Queensland quick <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iplauction-complete-players-list-and-their-base-price-30869">Michael&nbsp;Neser</a>&nbsp;looks set to make his test&nbsp;debut&nbsp;against New Zealand on Thursday with Australia considering an unconventional&nbsp;five-man attack for the Boxing Day Test at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rain-fails-to-dampen-spirits-as-indian-fans-flock-melbourne-cricket-ground-for-second-t20-178922">Melbourne&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Ground</a> (MCG).

The hosts, who can clinch the three-match series with a second successive victory, are wary of the surface at MCG where&nbsp;bowlers had to really toil for any success in recent times.

They will unveil their playing XI on Thursday morning but captain Tim Paine suggested playing a fifth specialist&nbsp;bowler, a&nbsp;ploy&nbsp;they last employed in 2013 in Sydney against Sri Lanka.

"Looking at the wicket in the last two or three Boxing Day test matches, it's been very hard to take 20 wickets," Paine told reporters on Wednesday.

"Our batting team has been scoring a lot of runs so if we were to go one more&nbsp;bowler, we would be comfortable they could do the job.

"The&nbsp;bowlers we would be bringing in an all bat so while we're taking a batter out, we're probably lengthening our line-up."

Travis Head could be sacrificed to accommodate&nbsp;Neser&nbsp;while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/james-pattinson-banned-for-first-test-against-pakistan-for-personal-abuse-262662">James Pattinson</a>, replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood, will join the pace attack which also features Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Nathan Lyon is their lone specialist spinner.

Earlier this month, a Sheffield Shield match at the MCG was abandoned after several batsmen sustained blows to the body on a dangerous pitch.

New Zealand have confirmed two changes with Tom Blundell shoehorned into the makeshift opener's role replacing the off-color Jeet Raval, and quick Trent Boult returning from a rib muscle injury.

"It's a brilliant opportunity. I guess there's a sense of romance about being involved in the Boxing Day Test," skipper Kane Williamson said.

"The guys have all grown up watching whoever's been involved so it's quite cool to be part of it."

"He's a positive player and a smart&nbsp;cricketer so it's just trying to adapt to the conditions," Williamson said of Blundell who will be playing his first test in two years.

With 10 days to recover from the shellacking in the day-night test in Perth, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nzvsl-new-zealand-thrash-sri-lanka-to-level-series-1-1-245853">New Zealand </a>are confident of doing better with the red ball.

"Perth was tough and Australia is very good and tactically sound," Williamson said.

"It's important we learn from some bits of Perth but turn our focus to Melbourne and changing conditions and perhaps not be too reactive to that performance."

Queensland quick Michael Neser looks set to make his test debut against New Zealand on Thursday with Australia considering an unconventional five-man attack for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Queensland quick Michael Neser looks set to make his test debut against New Zealand on Thursday with Australia considering an unconventional five-man attack for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The hosts, who can clinch the three-match series with a second successive victory, are wary of the surface at MCG where bowlers had to really toil for any success in recent times. They will unveil their playing XI on Thursday morning but captain Tim Paine suggested playing a fifth specialist bowler, a ploy they last employed in 2013 in Sydney against Sri Lanka. "Looking at the wicket in the last two or three Boxing Day test matches, it's been very hard to take 20 wickets," Paine told reporters on Wednesday. "Our batting team has been scoring a lot of runs so if we were to go one more bowler, we would be comfortable they could do the job. "The bowlers we would be bringing in an all bat so while we're taking a batter out, we're probably lengthening our line-up." Travis Head could be sacrificed to accommodate Neser while James Pattinson, replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood, will join the pace attack which also features Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Nathan Lyon is their lone specialist spinner. Earlier this month, a Sheffield Shield match at the MCG was abandoned after several batsmen sustained blows to the body on a dangerous pitch. New Zealand have confirmed two changes with Tom Blundell shoehorned into the makeshift opener's role replacing the off-color Jeet Raval, and quick Trent Boult returning from a rib muscle injury. "It's a brilliant opportunity. I guess there's a sense of romance about being involved in the Boxing Day Test," skipper Kane Williamson said. "The guys have all grown up watching whoever's been involved so it's quite cool to be part of it." "He's a positive player and a smart cricketer so it's just trying to adapt to the conditions," Williamson said of Blundell who will be playing his first test in two years. With 10 days to recover from the shellacking in the day-night test in Perth, New Zealand are confident of doing better with the red ball. "Perth was tough and Australia is very good and tactically sound," Williamson said. "It's important we learn from some bits of Perth but turn our focus to Melbourne and changing conditions and perhaps not be too reactive to that performance."

Cricket: Neser likely to debut in Australia's five-bowler ploy

Australia recorded one of their biggest wins over New Zealand on the fourth day of the first Test at Perth Stadium on Sunday.

Having trailed by 250 runs on the first innings the Kiwis were set a mammoth 468 to win -- which would have been a record chase in Test cricket -- on a deteriorating pitch after Australia declared at 217 for nine in their second innings.

The visitors were never in contention after losing their first wicket with just six runs on the board and were unable to push the match into a fifth day after Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins cleaned up the Kiwi tail under lights in Perth's first ever day-night Test.

