With Australia set to embark on their 20-Test odyssey in earnest on Friday in Durban, we takes a look at the major talking points for the three-Test series against South Africa.

Bryce Cotton and Nick Rakocevic combined for 66 points but Adelaide couldn't prevent a third successive defeat, losing by five points to Melbourne United.

In the wake of a draining period in which she received racist abuse on social media Coco Gauff lost in China to a player she beat in all five previous meetings.

Vice-captain Travis Head has highlighted the generational split in Australian cricket, accusing the golden era of unfairly going after the current side.

A simmering feud between Australia’s current and past Test cricketers has been reignited by Travis Head.

Culture is an overused word in the AFL, but the Merrett and Ridley trades, with minimal haggling and ambit claiming, were a measure of an Essendon attempt at cultural change.

Nine wraps up day three of the trade period as Zach Merrett opens up on his Dons departure.

Alex de Minaur retires during his China Open final against Novak Djokovic.

Leo Messi marks his final match for Argentina with a goal from the spot.

Tom Trbojevic speaks exclusively to Nine's Danny Weidler ahead of the World Cup.

Billy Smith speaks glowingly of Daniel Tupou after the winger retired from the NRL.

Geelong are one of three clubs to express an interest in Swans’ star Nick Blakey who is interested in exploring his trade options.

Victoria left-armer Harry Hoekstra has starred in his Sheffield Shield debut, at the expense of dropped Australian opener Jake Weatherald.

Jordan Ridley became a Cat, a one-game player was offered a significant deal, and rival clubs start expressing interest in Sydney’s Nick Blakey.

Fremantle have lost a part of their history with the man behind their club song “Freo, way to go,” Ken Walther, passing away earlier this week.

The Everest field is finally close to completion, 10 days out from the race, as slot-holders scramble to find connections willing to take on Ka Ying Rising.

Brisbane football manager Danny Daly has ruled himself out of the race to replace Chris Fagan as the Lions' next coach.

Fremantle have moved quickly to add a goalkicking wingman to their ranks to replace Nathan O’Driscoll, with former Western Bulldog Dominic Bedendo signing with the club.

Cricket Australia boss Todd Greenberg has revealed he told curators at major venues to prepare flatter pitches for this summer and beyond.

Two NRL greats will step into the ring for a five-round heavyweight blockbuster that comes down to experience versus an age, size, weight and reach advantage.

The Lions’ favourite to replace Chris Fagan has pulled out of the coaching race, with the club now assembling a high-profile panel to find a new head coach.

Frustrated players have spoken with Cricket Australia over the lack of elite women's games at home in the peak of summer, with officials looking at solutions.

Cricket Australia could begin hosting South Africa in five-Test series for the first time in more than 60 years, if CEO Todd Greenberg can convince the Proteas.

The Matildas star’s absence from this month’s friendlies exposes a tension between the demands of international soccer and individual autonomy to decide what matters most in a player’s life.

New Hawk Zach Merrett has revealed he considered a contract extension with the Bombers, but another miserable on-field season by the team meant that idea was quickly quashed.

Essendon have traded luckless defender Jordan Ridley to Geelong in a deal for utility Jack Bowes and future draft picks.

Paul Gallen slams Nelson Asofa-Solomona and laughs off his boxing career in a fiery press conference.

Lionel Messi has ended his international career with 208 senior caps and 126 goals after he scored a penalty in Argentina's 3-0 friendly win over Benin.

The Roosters will be on the lookout for two new starting wingers after fan favourite Daniel Tupou announced his retirement.

North Melbourne is trying to convince Zane Duursma to stay.