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Ballin wants to be one club man

Written By Unknown on Senin, 06 Januari 2014 | 20.47

Matt Ballin in training with the Sea Eagles. Source: Martin Lange / News Limited

IN the countdown to his eighth season in the NRL, Matt Ballin revealed his goal of being a one club man by playing his entire career with the Sea Eagles.

The Manly ironman who turned 30 on Sunday got stuck back into training at Narrabeen yesterday with the rest of the top squad following their Christmas break.

"All my first grade games have been here at Manly," Ballin said.

"It's a very strong club and has a very proud history.

"I want to make sure when I look back on my time here I am very proud of it and can say I have been a Manly Sea Eagles player for my whole career."

In the modern era long-serving one team players are becoming an endangered species.

"Obviously the salary cap affects certain players but a lot of players want to stay here for less money," Ballin said.

"It is a good indication that the club and it's community is very close."

The workaholic hooker is under contract to the Sea Eagles for two more seasons until the end of 2015.

He hopes that doesn't take bring down the curtain on his career and he can then secure another deal with the club.

"I'd really love to keep playing," Ballin said.

"A lot of things can happen in those two years- whether the club wants me and whether I'm offer the club anything on the field is another matter."

And Ballin is ready to continue his amazing defensive feats in 2014 that have become such a crucial element in the club's success.

"You'd rather have the ball in your hands and not do so much if it," he said.

"But when it comes down to it I am in the middle of the field there and most weeks I play 80 minutes.

"And I have always enjoyed tackling ever since I was a young bloke."


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Explosive start for Dellacqua

Casey Dellacqua is through in Hobart. Source: WILLIAM WEST / AFP

A GAS explosion shook Australia's Casey Dellacqua before she was able to refocus on take out her opening match in the Hobart International yesterday.

Dellacqua was in control 6-4, 5-2 when the loud explosion in the nearby club house shook the Domain Tennis Centre in her match with Belgian qualifier Alison van Uytvanck.

The 125th world ranked left-hander from Perth then dropped the next two games before finally serving out the match to win in an hour and 11 minutes 6-4, 6-4.

``The explosion actually shook me to be honest with you,'' Dellacqua said.

``I kept thinking `I hope everyone is OK' and I know that is probably bad but it just really threw for me for a few games and I was worrying, I just wanted to ask the umpire if everyone is all right.

``I just had to refocus at 5-4.

``I put myself in a good position to win the match, I just had to realise I put myself in that position to serve out the match and to refocus and to get more clarity on what I needed to do in that last game and that was to hit some first serves in and make her play a few extra balls, which I had been doing the whole match.

``I saw smoke obviously coming out and I just kept worrying. I didn't feel like we should keep playing if something had happened.

``I felt like we should stop. I didn't know what happened but it seems like everything is good.''

After a nearly two-hour rain delay and a shaky start, where a number of service breaks were traded freely, Dellacqua took control through her serve (winning 68 per cent on serve) and powerful forehand.

In 2013, the 28-year-old rose to the top 10 in doubles as her singles rankings slid, but this year is all about her own one-woman show.

``I thought it (yesterday) was good, obviously playing qualifiers is never easy because they've had three matches and you never know what conditions you are going to get,'' she said.

``I felt pretty good up until those last few games.

``This summer was about focusing on my singles to really try and get back into the top 100 so the French Open and Wimbledon I'm playing main draw and I'm not playing qualifying and I can put a proper schedule together for singles and doubles.''

Wildcard Dellacqua downed Van Uytvanck 6-4 6-4 after play was delayed for two hours by rain.

The 28-year-old, who made three grand slam doubles finals with Ashleigh Barty in 2013, made the crucial first set break in the ninth game to lead 5-4.

The left-hander converted her first set point with a blistering forehand down the line.

Dellacqua led 5-2 in the second but, serving for the match, was broken by her 19-year-old opponent.

Leading 5-4 she served out the match, converting her first match point when Van Uytvanck hit wide.

