Former middle-order batsman Mike Hussey has been drafted in by Australian coach Justin Langer to help mentor the side during their upcoming Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

He is the latest great to be brought into the fold after Ricky Ponting joined the backroom staff at the one-day World Cup this year and Steve Waugh helped out during the Ashes series in England.

"I'm very excited actually. I'm really looking forward to getting back in around the Aussie team," Hussey, who is nicknamed "Mr Cricket", told the Sydney Daily Telegraph on Sunday.

"They are going to be trying to get strategies in place, develop a style of play and what players they want and I love all that stuff -- planning for a big event.

"They have floated the possibility of being involved closer to the T20 World Cup (in Australia next year) as well but it's all pretty loose at the moment."

Australia plays back-to-back three-game T20 series against Sri Lanka and then Pakistan starting next Sunday in Adelaide to kick off their summer season.

Langer has also made former Test speedster Ryan Harris bowling coach for the series.

He told the newspaper the presence of Ponting, Waugh and now Hussey was enormous for his team.

"I can't tell you how influential these guys can be on the group," said Langer.

"It's nice to have different voices and different eyes and see guys of that calibre giving us feedback on what they see."

<hr />

Former middle-order batsman Mike Hussey has been drafted in by Australian coach Justin Langer to help mentor the side during their upcoming Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Former middle-order batsman Mike Hussey has been drafted in by Australian coach Justin Langer to help mentor the side during their upcoming Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. He is the latest great to be brought into the fold after Ricky Ponting joined the backroom staff at the one-day World Cup this year and Steve Waugh helped out during the Ashes series in England. "I'm very excited actually. I'm really looking forward to getting back in around the Aussie team," Hussey, who is nicknamed "Mr Cricket", told the Sydney Daily Telegraph on Sunday. "They are going to be trying to get strategies in place, develop a style of play and what players they want and I love all that stuff -- planning for a big event. "They have floated the possibility of being involved closer to the T20 World Cup (in Australia next year) as well but it's all pretty loose at the moment." Australia plays back-to-back three-game T20 series against Sri Lanka and then Pakistan starting next Sunday in Adelaide to kick off their summer season. Langer has also made former Test speedster Ryan Harris bowling coach for the series. He told the newspaper the presence of Ponting, Waugh and now Hussey was enormous for his team. "I can't tell you how influential these guys can be on the group," said Langer. "It's nice to have different voices and different eyes and see guys of that calibre giving us feedback on what they see."

Mike Hussey joins Australia staff for Sri Lanka, Pakistan series

Currencies linked with greater investor risk appetite, such as the Australian dollar, jumped on Wednesday after Bloomberg reported China remained open to signing a partial trade deal with the United States despite being put on the tech blacklist.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-expands-blacklist-to-include-chinas-top-ai-startups-ahead-of-trade-talks-254672">US&nbsp;government has widened its trade blacklist </a>to include some of China's top artificial intelligence start-ups, punishing Beijing for its treatment of mostly Muslim minorities and ratcheting up tensions ahead of high-level trade talks in Washington this week.

The Australian dollar, a global risk barometer, was last up 0.3 per cent&nbsp;at $0.6744 and the New Zealand dollar rose 0.4 per cent&nbsp;to $0.6319.

China's yuan was up 0.5 per cent&nbsp;at 7.1308 against the dollar in offshore trading.

The euro was up 0.3 per cent&nbsp;at $1.09785. The index that tracks the dollar against a basket of six other currencies was down 0.1 per cent&nbsp;at 99.007.

"Risk is looking reasonably better, but anyone who is trading the trade war knows that the impact of good news will be fading," said Jeremy Stretch, head of G10 FX strategy at CIBC Capital Markets.

"I think it pays off to be sceptical in terms of expectations of something exceptional happening during the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-to-resume-thursday-white-house-254346"> US-China trade talks this week,"</a> Stretch said.

The biggest move in the foreign exchange market, however, was an early morning plunge in the Swedish crown, both against the euro and the dollar, on concerns the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/persecution-of-the-uyghurs-us-blacklists-28-chinese-companies-over-uighur-abuses-in-xinjiang-254355">US-China conflict over trade and foreign policy </a>was nowhere near a resolution and was increasingly damaging the global economy.

Sweden's open economy makes the crown vulnerable to global growth dynamics and therefore to the trade dispute between the world's two biggest economies, which has hurt growth in the two years since US&nbsp;President Donald Trump ignited the trade war.

The Swedish crown was last steady, after falling earlier to a 10-year low of 10.9230 against the euro and a 17-year low of 9.9639 against the dollar.

"It's a remarkable move," said Stephen Gallo, European head of FX strategy at BMO Capital Markets. "You cannot get a clearer trend here. The fall reflects deepening worsening global outlook."

Gallo expects the crown to fall to 11 against the common currency, close to levels not seen since the financial crisis. Sweden's competitiveness as an exporter led to the crown's decline, he said.

The euro was a sell against the dollar, though, since it was likely to maintain its status as a safe-haven currency and US&nbsp;investors were likely to keep their dollars at home, he added.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He is due to arrive this week in Washington for trade talks. He is expected to meet US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday.

Currencies linked with greater investor risk appetite, such as the Australian dollar, jumped on Wednesday after Bloomberg reported China remained open to signing a partial trade deal with the United States despite being put on the tech blacklist.

Currencies linked with greater investor risk appetite, such as the Australian dollar, jumped on Wednesday after Bloomberg reported China remained open to signing a partial trade deal with the United States despite being put on the tech blacklist. The US government has widened its trade blacklist to include some of China's top artificial intelligence start-ups, punishing Beijing for its treatment of mostly Muslim minorities and ratcheting up tensions ahead of high-level trade talks in Washington this week. The Australian dollar, a global risk barometer, was last up 0.3 per cent at $0.6744 and the New Zealand dollar rose 0.4 per cent to $0.6319. China's yuan was up 0.5 per cent at 7.1308 against the dollar in offshore trading. The euro was up 0.3 per cent at $1.09785. The index that tracks the dollar against a basket of six other currencies was down 0.1 per cent at 99.007. "Risk is looking reasonably better, but anyone who is trading the trade war knows that the impact of good news will be fading," said Jeremy Stretch, head of G10 FX strategy at CIBC Capital Markets. "I think it pays off to be sceptical in terms of expectations of something exceptional happening during the US-China trade talks this week," Stretch said. The biggest move in the foreign exchange market, however, was an early morning plunge in the Swedish crown, both against the euro and the dollar, on concerns the US-China conflict over trade and foreign policy was nowhere near a resolution and was increasingly damaging the global economy. Sweden's open economy makes the crown vulnerable to global growth dynamics and therefore to the trade dispute between the world's two biggest economies, which has hurt growth in the two years since US President Donald Trump ignited the trade war. The Swedish crown was last steady, after falling earlier to a 10-year low of 10.9230 against the euro and a 17-year low of 9.9639 against the dollar. "It's a remarkable move," said Stephen Gallo, European head of FX strategy at BMO Capital Markets. "You cannot get a clearer trend here. The fall reflects deepening worsening global outlook." Gallo expects the crown to fall to 11 against the common currency, close to levels not seen since the financial crisis. Sweden's competitiveness as an exporter led to the crown's decline, he said. The euro was a sell against the dollar, though, since it was likely to maintain its status as a safe-haven currency and US investors were likely to keep their dollars at home, he added. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He is due to arrive this week in Washington for trade talks. He is expected to meet US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday.

Australian dollar rises, euro up after China says open for partial trade deal

Prosecutors&nbsp;have urged Australia's High Court to refuse to hear a&nbsp;final&nbsp;appeal&nbsp;by former&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;treasurer George Pell against his convictions for sexually abusing two 13-year-old boys in the late 1990s.

In opposing arguments put by Pell's lawyers to Australia's highest court,&nbsp;prosecutors&nbsp;said there was no error in the approach taken by the Victorian state Court of&nbsp;Appeal.

The state appellate court upheld <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-vatican-treasurer-pell-loses-appeal-against-sex-abuse-convictions-to-stay-in-jail-244529">Pell's convictions</a>, in a 2-1 ruling in August, on five charges of abusing the two boys at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne when he was archbishop there.

"The&nbsp;appeal&nbsp;raises no question of law of public importance," the&nbsp;prosecutors&nbsp;said in a filing to the High Court on Tuesday. The facts of the case were "carefully and thoroughly&nbsp;explored by the majority of the Court of&nbsp;Appeal", they said.

Pell's lawyers have seven days to respond, after which a panel of High Court judges will decide whether to hear the&nbsp;appeal, a High Court spokesman said. That decision can be made just on the submitted applications or following a hearing.

The earliest the case could be heard would be in 2020, should the court decide to take on the&nbsp;appeal.

Pell is the highest-ranking Catholic worldwide to be convicted of child sex&nbsp;offenses. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-vatican-treasurer-pell-jailed-for-six-years-for-sexually-abusing-choir-boys-202976">He was jailed in March for six years</a> and will be eligible for parole in October 2022, when he will be 81.

Two of the three judges at the Victorian&nbsp;appeal&nbsp;court ruled that "it was open to the jury to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Cardinal Pell was guilty of the offenses charged".

Pell's lawyers&nbsp;argued at his trial that it was impossible for him to have committed the offenses in light of all the activity that went on after mass in the priests' sacristy area of the cathedral, where the offences were said to have occurred.

Pell's lawyers said in his leave to&nbsp;appeal&nbsp;to the High Court that the Court of&nbsp;Appeal's majority, in believing his accuser, had incorrectly shifted the burden of proof to the defense to show that the offenses were impossible.

Prosecutors&nbsp;said in response "there was little evidence that approached what could be described as an 'alibi'" and the account of Pell's accuser was backed by evidence, including his detailed description of the priests' sacristy, which was off-limits to choirboys.

Prosecutors have urged Australia's High Court to refuse to hear a final appeal by former Vatican treasurer George Pell against his convictions for sexually abusing two 13-year-old boys in the late 1990s.

Prosecutors have urged Australia's High Court to refuse to hear a final appeal by former Vatican treasurer George Pell against his convictions for sexually abusing two 13-year-old boys in the late 1990s. In opposing arguments put by Pell's lawyers to Australia's highest court, prosecutors said there was no error in the approach taken by the Victorian state Court of Appeal. The state appellate court upheld Pell's convictions, in a 2-1 ruling in August, on five charges of abusing the two boys at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne when he was archbishop there. "The appeal raises no question of law of public importance," the prosecutors said in a filing to the High Court on Tuesday. The facts of the case were "carefully and thoroughly explored by the majority of the Court of Appeal", they said. Pell's lawyers have seven days to respond, after which a panel of High Court judges will decide whether to hear the appeal, a High Court spokesman said. That decision can be made just on the submitted applications or following a hearing. The earliest the case could be heard would be in 2020, should the court decide to take on the appeal. Pell is the highest-ranking Catholic worldwide to be convicted of child sex offenses. He was jailed in March for six years and will be eligible for parole in October 2022, when he will be 81. Two of the three judges at the Victorian appeal court ruled that "it was open to the jury to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Cardinal Pell was guilty of the offenses charged". Pell's lawyers argued at his trial that it was impossible for him to have committed the offenses in light of all the activity that went on after mass in the priests' sacristy area of the cathedral, where the offences were said to have occurred. Pell's lawyers said in his leave to appeal to the High Court that the Court of Appeal's majority, in believing his accuser, had incorrectly shifted the burden of proof to the defense to show that the offenses were impossible. Prosecutors said in response "there was little evidence that approached what could be described as an 'alibi'" and the account of Pell's accuser was backed by evidence, including his detailed description of the priests' sacristy, which was off-limits to choirboys.

Australian prosecutors argue no grounds for ex-Vatican treasurer's final sex crimes appeal

An Australian travel-blogging couple held in Iran on spying charges have been freed and returned home, authorities said Saturday, in a possible swap for an Iranian student&nbsp;wanted in the US.

Perth-based Jolie King and Mark Firkin had been documenting their journey from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-to-visit-india-in-january-calls-india-a-natural-partner-253636">Australia</a> to Britain on social media for the past two years but went silent after posting updates from Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan about three months ago.

The pair, who have tens of thousands of followers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, were alleged to have used a drone to take pictures of "military sites and forbidden areas", an Iranian judiciary spokesman said last month.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said they were released after "very sensitive negotiations" and had been reunited with their family in Australia.

