Diberdayakan oleh Blogger.

Popular Posts Today

Desperate pleas from burning ferry

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 28 Desember 2014 | 23.08

A rescue operation in Greek waters is being hampered by winds as a ferry carrying 466 people caught fire.

Disaster ... passengers have pleaded via mobile phone to be saved from a burning ferry off Greece. Picture: Protothema via Twitter Source: Supplied

DESPERATE passengers have pleaded via mobile phone to be saved from a burning ferry off the Greek island of Corfu as rescuers battled gale-force winds to get to them.

But with gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour making rescue difficult and dangerous, the crew has so far only managed to get 150 of the 478 people off the stricken "Norman Atlantic", Greek officials said.

Seas were so violent that only 35 of those have so far been lifted from a lifeboat to a tanker that came to their aid, Greek Marine Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis said hours into the emergency.

He said seven merchant vessels have encircled the ferry in an attempt to shelter it from fierce Force 10 winds, as Greek and Italian firefighting vessels raced from their coasts.

On fire ... the Norman Atlantic sailing on the Adriatic Sea on December 28 was engulfed by flames. AFP/SKAI TV Source: AP

Italian navy spokesman Riccardo Rizzotto said four helicopters were already at the scene and the ship's captain had told coastguards that the ferry was now drifting towards the Albanian coast.

"The weather conditions are so bad we need an extraordinary level of support, which is effectively what is being put in place," he said.

It was unclear if there had been casualties or if there were any passengers in the water, but Rizzotto one 58-year-old Italian man has been flown to Italy suffering from the symptoms of hypothermia.

Freezing passengers huddled on the top deck of the ship told of their terror in calls to Greek television stations.

"We are on the top deck, we are soaked, we are cold and we are coughing from the smoke. There are women, children and old people," passenger Giorgos Styliaras told Mega TV.

Another told the station that "our shoes were melting" from the heat of the fire when they were mustered in the ship's reception area.

Haulage company boss Giannis Mylonas, who was in contact with three of his drivers on the vessel, said there were between 20 and 25 tanker trucks filled with olive oil on board.

"They are taking too long to find a way to help them. Let's hope this ferry will stand the heat of the fire," he told the station.

Vessels close to the ANEK Lines ferry, which caught fire 33 nautical miles off the small Greek island of Othonoi, rushed to give assistance after picking up its distress signal about 4.30am local time (1.30pm Sunday AEDT), the Greek coast guard said.

With high winds and torrential rain and sleet, Greek authorities described efforts to rescue the passengers "as particularly difficult and complicated".

The blaze on board is said to have broken out in the ferry's car deck. The Greek maritime ministry said 268 of the passengers were Greek, with the crew made up of 22 Italians and 34 Greeks.

Vessel ... passengers on board the Norman Atlantic (ferry pictured during different voyage) are calling TV stations for help. Picture: Wikipedia Source: Supplied

A few hours later, around 35 passengers had been picked up by the Greek tanker "The Spirit of Piraeus", but another 115 were still stuck in a lifeboat, with towering waves and lashing wind hampering their transfer.

Four Greek and Italian firefighting ships were on their way to the scene, which is in the middle of a busy shipping lane, as well as four Italian patrol boats. At least three Italian and Greek helicopters circled overhead.

The "Norman Atlantic" had left the Greek port of Patras and had been heading to the Italian port of Ancona when the fire took hold.

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias told Mega television that Italian authorities had responded to a Greek plea for assistance and were now in charge of the rescue effort. The operation was being coordinated from the Italian ship "Europa".

The car deck of the Italian-flagged "Norman Atlantic" was believed to have been holding 195 vehicles when the fire broke out.

According to rescued passengers, the intense heat rapidly affected the rest of the ship. However, passengers stranded on the top deck of the ship later seemed to be more worried by the storm, telling Greek TV the flames were subsiding.

Neither ANEK Lines nor the ship's owners had made any comment.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crew member’s haunting tweet

The families of passengers aboard the missing AirAsia flight QX 8501 react with shock in Surabaya and Jakarta. Courtesy: TV One Indonesia/ Metro TV

Oscar Desano (centre) is listed as a flight attendant on board the AirAsia flight. Source: DailyTelegraph

A FLIGHT attendant believed missing aboard AirAsia flight QZ8501 posted a number of haunting tweets about doomed MH370 and MH17 earlier this year.

Oscar Desano is listed as a flight attendant on board the AirAsia flight which lost contact with air control between Indonesia and Singapore.

The jet was travelling from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore when it lost contact with an Indonesian air traffic control tower.

There are reportedly 155 passengers and six crew on board Flight QZ8501.

In a post to his Twitter account on Christmas eve, he wrote: "Merry Christmas to all my beautiful friends who celebrate it".

SEARCH IS ON FOR MISSING FLIGHT QZ8501

He wrote on July 18, following the downing of MH17 by a ground-to-air missile: "I feel truly sorry for the loss of MH17 by Malaysia Airlines. It's been 2 big catastrophic event for MAS in 1 year...

"My deep condolences also for the (passengers') family, may all the casualties rest in peace...

"Hope everything will be OK also for the internal company of Malaysia Airlines... Amiiinnn..."

"Pray for Malaysia Airlines flight number MH370 Boeing 777-200 bound for Beijing, who have lost contact…," he wrote on March 8.

The post by Oscar Desano. Source: Supplied

There are emerging reports the plane may have been trying to avoid bad weather at the time it disappeared.

A leaked, and yet unconfirmed air traffic control sheet, shared by pilots on Airlines.Net, showed the A320 continuing to climb through 36,000 feet, but only registering a speed of 353 knots.

"Gives me that feeling of another AF447 ... or something similar at least,'' one pilot suggested, referring to the ill-fated Air France flight that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on June 1, 2009, killing 228 passengers.

Other passengers believed to be on board include Indonesian relatives Boby Hartanto Winata and Ingrid Winata.

The first officer aboard missing flight QZ8501 is believed to be decorated French pilot Remi Emmanuel Plesel.

The AirAsia employee, based in Paris, was last year included on the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Airmen Certification Database, according to the Aviation Business Gazette.

The FAA website lists Plesel as a certified private pilot of single engine aircraft.

The wait is on: Family members of passengers of missing Malaysian air carrier AirAsia flight QZ8501 gather at Juanda International airport. AFP Photo Source: AFP

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop said the Australian Government is urgently seeking to get more details about the AirAsia flight that has vanished.

Ms Bishop said her office was trying to confirm whether there were any Australians on board.

"We are making inquiries with local authorities and the airline itself to determine the details," she said.

"We are urgently seeking to confirm details of the missing plane."

The passenger manifest of AirAsia flight QZ 8501. Source: Supplied

Sky News quoted Transport Ministry that official Hadi Mustofa said the aircraft lost contact at 6.17am local time.

He said the Airbus A320-200 had asked for an unusual route before it lost contact.

AirAsia QZ8501: A plane similar to the missing one. Source: News Corp Australia

Capt Iriyanto had 6100 flying hours under his belt, while his first officer had accrued 2275 flying hours.

As the wait continues to find out what happened to the flight, one A320 pilot writing on renowned aviation forum Aviation.net confirmed the weather on route was "nasty" but would not be enough to render major structural failure.

"While the weather on the route looks rather nasty, I have always found that the A320 is a really solid aircraft in turbulance. I've flown it through bad winter storms, tropical thunderstorms and all sorts of combined weather and I've never felt that the aircraft was being held together on a hope and a prayer,'' the Canada based pilot said.

An electronic sign board shows information for AirAsia flight QZ8501 bound for Singapore International Airport. Source: AFP

Originally published as Crew member's haunting tweet
23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

PM: ‘Anything humanly possible’

Pledge ... Prime Minister Tony Abbott has offered Australia's support in the search for a missing AirAsia flight. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

A search is underway after an AirAsia plane with more than 150 people on board goes missing en route from Indonesia to Singapore. Paul Chapman reports

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has pledged Australia's support in the search for a missing AirAsia flight.

Mr Abbott has called Indonesian president Joko Widodo to offer assistance after a plane carrying 162 people went missing in bad weather on its way from Indonesia to Singapore.

EXCEPTION: Aviation expert says A320's are a hard plane to bring unstuck

DISASTERS: 2014 shapes up to be disastrous year for air travel

Australia has a P3 Orion aircraft ready to go and will do whatever is "humanly possible" to help with the search, he's told the Indonesian president.

Mr Abbott said he was sorry to hear about the tragedy, especially the many families who would be left devastated by the loss.

Support ... a letter from Prime Minister Tony Abbott's office to President Joko Widodo of Indonesia. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Foreign Affairs minister Julie Bishop earlier said she called her counterparts in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea, all of whom have citizens aboard the aeroplane.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families," Ms Bishop told reporters. "We hope and pray there will be survivors."

AirAsia issued a passenger list indicating there were no Australians on the flight, but Ms Bishop said she had sought information on whether there were any dual citizens or Australian residents.

