Crows, Tippett charged by AFL

AFL ... Adelaide Crows and Kurt Tippett face draft tampering and salary cap charges. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Adelaide Crows and Kurt Tippett face serious sanctions after being charged over alleged draft tampering and salary cap breaches.

The club, its CEO Steven Trigg, former football operations manager John Reid and the out-of-contract Tippett were all ordered by the AFL to front a hearing in Melbourne on Monday.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson last week admitting the Crows expected to be hit hard with sanctions for the next two national drafts.

AFL general manager football operations Adrian Anderson said he acted in in accordance with AFL Player Rule 17 which relates to the enforcement of the AFL Draft and Total Player Payments.

"I have charged the Adelaide Crows Football Club, Adelaide Crows chief executive officer Steven Trigg, former Adelaide Crows general manager of football operations John Reid and Adelaide Crows listed-player Kurt Tippett each with two charges," he said.

"The Adelaide Crows FC, Mr Trigg, Mr Reid and Tippett were advised in writing of the charges ... and will be heard before the full AFL Commission at 1pm."

The Commission has the power to impose penalties as it sees fit, including:

Clubs - financial sanctions and/ or eligibility to participate in up to four draft selection meetings and/ or loss of the right to register any player to whom a rule breach relates.

Players - financial sanctions and/ or exclusion from the right to participate in the draft process.

Club Staff - financial sanctions and / or the right to perform any role for or on behalf of the club.

Adelaide released a statement shortly after the AFL announced the charges.

"The AFL has advised the Adelaide Football Club of charges arising from its investigation into contract arrangements with Kurt Tippett," the statement said.

"The Adelaide Football Club is determined to explain its position to members, sponsors and all stakeholders as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the Club notes that this matter is being investigated by the AFL as a direct result of our decision to report it and offer full assistance to the investigation."

Former Crows captain Mark Ricciuto said based on past cases, the club and Tippett faced heavy penalties.

"The AFL don't do things by half and you look at anyone who's done wrong they've been given a fair whack, so I wouldn't be surprised if they go pretty hard at the Crows," he said.

"At the end of the day if they've done wrong - and it looks like they might have - their going to be hit hard with the salary cap, a fine and draft picks.

"That's not going to affect them so much next year but in four or five years when you're looking for those kids to come through ... then it will hurt a bit."

The news comes on the same day Melbourne Demons escaped immediate punishment for its alleged tanking in 2009.

The Demons still face unprecedented penalties but investigations are continuing, which means its key picks in the upcoming national draft - No.4 and No.27 (reserved for father-son star Jack Viney) will remain in their hands.

Given clubs need a week to respond to any potential charges, there is not enough time for the Demons to reply to any charges.

Should they be charged the penalties would not apply until the 2013 draft, which means Melbourne will be able to take their prized selections.

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Wallabies to ring changes for England

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In the frame ... Barnes could replace Harris at fullback for the clash with England. Source:News Limited

Berrick Barnes is expected to be among a raft of changes Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will make to his starting line-up to face England this weekend as the Australians look to get their European tour back on track.

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Deans has plenty of quality players returning from injury for the clash at Twickenham with flanker David Pocock, winger Digby Ioane, lock Sitaleki Timani and prop Ben Alexander available for Saturday's (Sunday's AEDT) Test.

Hooker Stephen Moore is also expected to come under consideration after making his return from a hamstring injury off the bench in last weekend's 33-6 loss to France in Paris where he became Australia's most capped hooker, while winger Drew Mitchell could also find his way into the team.

Blindside flanker Dave Dennis, who started against France, could be in the firing line with an option for Deans to start both openside specialists Pocock and Michael Hooper.

"We've got a number of blokes we should be able to consider this week," Deans said.

"We were always going to consider that group when they returned and obviously we consider the previous performance in determining our starting line-up at every instance."

Barnes produced a solid cameo at fullback in his return from injury against France with his effort pleasing Deans.

The NSW Waratahs star came on early in the second half for fullback Mike Harris who was struggling at the back for the Wallabies.

"Berrick did well. He did what he does well. He's a good communicator," Deans said.

Deans was asked if Barnes was ready start against England.

"Yes. He's obviously returning from injury and we sort of managed him through that but he reported as being fine after the game."

Until his French cameo Barnes hadn't played since suffering a punctured lung against Argentina in September.

