No second chance for NYE louts

Assistant police commissioner Gary Dreibergs warns that drink-drivers and drunken louts will face the full force of the law tomorrow night. There will be no second chances, he said. Source: News Limited

AS MANY as 1000 extra police officers will be on the streets of WA tomorrow night, clamping down on anti-social behaviour.

Police warn there will be "no second chances" for people behaving violently on the last night of 2013.

Hundreds of thousands of West Australians are expected to head out for celebrations in major hot spots such as Fremantle, Northbridge, the coast and cities such as Bunbury, Mandurah and towns in the South-West.

Police have urged revellers to look out for each other, respect others and avoid drinking too much.

Where to go in Perth on New Year's Eve

Assistant Commissioner Gary Dreibergs said at a press conference today that extra police will be in Northbridge, Fremantle, Mandurah and Rockingham - and drink-driving will be a major focus.

"We want every member of the community to feel comfortable to celebrate safely without being impacted by the behaviour of others," he said.

"If everybody goes out there and has an enjoyable night and respects one another than we shouldn't have too many issues."

Mr Dreibergs said booze buses and mobile police units that can head to scenes quickly will be used.

He also pleaded for people to avoid getting involved in "silly scuffles."

"Don't be involved in things that can lead to bad repercussions," he said.

"We just want people to be very vigilant."

Parents should be aware of where their children are and revellers should be wary of "unlicensed taxis" - drivers who offer people lifts for money.

"We would like to have a big focus on parents knowing and being vigilant of the plans of their children, basically knowing where they are going to be on the night (and) we'd ask people not to get into unlicensed taxis,'' Mr Dreibergs said

"We want every member of the community to celebrate safely without being harassed or putting

up with unacceptable criminal behaviour and as such when required we will step in and take

action, swiftly and effectively - so if you break the law expect to face the consequences".

On New Year's Day, about 35,000 people are expected to attend the Perth Cup at Ascot Racecourse.

What are you doing for New Year's Eve? Does a night out in Perth appeal? Tell us in the comments box below

22.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Police release names of mother, daughter

Police found the car wanted in relation to the murder of a mother and daughter in Warwick yesterday. Found on the corner of Teneriffe Place and Pampus Court, Mirrabooka. Picture: Alf Sorbello Source: News Limited

POLICE have released names of the mother and daughter found dead in a Warwick home yesterday.

Tamara Horstman, 26, and her mother Maureen, 67, were found at their home in Warwick yesterday after Tamara didn't show up to work and a friend's parent went to the home to check she was ok.

The pair were found dead inside the Felgate Place home shortly after 2pm yesterday in separate rooms.

It's believed Maureen had sustained chest injuries and Tamara head injuries.

Tamara's car was located earlier today about 8km from where their bodies were found, parked on the corner of Teneriffe Place and Pampus Court in Mirrabooka.

Forensic police officers at work at the house where the bodies of a mother and her daughter were discovered yesterday afternoon. Picture: Alf Sorbello

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the blue Mazda 3 with the registration plate 1CZO 135 between 9am Sunday and midday today.

Police officers from the Major Crime Squad are treating their deaths as a homicide investigation.

A man is in custody assisting police with inquiries.

No charges have been laid.

Forensic police officers at work at the house where the bodies of a mother and her daughter were discovered yesterday afternoon. Picture: Alf Sorbello

Earlier today, police issued a plea for public help over the whereabouts of a Mazda 3 sedan linked to the case.

Meanwhile, police are still questioning another man over the death of a 50-year-old man in Balga last night.

Police were called to Princess Road about 10.30pm over a disturbance, where they found a man with stab wounds.

The victim later died from his injuries.

The Major Crime Squad are interviewing one man, who is known to the victim.

Investigators would like to speak anyone who was near the Princess Road Tavern or Balga Recreation Centre between 10pm and 11pm last night.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything suspicious should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

22.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Schumacher 'critical' after ski accident

Seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher has sustained a head injury in a skiing accident in the French Alps, Gavino Garay reports.

FORMULA One legend Michael Schumacher is in a critical condition in a French hospital with a brain haemorrhage after a skiing accident.

The 44-year-old German was "suffering a serious brain trauma with coma on his arrival, which required an immediate neurosurgical operation," the hospital in the southeast French city of Grenoble said in a statement.

"He remains in a critical condition.''

Schumacher had been skiing off-piste in the upmarket Meribel resort, where he reportedly has a property, when he fell and hit his head on a rock, mountain police who gave him first aid said.

Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm confirmed that Schumacher was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Airlifted... A helicopter is seen in front of the Grenoble hospital, in the French Alps, where former seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is being treated.

He was airlifted to a local hospital, then to the Grenoble facility. A specialist neurosurgeon from Paris was rushed in to oversee his treatment.

The director of the Meribel resort, Christophe Gernigon-Lecomte, had said just after the accident that Schumacher had been wearing a helmet and was "conscious but a little agitated'' just after the accident, with early reports suggesting there was no cause for alarm.

But when Schumacher then fell into coma, doctors realised the damage was worse than initially feared.

The two mountain police officers who gave first aid said Schumacher was suffering "severe cranial trauma'' when they got to him and a helicopter was brought in to evacuate him within 10 minutes.

Accident... Tourists watch Formula One world champion and then Ferrrari driver Michael Schumacher a during a skiing session in January 2004.

A renowned Paris surgeon, Dr Gerard Saillant - who also operated on Schumacher when he broke his calf and shinbone during his most serious racing crash at the 1999 British Grand Prix - was brought to the Grenoble hospital in a police car to take charge of the famous patient.

Schumacher was on a private stay in Meribel, according to his spokeswoman, with his 45th birthday happening next Friday.

Dr Gary Hartstein, former Medical Delegate for the Formula One World Championship, took to Twitter to attempt to explain the medical situation Schumacher finds himself in.

"It's quite well known that extradural hematomas, a kind of cerebral hemorrhage, can leave a lucid interval after injury," he wrote, referring to reports that Schumacher was conscious when he was attended to after the accident.

German Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher has been injured while skiing.

"Then as the hematoma forms, the sudden increase in pressure causes sudden and dramatic symptoms. Pressure must be relieved rapidly.

"This is done with a neurosurgical intervention. Then the victim is observed in an ICU environment.

"Quality of recovery depends on: 1) severity of initial injury, 2) acuteness and amplitude of pressure rise when hematoma forms, 3) rapidity with which it is drained, 4) quality of neuro intensive care and rehab."

Schumacher retired from Formula One for a second time at the end of the 2012 season. He won two world titles with Benetton and five in a row with Ferrari.

Schumacher has had accidents before, including a motorcycle crash in February 2009 in Cartagena, Spain, where he damaged a vertebra, a rib and the bottom of his skull.

At the time, his doctor, Johannes Peil, said it had caused the racer the most serious long-term harm of his career.

That accident denied him taking the place of Felipe Massa at Ferrari after the Brazilian suffered severe head injuries in a crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2009.

Schumacher was seriously hurt in a motorcycling accident in February 2009 in Spain when he suffered neck and spine injuries.

He recovered from those injuries to make an ill-fated return in 2010 at Mercedes where he spent three seasons and was largely outshone by teammate Nico Rosberg.

Meribel is part of an extensive ski region with about 180 lifts connecting three alpine valleys.

View Larger Map

22.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

RED ALERT: 200km/h winds, high tides to hit tonight

Forecasters are warning of a major storm surge when a category two tropical cyclone hits the Pilbara.

CYCLONE Christine has intensified to a Category Three storm off WA's North West coast and is expected to bring destructive winds of more than 200km/h when it hits the Pilbara late tonight or early tomorrow.

At 5pm Severe Tropical Cyclone Christine was 75km north, north-west of Port Hedland and 155km north-east of Karratha and moving south-southwest at 16km/h towards the Pilbara coast.

The very destructive inner core of Severe Tropical Cyclone Christine has begun to impact the coast between Port Hedland and Whim Creek.

Port Hedland is currently experiencing destructive wind gusts to 130km/h as the system makes its closest approach to that area.

Cyclone Christine is expected to continue on a south southwest track and the centre is likely to cross the coast close to Whim Creek by about midnight.

Port Hedland is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Christine. Picture: Matt Tinney, Nine News Perth

Very destructive gusts in excess of 200km/h are likely near the centre as the cyclone crosses the coast.

Port Hedland has had about 20mm of rain today but is expecting heavier falls in the next 24 hours as the cyclone crosses the coast.

Destructive winds with gusts in excess of 130km/h are expected between Whim Creek and Port Hedland later this afternoon and continue overnight.

These winds should extend to the Karratha and Dampier region later tonight and extend well inland overnight and Tuesday as the cyclone moves south.

