🗞️ ‘Far out, I’m in’

🏏 McSweeney Axed but Targets Recall

Nathan McSweeney’s Test dream lasted three matches and 72 runs before selectors dropped him in favour of 19-year-old Sam Konstas, now tipped to open on Boxing Day.

Thrown in against Jasprit Bumrah, McSweeney showed grit under lights in Adelaide but failed to provide the top-order spark selectors wanted.

“Devastated, yeah,” McSweeney told Channel 7. “I’ll get back in the nets and work hard for the next chance.”

Australia’s opener merry-go-round continues, and whether Konstas sticks or spins off remains to be seen. As for McSweeney, redemption could still be just an innings away.

While 19-year old Sam Konstas had to pinch himself when he got the call… “I was just focused on this game, and then he (Bailey) called me after training I was like far out, I am in the squad,” - Konstas said following the Thunder’s dramatic final-ball defeat. 

That’s the way to do it: Nathan McSweeney had the perfect response to his Test axing by blasting an unbeaten 78 to lead the Heat to a nail-biting win over the Strikers in a final ball BBL thriller at The Gabba.

🚲 Logan Martin won the BMX freestyle final at the world championships in Abu Dhabi.

It is Martin's third world title following his victories in 2017 and 2021.

Fellow Australians Natalya Diehm and Sarah Nicki finished inside the top 10 in the women's final.

🏉 Former NRL Star's Son Reported Missing

Kade Maloney, the 14-year-old son of former NRL player James Maloney, has been reported missing.

He was last seen late Saturday evening in Green Point on the Central Coast and is believed to have taken a train from Gosford early Sunday morning, possibly heading towards Penrith. Kade is described as Caucasian, approximately 170 cm tall, with a medium build, short light brown hair, and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, dark blue North Queensland Cowboys football shorts, and carrying a black bag.

The family, having recently relocated from Townsville to Sydney, is deeply concerned as his disappearance is unusual. NSW Police are actively seeking public assistance to locate him and encourage anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. 

🏈 icymi: NFL Commentators Bewildered by 'Australian Kick'

Michael Dickson, an Australian punter for the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, astonished American commentators with a unique 60-yard punt during a game against the Green Bay Packers.

The kick's distinctive wobbly spin, reminiscent of a soccer corner kick, left the Packers' returner struggling to field the ball cleanly. U.S. commentators, unfamiliar with this style, referred to it as an 'Australian kick,' highlighting the growing influence of Australian punters in American football.

Dickson's innovative technique has sparked discussions among NFL enthusiasts about the potential impact of Australian styles on the game.

🇦🇺 Former AFL Player Aaron Shattock in Critical Condition

Aaron Shattock, a former AFL player and 2002 premiership winner with the Brisbane Lions, is in critical condition following an accident at his Gold Coast home. The 44-year-old was operating an excavator when it rolled over, trapping him underneath. Emergency services used hydraulic rescue tools to free him, and he was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital with severe chest injuries. Shattock played 68 games during his AFL career with the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide before retiring in 2006.

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⚽️ EPL WRAP: Liverpool went four points clear at the top of the Premier League as they handed out a merciless 6-3 thrashing to Tottenham Hotspur in front of their own fans.

Manchester United were booed off as they suffered a 3-0 home defeat by high-flying Bournemouth for the second year in a row as Ruben Amorim's men lost for the third time in four Premier League games.

United will celebrate Christmas in 13th position after another below-par display that leaves them with just seven points from Amorim's six games in charge.

Title challengers Chelsea were held to a frustrating goalless draw at Everton, handing a major boost to Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Vitor Pereira's Wolves reign got off to a dream start as his new team brushed aside fellow strugglers Leicester 3-0.

🥊 Tyson Fury refused to accept he lost his rematch against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and claimed the judges gave his opponent a "Christmas gift".

All three judges scored the fight 116-112 in Usyk's favour, handing the Ukrainian a second successive win over Fury.

"The judges gave him a Christmas gift," Fury said. "I feel like I won both fights.

"I know I had to knock him out but it's boxing and this happens. There is no doubt in my mind I won this fight.

"If Tyson says it is a Christmas gift then OK, thank you God, not Tyson. Thank you to my team." - Usyk

🏀 Dyson Daniels' Defensive Prowess with the Atlanta Hawks

Dyson Daniels has been a defensive standout for the Atlanta Hawks. In a recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Daniels recorded 15 points, six assists, six steals, and one block over 29 minutes, showcasing his elite defensive capabilities. Despite his efforts, the Hawks fell 128-112 to the Grizzlies.

🎾 Zheng Qinwen to Skip United Cup, Focus on Australian Open

Zheng Qinwen, the Australian Open runner-up, has announced that she will commence her 2025 season at the Grand Slam event next month, opting to skip the United Cup mixed team tournament starting this week. The 22-year-old Chinese tennis star aims to stay fresh for the Australian Open, indicating a strategic approach to her tournament schedule.

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TODAY

08:05 - NFL - Seattle Seahawks v Minnesota Vikings (ESPN)

08:25 - NFL - Miami Dolphins v San Francisco 49ers (7mate)

09:00 - Women's ODI Series - New Zealand v Australia (Fox Cricket)

09:00 - NHL - Washington Capitals v Los Angeles Kings (ESPN 2)

12:00 - NHL - Colorado Avalanche v Seattle Kraken (ESPN 2)

12:20 - NFL - Dallas Cowboys v Tampa Bay Buccaneers (ESPN)

15:30 - College - Men's NCAA (ESPN 2)

19:00 - A-League Men - Macarthur FC Bulls v Central Coast Mariners (Paramount+)

19:15 - Big Bash League - Melbourne Renegades v Perth Scorchers (Fox Cricket)

19:30 - NBL - Melbourne United v Tasmania JackJumpers (ESPN)

TUESDAY

11:30 - NBA - Miami Heat v Brooklyn Nets (ESPN 2)

12:15 - NFL - Green Bay Packers v New Orleans Saints (ESPN)

14:00 - NBA - Golden State Warriors v Indiana Pacers (ESPN 2)

17:30 - NBL - Adelaide 36ers v Brisbane Bullets (ESPN)