"It was my first time back for a while and I really felt it out there," he said.

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"It'd be good to start (against England). I've got a bit of work to do fitness wise but some coaches like to start returning players then bring them off later but that's Robbie's call to make."

England are coming off a seven-try 54-12 annihilation of Fiji last Saturday and are looking to chalk up a third straight Cook Cup win over the Wallabies.

"They'll be puffing their chests out. They had a very good win against the Fijians," Barnes said.

"They'll be confident but we have to lick our wounds and get on with it. There's no better motivation than playing the Poms in their own backyard."

Australia's recent nemesis, winger Chris Ashton, is available to make his return for England after missing the Fiji game due to suspension after picking up three yellow cards in the Heineken Cup.

Ashton has scored three tries in three Tests against Australia and coach Stuart Lancaster said the speedster will be raring to go.

"Chris was desperately disappointed to miss this game (against Fiji)," Lancaster said.

"He likes scoring tries and, if anything, this will fuel his hunger and desire to get back into the side. It was a tough lesson to learn.

"(Australia) are a top-three side and we recognise the quality of players we will need to beat them."

Lancaster is also expecting to have prop Alex Corbisiero and centre Jonathan Joseph available to face the Wallabies.

Watch the Wallabies battle England Live and in HD on Fox Sports 3 from 1.30am (EDT) Sunday!

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Ponting deserves more time: Viv

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Under pressure ... Richards says Ponting deserves to make the call on his Test career. Source:AFP

West Indies master blaster Viv Richards says Ricky Ponting deserves to control the timing of his exit from Test cricket.

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Ponting, who turns 38 next month, sparked a fresh bout of speculation over his playing future after being dismissed for a duck on Sunday in Australia's first innings of the first Test against South Africa in Brisbane.

Richards - one of Wisden magazine's five cricketers of the 20th century - says champion players like Ponting are special cases.

"You should give him the benefit of the doubt, for him to bow out when he likes because I think he deserves that," Richards said on Monday at a Melbourne pro-am golf event.

"When you have guys who have done so well, it's important you enjoy them for a long time and when they go, appreciate that also."

Former Australia skipper Ponting is Test cricket's second-leading run-scorer.

However, he's followed his modest tour of West Indies in April (146 runs at 24.33) with a first-up failure to begin the home summer.

Richards's career ended in 1991 at the age of 39, scoring 376 runs at an average of 53.71 in his farewell series in England.

The powerful hitter and five-star entertainer finished with an overall average of 50.23 including 24 hundreds.

The Shane Warne-led Big Bash League team Melbourne Stars are holding talks with the 60-year-old Richards about a possible mentoring role with the squad this summer.

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Cowan reveals Test inspiration

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Relief ... Cowan locked up his spot for the series against the Proteas with a fine century. Source:AFP

Gazing toward the heavens after reaching his maiden Test ton at the Gabba on Monday, besieged Australia opener Ed Cowan at first looked like a man simply relieved to have silenced his critics.

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But when the dust settled on a remarkable fourth day of Australia's first Test against South Africa, Cowan, 30, revealed a much more poignant reason behind his emotional salute.

Twelve months ago to the day, his mentor and close friend Peter Roebuck was found dead at a Cape Town hotel while covering Australia's Test tour of South Africa.

"I am well aware of the date. That was why I looked skywards upon making a hundred," Cowan said after his 136 helped Australia reach 4-487, 37 ahead of South Africa.

"I had a conversation (about him) with my wife this morning on an earlier than normal walk because I couldn't really sleep.

"(And) it was this day last year that started my season, the day I found out that he had died.

"I was battling away a little bit (for Tasmania) so that kick-started me."

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By the 2011 Boxing Day Test, the memory of the respected commentator, player and writer had helped a rejuvenated Cowan earn his first baggy green.

But by the time Cowan had arrived for the Gabba Test against the world No.1 Proteas, he again seemed in need of inspiration.

On borrowed time after failing to reach triple figures in his 12 previous Test knocks, Cowan had also been passed over when Cricket Australia handed out their 17 contracts this season and had averaged only 21 in Shield cricket this season.

However, Cowan finally got the monkey - and selectors - off his back as he chimed into a record 259-run fourth wicket stand with captain Michael Clarke (218 not out) on Monday.