Port Hedland is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Christine. This was taken about 7pm. Picture: Matt Tinney, Nine News Perth

Gales with gusts to 120km/h, together with heavy rainfall, are occurring between Bidyadanga and Whim Creek including Port Hedland and adjacent inland areas and should extend west to Karratha by this evening and then to the inland Pilbara overnight and possibly as far west as Onslow.

People on the coast between Pardoo and Wickham including Port Hedland are warned of the potential for a very dangerous storm tide tonight.

Tides may rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous coastal inundation.

Christine has already brought massive rainfalls to the Kimberley with Broome recording 97mm in 24 hours to 9am today, Lombadina 116mm and West Roebuck 86mm.

Port Hedland is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Christine. Picture: Matt Tinney, Nine News Perth

Widespread heavy rainfall is expected near the cyclone track and Flood Warnings have been issued for much of the Pilbara and Kimberley.

Destructive winds with gusts in excess of 130km/h are expected to extend well inland on Monday night and Tuesday as the cyclone moves south.

People on the coast between Pardoo and Wickham are warned of the potential for

a very dangerous storm tide tonight and Tuesday morning. Tides may rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous coastal inundation.

A satellite image showing category three Cyclone Christine bearing down on the Pilbara coast. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

DFES State Emergency Service (SES) advises of the following community alerts:

RED ALERT: People in or near coastal areas between Pardoo and Mardie, including Port Hedland, South Hedland, Whim Creek, Roebourne, Point Samson, Wickham, Karratha and Dampier. You need to immediately head to shelter and stay indoors away from doors and windows.

A red alert will be issues for Tom Price and Paraburdoo at 7pm.

Tropical Cyclone Christine's expected path as it crosses the Pilbara coast late today or early Tuesday. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

YELLOW ALERT: People in inland areas including Marble Bar, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Pannawonica. You need to take action and get ready to shelter from the Cyclone.

BLUE ALERT: People in or near coastal areas between Wallal and Pardoo and between Mardie and Onslow and the inland area from Marble Bar to Newman and between the Collier Ranges and Three Rivers incluiding Kumarina and east to Granite Peak, need to prepare for cyclonic weather and organise an emergency kit including first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water.

Trucks line up in the Pilbara as dust brings an eerie light in the days before Cyclone Christine threatens the coast. Picture: Oz Cyclone Chasers

People needing SES assistance can call 132 500. In a life threatening situation call 000. For more safety tips visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au

MINING OPERATIONS CLOSE DOWN

Australia's biggest iron ore miners have stopped loading ships and suspended rail operations as cyclone Christine heads towards the Pilbara coast.

An eerie light over the Pilbara as Cyclone Christine threatens to unleash its 200km/h fury tonight. Picture: Oz Cyclone Chasers

A cyclone warning has been issued for coastal areas from Bidyadanga to Onslow, including Port Hedland, Karratha and Onslow, and extending inland to Paraburdoo.

BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group have suspended their port operations in the region.

BHP said ``tie-down'' activities at Port Hedland, Australia's largest iron ore export port, have been completed.

``Extreme weather preparations continue across our mining operations in line with alerts issued by Department of Fire and Emergency Services,'' BHP said in a statement.

``Any production impacts will be in our next operational report.''

The highest priority is to ensure the safety of employees, BHP said.

Rio Tinto said ship loading had now stopped, but mine and rail operations continue to operate as normal.

Fortescue Metals Group said its Port Hedland operations and rail operations had been secured, in line with the company's cyclone readiness procedures.

``Conditions are being closely monitored and plans will be updated accordingly,'' the company said.

KARIJINI CLOSED

The Department of Parks and Wildlife advises that Karijini National Park in the Shire of Ashburton will be closed until further notice from 12pm today due to Cyclone Christine.

Gales, destructive winds and heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Christine are expected in the region today and tomorrow.

PILBARA HEALTH SERVICES

The WA Country Health Service Pilbara wishes to advise residents of Karratha, Port Hedland and surrounding districts of health service access in the lead up to and during Cyclone Christine.

During Yellow Alert, people in Karratha requiring urgent medical care can access Nickol Bay Hospital however, it is recommended that only emergency patients or those requiring urgent care come to the hospital during this time.

As is usual practice in the lead up to a cyclone, an emergency medical team will be managing patients and where possible, transferring to other hospitals that are not in the predicted path of the cyclone.

Upon Red Alert status, an Emergency Medical Response Team will be located in the Karratha Leisureplex (Cyclone Evacuation Centre) immediately adjacent to Nickol Bay Hospital. This is where more people and services are expected to locate to ensure safe refuge.

