How I'll turn Broncos into warhorses

Brisbane ironman Andrew McCullough. Source: Tim Marsden / News Limited

BRISBANE performance boss Alex Corvo, one of the coaches behind Melbourne Storm's decade of dominance, is on a mission to turn the Broncos into warhorses.

Having noted the evolution of the NRL's superstars into 80-minute performers and Brisbane's sequence of second-half collapses last year, the Broncos' pre-season focus has been on preparing stayers.

Head coach Anthony Griffin and Corvo have made it painfully clear during conditioning sessions they are less concerned with size of players' biceps than they are in big-hearted finishers who can use their superior fitness to execute matchwinning plays.

The emphasis, according to the head of performance, is on preparing combinations who can deliver repeat power efforts until the death.

"You don't want them just going through the motions. You want a group in those (last) five minutes who are capable of an extraordinary effort," Corvo said.

"If that effort's below your best it's probably not going to be a matchwinning one.

"More and more games are going to be in the balance up until the very end.

"The teams who win those close games, it's not a coincidence.

"They're the ones who are better prepared, better structured and have a plan for those minutes."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Broncos' second-half fade-outs contributed heavily to last season's 12th-placed finish.

Fox Sports statistics show Brisbane scored just 198 second-half points while leaking 263 at the other end.

Fightbacks were rare as the Broncos won just twice from the 13 matches in which they trailed or were level at half-time.

The game's elite have proved they can strike as powerfully in the final minute as they did in the first.

Cameron Smith, Paul Gallen and Corey Parker are perfect examples of players who can deliver long and productive stints in the middle of the field.

"Some coaches are looking for players capable of playing long bursts at high quality," said Corvo who promises to be the club's most influential recruit after several seasons in Melbourne.

"They're more likely to keep players on who are being more effective during the game.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"We look for backrowers capable of playing halves of footy, not needing to be interchanged.

"And there's an expectation, if you're a middle forward, of playing (at least) 20 minutes.

"If you're not capable of 20 minutes of high intensity footy you're a bit of a passenger.

"It means some one else has to play more minutes."

The Broncos have been enduring more running and longer sessions over summer as they gallop towards next month's trials and the season-opener against the Bulldogs on March 7.

There is, however, some comfort for the less athletic footballers in the squad.

"There's also room for pure footballers," Corvo said.

"If you recruited purely on physical capabilities, Cameron Smith, the best player in the competition, probably wouldn't be an NRL player

"If he was at the Magic Millions you probably wouldn't have bought him as a colt, but he has other qualities."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hooker battle to hot up at Nines

Ray Thompson trains with the Cowboys. Source: Evan Morgan / News Limited

THE battle for the Cowboys' starting hooker role may be as hot as the action at the Auckland Nines.

While most positions will have alterations to their traditional play in the attack-minded shortened version of rugby league next month, dummy-half responsibilities will remain very similar.

Crisp service from the ruck, strong instinct on when to run and an unrelenting work ethic in defence will each be pivotal to any team's success at the two-day pre-season tournament.

Although the value of the Nines has been criticised in some quarters from a selection viewpoint, North Queensland coach Paul Green could go a long way towards deciding who will don the No.9 jersey for the Cowboys' March season opener against Canberra.

Ray Thompson, Anthony Mitchell and new boy Cameron King are each vying to be a starter.

"Any time you're on the training paddock or on the field is a time to impress," Thompson said.

"There is a fierce competition for the No.9 spot again ... you can't give them a leg-up because, if they get it, they will take it with both hands and they'll hold on to it for as long as they can.

"Everyone's working really hard and everyone's got a common goal."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The Cowboys - drawn to meet Manly, Canberra and the Warriors in the Auckland Nines' preliminary rounds - will announce their 15-man squad for the lucrative tournament on February 11.

With modern-day hookers being able to switch between the halves and No.9, there is a chance all three, along with playmaking backrower Rory Kostjasyn, will be picked.

Thompson - who represented Papua New Guinea at last year's World Cup and was North Queensland's primary hooking option last season - in particular heaped praise on King since he arrived at the Cowboys from St George Illawarra in the off-season.