The Australian embassy in Jakarta and the Australian High Commission in Singapore have been making inquiries with local authorities.

Aircraft ... an AirAsia plane lands at Soekarno Hatta International Airport. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Air traffic controllers lost contact with the Airbus A320-200 about an hour after it left Juanda international airport in Surabaya, east Java, at 5.20am local time. It was scheduled to arrive in Singapore at 8.30am.

Shortly before disappearing, the plane asked permission from Jakarta air traffic control to track away from its flight plan and climb above adverse weather in an area renowned for severe thunderstorms.

The pilots requested "deviation due to en route weather before communication with the aircraft was lost while it was still under the control of the Indonesian Air Traffic Control (ATC)", AirAsia said in a statement on its Facebook page.

It's the third major incident to affect a Malaysian carrier this year.

AirAsia said the plane was carrying 155 passengers as well as two pilots, four flight attendants and an engineer on the flight. As well as the Indonesian passengers there were three South Koreans, one Malaysian, one British and one Singaporean, according to AirAsia's statement on Sunday night.

One French national has also been identified as part of the crew. The breakdown of passengers is 138 adults, 16 children and a baby, said Indonesia's air transportation director general Djoko Murjatmodjo.

The families of passengers aboard the missing AirAsia flight QX 8501 react with shock in Surabaya and Jakarta. Courtesy: TV One Indonesia/ Metro TV


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘Our shoes were melting’

A rescue operation in Greek waters is being hampered by winds as a ferry carrying 466 people caught fire.

Disaster ... passengers have pleaded via mobile phone to be saved from a burning ferry off Greece. Picture: Protothema via Twitter Source: Supplied

DESPERATE passengers have pleaded via mobile phone to be saved from a burning ferry off the Greek island of Corfu as rescuers battled gale-force winds to get to them.

But with gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour making rescue difficult and dangerous, the crew has so far only managed to get 150 of the 478 people off the stricken "Norman Atlantic", Greek officials said.

Seas were so violent that only 35 of those have so far been lifted from a lifeboat to a tanker that came to their aid, Greek Marine Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis said hours into the emergency.

He said seven merchant vessels have encircled the ferry in an attempt to shelter it from fierce Force 10 winds, as Greek and Italian firefighting vessels raced from their coasts.

On fire ... the Norman Atlantic sailing on the Adriatic Sea on December 28 was engulfed by flames. AFP/SKAI TV Source: AP

Italian navy spokesman Riccardo Rizzotto said four helicopters were already at the scene and the ship's captain had told coastguards that the ferry was now drifting towards the Albanian coast.

"The weather conditions are so bad we need an extraordinary level of support, which is effectively what is being put in place," he said.

It was unclear if there had been casualties or if there were any passengers in the water, but Rizzotto one 58-year-old Italian man has been flown to Italy suffering from the symptoms of hypothermia.

Freezing passengers huddled on the top deck of the ship told of their terror in calls to Greek television stations.

"We are on the top deck, we are soaked, we are cold and we are coughing from the smoke. There are women, children and old people," passenger Giorgos Styliaras told Mega TV.

Another told the station that "our shoes were melting" from the heat of the fire when they were mustered in the ship's reception area.

Haulage company boss Giannis Mylonas, who was in contact with three of his drivers on the vessel, said there were between 20 and 25 tanker trucks filled with olive oil on board.

"They are taking too long to find a way to help them. Let's hope this ferry will stand the heat of the fire," he told the station.

Vessels close to the ANEK Lines ferry, which caught fire 33 nautical miles off the small Greek island of Othonoi, rushed to give assistance after picking up its distress signal about 4.30am local time (1.30pm Sunday AEDT), the Greek coast guard said.

With high winds and torrential rain and sleet, Greek authorities described efforts to rescue the passengers "as particularly difficult and complicated".

The blaze on board is said to have broken out in the ferry's car deck. The Greek maritime ministry said 268 of the passengers were Greek, with the crew made up of 22 Italians and 34 Greeks.

Vessel ... passengers on board the Norman Atlantic (ferry pictured during different voyage) are calling TV stations for help. Picture: Wikipedia Source: Supplied

A few hours later, around 35 passengers had been picked up by the Greek tanker "The Spirit of Piraeus", but another 115 were still stuck in a lifeboat, with towering waves and lashing wind hampering their transfer.

Four Greek and Italian firefighting ships were on their way to the scene, which is in the middle of a busy shipping lane, as well as four Italian patrol boats. At least three Italian and Greek helicopters circled overhead.

The "Norman Atlantic" had left the Greek port of Patras and had been heading to the Italian port of Ancona when the fire took hold.

Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias told Mega television that Italian authorities had responded to a Greek plea for assistance and were now in charge of the rescue effort. The operation was being coordinated from the Italian ship "Europa".

The car deck of the Italian-flagged "Norman Atlantic" was believed to have been holding 195 vehicles when the fire broke out.

According to rescued passengers, the intense heat rapidly affected the rest of the ship. However, passengers stranded on the top deck of the ship later seemed to be more worried by the storm, telling Greek TV the flames were subsiding.

Neither ANEK Lines nor the ship's owners had made any comment.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

10 cities with cheap five-star hotels

Booking cheap flights and hotels isn't the only way to save when travelling.

Travel the world in style. Source: Getty Images

WE LOVE a good dose of luxury when we travel — especially when that luxury involves fluffy white robes, top-notch room service and bellhops at our beck and call.

What, do we sound like we're high maintenance or something?

When hostel life has you ready to call it quits, it's time to book a night in a luxury hotel. And thankfully, it doesn't have to cost your entire travel budget.

The folks at KAYAK analysed thousands of travel queries to determine which European cities offer the highest-quality hotels at the lowest prices — and what they found could change the way you approach Europe travel forever.

For example, they found you could stay at a five-star hotel in Warsaw for about ONE FOURTH the price of the average five-star room in London.

We're talking $US134 ($A165) versus $US513 ($A632), according to KAYAK estimates.*

Check out KAYAK's top European cities for cheap five-star accommodations (which also happen to be ridiculously beautiful, and some of our favourites).

*Prices listed were the average KAYAK prices for five-star rooms as of August 2014.

1. WARSAW, POLAND

Plac Zamkowy, Warsaw. Source: Getty Images

Average price of five-star room: $US134 ($A165) per night

2. THESSALONIKI, GREECE

View over Thessaloniki. Source: Getty Images

Average price of five-star room: $US139 ($A171) per night

3. BUCHAREST, ROMANIA

Bucharest, Romania. Source: Getty Images

Average price of five-star room: $US156 ($A192) per night

4. ATHENS, GREECE

The Acropolis of Athens. Source: Getty Images

Average price of five-star room: $US166 ($A204) per night

5. LISBON, PORTUGAL

Sunrise over the rooftops of Alfama, Lisbon. Source: Getty Images

Average price of five-star room: $US180 ($A222) per night

6. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Szechenyi Thermal Baths, Budapest. Source: Getty Images

Average price of five-star room: $US182 ($A224) per night

7. BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

Grand Place at dusk. Source: Getty Images

Average price of five-star room: $US195 ($A240) per night

8. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Stare Mesto Square, Prague. Source: Getty Images

Average price of five-star room: $US220 ($A271) per night

9. BERLIN, GERMANY

A tour boat on the Spree River. Source: Getty Images

Average price of five-star room: $US231 ($A284) per night

10. MADRID, SPAIN

Terrace in Plaza Mayor. Source: Getty Images

Average price of five-star room: $US246 ($A303) per night

This article originally appeared on Huffington Post and was republished with permission.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tensions boil over on fiery day

Centuries to Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane help India punish Australia for dropping two crucial catches at the MCG.

Brad Haddin gets day three of the third Test off to a cracking start for Australia with this screaming catch off just the second ball of the day

Brad Haddin helped set up Australia's mammoth first innings score with an attacking display on day two. Source: Getty Images

FOLLOW the live coverage of day three of the third Test at the MCG.

A mostly sunny day is expected in Melbourne, with a top temperature of 31C.

Play starts at 10.30am AEDT. Continue the conversation on Twitter @jaibednall

Scroll to the bottom of the page for blow-by-blow coverage.

LIVE SCOREBOARD: AUSTRALIA vs INDIA THIRD TEST

6pm — JOHNSON-KOHLI FEUD ESCALATES ON DAY THREE

Mitchell Johnson and Virat Kohli were in each others face all day. Source: Getty Images

THE ongoing tension between Mitchell Johnson and Virat Kohli threatened to boil over in a tense day three of the Boxing Day Test.

A slow day at the MCG sprang to life in the second session when Johnson threw the ball at Kohli.

The Indian batsman was out of his crease so it was fair for Johnson to try to run him out — but the ball struck Kohli hard and he fell to the ground.

Kohli falls to the ground after being hit by a ball Johnson threw. Source: Getty Images

The Aussie immediately apologised and all seemed well.

But a perturbed Kohli played and missed at the next ball and then almost offered two catching opportunities as his emotions got the better of him.