New Zealand were dismissed for 171 and were beaten by 296 runs, the last five wickets falling in a hurry for just 17 runs.

It was just one run shy of their biggest losing margin to Australia -- in runs -- in a match where both teams batted twice.

Australia's biggest win, other than innings victories, was 297 runs in Auckland in 1974.

Starc (4-45), who claimed nine wickets for the match, and Cummins (2-31) used the pink ball to good effect under lights to bring the match to a quick conclusion after none of the recognised Kiwi batsmen offered significant resistance.

The chase started poorly, with opener Jeet Raval making just one before being caught at gully by Nathan Lyon (4-63) from the bowling of Starc.

Star batsman and captain Kane Williamson then made just 14, before falling to Lyon's first ball of the innings.

Williamson got off to a fast start with boundaries from the first two balls he faced, but was caught at short leg fending a ball that bounced and turned sharply off his glove into the hands of Matthew Wade.

Ross Taylor was their last real hope of making a revival but on 22 he tried to pull a Starc delivery and got a bottom edge through to wicketkeeper Tim Paine to give the left-arm quick his seventh wicket of the match.

Tom Latham showed plenty of application to face 68 balls for his 18, but was given out leg before wicket to Lyon after an Australian DRS review, with umpire Aleem Dar initially giving him not out.

BJ Watling attempted to stem the tide with a gritty 40 and enjoyed a bit of luck as Australia didn't review when he got a faint outside edge through to Paine.

Smith then dropped a tough chance off the bowling of Lyon at first slip.

He was given out on review caught down leg side by Paine off the bowling of Starc after umpire Nigel Llong had turned down the appeal -- a dismissal that signalled the end of the Kiwi resistance.

Earlier, Australia's second innings fell away dramatically after being 131 for one at one stage on the third day.

The home team lost seven wickets for 58 runs, as they struggled against a sustained barrage of short-pitched bowling on another hot Perth day.

Tim Southee again impressed with 5-69, after also picking up four wickets in the first innings.

Australia recorded one of their biggest wins over New Zealand on the fourth day of the first Test at Perth Stadium on Sunday. Having trailed by 250 runs on the first innings the Kiwis were set a mammoth 468 to win -- which would have been a record chase in Test cricket -- on a deteriorating pitch after Australia declared at 217 for nine in their second innings.

Australia recorded one of their biggest wins over New Zealand on the fourth day of the first Test at Perth Stadium on Sunday. Having trailed by 250 runs on the first innings the Kiwis were set a mammoth 468 to win -- which would have been a record chase in Test cricket -- on a deteriorating pitch after Australia declared at 217 for nine in their second innings. The visitors were never in contention after losing their first wicket with just six runs on the board and were unable to push the match into a fifth day after Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins cleaned up the Kiwi tail under lights in Perth's first ever day-night Test. New Zealand were dismissed for 171 and were beaten by 296 runs, the last five wickets falling in a hurry for just 17 runs. It was just one run shy of their biggest losing margin to Australia -- in runs -- in a match where both teams batted twice. Australia's biggest win, other than innings victories, was 297 runs in Auckland in 1974. Starc (4-45), who claimed nine wickets for the match, and Cummins (2-31) used the pink ball to good effect under lights to bring the match to a quick conclusion after none of the recognised Kiwi batsmen offered significant resistance. The chase started poorly, with opener Jeet Raval making just one before being caught at gully by Nathan Lyon (4-63) from the bowling of Starc. Star batsman and captain Kane Williamson then made just 14, before falling to Lyon's first ball of the innings. Williamson got off to a fast start with boundaries from the first two balls he faced, but was caught at short leg fending a ball that bounced and turned sharply off his glove into the hands of Matthew Wade. Ross Taylor was their last real hope of making a revival but on 22 he tried to pull a Starc delivery and got a bottom edge through to wicketkeeper Tim Paine to give the left-arm quick his seventh wicket of the match. Tom Latham showed plenty of application to face 68 balls for his 18, but was given out leg before wicket to Lyon after an Australian DRS review, with umpire Aleem Dar initially giving him not out. BJ Watling attempted to stem the tide with a gritty 40 and enjoyed a bit of luck as Australia didn't review when he got a faint outside edge through to Paine. Smith then dropped a tough chance off the bowling of Lyon at first slip. He was given out on review caught down leg side by Paine off the bowling of Starc after umpire Nigel Llong had turned down the appeal -- a dismissal that signalled the end of the Kiwi resistance. Earlier, Australia's second innings fell away dramatically after being 131 for one at one stage on the third day. The home team lost seven wickets for 58 runs, as they struggled against a sustained barrage of short-pitched bowling on another hot Perth day. Tim Southee again impressed with 5-69, after also picking up four wickets in the first innings.

Australia beat New Zealand by 296 runs to win first Test in Perth

Australia's government on Tuesday ordered an inquiry into allegations that police, customs and immigration officials illegally smoothed the way for a prominent casino group to attract Chinese high rollers.

Crown casinos have been in the spotlight since Sunday when a series of media reports alleged it used junket operators with links to Asian triad gangs, that drug traffickers laundered money through the company, and that government employees gave special treatment to wealthy Chinese gamblers.

Attorney-General Christian Porter said on Tuesday he had referred the allegations raised by the Nine News investigation to the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity.