"He's a bit of a larrikin, the boys love him and he's a good bloke," Thompson said.

"He's been training the house down, he's looking fit and strong coming back from a shoulder reconstruction ... so if he gets that spot he thoroughly deserves it."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Turtur: Forgive O'Grady

Stuart O'Grady in action before his premature retirement brought on my his drug admission. Source: News Limited

RACE director Mike Turtur says it is time to forgive disgraced South Australian cyclist Stuart O'Grady for his drug indiscretions and welcome him back into the Tour Down Under fold.

O'Grady, a two-time TDU winner and 2007 Paris-Roubaix champion, quit the sport suddenly last July after confessing to once using the banned substance EPO before the Tour de France in 1998.

Turtur has been close to O'Grady for his entire professional career, which has spanned more than two decades.

But Turtur acknowledged the decision ultimately rests with the State Government - and O'Grady himself. Events SA - an arm of the SA Tourism Commission - has owned the Tour Down Under since its inception in 1999.

"I think it's time and Stuart will handle it his way,'' Turtur said yesterday.

"He's back home now with his family and he needs to find his feet in a normal life.

"He's a good guy. He's a proud South Australian.

"We'll see what develops over the course of the next year.

"We've honoured Stuart at the past Legends Night dinner and I think it's a decision (O'Grady's involvement with the Tour Down Under) that will come within the next period.

"I'm certain in the future things will be different."

O'Grady returned to Adelaide permanently last December with his family after selling his home in Europe.

He spoke for the first time publicly since his shock retirement at a cancer charity dinner in Adelaide on January 17.

He declared at the Ride Like Crazy function that he viewed the event as the first step to giving back to cycling in SA.

Turtur also said he believes the UCI (International Cycling Union) will allow the Tour Down Under to retain its January timeslot, despite speculation some WorldTour teams preferred a February start.

"I think you know in January we're only talking of a period of about a maximum of two weeks,'' Turtur said.

"At the end of the day it's something UCI have to discuss with the reform of professional cycling.

"The season has to start somewhere and we're happy to be the first race of the season.

"I think being the first race offers the unknown for media, for spectators, for riders.

"January, in my view, worked very well for the riders."

New UCI president Brian Cookson saw first-hand the significance for the state of holding the race during school holidays.

It is believed Cookson - an official guest of the race - was delighted when he witnessed thousands of Tour Down Under school-holiday revellers partying on King William Rd, Hyde Park in the leadup to Friday's stage start.

According to sources, Cookson is well aware a February start would change the entire fans' logistics of the race.

Turtur believes this 16th edition of the Tour Down Under was the best on record.

Orica-GreenEDGE's Simon Gerrans claimed his third Australian title in emphatic fashion, with several spectacular stages writing the race into the annals of cycling history.

Gerrans, BMC Racing's Cadel Evans, Lotto-Belisol's Andre Greipel, Sky's Richie Porte and Italian surprise packet Diego Ulissi from Lampre-Merida added daily drama to the event, given they all won stages during an exciting week of action.

"The spectacle for the whole week it came down to one second for first (Gerrans) and second (Evans) but it had the different stage winners,'' Turtur said.

"And the way the stages finished each day - there was always an element of interest right up until the finish.

"It wasn't a forgone conclusion with a big break going and that was it.

"I think it was the best competitive cycling race we've had in the 16 editions."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Willie's bender: 10 beers, then spirits

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

BIG Willie Mason had a few Newcastle Knights teammates and a handful of friends in tow when he went out to celebrate Australia Day, like so many others - by having a drink.

It was, by his own admission, a "decent" drink too, but nothing over the top.

"We started at around 3 in the arvo which was probably too early but I was home in bed by 11.30pm," he said yesterday.

"I hadn't had a drink for a while - it was Australia Day - we were doing the patriotic thing and were out celebrating on a day off."

Willie Mason at his home in Newcastle yesterday. Source: News Limited

Mason says he probably had around 10 beers and several gin and tonics before finishing up at an inner city hotel and catching a taxi home.

His big mistake came the next morning when he decided to drive himself to an early morning weights session.