The West Australian will play either fourth seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or American Alison Riske in the second round.

The Hobart tournament suffered a second blow in as many days on Monday when fifth seed Flavia Pennetta joined Venus Williams in withdrawing.

Pennetta cited a wrist injury.

Her place has been filled by Belgian lucky loser An-Sophie Mestach.


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'I've never seen anything like it'

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ENGLAND'S miserable Ashes tour was summed up in one memorable moment at the SCG on Sunday.

They had long given up the fight for the urn but a single Ryan Harris delivery, as he marched toward match-winning figures of 5/25, broke their spirit.

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It was nothing more than a defensive shot from England opener Michael Carberry, but the ball split his Kookaburra bat in half. Only the bat's sticker kept the two pieces of willow together.

Australian allrounder Shane Watson was astounded. He's broken bats while playing before, but never with a defensive shot.

"Normally if the bat breaks like that it's from a big pull shot or cut shot, so I'm surprised it didn't go earlier," he said.

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"I'm surprised he did actually have his stickers on as well because that might have flicked back on the stumps. He found some pretty random ways to get out at times throughout the series and that might have topped things off for him."

It was Carberry's first Ashes tour, but it could very well be his last despite ending the series as England's second highest run scorer behind Kevin Pietersen.

Ironically, at the start of the season Carberry appeared in a video promoting his new bat, which is called the Recoil.

"This is what I'll be using this summer," he says.

"Hopefully there will be some runs in it."


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Day final out, hello prime time

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BRISBANE International organisers will consider switching the men's final to a prime time evening slot for 2015 following Sunday's star clash between Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer.

Tournament director Cameron Pearson will talk to broadcaster Channel Seven about showing the 2015 men's title decider at either 6pm or 7pm Queeensland time

"We'll look at our schedule and what matches were played when and we will review each day's play and the sessions and certainly that's one that I'm going to look at for sure, to look to move towards a night final for the men," Pearson said.

"It's obviously a better time from an audience perspective but also you're showcasing your best match at night, under the lights.

"Keeping away from when the sun comes in on the side of the court would make it a better spectator experience as well."

The setting sun streamed on to the Pat Rafter Arena court through a gap between the top of the stands and the roof as Hewitt took on the 17-times Grand Slam winner.

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Their match, played over two hours and eight minutes, spilled into prime time by chance after the curtain-raiser men's doubles final starting at 2pm went to three sets and lasted 96 minutes.

The Hewitt-Federer match averaged 1.12 million viewers on 7Two and peaked at 1.56 million.

It was the most watched program in its timeslot in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Federer and Hewitt flew out of Brisbane yesterday to continue their Australian Open preparations.

Hewitt, who will contest the AAMI Classic starting at Kooyong tomorrow, will go into the first Grand Slam of the year with increased confidence following his 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 upset of Federer but he said that was incidental to winning in Brisbane, his first title since 2010.

"Playing the best players in the world and finals of tournaments, always it's exciting, that's why you still play the game," said the 32-year-old Australian.

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"For me, it was motivation enough just to try to get the win out there and obviously win another title. It's been a couple years. So I was just ready for the challenge."

The win pushed Hewitt's world ranking from No.60 to 43 but, again, that was just a bonus after beating Federer and world No.17 Kei Nishikori on the way to the title.

"The pleasing thing is how I backed up," Hewitt said.

"I had my first match on Tuesday night, and then after that had one day off and after that had to play four matches in a row.

"At my age and then to come through and do that, the last two wins have been big, quality players as well."

Federer branded Hewitt "the best player I played this week".

"He made it toughest on me," Federer said.

"So I have a clear idea what I need to work on, and I have a clear idea where my mind and body is at.

"I'm very hungry and eager to attack the Australian Open next week."


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Federer identifies areas to improve

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 05 Januari 2014 | 20.47

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ROGER Federer says he emerged from his unnerving Brisbane International final loss with a clear idea of what he needs to improve to challenge for Grand Slam honours this year.

