Bodies pulled from wreckage of flight QZ8501

Indonesian officials have found six bodies in the AirAsia search area, three of which have been recovered.

Items resembling an emergency slide and a plane door were spotted in the search for missing AirAsia plane.

Objects spotted around where the plane disappeared from radar. Source: AFP

STORMS have forced AirAsia search teams to suspend their operations early — just as Indonesian officials revealed they had seen sonar footage of the plane resting upside down on the at the bottom of the Java Sea.

A total of seven bodies have now been recovered, including four males and three females, all completely intact.

National Search and Rescue Agency chief BambangSoelistyo said one of the female victims was wearing a flight attendant uniform.

He said 168 coffins had been prepared — although the official number of people on board Flight QZ 8501 is 162.

Distraught relatives have gathered in Surabaya, where a crisis centre has been set up near the local police station and hospital, to hand over medical records and other documents.

It is here that the bodies will be taken for identification and police say they have taken DNA samples from 30 immediate family members to assist with the identification of bodies.

Among them was Hadi Widjaja, 60, who was preparing a Muslim funeral for his son Andreas and daughter-in-law Enny Wahyuni.

"I am anxious to know if the rescuers have found their bodies. The president has said that they will do the best they can to find them," Mr Widjaja told AFP.

"But if they really cannot find them, I will scatter flowers in the sea here as a way to say goodbye."

Storms forced search teams to suspend their operations early today. Helicopters were later sent out as the weather cleared, but some returned again to the base in Pangkalan Bun, the town with the nearest airstrip to the crash site.

"For the safety reasons, we turned back," helicopter pilot Tatang Onne Setiawan said.

"Besides the evacuation of the bodies, we also planned to search for bigger parts of the plane."

Indonesain from the AirAsia flight has been found at the bottom of the Java Sea.

Mr Soelistyo said wreckage from the aircraft had been found using sonar equipment — but did not know yet if the plane is in one piece or broken up.

Earlier, the pilot who discovered the first three bodies from AirAsia flight QZ8501 said the victims were holding hands in the water.

Lieutenant Airman Tri Wobowo, who co-piloted one of the Hercules off the coast of Borneo, today said he saw up to eight bodies.

"There are seven to eight people. Three [of them] again hold hands," he told Indonesian national newspaper Kompas.

Six bodies have been recovered so far, including a flight attendant.

RELATED: RELATIVES IN SHOCK AT HORROR FOOTAGE

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RELATED: FLYING IN ASIA: 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

A report in London's Daily Telegraph said an Indonesian fisherman, Mohammed Taha, 38, first spotted metal objects in the water, including ones that were red.

He saw them on Sunday but didn't return home until the next day. He then learned of the AirAsia disaster.

"The largest was four metres long and two metres wide. They were red coloured with white silver. It looked like the AirAsia colours."

He told police who then organised an aerial search which confirmed the objects, including a door, were from the plane.

Many local fishermen have helped with the search after being contacted by authorities soon after the plane vanished.

There were 155 passengers on board, with 137 adults, 17 children and 1 infant. Also on board were 2 pilots, 4 cabin crew and one engineer.

A family member of passengers on-board the missing AirAsia flight QZ8501 reacts after seeing an unidentified floating body during a search and rescue mission with Indonesian military over the Java Sea. Source: AFP

An Aerial view of the waters near Bangka Island being searched for debris from AirAsia Flight QZ8501 in a navy fixed wing patrol craft near Bangka Island, Indonesia. Picture: Ed Wray Source: Getty Images

Search area for the missing Air Asia flight QZ8501. Source: Supplied

A backpack, food and children's shoes has been found in the water by searchers.

AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes said he is experiencing an airline chief executive's "worst nightmare".

Speaking in Indonesia's second-biggest city of Surabaya after meeting with distraught relatives of some of the 162 passengers, Fernandes said he "apologised profusely" for the accident.

"The passengers were on my aircraft and I have to take responsibility for that," he said, adding that he was focusing on supporting the families.

"It's an experience I never dreamt of happening and it's probably an airline CEO's worst nightmare," Fernandes said on Tuesday.

Members of the Indonesia marines unload their diving equipment as they arrive at Pangkalan Bun air base in Central Kalimantan. Source: AFP

An earlier statement from his company said employees of affiliate AirAsia Indonesia, which operated the crashed plane, had been sent to the site where debris was found and would fully co-operate in the investigation.

"There is at least some closure as opposed to not knowing what's happened and holding out hope," Fernandes told reporters.

He said the pilot of the ill-fated plane was "extremely experienced" with 20,000 hours of flying.

"There were some very unique weather conditions and let's wait for the investigation to be concluded." Out of the 162 passengers and crew on board, 155 were Indonesian.

"This is a very difficult moment for all of us at AirAsia as we await further developments of the search and rescue operations but our first priority now is the wellbeing of the family members of those on-board QZ8501."

Indonesian Navy airmen search the waters near Bangka Island. Photo by Ed Wray/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Monsoonal weather continues to affect the area of the search site, which has been suspended for the night. Conditions are less than ideal, with thunderstorms in the area creating rough seas, with reports at least six inches of rain are expected to be dumped throughout the night.

"This type of extreme weather can result in catastrophic failure," aircraft expert Anthony Roma told msnbc.

The plane was flying within a level five thunderstorm, while three other flights successfully traversed the same flight pattern as QZ8501.

"In this area there are storms a great deal of the time, aircraft fly all the time," said Mr Roma.

A relative of a passenger on AirAsia flight QZ8501 receives medical attention as she collapses at the breaking news of debris and bodies being found. Picture: Robertus Pudyanto Source: Getty Images

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes at the crisis centre at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya. Picture: Firdia Lisnawati Source: AP

"The passengers were on my aircraft and I have to take responsibility for that," said AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes/ Picture: Manan Vatsyayana Source: AFP

San Diego-based guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson has responded to INdonesia's request to support search operations. Source: AFP

After two days of searching, debris from parts of the aircraft, including an emergency exit door, luggage, oxygen tack and a life jacket, were found in the Karimata Straight between Sumatra, Java and Borneo, around 110 nautical miles south west from Pangkalan Bun.

Several corpses were spotted off Borneo island. Search and rescue teams were lowered on ropes from a hovering helicopter to retrieve the corpses, their efforts hindered by 2-meter-high (6-foot-high) waves and strong winds. They were recovered, swollen but intact, and taken to an Indonesian navy ship.

The 'shadow' of a plane was spotted on the seabed close to the debris.

Navy spokesman Manahan Simorangkir told AFP earlier that, according to naval radio, a warship had recovered more than 40 bodies from the sea. But he later said that report was a miscommunication by his staff. Reports indicate some bodies did not have life jackets on.

The debris was spotted just under 10 kilometres from when the flight was last seen on radar.

"At the present time, search and rescue operations are still in progress and further investigation of the debris found at the location is still underway," the statement read.

"AirAsia Indonesia employees have been sent to the site and will be fully cooperating with BASARNAS, National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC), and relevant authorities on the investigation."

Commander of 1st Indonesian air force Operational Command Rear Marshall Dwi Putranto shows aeroplane parts and a suitcase found floating on the water near the site where AirAsia Flight 8501 disappeared. Picture: Dewi Nurcahyani Source: AP

Relatives of passengers of the missing AirAsia Flight 8501 react upon seeing the news on television. Picture: Trisnadi Source: AP

Indonesian television have been criticised after showing bodies on the waters near the site where the jetliner disappeared. Picture: Trisnadi Source: AP

Several countries are helping Indonesia retrieve the wreckage and the passengers.