He approached Johnson at the end of the over and the pair had a heated exchange, forcing umpires to intervene.

Kohli should have been out on the first ball of Johnson's next over but was dropped at first slip by Shane Watson.

And didn't he make Australia pay.

The stylish strokemaker wasn't out until the final ball of the day, making 169 and leaving India (8/462) just 68 runs short of Australia's first innings score.

His 262 run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane (147) was batting at its best and he made sure to let Johnson know whenever he sent him to the boundary.

Johnson (1/133) did get the consolation of having Kohli caught by Brad Haddin but it was Ryan Harris (4/69) and Nathan Lyon (2/108) who led the Australian fight back in a five wicket final session.

It was a case of the best and the worst of the home side in the field as Brad Haddin plucked two screamers but several other players grassed easy chances.

5.20pm — ASHWIN GOES FOR A DUCK, INDIA CRUMBLING

That's four for Rhino. Source: Getty Images

INDIA has now lost 4/25 late on day three after Ravi Ashwin fell without scoring.

The allrounder sent a caught and bowled opportunity back to Ryan Harris, who grabbed at the ball with his right hand before securing it against his body at the second attempt.

Harris has 4/68. India is 7/434, still trailing Australia's first innings score by 96 runs.

Virat Kohli (151 not out) has been quite subdued during the collapse.

5.10pm — HARRIS GETS DHONI, COLLAPSE IS ON

MS Dhoni invented the split sweep during his short innings. Source: Getty Images

RELIABLE Ryan Harris's third wicket of the innings has Australia back in with a shot of leading on first innings in Melbourne.

Harris got MS Dhoni to tickle one through to Brad Haddin on 11, leaving India 6/430.

The visitors have battled since the end of the Ajinkya Rahane-Virat Kohli partnership.

Kohli just brought up his 150 with a nice on drive. Ravi Ashwin is the new batsman.

4.40pm — DEBUTANT COMES AND GOES

Nathan Lyon is helping to turn the tide Australia's way. Source: Getty Images

INDIAN batsman KL Rahul came in swinging and didn't last long in his debut Test innings.

The 22-year-old was dropped by Peter Siddle on one to add another blooper to Australia's horror day in the field.

But rather than using the reprieve as a message to knuckle down, Rahul tried to belt the very next ball and sent it skyward again.

This time the ball fell to Josh Hazlewood at fine leg and he made no mistake with the catch.

India's mini collapse has left the score at 5/415.

4.30pm — IT'S OVER! RAHANE FALLS FOR 147

Yes, Garry! Source: Getty Images

NATHAN Lyon has ended the biggest Indian partnership ever at the MCG, trapping Ajinkya Rahane LBW for 147.

The wicket came 262 runs after Rahane joined Virat Kohli at the crease in the first session of day three.

Rahane had just swept Lyon for the 21st boundary of his innings and tried to repeat the dose the following ball.

But he missed, the ball struck his back pad and after a long wait the umpire raised his finger.

Kohli is 140 not out. India is 4/409.

4pm — INDIAN DUO RUB SALT INTO WOUNDS

It's been a long day for Ryan Harris and the Australian bowlers. Source: Getty Images

ODDS of a draw in the third Test continue to tumble as India looks increasingly likely of reaching Australia's first innings score of 530.

Virat Kohli (124 not out) and Ajinkya Rahane (123 not out) — both dropped earlier in the day — continue to dominate the Australian attack.

Kohli recently took 15 runs from one Mitchell Johnson over — including hitting three consecutive boundaries — as the run rate climbs toward four an over.

India is 3/368, just 166 runs behind.

3pm — JOHNSON AND KOHLI INVOLVED IN SPAT

Mitchell Johnson and Virat Kohli have been in each others faces this afternoon. Source: Getty Images

AN undoubtedly slow day at the MCG sprang to life in the second session when Mitchell Johnson and Virat Kohli squared off.

Johnson came back into the attack when Australia took the new ball and immediately turned up the heat by throwing the ball at Kohli in the 83rd over.

The Indian batsman was out of his crease so it was fair for Johnson to try to run him out — but the ball struck Kohli hard and he fell to the ground.

Kohli falls to the ground after being hit by a ball Johnson threw. Source: Getty Images

The Aussie immediately apologised and all seemed well.

But a perturbed Kohli played and missed at the next ball and then almost offered two catching opportunities as his emotions got the better of him.

He approached Johnson at the end of the over and the pair had a heated exchange, forcing umpires to intervene.

Kohli should have been out on the first ball of Johnson's next over but was dropped at first slip by Shane Watson.

He is now 103 not out. Ajinkya Rahane has raced to 111 not out from just 139 balls. India is 3/335 at the tea break and closing fast on Australia's first innings score of 530.

2.30pm — TWITTER REACTS TO HADDIN'S CATCH

Here in Australia, we don't do internet reactions quite as well as the United States.

But there's been a few neat Twitter posts celebrating Brad Haddin's amazing catch this morning (which you can view in the video player above).

Here are some of the best:

Unfortunately Shane Watson copped it (when doesn't he?) for his reaction to Haddin's dive.

This is probably the best photograph of the catch.

2.25pm — WATSON JOINS THE DROP PARTY

Rahane and Kohli should both be back in the changerooms. Source: Getty Images

SHANE Watson put down a tough chance diving low to his right at a ball that was travelling quite quickly when Virat Kohli was on 88.

It followed an earlier blunder by Nathan Lyon. The score is now 3/296.

Watch how the action has unfolded so far on day three of Australia's third Test with India

1.55pm — LYON DROPS A SITTER, INDIA HALFWAY HOME

Nathan Lyon has toiled without reward on day three and he only has himself to blame. Source: Getty Images

NATHAN Lyon just gave Ajinkya Rahane a late Christmas present.

The Aussie spinner put down one of the easiest caught and bowled chances he's ever seen to hand India a reprieve.

It could prove to be a crucial mistake given the timing. If Lyon had held the chance Australia would have a new batsman at the crease right as they're taking the new ball.

Rahane and Virat Kohli are putting together quite a partnership at the MCG.

The Indian duo have added 129 runs since Murali Vijay's wicket to move past the halfway point in their pursuit of Australia's first innings total of 530.

Kohli is 84 not out and Rahane 71 not out. The score is 3/276.

Nathan Lyon watches the ball fly right through his fingers in a horror drop during Australia's third Test with India

12.30pm — KOHLI LOOMS AS THE KEY

Virat Kohli has posted an eye-catching half century. Source: Getty Images

VIRAT Kohli is standing in the way of Australia's hopes of removing India quickly on day three.

The stylish Indian No. 4 has played an array of shots to reach 60 not out.

He's combined with Ajinkya Rahane (43 not out) in a 77 run fourth wicket partnership to take India to 3/224 at lunch. The visitors added 2/116 for the session.

Ryan Harris (2/40) has been the most successful Australian bowler. Mitchell Johnson, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon are wicketless.

11.50pm — INDIAN GREAT SLAMS BOWLERS

Apparently Australia isn't the only country with former cricketers who like getting stuck into current players. Source: Supplied

INDIAN legend Sunil Gavaskar wants an axe taken to India's bowling attack — which he labelled as hopeless after Australia scored 530 on day two.

"It's frustrating when you expect from them. I never had any expectations from this bowling attack. Yes you do hope that they perform but realistically it was not possible," Gavaskar told Indian television.

"I am trying to find a suitable word to describe their performance. In one word, they were hopeless. Look this is more or less the same bowling attack that has been there since 2011 and they haven't performed in South Africa, New Zealand or England where conditions for bowling were better.

"If they couldn't perform there, no way that they would have performed on Australian wickets, which is better for batting. It was expecting too much from them. I believe there is no harm in trying out a new attack as they can't perform worse than this."

The Indian batsmen are faring slightly better on day three, taking the score to 3/182.

Virat Kohli (37) and Ajinkya Rahane (24) are the not out batsmen.

Watch the highlights so far from the third day of Australia's third Test with India

11.25am — WATSON STRIKES TO REMOVE VIJAY

Shane Watson ... a bowling all-rounder? Source: Getty Images

SHANE Watson's impressive series with the ball has continued with the wicket of Murali Vijay for 68 on day three.

Vijay fell in a similar fashion to Cheteshwar Pujara, attempting to cut a rising delivery only to edge it to the slips cordon.

Shaun Marsh took the catch for Australia to leave the visitors 3/147.

11.20am — VIJAY, KOHLI SURVIVE TESTING TIME

Murali Vijay was struck on the head by a Mitchell Johnson delivery. Source: Getty Images

INDIA's two class batsmen — Murali Vijay and Virat Kohli — are engaged in a ding dong battle with Australia's pace attack.

And they're managing to survive — and prosper.

Vijay has been tested by some short pitched Mitchell Johnson bowling but has moved to 67 not out.

Kohli (22 not out) is also playing well. The visitors are 2/142.

