BPL Now | 24 Hours in Sport

Australia wraps up series sweep

As CRICINFO reports, Australia required little time on Saturday to complete a 4-0 series whitewash of India.

Djokovic passes Murray test - just!

In one of the all-time great Australian Open contests, Novak Djokovic progressed to the 2012 final at Andy Murray's expense. THE BBC watched every point.

Lessons from Aus Open 2012

djokovic-novak-270111 As the Australian Open comes to a close, SIMON MORAWETZ reflects on what the last fortnight has taught us.

Punters lose in Gold Rating fiasco

ROD GALLEGOS of Sky Sports Radio talks weights, rumours and punts in his weekly look at the world of racing.

$Bucks' blow as Bogut fractures ankle$

Bucks' blow as Bogut fractures ankle

Australia's NBA star Andrew Bogut has been ruled out of the Milwaukee Bucks' lineup indefinitely after fracturing his ankle, reports the HERALD SUN.

Swiss master under fire for 'neutrality'

federer-roger-020710 Rafael Nadal has been causing angst to Roger Federer on and off the court this past fortnight. BPL's sports law expert JAMES PATERSON explains the political issue that has divided them.

Redknapp cites illiteracy in defence

On trial in London for tax evasion, Tottenham Hotspur manager, Harry Redknapp, cites his own illiteracy and lack of organisation as arguments in his defence. FOOTBALL365 reacts with incredulity.

Sharapova & Azarenka to meet in final

As predicted by BPL's Simon Morawetz, Maria Sharapova will meet Victoria Azarenka in the Australian Open final. THE ABC has details of the hard fought semi-finals.

Carey: It's the Cats for mine - and why Swannie will win Brownlow

Carey: Harvey sacking 'disgusting' - and new coaches need 'fear factor'

Major sports news from overnight:

FOOTBALL: Arsenal players, fans question Wenger's Arshavin decision

FOOTBALL: Balotelli charged with violent conduct after stomp on Spurs player

AMERICAN FOOTBALL: Penn State's legendary coach, Joe Paterno, dies aged 85

What we're watching on the weekend

Australian Open finals, cricket and soccer

The Aus Open's nearly over, so we've got to get these in while we can. Every year the ball kids manage to steal the show. Whether it's being hit by an errant ground stroke, removing Victorian wildlife or executing reflex slip catches. Ball kids of the Open, BPL salues you.

Want to blog? Join our A-League blogging team!

SPORTSWIRE Must reads from all over

Black Caviar extends run to 17

Black Caviar's seventtenth win from seventeen starts looked like a training run at a packed Moonee Valley on Friday. THE HERALD SUN was among the thousands paying their respects.

Djokovic passes Murray test - just!

In one of the all-time great Australian Open contests, Novak Djokovic progressed to the 2012 final at Andy Murray's expense. THE BBC watched every point.

Australia wraps up series sweep

As CRICINFO reports, Australia required little time on Saturday to complete a 4-0 series whitewash of India.

Bucks' blow as Bogut fractures ankle

Australia's NBA star Andrew Bogut has been ruled out of the Milwaukee Bucks' lineup indefinitely after fracturing his ankle, reports the HERALD SUN.

SHOWCASE BPL's biggest hits this week

AFL

Circle of Trust. Leap of Faith

Genuine bonding technique - or modern-age touchy-feely tosh? CHARLES HAPPELL gives his opinion on Scott Watters' new Magic Circle training routine at St Kilda.

League

Beetson honoured in SCG farewell

There were plenty of laughs and a few tears at the Sydney Cricket Ground to farewell rugby league Immortal Arthur Beetson, writes NICK TEDESCHI

Horse Racing

Punters lose in Gold Rating fiasco

ROD GALLEGOS of Sky Sports Radio talks weights, rumours and punts in his weekly look at the world of racing.

Cricket

Captains old & new lead in Adelaide

As JONATHAN HOWCROFT reports, Australia's current and former captains destroyed India on day one of the fourth Test in Adelaide to set up the chance of a series whitewash.

Soccer

A feast of Saturday football

In Britain there is still a feast of football every Saturday afternoon and the BBC's Radio 5 Live is the best way to catch all the unfolding drama, according to MICHAEL REID.

Cycling

GreenEDGE set for nationals debut

The 2012 road national championships take place this weekend in Buninyong. KYLE SHELDON looks forward to the cycling and the event's distinct GreenEDGE.

