One of the best things about sport is that we don’t have to leave it all to the professionals.

Here’s an epic photo taken last week of the ‘Bold and Beautiful’ ocean swimming squad just off Manly Beach. And maybe your sign to go jump in a body of water as a heat wave hits most Aussie states this week!

Ashes update: At the time of writing, England are 4-219 in their second innings and lead Australia by 36 runs.

$111.5 million
The total prize money on offer at this year’s Australian Open. It marks a 16% increase on last year’s figure, which Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said “demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level.” The winner of the men’s and women’s singles tournaments will receive $4.15 million, which is  a 19% increase.

“I’d go out on court [in 2022], and I thought no one can genuinely beat me. You actually have that confidence and a delusion that you are that person. After you have these surgeries … you don’t have that belief anymore.”
Nick Kyrgios speaking to media following his first-round exit at the Brisbane International. The 30-year-old was beaten in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) by American world no.58 Aleksandar Kovacevic. Kyrgios will appear in the men’s doubles tonight alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis. If Kyrgios is to play in the Australian Open singles draw later this month, he will need a wildcard from tournament organisers.

In 1900, American golfer Margaret Abbott entered a tournament in Paris while on holiday and won with a score of 47. The Paris Olympic Games of that year were poorly organised and folded into the World’s Fair, so she died in 1955 believing she had only won a local event. It was not until decades later that historians confirmed she was actually America’s first female Olympic champion.

🏏 The Adelaide Strikers have kept their Big Bash League season alive with a six-run win over the Sydney Thunder at Adelaide Oval. After batting first and setting a total of 165 runs, the Strikers' bowling attack held their nerve to restrict the Thunder to 7-158. The Thunder’s David Warner was left unbeaten on 67, but his side ultimately fell short. While Adelaide (5th) stays in the hunt to make finals, Sydney remains at the bottom of the ladder with just one win so far this season.

🏀 The Geelong Venom stunned title contenders the Townsville Fire with an 88-71 away win to end a nine-game losing streak in the WNBL. Mackenzie Holmes led the charge for the Venom with 30 points and 14 rebounds, as her side raced to a 23-point second-quarter lead. Captain Jaz Shelley (15 points) and Shyla Heal (25 points) added key scoring contributions as the Venom produced their best performance of the season.

⚽ English Premier League club Chelsea has appointed Liam Rosenior as its new head coach on a five-and-a-half-year contract. The 41-year-old joins from French club RC Strasbourg, where he led the club to a seventh-place Ligue 1 finish last season. He replaces Enzo Maresca, who departed on 1 January. Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League as the Englishman prepares for his first game in charge.

Sometimes new gear is the motivation you need to start moving

MoveActive’s Pilates range makes rolling out your mat something to actually look forward to. Comfy, supportive, and made to move with you, it’s perfect whether you’re just starting out or trying to nail your next flow.

From stretch to strength, every piece is designed to keep you feeling good while you move. Treat yourself to gear that actually makes Pilates feel fun, not like a chore.

Australia have secured a place in the United Cup quarterfinals after Alex de Minaur delivered under pressure in both singles and mixed doubles in Sydney.

Here is what to know.

Czechia pushed Australia to the brink in Sydney after 19-year-old Maya Joint lost to Barbora Krejčíková (6-4, 6-1) in the opening match. With a potential elimination looming, Alex de Minaur levelled the tie by defeating rising star Jakub Menšík in straight sets (6-4, 6–1). 

De Minaur was then called upon again in the deciding mixed doubles match, partnering with Storm Hunter to win in straight sets (6–2, 6–3) and clinch a 2-1 victory.

De Minaur’s performance has lifted him to a career-high live ATP ranking of world number six, putting him on track for his highest-ever seeding at the Australian Open.

Australia’s result gives them the top spot in Group D and a likely quarterfinal clash with Poland later this week. The Polish team includes women’s world number two Iga Świątek. 

Today will see two quarter-finals. The U.S. will take on Greece, and Switzerland will face Argentina. 

The United Cup is a mixed-team international tennis tournament in which countries compete in men’s and women’s singles and mixed doubles, and is one of the primary warm-up tournaments ahead of the Australian Open, which starts on 18 January.

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The ABC was denied access to interview Australian cricketers after day three of the fifth and final Test of the Ashes because of comments made by a commentator on its AM radio station the previous day. The dispute has escalated into a broader standoff involving senior executives from the public broadcaster and Cricket Australia.

Here’s what to know.

Former Australian cricketer Stuart Clark sparked the controversy while commentating on radio for ABC Sport during the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, publicly criticising senior decision-makers inside Cricket Australia, which is the peak body for cricket in Australia. 

Clark, who currently is a Cricket NSW board member,  questioned the authority of selector George Bailey and cricket executives James Allsopp and Ben Oliver, suggesting they lacked the standing to direct the national captain, coach and leadership group.

“James Allsopp … is a grade club cricket coach who throws underarm balls to kids,” Clark said. “He’s a lovely guy, don’t get me wrong, but he now runs the whole of cricket. He can’t tell Andrew McDonald (Australia’s coach) and Steve Smith or Pat Cummins what to do.”

Clark also questioned whether Bailey had the “gravitas” or “leadership skills” required for his role.

The next day, the ABC was denied access to Australian players for post-match interviews, despite holding radio broadcast rights. Commentator Corbin Middlemas described the decision as “extremely disappointing”. 

CA was reportedly particularly unhappy given Clark’s other roles, including as a Cricket NSW board member.

Greenberg described Clark’s comments as “unwarranted” and “out of order”, saying they crossed from criticism of decisions into personal attacks.

Cricket Australia (CA) is not required to provide players for post-play interviews, but it typically does so as a gesture of goodwill. The ABC had received player access after every previous day of test cricket this summer.

According to reports from the Sydney Morning Herald, the situation escalated further when ABC managing director Hugh Marks phoned CA chief executive Todd Greenberg to complain. 

Following that call, and a number of further statements by the parties involved dismissing a growing feud, the ABC is set to regain player access on day four of the Test.

Clark has remained on the ABC’s commentary team and said he stands by his remarks. “It’s my opinion,” he said. “Personally, I’ve moved on.”

Cricket Australia is expected to restore the ABC’s  regular media access, but the episode has highlighted tensions among broadcasters, commentators and sporting organisations during live events.