CRICKET - Australian skipper Steve Smith has labelled recalled paceman James Pattinson the team's x-factor ahead of the first Test against the West Indies, hoping the Victorian quick can fill the aggression vacuum created by Mitchell Johnson's retirement.
SOCCER - The FFA appears to have made peace with angry A-League supporters, agreeing to allow fans banned from stadiums to view evidence used against them in a major change to their unpopular banning policy.
SOCCER - Garry Monk has been sacked as manager of Swansea City following a run of one win in 11 Premier League games, with former Swansea and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and David Moyes, recently sacked by Real Sociedad, touted as potential successors.
CRICKET - A brilliant captain's knock from Nic Maddinson set up NSW for an unlikely three-wicket victory over Queensland - a largely dour affair coming to life on the back of the Bulls' surprise declaration in Mackay.