"We are extremely happy and relieved&nbsp;to be safely back in Australia with those we love," the couple said in a statement issued by the foreign ministry in Canberra.

"While the past few months have been very difficult, we know it has also been tough for those back home who have been worried for us", they added.

Hours later, state media in Tehran said an Iranian student held in Australia for 13 months on accusations of circumventing US sanctions on military equipment had also been released and returned home.

Australia's attorney general Christian Porter confirmed in a statement that he had stopped&nbsp;the extradition of Reza Dehbashi to the United States.

But he dismissed "speculation" over the case, amid media reports including in the Sydney Morning Herald that it could be part of a prisoner swap involving the bloggers.

Porter declined to comment further "particularly when any such response from me may diminish our government's capacity to deal with future matters of this type in Australia's best interests."

State media in Tehran said Dehbashi, a PhD student at the University of Queensland, had been detained on allegations of "attempting to purchase and transfer advanced American military radar equipment via Dubai to Iran".

It said Dehbashi had dismissed the charges as "a misunderstanding".

Emotional reunion

An Iranian state channel showed footage of what it said was Dehbashi arriving at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport and hugging a tearful woman apparently from his family.

The Australian couple sought privacy, however.

They said in their statement that intense media coverage "may not be helpful" in the negotiations for the release of a third Australian detained in Iran in an unrelated case.

Melbourne University Academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who specialises in Middle East politics with a focus on Gulf states, had been detained for "some months" before King and Firkin were arrested.

Her case also came to light last month. Moore-Gilbert is accused by Iranian authorities of "spying for another country".

Negotiations over the fate of the university lecturer are "very long term", Payne said.

"She has been detained for some considerable time and has faced the Iranian legal system and has been convicted and sentenced," the minister said.

"We don't accept the charges on which she was convicted and we would seek to have her returned to Australia," Payne added, declining to comment further on the case.

Payne has maintained the cases of those detained were not related to diplomatic tensions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-australia-to-release-tamil-family-253223">Australia</a> said in August that it would join a US-led naval coalition to escort commercial ships in the Gulf, after a spate of attacks blamed on Iran but that Tehran denied.

However, that announcement is believed to have come after the arrests.

Prisoner swap proposal

News of the release of the King and Firkin comes just weeks after an Iranian woman arrested in Australia and sentenced in the United States was returned home.

Negar Ghodskani was sentenced last month in Minneapolis to 27 months in prison for violating sanctions against Tehran, but was released following time served in custody in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asked-australia-for-help-discrediting-russia-probe-252947">Australia and the United States</a>.

After her extradition to the US, she confessed to participation in a conspiracy to illegally export technology to Iran in breach of sanctions, according to the US Justice Department.

She was pregnant when she was arrested in 2017 in Australia where she was a legal resident. She gave birth while in Australian custody and her son was sent to Iran to live with his father.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in April floated a potential prisoner swap with a British-Iranian mother being held in Tehran.

He suggested exchanging Ghodskani for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, in jail in Tehran for alleged sedition.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe has also been separated from her daughter while in custody.

An Australian travel-blogging couple held in Iran on spying charges have been freed and returned home, authorities said Saturday, in a possible swap for an Iranian student wanted in the US.

An Australian travel-blogging couple held in Iran on spying charges have been freed and returned home, authorities said Saturday, in a possible swap for an Iranian student wanted in the US. Perth-based Jolie King and Mark Firkin had been documenting their journey from Australia to Britain on social media for the past two years but went silent after posting updates from Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan about three months ago. The pair, who have tens of thousands of followers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, were alleged to have used a drone to take pictures of "military sites and forbidden areas", an Iranian judiciary spokesman said last month. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said they were released after "very sensitive negotiations" and had been reunited with their family in Australia. "We are extremely happy and relieved to be safely back in Australia with those we love," the couple said in a statement issued by the foreign ministry in Canberra. "While the past few months have been very difficult, we know it has also been tough for those back home who have been worried for us", they added. Hours later, state media in Tehran said an Iranian student held in Australia for 13 months on accusations of circumventing US sanctions on military equipment had also been released and returned home. Australia's attorney general Christian Porter confirmed in a statement that he had stopped the extradition of Reza Dehbashi to the United States. But he dismissed "speculation" over the case, amid media reports including in the Sydney Morning Herald that it could be part of a prisoner swap involving the bloggers. Porter declined to comment further "particularly when any such response from me may diminish our government's capacity to deal with future matters of this type in Australia's best interests." State media in Tehran said Dehbashi, a PhD student at the University of Queensland, had been detained on allegations of "attempting to purchase and transfer advanced American military radar equipment via Dubai to Iran". It said Dehbashi had dismissed the charges as "a misunderstanding". Emotional reunion An Iranian state channel showed footage of what it said was Dehbashi arriving at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport and hugging a tearful woman apparently from his family. The Australian couple sought privacy, however. They said in their statement that intense media coverage "may not be helpful" in the negotiations for the release of a third Australian detained in Iran in an unrelated case. Melbourne University Academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who specialises in Middle East politics with a focus on Gulf states, had been detained for "some months" before King and Firkin were arrested. Her case also came to light last month. Moore-Gilbert is accused by Iranian authorities of "spying for another country". Negotiations over the fate of the university lecturer are "very long term", Payne said. "She has been detained for some considerable time and has faced the Iranian legal system and has been convicted and sentenced," the minister said. "We don't accept the charges on which she was convicted and we would seek to have her returned to Australia," Payne added, declining to comment further on the case. Payne has maintained the cases of those detained were not related to diplomatic tensions. Australia said in August that it would join a US-led naval coalition to escort commercial ships in the Gulf, after a spate of attacks blamed on Iran but that Tehran denied. However, that announcement is believed to have come after the arrests. Prisoner swap proposal News of the release of the King and Firkin comes just weeks after an Iranian woman arrested in Australia and sentenced in the United States was returned home. Negar Ghodskani was sentenced last month in Minneapolis to 27 months in prison for violating sanctions against Tehran, but was released following time served in custody in Australia and the United States. After her extradition to the US, she confessed to participation in a conspiracy to illegally export technology to Iran in breach of sanctions, according to the US Justice Department. She was pregnant when she was arrested in 2017 in Australia where she was a legal resident. She gave birth while in Australian custody and her son was sent to Iran to live with his father. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in April floated a potential prisoner swap with a British-Iranian mother being held in Tehran. He suggested exchanging Ghodskani for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, in jail in Tehran for alleged sedition. Zaghari-Ratcliffe has also been separated from her daughter while in custody.

Australian bloggers return home after being held for spying charges in Iran

30 years in: Tracing the history of gay marriage

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asked-australia-for-help-discrediting-russia-probe-252947">Australia's</a> central bank on Tuesday lowered the cost of borrowing, slashing interest rates for the third time this year amid fears about the flagging domestic economy.

The Reserve Bank of Australia announced it had cut rates by another 25 basis points to 0.75 per cent, a decision that brings the country's interest rates to a historic new low.

The move is part of efforts to extend a record 28-year run without a recession, in the face of increasing economic headwinds that include stagnant employment levels, low wage growth and high household debt.

Resource-rich Australia dodged the worst of the financial crisis but the economy recently recorded its weakest annual growth in a decade, expanding just 1.4 percent in the year to June.

RBA governor Philip Lowe said the decision to lower the cash rate was designed to "support employment and income growth and to provide greater confidence that inflation will be consistent with the medium-term target".&nbsp;

"The economy still has spare capacity and lower interest rates will help make inroads into that," he said in a statement following the bank's monthly policy meeting.

Lowe has forecast an "extended period" of low interest rates will be necessary to achieve full unemployment and reach the bank's inflation target, with the bank remaining "prepared to ease monetary policy further if needed".

Australia is also feeling the impact of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-war-points-to-the-real-crisis-that-global-leaders-must-confront-at-g20-summit-231112"> US-China trade tensions</a>, which have rattled the global economy as central banks worldwide attempt to offset economic risks by lowering rates.

One bright light identified by Lowe, however, were recent signs of a turnaround in the Sydney and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-major-fire-breaks-out-in-melbourne-warehouse-no-casualties-162434">Melbourne</a> housing markets after a prolonged slump.

The Australian stock exchange moved slightly higher on the news, with the All Ordinaries reaching above 6,834 in afternoon trade, while the dollar was buying US$0.6728.

Australia's central bank on Tuesday lowered the cost of borrowing, slashing interest rates for the third time this year amid fears about the flagging domestic economy.

Australia's central bank on Tuesday lowered the cost of borrowing, slashing interest rates for the third time this year amid fears about the flagging domestic economy. The Reserve Bank of Australia announced it had cut rates by another 25 basis points to 0.75 per cent, a decision that brings the country's interest rates to a historic new low. The move is part of efforts to extend a record 28-year run without a recession, in the face of increasing economic headwinds that include stagnant employment levels, low wage growth and high household debt. Resource-rich Australia dodged the worst of the financial crisis but the economy recently recorded its weakest annual growth in a decade, expanding just 1.4 percent in the year to June. RBA governor Philip Lowe said the decision to lower the cash rate was designed to "support employment and income growth and to provide greater confidence that inflation will be consistent with the medium-term target". "The economy still has spare capacity and lower interest rates will help make inroads into that," he said in a statement following the bank's monthly policy meeting. Lowe has forecast an "extended period" of low interest rates will be necessary to achieve full unemployment and reach the bank's inflation target, with the bank remaining "prepared to ease monetary policy further if needed". Australia is also feeling the impact of US-China trade tensions, which have rattled the global economy as central banks worldwide attempt to offset economic risks by lowering rates. One bright light identified by Lowe, however, were recent signs of a turnaround in the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets after a prolonged slump. The Australian stock exchange moved slightly higher on the news, with the All Ordinaries reaching above 6,834 in afternoon trade, while the dollar was buying US$0.6728.

Australia's central bank cuts rates to new record low

Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;asked&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;to "assist" in&nbsp;discrediting&nbsp;a&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;investigation that has clouded his presidency, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-offers-trump-only-limited-commitment-on-iran-pm-251136">Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> admitting Tuesday that he agreed to&nbsp;help.

An Australian government spokesperson confirmed&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;asked&nbsp;Morrison to investigate issues raised in Robert Mueller's&nbsp;probe, which concluded that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;tried to swing the 2016 election in the Republican's favour.

The official said&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;"has always been ready to assist and cooperate with efforts that&nbsp;help&nbsp;shed further light on the matters under investigation".

"The PM confirmed this readiness once again in conversation with the President."

The revelation will fuel allegations&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;is using the power of the Oval Office and risking long-standing relationships with allies for his own political ends.

He is already facing impeachment for asking Ukraine's leader to investigate his potential election rival, former vice president Joe Biden, and his son Hunter.

Mueller's&nbsp;probe&nbsp;concluded in March and led to the conviction of several of&nbsp;Trump's top aides for obstruction and lying to investigators.

But ahead of the 2020 election&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-remains-defiant-as-impeachment-enquiry-against-him-intensifies-252755">Trump</a>&nbsp;has painted the&nbsp;probe&nbsp;and its findings as a "deep state" conspiracy, pointing to conservative media reports as evidence and urging the Justice Department to launch counter-investigations.

The New York Times, which first reported&nbsp;Trump's Australian request, said the White House had restricted access to the transcript of the&nbsp;Trump-Morrison call, in a similar way to its handling of&nbsp;Trump's recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Several other calls and meetings between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and foreign leaders, including&nbsp;Russia's Vladimir Putin are now under scrutiny.

Separately, the Washington Post reported that Attorney General Bill Barr has had multiple contacts with officials and spies in&nbsp;Australia, Britain and Italy in a bid to investigate Mueller and US intelligence findings.

State visit 
At&nbsp;Trump's encouragement, Barr's Justice Department is examining the roots of the Mueller&nbsp;probe, including the evidence that led the CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies to declare that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;did, in fact, interfere in 2016 to boost&nbsp;Trump.

Australia&nbsp;and Britain were both important because the original FBI&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;meddling&nbsp;probe&nbsp;was launched in July 2016 after the bureau received a tip from an Australian diplomat in Britain about a meeting between people tied to Russian intelligence and a&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;campaign official.

In a May letter to Barr and White House chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney cited by Australian media Tuesday&nbsp;the country's ambassador in Washington also offered to&nbsp;help.

Morrison recently enjoyed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-backed-by-australias-morrison-talks-tough-on-china-250920">state visit to Washington</a> and his close ties to&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;had already been facing scrutiny at home.

