajasthan by six wickets. The 26-year-old's three scoreless IPL innings follow another first-ball duck for Perth Scorchers in a Big Bash League loss to Adelaide Strikers and a five-ball nought for Australia against India during their two-match T20 series in February. Turner, who was left out of Australia's squad for the World Cup beginning in England and Wales on May 30, has fared better in the 50-over format scoring an unbeaten 43-ball 84 against India in a one-day international match last month. Delhi, with 14 points from 11 games, leapfrogged Chennai to top the standings on net run rate while Rajasthan remained in seventh place in the eight-team league.

Australia's Ashton Turner creates record of five straight ducks in Twenty20

Indian, Australian warships arrive in China for naval parade

Warships from India, Australia and several other nations arrived in the eastern Chinese port city of Qingdao on Sunday (April 21) to attend a naval parade, part of a goodwill visit as China extends the hand of friendship despite regional tensions and suspicions.

Two professional women cricketers from New Zealand and Australia - Hayley Jensen and Nicola Hancock - and have tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony, last weekend.&nbsp;

The Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rules have been legal in New Zealand since August 19, 2013.

Melbourne Stars in a tweet congratulated the couple where Nicola Hancock, 23, who plays for the Melbourne Stars, and her partner Hayley Jensen, 26, are pictured wearing long white dresses.&nbsp;

"From #TeamGreen, congratulations to Stars bowler Nicola Hancock who married her partner Hayley Jensen last weekend!" the picture was captioned.

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From <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamGreen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamGreen</a>, congratulations to Stars bowler Nicola Hancock who married her partner Hayley Jensen last weekend! 💍 <a href="https://t.co/QvWb7Ue0Qx">pic.twitter.com/QvWb7Ue0Qx</a>
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The two played for the Melbourne Stars before Jensen made the cross-town move to the Melbourne Renegades.

Last year, South Africa women's cricket team captain Dane van Niekerk and teammate Marizanne Kapp tied the knot.

Two professional women cricketers from New Zealand and Australia - Hayley Jensen and Nicola Hancock - and have tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony, last weekend.

Two professional women cricketers from New Zealand and Australia - Hayley Jensen and Nicola Hancock - and have tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony, last weekend. The Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rules have been legal in New Zealand since August 19, 2013. Melbourne Stars in a tweet congratulated the couple where Nicola Hancock, 23, who plays for the Melbourne Stars, and her partner Hayley Jensen, 26, are pictured wearing long white dresses. "From #TeamGreen, congratulations to Stars bowler Nicola Hancock who married her partner Hayley Jensen last weekend!" the picture was captioned. From #TeamGreen, congratulations to Stars bowler Nicola Hancock who married her partner Hayley Jensen last weekend! 💍 pic.twitter.com/QvWb7Ue0Qx — Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) April 18, 2019 × The two played for the Melbourne Stars before Jensen made the cross-town move to the Melbourne Renegades. Last year, South Africa women's cricket team captain Dane van Niekerk and teammate Marizanne Kapp tied the knot.

Divided by cricket, united by love: Women cricketers Hayley Jensen marries Nicola Hancoc

The lawyer defending Australia's biggest news organisations against contempt charges for their reporting of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-vatican-treasurer-pell-jailed-for-six-years-for-sexually-abusing-choir-boys-202976">Cardinal George Pell's sex crimes</a> conviction denounced on Monday what he called an unprecedented attack on press freedom in the country.

Twenty-three journalists and 13 media companies face fines and prison terms for allegedly breaching a gag order not to report on last year's trial of Pell for child sex abuse.&nbsp;

Pell, 77, the most senior Catholic cleric convicted of sex crimes, was found guilty in December of abusing two choirboys and is serving a six-year prison term. He has appealed the conviction.&nbsp;

The court had banned all reporting of the case pending a second trial scheduled for this month, but the gag order was lifted in February when that trial was cancelled.

Some foreign media, including The New York Times and the Washington Post, reported Pell's conviction in December, while local media ran cryptic articles complaining that they were being prevented from reporting a story of major public interest.

The Australian media and reporters were accused of abetting contempt of court by the foreign press and of "scandalising the court" by breaching the suppression order, despite none of them reporting on the charges involved or mentioning Pell by name.

If convicted, journalists face prison terms of up to five years and the news organisations fines of up to $360,000.

Matthew Collins, representing the accused media at the first hearing on the matter on Monday, said such wide-ranging contempt charges had "no precedent" in Australian legal history.