Please do not go to Nickol Bay Hospital during a Red Alert. Medical staff will only be available at the Karratha Leisureplex.

Port Hedland residents are advised that they can seek urgent medical attention at the Hedland Health Campus.

Residents can keep up to date with Tropical Cyclone forecasts by checking the BoM website.

22.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Woman dragged from car, robbed

POLICE are searching for witnesses to an incident where a woman was dragged from her car at traffic lights in Mirrabooka recently.

About 9.30pm on December 14, a 23-year-old Sorrento woman was driving a grey Honda Civic sedan east on Reid Highway when she stopped at the Alexander Dr traffic lights.

A man then approached the vehicle, opened the driver's door and dragged the woman out of the car.

He drove off in the vehicle in a northern direction along Alexander Dr. The vehicle, with the registration 1APP837, has not been found.

The man is described as being dark skinned, in his late 20s with a stocky build and short, dark hair.

He was wearing blue jeans and a light colour shirt.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

22.17 | 0 komentar | Read More

Parents fly to Perth to be with one-punch victim

The family of 23 year old man attacked in Northbridge has made the decision to switch off his life support.

Northbridge one-punch victim Thomas Keaney. Source: Supplied

THE parents of an Irish barman on life support after he was allegedly assaulted in Northbridge have flown into Perth to be at his bedside.

Thomas Keaney, 23, from County Galway, who worked at The Cure Tavern and Irish Bar on Francis St, Northbridge, has been in Royal Perth Hospital since the early hours of December 17 when i t's alleged he was punched once in the head and fell on to the road.

Mr Keaney's parents arrived in Perth on Friday, Galway pub owner Brendan Keogh told The Sunday Times last night.

"His mother was telling me that after the incident she was about to go out there and the next thing he improved," Mr Keogh said.

"She was speaking to him on the phone and she was very happy that he was fine. He said to her, 'Don't worry about me, I'm OK'.

"On Christmas Eve they got the news that something had happened and his condition had deteriorated."

Abbas Al Jarood, 22, of Girrawheen, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court yesterday charged with grievous bodily harm.

His lawyer, Ken Bates, said police had advised it was anticipated Mr Keaney's life support would be switched off and he would not survive.

If that occurred a post mortem would be conducted and the charge might be upgraded, Mr Bates added.

Bail was not applied for and Mr Al Jarood was remanded in custody to appear via video-link at Perth Magistrates Court on January 13.

Earlier this week, Mr Keaney's sister, Lauren, posted on Facebook: "I would like to thank everyone for all the love, support and prayers ye have sent to Thomas. He is a legend and we are so touched by all the kind words!!"

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cyclone intensifies off WA's north coast

A CATEGORY two tropical cyclone off WA's Kimberley coast is expected to bring destructive winds of more than 165km/h when it hits the Pilbara.

Tropical Cyclone Christine was off Broome early this morning and was forecast to bring heavy rainfall and gales of up to 100km/h south of Cape Leveque. It is expected to intensify further as it moves towards the Pilbara coast.

Tomorrow, the cyclone is forecast to peak as a category three, bringing gales and heavy rainfall to Karratha and possibly as far west as Exmouth.

Coastal communities between De Grey and Mardie, including Port Hedland and Karratha, have been warned of the potential for a dangerous storm tide late on Monday or early on Tuesday.

The Port Hedland Port Authority has evacuated ships from the inner and outer harbours.

The Bureau of Meteorology late last week issued a cyclone warning for coastal areas from Cape Leveque to Whim Creek, including Broome and Port Hedland.

Regions in northern WA are on high alert with a tropical cyclone threatening to make severe impact.

Christine, now a Catergory 2 storm, was 300km northwest of Broome and 470km north northeast of Port Headland early this morning.

"Gales with gusts to 100 kilometres per hour are possible on the west Kimberley

coast south of Cape Leveque today. Heavy rainfall is expected today in coastal

areas of the west Kimberley and adjacent inland parts," the bureau warned.

"As the tropical cyclone begins to approach the Pilbara coast, gales are

expected to extend further west along the Pilbara coast to Whim Creek late

today or early on Monday.

"During Monday gales and heavy rainfall are expected to extend to Karratha and

possibly as far west as Exmouth, and then to the inland Pilbara late Monday and

on Tuesday. If Christine continues to develop as expected a severe tropical

cyclone impact on the Pilbara coast is likely late on Monday.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a blue alert for people in or near the coastal and inland communities of Dampier Peninsula to Onslow.

