Melbourne, Jan. 14 : Cricket commentator Peter Roebuck is of the view that Matthew Hayden's decision to retire from all forms of the game will provoke relief among long-suffering bowlers.

He further goes on to say that in some eyes, Hayden was the epitome of hard-nosed Australia, a label he seemed happy to wear. However, closer inspection revealed a warmer nature.

"Among comrades he commanded affection; opponents felt only fear and, occasionally, resentment. Hayden started later than his contemporaries and wanted to last longer. Strong of mind and body, he hoped to play another Ashes series this year, to score a few more hundreds, to end in a blaze. It was not to be," says Roebuck in his article for The Age.

Melbourne, Jan. 14 : Wrist bands have been added to the police armoury in an attempt to stop underage drinking during cricket matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Fans who want a cold one at Friday's One Day International will have to produce photo ID and collect a wristband as part of the new ystem being introduced to prevent underage drinking.

According to the Herald Sun, there will be eight wristbands booths at the MCG. It is hoped the new system will assist staff in establishing proof of age, and means patrons will no longer have to produce ID every time they want to purchase alcohol at the bar.

Melbourne, Jan 14 : Hollywood actor Brad Pitt was left shocked after a drunken woman called him an "ugly dog" at the Golden Globes after party.

The 45-year old actor was at HBO''s party after the Golden Globes event when he was confronted by the drunken woman, reports Daily Telegraph.

"Brad was enjoying a cocktail and chatting with friends at party when this woman, who was clearly drunk, approached him," a source told Daily Mail.

Melbourne  - Mark Philippoussis will play it safe in his first serious match in two years as the injury-prone former player competes in this week's exhibition in Adelaide.

After multiple knee surgeries the 32-year-old Philippoussis is unsure about any tennis future.

"I have no expectations," the two-time Grand Slam finalist told local media. "I don't need to prove anything to anyone or even to myself, it's just about me loving the game and getting back out and playing the game.

"There's no way I'm looking too far ahead."

Melbourne, Jan 13 : Computers games like Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii are not just popular among youngsters, for even the burglars love the gaming consoles, says new Aussie research.

According to latest data from RACV Insurance, games consoles are topping the wish list for thieves in Australia.

Other lucrative items for burglars include jewellery and watches, digital cameras, cash, laptops, MP3 players, sunglasses and televisions.

Melbourne, Jan 13 : A new survey has found that Aussies have less idea about safe sex, and rely more on the "hit and miss" approach to it.

As per the finding of an online survey led by RMIT University doctoral student Alicia Mitic, the Australian have a "vague" understanding of contraception or about related infections.

Most of the people surveyed said that a condom was their primary form of contraception, but half of them admitted not using it every time they had sex.

Among women who reported relying on oral contraceptives, 12 percent said that they accidentally missed a pill at least once a month.