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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