The United States announced it was sending the USS Sampson destroyer, joining at least 30 ships, 15 aircraft and seven helicopters in the search for the jet, said Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency chief Henry Bambang Soelistyo.

A Chinese frigate was also on the way, while Singapore said it was sending two underwater beacon detectors to try to detect pings from the plane's all-important cockpit voice and flight data recorders. Malaysia, Australia and Thailand also are involved in the search.

An Indonesian air force Puma helicopter takes off during search and rescue operations. Picture: Bay Ismoyo Source: AFP

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo speaks during press conference at the AirAsia crisis centre. Picture: Robertus Pudyanto Source: Getty Images

An Indonesian Navy Pilot looks out the cockpit window as he banks to check out an object sighted during a search of the waters near Bangka Island. Picture: Ed Wray Source: Getty Images

The tragic news was made worse when Indonesian television footage showed a body floating in the sea during aerial searches for the plane.

Pandemonium broke out at Juanda International Airport, at least two distraught family members were carried out on stretchers from the room where they had been waiting for news in Surabaya, Indonesia's second largest city and the takeoff point for the aircraft that disappeared during a storm on Sunday.

Many screamed and wailed uncontrollably, breaking down into tears while they squeezed each other. One middle-aged man collapsed and was rushed from the room on a stretcher.

"We are sorry to be here today under these tragic circumstances," said Sunu Widyatmoko, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Indonesia, in AirAsia's statement.

"We would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of those on board QZ8501. Our sympathies also go out to the families of our dear colleagues."

Indonesian air force personnel carry aeroplane parts recovered from the water near the site where AirAsia Flight 8501 disappeared, at the air base in Pangkalan Bun, Central Borneo, Indonesia. Picture: Dewi Nurcahyani Source: AP

This aerial view taken over the Java Sea shows floating debris from AirAsia flight QZ8501. Picture: Bay Ismoyo Source: Supplied

A family member of passengers gestures while accompanying military personnel on a search and rescue (SAR) mission. Picture: Juni Kriswanto Source: AFP

Commander of Indonesian air force 1st Operational Command Rear Marshall Dwi Putranto, centre, shows the aeroplane parts and a suitcase found floating on the water. Picture: Dewi Nurcahyani Source: AP

In its statement, AirAsia Indonesia said it will be inviting family members to Surabaya, where a "dedicated team of care providers will be assigned to each family to ensure that all of their needs are met".

"Counsellors, religious and spiritual personnel have also been invited to the family centre to provide any necessary services," it read.

Family members of passengers react after watching news reports showing an unidentified body floating in the Java Sea. Picture: Manan Vatsyayana Source: AFP

Floating debris spotted in the same area as other items. Picture: Bay Ismoyo Source: Supplied

A relative receives medical attention as he collapses at the breaking news. Picture: Robertus Pudyanto Source: Getty Images

Family members of passengers pray together while waiting for a briefing inside the crisis-centre set up at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya. Picture: Manan Vatsyayana Source: AFP

Earlier, Indonesia's director general of civil aviation, Djoko Murjatmodjo, told AFP: "For the time being it can be confirmed that it's the AirAsia plane and the transport minister will depart soon to Pangkalan Bun."

"Based on the observation by search and rescue personnel, significant things have been found such as a passenger door and cargo door.

"It's in the sea, 100 miles (160 kilometres) southwest of Pangkalan Bun," he said, referring to the town in Central Kalimantan, on the island of Borneo.

A rescuer is lowered on rope from a hovering helicopter near a body in Java Sea waters. Source: AP

Relatives of passengers break down at the news of debris and bodies being found. Picture: Robertus Pudyanto Source: Getty Images

An Indonesian Navy airman prays on his plane before searching the waters near Bangka Island. Picture: Ed Wray Source: Getty Images

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo speaks during a press conference at the AirAsia crisis centre at Juanda International Airport on December 30. Picture: Robertus Pudyanto Source: Getty Images

A search for the aircraft has been underway since Sunday afternoon when it lost contact with Indonesian air traffic control.

The plane, with 155 passengers and seven crew, was less than an hour into a flight from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore when it is believed to have encountered a violent thunderstorm.

Its pilots requested a change of flight path due to bad weather, just minutes before contact was lost.

Chiara Natasha at right (who was not on the flight) pictured with her mother Indahju Liangsih. Chiara Natasha lost her parents and two brothers on the flight. Photo: Facebook Source: Supplied

The Herald Sun reports a Melbourne-based student was on-board the plane when it disappeared. Monash University student Kevin Alexander Soetjipto was travelling from Indonesia to Singapore with relatives when the plane vanished over the Java Sea.

Mr Soetjipto is from Malang in Indonesia and it is believed he was in Australia on a student visa.

A spokeswoman for Monash confirmed student Kevin Alexander was among the missing. Source: Supplied

Kevin Alexander Soetjipto, a student at the Clayton campus of Monash University. Source: Supplied

With Rebecca Sullivan, Frank Chung, Debra Killalea, Andrew Koubaridis and Sherine Conyers.

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Your ‘smart’ thing has been hacked

Now you can take your hack with you wherever you go. Source: Getty Images

Chris Griffith tries on the latest fitness tracking wearable technology from Fitbit and Sony

AT THIS time last year, numerous pundits were calling 2014 the year of the Internet of Things. The prediction was everywhere. Of course there were some sceptics, but buzz around smart homes, the quantified self, and general interconnectivity felt ubiquitous.

That vision got seriously derailed. Turns out that 2014 was the year of the hack.

But it isn't really a coincidence that where we want an Internet of Things, we get a year of hacks. The more devices and points of entry there are on a network, the more opportunities there are for an intruder to find a sneaky way in. But that doesn't make these hacks any less clever ... or problematic.

As you enjoy the warm glow of the holidays and make 2015 resolutions that involve fitness trackers and smart thermostats, here's a list (as comprehensive as I could make it) of every appliance, personal gadget, and household item that's ever been hacked.

Tea kettles and irons: Even these seemingly innocuous items could have spy chips in them.

Printers: There's one in nearly every home and office, and they can be hacked to do fun things, and less fun things.

Medical devices: If Homeland has taught us anything it's that pacemakers can be hacked. They actually can be, as can defibrillators, insulin pumps, and hospital equipment. Yikes.

Networked light bulbs:Philips Hues and other smart light bulbs have been compromised, partly because they are organised into ad hoc "mesh networks" where the transmitters and receivers in each bulb are fairly insecure and use Wi-Fi to share credentials and data. This is a problem with many Internet of Things devices.

Is it getting warm in here, or is it just hackers? Source: Getty Images

Smart TVs: Hackers can steal account credentials, and take over built-in microphones and cameras to get eyes and ears on your life.

Baby monitors, nanny cams, security footage: A lot of these devices have easily guessable default passwords that allow hackers to easily access the livestreams and find out what's going on in a home or business.

Webcams: These hacks have been going on for years. Basically just all cameras and/or microphones are at risk, especially because they capture such potentially valuable data. And it can be hard to tell whether they've been compromised. As Andrew Paterson, the senior technology officer at Britain's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), told CNN in November, "If you can remotely access something, that means others can remotely access it as well and you need to lock it down — or you're at risk."

Nest thermostats: A hacker with physical access to a Nest can compromise it in 15 seconds.

