Graeme Smith’s tennis elbow is causing him concern

MELBOURNE - South African skipper Graeme Smith says he may have to have his own blood injected into his injured elbow in a gory remedy to save his Australian cricket summer.

Symonds picked for his batting for Boxing Day Test

MELBOURNE - Even as the Australia decided to go into the Melbourne cricket Test with a not-fully-fit Andrew Symonds, the man who was to replace him, Shane Watson, gave a scare by clutching his back and leaving the practice session Thursday.

Bowling coach Cooley backs Lee

MELBOURNE - Australian bowling coach Troy Cooley believes that out-of-form pace bowling spearhead Brett Lee will rebound from form slump to lead the pace attack in the coming seasons.

Hayden to take a call on his career after South Africa series

MELBOURNE - Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden said Wednesday that he will take a call on his career after the end of the Test series against South Africa next month.

Australian all-rounder Symonds doubtful for Melbourne Test

MELBOURNE - Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds’ knee injury has made him a doubtful starter for the Boxing Day Test against South Africa starting Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Chairman of selectors backs Hayden for 2009 Ashes

MELBOURNE - As Australian cricket opener Matthew Hayden mentally prepares himself for his retirement, chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch hoped that the batsman would continue till the 2009 Ashes tour of England.

Cricket Australia extends Nielsen’s contract till 2011 World Cup

MELBOURNE - As Australia struggle to retain the No.1 spot, coach Tim Nielsen’s contract has been extended by Cricket Australia (CA) till the 2011 World Cup.

Hauritz may not be played in Melbourne Test

MELBOURNE - Australian spinner Nathan Hauritz who was included in the squad for the Boxing Day Test against South Africa might not get a place in the playing eleven.