If Brian O’Driscoll had a euro for every time his try against Australia in Brisbane 12 years ago has been replayed, discussed or even mentioned in passing, Ireland may have been better placed going to him for a bailout than the Troika.

ENGLAND shut out Australia’s bowlers for more than 10 hours in Brisbane, but are under orders to close the door much earlier in Adelaide.

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL is back where it all began this week.

LAOIS footballer Conor Meredith has become the latest Irish youngster to try his hand at the AFL after arriving in Brisbane on Tuesday to begin a two-week trial with the Lions at the famous Gabba grounds.

Down youngster Martin Clarke let his boots do the talking as he kicked three goals and a behind in Collingwood's 95-87 loss to Hawthorn in the AFL Premiership earlier today.

Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen entered Ashes folklore today with big hundreds as England approached a formidable first-innings total in the second Test.

ANDREW FLINTOFF is confident he has seen enough of a response from his under-fire England squad to believe they can be competitive in the remainder of the Ashes series.

AUSTRALIAN selectors yesterday opted for bowling cover ahead of Friday’s second Ashes cricket Test, amid doubts over Glenn McGrath’s ability to get through back-to-back Test matches with a heel problem.

ENGLAND have just three days to come up with some answers after a crushing 277-run loss to Australia in the opening Ashes cricket Test at the Gabba yesterday.

England emerged from 61 days of torment and embarrassment to finally record their first victory of the tour and at last show the Australian public just a taste of the cricket they are capable of producing.

CHRIS SILVERWOOD touched down in Tasmania determined to make the most of his opportunity on this Ashes tour, even if that signals the end of county team-mate Matthew Hoggard’s run in England’s Test line-up.

Australia have beaten South Africa 38-27 in their Tri-Nations match at the Gabba in Brisbane today.

Australia are leading South Africa 27-10 in their Tri-Nations clash at the Gabba in Brisbane today.