10.35am — HADDIN PLUCKS 'CATCH OF THE SEASON'

BRAD Haddin has taken one of the best catches you're likely to see from a wicketkeeper to help Ryan Harris remove Cheteshwar Pujara (25) with the second ball of day three.

Pujara tried to cut a delivery that wasn't that wide and sent an edge flying high to Haddin's right.

The Aussie veteran dived full length and just caught the ball in the webbing of his right glove to claim his 250th Test dismissal.

Veteran commentator Bill Lawry described it as "the catch of the season". Former Aussie keeper Adam Gilchrist tweeted: "Wow, brilliant.".

It was the perfect response to a rare error when he dropped Pujara late on day two.

India is 2/108.

10.15am — HADDIN COMES OUT SWINGING

India targeted Haddin with short pitch bowling. Source: News Corp Australia

THE to and fro between Brad Haddin and the Indian cricket team has continued this morning with the Aussie wicketkeeper claiming the visitors have no plan B.

Haddin found himself in the firing line in the first innings when the Indians tried to bounce him out — a strategy Ravi Ashwin says his team plans to stick with.

"We really thought Haddin had a genuine weakness over there. We continue to think he has a weakness over there. We will continue to target him in the next innings and the next Test match as well. He doesn't quite look that comfortable to us," Ashwin said.

Haddin returned serve this morning in an interview with Ian Healy on Channel 9.

Healy asked Haddin if he'd been surprised at the pluck shown by the Indian side during the series and it was clear Haddin was reluctant to give them much credit.

"We know if we get on top of that little momentum they can get, we know they find it real hard to come back and have a plan B," Haddin said.

"They've got one plan but once we got through that ... we scored at five an over.

"We know if we can keep their bowlers coming back they find it a lot tougher than most to keep backing up."

Haddin's half century early on day two set the tone for Australia as they scored freely to post a first innings score of 530.

"It was pretty obvious where they were going to bowl, so I was going to fight fire with fire," he said.

The visitors resume at 1/108 this morning but Haddin is confident Australia can find the 19 wickets needed to win the game.

"The rate we scored at has allowed us time to bowl India out — and I think we need that on this wicket," he said.

"I thought the way we went about our business yesterday was first class."


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Axe killing then Christmas lunch

Once happy couple Dustin Klopp and Stephanie Kilhefner on their wedding day in 2011. He rang police a day after he allegedly killed her with an axe on Christmas Eve after an argument. Source: Supplied

A MAN allegedly axed his wife to death on Christmas Eve and then took their children to relatives' home to celebrate Christmas.

He then stunned police by calling and confessing to the crime — before investigators even knew one had been committed.

Police allege Dustin Lee Klopp, 36, punched his wife Stephanie Kilhefner, cut her throat and bashed her head with an axe in their Pennsylvania home.

After the killing he tried to clean up the blood and moved his wife's body a shed on their property.

The following day he took their two children to his parents house to celebrate Christmas. It isn't known if he told them about what happened but later that day he phoned police to say he killed Ms Kilhefner and wanted to turn himself in.

About an hour later he arrived at the police station.

He has been charged with homicide, abuse of a corpse and tampering with or fabricating evidence and is in custody.

Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman said the children, aged 5 and 2, didn't witness the murder.

Dustin L Klopp called police on Christmas Day and told them he had killed his wife with an axe. Source: Supplied

He wouldn't say what the couple were arguing about.

"I don't know what he said ... What difference does it make? There's nothing that justifies it," said Stedman.

He told Lancaster Online a usual scenario when people called to confess in homicide cases was when they acted in self-defence.

So this case baffled him.

"I can't think of another one like this where [nearly a day goes by] and we get a phone call before we even know there's a crime."

Klopp has previously been before the courts on burglary and drugs charges. His former lawyer, Cory Miller, was stunned when he heard the news.

The couple were married in 2011.

"They both seemed to be very level-headed individuals. "He never struck me as a violent individual."

An autopsy would be performed on Ms Kilhefner tomorrow.

Neighbours told the Lancaster Online Klopp seemed "paranoid".

Tim and Sheila Rohrer saw them regularly because they shared a driveway.

"She was very nice ... and always stop and say hello," Mr Rohrer said of Kilhefner.

"He always struck me as being kind of paranoid."

Rohrer said Klopp told him to "let him know if I saw anybody hanging around, or disturbing his horses," he said. "That always seemed strange to me."

He recalled a FedEx driver once told his wife he didn't like going to their house "because he was cussed at.

"That's what I mean. I just got the impression he was paranoid."

The couple's Pennsylvania home where the alleged murder took place on Christmas Eve. Source: Supplied


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Air Asia ‘search and rescue’ mission

An AirAsia flight flying from Indonesia to Singapore has reportedly lost contact with air traffic control.

An AirAsia Airbus A320-200 has lost contact with air traffic control. Source: Supplied

AN Air Asia jet has lost contact with air traffic control.

The jet was travelling from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore when contact was lost.

Sky News reports there are 155 passengers and six crew on-board Flight QZ8501.

The network quoted Transport Ministry official Hadi Mustofa as saying the aircraft lost contact with the Jakarta air traffic control tower at 6.17am local time.

He said the plane, an Airbus A320-200, had asked for an unusual route before it lost contact.

There are emerging reports the plane may have been trying to avoid bad weather at the time it disappeared.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, the plane was more than 200 nautical miles south east from Singaporean airspace at the time.

SBS is reporting there are no Australians on-board.

The flight was due in Singapore more than three hours ago.

The blue line shows where contact was lost. Picture: Flightradar24.c0m Source: Supplied

As concerned relatives began arriving at Surabaya Airport, officials posted a list of those on-board.

In a statement Air Asia said a search was currently underway.

"At this time, search and rescue operations are in progress and AirAsia is cooperating fully and assisting the rescue service."

It said it had "no further information".

An Emergency Call Centre has been set up for family or friends of those on board the aircraft. The number is: +622129850801.

Of the people on-board there were 138 adults, sixteen children and one infant.

Air Asia is Malaysia's low-cost airline based in Kuala Lumpur, however the missing jet is from the Indonesian subsidiary.

The company is based in KL, and is considered a good airline with an impeccable safety record.

The disappearance of QZ8501 is the third major incident involving an Asian airline this year.

MH370 went missing on March 8 with 239 passengers on board and was flying from Kuala Lumpur, to Beijing in China.

Despite an extensive search, no trace of the plane has yet been found.

Then in July, MH17 was shot down by a missile over rebel-held Ukraine with 28 Australians among the 298 dead.

Meanwhile Air Asia has changed its Facebook profile picture from red to grey after announcing the disappearance of the A320-200.

More to come ...


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

ASADA v Essendon — what you need to know

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 14 Desember 2014 | 23.08

ASADA has failed in it's legal bid to have two witnesses compelled to give evidence in the Essendon anti-doping tribunal.

ASADA's case against Essendon will begin on Monday. Source: News Limited

Before the most contentious tribunal case in VFL/AFL history starts on Monday — behind closed doors — Grant Baker tells you everything you need to know about the case and the key players.

WHAT

Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority v 34 current and former Essendon players, and Stephen Dank

WHEN

The hearing begins at 10am today. The tribunal will sit again on Thursday and Friday and then resume on January 12 after the Christmas break. In all, the tribunal is expected to sit for about three weeks.

WHERE

County Court, William Street

THE CHARGES

Players face the allegation they used the banned peptide Thymosin-beta 4.

HOW WE GOT HERE

In February 2013, Essendon "self-reported" its concerns about possibly having used banned supplements. Many revelations followed about the 2012 supplements program and the Essendon-commissioned Switkowski Report found governance failings. The AFL found Essendon had brought the game into disrepute, and punished the club and its senior coach James Hird. By June this year, ASADA decided on show cause notices only to have the process blocked by Federal Court action from the Bombers and Hird. That failed (Hird's appeal notwithstanding), and ASADA reissued the notices. The AFL duly charged them with anti-doping offences and convened these hearings.

Essendon coach James Hird was in court in August. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: News Corp Australia

THE JUDGES

David Jones QC (chair, retired judge)

John Nixon (retired judge)

Wayne Henwood (former Sydney player, barrister)

WHO ELSE WILL BE THERE

Lawyers. A whole, expensive, bunch of them. Lawyers for ASADA will prosecute; lawyers for the players (two sets of them) will defend while lawyers for the AFL will, well, be there. The three witnesses ASADA may call are high-profile sports physician Peter Fricker — who knows Dank; University of Sydney endocrinologist David Handelsman and a former business associate of biochemist Shane Charter called Sergio Del Vechio. It's unlikely they will be called before January.

Shane Charter, who ASADA wanted to appear as a witness, won't be at the anti-doping tribunal. Picture: Luke Marsden. Source: News Corp Australia

WHO WON'T BE THERE

Shane Charter and compounding chemist Nima Alavi. The Supreme Court ruled on Friday they could not be compelled to attend. Dank, too, is unlikely to show up or be represented. The players are considered unlikely to attend, but can watch via video-link at another location should they choose.