Fitness trackers: FitBits have been hacked, but more generally Symantec released an in-depth study in July showing that most wearable fitness trackers are vulnerable to being attacked and exploited.

Your TV is watching you. Source: Getty Images

Toasters: Lots of kitchen appliances have been hacked to get onto home networks.

VOIP phones: Though they look like regular phones, VOIP phones are really computers in phone-like cases that can be exploited.

Refrigerators: Some reports say that networked refrigerators have been used in DDoS attacks, though others are sceptical.

USBs: Half of USB thumb drives have a fundamental vulnerability. That's a lot of flash drives.

E-cigarettes: It's not a data hack, but you can tamper with e-cigs and other vaporisers to make them, ahem, more effective.

Home alarm systems: Oh, the irony! But seriously this is bad.

Routers: People love hacking routers. During one contest this summer participants found 15 new vulnerabilities in five wireless models.

Toilets: Even smart toilets have been hacked.

Most of these hacks and vulnerabilities were discovered by cybersecurity researchers, and many of them have been patched. But they hint at the potential for malicious hackers to wreak havoc on the Internet of Things and beyond. The smarter cars are, the more hackable they become. Even Teslas. Oh, and also aeroplanes. And ATMs. And the grid.

Welp, that's terrifying. Happy New Year, everyone!

This article originally appeared on Slate and was republished with permission.

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Aussies charging home at MCG

Watch how the action has unfolded so far on day five of Australia's third Test with India

Virat Kohli pleads his case to the umpires on day four. Source: News Corp Australia

FOLLOW the live coverage of day four of the third Test at the MCG.

A partly cloudy day is expected in Melbourne, with a top temperature of 21C.

Play starts at 10.10am AEDT. Continue the conversation on Twitter @jaibednall

Scroll to the bottom of the page for blow-by-blow coverage.

LIVE SCOREBOARD: AUSTRALIA vs INDIA THIRD TEST

6.30am — DID AUSSIES DECLARE TOO LATE?

Steve Smith's captaincy was tested like never before on day five of the third Test. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA has secured the Border-Gavaskar trophy with a series win in Melbourne, but a draw in the third Test has left a hollow feeling.

A decision by Steve Smith and the Aussie coaching staff to continue batting for 23 overs on day five is going to be questioned heavily in the coming days.

It left the home side with just 70 overs to bowl out India on a wicket favouring the batsmen and despite the combined efforts of Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Josh Hazlewood, India managed to save the game by reaching stumps at 6/174.

6.15pm — DHONI, ASHWIN HOLDING FIRM

WE'RE down to the final five overs in Melbourne as Australia searches desperately for four more Indian wickets.

MS Dhoni and Ravi Ashwin look capable of taking India through to stumps.

Australia has turned to Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson to find a breakthrough.

5.35pm — RAHANE FALLS, AUSSIE HOPES RISING

Ajinkya Rahane bent over backwards to hold India's innings together. Source: AP

ONLY the Indian tail stands between Australia and victory at the MCG after Josh Hazlewood removed Ajinkya Rahane for 48.

The Indian batsman had played perfectly to this point but was drawn into a false shot by the young Aussie quick.

Rahane tried to pull a short delivery through the on side but hit it straight to Shaun Marsh at midwicket to leave India 6/142.

There are 15 overs remaining.

5.15pm — JOHNSON SOFTENS UP THEN REMOVES PUJARA

Mitchell Johnson produced an exceptional delivery to remove Pujara. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA has the breakthrough it needed to have a chance of winning the third Test.

Mitchell Johnson clean bowled Cheteshwar Pujara to leave the home side needing five wickets with 19 overs remaining.

Johnson shook Pujara up with a bouncer which smashed into the front of his helmet before producing a brilliant slower ball which turned and hit off stump.

Pujara faced 70 deliveries for his 21, combining with Ajinkya Rahane (47 not out) to frustrate Australia for almost 17 overs.

5pm — AUSSIES RUNNING OUT OF TIME

There's been nothing in this day five pitch for Nathan Lyon. Source: News Corp Australia

STEVE Smith has taken the ball as Australia tries fruitlessly to remove Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara late on day five.

The MCG pitch is still favouring the batsmen and has proven unfriendly to spinner Nathan Lyon (0/33 from 11 overs).

The score is now 4/138 with Rahane on 45 not out and Pujara 21 not out. There are 22 overs remaining.

4.30pm — WICKETS DRY UP AGAIN

The clocks is ticking, Steve. Source: Getty Images

THERE are less than 30 overs remaining for Australia to find six wickets.

India's decision to drop Cheteshwar Pujara down the order looks like a winner right now as he steadies the ship with Ajinkya Rahane following Virat Kohli's dismissal.

Ryan Harris is trying everything to find another wicket but the defence of the Indian pair is strong.

The score is 4/116. The Indian side has never been in with a chance of chasing the victory total of 384, raising the question of whether Steve Smith took too long to declare.

4pm — HARRIS FINDS A WAY

Who said Ryan Harris had sore knees? Look at that leap. Source: Getty Images

VIRAT Kohli has fallen with the first delivery after the tea break, caught at square leg by Joe Burns off the bowling of Ryan Harris.

Kohli tried to flick a straight ball of his pads but hit it straight to Burns in a rare lapse of concentration.

India is 4/104. Australia has 35 overs to take six wickets.

3.40pm — SLOPPY FIELDING CONTINUES

Sorry boys, my bad. Source: AFP

AUSTRALIA has thrown away two golden opportunities to break the key partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli.

Chris Rogers dropped Rahane at point with the score at 3/88 before Kohli survived a run out opportunity.

Rahane slashed at a short Mitchell Johnson delivery on 22 and sent it flying just above Rogers's head.

The Aussie timed his jump well but the ball banged off his right hand to add another drop to the several put down in India's first innings.

A few overs later Kohli nearly ran himself out for the second time today, trying to steal a second run on an overthrow that wasn't there.

He was sent back by Rahane but Nathan Lyon didn't take the ball cleanly at the stumps.

India is 3/104 at tea. With 36 overs left in the day Australia is running out of time.

3pm — KOHLI STANDS IN WAY OF VICTORY

Brad Haddin and the Australian team unleashed a barrage of sledging directed at Virat Kohli after coming close to running out the Indian superstar during the fifth day of the third Test.

VIRAT Kohli looms as the key wicket in Australia's search for victory at the MCG.

The Indian star has moved confidently to 40 not out after surviving a run out opportunity early in his innings.

Kohli took off for a run after pushing the ball to mid-off only for Murali Vijay to send him back.

David Warner's hurried throw — with his sore arm — was a little wayward and Kohli scrambled home.

Aussie wicketkeeper Brad Haddin took the opportunity to sledge the Indian, saying: "It's all about you, it's all about you".

Ajinkya Rahane joined Kohli in the middle after Vijay fell and is 22 not out.

The score is 3/77 with 46 overs remaining in the day.

1.55pm — HAZLEWOOD JOINS THE PARTY

Josh Hazlewood was lucky to claim Murali Vijay's scalp. Source: Getty Images

AN incorrect LBW decision against Murali Vijay has left India reeling at 3/19.

Replays showed Josh Hazlewood's delivery was swinging down leg but with no DRS to correct the decision Vijay was forced to depart.

1.30pm — THE COLLAPSE IS ON

Mitchell Johnson has put Australia right on top. Source: News Corp Australia

INDIA'S decision to promote debutant KL Rahul up the order has backfired.

