Gilbert resigns as Cricket NSW CEO

Happier times ... Cricket NSW chief executive David Gilbert (right) with Dean Jones.

David Gilbert has resigned as chief executive of Cricket NSW after 11 years in the role.

Gilbert fronted a board meeting on Monday night where it is understood he faced serious pressure to fall on his sword - or risk being sacked.

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His position had come under the spotlight following the shock sacking of NSW coach Anthony Stuart midway through December, which led to a scathing outburst from champion fast bowler Brett Lee.

Cricket NSW announced on Monday night Gilbert had resigned and would leave the organisation at the end of the month.

The former Australia quick claimed it was his decision to step down and said he had not been influenced by outside pressures.

"I am now at the point where I am ready to take on a new challenge," Gilbert said in the statement.

"This is not a sudden decision. It is something I have been contemplating over the past 12 months.

"As far as recent commentary is concerned, it comes with the job and I've never shied away from it.

"The simple truth is that I've been in the role for much longer than most sports administrators could ever dream of.

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"Now that the busiest period of the season has passed, I feel it is right to give the board ample time and opportunity to search for my replacement."

Lee called for Gilbert's sacking, rather than that of Stuart, at the time - leading to Lee being issued with several notices for breaching Cricket Australia's code of conduct.

But those charges were thrown out during a marathon three-hour hearing, which was attended by both Lee and Gilbert.

It was seen as a slap in the face for the veteran administrator, with Lee then invited by Cricket NSW to join a sub-committee of its board to help with "the future direction of cricket in NSW".

Gilbert has come under fire for a series of decisions which have led to the state side falling out of finals contention in the one day format and to fourth in the Sheffield Shield.

Promising young batsmen Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja fled NSW to join rival states where they have reignited their international careers while the dismal performances of the two Sydney Big Bash sides have also drawn scrutiny.

The reigning champions the Sydney Sixers were unable to reach the finals despite coming off a triumphant Champions League tournament, while the hapless Thunder failed to win a game all summer.

Earlier this month Lee declared his desire to bring Cricket NSW back to its halcyon days - describing Gilbert's tenure as "tough times" for the sport.

Cricket NSW chairman Harry Harinath paid tribute to Gilbert's contribution.

"David has overseen a period of tremendous growth and development for cricket throughout NSW," he said.

"... He is responsible for a number of important achievements that have benefited both those who play the game and those who watch."

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Arnold banned for one match

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Outburst ... Arnold has paid the price for some out-of-character comments. Source:News Limited

Central Coast coach Graham Arnold has been handed a one-match touchline ban for comments directed at match officials in the A-League draw with Melbourne Victory.

The penalty means Arnold will have to watch on from the stands when his side hosts local rivals Newcastle Jets on Saturday night.

Arnold was ordered away from the field midway through Saturday's 1-1 draw in Launceston after saying something which caused offence to the fourth official, linesman and referee Jarred Gillett.

Arnold later apologised for the outburst, admitting he was frustrated at watching his side being totally outplayed by the Victory in the first half.

The ban means Arnold cannot have any contact with his team from two hours before the game until an hour after it finishes.

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Rough day for Aussies at Open

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Long day ... Ebden was one of a number of Aussies to crumble on day one. Source:News Limited

The local support cast found any number of ways to fluff their lines as leading lady Samantha Stosur made a welcome winning start to the Australian Open on Monday.

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The local support cast found any number of ways to fluff their lines as leading lady Samantha Stosur made a welcome winning start to the Australian Open on Monday.

The ninth-seeded Stosur survived an opening-set scare before downing Taiwan's Kai-Chen Chang 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.

It was Stosur's maiden victory of 2013 after first-up losses in Brisbane and Sydney.

But for the lesser lights of the Australian tennis scene, day one was pretty much all doom and gloom - although Matthew Ebden was determined to look on the bright side despite letting slip a two-set lead for the second straight year at Melbourne Park.

The South African-born Ebden looked on course for an upset victory over No.23 seed Mikhail Youzhny when he raced through the second-set tiebreak.

But the Russian veteran refused to yield, fighting off a match point in the 10th game of the fourth set before going on to win 4-6 6-7 (0-7) 6-2 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.

"I've had a lot of improvements out there," said Ebden.

"My return of service, my backhand, all that has improved a lot.

"It obviously got me to match point. Big deal.