Federer said he considers his Brisbane campaign to be a "great start to the season'' even though Lleyton Hewitt, who he famously beat 15 times in a row between 2004-10, had been steadier and also more assertive in holding onto the 3-1 advantage he grabbed in the third set.

The Australian Open might be a few months too early as a realistic title chance for Federer, who crumpled to a 45-17 record for 2013 when a back injury prevented him from training properly from mid-year.

His coaching consultant Stefan Edberg starts working with the former world No.1 at the Australian Open and Federer's use of a new, bigger racquet frane in Australia is, judging by his rate of groundstroke errors against Hewitt, is a work in progress.

"It was a match which got away from me and I hope I do a better job next time,'' Federer said after a 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 loss.

"He (Edberg) watched the match against (Jeremy) Chardy in the semi-final, so I'll give him a call before he gets to Melbourne.

"I'm pretty pleased my body is holding up from the first week and I have a clear idea what I need to work on and I have a clear idea where my mind and body is that.

"I'm very hungry and eager to attack the Australian Open.''

Federer stayed in the match through the second set with his serve, even though after 32 straight "holds'' at Pat Rafter Arena a red-hot Hewitt broke his service games three times in the first set.

Federer's 20 aces in his semi-final win was more than any match he played in 2013 and he found 13 more in the final, so any effect of the new racquet on his serve is evidently good.

"I would have loved to win the title, but I missed too many first serves in the third set,'' the world No.6 said.

Lleyton Hewitt of Australia holds the winners trophy while Roger Federer of Swizerland holds the runner up after winning the mens final match. Source: Getty Images

"Lleyton was better than me today.''

Federer said he hoped to be able to play Brisbane a second time (see report, P3) next summer.

Brisbane tournament director Cameron Pearson will seek feedback from Federer's manager Tony Godsick, who negotiates an appearance fee and other terms with tournaments, but knows the Federer family have been well charmed by Australia's native animals.

Federer's wife Mirka has been shopping in Brisbane and she and their four-year-old twin daughters have been to theme parks at the Gold Coast, as well as Australia Zoo and Lone Pine Sanctuary.

"I speak to Tony a lot. If Roger comes back, it's up to him and his team,'' Pearson said.

"I was focussed on making sure he and his family enjoyed Brisbane and the tournament while Roger was plying his trade,''

The week at the Queensland Tennis Centre drew tournament record attendance of 105,730, 13,000 more than the 2012 record.

"I will move on with great memories of a wonderful place. I couldn't have been happier here this week,'' Federer said.

Brisbane joins esteemed company in tournaments other than the Grand Slams to draw 100,000 or more. These are topped by major cities Rome, Madrid, Toronto and Beijing, as well as established US events at Indian Wells, Miami and Cincinnati.

"This crowd shows what the tournament is capable of really,'' Pearson said.


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This time it feels right to gloat

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I KNOW the rules. No cheering in the press box. As if that would have been heard above the rapturous ovation in which the Australians bathed when the historic 100th wicket fell.

But a few quiet words in appreciation of this wonderfully surprising Australian team before they reach for the Panadol and catch theirs flight back to families and states and franchises.

For beating England? Well, between us, there is that.

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Having left The Oval with the strains of "Stand Up If You're Three Nil Up" ringing in the ears, it is impossible for anyone who has spread Vegemite not to revel in this unimagined feat.

Once the English might have cocked a monocled eye at Australia's jubilation and sneered: "You Australians take sport too seriously because you don't have anything else."

Now, after Great Britain's indulgent celebration of magnificent achievements on pitches, courts, in Olympic stadiums and across French Alps, the Old Enemy can no longer pretend they take sport less seriously. Which in turn makes this victory sweeter.

IN PICTURES: SCG TURNS PINK FOR JANE MCGRATH DAY

That said, our appreciation of this Australian team is not motivated by spite. Well, not completely.

As much as we traded on England's image as a team replete with dark-hearted villains, their only offence was to successfully replicate the methods and mannerisms of the Australians who once tormented them.