The 22-year-old's forgettable first Test was completed when he top edged a short ball from Mitchell Johnson high into the air and was caught by Shane Watson. India is 2/5 with Murali Vijay and Virat Kohli in the middle.

1.20pm — HARRIS MAKES EARLY BREAKTHROUGH

Ryan Harris keeps delivering for Australia. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA has made the perfect start to India's second innings, removing Shikhar Dhawan for a duck.

Ryan Harris claimed the scalp with the second ball of his first over, trapping Dhawan LBW with a ball that swung in.

India has surprisingly sent debutant KL Rahul, who batted at No. 6 in the first innings, in at first drop.

12.35pm — FINALLY A DECLARATION

Darren Lehmann and Steve Smith have finally decided they have enough runs. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA has set India a victory target of 384 runs from 71 overs after declaring at the lunch break.

A tedious morning, which featured two rain delays and some cautious batting, has come to an end with the score at 9/318.

It sets up a fascinating finish and puts Steve Smith's early reputation as a captain on the line.

12.30pm — MARSH RUN OUT FOR 99

Shaun Marsh is still searching for his first ton on home soil. Source: Getty Images

A BIZARRE morning at the MCG has continued with the run out of Shaun Marsh for 99.

The Aussie middle order batsman was within reach of his first century on home soil but took off on a suicide single after a shot to mid-off and was caught short of his crease by Virat Kohli.

It brought an end to his 215 ball knock, which had in parts pleased and in parts frustrated the home crowd.

And still Australia bats on.

The score is 9/318. The lead is 383 runs and there is now only 71 overs left in the day.

12.10pm — SMITH INVITING CRITICISM

What are you thinking, guys? Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA'S frustrating approach to day five of the third Test is continuing at the MCG, raising several questions about Steve Smith's captaincy.

With most of us expecting an aggressive approach when play began today it's been the total opposite as Shaun Marsh and Ryan Harris plodded along.

Marsh is now 86 not out from 202 balls. Harris was just removed for 21 off 68 balls, caught behind off Mohammed Shami.

Australia's lead is 368 runs. There is only 74 overs left in the day. It would appear a tall task for India to chase that total but still the home side bats on.

"In my mind Australia batted too long here," Shane Warne said.

11.40am — 50 PARTNERSHIP UP ... OFF 110 BALLS

Shaun Marsh is closing in on a century. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA continues to take a cautious approach to day five, taking the lead to 349 runs.

Shaun Marsh (77 not out from 174 balls) and Ryan Harris (14 not out from 50 balls) have just brought up their 50 run partnership.

It's taken 110 deliveries during a period of the game many expected Australia to put it's foot on the gas.

Michael Clarke is in the commentary box and is doing his best to explain the home side's thinking.

11.30am — FRUSTRATING MORNING CONTINUES

Groundsmen bring the covers back out. Source: News Corp Australia

THERE'S been a little more rain in Melbourne, forcing players from the field for another short period.

The good news it's only a temporary delay — and it brought an end to one of the worst 10 minutes of commentary in television history.

Perhaps frustrated about Australia's tactics this morning, Channel 9 commentators Shane Warne, Michael Slater and James Brayshaw engaged in a mindless discussion about ... pizza.

And kept talking about it. And then talked about it some more. And then some more.

Thank goodness it's over. My ears hurt.

10.55am — CAT AND MOUSE GAMES BEGIN

Ryan Harris walks out to bat on day five. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA hasn't shown any urgency in the opening overs of day five, blocking and leaving most deliveries.

Shaun Marsh (67 not out) and Ryan Harris (nine not out) have added just seven runs from the first six overs.

That makes for a grand total of 15 runs in the past 10 overs after the slow finish to last night's play.

It's still not clear whether the home side plans to bat India out of the game or look to set up a declaration.

10.45am — STOP-START OPENING

Shaun Marsh faced three balls before it started raining. Source: News Corp Australia

THERE was a slight delay to the start of today's play, with a few showers in Melbourne.

Play started on time but after three deliveries from Ishant Sharma to Shaun Marsh players left the field and the covers came on.

Play resumed at 10.45am. No overs have been lost.

10am — WARNER TELLS KOHLI TO ZIP IT

Mitchell Johnson is one of the Australian batsmen Virat Kohli likes to personally welcome to the crease. Source: News Corp Australia

MORE fireworks are expected on day five of the Boxing Day Test after David Warner's not so subtle message to Virat Kohli after play last night.

Warner said he had no issue with Kohli engaging with him and his teammates during play, but took issue at the volatile Indian batsman for broadcasting what was said to the rest of the world.

"I personally think what happens on the field stays on the field and it shouldn't be brought off the field," Warner said.

Kohli crossed a line in Warner's eyes by telling a press conference after day three the Australians had labelled him a "spoilt brat".

The bad blood continued yesterday when David Warner, Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson all had run-ins with the Indians during their innings.

Kohli and Ishant Sharma were the main protagonists for the visitors.

"I didn't see the send-off to Mitchell but I saw Kohli lurking around there with Brad," Warner said.

"If that's the way he wants to go about the game of cricket then let him be."

Warner promised to maintain an aggressive attitude in the field today as Australia looks to win the match.

"On the field when you put your international cap on it's a different story," he said.

"It's aggressive, it's hard cricket, we play to win.

"Stepping over the line is probably not the right way to go about it.

"Letting your bat and the ball do the talking is probably the way to go best.

"We're still going to be playing our in-your-face cricket as we normally do but we won't be stepping across that line."

Australia resumes at 7/261 with a 326 run lead. The home side is expected to bat on this morning in an attempt to set up a declaration at some point in the first session.

Shaun Marsh (62) and Ryan Harris (eight) are the not out batsmen.

Neroli Meadows reports from the MCG ahead of day five of the third Test between Australia and India.

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Boss offers employee boob job

The episode of Undercover Boss raised viewers' ires. Source: Huffington Post

"UNDERCOVER Boss" is supposed to reveal the good, bad and ugly of everyday workplaces by inserting senior executives into their own companies — you guessed it — undercover. But Sunday night's episode just uncovered a wildly sexist CEO.

The episode featured Doug Guller, CEO of Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill, going undercover and attempting to "improve" his business from the inside. By the end of the hourlong program, Guller had fired a bartender for wearing a T-shirt instead of a bikini during work, and offered to pay for another employee's breast augmentation surgery if she showed improvement and became a "rock star" at her job.

Similar to Hooters' business model, Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill's waitresses wear skimpy outfits — string bikini tops and short shorts in this case — as their work uniforms. According to CBS, Guller "welcomes controversy and proudly refers to his chain of restaurants as 'breastaurants.'"

In disguise. Source: Huffington Post

While he's undercover, Guller notices that one of the bartenders, Jessica, is wearing a T-shirt instead of a bikini top. When Guller asks her why she's not wearing her bikini, Jessica tells him she usually wears it but prefers not to wear a swimsuit on camera. (Presumably Jessica was told she was being filmed for some other imaginary project.)

Fired for being uncomfortable with wearing a bikini on camera. Source: Huffington Post

At the end of the episode Guller reveals his true identity and confronts Jessica about her choice to not wear a bikini top. He tells Jessica that it was a "big bummer," and proceeds to fire her.

Guller later sits down with another waitress named Grace to discuss her work. After complimenting her as the "model Bikinis babe," Guller offers her a deal, telling her: "If you can make it through six months and you're a rock star ... I'm going to put you in touch with the best [breast augmentation surgeon] in town and we'll make this happen!" Yes, that exchange is real.