"It was risky for the Morrison government to get so cosy with&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;when almost no other government has done so," said Emma Shortis of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

"I think this development shows just how risky that is, Trump&nbsp;will come calling for favours, embroil you in controversy, and put relationships at risk", she added.

In a statement, the Justice Department defended contacts abroad and said&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Barr's roles were to&nbsp;help&nbsp;investigator John Durham make contacts.

"Mr Durham is gathering information from numerous sources, including a number of foreign countries," said Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec.

"At Attorney General Barr's request, the president has contacted other countries to ask them to introduce the attorney general and Mr Durham to appropriate officials," she said.

Donald Trump asked Australia to "assist" in discrediting a Russia investigation that has clouded his presidency, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison admitting Tuesday that he agreed to help.

Donald Trump asked Australia to "assist" in discrediting a Russia investigation that has clouded his presidency, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison admitting Tuesday that he agreed to help. An Australian government spokesperson confirmed Trump asked Morrison to investigate issues raised in Robert Mueller's probe, which concluded that Russia tried to swing the 2016 election in the Republican's favour. The official said Australia "has always been ready to assist and cooperate with efforts that help shed further light on the matters under investigation". "The PM confirmed this readiness once again in conversation with the President." The revelation will fuel allegations Trump is using the power of the Oval Office and risking long-standing relationships with allies for his own political ends. He is already facing impeachment for asking Ukraine's leader to investigate his potential election rival, former vice president Joe Biden, and his son Hunter. Mueller's probe concluded in March and led to the conviction of several of Trump's top aides for obstruction and lying to investigators. But ahead of the 2020 election Trump has painted the probe and its findings as a "deep state" conspiracy, pointing to conservative media reports as evidence and urging the Justice Department to launch counter-investigations. The New York Times, which first reported Trump's Australian request, said the White House had restricted access to the transcript of the Trump-Morrison call, in a similar way to its handling of Trump's recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Several other calls and meetings between Trump and foreign leaders, including Russia's Vladimir Putin are now under scrutiny. Separately, the Washington Post reported that Attorney General Bill Barr has had multiple contacts with officials and spies in Australia, Britain and Italy in a bid to investigate Mueller and US intelligence findings. State visit At Trump's encouragement, Barr's Justice Department is examining the roots of the Mueller probe, including the evidence that led the CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies to declare that Russia did, in fact, interfere in 2016 to boost Trump. Australia and Britain were both important because the original FBI Russia meddling probe was launched in July 2016 after the bureau received a tip from an Australian diplomat in Britain about a meeting between people tied to Russian intelligence and a Trump campaign official. In a May letter to Barr and White House chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney cited by Australian media Tuesday the country's ambassador in Washington also offered to help. Morrison recently enjoyed a state visit to Washington and his close ties to Trump had already been facing scrutiny at home. "It was risky for the Morrison government to get so cosy with Trump when almost no other government has done so," said Emma Shortis of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. "I think this development shows just how risky that is, Trump will come calling for favours, embroil you in controversy, and put relationships at risk", she added. In a statement, the Justice Department defended contacts abroad and said Trump and Barr's roles were to help investigator John Durham make contacts. "Mr Durham is gathering information from numerous sources, including a number of foreign countries," said Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec. "At Attorney General Barr's request, the president has contacted other countries to ask them to introduce the attorney general and Mr Durham to appropriate officials," she said.

Trump asked Australia for help to discredit Russia probe

An Australian maker of drones used to spot sharks near surf beaches has partnered with online retailer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-tech-awakening-us-workers-at-google-amazon-join-climate-protests-250927">Amazon.com</a> Inc and other firms to create a drone service that could protect tourists from crocodiles in holiday destinations.

The project was initiated by the government of the northeastern state of Queensland after the privately-owned Ripper Group successfully used drones to identify sharks in the neighbouring state, New South Wales.

"It gives them a second set of eyes over the top of the human element to try and make it safer for crocodiles and the humans," Ben Trollope, the Chief Executive of Westpac Little Ripper drones, said in a telephone interview from Brisbane.

The Ripper Group has partnered with Amazon Web Services in developing the capability of the new drone service, including reducing delays in transmitting footage, Trollope added.

"Amazon have been vital... They've opened up their whole capability, which has allowed us to quickly get to somewhere that could have taken quite a long time", he said.

The drones use an algorithm created with the University of Technology in Sydney. According to developers, it can identify 16 different types of marine species and has an accuracy rate of 93 per cent.

The algorithm is adjusted to separate crocodiles from mangroves in northern Queensland's dense rainforest areas, a factor the ocean drones do not have to contend with.

"Everything is research for us. We're continually collecting data, teaching the algorithm to get smarter," Trollope added.

The drones featured at the World of Drones Congress in Brisbane on Thursday, where images were beamed in from a demonstration at a Queensland crocodile park.

Drone sponsor Westpac Bank, which has also sponsored drones that can both spot sharks and drop rescue devices to people in trouble since 2016, has sponsored rescue service helicopters for more than 40 years.

Queensland government data from January 2018 shows that four of 11 crocodile attacks since 2011 were fatal, including one in 2017 in the northern holiday area of Port Douglas.

An Australian maker of drones used to spot sharks near surf beaches has partnered with online retailer Amazon.com Inc and other firms to create a drone service that could protect tourists from crocodiles in holiday destinations.

An Australian maker of drones used to spot sharks near surf beaches has partnered with online retailer Amazon.com Inc and other firms to create a drone service that could protect tourists from crocodiles in holiday destinations. The project was initiated by the government of the northeastern state of Queensland after the privately-owned Ripper Group successfully used drones to identify sharks in the neighbouring state, New South Wales. "It gives them a second set of eyes over the top of the human element to try and make it safer for crocodiles and the humans," Ben Trollope, the Chief Executive of Westpac Little Ripper drones, said in a telephone interview from Brisbane. The Ripper Group has partnered with Amazon Web Services in developing the capability of the new drone service, including reducing delays in transmitting footage, Trollope added. "Amazon have been vital... They've opened up their whole capability, which has allowed us to quickly get to somewhere that could have taken quite a long time", he said. The drones use an algorithm created with the University of Technology in Sydney. According to developers, it can identify 16 different types of marine species and has an accuracy rate of 93 per cent. The algorithm is adjusted to separate crocodiles from mangroves in northern Queensland's dense rainforest areas, a factor the ocean drones do not have to contend with. "Everything is research for us. We're continually collecting data, teaching the algorithm to get smarter," Trollope added. The drones featured at the World of Drones Congress in Brisbane on Thursday, where images were beamed in from a demonstration at a Queensland crocodile park. Drone sponsor Westpac Bank, which has also sponsored drones that can both spot sharks and drop rescue devices to people in trouble since 2016, has sponsored rescue service helicopters for more than 40 years. Queensland government data from January 2018 shows that four of 11 crocodile attacks since 2011 were fatal, including one in 2017 in the northern holiday area of Port Douglas.

Amazon to save lives with drones capable of spotting crocodiles in Australia

Australians living in the home of the country's parliament will be allowed to grow and possess small amounts of cannabis from next year under a new law passed Wednesday.

While the possession of small amounts has been decriminalised in some parts of the country, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) -&nbsp;home of Canberra, the nation's capital -&nbsp;is going a step further and will legalise it for personal use.

People aged over 18 will be allowed to possess up to 50 grams&nbsp;of cannabis and cultivate two plants - or a maximum of four per household.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said although the territory's government "does not condone or encourage the recreational use of cannabis or other illicit drugs", it was time to acknowledge that outright prohibition was no longer an effective policy.

"There is good evidence from drug law reform around the world that a harm minimisation approach delivers better outcomes both for individuals and communities," he said in a statement.

The change marks the first time it has been fully legalised anywhere in Australia.

The federal government, however, has the power to overturn the law - and has done in the past when faced with controversial legalisation passed by Australia's territories, such as voluntary euthanasia.

The new legislation also requires rubber-stamping from the territory's health minister.

Lawyers warned Wednesday that users could still face prosecution as federal laws clash with the ACT's new legislation.

"It creates uncertainty where we don't seem to have a formal position from the police themselves," criminal lawyer Michael Kukulies-Smith told the Canberra Times newspaper.

Buying and selling the drug will remain illegal in the territory.

Australia last year agreed to allow exports of medicinal cannabis, in an effort to boost budding domestic manufacturers and fulfil its aim of becoming a leading global supplier.

Australians living in the home of the country's parliament will be allowed to grow and possess small amounts of cannabis from next year under a new law passed Wednesday.

Australians living in the home of the country's parliament will be allowed to grow and possess small amounts of cannabis from next year under a new law passed Wednesday. While the possession of small amounts has been decriminalised in some parts of the country, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) - home of Canberra, the nation's capital - is going a step further and will legalise it for personal use. People aged over 18 will be allowed to possess up to 50 grams of cannabis and cultivate two plants - or a maximum of four per household. Chief Minister Andrew Barr said although the territory's government "does not condone or encourage the recreational use of cannabis or other illicit drugs", it was time to acknowledge that outright prohibition was no longer an effective policy. "There is good evidence from drug law reform around the world that a harm minimisation approach delivers better outcomes both for individuals and communities," he said in a statement. The change marks the first time it has been fully legalised anywhere in Australia. The federal government, however, has the power to overturn the law - and has done in the past when faced with controversial legalisation passed by Australia's territories, such as voluntary euthanasia. The new legislation also requires rubber-stamping from the territory's health minister. Lawyers warned Wednesday that users could still face prosecution as federal laws clash with the ACT's new legislation. "It creates uncertainty where we don't seem to have a formal position from the police themselves," criminal lawyer Michael Kukulies-Smith told the Canberra Times newspaper. Buying and selling the drug will remain illegal in the territory. Australia last year agreed to allow exports of medicinal cannabis, in an effort to boost budding domestic manufacturers and fulfil its aim of becoming a leading global supplier.

Cannabis legalised in Australian Capital Territory

Australia's financial regulator on Tuesday ordered an investigation into the global money transfer platform PayPal over concerns that it is being misused by sex offenders to buy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-abuse-leaves-molecular-scars-victims-study-168858">child abuse</a> material from Asia.

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) will appoint an external auditor to examine what it calls "ongoing concerns" over PayPal's alleged breaches of the country's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.

Announcing the appointment in a statement on Tuesday, AUSTRAC said that it was working with its partners to "combat serious crimes such as child sexual exploitation" using&nbsp;the information of transferred funds&nbsp;reported by the financial services sector.

"Online child abuse material can be ordered from Australia to areas such as the Philippines in quite often small amounts that are repeated often, and PayPal, unfortunately, is one of the areas that they can use to do that," AUSTRAC CEO Nicole Rose told the ABC.

"That's why we want to get the auditor in to really what sort of risks there have been and continue to be with PayPal systems or their reporting regime", she added.

A PayPal Australia spokesperson said that following an internal review the company had "self-disclosed an issue" in its reporting system to AUSTRAC.

"We are working in full cooperation with AUSTRAC to remediate this reporting system issue and to undertake the audit as outlined by AUSTRAC in the time specified," they said in a statement.&nbsp;

An audit report must be compiled within 120 days and will be used to determine whether the regulator takes any further action against the digital payments platform.

Australia's financial regulator on Tuesday ordered an investigation into the global money transfer platform PayPal over concerns that it is being misused by sex offenders to buy child abuse material from Asia.

Australia's financial regulator on Tuesday ordered an investigation into the global money transfer platform PayPal over concerns that it is being misused by sex offenders to buy child abuse material from Asia. The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) will appoint an external auditor to examine what it calls "ongoing concerns" over PayPal's alleged breaches of the country's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws. Announcing the appointment in a statement on Tuesday, AUSTRAC said that it was working with its partners to "combat serious crimes such as child sexual exploitation" using the information of transferred funds reported by the financial services sector. "Online child abuse material can be ordered from Australia to areas such as the Philippines in quite often small amounts that are repeated often, and PayPal, unfortunately, is one of the areas that they can use to do that," AUSTRAC CEO Nicole Rose told the ABC. "That's why we want to get the auditor in to really what sort of risks there have been and continue to be with PayPal systems or their reporting regime", she added. A PayPal Australia spokesperson said that following an internal review the company had "self-disclosed an issue" in its reporting system to AUSTRAC. "We are working in full cooperation with AUSTRAC to remediate this reporting system issue and to undertake the audit as outlined by AUSTRAC in the time specified," they said in a statement. An audit report must be compiled within 120 days and will be used to determine whether the regulator takes any further action against the digital payments platform.

