Net closes on collector of Gilchrist ball

The search for the ball Adam Gilchrist hit for his 100th Test six is getting interesting again. Peter Lalor, writing in the Australian, says Cricket Australia is closing in on the man known as “John”.

A CA spokesman said he had spoken to John's workmates and an intermediary, who confirmed the man had boasted about having the ball and that he still had it in his keeping. The man did not come to the phone and has been asked to make contact with CA but has not returned calls.

Lalor also writes about whether an India-Australia series can rival the Ashes.

It’s award season and Matthew Hayden has won the prize for Queensland’s Sports Star of the Year.