What a class act. Source: Huffington Post

Many people took to Twitter to voice their outrage about Guller's actions and the episode in general:

This article originally appeared on The Huffington Postand was republished here with permission.

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Steve Smith, you little ripper

Another crucial knock from Steve Smith is saving Australia from a low first innings total in the third test against India. Earlier, Shane Watson and Chris Rogers were also among the runs.

The Swami Army was in full voice early on Boxing Day. Source: News Corp Australia

FOLLOW the live coverage of day one of the third Test at the MCG.

A sunny day is expected in Melbourne, with a top temperature of 21C.

Play starts at 10.30am AEDT. Continue the conversation on Twitter @jaibednall

If you haven't read Matthew Hayden's exclusive news.com.au preview of the game, you can find it here.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for blow-by-blow coverage.

LIVE SCOREBOARD: AUSTRALIA vs INDIA THIRD TEST

5.30pm —CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS DOING IT AGAIN

This one went for six. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA'S sudden heavy reliance on Steve Smith was exposed again at the MCG on Boxing Day.

Smith, like he was last Test at the Gabba, was forced to hold the first innings together as all the other batsmen around him failed to convert starts.

The skipper finished the day on 72 not out, carrying the score to 5/259 with the help of Brad Haddin (23 not out) late in the day.

It was a reasonable position given Australia lost David Warner for a duck and Shaun Marsh (32) and debutant Joe Burns (13) for low scores.

Chris Rogers (57) and Shane Watson (52) combined for a 115 run second wicket partnership during a period when the Indians lost their way.

But for the rest of the day it was a tidy bowling performance from the visitors (don't mention the fielding) and it was only Smith who stood between them and greater success.

Australia's man of the moment had to battle hard early in his innings, scoring just two runs from his first 30 balls, but he picked it up from that point.

Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami both took two wickets, while spinner Ravi Ashwin finished with 1/60 from 27 overs.

Continue scrolling for all the highlights of the day — including a partnership between Mr Burns and Smithers and some mean Shane Watson memes — and join us here again tomorrow when play starts at 10.30am (AEDT).

Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland says he's amazed by Steve Smith.

4.15pm — BURNS FAILS IN FIRST START

Joe Burns made a bright start but fell cheaply. Source: Getty Images

JOE Burns missed out on a big score in his debut Test innings, falling caught behind off Umesh Yadav for 13.

The Queenslander sent a bottom edge through to MS Dhoni while attempting a pull shot.

It leaves Australia battling at 5/217. Steve Smith is 53 not out and has been joined by Brad Haddin.

3.40pm — SHAUN MARSH SCORES HIS TEST AVERAGE

Shaun Marsh delivered what you'd expect. Nothing more, nothing less. Source: News Corp Australia

SHAUN Marsh has been caught behind off Mohammed Shami for 32 — which just happens to be his average in Test cricket.

The recalled No. 5 played a loose shot to a delivery that was outside off to end a steadying 69-run partnership with Steve Smith.

Australia is 4/184. Debutant Joe Burns was cheered loudly by the MCG crowd as he strode to the wicket.

Yes, the partnership between Mr Burns and Smithers is officially on.

3.15pm — MARSH AND THE SKIPPER STEADY SHIP

The runs haven't flown as freely for Steve Smith today. Source: Getty Images

SHAUN Marsh and Steve Smith were forced to dig in for Australia after the departure of Chris Rogers and Shane Watson but have seen the home side to 3/174 at tea.

Australia added 2/44 in the first 20 overs after the lunch break before picking up the scoring to a degree.

Marsh is 32 not out and Smith 23 not out as the game remains evenly poised entering the final session of day one.

2.40pm — THIS IS WHY WE LOVE WARNIE

One of the all-time great Shane Warne photographs. Source: Splash News Australia

WE just battled through one of the slowest half hours of the series as Steve Smith took 30 balls to score three runs.

But at least we have Shane Warne in the commentary box to keep us entertained.

The spin king was at his finest as the Channel 9 crew ran through a fresh set of classic catches, nominating his favourite as "number C".

The score has crawled to 3/147. Shaun Marsh is 21 not out from (51 balls) and Smith is now seven not out (from 33 balls).

1.55pm — WATSON'S WICKET PROMPTS FRESH ABUSE

Don't check Twitter when you get back to the changerooms, Watto. Source: Getty Images

THEY say you're only ever two quick wickets away from turning a Test match and that's exactly what India has done.

Shane Watson has just falled LBW to Ravi Ashwin for 52, leaving Australia 3/116 with two new batsmen at the crease in Steve Smith and Shaun Marsh.

After that only debutant Joe Burns and a badly out of form Brad Haddin stand between the visitors and the tail so Australia badly needs another long partnership to post a decent first innings score.

Watson's dismissal prompted a fresh round of jokes on Twitter.

1.50pm — ROGERS FAILS TO CONVERT

Chris Rogers last three scores are 55, 55 and 57 Source: Getty Images

IT'S starting to become a case of the nervous fifties for Chris Rogers after his third consecutive dismissal just after passing the half century mark.

The Aussie opener sent an outside edge through to MS Dhoni off a length ball from Mohammed Shami to fall for 57.

Rogers helped dig Australia out of a hole this morning but will be frustrated at not fully cashing in.

Shane Watson is 52 not out and has been joined by Steve Smith. The score is 2/115.

1.30pm — FIFTY UP FOR ROGERS AND WATSON

Shane Watson has reached 50 for the first time in 2014. Source: News Corp Australia

CHRIS Rogers and Shane Watson have both notched half centuries early in the second session on day one of the third Test.

That's the three innings in a row Rogers has reached the mark — but the first time Watson has since last year's Boxing Day Test.

Rogers (55 not out from 119 balls) and Watson (50 not out from 74 balls) have combined for a 110 run partnership.

12.30pm — WATSON MEME IS JUST MEAN

NO one in the Australian side cops more grief than Shane Watson, but he's on his way to answering his critics today at the MCG.

And it appears luck is on his side.

The much-maligned No. 3 was given a second life by India when he was dropped by Shikhar Dhawan at third slip just before lunch.

Dhawan had two grabs at an edge that flew between second and third slip but couldn't grasp either.

Watson is 41 not out and has combined with Chris Rogers (46 not out) to help Australia enter lunch on top at 1/92.

As for the meme, we can't decide if it's better or worse than this one from last year when Watson kept getting out LBW.

11.50am — ROGERS AND WATSON AT HOME IN MELBOURNE

Chris Rogers loves batting at the MCG. Source: AP

IT was easy to panic when David Warner marched back to the dressing room without scoring a run this morning, but really there was no need.

As much as everyone is doubting Chris Rogers and Shane Watson at the moment — and there's a reason for it — the pair couldn't have asked for a better situation to try to revive their careers.

Rogers loves batting at the MCG and averages 106.5 runs here in Test cricket. Watson isn't far off with an average of 96 in Boxing Day Tests.

"They do like batting here," Mark Taylor said.

So far it looks like it. Rogers (36 not out) and Watson (32 not out) have moved Australia to 1/69.

11.30am — ROGERS RECOVERS FROM PAINFUL START

Chris Rogers is leading the way for Australia. Source: News Corp Australia

NOTHING like an early blow to kickstart your innings.

Chris Rogers was hit directly in the box in Ishant Sharma's first over this morning but has recovered well to move to 30 not out.

Australia has steadied after losing David Warner for a duck and is now 1/47 after 14 overs.

Shane Watson is 16 not out.