Only a few kilometres from the club's training base at Mayfield, he was pulled over by a random breath testing unit at 7.05am where it was found he was over the legal limit.

He was immediately taken to Newcastle police station where he recorded a reading of 0.09 and was charged with a mid-range offence, his first drink driving black mark.

He is due to appear in court on February 20.

Willie Mason at his home in Newcastle yesterday. Source: News Limited

"I'm filthy at myself for making the wrong decision," a contrite Mason said yesterday.

"I didn't even think about being over the limit. If I had, I would have rang one of the boys for a lift.

"Even when they pulled me over, I thought I'd be right because I'd had a good seven hours sleep.

"But there are no excuses. It's completely my fault. I've got no-one to blame but myself and I have to take responsibility for it.

"I'll cop whatever is coming to me. I should have shown better judgment."

Knights coach Wayne Bennett was the first person Mason phoned after he was charged.

"Wayne was good. He wasn't angry. He just said it was my responsibility and I had to deal with it," Mason said.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

But the big prop, who has had more than his fair share of controversy during his career, is aware he has again brought unwanted attention to the club, which is still reeling from the serious assault charges that saw new frontrow recruit Russell Packer jailed for two years.

"That's the disappointing thing. I've let Wayne, the club and the fans down and put the joint in the spotlight again so I want to apologise for that," he said.

Mason is not expecting to be punished by the club for his indiscretion.

"I've spoken to Gids (CEO Matt Gidley) and I don't think there will be any action there," Mason said.

Despite the charge, Mason is expected to spearhead Newcastle's Auckland Nines campaign in a few weeks time.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Evans vows he'll be back Down Under

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

CADEL Evans has vowed to return for another tilt at the Tour Down Under after finishing one second behind this year's winner, Simon Gerrans.

Evans has conquered the brutal switchbacks and punishing mountain climbs of Europe, but his home roads have again proved tougher to crack.

The Tour de France great fell agonisingly close to his first Tour Down Under title yesterday after 800km of racing.

The loss is now likely to lure Evans back for one last shot at his first major victory on home soil since winning the Tour of Tasmania in 1998.

"If Adelaide will have me back that would be so cool for this to be my last racing appearance,'' Evans said.

Evans indicated during this year's Tour Down Under he would reassess his career after the Giro d'Italia in May but would not be rushed into retirement.

Tour Down Under - Stage 6 - Adelaide Street Circuit. Simon Gerrans over 2014 champion. Source: News Limited

The 36-year-old dreamed of a fairytale finish to what many had believed would be his last race in Australia but instead he was beaten to the punch by Gerrans, the man who defeated him by centimetres for the Australian road title two weeks ago.

It was a loss which has disappointed the 33-year-old Evans but also fired him up.

"Don't underestimate the competitive fire," Evans said.

In a warning to rivals ahead of his full-throttle bid to become the first Australian to win the Giro d'Italia.

Evans has also rated his form ahead of where he had thought he would be at this stage of the season.

Simon Gerrans of Orica GreenEDGE celebrates on stage. Source: Getty Images

"Of course we would prefer to win, that's what we are hard-wired to do, but to be second by one second shows we are starting to work towards May (and the Giro),'' he said.

Earlier Evans said he was satisfied with what he has gained out of the six-day Tour.

"My goal for this year was to start off well and somewhere near my best level, " said Evans who lost the race lead on Saturday to Gerrans, supported by a purpose-built team, on the only hilltop finish of the race.

"I come away from the race satisfied. I am riding as well as I had hoped, maybe even better and I think my performances have demonstrated that.

"Certainly I think I am riding as well as I hoped [and] the performance I think have demonstrated [that]."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Coaltrain with a dash of caveman

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

YOU have to feel sorry for big Dave Taylor.

The Titans' juggernaut has a tear in a calf muscle.

The club sent him off to a specialist and it was discovered that the injured muscle only exists in the smallest percentage of the world's population. It is apparently a genetic throwback to our ancestry - a muscle used for climbing trees - and is super rare.

So rare, the specialist said it won't exist anywhere at all in the human race within a matter of years.