Australia probes PayPal over payments for child abuse content

Australia has lifted a temporary ban on the controversial live sheep exports, with the first ship due to depart for the Middle East this week with about 60,000 animals on board.

The live export trade has been under scrutiny since horrific footage of dead and dying heat-stressed sheep on vessels bound for the Middle East was released in April 2018, prompting a public outcry and forcing sweeping reforms to the industry.

Though the government resisted calls to outlaw the practice entirely, a review led to a temporary embargo on live exports during the northern-hemisphere summer from June to September this year.

Rural Export and Trading WA, an exporter, said that the ship is due to leave Fremantle, in Western Australia state, for Kuwait by Tuesday.

It is expected to be the first of many to depart in the coming months, much to the chagrin of animal welfare campaigners.

New guidelines introduced in 2018 required exporters to significantly increase cargo space for sheep and to ensure independent observers travel on all ships carrying live animals, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and jail time.

But activists argue that the measures will do little to mitigate the animals' heat stress and the trade should be further restricted.

The resumption of shipments was welcomed by the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council, which said the moratorium had meant "competitors have entered some of our markets."

Lifting the ban means "renewed stability and food security" for consumers, they argued.

Live sheep, goat and cattle exports are worth about $1.35 billion each year to Australia's economy, according to the lobby group.

Australia has lifted a temporary ban on the controversial live sheep exports, with the first ship due to depart for the Middle East this week with about 60,000 animals on board.

Australia has lifted a temporary ban on the controversial live sheep exports, with the first ship due to depart for the Middle East this week with about 60,000 animals on board. The live export trade has been under scrutiny since horrific footage of dead and dying heat-stressed sheep on vessels bound for the Middle East was released in April 2018, prompting a public outcry and forcing sweeping reforms to the industry. Though the government resisted calls to outlaw the practice entirely, a review led to a temporary embargo on live exports during the northern-hemisphere summer from June to September this year. Rural Export and Trading WA, an exporter, said that the ship is due to leave Fremantle, in Western Australia state, for Kuwait by Tuesday. It is expected to be the first of many to depart in the coming months, much to the chagrin of animal welfare campaigners. New guidelines introduced in 2018 required exporters to significantly increase cargo space for sheep and to ensure independent observers travel on all ships carrying live animals, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and jail time. But activists argue that the measures will do little to mitigate the animals' heat stress and the trade should be further restricted. The resumption of shipments was welcomed by the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council, which said the moratorium had meant "competitors have entered some of our markets." Lifting the ban means "renewed stability and food security" for consumers, they argued. Live sheep, goat and cattle exports are worth about $1.35 billion each year to Australia's economy, according to the lobby group.

Australia lifts temporary ban on live sheep exports

Australia is not getting involved with the United States in its pursuit of aims in relation to Iran, beyond a commitment to freedom of navigation in the region, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said after talks with US President Donald Trump.

"There was no discussion about anything else," Morrison, who made a state visit to the White House on Friday, told journalists, according to a transcript.

"There was an appreciation of our involvement in that particular operation which was I remind everyone is about freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz. That's what that is about. The other matters that are being pursued by the United States are matters that they're pursuing."

Trump last week approved sending US troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defences after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities, which the United States has squarely blamed on Iran.

The tension between the United States and Iran has been rising since President Trump abandoned the Iranian nuclear agreement last year and the attack on the oil facilities has spurred concerns of an escalation into a new war.

The US president had signalled he would raise with Morrison a possible military contribution in Iran, although later he said the topic had not been discussed.

In August, Australia joined the US-led International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in support of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

"I made it very clear when we announced our involvement in that arrangement that it was very much about that freedom of navigation issue and that's what it is about and that's appreciated," Morrison said.

He also praised Trump for what he said was a "restraint" in relation to Iran.

"And it was good to have the opportunity to confirm that again in the course of our discussions," Morrison said. "So I think that should provide some assurance. I mean Australia will make its decisions in our national interest."

Australia is not getting involved with the United States in its pursuit of aims in relation to Iran, beyond a commitment to freedom of navigation in the region, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said after talks with US President Donald Trump.

Australia is not getting involved with the United States in its pursuit of aims in relation to Iran, beyond a commitment to freedom of navigation in the region, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said after talks with US President Donald Trump. "There was no discussion about anything else," Morrison, who made a state visit to the White House on Friday, told journalists, according to a transcript. "There was an appreciation of our involvement in that particular operation which was I remind everyone is about freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz. That's what that is about. The other matters that are being pursued by the United States are matters that they're pursuing." Trump last week approved sending US troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defences after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities, which the United States has squarely blamed on Iran. The tension between the United States and Iran has been rising since President Trump abandoned the Iranian nuclear agreement last year and the attack on the oil facilities has spurred concerns of an escalation into a new war. The US president had signalled he would raise with Morrison a possible military contribution in Iran, although later he said the topic had not been discussed. In August, Australia joined the US-led International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in support of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. "I made it very clear when we announced our involvement in that arrangement that it was very much about that freedom of navigation issue and that's what it is about and that's appreciated," Morrison said. He also praised Trump for what he said was a "restraint" in relation to Iran. "And it was good to have the opportunity to confirm that again in the course of our discussions," Morrison said. "So I think that should provide some assurance. I mean Australia will make its decisions in our national interest."

Australia offers Trump only limited commitment on Iran: PM Scott Morrison

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lifts-tariffs-on-400-chinese-products-trump-cites-trade-progress-250891">President Donald Trump</a> said Friday that only a "complete" deal with China on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-talks-seen-as-unlikely-to-mend-us-china-divide-250119">trade</a> will be acceptable and his tough approach won support from visiting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

"I'm not looking for a partial deal. I'm looking for a complete deal," Trump told reporters during a joint news conference with Morrison at the White House.

Trump denied that he was under pressure to resolve the massive trade dispute between the world's two main economic powers, saying "I don't think I need it before the election" in 2020.

Morrison, enjoying an unusually lavish reception and state dinner, said he backed the US push to force China to reform on issues that include routine violation of foreign companies' intellectual property.

"We need to make sure that we all compete on the same playing field," he said. China can't have "special rules."

Morrison's supportive stance contrasted with worries he expressed in June about smaller economies suffering collateral damage in the US-China standoff and the global system coming "under real pressure."

Later the United States Trade Representative's office issued a statement announcing that the deputy-level US and Chinese negotiators had completed "productive" talks in Washington on Thursday and Friday.

Top-level talks are expected in October.

'Dinner under the stars'

This was only the second state-level visit to the White House granted under Trump and the first for an Australian premiere here since John Howard in 2006.

In a shift from tradition, and taking advantage of perfect end-of-summer weather, the dinner was served under the stars in the Rose Garden.

Pale yellow tablecloths and floral arrangements decorated the tables, bathed in a golden glow from the outdoor lighting.

Trump gave a toast praising the "free and proud spirit" shared by the two nations.

Earlier, Morrison and his wife were greeted with an honour guard, a military band and 19 gun salute on the South Lawn.

"Australians and Americans understand each other like few other peoples," Morrison said, adding that he and the Republican US president had also "established a very early understanding."

In addition to Friday's festivities, Morrison and Trump are due to reunite Sunday for a visit at a new Australian-owned factory in Wapakoneta, Ohio, that the White House says will "demonstrate the strong trade and investment relationship."

'Conservatives club'

Trump's relations with the previous Australian premier, Malcolm Turnbull, got off to a bad start.

But Morrison has already cemented his place in a growing conservative club also including the likes of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson drawn into Trump's orbit.

Trump and Morrison agree on much, with Australia joining the US-led patrols of the Strait of Hormuz off Iran and following Washington's lead to excluding China's Huawei from its 5G phone market.

Trump has defied controversy over his push to prevent illegal immigrants and asylum seekers from crossing the Mexican border. Similarly, Morrison, a former immigration minister, has worked to make Australia less attractive to would-be asylum seekers.

His Liberal-National coalition also has much in common with Trump's climate change scepticism, rejecting overwhelming scientific warnings to encourage lucrative fossil fuel industries. Australia is the world's largest coal exporter.

This is "one of our strongest and most enduring relationships anywhere in the world," a senior Trump administration official said Thursday, asking not to be identified.

One area that Trump especially appreciates is a trade where the United States enjoys a surplus. The trade conflicts proliferating under Trump have bypassed Australia.

The administration official said that cooperation between Australia's space agency and NASA on a return to the Moon and joint efforts to ensure "stable and secure" access to rare earth metals were on the agenda Friday.

The relationship gets more complicated over how to deal with China.

Under Trump, the United States has embarked on what some are comparing to a new Cold War. Huge trade tariffs and growing competition in the military-strategic sphere are sending ripples through the entire Pacific region.

As China rises, there are even worries in some quarters that Australia may not always be able to rely on its US security umbrella.

A hard-hitting report from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney in August said the US military is an "atrophying force" that is "dangerously overstretched" and "ill-prepared" for a confrontation with China.

President Donald Trump said Friday that only a "complete" deal with China on trade will be acceptable and his tough approach won support from visiting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

President Donald Trump said Friday that only a "complete" deal with China on trade will be acceptable and his tough approach won support from visiting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. "I'm not looking for a partial deal. I'm looking for a complete deal," Trump told reporters during a joint news conference with Morrison at the White House. Trump denied that he was under pressure to resolve the massive trade dispute between the world's two main economic powers, saying "I don't think I need it before the election" in 2020. Morrison, enjoying an unusually lavish reception and state dinner, said he backed the US push to force China to reform on issues that include routine violation of foreign companies' intellectual property. "We need to make sure that we all compete on the same playing field," he said. China can't have "special rules." Morrison's supportive stance contrasted with worries he expressed in June about smaller economies suffering collateral damage in the US-China standoff and the global system coming "under real pressure." Later the United States Trade Representative's office issued a statement announcing that the deputy-level US and Chinese negotiators had completed "productive" talks in Washington on Thursday and Friday. Top-level talks are expected in October. 'Dinner under the stars' This was only the second state-level visit to the White House granted under Trump and the first for an Australian premiere here since John Howard in 2006. In a shift from tradition, and taking advantage of perfect end-of-summer weather, the dinner was served under the stars in the Rose Garden. Pale yellow tablecloths and floral arrangements decorated the tables, bathed in a golden glow from the outdoor lighting. Trump gave a toast praising the "free and proud spirit" shared by the two nations. Earlier, Morrison and his wife were greeted with an honour guard, a military band and 19 gun salute on the South Lawn. "Australians and Americans understand each other like few other peoples," Morrison said, adding that he and the Republican US president had also "established a very early understanding." In addition to Friday's festivities, Morrison and Trump are due to reunite Sunday for a visit at a new Australian-owned factory in Wapakoneta, Ohio, that the White House says will "demonstrate the strong trade and investment relationship." 'Conservatives club' Trump's relations with the previous Australian premier, Malcolm Turnbull, got off to a bad start. But Morrison has already cemented his place in a growing conservative club also including the likes of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson drawn into Trump's orbit. Trump and Morrison agree on much, with Australia joining the US-led patrols of the Strait of Hormuz off Iran and following Washington's lead to excluding China's Huawei from its 5G phone market. Trump has defied controversy over his push to prevent illegal immigrants and asylum seekers from crossing the Mexican border. Similarly, Morrison, a former immigration minister, has worked to make Australia less attractive to would-be asylum seekers. His Liberal-National coalition also has much in common with Trump's climate change scepticism, rejecting overwhelming scientific warnings to encourage lucrative fossil fuel industries. Australia is the world's largest coal exporter. This is "one of our strongest and most enduring relationships anywhere in the world," a senior Trump administration official said Thursday, asking not to be identified. One area that Trump especially appreciates is a trade where the United States enjoys a surplus. The trade conflicts proliferating under Trump have bypassed Australia. The administration official said that cooperation between Australia's space agency and NASA on a return to the Moon and joint efforts to ensure "stable and secure" access to rare earth metals were on the agenda Friday. The relationship gets more complicated over how to deal with China. Under Trump, the United States has embarked on what some are comparing to a new Cold War. Huge trade tariffs and growing competition in the military-strategic sphere are sending ripples through the entire Pacific region. As China rises, there are even worries in some quarters that Australia may not always be able to rely on its US security umbrella. A hard-hitting report from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney in August said the US military is an "atrophying force" that is "dangerously overstretched" and "ill-prepared" for a confrontation with China.