"There are simply no cases of which we are aware in Australia where media organisations, editors or journalists have been charged, much less found guilty, of contempt in circumstances such as these," he was quoted by local media as telling the court in Melbourne.&nbsp;

Collins added that a guilty verdict on any of the charges would have a "chilling effect" on open justice in Australia.

He added that the contempt allegations lacked specific examples of how any of the accused news companies or journalists actually breached the gag order when they never mentioned Pell or the crimes for which he was convicted.

The accused include Australia's two biggest newspaper companies, Rupert Murdoch's Nationwide News and the former Fairfax group now owned by broadcaster Nine, as well as leading newspaper editors and reporters.&nbsp;

Judge John Dixon agreed that prosecutors had not provided sufficient detail of the charges against each news organisation and journalist, asking "does this involve one trial or 36 trials, or something in between?".

He ordered prosecutors to provide detailed statements of claim to the accused and set a new hearing for June 26.

The lawyer defending Australia's biggest news organisations against contempt charges for their reporting of Cardinal George Pell's sex crimes conviction denounced on Monday what he called an unprecedented attack on press freedom in the country.

The lawyer defending Australia's biggest news organisations against contempt charges for their reporting of Cardinal George Pell's sex crimes conviction denounced on Monday what he called an unprecedented attack on press freedom in the country. Twenty-three journalists and 13 media companies face fines and prison terms for allegedly breaching a gag order not to report on last year's trial of Pell for child sex abuse. Pell, 77, the most senior Catholic cleric convicted of sex crimes, was found guilty in December of abusing two choirboys and is serving a six-year prison term. He has appealed the conviction. The court had banned all reporting of the case pending a second trial scheduled for this month, but the gag order was lifted in February when that trial was cancelled. Some foreign media, including The New York Times and the Washington Post, reported Pell's conviction in December, while local media ran cryptic articles complaining that they were being prevented from reporting a story of major public interest. The Australian media and reporters were accused of abetting contempt of court by the foreign press and of "scandalising the court" by breaching the suppression order, despite none of them reporting on the charges involved or mentioning Pell by name. If convicted, journalists face prison terms of up to five years and the news organisations fines of up to $360,000. Matthew Collins, representing the accused media at the first hearing on the matter on Monday, said such wide-ranging contempt charges had "no precedent" in Australian legal history. "There are simply no cases of which we are aware in Australia where media organisations, editors or journalists have been charged, much less found guilty, of contempt in circumstances such as these," he was quoted by local media as telling the court in Melbourne. Collins added that a guilty verdict on any of the charges would have a "chilling effect" on open justice in Australia. He added that the contempt allegations lacked specific examples of how any of the accused news companies or journalists actually breached the gag order when they never mentioned Pell or the crimes for which he was convicted. The accused include Australia's two biggest newspaper companies, Rupert Murdoch's Nationwide News and the former Fairfax group now owned by broadcaster Nine, as well as leading newspaper editors and reporters. Judge John Dixon agreed that prosecutors had not provided sufficient detail of the charges against each news organisation and journalist, asking "does this involve one trial or 36 trials, or something in between?". He ordered prosecutors to provide detailed statements of claim to the accused and set a new hearing for June 26.

Australian media challenge 'unprecedented' contempt charges over Cardinal Pell reporting

A drive-by shooting outside a nightclub in the Australian city of Melbourne inflicted "horrific injuries" that killed a security guard and wounded three men, police said on Sunday, but there was no suggestion yet that the attack was terror-related.

Australia has some of the world’s toughest gun control laws, adopted after its worst mass murder when a gunman killed 35 people at Port Arthur in the island state of Tasmania in 1996.

Sunday's shooting took place around 3.20 a.m. in the lively entertainment district of Melbourne's southeastern suburb of Prahran, police said.

Three security guards and a man queueing to enter were taken to hospital with gunshot injuries, police said in a televised news conference in Melbourne.

"It would appear that shots have been discharged from a car in this area into a crowd standing outside the nightclub," homicide inspector Andrew Stamper said.

The victims suffered "horrific injuries" from a weapon fired in close proximity, he added.

One guard died in hospital, another man was in critical condition and two escaped life-threatening injuries. One guard was shot in the face, the Age newspaper said.

However, there was no suggestion yet that the attack was terror-related, a police spokeswoman said by telephone.

Bloodstained clothing and bullet casings littered the street outside the entrance to the second-storey Love Machine nightclub early on Sunday.

Police urged witnesses who saw any vehicle moving at speed around 3 a.m. to come forward, and mentioned a black Porsche SUV that was later found burnt-out in the north Melbourne suburb of Wollert.