The Coaltrain not only has it, he has torn it. Do you think his teammates have been giving him heaps?

The good news is Taylor's pre-season has been tops and there are high hopes of his best season yet after his brutally brilliant finish to 2013.

Ben Barba in action during the first training of the year. Pics Tim Marsden Source: News Limited

BRONCOS SHAPE UP WITH BOXERS

EXPECT to see a couple of new faces at Broncos training in the next few weeks with the recruitment of London Olympic boxers Cameron Hammond and Damien Hooper.

The pair, with trainer Gareth Williams, regularly host the rugby league players at their boxing gym inside the campus of Griffith University at Nathan.

And the The Broncos have invited the pair to take part in their conditioning program at Red Hill in a reciprocal arrangement.

The Broncos' new co-captain Justin Hodges (pictured) and former Bulldog Ben Barba are said to be the best boxers among the Broncos team, with Hooper saying Barba has the skills to make it as a fighter if he wanted to.

Fight training is also proving to be a hit for some of our Olympic swimmers, with Australian coach Michael Bohl sending the likes of Meagen Nay, Bronte Barratt, Brittany Elmslie and Mitch Larkin to work out alongside the fighters at Griffith Uni on a weekly basis.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

MAKING A FIST OF BREAK

WHILE on boxing and the Broncos, the players have been given four days off over the Straya Day weekend to refresh after copping a flogging on the track in pre-season training.

So what did Sam Thaiday do to unwind?

He booked himself in for six gruelling rounds in the ring with boxing trainer and mirror enthusiast Mark "Chopper" Burgess on Saturday morning.

While the rest of his teammates were kicking back with Vegemite sangas in front frontof a Skippy marathon, Sammy was punching on, and then booked himself in for a return session tomorrow.

South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Limited

MAGUIRE BRISSIE BUZZ

BRONCOS coaching rumour No.1: Whispers linking South Sydney coach Michael ­Maguire with the Broncos in 2015 won't go away, especially with news coming out of the Rabbitoh warren that the coach and the board are tetchy at each other over "demands" from the coach and "broken promises" from the board.

With Cameron Smith tipped to be joining the Broncos in 2015, and assistant coach Steve Kearney already at the club, it would be like a Storm Old Boys reunion.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

BENNETT STAYS IN TOUCH

BRONCOS coach rumour No.2: Wayne Bennett was spotted having a long chat with a couple of Broncos staffers while in Brisbane with the Emerging Origin squad last week.

Catching up on old times, or renewing acquaintances for down the track?

CLUB LOGO MAKEOVER

A CASE of identity crisis in the Intrust Super Cup?

One club is considering a change of logo for 2015.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR CRONULLA

IF the rumour mill is to be believed, the messy and seemingly endless ASADA investigation will come to a head this week. Stand by for the earthquakes.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gerrans' 'perfect day' Down Under

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

THE man they call the Sniper has taken aim at producing the best season of his career, with Simon Gerrans claiming the first major tour of the season at the Tour Down Under yesterday.

The 33-year-old described his historic third win over Tour de France winner Cadel Evans on Australia Day as "the perfect day out''.

"It is a huge honour to win the Tour Down Under and to cap it off on Australia Day, racing for an Australian team, it doesn't get much better,'' said Gerrans (Orica GreenEDGE) who survived a hectic finish in yesterday's street circuit finale in Adelaide to claim a one second victory over Cadel Evans (BMC Racing).

Gerrans, chasing stage wins in the Tour of France, Giro d'Italia and Tour of Spain this year, now leads the World Tour rankings thanks to his victory in the opener of the series. Incredibly five Australians (Gerrans 1, Evans 2, Richie Porte 4, Nathan Haas 5, Adam Hansen 9) feature in the top 10 thanks to their performance in the six-day Tour Down Under.

It was a day for the history books yesterday as the race set new crowd record with an estimated 766,000 watching the six-leg Tour.

Simon Gerrans of Australia smiles prior to the final stage of the Tour Down Under. Source: AFP

Tour de France stage winner Andre Greipel rode off with a record 16th stage victory after beating Bathurst rider Mark Renshaw in the final 85km criterium in Adelaide yesterday while Gerrans became the first man to win three Tour titles.