"It's my view that there are sufficient concerns raised at least to warrant further investigations," he told the Australian parliament.

Officials are accused of waving Chinese VIP gamblers through customs, issuing fast-track visas to high rollers and moonlighting for a VIP visitor to the casino.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie told parliament that in one instance some gamblers stepped off a plane and travelled directly to the casino, stopping only to pick up a sex worker en route.

The high rollers who are alleged to have visited the casino on junkets from China include Ming Chai - the cousin of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying rejected the allegations against Ming.

"I don't know where these media outlets dig out these rumours from to make such groundless accusations," Hua said at a regular briefing.

"These sensational claims are an attempt to discredit China. I think such tactics are despicable."

Porter stressed that beyond the media reports he did not have "any other obvious evidence otherwise available that supports allegations against law enforcement, immigration or customs authorities".

The commission would now decide whether or not to launch a full investigation, Porter said.

Crown said it would work with any investigation and denied wrongdoing.

"Crown absolutely rejects allegations of illegality made in Parliament today and in recent media reporting. We believe these allegations are ill-informed and an attempt to smear the company," a statement said.

The Department of Home Affairs told AFP it has a series of arrangements with large international organisations to quickly process short-stay visas.

Such an agreement existed with Crown between 2003 and 2016.

The department said there was "no reduced vetting in certain locations or for certain applicants" and there was "no discretion" to waive legislative requirements for such visas.

Crown has casinos in Melbourne and Perth and is building another in Sydney.

Australia's government on Tuesday ordered an inquiry into allegations that police, customs and immigration officials illegally smoothed the way for a prominent casino group to attract Chinese high rollers.

Australia's government on Tuesday ordered an inquiry into allegations that police, customs and immigration officials illegally smoothed the way for a prominent casino group to attract Chinese high rollers. Crown casinos have been in the spotlight since Sunday when a series of media reports alleged it used junket operators with links to Asian triad gangs, that drug traffickers laundered money through the company, and that government employees gave special treatment to wealthy Chinese gamblers. Attorney-General Christian Porter said on Tuesday he had referred the allegations raised by the Nine News investigation to the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity. "It's my view that there are sufficient concerns raised at least to warrant further investigations," he told the Australian parliament. Officials are accused of waving Chinese VIP gamblers through customs, issuing fast-track visas to high rollers and moonlighting for a VIP visitor to the casino. Independent MP Andrew Wilkie told parliament that in one instance some gamblers stepped off a plane and travelled directly to the casino, stopping only to pick up a sex worker en route. The high rollers who are alleged to have visited the casino on junkets from China include Ming Chai - the cousin of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying rejected the allegations against Ming. "I don't know where these media outlets dig out these rumours from to make such groundless accusations," Hua said at a regular briefing. "These sensational claims are an attempt to discredit China. I think such tactics are despicable." Porter stressed that beyond the media reports he did not have "any other obvious evidence otherwise available that supports allegations against law enforcement, immigration or customs authorities". The commission would now decide whether or not to launch a full investigation, Porter said. Crown said it would work with any investigation and denied wrongdoing. "Crown absolutely rejects allegations of illegality made in Parliament today and in recent media reporting. We believe these allegations are ill-informed and an attempt to smear the company," a statement said. The Department of Home Affairs told AFP it has a series of arrangements with large international organisations to quickly process short-stay visas. Such an agreement existed with Crown between 2003 and 2016. The department said there was "no reduced vetting in certain locations or for certain applicants" and there was "no discretion" to waive legislative requirements for such visas. Crown has casinos in Melbourne and Perth and is building another in Sydney.

Australia orders probe into treatment of Chinese high rollers

Former Test cricketers Mitchell Johnson and Michael Vaughan have slammed the ICC for giving an 'average' rating to the Perth Stadium pitch, which hosted India's second Test against Australia.&nbsp;

Match referee Ranjan Madugalle on Friday rated the pitch at Perth Stadium as 'average', the lowest pass mark provided by the ICC when they assess the pitch and outfield of Test grounds.&nbsp;

Australia had defeated India by 146 runs on the fifth and final day of the second Test at the Perth Stadium.&nbsp;

"Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I'd actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting Test at the MCG," Johnson wrote on his twitter handle.&nbsp;

Vaughan also took to Twitter to criticise ICC's decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"And they wonder why Test Match cricket is struggling .. Was a tremendously exciting pitch which had a bit for everyone .. Should be more like this IMO..."&nbsp;

The ICC's rating is presumably due to the uneven bounce that became more prevalent later in the match.&nbsp;

However, Johnson disagreed.&nbsp;

"Inconsistent bounce use to happen a lot, the pitch is supposed to deteriorate. Is it any different to a pitch that spins a metre or more &amp; stays low?," he wrote.&nbsp;

The Perth pitch saw some sharp bounce with one Mohammed Shami delivery hitting Australian opener Aaron Finch's right glove, forcing him to retire hurt.&nbsp;

Usman Khawaja and Tim Paine were also dismissed in Australia's second innings by balls that reared sharply off a good length.&nbsp;

However, Khawaja's 72 after India skipper Virat Kohli's 123 in the first innings proved there were runs on offer in the wicket.&nbsp;

At the start of the year, the ICC introduced a disciplinary system in a bid to improve the standard of pitches around the world and can provide six ratings, very good, good, average, below average, poor and unfit, when rating Test venues.&nbsp;

The third Test between India and Australia will be held at the MCG, which had received a 'poor' rating last year and there will be a lot of focus on new MCG curator Matthew Page this week.