No arrests have yet been made, and the investigation continues.

A murder-suicide last year in Western Australia that killed seven members of a family was the country's worst mass shooting since the Port Arthur case.

Neighbouring New Zealand has adopted legislation to ban semi-automatic firearms and assault rifles after its worst peacetime shooting in March, which killed 50 worshippers in two mosques in the city of Christchurch.

A drive-by shooting outside a nightclub in the Australian city of Melbourne inflicted "horrific injuries" that killed a security guard and wounded three men, police said on Sunday, but there was no suggestion yet that the attack was terror-related.

A drive-by shooting outside a nightclub in the Australian city of Melbourne inflicted "horrific injuries" that killed a security guard and wounded three men, police said on Sunday, but there was no suggestion yet that the attack was terror-related. Australia has some of the world’s toughest gun control laws, adopted after its worst mass murder when a gunman killed 35 people at Port Arthur in the island state of Tasmania in 1996. Sunday's shooting took place around 3.20 a.m. in the lively entertainment district of Melbourne's southeastern suburb of Prahran, police said. Three security guards and a man queueing to enter were taken to hospital with gunshot injuries, police said in a televised news conference in Melbourne. "It would appear that shots have been discharged from a car in this area into a crowd standing outside the nightclub," homicide inspector Andrew Stamper said. The victims suffered "horrific injuries" from a weapon fired in close proximity, he added. One guard died in hospital, another man was in critical condition and two escaped life-threatening injuries. One guard was shot in the face, the Age newspaper said. However, there was no suggestion yet that the attack was terror-related, a police spokeswoman said by telephone. Bloodstained clothing and bullet casings littered the street outside the entrance to the second-storey Love Machine nightclub early on Sunday. Police urged witnesses who saw any vehicle moving at speed around 3 a.m. to come forward, and mentioned a black Porsche SUV that was later found burnt-out in the north Melbourne suburb of Wollert. No arrests have yet been made, and the investigation continues. A murder-suicide last year in Western Australia that killed seven members of a family was the country's worst mass shooting since the Port Arthur case. Neighbouring New Zealand has adopted legislation to ban semi-automatic firearms and assault rifles after its worst peacetime shooting in March, which killed 50 worshippers in two mosques in the city of Christchurch.

One dead in shooting outside Australia nightclub, three injured

Shooting outside Melbourne night club leaves several injured. Watch complete video to know more.

Breaking News: Shooting outside Melbourne night club leaves several injured

WikiLeaks founder <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-to-fight-us-extradition-request-lawyer-209644&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjT84maj8_hAhVUi3AKHZCiDhEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw02SYjD9U9RyGbzR2efpgpU">Julian Assange</a>'s father on Sunday called on Australia to bring his son home, saying he was shocked to see his son's condition after his arrest in London last week.

John Shipton -- who was secretary of the Wikileaks Party when his son tried to run for a Senate seat in 2013 national elections -- reportedly visited Assange every Christmas at the Ecuador embassy in London after he sought refuge there in 2012.

"DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs) and the prime minister should in a nuanced way do something," Shipton told Melbourne's Sunday Herald Sun.&nbsp;

"It can be resolved simply to the satisfaction of all. There has been some talk in a meeting between a senator and a senior DFAT official to extradite Julian to Australia."&nbsp;

Shipton said he was shocked to see the state of his son when he was arrested at the embassy on Thursday on allegations of skipping bail, and on a US extradition warrant related to a huge leak of official documents.

"I saw him, the way they dragged him down the steps, the coppers (police), he didn't look good. I'm 74 and I look better than him and he's 47. It's such a shock," he said.&nbsp;

"For months and months he has been living like a high-security prisoner, he can't even go to the toilet. There have been cameras watching his every move." Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Friday that Assange would receive "no special treatment" from Canberra.

The 47-year-old Australian had sought refuge in the embassy while on bail awaiting extradition to Sweden to face charges of sexual assault and rape, which he always denied.&nbsp;

British lawmakers on Saturday urged their government to prioritise any extradition bid Sweden might make for him over the allegations.