This includes people in Broome, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Whim Creek, Roebourne, Point Samson, Wickham, Karratha and Dampier and surrounding areas.

DFES has advised that 30 SES and VES volunteers from the Kimberley and Pilbara are on standby and the Gibb River Road is closed from Lennard River to Wyndham.

Flood warning

The storm has also prompted a flood warning and people in Kimberley and Pilbara communities are being urged to prepare for heavy rainfall.

The Bureau of Meteorology advises that a flood watch for the west Kimberley has been issued and heavy rainfall is possible about the north and west Kimberley over the weekend.

For the next 24 hours, widespread rainfall of 70mm to 80mm with isolated heavier falls are forecast for areas from Broome to Kalumburu.

Rainfall during the past few days and the forecast rainfall for next 24 hours in the West Kimberley may cause significant stream rises with areas of flooding.

The rain is likely to extend into the Pilbara on Monday and Tuesday.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Vow to sabotage shark drum lines

Baited drum lines to catch the biggest sharks will surround Perth's most popular beaches in January.

Premier Colin Barnett holding a hook, which is part of the baited drum line that will be used to catch and kill sharks. Source: PerthNow

ANTI-CULL campaigners are threatening to sabotage the Barnett Government's controversial catch-and-kill shark policy - and say they're not afraid to break the law.

Western Australians for Shark Conservation has revealed it is preparing to take "direct action" when up to 72 drum lines are deployed next month, despite the possibility of hefty fines or jail terms.

And it is urging West Australians to "take out their boats" and interfere with the $1 million plan to keep beaches safe this summer.

Great white, tiger and bull sharks over 3m long will be shot and dumped at sea under the measure, which will run from January 10 to April 30.

The Department of Fisheries warned that anyone interfering could be fined $25,000 and jailed for 12 months.

Despite the threat, WASC and another group, Animal Rescue Team, say they have boats and divers ready to "neutralise" the lines.

"We won't stand for the culling of endangered sharks off the Western Australian coast," WASC president Ross Weir said. "We do have members of the public coming forward who are willing to intervene and that includes myself and our crew.

Mr Weir said some WASC members were prepared to break the law and he would make any volunteers aware of the repercussions.

Only fishermen contracted by the State Government will be allowed within a 50m exclusion zone around the drum lines.

But Mr Weir said: "You can only have so many water police in Perth and the water police can only chase so many boats at once, can't they?

"We will be asking the general public to take their boats and go out there if they believe strongly enough about it."

Animal Rescue Team spokeswoman Amy Lee said its members would take "non-violent direct action".

"The only thing I can say is that we won't be wrecking any equipment. If anything, we will be checking them and quite possibly taking the bait off them," she said.

Sea Shepherd Australia director Jeff Hansen said his organisation was investigating the legality of the baiting measures, which he described as "absolute insanity".

Opposition fisheries ¬spokes¬- man Dave Kelly, who plans to speak alongside WASC and Sea Shepherd at an anti-cull rally at Cottesloe Beach next Saturday, would not back direct action. "It's going to be a dangerous enough operation as it is," he said.

Fisheries Shark Response Unit spokesman Tony Cappelluti said laws apply for anyone who interferes with lawful fishing activity or with fish or gear.

Under the Fish Resources Management Act 1994, individuals caught interfering with fish or gear can be fined up to $25,000 and could face 12 months jail.

The Greens' Lynn MacLaren said she understood the frustration of activists, but would not condone direct action that broke the law.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pollies' offices to cost further $3m

WA Premier Colin Barnett. Source: News Limited

TAXPAYERS are having to shell out an extra $3 million to refurbish offices for Barnett Government ministers, just 18 months after the same building underwent a $56 million facelift.

Dumas House in West Perth will undergo more work to accommodate two more ministers - Ken Baston and Bill Marmion. Other ministers are based there.

A spokeswoman for Premier Colin Barnett said the $3 million was money well spent and would be recouped in three years.

But the Opposition has described the expenditure as "outrageous", so soon after expensive refurbishments.

The $3 million, to be spent in 2014-15, was cited in the Government's recently released midyear financial projections statement.

Mr Barnett's spokeswoman said: "Two leases for offices currently occupied by ministers Baston and Marmion in London House and Allendale Square will expire in 2014, and will not be renewed.

"These two leases currently cost almost $1 million per year.

"The cost of fitout for the relocation of ministers at Dumas House will amount to approximately $3 million, meaning that the cost of this will be recouped in rent savings in just over three years.''

Government ministers previously in offices in St Georges Terrace were transferred to Dumas House in 2012.