Former Test cricketers Mitchell Johnson and Michael Vaughan have slammed the ICC for giving an 'average' rating to the Perth Stadium pitch, which hosted India's second Test against Australia.

Former Test cricketers Mitchell Johnson and Michael Vaughan have slammed the ICC for giving an 'average' rating to the Perth Stadium pitch, which hosted India's second Test against Australia. Match referee Ranjan Madugalle on Friday rated the pitch at Perth Stadium as 'average', the lowest pass mark provided by the ICC when they assess the pitch and outfield of Test grounds. Australia had defeated India by 146 runs on the fifth and final day of the second Test at the Perth Stadium. "Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I'd actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting Test at the MCG," Johnson wrote on his twitter handle. Vaughan also took to Twitter to criticise ICC's decision. "And they wonder why Test Match cricket is struggling .. Was a tremendously exciting pitch which had a bit for everyone .. Should be more like this IMO..." The ICC's rating is presumably due to the uneven bounce that became more prevalent later in the match. However, Johnson disagreed. "Inconsistent bounce use to happen a lot, the pitch is supposed to deteriorate. Is it any different to a pitch that spins a metre or more & stays low?," he wrote. The Perth pitch saw some sharp bounce with one Mohammed Shami delivery hitting Australian opener Aaron Finch's right glove, forcing him to retire hurt. Usman Khawaja and Tim Paine were also dismissed in Australia's second innings by balls that reared sharply off a good length. However, Khawaja's 72 after India skipper Virat Kohli's 123 in the first innings proved there were runs on offer in the wicket. At the start of the year, the ICC introduced a disciplinary system in a bid to improve the standard of pitches around the world and can provide six ratings, very good, good, average, below average, poor and unfit, when rating Test venues. The third Test between India and Australia will be held at the MCG, which had received a 'poor' rating last year and there will be a lot of focus on new MCG curator Matthew Page this week.

Mitchell Johnson, Michael Vaughan slam ICC's Perth pitch rating

Australia were bowled out for just 152 in 38.1 overs by South Africa in the opening one-day international in Perth on Sunday, with their batsmen collapsing under a pace onslaught.

The hosts came into the game having lost 16 of their past 18 ODIs and with the reverberations of a ball-tampering scandal this year still hanging over them.

Nathan Coulter-Nile (34) and Alex Carey (33) were the only ones to offer any resistance, with Andile Phehlukwayo the pick of the South African bowlers with 3-33 off six overs.

The Proteas opted for a four-pronged pace attack on a fast pitch and after winning the toss and choosing to bowl it quickly paid dividends with Australia soon in trouble.

Travis Head got a thick edge to Quinton de Kock off veteran quick Dale Steyn for just one and then D'Arcy Short, in the side for Shaun Marsh who needs minor surgery on an abscess, followed him back to the pavilion for a duck two balls later.

Again the dangerous Steyn did the damage, with Short driving a swinging ball into the hands of skipper Faf du Plessis who held a flying catch at second slip to leave Australia 4-2.

Captain Aaron Finch, who can be explosive when in full flight, totally misjudged the bounce from a Lungi Ngidi delivery and was out lbw soon after for five.

He mistakenly opted not to review with Australia floundering at 8-3 as replays revealed the ball would have gone over the stumps.

The first four of the innings didn't come until the 12th over when Chris Lynn drove a full-toss to the boundary but he couldn't build on the momentum, caught behind for 15 on review after the umpire initially gave him not out.

Another review saw a fuming Glenn Maxwell gone for 11 with Phehlukwayo just getting his fingers under the ball for a catch at mid-on.

Left-hander Carey, in the side as wicketkeeper after Tim Paine was dropped, kept the scoreboard slowly ticking over but he fell attempting to scoop an Imran Tahir ball over the head of de Kock.

Some late fireworks from Coulter-Nile, including a big six, took Australia past 150.

Australia were bowled out for just 152 in 38.1 overs by South Africa in the opening one-day international in Perth on Sunday, with their batsmen collapsing under a pace onslaught.