WHY BEHIND CLOSED DOORS?

Chairman Jones rejected a bid by the Herald Sun and other media outlets for an open hearing. The application was supported, with qualifications, by the AFL. Jones argued the rights of the players to privacy outweighed the public interest.

All media will be banned from the AFL ASADA hearings following the request of 32 former and current Essendon players involved in the doping scandal

THE CASE

ASADA'S case was simply put by lawyer Dan Star in the Supreme Court matter last week: Charter sourced the banned peptide Thymosin beta-4; Alavi prepared it for injection and gave it to Dank; Dank injected it into the 34 players.

THE CHARTER/ALAVI FACTOR

ASADA has been steadfast that it can run its case without direct testimony from its star witnesses, but their absence may cause the tribunal to put a lesser weighting on the previous, unsworn statements they gave to ASADA and on which the anti-doping body now relies. The players could argue that some of their evidence should not be admitted, because they do not have the opportunity to scrutinise it on cross examination.

Pharmacist Nima Alavi won't be giving evidence. Source: News Corp Australia

STANDARD OF PROOF

For a guilty verdict, the tribunal must find to its "comfortable satisfaction" that the offence was committed. It is commonly accepted the level of proof required is higher than balance of probability but lower than beyond reasonable doubt.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

For the players, bans could range from effectively three months to two years. For ASADA, failure to successfully prosecute will almost certainly bring on a Federal inquiry. Dank has no future in the AFL regardless of the outcome, but an AFL life ban would be honoured by all sports.

Originally published as ASADA v Essendon — what you need to know
23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Housemate thought noises were sex

Shikha Godara Beniwal, left, and Sunil Beniwal. Source: Supplied

AN intervention order against a man suspected of a murder-suicide in Melbourne's west expired just four days ago, police say.

The man, believed to have committed suicide by swerving his car into the path of a truck this morning, is Sunil Beniwal.

His wife, who was later found dead at a house in Deer Park, is Shikha Godara Beniwal.

Shikha Godara Beniwal, left, and Sunil Beniwal.

They had a three-year-old son together.

Mr Beniwal died when his car veered on to the wrong side of the road and hit a truck at 4am on Hopkins Rd, Truganina, near Caroline Springs. The truck driver suffered minor injuries.

A woman after arriving at the scene of the suspected murder-suicide in Deer Park. Picture: Hamish Blair

Police found his wife's body after investigations led them to do a welfare check at his Corey Close home at 7.45am.

Detective Sgt Paul Tremain said an intervention order had been taken out in 2012 that expired four days ago.

A man outside the home in Deer Park. Picture: Hamish Blair

"There is a history (of violence) going back," he said.

"Orders have a life span. It's passed that life span."

The scene of the fatal car crash in Hopkins Rd, Truganina. Picture: Hamish Blair

He said the victim did not live at the address where she was allegedly murdered.

"At this stage I can't go into what's happened. We need an autopsy," he said. "We believe there is no one else involved."

The scene of the crash in Hopkins Rd, Truganina. Picture: Hamish Blair

Jackson Kelly, 17, said his older brother, James Negri, rented a room in the alleged killer's home.

He said his brother had heard noises coming from a bedroom last night, but thought the pair were having sex.

Detectives investigate the suspected murder in Corey Close, Deer Park. Picture: Hamish Blair

"He heard cops at the back of the house the next morning. They told him to get outside," he told the Herald Sun.

He said he was under the impression Mr Beniwal had been trying to reconnect with his wife and they were living together with their son.

Police in Corey Close, Deer Park. Picture: Hamish Blair

He said his brother and his brother's girlfriend had been tenants at the home for two months.

"I've met the family. He was the nicest guy. I was shocked," he said.

A forensics police officer takes photos at the scene in Deer Park, Australia. Picture: Hamish Blair

Neighbour Sandra Moran said: "The dog started barking at 11.30pm-ish, that's all I heard," she said.

"I think the wife has left him. He has the child on the weekend. It's a little bit disturbing."

Police on the scene where a body, believed to be part of a murder-suicide, was found in Corey Close on Sunday, December 14, 2014, in Deer Park, Australia. Picture: Hamish Blair

Other residents described the area as a very quiet neighborhood and said this was the first time a police car had been in the court in two years.

"You don't expect it. It makes you think what could have happened," Karla Smith, 27, said.

"He could have been running around with a knife. You never really know what state of mind someone is in. I just feel for the child now."

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner about both deaths.

Originally published as Housemate thought noises were sex
23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘Out of control’ fire threatens homes

Lives and homes could be in danger from an out-of-control bushfire burning at a park in Perth's north-east.

A bushfire sends a massive plume of smoke into the sky from Whiteman Park. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: News Corp Australia

RESIDENTS in the northeast suburbs of Brabham and Henley Brook have been warned to either leave or actively defend their homes as fire threatens houses.

About 100 firefighters are battling the blaze and water bombers have been called in to fight it from the air.

The fire is now "out of control and unpredictable" and moving slowly in a north-easterly direction.

A bushfire Emegency Warning has been issued for people in the parts of Brabham and Henley Brook bounded by Lord Street, Henley Street, Murray Street and Woollcott Street, in the City of Swan.

Fire zone

"The bushfire is moving fast in a north easterly direction. It is out of control and unpredictable,'' DFES warns.

"Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting ahead of the fire.

"You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive. There is a threat to lives and homes.

"The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as ember attack is now affecting the suburbs.

"Homes bordering Whiteman Park are under threat by fire now.

"The fire started in Whiteman Park and is burning on both sides of Lord Street, near homes in Brabham.''

The Deparment for Child Protection and Family Support has also set up an evacuation centre at the Altone Park Recreation Centre, on Benara Road in Beechboro.

The cause of the blaze is unknown but there are unconfirmed reports the Police Arson squad has been called into investigate.

A bushfire sends a massive plume of smoke into the sky from Whiteman Park. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: News Corp Australia

The fire was reported about 1.10pm.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued a Watch and Act alert for the people inb Brabham in the City of Swan.

"The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as the fire in Whiteman Park is burning towards homes in the area,'' DFES warned.

"This alert covers an area bounded by Lord Street, Park Street, Murray Road and Woollcott Avenue.

"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.

"You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.

"The fire started in Whiteman Park and is burning on both sides of Lord Street, close to homes near and between Charlton Way and Park Street, in Brabham.''

BALCATTA, SOUTHERN RIVER FIRES

In a shocking day for Perth firefighters, they were also called to deal with two other serious fires, one in Southern River, the other in Balcatta.

A structure and rubbish fire in Balcatta in now contained and under control, however smoke will be affecting the area for the rest of the evening.

The fire is burning at the Balcatta Recycling Centre on Balcatta Road, and has been contained to a rubbish pile.

The smoke plume is being blown north.

A bushfire advice has been issued for people in Homles Street, between Harpenden and Balfour Streets, in Southern River, in the City of Gosnells.

There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.

There is no immediate danger, but people need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.

The fire is burning on the southern side of Holmes Street and is burning in a northern direction.

HENLEY BROOK BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

The bushfire is moving slowly in a north easterly direction.

It is out of control and unpredictable. Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting ahead of the fire.

WHAT TO DO:

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.

There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.

If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.

SAFER PLACE:

Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has also set up a temporary evacuation centre at (place). If you have animals you can relocate to (place).

ALERT LEVEL:

A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people in parts of Henley Brook bounded by Lord Street, Gnangara Road, Robert Street and Henley Street in the City of Swan.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.

You need to leave or get ready to actively defend.

WHAT TO DO:

If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.

There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.

Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

ROAD CLOSURES:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

Lord Street between Park Street and Harrow Street.

WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

Approximately 100 career and volunteer firefighters are on the scene actively fighting the fire.

Aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

KEEP UP TO DATE:

Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, listen to ABC local radio, 6PR or news bulletins.

Updates will be provided every hour unless the situation changes.

Originally published as 'Out of control' fire threatens homes
23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man charged over pedestrian death

A woman is dead and a man is seriously injured after a car mounted a footpath in Sydney's inner west.

MOTORISTS detained the driver of a car that struck and killed a female pedestrian and left a man fighting for his life in ­Rozelle yesterday.

The woman, 47, and the man, 49, were hit by an out-of-control vehicle which had veered onto a footpath on Victoria Rd.

The car involved in the fatal pedestrian accident on Victoria road, Rozelle. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Bystanders ran to their aid, including a surgeon ­cycling past who stopped and performed CPR.

Witnesses said passing motorists detained the 22-year-old driver who got out of his ute and allegedly tried to flee.

He was last night charged with dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop and render assistance.

Police at the scene where one pedestrian has died and a second has been taken to hospital after being hit by a car on Victoria Road, Rozelle. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

The horrific crash happened about 11am on Victoria Rd near Robert St. The impact was so powerful the left-hand side of the ute's windscreen was smashed in.