11am — BILL INCREASES PRESSURE ON WATSON

Bill Lawry's believes it's a career-defining Test for Shane Watson. Source: Getty Images

BILL Lawry has returned to the Channel 9 commentary box for the first time in the series — and immediately targeted Shane Watson.

Watson enters the Test with increasing pressure on his position in the side after scoring just 189 runs this year at an average of 23.6.

Lawry was straight to the point when discussing Watson: "If he fails twice here, he should be gone."

Watson is six not out. Australia is 1/15, having lost David Warner for a duck.

10.30am — WARNER CAUGHT AT THIRD SLIP FOR A DUCK

David Warner's day was over early. Source: AP

DAVID Warner's plans to get Australia off to a fast start in the Boxing Day Test are over.

The opener was removed in the second over by Indian paceman Umesh Yadav, who had Warner caught off a ball that took off from a good length.

Warner jabbed at it and watched on in despair as Shikhar Dhawan held on at third slip.

It left Australia 1/0.

10.15am — SMITH WINS TOSS, AUSTRALIA TO BAT

Joe Burns was presented his baggy green by Bill Lawry. Source: News Corp Australia

STEVE Smith has won his first toss as Australian Test captain and will bat first on Boxing Day at the MCG.

Joe Burns today becomes Australia's fifth debutant of the calendar year, joining Alex Doolan, Mitch Marsh, Steve O'Keefe and first-innings Gabba hero Josh Hazlewood.

Burns, 25, was presented with his baggy green by Bill Lawry at the MCG today.

The Queenslander is Australia's Test cap No. 441 and has credited much of his development to national coach and former state mentor Darren Lehmann.

The tourists pulled a selection shock, including Lokesh Rahul – a 22-year-old top-order batsman with a first-class average of 51 and high score of 185.

His selection has come at the expense of Rohit Sharma, who has struggled in the Test arena.

India also replaced speedster Varun Aaron with Mohammed Shami.

India's last win at the MCG wasn't in the Boxing Day Test, rather a February encounter in 1981.

Final teams

Australia: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steve Smith (c), Shaun Marsh, Joe Burns, Brad Haddin, Mitch Johnson, Ryan Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon

India: Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Chesteshar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahene, Lokesh Rahul, MS Dhoni (c), R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma

- Sam Landsberger

10am — KL RAHUL TO DEBUT FOR INDIA

KL Rahul had a taste of Australian conditions with India's A side earlier this year. Source: Getty Images

INDIA has decided to follow Australia's lead by handing one of its most promising young batsman a Boxing Day Test debut.

Lokesh Rahul — who is known as KL Rahul — will come into the Indian XI but at whose expense we're yet to find out.

Rahul is only 22 but averages more than 51 in 27 first class games.

Australia has handed Joe Burns his first baggy green while also recalling Ryan Harris.

Australia's new batsman Joe Burns is confident and ready to go ahead of his Test debut on Boxing Day.

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The Kiwi who stole Boxing Day

An historic knock for Brendon McCullum today - with the Black Caps skipper smashing the fastest century in New Zealand Test history, on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka.

You'd be smiling too if you could block balls for six. Source: News Limited

WE'RE going to do this in list format because our turkey hangover is too severe to enable our brains to structure a story in paragraphs.

Here goes then...

1. Brendon McCullum is a New Zealand cricketer. In fact he's the current skipper. We think we spelled his name right.

2. Brendon McCullum used to be a devastating wicket keeper batsman in the Adam Gilchrist mould, but is now a devastating batsman in the Brendon McCullum mould. There really is no one like him in the Test cricket arena at the moment. He is a mould unto himself.

3. Brendon McCullum just missed out on scoring the fastest Test double century ever. Ever. In the Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka in Christchurch today, the 33-year-old Otago native has just been dismissed for 195 off 134 balls.

Brendon McCullum apologises to the crowd for entertaining them senseless. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images. Source: Getty Images

4. The record for the fastest Test double ton is held by McCullum's Kiwi compatriot Nathan Astle, who in scoring 222 in 2002 (how much would Richie Benaud enjoy saying that?), reached his 200 off just 153 balls.

5. McCullum had 19 balls up his sleeve to break the record but fell, caught at deep mid-off while trying to hit a six. Because of course he did.

6. McCullum has not just made this incredible score against someone truly hopeless like Bangladesh or England. He did it against Sri Lanka, who are currently 5th on the ICC Test rankings.

7. Neither was this a fluke. McCullum's previous Test innings was 202 against Pakistan in Sharjah. As in, the same team, who beat Australia senseless over there recently.

He really is an excellent bat-waver. AFP PHOTO / MARTY MELVILLE Source: AFP

8. In that innings, he broke the record for the fastest Test century by a New Zealander. He broke that record today.

9. And in case you're still a doubter, McCullum notched up the first Test triple century by a Kiwi in Wellington earlier this year. It was against India.

10. Something funny happened earlier today when McCullum was on 93. He hit a six and raised his arms in celebration of a century. Oops, one run short. The misunderstanding occurred because McCullum had been awarded leg-byes for a shot earlier that over which he clearly hit.

11. Kiwi commentators were understandably in raptures today. "We've seen some bludgeoning today but look at that, that was stylish," they said of a beautiful McCullum lofted off drive shortly before he was out. "Oh, thet sux," they also said at one point. Except they didn't actually say that. Our bad. Translated, what they actually said was "that's six".

Fetch that. AFP PHOTO / MARTY MELVILLE Source: AFP

12. McCullum had a 26 run over off Sri Lankan bowler Suranga Lakmal today. The record is 28 in a Test over, held jointly by Brian Lara and Australia's George Bailey.

13. Ricky Ponting once called a Brendon McCullum IPL centrury "the most amazing innings he'd ever seen". Today's wouldn't have ben far off. Here's the scorecard.

Brendon McCullum has shown again how dangerous he can be at the crease. Smashing 26 in one over in New Zealand's test match with Sri Lanka.

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Fire forces residents to flee homes

A grassfire has broken out near Creightons Creek. Picture: Jason Edwards Source: Supplied

THE bushfire threat in Victoria's northeast has been downgraded, but residents are still being advised to evacuate on Christmas Day.

Residents in Creightons Creek and Ruffy, south of Euroa, are being told to evacuate their homes after the fire broke containment lines this afternoon.

CFA downgraded the emergency warning to a Watch and Act at about 4pm but still urged residents to leave as conditions may change.

The fast-moving fire travelling in a south-westerly direction from Creightons Creek towards Ruffy.

The CFA released an emergency warning at 2pm advising residents to leave before conditions worsened or to take shelter indoors if they couldn't evacuate.

The fire started early last week and had been under control until it broke containment lines in the southern corner this afternoon.

In 10 days, the blaze has destroyed three homes and burned through about 6500ha of land.

CFA spokeswoman Sonia MacLean said the fire was moving in a southerly direction towards the Ruffy township.

"At the moment the fire looks like it's still in bushland but it's breaking out into open country," she said.

"They're really hoping to catch it there."

Seven aircraft, including the two large air tankers, have been dispatched to support crews on the ground.

Originally published as Fire forces residents to flee homes

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Exploding Christmas barbecue

Two men have been hospitalised after barbecue explosions. File pic. Source: Supplied

TWO men have been hospitalised after a barbecue gas explosion that set fire to the rear of a Melbourne house.

The men were taken to hospital with burns to their arms, faces and chests after a gas leak from a barbecue caused the explosion in Richmond.