Golf

Poulter masters blustery conditions

Englishman Ian Poulter may have started the day with some competition, but over the course of 18-holes he blitzed his opponents en route to a three strike win, writes LIAM GETREU.

Union

Nobody likes us - and we should care

As the All Blacks reclaimed their Holy Grail at Eden Park, GREG TRUMAN ponders the lessons learned from the World Cup and says the game will be pushed further to the margins unless drastic decisions...

Tennis

Lessons from Aus Open 2012

As the Australian Open comes to a close, SIMON MORAWETZ reflects on what the last fortnight has taught us.

Motorsport

Toro Rosso put faith in generation next

DANIEL BARICEVIC explains how Toro Rosso's move to pair former Red Bull junior duo Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne in 2012, shows the team is embracing the future of the sport.

Basketball

Tigers need Gaze-led revolution

The Melbourne Tigers have lost their way and it's time for former champion, Andrew Gaze, to lead them back to glory - or so says DANIEL EADE.

Other Sports

Goaltender shuts out President

BPL's man in the US, LIAM QUINN, shares the story of Tim Thomas - the controversial hockey goaltender and political demonstrator.

Olympics

Klim's ill-conceived comeback

Is Michael Klim's return to the pool a genuine comeback or cheap publicity gimmick? CHARLES HAPPELL smells a rat.

'Like finding money in the street'. That's
how The Shark described the generous odds of $2.45 being offered on Rafael Nadal in last night's semi-final against Roger Federer. Sticking with the tennis, he's taking a look at tonight's second semi-final. The Shark's weekend tip ...

VIEW THE SHARK'S RECORD IN JANUARY
(AND IN DECEMBER ...)

From the BPL Community

Re: Lessons from Aus Open 2012
Martina did not attack you, Simon.She put you down for stupid questioning.
Re: Fifteen degrees of separation
Hello Murray,Good article, but don't think you should have given in to Saad's arguments so easily. "western sporting media have refined whining to an art form and will go after...
Re: Can Roger solve the Rafa puzzle?
I don't know who you spoke to but fed is by far the most loved player in the world, he has a record 9 atp fan favorite and 7 sportsmanship...
Re: Goaltender shuts out President
He is the cause of a sub-editor dressing down.
Re: Goaltender shuts out President
Who is "Miller" (fifth par from end)?
Re: Fifteen degrees of separation
Thanks for your thoughtful response.As for where you would draw the line, how about at the scientifically determined 15 degrees? Who is talking about extending it to 20 degrees?I have...
Re: Fifteen degrees of separation
Saad,As a Western fairy writer, I sincerely hope you don't think my columns are tinged with racism. The points you raised - a,b,c,d - all have their merits. In fact,...

Attention Citizen Journalists. Fired up, steamed up or hot under the collar about an issue? Submit your columns – of no more than 500 words – and we’ll publish the best of them.

Or want to give us your feedback, comments, opinion and/or criticisms? Go to:

comment@backpagelead.com.au

Citizen journalists appearing so far: Marc Williams (AFL), Philip Mendes (AFL), Shane Marden (AFL) John Trethewie (Cricket), Peter Katsambanis (NRL/Storm), Ben Waterworth (NRL/Storm and AFL), Brett Hamilton (BPL/Storm), Brett Collett (AFL), David Scott (ice hockey), Remy Davies (soccer), Edward P Olsen (Olympics), Simon Dang (soccer) and James Davis (basketball).

Leading sports figures on their heroes, mottos, most memorable events - and everything in between.

This week: Cricket Australia boss JAMES SUTHERLAND talks about being beguiled by Viv Richards, where he ranks Shane Warne among our sporting greats - and what keeps him awake at night.

BPL Now | 24 Hours in Sport

Carey: It's the Cats for mine - and why Swannie will win Brownlow

Carey: Harvey sacking 'disgusting' - and new coaches need 'fear factor'

Red Time on BPL: Coaches carousel

SPORTSWIRE Must reads from all over

SHOWCASE BPL's biggest hits this week

CHARLESHAPPELL

ASHLEYBROWNE

EDWYATT

MICHAELREID

MIKECLAYTON

GREGTRUMAN

AFL

League

Horse Racing

Cricket

Soccer

Cycling

Golf

Union

Tennis

Motorsport

Basketball

Other Sports

Olympics

From the BPL Community

CHARLES
HAPPELL

ASHLEY
BROWNE

ED
WYATT

MICHAEL
REID

MIKE
CLAYTON

GREG
TRUMAN