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The usually patient Cowan appeared to follow a new attacking gameplan in his six-and-a-half hour knock - featuring 18 fours - that was abruptly ended after lunch by a freak run out.

But Cowan revealed the plan had been set at his last Test knock - 55 on a difficult Roseau deck against West Indies in April.

"A lot of you weren't watching but in the last innings in the West Indies ... I thought that was a pretty good blueprint," Cowan said.

"Before that I had a heart to heart with JL (batting coach Justin Langer); he was all about going out there and playing my shots.

"I felt like I backed that up."

Cowan survived a caught behind shout at 47 on Sunday before a run out scare on 106 and being dropped on 123 on Monday.

One of Cowan's few complaints was the fact the Gabba crowd's warm applause for notching his ton woke up his 12-week-old daughter Romy while she was being nursed by wife Virginia in the stands.

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Redbacks pay for dropped catches

Punishment ... Marcus Harris dropped twice on his way to a century for Western Australia Source: Alf Sorbello / News Limited

Western Australia opener Marcus Harris made the most of South Australia's butter fingers to put the Warriors in a strong position after day one of the Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA Ground.

Harris made 114 to lift the Warriors from a precarious 3-60 to a competitive 7-327, but the 20-year-old rode his luck along the way.

SHEF - WACA Ground

12 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Western Australia 1st Innings

M. Marsh	51	99	9	0	51.52
M. Johnson	4	5	0	0	80

Michael Klinger was left to rue the one that got away after dropping Harris at first slip when the left-hander was on just six.

Then when Harris was on 51, wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman grassed a tough chance diving to his left.

The double reprieve came back to haunt the Redbacks, with Harris spending 276 minutes at the crease and cracking 19 boundaries to post the second century of his fledgling first-class career.

In March last year, Harris became the youngest player in Australian first-class cricket history to reach 150 when he made 157 against Queensland.

Harris was just 18 years and 227 days old at the time, and admitted he had struggled to string consistent performances together since then.

"It was a difficult year for me last year. I couldn't consolidate my spot,'' said Harris, who averaged 28.75 from 13 first-class hit-outs before this match.

"And I've had a frustrating start to this season.

"I've been hitting the ball quite well and I haven't been able to get past that 35-run sort of mark.

"So it's good to get a big score under my belt today and hopefully set up a good result for WA.''

After winning the toss, WA were in all sorts of trouble at 3-60 following the cheap dismissals of Liam Davis (four), Sam Whiteman (14) and Marcus North (7).

Harris should have been added to that mix, but Klinger spilled a chest-high catch at first slip off the bowling of paceman Chadd Sayers.

It was a day to forget for Klinger, who also dropped North when the former Warriors skipper was on seven.
North failed to add to his tally before hitting out.

Harris wasn't as generous, but his day was finally brought to an end when he tickled a Jake Haberfield leg-side delivery through to the keeper.

All-rounder Mitch Marsh picked up where Harris left off in making an unbeaten 51, while Nathan Coulter-Nile (52 off 52 balls) and new Warriors skipper Adam Voges (47) also made handy scores.

The Warriors, who will announce Justin Langer as their new coach later this week, sit last on the Shield table following three outright losses, while South Australia have one win from four games.

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Victory finally turn on style

Strike force ... Marco Rojas (2nd R) is congratulated on his second goal. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Marco Rojas celebrated his 21st birthday with two gift goals against his former A-League club as Melbourne Victory climbed into the top six with a 3-2 win over Wellington at Etihad Stadium on Monday night.

Marcos Flores scored Melbourne's other, before two late long-range goals from Wellington's Jeremy Brockie gave the home side a scare.

The Victory displaced Sydney FC from sixth spot on goal difference, after the Sky Blues' horror 7-2 loss to Central Coast on Saturday, with Melbourne to meet Sydney on Saturday night.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Adelaide	5	4	0	1	5	12
2	Central Coast	5	3	1	1	6	10
3	Perth	5	3	0	2	2	9
4	Newcastle	5	3	0	2	0	9
5	Western Sydney	5	2	1	2	0	7
6	Victory	5	2	0	3	-5	6
7	Sydney	5	2	0	3	-6	6
8	Wellington	5	1	2	2	-1	5
9	Brisbane	5	1	1	3	2	4
10	Heart	5	1	1	3	-3	4

In front of a 20,683-strong crowd, Melbourne dominated most of the match, continually finding holes in Wellington's defence before breaking through in the 23rd minute with a beautifully-constructed opener.

