INDIA put themselves in a strong position to deny Australia a new Test wins record thanks to some valiant batting from VVS Laxman and a fine all-round showing from Irfan Pathan in the third Test at the WACA.

SHANE WARNE is set to announce his retirement from international cricket today. And he could be joined by another Australia legend, fast bowler Glenn McGrath.

WALLABIES’ defensive coach John Muggleton is tipping England’s ageing pack to come unstuck on rock-hard Australian grounds at the Rugby World Cup.

ENGLAND’S Ashes dream was spectacularly ended in only 25 days with fiery fast bowler Brett Lee ruthlessly completing another emphatic Test and series defeat with a hostile new ball spell at the WACA.

England are heading for another convincing defeat in the third Ashes Test after conceding a major first-innings lead and then losing an early wicket on an eventful second day at the WACA.

ENGLAND remained on course for another convincing Ashes defeat after they were outclassed on a lively Perth surface - and then suffered yet another possible addition to their ever-lengthening casualty list.

Graham Henry can expect an Australian Rugby Union apology following a beer-spraying incident after the Lions’ tour opener against Western Australia in Perth.

Teams for Western Australia v Lions, the WACA, Perth, Friday, 11.30am (Irish time).

Duncan McRae will relaunch his rugby career against the Lions tomorrow after firing a parting shot at Premiership under-achievers Saracens.

Ireland captain Keith Wood will lead the Lions in Friday’s tour opener against Western Australia at the WACA.

British and Irish Lions chiefs have drawn up a provisional list of 67 players who have been asked to confirm their availability for this summer’s tour to Australia.