Witness Adrian Briscoe, 50, was at home when he heard three loud bangs and rushed onto the street to see what was happening.

"Everyone came out, people were screaming 'call an ambulance'," he said.

A witness to the tragic accident is comforted at the scene. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

One woman held up a sheet while the surgeon worked on the pair. Mr Briscoe said a third man, who had been walking with the pair when they were struck, was shouting at the driver.

"There was this angry guy, as the cops ran up and grabbed this guy and handcuffed him and frogmarched him back, he shouted 'you f ... ing killed my brother'," Mr Briscoe said

"It is terrible so close to Christmas, people just going for an innocent Sunday stroll and, bang, a life has ended — it is horrid."

The male pedestrian, believed to be in his late 20s, was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a serious condition.

The driver was also taken to the RPA for blood and urine testing before he was escorted to Newtown police station to be interviewed.

Two city-bound lanes of Victoria Rd were closed and about 50m of footpath was cordoned off for much of the afternoon as police investigated the fatal crash.

Originally published as Man charged over pedestrian death
23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Have you been #blockedbybishop?

Internal ructions over the prime minister's chief of staff have been downplayed by Julie Bishop.

HAS the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party of Australia Julie Bishop gone rogue?

Or maybe she's taking her role as Australia's Foreign Minister very seriously by going undercover?

Either way, you've probably been #blockedbybishop on Twitter.

And that hurts.

Where else will we be able to see Ms Bishop's late night emoji blitzes? (NB: As we're blocked, all the awesome emojis have disappeared)

However, here's one we prepared earlier:

Mad Libs is back. Enjoy Ms Bishop's emojipalooza. Source: Supplied

I'm not sure what we're all supposed to have done to deserve a blocking.

Could it be a new trend for the Australian Government to give people information on a need-to-know basis, as part of some inner circle?

PM: Haha, classic! Block Hockey. Bishop: *blocked* Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Corp Australia

Bishop: Do you think he (Hockey) is upset? Source: News Corp Australia

PM: You'd better not block me and Trussy. Source: Supplied

(Later that day) Bishop adds to her block list. Source: AFP

Whatever the reason, Twitter has understandably been both intrigued and put offside by Ms Bishop's latest action.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Govt to slash foreign aid by $4 billion

Joe Hockey is expected to reveal a 2014/15 deficit of 35 billion dollars at his Fiscal Outlook announcement.

FOREIGN aid will be slashed to save almost $4 billion as the Government tries to get the Budget under control.

Treasurer Joe Hockey will release the Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook today, and has warned bigger deficits, new spending and more cuts will be included.

The economic situation has deteriorated due to a 30 per cent drop in iron ore prices, a stagnating global economy, and some savings measures being blocked in the Senate.

Economists have warned that the deficit could blow out from the expected $30 billion by around $5 billion and Mr Hockey says deficits will now continue beyond 2018.

The $3.7 billion savings will come from Official Development Assistance over four years as the Government returns the $4 billion a year fund to 2007-08 levels.

Treasurer Joe Hockey holds a press conference at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices in Sydney ahead of the budget update yesterday. Picture: Britta Campion

Mr Hockey said they were unhappy making the cuts but were forced to do so, and that the economic statement was a "shock absorber" for the falling export prices.

"We don't like having to do this on foreign aid, but we have offset all of our new spending," he said yesterday.

"That includes funding critical national security to keep Australians safe."

Mr Hockey is blaming Labor for locking "irresponsible promises" into the Budget.

An Afghan child pushes a wheelbarrow carrying his brother in the outskirts of Herat. Afghanistan is still extremely poor and remains highly dependent on foreign aid.

"These are Bill Shorten and Tanya Plibersek's cuts," he said.

"They were irresponsible and reckless and now they have to help clean up the mess."

The MYEFO will include savings of $500 million through scrapping government agencies and committees and cutting public sector jobs.

It will also outline an increase in unemployment and a $3.5 billion blowout in welfare spending.

Opposition treasury spokesman Chris Bowen said Mr Hockey was "full of excuses".

"Of course there's been a decline in iron ore prices but there's also been a collapse in consumer confidence, business confidence and rising unemployment on his watch," he said.

"Why? Well firstly you see the Government's unfair cuts to family budgets, impacting on consumer confidence, and, importantly, the Australian people knowing that the Treasurer's just not up to the job that impacts on confidence."

Mr Hockey should "walk away from his Budget and start again, admit he got it wrong", he said.

Mr Hockey said growth would stay around 2.5 per cent but would then increase to 3 per cent.

"We expect unemployment to continue to grow, obviously, to levels that are a tick higher than what we forecast in the Budget, but this year we have seen a significant improvement in job creation," he said.

"This year we have seen job creation run at three times the speed of last year … if we had the same settings as the last year of the Labor Party in Government, unemployment would be at over 7 per cent and more than 110,000 Australians would not be in a job."

Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook: What we know

· No Budget surplus in foreseeable future, and bigger deficits across the forward estimates

· $3.7 billion cut from foreign aid

· Childcare and family welfare payments to rise by $3.5 billion

· 175 Government agencies to be axed

· Growth about 2.5 per cent increasing to 3 per cent

· Increase in unemployment figures

Originally published as Govt to slash foreign aid by $4 billion
23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mel B rushed to hospital

Serious ... Mel B was rushed to hospital after collapsing. She is being tested for stomach ulcers and viruses. Picture: Splash Source: Supplied

MEL B owes her life to a quick thinking chauffeur driver, who raced her to a hospital in London after stomach pains left her "screaming in agony".

She was on her way to a press conference and rehearsal when she fell ill after being picked up from her house.

The 29-year-old is reportedly receiving treatment for a stomach ulcer and is believed to be in a stable condition. Currently she is being monitored in the high dependency unit which is one level below intensive care.

The X Factor judge is said to be having tests done for a various viruses as well as stomach ulcers.

Missing? There are conflicting reports as to the whereabouts of Mel B's husband Stephen Belafonte. Picture: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

"Mel is in a terrible state, physically and emotionally. She is very weak and is being given treatment to help her with the pain," a friend close to the star told The Mirror

Another source claimed it was so serious that Mel "could have died" if it weren't for the driver thinking so quickly.

There are conflicting reports for the whereabouts of husband Stephen Bellefonte with The Sun claiming "nobody knows where (he) is, while The Mirror maintains he has been by her bedside the whole time.

Mel, 39 was forced to miss the first round of the X Factor finals, as her contestant Andrea Faustini was knocked out of the competition.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

James Bond script leaks online

Script stolen ... The screenplay to the upcoming James Bond film Spectre, starring Daniel Craig has been stolen as part of the massive Sony Pictures hack. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

JAMES Bond has become the latest victim of the massive Sony hack, after the script to the upcoming film Spectre was published online.

And it seems Sony executives are scrambling to fix the film's ending, according to Gawker.

The leaked emails show producers show them going line by line through the script, complaining that it doesn't have a good "twist", that they're not happy with the villain and that the movie diesn't have enough follow-on from the previous Bond films.

Maker Eon Productions says it's concerned third parties who have received the screenplay might seek to publish it.

Bond girls ... French actress Lea Seydoux, left, and Italian actress Monica Bellucci are announced as co-stars for Spectre in London on December 4. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

The company warned it would take "all necessary steps" to protect the rights of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Danjaq LLC, which is responsible for material related to James Bond on screen.

The Bond leaks are the latest in a serious of embarrassing Sony email leaks from producers and Sony boss Amy Pascal including revealing employee salaries and person details.

In one email, a producer called Angelina Jolie a spoiled brat, writer Aaron Sorkin complained that actor Michael Fassbender makes people feel bad about their manhood and plans to do a 21 Jump Street and Men in Black crossover.

New bond film ... Italian actress Monica Bellucci, French actress Lea Seydoux will play "Bond girls", while British actress Naomi Harris is back as Miss Moneypenny. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Other emails revealed Jennifer Lawrence was paid less than her mail co-stars for American Hustle.

The Daily Beast yesterday published emails showing Pascal called Leonardo DiCaprio "absolutely despicable" for deciding to drop out of the troubled Steve Jobs biopic Jobs.

Pascal and produce Scott Rudin were also forced to apologise for leaked emails showing them making racial jokes about US President Barack Obama's taste in movies, suggesting he should watch Django Unchained and 12 Years a Slave.

Boring badie? ... The studio also worried that Bond villain Heinrich Stockmann, played by Christoph Waltz, was not interesting enough. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

There's been speculation North Korea is behind the cyberattack in retaliation for the James Franco and Seth Rogen comedy The Interview, which depicts an assassination attempt on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

North Korea has condemned the film but denies the hack, which some believe may be an inside job. A group calling themselves Guardians of the Peace have claimed responsibility.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

William writes to nurse prank family

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 07 Desember 2014 | 23.08

Shocked ... Prince William and wife Kate depart St Mary's Hospital with their newborn son Prince George of Cambridge on July 23, 2013. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images Source: Supplied

PRINCE William wrote to the family of a nurse at a London hospital treating his wife after the woman's death following a prank call by two Australian radio DJs.