The architect was Brazilian midfielder Gui Finkler, back from injury and producing form not seen in his previous three A-League matches.

Finkler sent a perfectly-weighted ball from midfield into the path of Thompson on the right, freeing the Socceroos striker to run to the edge of the box, draw Mark Paston, then pass to Rojas for the simplest of finishes.

That was topped in the 38th minute, when Argentine Flores worked his way into the box, exchanged a deft series of passes with Finkler then swerved a shot inside the left post with the outside of his right boot.

The win looked assured three minutes into the second half when Mark Milligan sent Thompson clear in attack and Thompson set up Rojas for another easy goal.

Wellington coach Ricki Herbert tried to spark his team with a double substitution soon after, pulling attacking pair Paul Ifill and Stein Huysegems.

The visitors pressed hard late and were rewarded with a ripping 81st-minute goal from Brockie, whose long-range left-footer struck the underside of the crossbar on the way in.

Brockie scored again two minutes into stoppage time, with a free kick which keeper Nathan Coe knocked back only after it crossed the goal line, forcing Melbourne to face a nervous remaining two minutes.

Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou said the disappointing finish left a bad taste in his mouth despite dominating for so long.

"The last half-hour was unacceptable, we've got to be better than that,'' he said.

"We're working really hard on a style of play and being disciplined about it and we veered away from it.

"The result was the last thing on my mind. I'm just really disappointed that we chose to veer away from what we've been doing.''

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert said the score flattered his side.

"We weren't good enough tonight. Let's pay credit to Melbourne - I thought they were very good and we were very disappointing,'' Herbert said.

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Relive the game with all the vital stats and key highlights in our A-League Match Centre.

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Parko, Slater battle for crown

Joel Parkinson ... will battle Kelly Slater for the 2012 ASP world title in Hawaii. Source: AFP

Australia's Joel Parkinson and Kelly Slater are set to duel for this year's ASP world surfing title after two contenders stumbled in the penultimate event in California.

Hawaiian John John Florence's hopes were extinguished when he was upset by NSW surfer Matt Wilkinson in the second round of the O'Neill Coldwater Classic at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz.

And Mick Fanning's chances of claiming a third world title are hanging by a thread after Brazilian Jadson Andre pipped the Australian, also in round two.

Standings leader Parkinson and 11-time world champion Slater are safely through but no matter who banks the most points in California, the season-ending Billabong Pipe Masters in Oahu, Hawaii in December will decide the title.

Slater survived a hard-fought battle with Dusty Payne in the third round to eliminate the chance of Parkinson sewing up the world crown.

"I just can't seem to figure this wave out, Slater said.

"So I better figure something out quick."

Parkinson was far too good for American Nat Young as the 31-year-old Coolangatta natural footer chases his maiden world title after finishing runner-up in 2002, 2004 and 2009.

"I need a win here," Parkinson said.

"It's what I'm striving for and I can't really control what everyone else does, so I'm just worrying about myself."

Fanning's shock 0.06-point defeat by Andre means he'll be relying on Slater and Parkinson no to make the final and will then need to win the Pipe Masters.

Andre was later beaten by 34-year-old Australian veteran Taj Burrow.

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Watch all the action from the O'Neill Coldwater Classic at Steamer Lane LIVE on FUEL.

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'The best we've seen Victory'

Goal of the season? ... Marcos Flores finishes off a sublime Victory goal. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Fox Sports football experts Mark Bosnich and Robbie Slater are joined by Central Coast Mariners defender Patrick Zwaanswijk to review the weekend's A-League action, with Bozza praising Western Sydney Wanderers for getting it right so quickly.

Melbourne Victory 3 defeated Wellington Phoenix 2 at Etihad Stadium

Slater says: That first half was scintillating - the best we've seen the Victory all season. The combination of Guilherme Finkler-Marcos Flores sets up one of the goals of the season. They went in 2-0 and they totally dominated the Wellington Phoenix. It didn't look like the Phoenix were going to be in the game at all in the second half, and it started off that way. They had a bit more possession but in one counter-attack they just never got to grips with the penetration from Archie Thompson and Marco Rojas. Happy 21st birthday for Rojas as Archie's given him two big presents. The travel is a killer for Wellington; I think that may be a factor. They looked very lethargic in the first half. But Jeremy Brockie, wow. That's one of the goal of the season contenders that first one.

