Australia

Colombia 0 Australia 0

Half-time substitute Borja was denied from the spot by birthday boy Danny Vukovic and hit the post twice – the second coming in the last minute of stoppage time – as Colombia failed to show the clinical edge that saw them come from two goals down to beat Les Blues 3-2 in their previous outing.

Jose Pekerman's team were by far the better side at Fulham's Craven Cottage and produced plenty of the fast attacking breaks and skilful forward play they hope will bring them success at the World Cup, but ultimately failed to convert a number of excellent chances.

Nearly 150 beached whales die in Australia

About 150 of the animals were found beached at Hamelin Bay, about 300km (180 miles) south of Perth.

Their discovery by a local fisherman on Friday prompted a major rescue effort to return them to deeper waters.

However, by nightfall, more than 140 of the whales had died, with deteriorating weather conditions and the threat of frenzied sharks impeding efforts.

More than 100 volunteers, wildlife personnel and others came to the aid of the beached short-finned pilot whales, a species known to strand en masse.

Australia wants more influence in the Pacific

The Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop is using a trip to Papua New Guinea and Tonga to tell Pacific nations that they are Australia's biggest beneficiaries.

Speaking in the PNG province of New Ireland, Ms Bishop said Australia is funding programmes which promote good governance and would strengthen relationships.

"We believe that we are the natural partner of choice along with New Zealand for the islands of the Pacific where we work across a whole range of areas," she said.

     

Australia considers visas for white South African farmers

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said he was exploring giving South Africa's white farmers access to fast-track visas on humanitarian grounds.

The suggestion was made amid calls to transfer land ownership from white to black farmers in South Africa, and fears over the number of farm killings.

But South Africa says it is ridiculous.

Government spokesman Ndivhuwo Mabaya told the BBC there was no reason for any country in the world to suspect a section of the South African population was in danger from its democratically elected leaders.

Nauruans among 2000 workers in Australia’s Pacific Labour Scheme

The scheme was announced by the Australian government last September.

Through the Programme, approved employers who cannot fill positions from the Australian labour market are provided avenues through which they can recruit workers from the small island states of Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu for three-year placements.

Businesses on Hayman and Hamilton Islands currently employ 54 i-Kiribati workers in hospitality roles. These workers provide much-needed skills to keep Australian businesses running following the devastating effects of Cyclone Debbie.

Celine Dion to tour Australia and New Zealand this year

The show will mark Celine’s return to Australia for the first time in a decade, playing in arenas in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne.

It will also be her first visit to New Zealand in over two decades with the final stop of the tour scheduled for Auckland’s Spark Arena on Saturday 11 August.

Celine Dion has sold almost 250 million albums during her over a 30‑year career.

She has earned five Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards and seven American Music Awards.

Tickets will go on sale online from the 19th of February.

     

Australia victorious in Sydney

The victory secured a clean sweep for the host nation after Australia’s women beat New Zealand in their Cup final earlier on in the day.

It marked the men’s first Cup win since Japan in 2012 and Andy Friend’s side put on a clinical display on day three in front of an enraptured home crowd at the Allianz Stadium. 

A brace from Ben O’Donnell combined with scores from Lewis Holland, James Stannard and John Porch. 

Australia seal 4-0 Ashes series win

While the tourists frustrated Australia in the first session at the SCG on the final day on Monday, Pat Cummins (4-39) ripped through England early in the second.

England captain Joe Root (58) was unbeaten at lunch after not resuming his innings to begin the day, but he did not come out to bat again having suffered from viral gastroenteritis.

Cummins had Jonny Bairstow (38) lbw in a huge breakthrough before bouncers removed Stuard Broad (4) and Mason Crane (2).

Marsh brothers join Waughs, Chappells

The hosts, already 3-0 ahead in the series with the urn secured, reached 578 for five at the break after England had toiled for another session at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the reward of one wicket.

It was Mitchell Marsh who departed for 101 on the delivery after he had secured his second century of the series when Tom Curran cleaned bowled him to break the 169-run partnership between the siblings.

Australia continues Ashes domination

Smith struggled to contain his glee when the coin fell his way for the first time this series, guaranteeing the hosts first use of a flat pitch as they seek to further embarrass England after reclaiming the urn in Perth.

Warner pummelled England's beleaguered attack in the morning session, scoring 83 from 94 balls as Australia raced to 102-0 at lunch.

The hosts managed just 43 runs in the middle session, when Warner benefited from a no-ball reprieve on 99.