Australia were bowled out for just 152 in 38.1 overs by South Africa in the opening one-day international in Perth on Sunday, with their batsmen collapsing under a pace onslaught. The hosts came into the game having lost 16 of their past 18 ODIs and with the reverberations of a ball-tampering scandal this year still hanging over them. Nathan Coulter-Nile (34) and Alex Carey (33) were the only ones to offer any resistance, with Andile Phehlukwayo the pick of the South African bowlers with 3-33 off six overs. The Proteas opted for a four-pronged pace attack on a fast pitch and after winning the toss and choosing to bowl it quickly paid dividends with Australia soon in trouble. Travis Head got a thick edge to Quinton de Kock off veteran quick Dale Steyn for just one and then D'Arcy Short, in the side for Shaun Marsh who needs minor surgery on an abscess, followed him back to the pavilion for a duck two balls later. Again the dangerous Steyn did the damage, with Short driving a swinging ball into the hands of skipper Faf du Plessis who held a flying catch at second slip to leave Australia 4-2. Captain Aaron Finch, who can be explosive when in full flight, totally misjudged the bounce from a Lungi Ngidi delivery and was out lbw soon after for five. He mistakenly opted not to review with Australia floundering at 8-3 as replays revealed the ball would have gone over the stumps. The first four of the innings didn't come until the 12th over when Chris Lynn drove a full-toss to the boundary but he couldn't build on the momentum, caught behind for 15 on review after the umpire initially gave him not out. Another review saw a fuming Glenn Maxwell gone for 11 with Phehlukwayo just getting his fingers under the ball for a catch at mid-on. Left-hander Carey, in the side as wicketkeeper after Tim Paine was dropped, kept the scoreboard slowly ticking over but he fell attempting to scoop an Imran Tahir ball over the head of de Kock. Some late fireworks from Coulter-Nile, including a big six, took Australia past 150.

Australia slump to 152 all out against South Africa

The first scheduled non-stop flight between Australia and the United Kingdom touched down at London&#39;s Heathrow Airport, earlier on Sunday, reducing a trip that once took 12 1/2 days to 17 hours.

Qantas Airways&#39; inaugural service between the Australian city of Perth and Heathrow completed a 14,498 km (9,009-mile) journey in just 17 hours.

The airline used the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which is twice as fuel-efficient as the Boeing 747.

This new link is part of Qantas&#39; ambitious plans, unveiled over the past two years, to add ultra long-haul flights to its global schedules, a media reported.

&quot;The last frontier of global aviation ... the antidote to the tyranny of distance and a revolution for air travel in Australia,&quot; The Telegraph quoted Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce as saying last year.

Meanwhile, travel firm Flight Centre has recorded a &quot;high demand&quot; for the new Qantas flights.

&quot;Flight Centre definitely feels that long-term the new route is viable and we will see additional services being launched from Europe to Australia in the coming years,&quot; head of aviation, Justin Penny said.

The new link with Perth will be around three hours quicker than routes which involve stopping in the Middle East to change planes or refuel.

It will also enable faster journeys to Sydney and Melbourne than flying via Dubai.&nbsp;

The first scheduled non-stop flight between Australia and the United Kingdom touched down at London's Heathrow Airport, earlier on Sunday, reducing a trip that once took 12 1/2 days to 17 hours

The first scheduled non-stop flight between Australia and the United Kingdom touched down at London's Heathrow Airport, earlier on Sunday, reducing a trip that once took 12 1/2 days to 17 hours. Qantas Airways' inaugural service between the Australian city of Perth and Heathrow completed a 14,498 km (9,009-mile) journey in just 17 hours. The airline used the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which is twice as fuel-efficient as the Boeing 747. This new link is part of Qantas' ambitious plans, unveiled over the past two years, to add ultra long-haul flights to its global schedules, a media reported. "The last frontier of global aviation ... the antidote to the tyranny of distance and a revolution for air travel in Australia," The Telegraph quoted Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce as saying last year. Meanwhile, travel firm Flight Centre has recorded a "high demand" for the new Qantas flights. "Flight Centre definitely feels that long-term the new route is viable and we will see additional services being launched from Europe to Australia in the coming years," head of aviation, Justin Penny said. The new link with Perth will be around three hours quicker than routes which involve stopping in the Middle East to change planes or refuel. It will also enable faster journeys to Sydney and Melbourne than flying via Dubai.

'Last frontier' of aviation conquered with direct flight from Perth to London

The International Cricket Council on Thursday approved the new Perth Stadium to host all international formats of all the game, formally lowering the curtain on the city&#39;s venerable WACA Ground.

The new 60,000-capacity stadium will host a sold-out one-day international against England on January 28 in the first sporting event held at the state-of-the-art arena.

ICC match referee Richie Richardson submitted a gushing report after inspecting the venue.

&quot;This is by far the most impressive and well laid-out stadium I have ever visited,&quot; he said.

&quot;The comprehensive amenities, along with the quality and functionality of the facility, surpasses the required standard to host any international cricket match.&quot;

The West Indies great added that it was &quot;a wonderful, refreshing, world-class stadium, and I have no hesitation in recommending that the venue is approved for staging all three formats of international cricket&quot;.

The WACA, a Test venue since 1970, was once touted as the world&#39;s fastest pitch, making it the stuff of nightmares for many visiting teams.

Last month, the WACA staged its 44th and final Test when Australia beat England by an innings and 41 runs to reclaim the Ashes urn.

The new 60,000-capacity stadium will host a sold-out one-day international against England on January 28 in the first sporting event held at the state-of-the-art arena.

The International Cricket Council on Thursday approved the new Perth Stadium to host all international formats of all the game, formally lowering the curtain on the city's venerable WACA Ground. The new 60,000-capacity stadium will host a sold-out one-day international against England on January 28 in the first sporting event held at the state-of-the-art arena. ICC match referee Richie Richardson submitted a gushing report after inspecting the venue. "This is by far the most impressive and well laid-out stadium I have ever visited," he said. "The comprehensive amenities, along with the quality and functionality of the facility, surpasses the required standard to host any international cricket match." The West Indies great added that it was "a wonderful, refreshing, world-class stadium, and I have no hesitation in recommending that the venue is approved for staging all three formats of international cricket". The WACA, a Test venue since 1970, was once touted as the world's fastest pitch, making it the stuff of nightmares for many visiting teams. Last month, the WACA staged its 44th and final Test when Australia beat England by an innings and 41 runs to reclaim the Ashes urn.