"That's how tennis goes some days - he won the point and I didn't.

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"... he hit some great shots and he's a quality player who's been to the semis of slams.

"I gave the best I could and it was a tiny bit short."

Ebden - who has never won a five-set match - also crashed out in the second round of last year's Open to Japan's Kei Nishikori after winning the first two sets.

Teen star Ashleigh Barty said she was "destroyed" and countrywoman Olivia Rogowska felt "heartbroken" after they lost contrasting three-setters.

Barty started brightly against women's No.15 seed Dominika Cibulkova.

But after dropping the first set, the Slovakian lifted to reel off 12 of the next 13 games and win 3-6 6-0 6-1.

"That was nerves," said Barty.

"She was able to pounce on me pretty quickly. That's why she's ranked 15 in the world.

"Once she got the momentum I wasn't able to stop her."

Rogowska got into a winning position before bowing out 5-7 7-5 8-6 to Serbian qualifier Vesna Dolonc.

Rogowska led 3-0 and 4-1 in the deciding set but couldn't close the deal.

Red-hot Agnieszka Radwanska started slowly before over-running West Australian Bojana Bobusic.

The No.4 seed from Poland won the last nine games on the trot in her 7-5 6-0 victory.

Radwanska has been the form player in women's tennis in the opening month of 2013, winning back-to-back tournaments in Auckland and Sydney.

Casey Dellacqua failed to convert two set points in the 12th game and then fell apart in the tiebreaker of a 6-4 7-6 (7-0) loss to American slugger Madison Keys.

Kiwi-turned-Australian Sacha Jones lost 6-3 6-2 to Kristyna Pliskova from the Czech Republic.

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Opening is my preferred spot: Watto

I'm only a lightweight ... Shane Watson says he can't compete in the Weet-Bix stakes. Source: Eranga Jayawardena / AP

Shane Watson has revealed everything from his preferred batting position to how many Weet-Bix he does of a morning in an exclusive live chat with foxsports.com.au users.

Australia vice-captain Shane Watson will appear on Inside Cricket this Monday night.

The dynamic all-rounder joins Brendon Julian, Allan Border, Greg Blewett and Stuart MacGill on the panel, as he opens up about his injury-marred summer.

In an exclusive interview with Fox Sports, Watson will set the record straight about his plans for the future and his role in the national side moving forward.

Watch Inside Cricket – 8:30pm (EDT), January 14 on Fox Sports 2HD.

Watson, the most talked-about cricketer of the season, appeared on Inside Cricket on Monday before joining foxsports.com.au users to answer all your questions.

Re-live the intriguing chat below.

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Tipsarevic ends Hewitt's hot summer

Brave ... Hewitt pushed Tipsarevic but didn't have the firepower to worry the Serb. Source: News Limited

Lleyton Hewitt's heart proved no match for Janko Tipsarevic's heat as the Aussie warrior bowed out of the Australian Open at the first hurdle on Monday night.

Hewitt fell to the white-hot No.8 seed 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 6-3 - Tipsarevic producing some amazing tennis from the middle of the second set to sink the 31-year-old Australian on Rod Laver Arena.

After losing a tight first set in a tiebreak, Hewitt raced to a 3-0 second set lead with two service breaks.
But the Serb cranked up several gears from then on.

With some punishing winners and after solidifying his service game, Tipsarevic won seven of the next nine games - breaking Hewitt's serve to secure the second set.

Tipsarevic then raced to an early 3-0 lead in the third.

Hewitt's trademark fight then came to the fore, breaking back with the slightest of opportunities to put the set on serve.

But Tipsarevic broke back again mid-set and served out the match in just over three hours.

In his record 17th successive Australian Open, Hewitt's defeat means he has only ever once got beyond the fourth round at Melbourne Park - when he made and lost the final in 2005.
 

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Perth Glory reject Owen approach

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Unwanted ... it looks like Michael Owen won't be coming to the A-League. Source: Glyn Kirk / AAP

Perth Glory have ruled out making a move for Stoke City forward Michael Owen, preferring instead to find a younger player to replace departed marquee striker Billy Mehmet.

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Former England international Owen has so far failed to make an impact since joining Stoke in the English summer and his agent explored a switch to the A-League in the January transfer window.

But the Glory have no interest in the 33-year-old.

"Michael is a player who comes with a high pedigree but it's not the direction I want to take the club," Perth coach Ian Ferguson said in a statement.