Mr Barnett had the option of also moving to Dumas House, but instead built new offices for himself and his staff near Parliament House, at a further cost of $26 million.

Shadow treasurer Ben Wyatt said it was another example of extravagance and wrong priorities when the Government was taking the axe to projects such as light rail to bring debt under control.

"Colin Barnett always prioritises spending on himself and expects West Australians to cop cuts to frontline services to pay for it,'' he said.

Figures released in state parliament earlier this month showed that since November last year, security services for the Premier's offices at Hale House have cost taxpayers $555,023.

When utilities and gardening services are added, the bill rises to $720,660.

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More

Australia takes 4-0 Ashes lead

A Chris Rogers century has led Australia to victory in the fourth Ashes Test, with one day and eight wickets to spare.

Shane Watson and Michael Clarke embrace after sealing the win. Source: Getty Images

MICHAEL Clarke has primed Australia for a 5-0 whitewash in Sydney after another emphatic victory over England.

"We're going to have a go, that's for sure," Clarke said once Australia won the fourth Test at the MCG by eight wickets with a day and a half to spare thanks to a Chris Rogers century (116).

Click here to see a full scoreboard, ball-by-ball commentary, stats and FoxTracker in our Match Centre.

A series of dropped catches and obscure tactics from England skipper Alastair Cook on Day Four of the Fourth Test has raised questions over just how well he is coping with the pressure of leading an underperforming touring side in Australia.

Taking a 4-0 series lead lifts Australia from fifth to third on the world rankings, jumping Pakistan and England, which led the table just 16 months ago.

Only months after losing the Ashes series in England to go nine Tests in a row without a victory Australia now stands on the verge of history.

Just Ricky Ponting's 2006-07 champions and Warwick Armstrong's 1920-21 team have achieved a 5-0 clean sweep of the old enemy.

Clarke has been blown away by the remarkable turnaround in his team's fortunes.

"To be 4-0 up is hard to describe. It's an amazing feeling." he said.

Chris Rogers celebrates after reaching his century. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Limited

"Our goal is to win 5-0 given the position we're in."

The only question now is which team Australia will take into the Sydney Test, which begins on Friday.

Coach Darren Lehmann confirmed that Ryan Harris (knee) and Shane Watson (groin) were both in doubt for Sydney. Harris has a five-day break with the match finishing more than a day early and him last bowled on Saturday.

There were opposing attitudes in the press conferences held by Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke, with the England captain conceding he could be replaced as leader for the final Ashes Test.

"At the end of the day he's a valuable bowler for us, so we won't take any risks. But again, if he's fit and he can get through and do a job for his captain he'll play," Lehmann said

Watson appeared largely untroubled on Sunday, scoring an unbeaten 83 but Lehmann claimed the all-rounder must be able to bowl in Sydney.

Given he is coming off a century in Perth there may be an argument that Watson could play as a batsman, with George Bailey making way for all-rounder James Faulkner and inform wicket-keeper Brad Haddin moving to number six.

Former Australian opener Phil Jaques says the assertive batting of Chris Rogers, Shane Watson and David Warner has been the key to reaching 1/143 at lunch on Day Four.

However Lehmann, who is also a selector, was firm on where he stood with Watson.

"He's an all-rounder who has to bowl," the coach said.

Doug Bollinger and Nathan Coulter-Nile remain on standby for Harris.

If Australia does end up picking the same team again for the fifth Test in a row it will be the first time in a series since the 1989 Ashes, another imposing and unexpected success story.

Sunday was just the fourth time that Australia has successfully chased more than 200 batting last at the MCG and the first time in 53 years.

Chris Rogers has described his century which helped Australia to a 4-0 Ashes series lead as what dreams are made of.

Clarke claimed victory in this Test had an extra dimension because Australia was well behind on the first innings and at one stage England was 116 ahead with all 10 second innings wickets in hand.

"For the first time in this series we found ourselves behind in the game and over the last couple of days we've been able to turn that around and win convincingly today so I think the boys deserve a lot of credit," said Clarke.

After playing to near-full houses around the country more than 38,000 turned up at the MCG on Sunday, taking the four-day total to almost 272,000.

Re-live the action in our live blog below, featuring videos, analysis and reaction from the ground and around the world via social media. Join the conversation by commenting at the top of the blog, or contact us on Twitter @FoxCricketLive.

CLICK HERE FOR A BETTER EXPERIENCE IF USING AN APPLE MOBILE DEVICE

22.16 | 0 komentar | Read More