Swedish prosecutors dropped a preliminary investigation into the rape allegation in 2017.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's father on Sunday called on Australia to bring his son home, saying he was shocked to see his son's condition after his arrest in London last week.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's father on Sunday called on Australia to bring his son home, saying he was shocked to see his son's condition after his arrest in London last week. John Shipton -- who was secretary of the Wikileaks Party when his son tried to run for a Senate seat in 2013 national elections -- reportedly visited Assange every Christmas at the Ecuador embassy in London after he sought refuge there in 2012. "DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs) and the prime minister should in a nuanced way do something," Shipton told Melbourne's Sunday Herald Sun. "It can be resolved simply to the satisfaction of all. There has been some talk in a meeting between a senator and a senior DFAT official to extradite Julian to Australia." Shipton said he was shocked to see the state of his son when he was arrested at the embassy on Thursday on allegations of skipping bail, and on a US extradition warrant related to a huge leak of official documents. "I saw him, the way they dragged him down the steps, the coppers (police), he didn't look good. I'm 74 and I look better than him and he's 47. It's such a shock," he said. "For months and months he has been living like a high-security prisoner, he can't even go to the toilet. There have been cameras watching his every move." Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Friday that Assange would receive "no special treatment" from Canberra. The 47-year-old Australian had sought refuge in the embassy while on bail awaiting extradition to Sweden to face charges of sexual assault and rape, which he always denied. British lawmakers on Saturday urged their government to prioritise any extradition bid Sweden might make for him over the allegations. Swedish prosecutors dropped a preliminary investigation into the rape allegation in 2017.

Assange's father calls on Australia to bring him home

Australia's favourite racehorse Winx delivered another dominant performance in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday (April 13) to win her 33rd successive race and head into retirement with a world record 25 Group One victories.

Winx, Australia's favourite horse, ends fairytale career winning final race

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-watchdog-to-probe-broadcast-of-new-zealand-gunman-livestream-203993&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjywN-e8snhAhUMQo8KHc86DNAQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3xfOJVL4h54n1opEfRCrnO">Wikileaks </a>founder Julian Assange would receive the same consular support as any other citizen on Friday.

British police dragged Australian national Assange out of Ecuador's embassy on Thursday (April 11) after his seven-year asylum was revoked, paving the way for his extradition to the United States for one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information.

Assange made international headlines in 2010 when WikiLeaks published a classified US military video showing a 2007 attack by Apache helicopters in Baghdad that killed a dozen people, including two Reuters news staff.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZiTFm_VtF3c" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

"Julian Assange will get the same consular support and assistance that any other Australian would receive. People's fame doesn't make any difference in the impact of how these decisions are made. He's an Australian citizen, he'll have that support," PM Scott Morrison said.

To some, Australian-born Assange is a hero for exposing what supporters cast as an abuse of power and for championing free speech. To others, he is a dangerous figure who has undermined the security of the United States and has too many ties to Russia. Several dozen protesters in the centre of Sydney called for Assange's release on Friday, chanting "free the truth, free Assange, don't shoot the messenger".

"The extradition process itself is a matter between the United States and the United Kingdom. But we have also been provided with that advice from the United Kingdom," Australian foreign minister Marise Payne said, adding, "Australia is completely opposed to the death penalty and that is a bipartisan position."&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Wikileaks founder Julian Assange would receive the same consular support as any other citizen on Friday. British police dragged Australian national Assange out of Ecuador's embassy on Thursday (April 11) after his seven-year asylum was revoked, paving the way for his extradition to the United States for one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Wikileaks founder Julian Assange would receive the same consular support as any other citizen on Friday. British police dragged Australian national Assange out of Ecuador's embassy on Thursday (April 11) after his seven-year asylum was revoked, paving the way for his extradition to the United States for one of the biggest ever leaks of classified information. Assange made international headlines in 2010 when WikiLeaks published a classified US military video showing a 2007 attack by Apache helicopters in Baghdad that killed a dozen people, including two Reuters news staff. "Julian Assange will get the same consular support and assistance that any other Australian would receive. People's fame doesn't make any difference in the impact of how these decisions are made. He's an Australian citizen, he'll have that support," PM Scott Morrison said. To some, Australian-born Assange is a hero for exposing what supporters cast as an abuse of power and for championing free speech. To others, he is a dangerous figure who has undermined the security of the United States and has too many ties to Russia. Several dozen protesters in the centre of Sydney called for Assange's release on Friday, chanting "free the truth, free Assange, don't shoot the messenger". "The extradition process itself is a matter between the United States and the United Kingdom. But we have also been provided with that advice from the United Kingdom," Australian foreign minister Marise Payne said, adding, "Australia is completely opposed to the death penalty and that is a bipartisan position."

Assange will receive same consular support as any other citizen: Australian PM Morrison

Australians go to the polls in a general election on May 18, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday (April 11), firing the starting gun on a campaign expected to be fought over taxation, climate change and inequality.

Australia sets May 18 election with campaign expected on taxes, climate change

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