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Stuart Broad a cheat? Laughable given most Australian batsmen would sooner walk bare foot across the Simpson Desert than away from the crease before an umpire's finger was raised.

Oh, alright. It has been just a bit satisfying to see the sneers and snarls wiped from the faces of Australia's recent conquerors.

How humbling for Broad that he left the field to pitying applause after a few late innings swipes, not the reflexive boos that acknowledged the threat he posed in Brisbane.

But mostly we applaud this Australian team because, amid the bombardment of marketing concepts and carnival cricket designed to make the game "popular", it has done so the old-fashioned way.

Australia has shone in both the bold and entertaining way it is has played and, as often, through the characters who have played it. Accomplished performers at the peak of their powers; rehabilitated stars seizing a second chance or relishing newfound fitness; veterans who can scarcely believe their luck. And, in Steve Smith, an endearingly fidgety young man finding his feet.

Veteran Chris Rogers celebrating a century at one of his many home grounds was just the latest heartwarming moment from a team that has provided more feel-good stories than Disney, complete with routine happy ending.

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Strolling from the nets to the sheds before play, Rogers would have been mistaken for a suburban accountant if not for his team uniform. There is a touch of normality, even humanity, about this Australian team.

Mitchell Johnson's snarling menace is despite a fragile nature, not because of a malevolent heart. Who would have thought he would be man of the series, and get to describe the taunts of the Barmeys as "water off a duck's back".

Ryan Harris thrives despite his boilermaker's body. Peter Siddle has, quite literally, gone bananas and contradicts the carnivorous fast-bowling stereotype.

Nathan Lyon seems every bit the diffident shy country lad. But by first enduring the considerable doubts of an impatient nation and steadily imposing himself throughout the series, Lyon has shown tremendous heart.

David Warner? Bad Boy or just a loved-up scallywag? Keep an eye on your Twitter feed.

What was more surprising about Brad Haddin? His immense batting average or that endearing photograph with daughter Mia that, against all previous scientific evidence, proved wicketkeepers have hearts.

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Statistically George Bailey might prove the theory great teams are measured by their weakest link. But as we have ventured before, the Tasmanian's contribution to the team's chemistry seems greater than his modest average.

Which leaves the odd couple Michael Clarke and Shane Watson. Is there a mutual respect? Mere tolerance? Whatever it is, as Clarke and Watson have lived together, Australians have appreciated them both more.

The sledging and intimidatory bowling that made some squeamish? If there was an English player reluctant to share a beer with the Australians he had forgotten the ribald sound track that accompanied his own team's success.

Is this a great Australian team? The South African tour will provide a tough, perhaps sobering test. For now, it is a team that has performed great deeds with tremendous spirit and that is more than enough.


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Why Bailey doesn't deserve the axe

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GEORGE Bailey flung himself backwards and took a brilliant, one-handed catch over his shoulder to dismiss Kevin Pietersen.

It was a wonderful piece of fielding and came soon after his knock of 46 in Australia's second innings. On the surface it may not be enough for him to keep his place in the Test team, but Bailey's contribution shouldn't be overlooked.

IN PICTURES: SCG TURNS PINK FOR JANE MCGRATH DAY

A settled team is a winning team, and a winning team is a settled one.

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Not since the 1989 Ashes tour of England has Australia been able to field the same XI in five consecutive Test matches in the same series.

It wasn't quite a whitewash, but Allan Border's inexperienced men won that six-Test series 4-0.

England's batsmen have been as poor as Australia's bowlers have been brilliant this series, and it has allowed Michael Clarke to lead an unchanged team throughout the five-match series.

It's an achievement Clarke described as being "extremely special".

"The same XI is obviously a fantastic achievement and a lot of credit has to go to the support stuff and the medical staff," he said.

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"A lot of people think it's just the bowlers that need the medical attention to get back on the park, but I can guarantee you every single one of the batters needs a lot of work to be able to play as much cricket as we have and get onto the field.