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Adelaide United 1 defeated Brisbane Roar 0 at Suncorp Stadium

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Bozza says: It was a very good free kick from Vidosic that separated the two sides, although it was a bit fortunate to take a deflection. I was a little bit startled that Rado Vidosic said at the end of the game that Adelaide's early goal 'pretty much killed us'. In past seasons, that for me would have inspired them. A few problems up there for Vidosic. The Roar aren't playing at the same tempo and the same pace for the whole game, especially in that last third. It's very, very important, especially when you play the ball around like the Roar, that when you're up in that last third you increase the tempo because there's some very good defences in the A-League and they'll be comfortable if the Roar don't play with more pace. The tackle on Berisha wasn't a penalty.

Patrick Zwaanswijk says: Brisbane had plenty of chances. They created a lot but they didn't have that many shots on goal. The Roar copped an early goal and then Adelaide dropped behind the ball and defended in numbers and the Roar need to be prepared for that because that's what sides will try to do once they get a lead.

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Perth Glory 3 defeated Newcastle Jets 2 at NiB Stadium

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Bozza says: Fantastic game. I think it was the game of the round. I think Van Egmond would be disappointed the Jets didn't at least pick up a point out of it. I thought they deserved a point. Both sides really had a go at each other. The Jets had enough chances not only to get a point, but probably to win the game and they came away with nothing. It was another really exciting game. Perth came back really well from last week's disappointment against Sydney. You can understand exactly where Van Egmond was coming from, saying he was pleased with the performance, but I think he wouls have had a quiet word to his players to say he was disappointed they didn't at least get a draw.

Patrick Zwaanswijk says: Perth always give 100 per cent and are a very good team. If you can go with them and match them physically you can pick up the three points but the Glory always give it all in that respect.

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Western Sydney Wanderers 2 defeated Melbourne Heart 1 at Parramatta Stadium

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Bozza says: The Wanderers are going really well and it was great to see them get their first win in front of their home fans. There's a bit of talk about their attack not being good enough but I don't see any need for them to change the way they play. Why fix something that's not broken? They didn't win for their first three games but they only really needed to give it a slight tweak, which they did. Poppa's made it very clear he's going to build his side from the back. And his triumvirate of the goalkeeper and two central defenders have been outstanding. They're starting to really come in to their own. If they could add perhaps a little bit more quality up front - maybe a striker or a wide man - just to help their squad depth, they're going to be a real threat. I believe that. Joey Gibbs has been excellent since he's come in. He can hold the ball up, he's mobile and he adds another dimension to their play.

Patrick Zwaanswijk says: We don't have to keep talking about the Wanderers as a young side because there's a salary cap and there's only a few clubs with a bit of extra money that go outside that. They've got Aaron Mooy and Shinji Ono, who control the team well, they're defensively hard to break down, they've got experienced players at the back and experienced players at the front. So, yeah, they're a young team but the players within the team have got experience.

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Central Coast Mariners 7 defeated Sydney FC 2 at Bluetongue Stadium

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Bozza says: Ian Crook said last night that his players didn't lack heart, well I'm not sure based on that game that he should have said that. It's not good enough. Sydney's one of the truly big clubs in this country, and I mean that judging by support and success, and they can not continue to serve that up to supporters and expect them to keep coming back watching and paying their hard earned money. They've got a massive job this week to show they can come back from this.

Watch the A-League, Live and Exclusive, and in stunning High Definition, on Fox Sports!

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Malthouse gets to work at Blues

Mick Malthouse ... targets big things for young midfielder Bryce Gibbs. Source: Chris Scott / News Limited

New Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has already enjoyed an up-close glimpse of what Bryce Gibbs could deliver in the AFL.

Malthouse has great expectations for the 2006 No.1 draft pick, who was a big disappointment for the Blues as they dropped out of the top eight to 10th this season.

There is a sense that Gibbs' career has stalled, with the highly-rated player having minimal impact across half-back.

Two years ago, Malthouse coached Gibbs during Australia's International Rules tour of Ireland and came away a big fan of the utility.

"He was simply outstanding over there," Malthouse said.

"Let me say, there wasn't any `good' - he was outstanding.

"So I know his capabilities.

"He has to be thrown the ball and (we) say `right, now you have to run with it'."

