Vintage Bollinger gathers another fine harvest

DOUG Bollinger turned the match on its head with a splendid post-lunch spell. Already the Aussies had raised their game by cutting out the loose deliveries so thoughtfully provided on the previous evening.

Strong and forthright, it's Merv with no mo

Doug Bollinger turned the match on its head with a splendid post-lunch spell. Already the Australians had raised their game by cutting out the loose deliveries so thoughtfully provided on the previous evening.

Gilly proves a hard act to follow for hot Haddin

In most respects, Brad Haddin has been a superb replacement for Adam Gilchrist. Accordingly, the former gloveman and cavalier has not been missed as much as expected. Certainly, he has been easier to cover than comrades of equal standing, such as Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.

Time for a feisty Haddin to keep cool

IN MOST respects Brad Haddin has been a superb replacement for Adam Gilchrist. Accordingly the former gloveman and cavalier has not been missed as much as expected. Certainly he has been easier to cover than comrades of equal standing such as Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. Thanks to the newcomer's forthright work with the willow, the middle order has retained its sense of infinite possibility. Since coming to terms with his task, Haddin has been scoring quickly and often and has been a thorn in many sides. But his glovework has not been as precise as his predecessor's. Gilchrist was a great cricketer. At present Haddin is a very good operator.

Rugged looks come at a cost

THE CAR Audi A6 Allroad Quattro.

HSV E-Series 2 ... or is it?

IMAGES of the new HSV E-Series 2 have leaked on the internet through enthusiast websites but sources suggest they are not of the final car that will be revealed next month.

One Year On, Ponting Has Raised His Game - Now It's His Cheer Squad's Turn

RICKY PONTING has started 2009 with a fresh spirit. Certainly he seems more relaxed than during recent dust-ups when he found himself ducking and weaving off the field even as he hooked bumpers on it. Perhaps he senses that this team belongs to him, that he can put his imprint on it, that it is not too late to recover the livewire seen in his early years.

Take Note, Lose Reason

HE Mercedes-Benz has given the SLK roadster a mid-life nip-and-tuck, with the usual redesigned bumpers and new seat fabrics. We've got the most expensive model, the SLK55, which has a 5.4-litre V8 under the bonnet. It puts out 265kW of power and 510Nm of torque, or pulling power. Powerful enough for you?

Bring On Bumpers, Says Langer, As England Breaks Post-ashes Duck

TEST opener Justin Langer expects a ferocious bumper barrage during this summer's Ashes series as the venomous England pace attack tests his recovery from a serious head injury.

Bold New Ferrari Takes Shape

ANOTHER new Ferrari isn't far off. Following hot on the bumpers of the recently-revealed 612 Scaglietti and the svelte F430 (a heavily-revised version of the brand's sports car staple, the 360 Modena) the new star from the Italian sports-car maker is tipped to be called the 600 Imola, according to automotive spy agency Automedia.

New Car Snapshot Holden Barina

PIGEONHOLE: Hatchling. PHILOSOPHY: Bring European flair to a segment of the market dominated by Japanese and Korean cars. TRIVIA: The Barina has had minor cosmetic surgery (new grille and painted bumpers). It is sourced from General Motors' German subsidiary Opel, but the car is built in Spai

Sirion's Make-over

Daihatsu has given its small five-door Sirion hatch a make-over. The new-generation 1.0-litre model and sportier 1.3-litre GTvi have new headlamps and grille, redesigned bonnet and front guards along with split bumpers and fluted intakes in the front air dam.