"I am looking for a younger player and a player who has been playing more regularly.

"I have three or four irons in the fire that I am pursuing, which is good.

"In terms of Michael, there was contact from an agent if we were interested, it was discussed at a good level, but I have made the decision he is the not the player needed at Perth Glory."

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Roosters deny Jennings contact

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In limbo ... the club future of Michael Jennings is still uncertain. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

New South Wales Origin centre Michael Jennings is tipped to be a Sydney Rooster by the end of the week, though the Roosters claim the ball is in the court of NRL rivals Penrith.

Jennings is believed to be on the way out, a simmering feud with Penrith boss Phil Gould and a $600,000-a-year contract enough of an incentive for the club to release the brilliant back.

But just how much of Jennings' heavily back-ended contract the Panthers are prepared to chew up remains a sticking point, with the Roosters understood to be willing to offer a $2 million four-year deal.

Gould is not keen to pay for Jennings to play for another club, while the player himself has so far refused to take a pay cut.

Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan said it was up to the Panthers to agree to a release before his club could make a move, Canavan denying he had met with Jennings or his management on Monday.

"There's been no contact there today at all," he said. "Nothing's happened.

"The issue from our understanding lies with the player and his management and the Penrith Panthers."

While last month's decision to release BJ Leilua - who has linked up with Newcastle - has freed up some salary cap space, Canavan admitted the Roosters would not be in a position to accommodate Jennings without an increase to the salary cap.

That increase is yet to be signed off on by the NRL, though clubs are working to a figure of $5.8 million for the 2013 season.

While Jennings remains in limbo, the Roosters locked up the future of gun backrower Boyd Cordner through to the end of the 2016 season.

Cordner established himself as an NRL regular in 2012, having played 29 top grade games to date.

"Boyd has been part of our commitment to develop our young players over the past few years," Roosters recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan said.

"To ensure that we have him here for a number of years is a major coup for our club and a major vote of confidence in where we are heading.

"Boyd is a tough competitor with true leadership potential for the way he conducts himself on the footy field and at training, and we see him as the cornerstone of our pack for the next decade."

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Knights sign Quinn for 2013

Returning ... Anthony Quinn has signed a one year deal with Newcastle. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

Newcastle have turned to a familiar face in a bid to add some depth to their outside backs, signing former Knight Anthony Quinn for the 2013 NRL season.

Quinn, 29, who played 103 games with the Knights from 2002-2006 before linking with Melbourne, has agreed to a one-year deal with the club.

The former NSW Origin winger has endured a wretched run with injury in recent years, but will give Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett another experienced option out wide.

The Knights have already added ex-Sydney Roosters centre BJ Leilua to their squad, with Quinn set to back-up first-choice wingers Akuila Uate and James McManus.

"He can play on the wing, in the centres and even in the second row, so his versatility will be a great addition to the team," Knights chief executive Matt Gidley said in a statement.

"He is very well liked, has a superb work ethic and he is just the type of player we want to have around the club."

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Stosur again bows out in first round

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Deflated ... Sam Stosur loses her first round match in Sydney. Source: Tracey Nearmy / AAP

Samantha Stosur's miserable run in Australia has continued with a deflating first-round exit from the Sydney International.

Stosur's 6-3 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 defeat at the hands of China's world No.42 Jie Zheng was her fifth consecutive loss in Australia, a demoralising run that stretches back to last summer.

The world No.9 will head to Melbourne for the Australian Open starting next Monday alarmingly underdone after playing just two matches since undergoing minor ankle surgery six weeks ago.

With little history of performing well at a major without a strong build-up, Stosur's Open prospects look grim.

The 2011 US Open champion made a bright enough start against Jie, establishing two break points in the very first game.

But after failing to convert either, Jie broke Stosur in the second and sixth games of the opening sets as Australia's big hope struggled to find her rhythm.

Stosur clawed her way back from 5-1 to 5-3 before netting one of several mistimed backhands to hand the former Australian Open and Wimbledon semi-finalist the opening set.

The sixth seed mounted a revival in the second set, gamely saving a match point in the tiebreaker before blowing a 3-1 advantage in the decider.

Her elimination leaves Stosur with just two wins in seven years in Sydney since falling to fellow Australian Alicia Molik in the 2005 title match.

The latest loss also ended Australian interests in the women's singles after Casey Dellacqua made a swift first-round exit earlier on Monday.

