Direction of a new era of Australian cricket could be determined today, as Ricky Ponting's rookie bowling attack attempts to shut down the South Africans.

Novak Djokovic insists there is no crisis, that his preparation for a successful Australian Open defence has not been derailed.

Australasia's major thoroughbred breeders in for nervous time with predictions of downturn in yearling prices of at least 30 per cent at opening day of Magic Millions yearling sale.

Melbourne Victory registers third triumph over Adelaide this season and now has 32 points with a goal difference of plus eight.

Here is a fact to alarm or excite you: the first football match is in 32 days.

Peter Siddle once considered a career as a woodchopper, but proves adept at cutting through timber in an altogether different manner.

Lleyton Hewitt is fighting back.

Trainer Colin Little cautiously optimistic after his Cox Plate-winning galloper, El Segundo, steps out for his first test since breaking down with a tendon injury a year ago.

The continuing growth of Michael Clarke as a leader of Australia's changing team has delivered immense reassurance in desperate times.

It was just another day of drama and a couple of black-eyes for volatile tennis star Marat Safin.

Socceroo and West Ham captain Lucas Neill was seen in the stands at an AC Milan training camp in Dubai, fuelling speculation that he could be on the move.

The rehabilitation of 2007 Cox Plate winner El Segundo takes another significant step today when he has his first trial in preparation for the autumn carnival.

North Melbourne chief executive Eugene Arocca has backed the AFL's decision to take legal action against Telstra Dome over the treatment of its tenant clubs.