Australia

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 Day 2018 marks 40th anniversary of Australia in Vanuatu

The office, opened by Australia’s Consul General to Noumea, Bill Fisher, was symbolic of Australia’s strong and vocal support for Vanuatu’s independence and meant Australia was one of the first permanent diplomatic missions to be established following the formation of the Republic of Vanuatu in 1980.

Australia’s High Commissioner, Jenny Da Rin, was joined by Vanuatu’s acting President, Esmon Saimon, and Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, to celebrate the occasion and reflect on this major milestone in the Australia-Vanuatu relationship.

Cyber security message pushed in Vanuatu

The Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu Jenny Da Rin and Vanuatu's Commissioner of Police, Albert Nalpini, have revealed a large banner promoting cyber safety outside the Police Station in Port Vila.

It was hoped the Cyber Safety Programme would raise public awareness about cyber crime and the importance of supervision while children were on the internet.

Ms Da Rin said while the internet had its benefits, it also had its risks.

She said she was looking forward to laws being passed to make the internet safe.

     

Vanuatu and Australia reaffirm strong relationship

The MOU was signed by the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, Ralph Regenvanu, and the Australian High Commissioner, Jenny Da Rin, in Port Vila Monday.

Australia is Vanuatu’s largest development partner providing almost six billion vatu annually through the Australian aid program to help Vanuatu build resilient infrastructure and improve economic opportunity, provide essential health and education services, improve community safety and resilience, and to rebuild after Tropical Cyclone Pam.

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.

Australia methamphetamine seizure 'worth a record A$1bn'

The haul, estimated to have a street value of A$1bn (£600m; $800m), was uncovered when police raided a dock in Western Australia, authorities said.

Police have charged the men, each of whom faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice, has been described as the most damaging illicit drug in Australia.

The 1.2-tonne (2,650lb) bust was larger than the previous record seizure, made in Melbourne in April.

Vandals damage ancient dinosaur footprint in Australia

Palaeontologists first discovered the imprint of the theropod dinosaur in a tidal rock platform in Flat Rocks, Victoria in 2006.

The area is a famous dinosaur fossil area where thousands of fossil bones and teeth have been found.

Authorities believe the vandals used a hammer to chip away at the three-toed mark which is about 30cm-wide.

"It looked like somebody had taken to it with either a hammer or a rock, and had broken off sections of the toes," Parks Victoria ranger Brian Martin told the BBC.

Australia regain the urn

Seamer Josh Hazlewood finished with a five-wicket haul as England were bowled out for 218 before tea at the WACA, four years after Alastair Cook's side meekly handed back the urn at the same venue, and with the same humiliating 3-0 scoreline.

Play was delayed by three hours by damp patches on the pitch and rain squalls throughout the morning, but it was not enough to save England as they lost their last six wickets for 85 runs.

"So many different emotions are coming out right now, I'm that excited," Australia skipper Steve Smith said.