Trump, backed by Australia's Morrison, talks tough on China

Britain's Trade Minister Liz Truss&nbsp;said on Wednesday she expects to complete a wide-ranging trade deal with Australia within months of exiting the European Union.

In efforts to reduce the economic impact of Brexit, Britain is looking to line-up a series of trade deals with smaller, non-EU countries.

Truss, who is in the middle of a three-nation tour that includes Australia, New Zealand and Japan, said she expects a quick conclusion to trade talks that will begin when Britain leaves the EU.

"The reason that I have chosen to make Australia one of the first countries I have visited as trade secretary is because it is an absolute priority to get on with this trade deal," Truss told reporters in Canberra.

"I would say months rather than years for it to be completed."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/underfire-pm-calls-up-hulk-claims-huge-brexit-progress-249824">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> has said he will take the country out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cautiously-optimistic-on-brexit-deal-says-pm-boris-johnson-ahead-of-eu-meeting-249472">EU</a> on October 31 with or without a deal with Brussels.

But the British parliament this month passed a law that requires Johnson to ask the EU for a three-month delay to Brexit if a deal is not approved by October 19.

Two-way trade between Australia and Britain is worth A$26.6 billion ($18.22 billion), Australian data shows.

Britain is Australia's seventh-largest trading partner, the data shows.

Australia's Minister for Trade Simon Birmingham said a trade deal with Britain will particularly benefit the country's agricultural sector, worth around A$60 billion.

"As part of the EU, market access to Britain in terms of agricultural products has been limited," Birmingham told reporters. "This is something we will look to address."

Britain's Trade Minister Liz Truss said on Wednesday she expects to complete a wide-ranging trade deal with Australia within months of exiting the European Union.

Britain's Trade Minister Liz Truss said on Wednesday she expects to complete a wide-ranging trade deal with Australia within months of exiting the European Union. In efforts to reduce the economic impact of Brexit, Britain is looking to line-up a series of trade deals with smaller, non-EU countries. Truss, who is in the middle of a three-nation tour that includes Australia, New Zealand and Japan, said she expects a quick conclusion to trade talks that will begin when Britain leaves the EU. "The reason that I have chosen to make Australia one of the first countries I have visited as trade secretary is because it is an absolute priority to get on with this trade deal," Truss told reporters in Canberra. "I would say months rather than years for it to be completed." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will take the country out of the EU on October 31 with or without a deal with Brussels. But the British parliament this month passed a law that requires Johnson to ask the EU for a three-month delay to Brexit if a deal is not approved by October 19. Two-way trade between Australia and Britain is worth A$26.6 billion ($18.22 billion), Australian data shows. Britain is Australia's seventh-largest trading partner, the data shows. Australia's Minister for Trade Simon Birmingham said a trade deal with Britain will particularly benefit the country's agricultural sector, worth around A$60 billion. "As part of the EU, market access to Britain in terms of agricultural products has been limited," Birmingham told reporters. "This is something we will look to address."

Britain hopes for trade deal with Australia within months of Brexit

Fires continued to burn across the south of Queensland and the north of New South Wales, destroying homes and property in eastern Australia. Watch this video to know more.

Australia: 50 fires still ablaze in Queensland

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are among the global top 10 who will play for their countries at the new ATP Cup in Australia in January, organisers said Saturday.

Andy Murray, returning from hip surgery, will also compete, with his protected world ranking of two giving Britain entry to the tournament even though they are outside of the 24-team qualifying cut-out.

In total, 27 of the world's top 30 male tennis players have committed to the event.

"We're delighted to see such a star-studded player field lining up," said ATP president Chris Kermode.

"Our belief was that week one in the calendar, together with Tennis Australia,&nbsp;would work best for player scheduling, and today's announcement is a confirmation of that," he added.

"Having the top players competing in this&nbsp;new global event is critical, and the ATP Cup looks set to kick off the ATP Tour season in a big way in 2020."

The innovative championship, from January 3-12 in the lead-up to the Australian Open Grand Slam, offers Aus$22 million ($15 million) in prize money and a maximum of 750 singles and 250 doubles ATP rankings points.

It will see nations split into six groups, with eight teams emerging from the round-robin stage to compete in the knockout phase until one team is left standing.&nbsp;

Sydney will host the finals, along with group games which will also be held in Brisbane and Perth.

The top 18 countries in the ATP Cup standings will all take part, including the United States, France, Spain, Japan, Germany and South Africa.

Host Australia has been handed a wildcard, with the remaining five nations yet to be finalised.&nbsp;

Each team will have up to five players, with ties comprising two singles matches and one doubles. The top two players in the world rankings for each country have qualified, with the remaining three decided by November 13.

The draw, which will determine where the sport's top stars start their 2020 season, takes place at the Sydney Opera House on Monday.

The season-opening tournament will be held on the back of a revamped&nbsp;Davis Cup, run by the International Tennis Federation,&nbsp;which will take place in November, bringing together 18 nations in one place for a week at the end of the 2019 season.

ATP Cup qualified teams (based on the ranking of their top singles player, and commitment to play, as of September 9):&nbsp;

Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Russia, Austria, Germany, Greece, Japan, Italy, France, Belgium, Croatia, Argentina, Georgia, South Africa, USA, Canada, Britain, Australia (wildcard). &nbsp;&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are among the global top 10 who will play for their countries at the new ATP Cup in Australia in January, organisers said Saturday.

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are among the global top 10 who will play for their countries at the new ATP Cup in Australia in January, organisers said Saturday. Andy Murray, returning from hip surgery, will also compete, with his protected world ranking of two giving Britain entry to the tournament even though they are outside of the 24-team qualifying cut-out. In total, 27 of the world's top 30 male tennis players have committed to the event. "We're delighted to see such a star-studded player field lining up," said ATP president Chris Kermode. "Our belief was that week one in the calendar, together with Tennis Australia, would work best for player scheduling, and today's announcement is a confirmation of that," he added. "Having the top players competing in this new global event is critical, and the ATP Cup looks set to kick off the ATP Tour season in a big way in 2020." The innovative championship, from January 3-12 in the lead-up to the Australian Open Grand Slam, offers Aus$22 million ($15 million) in prize money and a maximum of 750 singles and 250 doubles ATP rankings points. It will see nations split into six groups, with eight teams emerging from the round-robin stage to compete in the knockout phase until one team is left standing. Sydney will host the finals, along with group games which will also be held in Brisbane and Perth. The top 18 countries in the ATP Cup standings will all take part, including the United States, France, Spain, Japan, Germany and South Africa. Host Australia has been handed a wildcard, with the remaining five nations yet to be finalised. Each team will have up to five players, with ties comprising two singles matches and one doubles. The top two players in the world rankings for each country have qualified, with the remaining three decided by November 13. The draw, which will determine where the sport's top stars start their 2020 season, takes place at the Sydney Opera House on Monday. The season-opening tournament will be held on the back of a revamped Davis Cup, run by the International Tennis Federation, which will take place in November, bringing together 18 nations in one place for a week at the end of the 2019 season. ATP Cup qualified teams (based on the ranking of their top singles player, and commitment to play, as of September 9): Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Russia, Austria, Germany, Greece, Japan, Italy, France, Belgium, Croatia, Argentina, Georgia, South Africa, USA, Canada, Britain, Australia (wildcard).

World's top 10 commit to new ATP Cup in Australia

Bushfires have started earlier than normal in the southern hemisphere spring. Australia's Bureau of Meteorology said winds would intensify throughout the day on Tuesday, but fire threats should abate on Wednesday (September 11).

Australia reels under Bushfires, Police continue to rescue residents

Australia coach Justin Langer has urged the struggling batsmen in his team to step up and deliver when the final Ashes Test against England starts at The Oval on Thursday.

Australia took an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-Test series following their 185-run win in the fourth Test at Old Trafford and now have the chance to wrap up their first series win in England since 2001, when Steve Waugh's men won 4-1.

The performances of Steve Smith, with an astronomical average of 134.2, and Marnus Labuschagne, combined with a strong showing from the bowlers, have minimised the impact of failures from the other specialist batsmen during the series.

Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Usman Khawaja, Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and David Warner have all been posted missing, with experienced opening batsman Warner the worst of the lot with an average of 9.87.

While safe in the knowledge that England cannot win the Ashes, Langer said Australia would not be easing off in the fifth Test.

"You've still got to perform, as an Australian Test cricketer," he told reporters.

"Whether or not winning the Ashes will make a difference, time will tell, but you've still got to perform whether you are young or a veteran."

With 671 runs from three Tests, Smith has carried the Australian batting on his shoulders with some support from Labuschagne, who has an average of 58.2 in the series.

Langer called for patience with the young batters in the side.

"He (Smith) has done a lot for Australian cricket for the last few years actually, and so has Dave Warner," Langer said.

"But we've also got to remember, Travis Head is new to Test cricket, Marnus (Labuschagne) is new to Test cricket, Marcus Harris is new to Test cricket, Cameron Bancroft is new to Test cricket.

"You can't just give them that experience, they've got to earn that and we're very thankful to have Steve batting. We're lucky to have him but Test cricket takes time. We've got to respect that, it takes a lot of time."

While his batsmen have been misfiring, Langer has no such problems with his fast bowling unit.

Pat Cummins has played all four Tests and is the pick of the fast bowlers with 24 wickets while Josh Hazlewood has taken 18 from three.

The touring side have James Pattinson and Peter Siddle with two Tests each under their belt in the series, and the uncapped Michael Neser is also an option.

"We've James Pattinson literally jumping out of his skin to play the next Test," Langer said. "Peter Siddle, in those first two Tests, was probably the standout bowler, a great professional and a ripping person to have in the team.

"It'll be fascinating to see how they (Cummins and Hazlewood) pull up ... whatever happens we're lucky to have a couple of other guys who are raring to go if we need them."

Australia coach Justin Langer has urged the struggling batsmen in his team to step up and deliver when the final Ashes Test against England starts at The Oval on Thursday.

Australia coach Justin Langer has urged the struggling batsmen in his team to step up and deliver when the final Ashes Test against England starts at The Oval on Thursday. Australia took an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-Test series following their 185-run win in the fourth Test at Old Trafford and now have the chance to wrap up their first series win in England since 2001, when Steve Waugh's men won 4-1. The performances of Steve Smith, with an astronomical average of 134.2, and Marnus Labuschagne, combined with a strong showing from the bowlers, have minimised the impact of failures from the other specialist batsmen during the series. Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Usman Khawaja, Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and David Warner have all been posted missing, with experienced opening batsman Warner the worst of the lot with an average of 9.87. While safe in the knowledge that England cannot win the Ashes, Langer said Australia would not be easing off in the fifth Test. "You've still got to perform, as an Australian Test cricketer," he told reporters. "Whether or not winning the Ashes will make a difference, time will tell, but you've still got to perform whether you are young or a veteran." With 671 runs from three Tests, Smith has carried the Australian batting on his shoulders with some support from Labuschagne, who has an average of 58.2 in the series. Langer called for patience with the young batters in the side. "He (Smith) has done a lot for Australian cricket for the last few years actually, and so has Dave Warner," Langer said. "But we've also got to remember, Travis Head is new to Test cricket, Marnus (Labuschagne) is new to Test cricket, Marcus Harris is new to Test cricket, Cameron Bancroft is new to Test cricket. "You can't just give them that experience, they've got to earn that and we're very thankful to have Steve batting. We're lucky to have him but Test cricket takes time. We've got to respect that, it takes a lot of time." While his batsmen have been misfiring, Langer has no such problems with his fast bowling unit. Pat Cummins has played all four Tests and is the pick of the fast bowlers with 24 wickets while Josh Hazlewood has taken 18 from three. The touring side have James Pattinson and Peter Siddle with two Tests each under their belt in the series, and the uncapped Michael Neser is also an option. "We've James Pattinson literally jumping out of his skin to play the next Test," Langer said. "Peter Siddle, in those first two Tests, was probably the standout bowler, a great professional and a ripping person to have in the team. "It'll be fascinating to see how they (Cummins and Hazlewood) pull up ... whatever happens we're lucky to have a couple of other guys who are raring to go if we need them."

Australia coach Langer wants struggling batsmen to step up

Scientists say a giant floating raft of pumice, .about the size of Manhattan, may help restore parts of the ailing Great Barrier Reef. The giant pumice is heading towards Australia. It came from an underwater volcano eruption.