'World-class' Perth stadium gets ICC green light

A buoyant Angelique Kerber beat a battling Eugenie Bouchard to lead Germany to a 3-0 win over Canada at the mixed-teams Hopman Cup on Wednesday.

Former world number one Kerber notched her second straight-sets wins in Perth to start the new year, while Bouchard - once ranked fifth but now 83rd - was testy after yet another comprehensive defeat.

Kerber&#39;s win gave the Germans a perfect start to the Group A tie. Young gun Alexander Zverev then ensured they remained unbeaten after two outings with an emphatic win over Vasek Pospisil.

In the dead mixed doubles, the Germans completed a clean sweep with a straight-sets win.

If the Germans beat Australia on Friday they will be guaranteed a berth in Saturday&#39;s final.

As was the case in her 6-1, 6-4 loss to Australian Daria Gavrilova on Monday, Bouchard barely fired a shot against Kerber in the first set but resurrected her game in the second.

Bouchard opened the match by holding to love. She then had Kerber break point down in the next game before the German veteran steadied.

Kerber steamrolled Bouchard from there to close out the set in just 22 minutes.

At 3-3 in the second set, Bouchard held four break points. But Kerber staved them off, held serve and then strolled through the last two games comfortably to win 6-1, 6-3 in 57 minutes.

The contrasting moods of Kerber and Bouchard told the story, with the former rapidly regaining confidence in her own game after a frustrating 2017 in which she slipped from number one in the rankings to 21st.

&quot;I was feeling very good from the first point,&quot; she said. &quot;I was trying to be aggressive and play my game. It is not so easy to play against Eugenie but today it was a good match. It&#39;s (her own game) feeling a little bit better than one week ago.&quot;

But Bouchard could barely contain her frustration, complaining about match scheduling and the off-court activities in Perth after an error-riddled performance.

The 23-year-old said she was trying not to be consumed by the pressure to climb back up the rankings.

Also, World number four Zverev cruised past the 108th-ranked Pospisil in a 6-4, 6-2 win. The German called it his reward for putting in extra practice after his disappointing singles loss to Belgium&#39;s David Goffin on Monday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamGermany?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamGermany</a> bring it home in the mixed doubles 4-3(2) 4-3(2) ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HopmanCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HopmanCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/30BhefLYyS">pic.twitter.com/30BhefLYyS</a>
&mdash; Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) <a href="https://twitter.com/hopmancup/status/948434447057092609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The 20-year-old was delighted to have kept his team on track for the final of a tournament which Germany has won twice, most recently through Boris Becker and Anke Huber in 1995.

&quot;We have two wins now in the group, hopefully, we can get one more,&quot; he said.

&quot;It is a team competition and we are in a good spot.&quot;

Tennis: Hopman Cup scores (Group A)

Germany bt Canada 3-0

Women&#39;s singles: Angelique Kerber (GER) bt Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) 6-1, 6-3

Men&#39;s singles: Alexander Zverev (GER) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) 6-4, 6-2

Mixed doubles: KerberZverev (GER) bt Bouchard/Pospisil (CAN) 4-3 (5/2), 4-3 (5/2)

&nbsp;

Bouchard held many break points but Kerber staved them off, held serve and then strolled through the last two games comfortably to win 6-1, 6-3 in 57 minutes

A buoyant Angelique Kerber beat a battling Eugenie Bouchard to lead Germany to a 3-0 win over Canada at the mixed-teams Hopman Cup on Wednesday. Former world number one Kerber notched her second straight-sets wins in Perth to start the new year, while Bouchard - once ranked fifth but now 83rd - was testy after yet another comprehensive defeat. Kerber's win gave the Germans a perfect start to the Group A tie. Young gun Alexander Zverev then ensured they remained unbeaten after two outings with an emphatic win over Vasek Pospisil. In the dead mixed doubles, the Germans completed a clean sweep with a straight-sets win. If the Germans beat Australia on Friday they will be guaranteed a berth in Saturday's final. As was the case in her 6-1, 6-4 loss to Australian Daria Gavrilova on Monday, Bouchard barely fired a shot against Kerber in the first set but resurrected her game in the second. Bouchard opened the match by holding to love. She then had Kerber break point down in the next game before the German veteran steadied. Kerber steamrolled Bouchard from there to close out the set in just 22 minutes. At 3-3 in the second set, Bouchard held four break points. But Kerber staved them off, held serve and then strolled through the last two games comfortably to win 6-1, 6-3 in 57 minutes. The contrasting moods of Kerber and Bouchard told the story, with the former rapidly regaining confidence in her own game after a frustrating 2017 in which she slipped from number one in the rankings to 21st. "I was feeling very good from the first point," she said. "I was trying to be aggressive and play my game. It is not so easy to play against Eugenie but today it was a good match. It's (her own game) feeling a little bit better than one week ago." But Bouchard could barely contain her frustration, complaining about match scheduling and the off-court activities in Perth after an error-riddled performance. The 23-year-old said she was trying not to be consumed by the pressure to climb back up the rankings. Also, World number four Zverev cruised past the 108th-ranked Pospisil in a 6-4, 6-2 win. The German called it his reward for putting in extra practice after his disappointing singles loss to Belgium's David Goffin on Monday. #TeamGermany bring it home in the mixed doubles 4-3(2) 4-3(2) ?? #HopmanCup pic.twitter.com/30BhefLYyS — Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) January 3, 2018 × The 20-year-old was delighted to have kept his team on track for the final of a tournament which Germany has won twice, most recently through Boris Becker and Anke Huber in 1995. "We have two wins now in the group, hopefully, we can get one more," he said. "It is a team competition and we are in a good spot." Tennis: Hopman Cup scores (Group A) Germany bt Canada 3-0 Women's singles: Angelique Kerber (GER) bt Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) 6-1, 6-3 Men's singles: Alexander Zverev (GER) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) 6-4, 6-2 Mixed doubles: KerberZverev (GER) bt Bouchard/Pospisil (CAN) 4-3 (5/2), 4-3 (5/2)