The 16th edition of the race has been labelled the best ever thanks to the calibre of field, large crowds and thrilling, close racing.

"The racing was fantastic and the fans really make this race. They make the ambience,'' said Evans "I am so pleased and proud of us as a country and as a cycling nation, but also a sporting nation, to see this event and what the ambience makes of us.''

Matt White, team director of Australia's first pro team Orica GreenEDGE,said the 2016 was a tour to remember.

"The best thingt is the best Australians battling it out,'' he said. "These are the best guys in the world at what they do,'' he said.

"To have Richie (Porte), Cadel (Evans and Simon (Gerrans) going hammer and tongs for the overall of their own tour, it's been a great week.''

ends

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Marsh again hit by injury set-back

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

SHAUN Marsh's Test future will be determined today, with skipper Michael Clarke hoping the left-hander won't miss the South Africa tour with a calf strain.

Marsh was noticeably inconvenienced, leaving the field in the 36th over of England's innings and not returning in Australia's thrilling five-run win in the one-day international at Adelaide Oval last night.

Seven-Test batsman Marsh was treated immediately by team physio Alex Kountouris, putting a dampener on the thrilling Australia Day win that delivered Clarke's side a 4-1 scoreline.

"He went off the field and said his calf was a little bit sore, so hopefully it is not too bad, something small," said Clarke.

"He was still moving around alright. Knowing what we have coming up I think Alex would have kept him off the field even if it was nothing."

However, Marsh's fragile frame will have medicos worried and could yet open the door for rival southpaw and run-machine Phil Hughes in a 15-man tour party to face the Proteas.

Marsh's international journey has been decimated by back, hamstring and knee injuries since making his one-day debut against the West Indies at Kingstown in 2008.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Failure to be fit to face the Proteas in a three-Test series would be a devastating set-back. Australia also has seamer Jackson Bird in doubt for South Africa with a back injury sustained while representing Melbourne Stars against Hobart Hurricanes last Tuesday at the MCG.

Having made a ton on debut against Sri Lanka in 2011, Marsh suffered a back injury on Australia's subsequent tour of South Africa. Marsh, 30, also jagged a hamstring in the fourth one-day clash against England at Cardiff last September.

Australia's tour of South Africa begins with a tour match in Potchefstroom on February 5, while the series opener against Graeme Smith's champion outfit starts February 12 at Centurion.

Australia secured the No.1 one-day ranking and almost complete dominance with a nail-biting national birthday win. England endured a 7/58 collapse that was the story of its summer having been wiped 5-0 in the Ashes.

Australia defended 217 on a low and slow strip with clinical displays from man of the match James Faulkner (2/37), Clint McKay (3/36) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (3/34) putting the brakes on the English who lost 7/58 in 14 overs.

"It was as satisfying one-day win that we have had recently," said Clarke.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Ravi Bopara (25, 44) exited to a controversial stumping on replay determined by the third umpire Kumar Dharmasena. Australian keeper Matthew Wade's rebound onto the stumps standing up to McKay bounced back onto the leg bail with the batsman's foot raised.

"I made it clear I wanted him Wade at the stumps and it worked out," said Clarke.

"The third umpire has the greatest view."

Alastair Cook conceded he would consider his future as England captain after sobering one-day and Test defeats in Australia. However, this would only be after chatting to his pregnant wife and director of coaching Andy Flower.

Cook struggled for 246 Test runs at 24 and 144 one-day runs at 28 this tour. The 2013-14 campaign contrasted with Cook's incredible 766 Ashes runs at 127 here in 2010-11 in which England prevailed 3-1.

"We will cross that bridge in the next week. It has been a real tough tour for me. We have to individually look at our games," said Cook.

"I think there will be some talks. I have been speaking to Andy Flower and we will meet up in the next week and plan a way forward."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Selectors must face Marsh reality

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

TONY Abbott proclaimed his would be a "no surprises" government. There are no such guarantees from the Australian selection panel.

Left-handed batsman Shaun Marsh was the main beneficiary of the selectors' speculation in choosing the Test squad for South Africa, while right-hander George Bailey was the only member of the Ashes whitewash squad who will miss the flight.