Scientists say giant floating pumice may help restore ailing Great Barrier Reef

Australia ordered internet providers on Monday to block eight websites that published content linked to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-block-internet-domains-hosting-extremist-content-during-terror-attacks-245432"> Christchurch</a> mosque massacre a first under new censorship rules.

After the alleged gunman, an Australian national, live-streamed the killing of 51 worshippers at two New Zealand mosques in March, Canberra has looked to expand its censorship powers.

The overseas websites were blacklisted because they "continue to provide access to the video of the Christchurch terrorist attacks or the manifesto of the alleged perpetrator", said Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety commissioner.

Authorities refused to name the websites which will be blocked for at least six months saying it could bring them more traffic.

Several other websites were asked to take down content and had complied, Inman Grant added.

"The remaining rogue websites need only to remove the illegal content to have the block against them lifted," she said.

One of the eight websites was a blog focusing on the so-called&nbsp;"Threat of Islam," according to an explanatory statement lodged with the Federal Register of Legislation.

The Communication Alliance a telecommunications&nbsp;lobby group said&nbsp;internet providers had already blocked all eight websites voluntarily before the order but welcomed the legal clarity provided by the government decision.

In defence of the new censorship powers put into action by Australia's conservative government, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said last month: "That type of abhorrent material has no place in Australia."

"We are doing everything we can to deny terrorists the opportunity to glorify their crimes, including taking action locally and globally."

A new 24/7 Crisis Coordination Centre is also being set up, tasked with monitoring terror-related incidents and extremely violent events for censorship.

Australia ordered internet providers on Monday to block eight websites that published content linked to the Christchurch mosque massacre a first under new censorship rules.

Australia ordered internet providers on Monday to block eight websites that published content linked to the Christchurch mosque massacre a first under new censorship rules. After the alleged gunman, an Australian national, live-streamed the killing of 51 worshippers at two New Zealand mosques in March, Canberra has looked to expand its censorship powers. The overseas websites were blacklisted because they "continue to provide access to the video of the Christchurch terrorist attacks or the manifesto of the alleged perpetrator", said Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety commissioner. Authorities refused to name the websites which will be blocked for at least six months saying it could bring them more traffic. Several other websites were asked to take down content and had complied, Inman Grant added. "The remaining rogue websites need only to remove the illegal content to have the block against them lifted," she said. One of the eight websites was a blog focusing on the so-called "Threat of Islam," according to an explanatory statement lodged with the Federal Register of Legislation. The Communication Alliance a telecommunications lobby group said internet providers had already blocked all eight websites voluntarily before the order but welcomed the legal clarity provided by the government decision. In defence of the new censorship powers put into action by Australia's conservative government, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said last month: "That type of abhorrent material has no place in Australia." "We are doing everything we can to deny terrorists the opportunity to glorify their crimes, including taking action locally and globally." A new 24/7 Crisis Coordination Centre is also being set up, tasked with monitoring terror-related incidents and extremely violent events for censorship.

Australia blocks websites hosting Christchurch attack videos

Pat Cummins took two wickets in two balls, including England captain Joe Root for a golden duck, to leave Australia on the brink of retaining the Ashes at Old Trafford on Saturday.

England were 18-2 in their second innings at stumps on the fourth day of the fourth Test, still needing a further 365 runs on Sunday's last day to reach a target of 383.

"They're coming out alright at the moment!," Cummins told Sky Sports. "I'm feeling okay. One big final push tomorrow."

By contrast, Australia require eight wickets to seal a win that would see the holders keep the Ashes at 2-1 up with one to play in a five-Test series.

The most England have made in the fourth innings to win a Test was the 362/9 they posted in their series-levelling success last time out at Headingley, where Ben Stokes's stunning 135 not out and the resistance of No 11 Jack Leach secured a remarkable one-wicket victory.

Earlier, Steve Smith's remorseless run-glut continued as he made 82 -- his lowest score this series -- in Australia's second innings of 186-6 declared.

Rory Burns and Root had shared a partnership of 141 while making 81 and 71 respectively in England's first-innings 301, but on Saturday they were both out for nought in the first over of England's chase.

Left-handed opener Burns, looking to turn Cummins's third ball legside, got a leading edge and was caught at short cover by Travis Head.

Next ball a brilliant delivery that nipped away off the seam and clipped the top of off stump saw Root bowled by Cummins for his third nought of the series and second golden duck.

Cummins was on a hat-trick, with the struggling Jason Roy next in but the World Cup winner responded with a solid forward defensive shot and he was eight not out at stumps, with Joe Denly unbeaten on 10.

'Unbelievable Smith'&nbsp;

Earlier, Smith's ninth successive Ashes fifty, extending his own record, followed his superb 211 in the first innings of his comeback Test after he missed the match at Headingley with concussion.

In what is his first Test series since completing a 12-month ball-tampering ban, former Australia captain Smith has now scored 671 runs, including three hundreds, at an average of 134.2.

He was on course to become the first batsman in Ashes history, and only the eighth in any Test, to score a double hundred and hundred in the same match when he lofted left-arm spinner Leach with Stokes, running round from long-off, holding a safe catch to end a 92-ball innings featuring 11 fours.

Australia were in trouble at 44-4 before tea, with Stuart Broad and Archer taking two wickets apiece after England narrowly avoided following-on in reply to the tourists' 497-8 declared.

But Smith counter-attacked in superb style.

"None of us expected the innings Smithy went out with, he was incredible," said Cummins. "We'd have been happy to get though the night but Smithy was unbelievable."

Meanwhile, England coach Trevor Bayliss insisted: "Anything is possible. We saw that in the last Test match.&nbsp;

"We have got a couple guys out there and a few guys in the shed who are more than capable of scoring a hundred," the Australian added.

Smith did give a chance on 48 when he reverse-swept Leach, with Stokes, anticipating the shot and moving quickly across from slip, failing to hold what would have been a sensational catch.

The 30-year-old Smith toyed with England's bowlers on a sunny afternoon, pulling Broad for an extravagant four.

While Smith has enjoyed a run-spree, David Warner -- also returning to Tests from a year-long ball-tampering ban &nbsp;-- has become Broad's 'bunny'.

Saturday saw left-handed opener Warner out for his third straight Test duck when Broad, the successful bowler on each occasion, had him lbw.

It was the sixth time Warner had fallen to Broad this Ashes and meant he had completed 'a pair' in the match after a nought in the first innings.

World Cup-winner Archer, in only his third Test, had been down on pace during Australia's first innings.&nbsp;

But the express quick was back over the 90 mph mark on Saturday during a return of 3-45 in 14 overs.

Pat Cummins took two wickets in two balls, including England captain Joe Root for a golden duck, to leave Australia on the brink of retaining the Ashes at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Pat Cummins took two wickets in two balls, including England captain Joe Root for a golden duck, to leave Australia on the brink of retaining the Ashes at Old Trafford on Saturday. England were 18-2 in their second innings at stumps on the fourth day of the fourth Test, still needing a further 365 runs on Sunday's last day to reach a target of 383. "They're coming out alright at the moment!," Cummins told Sky Sports. "I'm feeling okay. One big final push tomorrow." By contrast, Australia require eight wickets to seal a win that would see the holders keep the Ashes at 2-1 up with one to play in a five-Test series. The most England have made in the fourth innings to win a Test was the 362/9 they posted in their series-levelling success last time out at Headingley, where Ben Stokes's stunning 135 not out and the resistance of No 11 Jack Leach secured a remarkable one-wicket victory. Earlier, Steve Smith's remorseless run-glut continued as he made 82 -- his lowest score this series -- in Australia's second innings of 186-6 declared. Rory Burns and Root had shared a partnership of 141 while making 81 and 71 respectively in England's first-innings 301, but on Saturday they were both out for nought in the first over of England's chase. Left-handed opener Burns, looking to turn Cummins's third ball legside, got a leading edge and was caught at short cover by Travis Head. Next ball a brilliant delivery that nipped away off the seam and clipped the top of off stump saw Root bowled by Cummins for his third nought of the series and second golden duck. Cummins was on a hat-trick, with the struggling Jason Roy next in but the World Cup winner responded with a solid forward defensive shot and he was eight not out at stumps, with Joe Denly unbeaten on 10. 'Unbelievable Smith' Earlier, Smith's ninth successive Ashes fifty, extending his own record, followed his superb 211 in the first innings of his comeback Test after he missed the match at Headingley with concussion. In what is his first Test series since completing a 12-month ball-tampering ban, former Australia captain Smith has now scored 671 runs, including three hundreds, at an average of 134.2. He was on course to become the first batsman in Ashes history, and only the eighth in any Test, to score a double hundred and hundred in the same match when he lofted left-arm spinner Leach with Stokes, running round from long-off, holding a safe catch to end a 92-ball innings featuring 11 fours. Australia were in trouble at 44-4 before tea, with Stuart Broad and Archer taking two wickets apiece after England narrowly avoided following-on in reply to the tourists' 497-8 declared. But Smith counter-attacked in superb style. "None of us expected the innings Smithy went out with, he was incredible," said Cummins. "We'd have been happy to get though the night but Smithy was unbelievable." Meanwhile, England coach Trevor Bayliss insisted: "Anything is possible. We saw that in the last Test match. "We have got a couple guys out there and a few guys in the shed who are more than capable of scoring a hundred," the Australian added. Smith did give a chance on 48 when he reverse-swept Leach, with Stokes, anticipating the shot and moving quickly across from slip, failing to hold what would have been a sensational catch. The 30-year-old Smith toyed with England's bowlers on a sunny afternoon, pulling Broad for an extravagant four. While Smith has enjoyed a run-spree, David Warner -- also returning to Tests from a year-long ball-tampering ban -- has become Broad's 'bunny'. Saturday saw left-handed opener Warner out for his third straight Test duck when Broad, the successful bowler on each occasion, had him lbw. It was the sixth time Warner had fallen to Broad this Ashes and meant he had completed 'a pair' in the match after a nought in the first innings. World Cup-winner Archer, in only his third Test, had been down on pace during Australia's first innings. But the express quick was back over the 90 mph mark on Saturday during a return of 3-45 in 14 overs.

Cummins strikes to leave Australia on verge of keeping Ashes

Australia coach Justin Langer has cited the example of boxer Muhammad Ali and his stolen bike to inspire Australia for the ongoing Ashes.

He also said that the defeat against England in the third Test felt like that the Ashes was stolen from them, but he said that the team will not feel sorry for themselves and will come out with more fire on the field.

"Champions have all had times of adversity, whether it is in business, sport or life. The ones who come back from it. Think about Muhammad Ali getting his bike stolen. That was the fire he needed to become the greatest boxer of all time," cricket.com.au quoted Langer as saying.

"We felt a bit like we got the Ashes stolen the other day. Now we have got to work out what we are going to do, and use that as fire. We are not going to feel sorry for ourselves and let it slip," he added.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes had played one of the finest knocks in Test cricket as he had guided England to an improbable win against Australia in the third Test at Headingley.

The left-handed batsman played an unbeaten knock of 135 runs.

Chasing 359 for the win, England were left 286/9, still, 73 runs away from the target.

It was then Stokes decided to play in an aggressive manner and he took on the Aussie bowlers, smashing them all around the park.

He found support in the number eleven batsman Jack Leach and the duo stitched together an unbeaten partnership of 76 runs, in which Leach only contributed 1 run from 17 balls.

Australia had a chance of winning the match when England were nine wickets down with just two runs away from the target.

Stokes had played a reverse sweep off the bowling of spinner Nathan Lyon and the ball had gone to Pat Cummins.Non-striker Leach tried to take a run but Stokes sent the number eleven batsman back mid-pitch as Cummins threw the ball to Lyon at the bowler's end.

However, Lyon fumbled Cummins' throw to give Leach a reprieve."The great players and great teams - in business and life - they have their ups and downs, but they always fight back from it. You would not see one champion player, one champion team, one champion business that has not done that," Langer said.

Aussies named their 12-man squad for the fourth Ashes Test on Monday.

The squad is as follows: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matt Wade, Tim Paine (c, wk), Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Australia and England will lock horns in the fourth Test, beginning September 4.

Australia coach Justin Langer has cited the example of boxer Muhammad Ali and his stolen bike to inspire Australia for the ongoing Ashes. He also said that the defeat against England in the third Test felt like that the Ashes was stolen from them, but he said that the team will not feel sorry for themselves and will come out with more fire on the field.