Malthouse also made it clear that he sees Gibbs as a midfielder, first and foremost.

"I'd like to think he's going to be playing in the middle, but it's coupled with half-back and half-forward," Malthouse said.

"He certainly has to come up that next level.

"There's 20 minutes there (each quarter) - he has to be able to do eight to 10 minutes and that's quite significant.

"That takes half a quarter away from others, to give them a little bit of relief and also be able to play in other positions, which I'm pretty keen to do."

Malthouse took charge of Carlton training for the first time on Monday, a month after the tumultuous end to this season.

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The Blues sacked Brett Ratten before their last match and soon after appointed Malthouse, the three-time AFL premiership coach.

Carlton were keen to recruit Collingwood key forward Travis Cloke, but once he re-signed with Malthouse's old club they had a minimal role in the trade period.

That reflects Malthouse's confidence that this group has plenty to offer.

"Any club who finishes outside the eight have a fair bit of work to make up,'' he said.

"But you know what's on our side? History.

"No eight has ever stayed the same and I'm a great believer in history.

"That gives any side outside the eight great buoyancy to go forward.''

"The side has the mechanics to be a good football side.

The first impressions have been encouraging for Malthouse in his fourth AFL senior coaching assignment.

"I've been very, very happy with what I've seen," he said.

The Blues will soon have a pre-season training camp in Arizona, where Malthouse and his players will start learning more about each other.

The players also have to elect their leadership group, with Malthouse saying current captain Chris Judd had to decide whether he wants to retain the role.

Meanwhile, Carlton announced on Monday that former Melbourne captain Brad Green had joined them as a midfield development coach.

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Clarke's keys to succes this summer

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Big challenge ... the summer has got tougher for Clarke due to Watson's injury. Source: Andres Leighton / News Limited

Michael Clarke is in his second year as Australia's Test captain and after an excellent last Australian summer against India, his biggest challenge as a leader looms.

The World No.1 South Africa Test side looks to be at the peak of their powers and it will take a monumental effort for the Aussies to stop them, even on home soil.

So what does Clarke see as the keys to success against the Proteas.

In an exclusive one-on-one with Fox Sports cricket expert Mark Waugh for Inside Cricket, Clarke revealed what he sees as the keys to success.

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Click on the video at the top of the page for all Clarke's insights on his biggest challenge as Australia's Test skipper yet.

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On the challenges of South Africa ...

"There's no coincidence they're the number one side in the world. We had a really good summer last summer but I think the most important thing for us is to maintain that consistency. We speak a lot about that. Playing in your own backyard certainly helps ... but as we know, last time South Africa came to Australia they beat us, so we need to keep that consistency we took out of last summer against India and hopefully perform well."

How to become the benchmark? ...

"If we beat South Africa, we're the number one Test team in the world. The hardest thing about beating South Africa in these conditions is that they know them so well, because it's similar to back home. I think it's going to be a real battle in each Test match. The batters will need to play really well because I think the team that bats the best against two very good fast bowling oppositions, I think will have the most success in this series."

What can the Proteas hurt Australia with? ...

"South Africa have got a really good attack. They've got Philander, who with the new ball can swing the ball away, but generally brings the ball back in to the right-hander off the wicket. Dale Steyn has obviously been very successful over a long period of time. He bowls good pace, fast outswing. And then Morne Morkel who's a lot taller, I think he's about 6'7'', and he hits the deck hard and brings it back in to the right hander as well. It's a very good attack, they complement each other because they're all different."

Can success happen with a rotation policy? ...

"It's about each individual. Our goals don't change. We're trying to win every game we play for Australia, whether it's a Test match, T20 or a one-dayer. We're very lucky that we've got good stock so that if one bowler or one batter misses out, we're confident we can fill that role and have success. So I think when we talk about rotation policy, it's about each individual and assessing the right workloads and management for that player, so the team can have the most success. Pat Howard, John Inverarity and Mickey Arthur have got one eye on the future. There's always a lot of talk about the Ashes. But as a playing group we just focus on what's ahead of us."

Have we made our task more difficult without Haddin? ...

"It's going to be tough because he's such a good player but unfortunately we can only have one wicketkeeper. As captain, no decision I make as a selector will ever be personal. It's always about what's in the best interests of the team. I've spoken to Hadds and he understands that and respects that." 

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