"It's very special, a lot of hard work has gone in to it."

Every player has contributed on the field, but Bailey's future as a Test player has been called into question simply because he has only managed second-innings runs without much pressure.

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The writing was on the wall for him when Alex Doolan was asked to remain in Sydney for the Test, but Bailey should still be on the plane to South Africa, and not just to captain the Twenty20 side.

Australia have just won the Ashes 5-0. Not just won, but thumped, dominated and annihilated England. Bailey has been very much a part of the team effort and it would be unwise to mess with a winning team.

Bailey leads with a smile, he even sledges with a smile, and because he's a captain he clearly has a strong presence in the Australian dressing room.

Australia has never fielded the same XI for six consecutive Tests. On the back of such a triumphant Ashes series, they could do worse than leave Bailey right where he is for next month's huge series in South Africa.

Should George Bailey retain his place in the Test team?


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Mundine's next 'no name' opponent

Anthony Mundine talks to media at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Pic Peter Wallis Source: Peter Wallis / News Limited

SO HAVE you heard the latest on Anthony Mundine's next opponent?

You know, the guy Choc promised us all would be top 15. Maybe top 10. A fighter with the type of reputation who, The Man has shouted in one proclamation after another, would inch him closer to that megafight with Floyd 'Money' Mayweather.

A genuine contender by the name of ... err, Carson Jones.

Unranked by the four major divisions - which, even with our Maths in Society background, would seem to be outside the best 15 on the planet - Jones is the American boxer handpicked by Team Mundine to fight in Brisbane on a date later this month we refuse to mention here.

And it's because, put bluntly, this fight is less appealing than Aussie Joe Bugner in bike pants.

Call it a truth confirmed by no less than Mundine who, while no shrinking violet, is yet to hold a press conference announcing his rival.

Kell Brook in action with Carson Jones. Source: Getty Images

Same deal Main Event, the Pay-Per-View broadcaster already seeking your $50 in TV commercials that mention where and when the fight is on - but not against who.

"I never put too much thought into it," Mundine told World Boxing News. "I just line em' up and knock them down."

As the punter whose cash they crave, you have the right to ask 'why?'

Could you imagine, for example, Choc not holding a media extravaganza all lights, camera action had he secured one those superstars he covets - and indeed Australian boxing needs - like Saul Alvarez or Miguel Cotto?

And, yes, Team Mundine disciples, we understand the concept of 'stay busy' bouts. Aware too that Jones is a fair fighter who, despite having won just once in his past four outings, was twice defeated by rising British prospect Kell Brook.

But after beating an uninspired Shane Mosley, who has since retired aged 42 and with one win from his final six outings, Mundine promised to go all out. Would have Mayweather within the year, he said.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. in action. Source: Getty Images

But Jones? Two years ago he was held to a draw by Dean Byrne, the former Australian light-welterweight champ and, in his past four outings, has only tasted victory against a rival boasting 12 wins in 30 fights.

Hardly the type of rival who pushes you toward the highest-paid athlete on planet earth.

Indeed, in his last fight, Mayweather made in excess of $80 million. Mundine, meanwhile, lost upwards of $500,000.

So you tell me if Carson Jones closes that gap.


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Baseball boss eyes cricket talent

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 04 Januari 2014 | 20.47

President and CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks Derrick Hall enjoying the match at the stadium where his team will be playing the LA Dodgers on the 22nd of March. Source: Tim Hunter / News Limited

WITH a chequebook worth $90 million, Derrick Hall isn't the type of bloke who baulks at SCG beer prices.

In fact, when it comes to beers, burgers, even batsman of an Australian Test variety, the Arizona Diamondbacks president speaks enthusiastically about splurging on it all.

"Oh, absolutely,'' the American baseball suit grins.

"Having already met Steve Smith and heard plenty about David Warner, I have no doubt your elite cricketers could make the transition to Major League Baseball".