The family of Jacintha Saldanha revealed the Duke of Cambridge's handwritten note in their first interview since her inquest concluded in which her husband Ben Barboza said he still could not forgive DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian who made the hoax call.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Mr Barboza said: "I am just really angry, why did they do that? Just a matter of three or four seconds changed our whole life. They were making some kind of mockery saying, 'OK we fooled them'.

"I can't forgive the people who broadcast that."

Prince William sent a handwritten note to the family of nurse Jacintha Saldanha. Picture: AFP/Ian Gavan Source: AFP

Nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who took the hoax call to King Edward VII hospital. Picture: AP/Saldanha Family Source: Supplied

Indian-born Saldanha was found dead in nursing accommodation on December 7 2012, after Greig and Christian broadcast the call on Sydney's 2Day FM on December 4. The coroner returned a suicide verdict.

Greig posed as the Queen while the Duchess of Cambridge was being treated for morning sickness at the King Edward VII Hospital.

Saldanha's only role was to answer the phone to the DJs and, believing the call was from the Queen, put them through to a nurse who revealed details of Kate's condition.

Her inquest heard she bore responsibility, despite the hospital's support. Mr Barboza told the paper he believed she felt humiliated by the episode.

Still angry ... Benedict Barboza (centre), wipes away a tear as he and his son Junal and daughter Lisha leave the Westminster Cathedral in London after a memorial service for nurse Jacintha Saldanha. Picture: AP /Sang Tan Source: AP

"It was the humiliation she felt, and the guilt. I go over that in my mind, over and over. She didn't want me to know, to share that humiliation," he said.

In William's note, dated New Year's Day 2013, he wrote: "It is unbelievably sad and (Kate I) both extend to and your family our deepest condolences.

"We were both very shocked to hear about Jacintha and have been thinking about her a lot recently. Many of the nurses spoke highly of her and I'm sure you know how great a nurse she was.

"Jacintha and her colleagues looked after us extremely well and I am just so sorry that someone who cared for others so much found themselves in such a desperate situation."

Greig has since apologised in public to the family and said she was "disgusted with herself".

If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide contact Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36, or Salvo Care Line 1300 36 36 22.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shorten blitzes Abbott in new poll

Shorten blitzes Abbott in new poll

Phillip Hughes Funeral

THE PM continues to take a battering, with Labor leader Bill Shorten well ahead of Tony Abbott as the nation's preferred leader, according to an Ipsos poll.

Getting a bit fiscal with banking giants

Getting a bit fiscal with banking giants

SUPER should be paid as a pension-style "retirement income" instead of a lump sum, and big banks should be forced to stash billions, according to a review.

Foreign aid battle looms for agencies

Julie Bishop

JULIE Bishop's office has warned aid agencies they are in Treasurer Joe Hockey's sights with the likelihood of a second round of cuts to her portfolio.

PM could pay $350 a week in childcare

PPL Family

FAMILIES could receive $350 a week to help pay for home childcare and live-in nannies as part of Tony Abbott's revamped paid parental leave scheme.

Did AFP help Chinese catch Kalynda?

Did AFP help Chinese catch Kalynda?

CHINESE-based AFP officers work closely with their local counterparts. Now questions have been raised about whether they helped in the case against Kalynda Davis, now facing the death penalty.

Subversive spice art for world peace

Subversive spice art for world peace

A GUERILLA condiment artist has been working the aisles of Woolworths supermarkets in Darwin.

Abbott backflips on parental leave

PM Abbott Presser

IT WAS supposed to be his signature policy, but Tony Abbott has been forced in to an embarrassing backflip over his parental leave scheme.

Can Australia dodge another GFC?

Supplied Editorial David Murray IMAGES 2 final 11 pics all up

AN inquiry into the financial sector has recommended ways that Australia can avoid the damage of another global financial crisis — and the banks are not going to like it.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

N Korea denies Sony hack attack

Infuriating Pyongyang ... The Interview stars Seth Rogen and James Franco as two journalists recruited by the CIA to assassinate Kim Jong-un. Source: Supplied

NORTH Korea has denied involvement in a brazen cyber attack on Sony Pictures, but praised it as a "righteous deed" potentially orchestrated by supporters furious over a Hollywood comedy depicting a fictional CIA plot to assassinate leader Kim Jong-un.

"The hacking into the Sony Pictures might be a righteous deed of the supporters and sympathisers with the (North) in response to its appeal," the North's top military body, the National Defence Commission, told the state-run KCNA news agency.

Sympathisers ... a cyber attack on Sony Pictures may have been orchestrated by supporters of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Picture: AFP/KCNA via KNS Source: AFP

The Interview, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco as two journalists recruited by the CIA to assassinate Kim, has infuriated Pyongyang, which earlier warned of "merciless retaliation" against what it called a "wanton act of terror".

The hacking attack on the US movie studio late last month is known to have included the leaking of sensitive personal information on some 47,000 individuals, including celebrities. The attack also made unreleased Sony films available on illegal file-sharing websites, with media reports indicating the pattern matches past attacks carried out by the isolated state.

The NDC rejected the media reports as "false rumour", but went on to slam Sony for producing the film, which it said was "hurting the dignity of the supreme leadership".

Threatened with 'collapse' ... Sony Pictures Studios denounced a cyber attack it said netted a 'large amount' of confidential information. Picture: AFP/Frederic J Brown Source: AFP

"We do not know where in America the Sony Pictures is situated and for what wrongdoings it became the target of the attack nor we feel the need to know about it," the NDC spokesman said.

"But what we clearly know is that the Sony Pictures is the very one which was going to produce a film abetting a terrorist act while hurting the dignity of the supreme leadership of the (North)," he said.

The isolated state has "a great number of supporters and sympathisers ... all over the world", including those behind the attack on Sony, he warned.

On Friday, in the latest cyber threat, Sony Pictures staff received an email claiming to be from the same hackers who earlier breached the firm's computer network, reportedly with warnings that they and their families were "in danger." The email from a group calling itself Guardians of Peace (GOP) also warned that "all hope will leave you and Sony Pictures will collapse", according to the industry journal Variety.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘Grief is stopping me from singing’

Natalie Bassingthwaighte, one of the many Australian singers featured on a new charity recording raising money for two children with Sanfilippo Syndrome. Natalie in Brighton. Picture: Brendan Francis. Source: News Corp Australia

NATALIE Bassingthwaighte has revealed the shock death of her manager has stalled her music career.

For most of the year the popular X Factor judge had been working on her first new songs since 2011 with long-term mentor and manager Mark Byrne at her side.

Byrne suddenly died in September after a heart attack.

"I was due to go into the studio the day he passed," Bassingthwaighte said. "Since he passed I just haven't been able to sing. I just couldn't go there. He was my life."

`He was my life' ... Bassingthwaighte with Byrne. Source: Facebook

Bassingthwaighte was lured back into the studio two weeks ago to sing on charity single This Woman's Work, raising money for Sydney children Isla and Jude, both siblings suffering from the rare and fatal Sanfilippo Syndrome.

"When this came up I said yes and I had a beautiful time recording it, because it's not about me, it's about someone else, it's a gift for someone else," she said. "I had a lot of fun that day, I felt very free. But then after that I felt stuck again, I haven't felt good about it.

SAD LOSS: Nat Bass' tribute to manager and friend Mark Byrne

"It has been a long time since I've released anything, going back to 2011. For ages after I had my kids I didn't want to do anything. Then I got the mojo back at the start of this year, I was getting back into music.

"But then with everything that's happened I'm taking a step back to reassess. It's not like I won't do music again. When you're a singer it's always there, but it has to be the right thing at the right time. I don't want to do a track that's not me."

Bassingthwaighte has recently signed to powerful agents RGM, making her a stable mate with the likes of Cate Blanchett and Rose Byrne.

"It took me a while," she admitted. "At first it was really hard to talk to anyone. But they've been very proactive, especially with acting, so watch this space. There's a few things on the table — music, acting. I'm always thinking of the next thing, you have to always know you're replaceable, you just do a good job and keep moving forward."

Bassingthwaighte politely declined an offer to reprise her role of bad-girl Izzy Hoyland on Neighbours for the show's 30th anniversary next year.

Losing her voice ... Natalie Bassingthwaighte says she's been unable to restart her singing career after the sudden death of her manager Mark Byrne. Picture: Brendan Francis. Source: News Corp Australia

She played the home-wrecking schemer from 2003 to 2006, leaving the show after becoming pregnant to Dr Karl Kennedy.

"My good friends are still on the show, I did want to go back to see them and for nostalgic reasons, but the timing wasn't right. It would have been fun.

"I've done the documentary though. Neighbours was a massive part of my life. I'd done musical theatre before the show but that is what made me known across the country, getting yelled and abused at for Izzy's behaviour!"

Bassingthwaighte said her mate and fellow judge Dannii Minogue helped her continue to work on X Factor during her grief.