Hopman Cup: Angelique Kerber defeats Eugenie Bouchard in straight sets

Australian captain Steve Smith has paid tribute to some bold selections after his team regained the Ashes in Perth today.

The home team took an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the series with an innings victory over the English at the WACA Ground, despite rain delays and a damaged pitch.

Smith said the comprehensive result, which has Australia on track for its third Ashes whitewash in four home series, was vindication for the national selectors for making some imaginative selections.

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine was not even keeping for his state side Tasmania when he was named for the first Test at the Gabba, while the recall of 34-year-old Shaun Marsh raised plenty of eyebrows.

Then batsman Peter Handscomb was dropped for the third Test, with underachieving all-rounder Mitchell Marsh getting a surprise recall.

Paine has responded with polished performances behind the stumps and 130 runs at 43.33, while Shaun Marsh produced a crucial century in the second Test in Adelaide and has 224 runs at 74.66.

Mitchell Marsh took his chance in the third Test, notching his maiden Test century in making 181.

&quot;I thought they were really good selections,&quot; Smith said.

&quot;Painey has been mentioned as the best keeper in the country for a long period of time and the way he has kept has been exceptional.

&quot;The way he has batted has been exceptional as well, we have had some very valuable runs from him at seven.

&quot;Shaun Marsh as well, he&#39;s come in and done a terrific job.&quot; 
 
Smith credited his bowling attack&#39;s firepower for providing the difference between the sides, with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins all capable of bowling considerably quicker than their English counterparts.

He said the success of the trio was reward for extended planning to ensure they were at their prime for the Ashes.

&quot;Here in Australia it certainly makes a difference on the flatter tracks where there isn&#39;t much sideways movement, that extra air speed can make a big difference,&quot; he said.

&quot;We&#39;ve worked really hard to ensure we had these three big quicks were on the park and ready for this series.

&quot;A couple of them skipped the one-day series in India as we knew what was coming up, we were preparing for this series and we wanted the big three on the park to do what they&#39;ve done the last three Test matches.&quot;

Pace bowler Starc battled a bruised heel in Perth, but the captain said he was keen to play in Melbourne.

&quot;I just saw him and he just said &#39;I&#39;m playing&#39;,&quot; Smith said.

&quot;Whether he has a choice in the matter I am not sure but he wants to play.&quot;

Australian have named an unchanged side for the Boxing Day Test, starting on December 26 at the MCG

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine was not even keeping for his state side when he was named for the first Ashes Test.

Australian captain Steve Smith has paid tribute to some bold selections after his team regained the Ashes in Perth today. The home team took an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the series with an innings victory over the English at the WACA Ground, despite rain delays and a damaged pitch. Smith said the comprehensive result, which has Australia on track for its third Ashes whitewash in four home series, was vindication for the national selectors for making some imaginative selections. Wicketkeeper Tim Paine was not even keeping for his state side Tasmania when he was named for the first Test at the Gabba, while the recall of 34-year-old Shaun Marsh raised plenty of eyebrows. Then batsman Peter Handscomb was dropped for the third Test, with underachieving all-rounder Mitchell Marsh getting a surprise recall. Paine has responded with polished performances behind the stumps and 130 runs at 43.33, while Shaun Marsh produced a crucial century in the second Test in Adelaide and has 224 runs at 74.66. Mitchell Marsh took his chance in the third Test, notching his maiden Test century in making 181. "I thought they were really good selections," Smith said. "Painey has been mentioned as the best keeper in the country for a long period of time and the way he has kept has been exceptional. "The way he has batted has been exceptional as well, we have had some very valuable runs from him at seven. "Shaun Marsh as well, he's come in and done a terrific job." Smith credited his bowling attack's firepower for providing the difference between the sides, with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins all capable of bowling considerably quicker than their English counterparts. He said the success of the trio was reward for extended planning to ensure they were at their prime for the Ashes. "Here in Australia it certainly makes a difference on the flatter tracks where there isn't much sideways movement, that extra air speed can make a big difference," he said. "We've worked really hard to ensure we had these three big quicks were on the park and ready for this series. "A couple of them skipped the one-day series in India as we knew what was coming up, we were preparing for this series and we wanted the big three on the park to do what they've done the last three Test matches." Pace bowler Starc battled a bruised heel in Perth, but the captain said he was keen to play in Melbourne. "I just saw him and he just said 'I'm playing'," Smith said. "Whether he has a choice in the matter I am not sure but he wants to play." Australian have named an unchanged side for the Boxing Day Test, starting on December 26 at the MCG

