Launching a scathing attack on their cricket team for a spineless show in the second Test, the Australian media today dubbed their players as “pale warriors”, who did not have the stomach for fight and the legs to last the distance.

Gautam Gambhir’s exclusion from India’s squad for the first two Tests against Australia is a “positive” development for the tourists, feels former cricketer Matthew Hayden, Hayden, who had a good tour of India in 2001, said Gambhir formed a “potent” opening combination with Virender Sehwag and the left-hander’s exclusion will be a welcome relief for the Australian bowlers.

With the four-Test series against India round the corner, Shane Watson will look to touch up his batting skills at international level following his inclusion in Australia’s 13-member one-day side for the next two matches against the West Indies.

Former fast bowlers Glenn McGrath and Charlie Turner will be inducted into the Australian Cricket hall of fame at this year’s Allan Border Medal ceremony tomorrow night here.

Cricket Australia has roped in legendary pacer Dennis Lillee to provide guidance and coaching advice to the national side ahead of their four-Test series against India starting next month.

Legendary spinner Shane Warne has launched a scathing attack on Cricket Australia bosses, terming them “muppets” and criticised their rotation policy as “absolute rubbish”.

Novak Djokovic wore down Andy Murray to win his third straight Australian Open title in four sets on Sunday.

Victoria Azarenka defeated an injured Li Na in a dramatic final to retain her Australian Open title and remain world number one on Saturday.

Promising left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc has decided to pull out off the auction race for the sixth edition of Indian Premier League which will feature some of his national teammates like skipper Michael Clarke, opener David Warner and recently retired Mike Hussey.

India’s challenge ended in the men’s doubles event of the Australian Open with the defeat of Mahesh Bhupathi and Daniel Nestor even as Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna progressed to the mixed doubles quarter-finals with their respective partners, here today.