Australia coach Justin Langer has cited the example of boxer Muhammad Ali and his stolen bike to inspire Australia for the ongoing Ashes. He also said that the defeat against England in the third Test felt like that the Ashes was stolen from them, but he said that the team will not feel sorry for themselves and will come out with more fire on the field. "Champions have all had times of adversity, whether it is in business, sport or life. The ones who come back from it. Think about Muhammad Ali getting his bike stolen. That was the fire he needed to become the greatest boxer of all time," cricket.com.au quoted Langer as saying. "We felt a bit like we got the Ashes stolen the other day. Now we have got to work out what we are going to do, and use that as fire. We are not going to feel sorry for ourselves and let it slip," he added. England all-rounder Ben Stokes had played one of the finest knocks in Test cricket as he had guided England to an improbable win against Australia in the third Test at Headingley. The left-handed batsman played an unbeaten knock of 135 runs. Chasing 359 for the win, England were left 286/9, still, 73 runs away from the target. It was then Stokes decided to play in an aggressive manner and he took on the Aussie bowlers, smashing them all around the park. He found support in the number eleven batsman Jack Leach and the duo stitched together an unbeaten partnership of 76 runs, in which Leach only contributed 1 run from 17 balls. Australia had a chance of winning the match when England were nine wickets down with just two runs away from the target. Stokes had played a reverse sweep off the bowling of spinner Nathan Lyon and the ball had gone to Pat Cummins.Non-striker Leach tried to take a run but Stokes sent the number eleven batsman back mid-pitch as Cummins threw the ball to Lyon at the bowler's end. However, Lyon fumbled Cummins' throw to give Leach a reprieve."The great players and great teams - in business and life - they have their ups and downs, but they always fight back from it. You would not see one champion player, one champion team, one champion business that has not done that," Langer said. Aussies named their 12-man squad for the fourth Ashes Test on Monday. The squad is as follows: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matt Wade, Tim Paine (c, wk), Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. Australia and England will lock horns in the fourth Test, beginning September 4.

Justin Langer cites Muhammad Ali's example to inspire Australia

Hundreds of Australians joined rallies Sunday urging the government not to deport a Tamil family of four -- including two Australian-born toddlers -- whose case has become a new flashpoint over immigration policy.

The family -- who are fighting to remain in Australia because they fear persecution in Sri Lanka -- were moved to the Christmas Island detention facility overnight on Saturday after a judge blocked a government attempt to deport them.

With an injunction on further government action due to expire Wednesday, Australians gathered in cities and towns across the country to oppose their deportation, many of them chanting "let them stay".

In Melbourne, where the family spent almost 18 months in detention, up to a thousand people turned out, while in central Sydney police estimated the crowd size at approximately 600 people.

The family has received broad public support, led by their neighbours in a small rural Queensland town, including unexpected backing from some right-wing commentators and politicians.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he had raised the case directly with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, urging him to "listen to what the community are saying and saying so strongly".

"This is publicly funded cruelty on behalf of a government that really has lost touch and has lost its way," he told reporters in Sydney.

"We can have, very clearly, strong borders without losing our humanity."

The conservative government's hardline immigration policies include turning away refugees arriving by boat and de facto offshore detention, both measures condemned by the United Nations.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has insisted the parents -- who arrived in Australia by boat separately in 2012 and 2013 seeking asylum -- are not refugees and do not deserve protection.

The two girls, Kopika, aged four, and Tharunicca, aged two, were born in Australia but do not have citizenship. They have never been to Sri Lanka. 
&nbsp;

Hundreds of Australians joined rallies Sunday urging the government not to deport a Tamil family of four -- including two Australian-born toddlers -- whose case has become a new flashpoint over immigration policy.

Hundreds of Australians joined rallies Sunday urging the government not to deport a Tamil family of four -- including two Australian-born toddlers -- whose case has become a new flashpoint over immigration policy. The family -- who are fighting to remain in Australia because they fear persecution in Sri Lanka -- were moved to the Christmas Island detention facility overnight on Saturday after a judge blocked a government attempt to deport them. With an injunction on further government action due to expire Wednesday, Australians gathered in cities and towns across the country to oppose their deportation, many of them chanting "let them stay". In Melbourne, where the family spent almost 18 months in detention, up to a thousand people turned out, while in central Sydney police estimated the crowd size at approximately 600 people. The family has received broad public support, led by their neighbours in a small rural Queensland town, including unexpected backing from some right-wing commentators and politicians. Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he had raised the case directly with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, urging him to "listen to what the community are saying and saying so strongly". "This is publicly funded cruelty on behalf of a government that really has lost touch and has lost its way," he told reporters in Sydney. "We can have, very clearly, strong borders without losing our humanity." The conservative government's hardline immigration policies include turning away refugees arriving by boat and de facto offshore detention, both measures condemned by the United Nations. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has insisted the parents -- who arrived in Australia by boat separately in 2012 and 2013 seeking asylum -- are not refugees and do not deserve protection. The two girls, Kopika, aged four, and Tharunicca, aged two, were born in Australia but do not have citizenship. They have never been to Sri Lanka.

'Let them stay': Aussies rally against Tamil family deportation

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is in very poor condition because of climate change, over fishing and land clearing, a state agency said on Friday, as it downgraded the reef's status to the lowest level, which could jeopardise its World Heritage status.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) said the health of the world's largest coral reef system, off the northeast coast of the Queensland state, had deteriorated since its last review, in 2014, but the problems the reef faces were not insurmountable.

"This report draws attention to the fact that the outlook for the Great Barrier Reef, the long term outlook, is very poor- that's largely driven by climate change," GBRMPA's Chief Scientists David Wachenfeld told reporters in Sydney.

"Despite that, with the right mix of local actions to improve the resilience of the system and global actions to tackle climate change in the strongest and fastest way possible, we can turn that around."

The report, which is compiled every five years, painted a deteriorating picture of widespread coral bleaching, habitat loss and degradation caused by human-induced climate change, overfishing, poor water quality, and coastal land clearing for grazing.

The reef stretching for more than 2,300 km (1430 miles) is home to 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of molluscs.

Some parts of the reefs remained in good condition but many species including dolphins, dugongs, sharks, rays and turtles were being threatened.

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee last year called for global action on climate change to protect five large coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef.

The committee is due to consider the reef's heritage listing, considering its health and a possible "in danger" status.

"The Great Barrier Reef is one of the globe's most famous World Heritage Areas yet the report finds that its integrity is challenged and deteriorating," environmentalist group Australian Marine Conservation Society said in a statement.

"This is now the third Outlook Report. We've had ten years of warnings, ten years of rising greenhouse emissions and ten years watching the Reef heading for a catastrophe," said the group's director of strategy, Imogen Zethoven.

"This report will be a major input into UNESCO's committee and here is a very strong case for the reef to be considered for the in danger list."

The inclusion of the reef on the in danger list would be an embarrassment for the government and could damage the tourist industry.

UNESCO's chief of the Asia and Pacific region, Feng Jing, said the organisation was following closely the state of the reef and progress made in protecting it and would consider its status in July next year.

"We would hope that the collective efforts undertaking by the State Party of Australia will bring the change that is needed to ensure the sustainable conservation of the Great Barrier Reef," Jing said in an emailed statement.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is in very poor condition because of climate change, over fishing and land clearing, a state agency said on Friday, as it downgraded the reef's status to the lowest level, which could jeopardise its World Heritage status.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is in very poor condition because of climate change, over fishing and land clearing, a state agency said on Friday, as it downgraded the reef's status to the lowest level, which could jeopardise its World Heritage status. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) said the health of the world's largest coral reef system, off the northeast coast of the Queensland state, had deteriorated since its last review, in 2014, but the problems the reef faces were not insurmountable. "This report draws attention to the fact that the outlook for the Great Barrier Reef, the long term outlook, is very poor- that's largely driven by climate change," GBRMPA's Chief Scientists David Wachenfeld told reporters in Sydney. "Despite that, with the right mix of local actions to improve the resilience of the system and global actions to tackle climate change in the strongest and fastest way possible, we can turn that around." The report, which is compiled every five years, painted a deteriorating picture of widespread coral bleaching, habitat loss and degradation caused by human-induced climate change, overfishing, poor water quality, and coastal land clearing for grazing. The reef stretching for more than 2,300 km (1430 miles) is home to 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of molluscs. Some parts of the reefs remained in good condition but many species including dolphins, dugongs, sharks, rays and turtles were being threatened. UNESCO's World Heritage Committee last year called for global action on climate change to protect five large coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef. The committee is due to consider the reef's heritage listing, considering its health and a possible "in danger" status. "The Great Barrier Reef is one of the globe's most famous World Heritage Areas yet the report finds that its integrity is challenged and deteriorating," environmentalist group Australian Marine Conservation Society said in a statement. "This is now the third Outlook Report. We've had ten years of warnings, ten years of rising greenhouse emissions and ten years watching the Reef heading for a catastrophe," said the group's director of strategy, Imogen Zethoven. "This report will be a major input into UNESCO's committee and here is a very strong case for the reef to be considered for the in danger list." The inclusion of the reef on the in danger list would be an embarrassment for the government and could damage the tourist industry. UNESCO's chief of the Asia and Pacific region, Feng Jing, said the organisation was following closely the state of the reef and progress made in protecting it and would consider its status in July next year. "We would hope that the collective efforts undertaking by the State Party of Australia will bring the change that is needed to ensure the sustainable conservation of the Great Barrier Reef," Jing said in an emailed statement.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef in 'very poor' condition

The long-term outlook for Australia's Great Barrier Reef has been downgraded to "very poor" for the first time by the official agency charged with managing the World Heritage Site.

'Great Barrier Reef outlook very poor', says Australia

The push follows reports of students and staff "self-censoring" on sensitive political issues such as the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

Australia moves to protect varsities from foreign interference

An Australian academic has been arrested in China on suspicion&nbsp;of "espionage", foreign minister Marise Payne said Tuesday, in a development sure to deepen tensions between the two countries.

Yang Hengjun had been held in Beijing for several months without charge, but Payne said the author and scholar had been formally arrested on 23 August.

Yang, an outspoken pro-democracy activist, was detained in January shortly after making a rare return to China from the United States.

"If Dr Yang is being held for his political beliefs, he should be released," Payne said, expressing concern about "harsh conditions". "We expect, that basic standards of justice and procedural fairness are met."

China's near-silence about Yang's fate and the refusal to grant consular access has been a point of friction in relations that have markedly deteriorated in recent months.

There is a growing concern in Australia about Beijing's influence on domestic politics and growing military clout in the Pacific.

On Monday, an official corruption inquiry heard that a well-connected Chinese property developer delivered Aus $100,000 in cash to the opposition Labor Party's headquarters before a 2015 election.

The man, Huang Xiangmo, was effectively banned from returning to Australia in February.

Australia has traditionally been keen to avoid friction with its biggest trading partner, but Payne's statement was unusually strongly worded.

"Dr Yang has been held in Beijing in harsh conditions without charge for more than seven months," she said.

"Since that time, China has not explained the reasons for Dr Yang's detention, nor has it allowed him access to his lawyers or family visits."

Payne said she had raised the case five times with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, in person and via letters.

Yang had initially been held in "residential surveillance at a designated location" before being moved to "criminal detention", his lawyer told AFP.

An Australian academic has been arrested in China on suspicion of "espionage", foreign minister Marise Payne said Tuesday, in a development sure to deepen tensions between the two countries.

An Australian academic has been arrested in China on suspicion of "espionage", foreign minister Marise Payne said Tuesday, in a development sure to deepen tensions between the two countries. Yang Hengjun had been held in Beijing for several months without charge, but Payne said the author and scholar had been formally arrested on 23 August. Yang, an outspoken pro-democracy activist, was detained in January shortly after making a rare return to China from the United States. "If Dr Yang is being held for his political beliefs, he should be released," Payne said, expressing concern about "harsh conditions". "We expect, that basic standards of justice and procedural fairness are met." China's near-silence about Yang's fate and the refusal to grant consular access has been a point of friction in relations that have markedly deteriorated in recent months. There is a growing concern in Australia about Beijing's influence on domestic politics and growing military clout in the Pacific. On Monday, an official corruption inquiry heard that a well-connected Chinese property developer delivered Aus $100,000 in cash to the opposition Labor Party's headquarters before a 2015 election. The man, Huang Xiangmo, was effectively banned from returning to Australia in February. Australia has traditionally been keen to avoid friction with its biggest trading partner, but Payne's statement was unusually strongly worded. "Dr Yang has been held in Beijing in harsh conditions without charge for more than seven months," she said. "Since that time, China has not explained the reasons for Dr Yang's detention, nor has it allowed him access to his lawyers or family visits." Payne said she had raised the case five times with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, in person and via letters. Yang had initially been held in "residential surveillance at a designated location" before being moved to "criminal detention", his lawyer told AFP.