Currently in Sydney to promote his side's MLB season opener against the LA Dodgers - which, in March, will see the SCG undergo a multi-million dollar transformation - Hall insists he would happily allow swashbuckling cricketers Warner and Smith to trial with his American franchise.

"We could definitely teach baseball to those guys,'' he says.

"In terms of a pathway, Australian cricket is certainly a realistic scouting ground for us.

"With the hitting, the power arms, the hand-eye coordination, there is so much crossover there. I'm just not sure how many Australians who make it to the elite level would want to give that up."

Ah, wouldn't that depend on how many zeroes you offered them?

"I guess our salaries are well above yours, yes,'' Hall grins.

Allan Border talks Ashes Cricket at Manly Beach. Pictured with Major League Baseball stars Patrick Corbin(L) of the Arizona Diamond Backs, and AJ Ellis of the LA Dodgers. Source: News Limited

"But that's another story altogether.

"What I do hope is that we can help build the game of cricket in America. Maybe even have a swap where US baseballers come down here and play.

"But in terms of our season opener, it's about promoting baseball in Australia. This isn't about finances for us. We simply want to break square, grow the game and ... whoa, he just got hit."

Indeed, out in the middle of the SCG, Aussie paceman Mitchell Johnson has just sent a thundering blow into Englishman Ben Stokes. Or maybe it was Jonny Bairstow. Regardless, the Diamondbacks boss is impressed.

"Remarkable sport isn't it?'' he continues.

"My father-in-law, he's from India and has been urging me to watch this sport forever.

"Then about five years back, I actually stumbled across it by accident. I was flicking through the sports channels and when it came on, I stayed with it. Love it."

But do you get it?

"Taking a break to have 'tea' -- that's different,'' the leading US sports suit laughs.

"So is stuff like the absence of leather mitts, fielders being so close to the batsmen, a match taking five days.

"Back home, we're actually trying to speed up our games, which average about three hours. We're playing 162 games a year, so for 81 home games, we don't want our fans sitting around for hours."

No, because as Hall will discover come close, that encourages men wearing watermelons for hats to do some strange things indeed.


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England's new bats save face

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ENGLAND's senior players seem intent on catching an early flight home, leaving their young guard has been left to carry the can.

Resuming play on 1/8 at the SCG on Saturday, England's top order capitulated so quickly it was a struggle to keep up with the comings and goings of batsmen from the visitors change room.

Alastair Cook (7) limped off leg before wicket to Ryan Harris in the second ball of the day and night-watchman James Anderson (7) followed three overs later, undone by Mitchell Johnson.

Kevin Pietersen hung around for just 13 minutes before some lazy footwork saw him drive a full Harris delivery to Shane Watson and Ian Bell was next, caught behind for two off Peter Siddle.

They were tired shots from a tired team.

It left England reeling on 5/23 with debutant Gary Ballance and allrounder Ben Stokes, the only English player to make a noteworthy contribution all match, to begin the recovery mission.

It wasn't anything out of Brad Haddin's book, but the two fought well to reach 50 without further damage, except a dented helmet.

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Ballance tried to duck under a Johnson bouncer at the last minute, but got it horribly wrong and took a whack right on the head.

After a lengthy delay to asses the damage and replace his helmet, Ballance and Stokes survived a testing spell before lunch to go into the break with England on 5/61 and the future of English cricket at least showing signs of life.

When Ballance (18) fell to a wonderful Nathan Lyon delivery early in the second session, it was again up to Stokes to salvage something.

The 22-year-old is a genuine allrounder - as his 120 in Perth and Friday's six wicket haul will attest to - but he regards himself more as a batsman who bowls.

He spent 141 minutes in the middle for his 47. He sustained a bone-crunching blow to his foot from Johnson, a similar delivery to the one that injured Stuart Broad in Perth, and hit four boundaries before being clean bowled by Siddle.

With 247 runs Stokes is England's second-highest run scorer this series behind only Pietersen, but he has played one less Test. He's also taken 14 wickets, so it's little wonder he's been described as the find of the series.


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