Dellacqua lost 6-4 6-1 to 42-year-old Japanese qualifier Kimiko Date-Krumm, the world No.112 and oldest singles player on the WTA Tour.

Former Sydney champion Li Na, meanwhile, advanced to second round with a tough straight-sets win over American Christina McHale.

The Chinese fourth seed won 7-6 (7-2) 7-5 in a marathon two-hour affair to set up a meeting with Japanese qualifier Ayumi Morita, who ousted Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova 1-6 6-3 6-3.

Stosur's French Open conqueror Sara Errani is also through to the second round after thumping Czech qualifier Karolina Pliskova 6-1 6-3.

The little Italian third seed next faces Russian Maria Kirilenko, a 7-5 6-2 first-round winner over Australian wildcard Olivia Rogowska.

One-time world No.1 Jelena Jankovic removed Austrian Tamira Paszek 6-2 7-6 (7-5) and will play unseeded Italian Roberta Vinci for a quarter-final berth.

Vinci upset Russian Nadia Petrova 7-5 7-5.

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Sixers dent Heat's faint finals hopes

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On target ... Luke Feldman impressed again at the Gabba. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Sydney Sixers, the world club Twenty20 champions, have resurrected their ailing KFC T20 Big Bash League campaign with a five-wicket win over Brisbane Heat at the Gabba.

T20 - Gabba

7 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Sixers 1st Innings

M. Lumb	61	55	5	1	110.91
S. O'Keefe	1	1	0	0	100
K. Roach	4	0	23	0	5.75

Down and seemingly out in the competition just a week ago, the Sixers are back in the mix for a semi-final spot with one round to go after outplaying the Heat in all three facets on Monday night.

Spinners Steve O'Keefe and Sachithra Senanayake strangled Brisbane on their pace-friendly Gabba wicket, restricting them to 9-127 - their lowest completed innings in two seasons of the BBL.

The Sixers top order then picked apart the home side's new-ball attack to ensure victory in the 19th over with English opener Michael Lumb (61 not out) guiding the way.

New Australia one-day paceman Ben Cutting, strangely held back until the 12th over, gave the Heat some late hope with 2-9 (three overs) but they ultimately paid the price for Kemar Roach dropping Lumb in the outfield.

Last year's BBL champions remain in sixth spot on six points on a congested table but their convincing win gave a massive boost to the net run rate.

		P	W	L	NR	T	Pts	NNR
1	Renegades	7	6	1	0	0	12	0.681
2	Scorchers	7	4	3	0	0	8	0.632
3	Strikers	7	4	3	0	0	8	0.53
4	Stars	7	4	3	0	0	8	0.181
5	Hurricanes	7	4	3	0	0	8	-0.287
6	Heat	7	3	4	0	0	6	0.129
7	Sixers	7	3	4	0	0	6	-0.221
8	Thunder	7	0	7	0	0	0	-1.471

The final round has a number of the top-four contenders playing each other and a third straight Sixers' win - against the pacesetting Melbourne Renegades, who will be without Aaron Finch, at the SCG on Wednesday night - could see them defend their title.

The Heat (six) finished well below a par score of 160 as they suffered from a dawdling start and then a 4-13 mid-innings collapse, which included the wicket of dangerous opener Luke Pomersbach (37 off 34).

All of the Sixers' bowlers performed with distinction but it was Sri Lankan all-rounder Sachithra Senanayake who surprisingly set the tone by frustrating the Heat with deceptive off-spin.

Senanayake conceded just nine runs from his first three overs with the new ball, starting with 11 consecutive dot balls.

O'Keefe also impressed, dismissing James Hopes for a duck in the second over and finishing with the best return of 3-21.

Josh Hazlewood took 3-32 in his long-awaited return from a foot injury.

Brad Haddin praised man-of-the-match Lumb's cool head, closing out the win as a "seasoned pro" when wickets fell around him.

"We made it hard for ourselves," Haddin said.

"We did it hard with the bat but, after where we've been the last few weeks, I'll take the win."

Heat captain Hopes admitted his side paid for their slow-paced batting and would have loved 20 more runs to defend.

"We just got stuck at the start and then we worked ourselves back into it and then got stuck again," he said.

Like the Sixers, the Heat need a last-round win, against the Hurricanes in Hobart, and other results to go their way to make the top four.

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