Australian academic Yang Hengjun arrested in China over spying charges

Australia will block access to internet domains hosting terrorist material during crisis events and will consider legislation to force digital platforms to improve the safety of their services, officials said on Sunday.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is in France to take part in the G7 leaders' forum, said the government intended to prevent extremists from exploiting digital platforms to post extremely violent content.

"We are doing everything we can to deny terrorists the opportunity to glorify their crimes," he said in a statement.

Australia and New Zealand have increased scrutiny of websites and social media companies in the wake of the Christchurch massacre in March, when 51 worshippers were killed in attacks on two New Zealand mosques.

The attack was live-streamed by alleged gunman Brenton Tarrant over Facebook.

The government said it would establish a framework to block domains hosting such material. Australia's eSafety Commissioner would determine on a case-by-case basis what should be censored and was working with industry on arrangements to quickly block access during an attack.

A 24/7 Crisis Coordination Centre would be established to monitor the online world for extreme violence or terrorist material.

In addition to extremist violence, domains hosting any abhorrent violent material - defined as content showing murder, attempted murder, rape, torture, or kidnapping - that is recorded by anyone involved in the conduct also would be blocked, the government said.

The government did not elaborate on what legislative options would be used if digital platforms failed to improve safety.

Tech giants including Facebook, YouTube, Amazon, Microsoft&nbsp;and Twitter, along with Telstra, Vodafone, TPG and Optus&nbsp;are expected to provide details to the government by the end of next month on how they will carry out the recommendations.

The firms are all members of the Taskforce to Combat Terrorist and Extreme Violent Material Online, which had recommended a clear framework be established.

It was not immediately clear how the move would affect media reporting of terror attacks or civil unrest.

SKY Network Television Ltd was fined $2,560&nbsp;by New Zealand's Broadcasting Standards Authority earlier this month for showing a number of edited clips taken from the alleged Christchurch attacker's 17‑minute live stream video.

The regulator said in its judgment that, while the broadcast was newsworthy, the clips contained disturbing violent content which could cause distress, or glorify the alleged attacker and promote his messages.

Australia will block access to internet domains hosting terrorist material during crisis events and will consider legislation to force digital platforms to improve the safety of their services, officials said on Sunday.

Australia will block access to internet domains hosting terrorist material during crisis events and will consider legislation to force digital platforms to improve the safety of their services, officials said on Sunday. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is in France to take part in the G7 leaders' forum, said the government intended to prevent extremists from exploiting digital platforms to post extremely violent content. "We are doing everything we can to deny terrorists the opportunity to glorify their crimes," he said in a statement. Australia and New Zealand have increased scrutiny of websites and social media companies in the wake of the Christchurch massacre in March, when 51 worshippers were killed in attacks on two New Zealand mosques. The attack was live-streamed by alleged gunman Brenton Tarrant over Facebook. The government said it would establish a framework to block domains hosting such material. Australia's eSafety Commissioner would determine on a case-by-case basis what should be censored and was working with industry on arrangements to quickly block access during an attack. A 24/7 Crisis Coordination Centre would be established to monitor the online world for extreme violence or terrorist material. In addition to extremist violence, domains hosting any abhorrent violent material - defined as content showing murder, attempted murder, rape, torture, or kidnapping - that is recorded by anyone involved in the conduct also would be blocked, the government said. The government did not elaborate on what legislative options would be used if digital platforms failed to improve safety. Tech giants including Facebook, YouTube, Amazon, Microsoft and Twitter, along with Telstra, Vodafone, TPG and Optus are expected to provide details to the government by the end of next month on how they will carry out the recommendations. The firms are all members of the Taskforce to Combat Terrorist and Extreme Violent Material Online, which had recommended a clear framework be established. It was not immediately clear how the move would affect media reporting of terror attacks or civil unrest. SKY Network Television Ltd was fined $2,560 by New Zealand's Broadcasting Standards Authority earlier this month for showing a number of edited clips taken from the alleged Christchurch attacker's 17‑minute live stream video. The regulator said in its judgment that, while the broadcast was newsworthy, the clips contained disturbing violent content which could cause distress, or glorify the alleged attacker and promote his messages.

Australia: Government to block internet domains hosting extremist content during terror attacks

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Australian captain Tim Paine admitted that Ben Stokes was simply too good for the visitors as the all-rounder delivered one of the greatest Ashes innings to help <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-ben-stokes-stars-as-england-win-headingley-test-by-1-wicket-245572">England to victory at Headingley</a> that levelled the series.

With England on the ropes at 286-9, still 73 runs short of their target, Australia looked set to take a 2-0 lead in the five-Test series and retain the urn with two matches to play.

But England's World Cup hero Stokes launched a solo attack to score an unbeaten 135 and help the hosts chase down a target of 359 in dramatic fashion.

"We finished up on the wrong side of it. In terms of an advertisement for Test cricket, I think that was bloody exciting," Paine said.

"Ben Stokes played an unbelievable innings and in the end he was too good for us.

"It was probably the best Test innings I've seen and the rest of the team thought the same thing."

Australia threatened to take the final wicket for a victory that seemed inevitable on several occasions but failed to get the job done.

With 17 runs needed, Stokes was dropped by Marcus Harris at third man. In the next over, Jack Leach should have been run out, only for Nathan Lyon to fumble the ball.

Stokes should have been adjudged leg before on the very next ball, but with no reviews left, Australia could not challenge the umpire's call.

Paine said his players were guilty of individual errors in the closing stages of the match but maintained they did not crack under the pressure.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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No "sulking" or getting "caught in the emotion" – skipper Tim Paine wants Australia to move on from the Headingley heartbreak. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/PUwESjfTuo">https://t.co/PUwESjfTuo</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1165874015413702656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"No doubt there was pressure, that's Test cricket, and it was close, tight, the crowd was loud, that was as hard as it gets for a touring side," the skipper added.

"Sometimes people make mistakes and we made a couple today.In the end it cost us the Test match. We have time now to make sure we stick together, bounce back."

Australia will look to shake off the disappointment heading into Old Trafford, where top scorer Steve Smith could return after missing the third Test due to concussion.

"As I said to the boys before I got in here, if we get caught up in the emotion of it all and get too down on things the series can be taken away from you really quickly," Paine said.

"The facts are we've been in a position to win every Test match that we've played in so far. We're doing something right, we have to keep believing in that."

Australian captain Tim Paine admitted that Ben Stokes was simply too good for the visitors as the all-rounder delivered one of the greatest Ashes innings to help England to victory at Headingley that levelled the series.

Australian captain Tim Paine admitted that Ben Stokes was simply too good for the visitors as the all-rounder delivered one of the greatest Ashes innings to help England to victory at Headingley that levelled the series. With England on the ropes at 286-9, still 73 runs short of their target, Australia looked set to take a 2-0 lead in the five-Test series and retain the urn with two matches to play. But England's World Cup hero Stokes launched a solo attack to score an unbeaten 135 and help the hosts chase down a target of 359 in dramatic fashion. "We finished up on the wrong side of it. In terms of an advertisement for Test cricket, I think that was bloody exciting," Paine said. "Ben Stokes played an unbelievable innings and in the end he was too good for us. "It was probably the best Test innings I've seen and the rest of the team thought the same thing." Australia threatened to take the final wicket for a victory that seemed inevitable on several occasions but failed to get the job done. With 17 runs needed, Stokes was dropped by Marcus Harris at third man. In the next over, Jack Leach should have been run out, only for Nathan Lyon to fumble the ball. Stokes should have been adjudged leg before on the very next ball, but with no reviews left, Australia could not challenge the umpire's call. Paine said his players were guilty of individual errors in the closing stages of the match but maintained they did not crack under the pressure. No "sulking" or getting "caught in the emotion" – skipper Tim Paine wants Australia to move on from the Headingley heartbreak. #Ashes https://t.co/PUwESjfTuo — ICC (@ICC) August 26, 2019 × "No doubt there was pressure, that's Test cricket, and it was close, tight, the crowd was loud, that was as hard as it gets for a touring side," the skipper added. "Sometimes people make mistakes and we made a couple today.In the end it cost us the Test match. We have time now to make sure we stick together, bounce back." Australia will look to shake off the disappointment heading into Old Trafford, where top scorer Steve Smith could return after missing the third Test due to concussion. "As I said to the boys before I got in here, if we get caught up in the emotion of it all and get too down on things the series can be taken away from you really quickly," Paine said. "The facts are we've been in a position to win every Test match that we've played in so far. We're doing something right, we have to keep believing in that."

'Unbelievable' Ben Stokes was too good for Australia, says Tim Paine

Australia will block access to internet domains hosting terrorist material during crisis events and will consider legislation to force digital platforms to improve the safety of their services, officials said on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-wont-host-us-missiles-prime-minister-says-244144">Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a>, who is in France to take part in the G7 leader's forum, said the government intended to prevent extremists from exploiting digital platforms to post extremely violent content.

"We are doing everything we can to deny terrorists the opportunity to glorify their crimes," he said in a statement.

Australia and New Zealand have increased scrutiny of websites and social media companies in the wake of the Christchurch massacre in March when 51 worshippers were killed in attacks on two New Zealand mosques.

The attack was live-streamed by alleged gunman Brenton Tarrant over Facebook.

The government said it would establish a framework to block domains hosting such material.&nbsp;

Australia's eSafety Commissioner would determine on a case-by-case basis what should be censored and was working with industry on arrangements to quickly block access during an attack.

A 24/7 Crisis Coordination Centre would be established to monitor the online world for extreme violence or terrorist material.

The government did not elaborate on what legislative options would be used if digital platforms failed to improve safety.

Tech giants including Facebook, YouTube, Amazon, Microsoft, and Twitter, along with Telstra, Vodafone, TPG, and Optus are expected to provide details to the government by the end of next month on how they will carry out the recommendations.

The firms are all members of the Taskforce to Combat Terrorist and Extreme Violent Material Online, which had recommended a clear framework to be established.

It was not immediately clear how the move would affect media reporting of terror attacks or civil unrest.

Sky News New Zealand was fined NZ$4,000 ($2,560) by New Zealand's Broadcasting Standards Authority earlier this month for showing several edited clips taken from the alleged Christchurch attacker's 17-minute live stream video during its news broadcast.

The regulator said in its judgment that, while the broadcast was newsworthy, the clips contained disturbing violent content which could cause distress, or glorify the alleged attacker and promote his messages.

Australia will block access to internet domains hosting terrorist material during crisis events and will consider legislation to force digital platforms to improve the safety of their services, officials said on Sunday. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is in France to take part in the G7 leader's forum, said the government intended to prevent extremists from exploiting digital platforms to post extremely violent content. "We are doing everything we can to deny terrorists the opportunity to glorify their crimes," he said in a statement. Australia and New Zealand have increased scrutiny of websites and social media companies in the wake of the Christchurch massacre in March when 51 worshippers were killed in attacks on two New Zealand mosques. The attack was live-streamed by alleged gunman Brenton Tarrant over Facebook. The government said it would establish a framework to block domains hosting such material. Australia's eSafety Commissioner would determine on a case-by-case basis what should be censored and was working with industry on arrangements to quickly block access during an attack. A 24/7 Crisis Coordination Centre would be established to monitor the online world for extreme violence or terrorist material. The government did not elaborate on what legislative options would be used if digital platforms failed to improve safety. Tech giants including Facebook, YouTube, Amazon, Microsoft, and Twitter, along with Telstra, Vodafone, TPG, and Optus are expected to provide details to the government by the end of next month on how they will carry out the recommendations. The firms are all members of the Taskforce to Combat Terrorist and Extreme Violent Material Online, which had recommended a clear framework to be established. It was not immediately clear how the move would affect media reporting of terror attacks or civil unrest. Sky News New Zealand was fined NZ$4,000 ($2,560) by New Zealand's Broadcasting Standards Authority earlier this month for showing several edited clips taken from the alleged Christchurch attacker's 17-minute live stream video during its news broadcast. The regulator said in its judgment that, while the broadcast was newsworthy, the clips contained disturbing violent content which could cause distress, or glorify the alleged attacker and promote his messages.

Australia to block internet domains hosting extremist content during terror attacks

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