MORE NEWS: FIRE FORCES RESIDENTS TO LEAVE HOME

MFB Commander Dominic Scarfe said firefighters had responded to eight barbecue fires in the past day and warned people to ensure their barbecues were safe to use.

"First of all, check the hose and regulator connections are safe by spraying them with soapy water," Mr Scarfe said.

"Bubbles will form if gas is escaping." He said barbecues should be used in clear spaces and cleaned of excess fat to avoid dangerous flare-ups.

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Who was naughty and who was nice this year?

Did Qantas end up on the good list or bad list? Source: News Corp Australia

Qantas has made the biggest reshuffle of it's senior executive team since 2012.

THE year is almost over and Australia has been witness to a number of success stories, as well as challenges that threatened to engulf the best of them.

Here's how 2014 played out in the world of brands we love and love to hate.

IT'S BEEN A GOOD YEAR FOR:

● ALDI

In the land of the supermarket duopoly, consumer advocates have hailed the emergence of discount chain Aldi as a genuine threat to the established order.

The German retailer, which opened its first Australian store in 2001, has gradually been growing its market share. It now sits in fourth place behind Woolworths, Coles and Metcash.

Aldi has some very enthusiastic fans. Source: News Corp Australia

This year has seen the chain come of age. A report last month by Morgan Stanley found that, with 350 stores and $4 billion in sales, the German retailer had reached "critical mass". This means it is now a force to be reckoned with, and has the power to change the dynamics of the market.

With about 10 per cent of the market in the eastern states, upcoming expansion into South Australia and Western Australia is set to supercharge growth in coming years.

● DOMINO'S PIZZA

In a year defined by carb-cutting, I Quit Sugar-ing, and gourmet hipster everything, who would have thought Brisbane-based Domino's Pizza would be the standout business success story?

A look at its share price tells you all you need to know: Domino's shares have skyrocketed by nearly 60 per cent this year and 500 per cent over the past five years.

The fast-food chain has successfully ridden the technology wave with its mobile and online ordering platforms, as seen by the popularity of its Pizza Mogul app.

Some customers have made big money off the Pizza Mogul app. Source: Supplied

With a market share in Australia and New Zealand of about 7 per cent of the fast-food category, it's the fifth-ranked fast-food restaurant and the highest-ranked pizza chain — and pizza is a growing category.

● ATLASSIAN

Software company Atlassian has often been hailed as the poster-child of the Australian start-up scene, and 2014 was a particularly good year.

Since starting in a Sydney garage with just $10,000 on a credit card back in 2002, founders Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar have grown the company to a valuation of $3.5 billion.

Any office with a magic eight ball bean bag is pretty cool. Source: News Limited

The 12-year-old business took out the top honour in BRW magazine's annual Best Places to Work rankings this year, and scored third place in JobAdvisor's Coolest Tech Companies list.

Atlassian develops software for businesses, geared towards other software developers or project managers. Its customers include the likes of NASA, eBay and Deutsche Bank.

Despite an unconventional business model, which includes no sales staff, revenue grew by a massive 44 per cent in the 2013-14 financial year to $242 million.

The founders also topped the BRW Young Rich List.

● ARN

At a glitzy awards ceremony in Sydney last month replete with acrobats, a hip-hop violinist and Gina Rinehart, some guy called Ciaran Davis was named CEO of the Year — and with pretty good reason.

Moving Kyle and Jackie O to ARN was a risky move that paid off. Source: Supplied

He's the boss of Australian Radio Network and the man behind the successful migration of star breakfast duo Kyle and Jackie O from rival 2DayFM at the start of this year.

The move decimated 2DayFM's ratings and advertising revenue, and led to ARN's best year yet, taking out the number one and two FM stations and breakfast shows in Sydney and the number one FM stations around the country.

ARN's other star pair, Jonesy and Amanda, also took the number one spot later in the year.

Former Nova hosts Dave "Hughesy" Hughes and Kate Langbroek look set to spearhead the rebranding of Melbourne's Mix station to Kiis in the new year. A pretty good year, all in all.

● AIR NEW ZEALAND

The Kiwi carrier stands in stark contrast to Qantas, which — despite looking on track for a pretty stunning turnaround after a $2.8 billion loss — can't be said to have had a good year by many measures.

Air New Zealand's in-flight videos are something you'll actually pay attention to. Source: Supplied

Air New Zealand was again named Airline of the Year for the second consecutive year by AirlineRatings.com, with its in-flight innovations, record financial performance, operational safety and motivation of its staff coming in for praise.

"Quite simply, Air New Zealand is an airline of first choice," AirlineRatings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said. "And given the airline's location and the country's size its performance is even more remarkable."

That's not to mention its powerful social media appeal — its in-flight safety videos regularly attract millions of views online — and pop culture cut-through with its Hobbit/Lord of the Rings tie-in.

Pretty choice, eh brew?

IT'S BEEN A BAD YEAR FOR:

● QANTAS

They were the headlines no company CEO wants to see: "Qantas dives to record $2.8 billion loss" and "Qantas slashes 5000 jobs". So it's been a challenging year for Qantas.

When the Qantas dramarama was happening, more than a few people wanted to see Alan Joyce out the door. Source: News Corp Australia

Australia's iconic airline was plagued by one bad turn after another after it announced a record multi-billion loss as well as the axing of thousands of jobs. There were calls for parliamentary inquiries into the state of affairs and boss Alan Joyce's scalp.

It even rounded off the year with several midair turnarounds due to mechanical failures, all in the space of a few days.

But there are green shoots. After the year it's had, Qantas is well set up for next year as the airline announced it has returned to profits after the massive cost-cutting exercise that was 2014.

● COLES

Yes, people are still buying groceries. Lots and lots of groceries. But Coles has been beset by a PR cloud that didn't dog its chief rival, Woolworths, to the same degree.

Where "fresh" isn't always fresh. Source: Supplied

Central to this bad year was the fact that Coles was caught out for its "fresh-baked" claims on bread that wasn't, well, freshly baked. A lawsuit by the ACCC, and initiated by former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett, found that Coles' freshly baked in store bread was actually partially baked thousands of kilometres away months in advance. Oops.

Coles was banned from using the "fresh" claims for three years and copped a $3 million fine. Which is nothing compared to the fines the supermarket giant is facing over how it's been treating its suppliers. That dirty laundry has also been aired in public which, along with 600 jobs being cut in its Toorak office, all spells a tough year for Coles.

● COMMONWEALTH BANK

OK, so CBA has actually had a good year in terms of its balance sheet. The bank made a record cash profit of $8.68 billion in its full-year earnings.

CBA chief executive officer Ian Narev faced a barrage of angry customers after the bank was exposed as having engaged in fraudulent practices. Source: News Corp Australia

But it was also embroiled in a PR storm when the financial planning scandal hit its full force in July. The bank apologised to customers after it was revealed that its employees were found to have given fraudulent advice to thousands of customers. One of the more brazen acts CBA's advisers undertook was forging signatures.

It's paid back $52 million to affected customers and set up an "open advice program" to investigate customers' claims but critics have said it's not enough, especially as the compensation scheme is being overseen by the bank itself.

● TOYOTA

The year started with a death knell for the car manufacturing industry in Australia. Following Holden's announcement at the end of last year that it would exit, Toyota followed suit in February. The Japanese brand will become solely an importer of its cars from 2017 — the first since 1968 when Corollas originally rolled off local production lines.