"Dannii would mentor me, the way Mark would have had he been there. She'd say 'Come on you can do this' and I needed that. I knew I'd probably fall into a hole if I didn't keep working and I knew that wouldn't be great for my husband or my kids.

"The show never pressured me once and I appreciated that so much. There were days I didn't even know if I could do it, but I did and it was really difficult but I had all the love and support in the world."

Home wrecker ... Stefan Dennis and Natalie Bassingthwaighte as the villainous Izzy in Neighbours Source: News Corp Australia

The star is unsure if she'll be on the Channel 7 show's judging panel next year, with rumours Redfoo and Ronan Keating won't return.

"We don't find out until February or March. We're used to waiting to know if we have a job, but I've got a few things I have to decide on which would potentially mean I couldn't do X Factor.

"But I love the show. At some point you have to say 'OK, that's enough' but I'd definitely be up for it next year, I don't feel like I've run out of steam yet."

Bassingthwaighte still hasn't listened to judge Redfoo's controversial Literally I Can't song, containing unpleasant lyrics which have led to some to call for the American to be sacked from the G-rated TV show.

Future uncertain ... Bassingthwaighte, with her fellow X Factor judges Redfoo, Dannii Minogue and Ronan Keating, isn't sure the show will back next year. Picture: Ian Currie. Source: News Corp Australia

"When he's on stage he's wild, but backstage he's a quiet guy. It's not like we all hung out that much this season.''

The singer also touched on her on-screen screaming, which became a hot Twitter topic this year.

"If people out there thought it was loud imagine being Dannii or Ronan or me. It hurts my ears too. I get too excited. Anyone who knows me knows that's me. I know it's annoying. I annoy myself. Sorry!"


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘Clarke’s word is enough’: Hussey

Australian captain Michael Clarke is on track to play the first Test against India in Adelaide after training for a second straight day.

Michael Clarke after completing a net session in his bid to be fit for Tuesday's first Test. Photo by Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

FORMER Australian Test batsman Mike Hussey says it's a gamble, but Michael Clarke must be selected for the first Test against India on Tuesday.

It will be an emotion-charged atmosphere for the series-opener before a packed house as the Australian players seek to honour their former teammate Phillip Hughes who was farewelled last week in his home town of Macksville in NSW.

WATSON REVEALS AUSSIES' MENTAL DEMONS

AUSSIE QUICKS SET TO INFLICT PAIN ON INDIA

Hussey says skipper Clarke's word should be good enough on his fitness.

The 33-year-old Clarke has trained strongly in the past two days in a bid to show Australia's four-man selection panel that he has overcome his latest hamstring injury.

Australia's coach Darren Lehmann talks to captain Michael Clarke during a training session at the Adelaide Oval. Photo by Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

Hussey says he has been overwhelmed by Clarke's leadership qualities in the past couple of weeks since Hughes' tragic death aged 25 following a hit to the head in a Sheffield Shield game at the SCG.

"He has really stepped up to the plate in tough times," Hussey told the Herald Sun from Perth.

"He was very close to Hughesy. He has referred to him as his little brother.

"He has been phenomenal really to show support to the Hughes family.

"It just goes to show that life and friendships and relationships are more important than any game of cricket.

"If he says he's fit and the physios say he's fit, he has to be picked.

"But it is a gamble. If you're done your hammy three times in three months then it's certainly a gamble to take him into a five-day Test.

"You've got to trust his word and if he says he's fine, you've got to back him in.

"He's the captain and the best batsman in the team."

Australia and India have taken to the nets in preparation for an emotional first Test in Adelaide on Tuesday.

Shaun Marsh has been called up on standby for Clarke in addition to the original 12-man squad.

Apart from Clarke, whose determination to play has been obvious in his efforts at training, Australia must also decide on uncapped NSW quick Josh Hazlewood or Victoria's workhorse Peter Siddle for their third-seamer option, behind Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson.

Siddle had a poor two-Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October/November, claiming two wickets for 217 runs.

However the 30-year-old Siddle, a veteran of 55 Tests, hit form with a second-innings haul of 5/31 in last month's Shield win over South Australia.

"As far as Peter Siddle and Josh Hazlewood goes, Peter Siddle is the incumbent," Hussey said.

"He has done the job over many years.

"He has got five-for against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield match at Adelaide Oval.

"He certainly deserves first crack at it."

Hussey who retired in January 2013, played in Hughes' debut Test series in South Africa in 2009.

Michael Clarke stretches during a training session at the Adelaide Oval. Pic: Tait Schmaal. Source: News Corp Australia

He says the grief felt by Clarke's men will make getting through the first Test, or even just tomorrow's first session of play, a huge challenge.

"It has been an amazing couple of weeks, really sad and really emotional," Hussey said.

"Everyone has been in shock really. I certainly have.

"I'm sure there'll be certain times that they will be thinking about Hughesy.

"Hopefully most of the other times they are just concentrating on the job they have to do out in the middle.

"But I'm sure he'll come into their minds at stages during the Test."

Hussey says for a player like opening batsman David Warner, the key will be to keep his mind on the job despite what are likely to be emotional scenes in the minutes leading up to the match.

"Possibly. Davey Warner, if Australia is batting first, he was very good mates with Phillip Hughes," Hussey said.

"I'm sure there'll be emotions bubbling away. It's something they're going to have to deal with.

"It might go one of two ways.

"Will they come out and be really fired up or will they be a bit flat? I don't know.

"It comes down to the individual, how he prepares and trying to keep control of your emotions."

Originally published as 'Clarke's word is enough': Hussey
23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blues to select brave Abbott in Shield

There are a number of tributes planned to honour the late Phillip Hughes in first Test against India in Adelaide on Tuesday.

Sean Abbott is expected to return to cricket on Tuesday night. Photo by Robert Cianflone. Source: Getty Images

SEAN Abbott is poised to make a brave cricket comeback on Tuesday after confiding in New South Wales teammates that he wants to return to the pitch.

It will be on same SCG ground that he left as a shattered man after the Phillip Hughes tragedy.

There were initial fears Abbott may never be able to play high-level cricket again after the psychological trauma of delivering the bouncer which felled Hughes.

WATSON REVEALS AUSSIES' MENTAL DEMONS

AUSSIE QUICKS SET TO INFLICT PAIN ON INDIA

DHONI GIVES THUMBS UP AFTER TRAINING SESSION

However Blues officials and teammates have been heartened by the strong and courageous manner in which the young cricketer has dealt with the harrowing experience.

The Blues are on Monday set to name the 22-year-old fast bowling all-rounder in their squad for the Sheffield Shield match against the Queensland Bulls starting tomorrow at the SCG.

Abbott and his NSW teammates will still have until match morning to make a final call on whether they are ready to play, with the Blues to name a supersized squad to cover all contingencies.

It is understood that while Abbott wants to play on Tuesday, several of his teammates who were extremely close to Hughes may be still too emotionally fragile to take the field.

Shane Watson has spoken about inner demons and a great deal of apprehension heading into the first Test against India following the shocking death of Phillip Hughes.

Blues players had meetings with Cricket NSW officials on Sunday and were asked whether they thought they would feel ready to play.

There has been an outpouring of support for Abbott and concern for his welfare after he sent down the bouncer which struck Hughes in a freak accident.

The Hughes family has helped the healing process by trying to ensure the young cricketer feels no unnecessary guilt.

Megan Hughes spent some time with Abbott at St Vincent's Hospital during the hours before her brother died.

Yesterday, NSW all-rounder Moises Henriques said he felt Abbott was "coping pretty well''.

"He is coping pretty well and I guess from our point of view as fellow players we are trying to expel his name from the tragedy a little bit,'' Henriques said on Sydney's Sky Sports Radio.

"In my opinion, I don't think he is any more at fault than any fast bowler that has ever bowled a bouncer in his career.

"We are trying to remove his name from everything that has happened and just treat him like another one of the players. That's how he wants to be treated.''

Sean Abbott and his girlfriend Brier after Phillip Hughes' funeral. Pic Nathan Edwards Source: News Corp Australia

On the advice of counsellors, Cricket Australia urged national and state fast bowlers to return to the nets as soon as they felt ready.

Some bowlers felt returning to their natural environment on the cricket field was beneficial. All have had different emotional responses.

Former Test paceman Peter George bowled a bouncer on his first delivery in Brisbane club cricket but only after taking the extraordinary step of warning the batsman he was about to send down a short ball.

No bowler faces a more difficult challenge than Abbott but there have already been some promising signs such as him returning to net sessions with NSW last week.

Henriques says it remains likely several Blues players will not play against Queensland tomorrow.

"I think myself and a few of the other guys are still in a bit of denial of everything that has happened and the extraordinary circumstances,'' Henriques said

"With such a unique situation with someone actually passing away on a cricket pitch, it is quite hard to quite wrap your head around that as a cricketer.''

Originally published as Blues to select brave Abbott in Shield
23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More
techieblogger.com Techie Blogger Techie Blogger