Marsh has the sort of talent that makes batting look easy when he's in form and this can be a seductive quality. The selectors have succumbed to his talent knowing full well that Marsh can be frustratingly inconsistent and is a recurring injury worry. This is probably his last chance as a Test batsman.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

By choosing both Marsh and newcomer Alex Doolan, the selectors have allowed for flexibility in the batting order. Shane Watson is another who frustrates when his run output is compared with his prodigious talent. His string of moderate first-innings scores has resulted in a number of options being provided for the crucial No.3 spot. If the captain decides to bat Watson at six and utilise his bowling talents more, then it will be a straight battle between Marsh and Doolan for the first drop position.

Bailey's omission can't be classed as a surprise, as he was extremely fortunate to be in the side in the first place. The batsman who could be considered unlucky is Phil Hughes.

Hughes has had a checkered Test career; he scored two centuries in his first four innings but has been dropped on five occasions. He must rue the day he set foot on Thomas Lord's potato patch; he's played two Tests at the famous London ground - four unsuccessful innings - and each time he's been dropped.

However, Hughes continues to perform in an environment that should please the selectors. He consistently scores first-class hundreds, where others like Marsh haven't, and yet he's been overlooked. His luck may change in five years time, as this panel has a tendency to seek out older batsmen.

They've chosen four - Ed Cowan, Rob Quiney, George Bailey and Chris Rogers - and only the last named has the look of a survivor. This underlines the weakness in choosing older batsmen; once they start failing they're never heard of again.

The frustrating aspect for the selection panel has been the failure of any young batsman, apart from Hughes, to consistently make their mark at Sheffield Shield level.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Batting is the skill that will either make or break this South African tour. Australia have a more versatile attack, they play more aggressive cricket and have a superior captain. Nevertheless, all these advantages will count for nothing if the batsmen don't provide both the bowlers and captain with enough runs. If the top order collapses continue in South Africa it'll likely end in disaster, as the home side has a more penetrative attack than England.

Australia's attack is well-suited to the local conditions as the pitches tend to suit seam bowlers. Add to this Mitchell Johnson's explosive qualities as well as Nathan Lyon's improved off-spin and Clarke has more choices than the conservative Graeme Smith.

Brad Haddin has been in such good batting form lately that his keeping is often overlooked but he's also performed well with the gloves. The feisty keeper is another advantage Australia hold since he's a superior glove man to the incumbent AB de Villiers, or any other option South Africa might choose.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

With batting being crucial to the result of the series, Australia may opt for Marsh's previous Test experience rather than gambling on debutant Doolan. Clarke may also choose to start the series with Marsh at six, as he's unlikely to be troubled by spin (his weaker department), with South Africa tending to rely heavily on their seamers.

Marsh's selection is a gamble and the punters' adage is you have to speculate to accumulate. If Marsh does amass plenty of runs then the selectors' flutter may result in a surprise Australian series victory.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Faulkner thrives on Stokes rivalry

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

JAMES Faulkner won't back down from an Australia Day joust with England rival Ben Stokes as the spicy battle of the all-rounders continues in Adelaide.

Faulkner and Stokes are two peas in a pod - ultra competitive characters on the rise who will give opponents a spray in the heat of battle.

Man-of-the-match Stokes' pointed send off after claiming Faulkner in Perth was the latest in ongoing banter between the pair.

"We play pretty similar sort of cricket and style. That is what it is, it's professional cricket," said Faulkner, who demoralised England in game two at the Gabba with an unconquered, match-winning 69.

"At times you step over the line and say things you probably shouldn't. I suppose that is the game and it is good to see some passion."

"He has been impressive all summer, is a very good player and has a bright future."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Faulkner, 23, promised Australia would hit back hard against the Old Enemy on the national day of celebration - wanting a 4-1, one-day series win.

"I have never been privileged to play on Australia Day and you have to perform," said Faulkner, averaging 47 with the bat after 23 one-day starts for Australia.

"It is a special day, I am expecting a big crowd. Hopefully we can put on a good show for the country."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More