Doolan hopes ton tempts selectors

Daniel Lane Cricket: AFTER scoring an unconquered 161 against South Africa at the SCG on Saturday, Australia A batsman Alex Doolan hoped his innings would warrant some discussion with the national selectors.

Waugh belts bat-first myth

Daniel Lane Cricket: FORMER Australian cricket skipper Steve Waugh says Michael Clarke doesn't need to worry about obligation or any sacred baggy green tradition - if he doesn't want to bat first in the first Test in Brisbane.

Stuart reveals formula for revival

League: Parramatta have a gold-and-blueprint for long-awaited success, writes Adrian Proszenko.

Van Persie sends Manchester United to top

Julian Guyer 8:24am Football: Robin van Persie piled on the misery for former club Arsenal as Manchester United went top of the Premier League with a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Hamilton on pole as Vettel sent packing

8:23am Motorsport: A supremely-dominant Lewis Hamilton crushed all his rivals on Saturday as he set up a Red Bull party-wrecking race in Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Relieved to be believed, says hacked star

JO CASAMENTO Football: AMID the booze, drugs and out-of- control lifestyle in the early 2000s, star footballer Mark Bosnich was convinced his phone was being tapped.

Champ poised for big finish

ANDREW EDDY Horseracing: THE 2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain has drawn ''the perfect barrier'' for what will be his final race start in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup. Unless he happens to win it.

Whincup tightens grip on title

Mark Fogarty Motorsport: ABU DHABI: Jamie Whincup has moved closer to retaining his V8 Supercars championship with a pair of runaway wins at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina formula one track.

Programming puts Australia at peril

Cricket Australia has some answers to find, for the fans, the players and ultimately for themselves. For example, is five-day cricket more, less or equally important than 50-over and Twenty20 matches?

Hurt Cummins vows he'll still 'tear in'

Daniel Lane INJURED pace ace Pat Cummins vowed the latest injury to sideline him would not dampen his desire to bowl fast and furious when he is cleared to take the new ball again.

Watson joins ranks of injured in blow for Test

CHLOE SALTAU SHANE WATSON is the latest victim of Australia's compromised preparation for the Test series against South Africa.

At home with Mark Bosnich

JO CASAMENTO He fell out of love with 'everything' after his football career ended in disgrace, but now, as a father, life couldn't be better.

Hit racism hard - Hughton

Henry Winter WHEN Chris Hughton began making his way in the professional game at Spurs in the late 1970s, he regularly endured racist abuse. Times have changed but Hughton is the only black manager in the Premier League.

Benji: 'I'd like to be back at five-eighth'

GLENN JACKSON BENJI MARSHALL has told incoming Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter that he wants to reclaim his No.6 jersey next season.

F-factor another headache for Origin Blues

Adrian Proszenko WHILE the majority of the league world is keen to welcome Israel Folau back to the fold, you could understand if Laurie Daley wasn't doing cartwheels.

New face on the cards for Panthers

Adrian Proszenko NEXT year could be the last time Penrith play under their present logo.

Cummings a star, just like his dad

Patrick Bartley Trainer Anthony Cummings emerges from the illustrious shadow of his father.

Waller dares to dream of glory with Kelinni

MICHAEL LYNCH HE'S gone through the doors of the last-chance saloon, but that won't worry the connections of lightweight Kelinni ($9.50) which has kept the Cup dream alive for Sydney's premier trainer, Chris Waller.

Quest for Olympic gold drives Sevens growth

Daniel Lane IF YOU thought Sevens was nothing more than glorified touch football played in front of a beer-swilling horde in Hong Kong, think again.

Kings learn to look for home-court advantage

Adrian Proszenko THE Kings will enter the Kingdome on Sunday, heavy legged and heartbroken for what will be their fourth game in nine days.

• Hawks eye Wildcats' defence