Australian skipper Smith praises bold selectors after Ashes win

Roger Federer will kick off his 20th season as a professional at the Hopman Cup next year, returning to the international team tournament in Perth for the first time since he teamed up with his now wife Mirka in 2002. 
 
The 34-year-old Swiss will be partnered at the Perth Arena from Jan. 1-7 by compatriot Belinda Bencic, who was a year old when Federer turned professional in July, 1998. 
 
&quot;I do remember it was a good preparation way back when so I thought it would be nice to do it again,&quot; the 17-times grand slam champion, a Hopman Cup winner with Martina Hingis in 2001, said in a video release. 
 
&quot;I can&#39;t wait to come back because I think it will be the perfect way to start the new season.&quot; 
 
Federer and the then Miroslava Vavrinec lost two of their three group matches at the 2002 Hopman Cup, which was won by Tommy Robredo and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario for Spain. 
 
Earlier this year, Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova teamed up to give Australia their first Hopman Cup triumph since 1999. 
 
(Reuters)

Roger Federer returns to the international team tournament in Perth for the first time since he teamed up with his now wife Mirka in 2000

Roger Federer will kick off his 20th season as a professional at the Hopman Cup next year, returning to the international team tournament in Perth for the first time since he teamed up with his now wife Mirka in 2002. The 34-year-old Swiss will be partnered at the Perth Arena from Jan. 1-7 by compatriot Belinda Bencic, who was a year old when Federer turned professional in July, 1998. "I do remember it was a good preparation way back when so I thought it would be nice to do it again," the 17-times grand slam champion, a Hopman Cup winner with Martina Hingis in 2001, said in a video release. "I can't wait to come back because I think it will be the perfect way to start the new season." Federer and the then Miroslava Vavrinec lost two of their three group matches at the 2002 Hopman Cup, which was won by Tommy Robredo and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario for Spain. Earlier this year, Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova teamed up to give Australia their first Hopman Cup triumph since 1999. (Reuters)

Federer to open 20th pro season at Hopman Cup

In an apparent hate crime, a mosque in Australia has been targetted with a firebomb and sprayed with anti-Islamic graffiti while hundreds of Muslims were inside for evening prayer, prompting the Prime Minister to condemn the incident. 
 
The attack occurred on Tuesday night near the Australian Islamic College in Perth.&nbsp; 
 
Local police said that accelerant was used to set the vehicles alight outside the Thornlie Mosque.&nbsp; 
 
A car was gutted and four other vehicles were also damaged by heat, according to media reports. 
 
&quot;This, undoubtedly is a criminal act of hate, but it is the act of a person or group, not the greater whole,&quot; a teacher at the Australian Islamic College said on Facebook. 
 
An offensive anti-Islam message was also sprayed on a nearby wall, but was later removed. 
 
Further, three men were seen fleeing the area after the attack, police said. Police have released CCTV footage of the men wearing hooded jumpers, who were last seen running through an alley. 
 
According to the Imam of the mosque, hundreds of worshippers were praying inside at the time of the suspected petrol bomb attack, however, no-one was injured. 
 
The incident was condemned by the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull who said, &quot;Australia is founded on a fundamental, a foundation of mutual respect. It&#39;s the golden rule... I deplore and I cannot condemn strongly enough any attacks of that kind.&quot; 
 
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the incident appeared to be politically motivated. 
 
(PTI)&nbsp;

Imam says hundreds of Muslims were inside at the time, but nobody was injured

In an apparent hate crime, a mosque in Australia has been targetted with a firebomb and sprayed with anti-Islamic graffiti while hundreds of Muslims were inside for evening prayer, prompting the Prime Minister to condemn the incident. The attack occurred on Tuesday night near the Australian Islamic College in Perth. Local police said that accelerant was used to set the vehicles alight outside the Thornlie Mosque. A car was gutted and four other vehicles were also damaged by heat, according to media reports. "This, undoubtedly is a criminal act of hate, but it is the act of a person or group, not the greater whole," a teacher at the Australian Islamic College said on Facebook. An offensive anti-Islam message was also sprayed on a nearby wall, but was later removed. Further, three men were seen fleeing the area after the attack, police said. Police have released CCTV footage of the men wearing hooded jumpers, who were last seen running through an alley. According to the Imam of the mosque, hundreds of worshippers were praying inside at the time of the suspected petrol bomb attack, however, no-one was injured. The incident was condemned by the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull who said, "Australia is founded on a fundamental, a foundation of mutual respect. It's the golden rule... I deplore and I cannot condemn strongly enough any attacks of that kind." Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the incident appeared to be politically motivated. (PTI)

Australian mosque targeted in suspected petrol bomb attack

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