Toyota Australia president Max Yasada confirmed the manufacturer would no longer make cars in Australia. Source: News Limited

More than 2500 thousands jobs at Toyota's Altona factory will be lost within a few years, while an industry of 50,000 car manufacturing support positions is under threat.

Just like Holden and Ford before it, Toyota blamed the closures on new free trade agreements, the Australian dollar, the relatively high cost of local labour and low tariffs. Toyota has lost an estimated $1.75 billion over the past 10 years, despite taxpayer bailouts of about $1.2 billion.

Then in April, Toyota issued a recall of more than 300,000 cars.

● PIE FACE

It seemed like it was the little Aussie success story conquering the glittering lights of New York City. But underneath it, Pie Face was crumbling.

A less than happy face for Pie Face. Source: News Corp Australia

The eatery chain, which had more than 70 stores, was placed into administration in November after it emerged that a number of company-owned stores were losing money as well as growing pains in its US operations.

The Australian Financial Review predicted as many as 70 per cent of its stores faced closure.

Earlier this year, a franchisee in Brisbane sued the company alleging that he was "misled" over how lucrative the business would be.

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Is this the end of the Big Mac?

McDonald's fans were outraged at false claims the fast food chain was scrapping its famous Big Mac burger. Source: News Limited

THOUSANDS of McDonald's customers have their knickers in a knot over rumours about changes to the fast food chain's menu.

But don't freak out. The Big Mac is here to stay.

Following the announcement that McDonalds plans to "streamline" its menu in the US, a hoax tweet and a fake news story reporting that Big Macs, Apple Pies and large size options would be scrapped, sent some burger lovers into a frenzy. They even started a hashtag, #savethebigmac,

The tweet that started the whole thing was from a fake McDonald's Twitter account.

The fake tweet from McDonald's. Source: Twitter

Adding fuel to the fire was this article from Daily Buzz Live, which claimed that McDonald's was removing Big Macs, Apple Pies and large sized portions from the menu.

McDonald's was forced to clarify the issue for thousands of devastated Big Mac fans.

Changes to the menu only apply to American McDonald's restaurants. There will "one Quarter Pounder with Cheese burger versus four; one Premium Chicken sandwich versus three; one Snack Wrap versus three," spokeswoman Lisa McComb told The Huffington Post.

The changes come after reports this week that McDonald's global sales fell 2.2 per cent in November, and US sales tumbled 4.6 per cent.

McDonald's chief executive officer Don Thompson said after speaking to investors recently, the company was going back to basics.

"We are streamlining our merchandising menu board and product offerings and in addition to making it easier for customer to order their favourite products, this will reduce complexity in our restaurants which in turn should enhance accuracy and speed of service," he said.

But a spokesman for McDonald's Australia told news.com.au the menu will stay the same in Australia.

"We've never gone to that level of detail [with our menu] that the States have. We don't have four variations of the Quarter Pounder, for instance," spokesman Chris Grant said. "I want to reaffirm here that there won't be any changes to our menu."

And thanks goodness for that.

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‘It’s a win for common sense’

Homeopathy is a system of alternate medicine that has limited scientific backing. Source: Supplied

SCIENCE: 1, anti-vaccination movement: 0.

An online homeopathy business who told consumers the whooping cough vaccine was "unreliable at best" and "largely ineffective" has breached Australian consumer law, the federal court has ruled.

On Tuesday, the court found that Homeopathy Plus! engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct in relation to statements and articles on its website about the whooping cough vaccine. Homeopathy Plus! claimed that the vaccine for whooping cough is ineffective and unreliable and that homeopathic treatments were an effective alternative.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission first examined the matter in 2012 and says the court's ruling is a significant victory "for common sense".

"We were worried if people were reading these kind of statement they would choose not to have the vaccine and rely on one of these homeopathic treatments," the ACCC Commissioner Sarah Court told news.com.au. "There are real public safety risks that come from that kind of statement."

A child receives an injection. Source: Supplied

Ms Courts said the court heard a significant amount of medical evidence.

"They heard from three medical experts and Homeopathic Plus also called some medical evidence. But the court found that there was no credible scientific basis for the claims that Homeopathy Plus! was making and that there is ample evidence that the whooping cough vaccine does a good job in protecting the majority of people."

Homeopathy Plus is an online business that sells homeopathy products and advocates for homeopathy treatment. A spokesman was unable to provide comment to news.com.au.

On the business' Facebook page — which was more than 27,000 fans — the organisation thanked its supporters "who wished for a different outcome".

The matter will return to court in February to when it will hear submissions on penalty notices. The maximum penalty for breaching consumer law is $1.1 million for a business and $220,000 for an individual.

Whooping cough is a highly infectious respiratory disease which is most serious in young children.

Medical professionals have expressed concern at the anti-vaccination movement, which has gained momentum in some wealthy Australian suburbs.

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PM warns of increased ‘terror chat’

Speaking on the eve of the Christmas break, Tony Abbott said that Australian's should go about their business as usual over the festive season even though there is a heightened terror chatter according to security agencies.

Christmas warning ... Prime Minister Tony Abbott has spoken of a 'heightened level of terror chatter' in the wake of the Martin Place siege. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Corp Australia

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott has warned of a "heightened level of terror chatter" in the wake of last week's Sydney siege.

Although the government's assessment of the terror threat has not changed, Mr Abbott told reporters that the level remained on "high" — meaning an attack is considered likely.

The National Security Committee, which now includes Defence Minister Kevin Andrews and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, met today after the swearing-in ceremony at Government House and were briefed by the heads of ASIO and the Australian Federal Police.

The committee was told of a "heightened level of chatter among people we normally think of as terrorist sympathisers," Mr Abbott said.

Asked whether the chatter was related to last week's siege in Sydney's Lindt cafe, Mr Abbott said he would not "speculate" but conceded that the incident had prompted action among Australia's security services.

Aftermath of the siege ... Sydneysiders are still reeling from the impact of the December 15 tragedy, but Mr Abbott has warned that security agencies were detecting increased chatter among 'terrorist sympathisers' since the incident. Picture: Don Arnold/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

"In the aftermath of the incident ... one of the things we are doing is asking ourselves do we need to go back and have a look at people who have come to our attention previously and see what is best done to ensure that the community is safe as it humanly can be," Mr Abbott said.

"This is the assurance I give the Australia people — the first duty of government is the safety of the community.

"This government; this Prime Minister will do everything it possibly can to keep you safe. We know there are people out there with evil intentions and we will do everything we can to keep you from them.

"There are people who would do us harm and can do us harm," he said.

"Our law enforcement agencies and police forces and security agencies will be working around the clock to keep you as safe as possible around the holiday season, as they do at all times."

Mr Abbott encouraged Australians to "celebrate the festival season as normal" but urged anybody who saw anything "untoward" to call the government's terrorism hotline, 1800 123 400.

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Secrets of world’s fastest plane

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Picture: John Rossino, USAF Source: Supplied

BACK in 1976 this aircraft landed in the record books as the fastest plane on Earth, soaring through the skies at a dizzying speed of 3530km/h.

In the process, it forced the rules of flight navigation to be rewritten. That's because at that speed, visuals of mountains, highways or other landmarks were impossible, and even the best air defence systems had no hope of catching the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.

The feat was made even more remarkable due to the fact that 38 years later, the record still stands. Nobody has been able to do better since then.

A Lockheed SR-71 takes off. Picture: Dan Davison Source: Flickr

Pilots who flew the jet decades ago told of the incredible experience: "At 85,000 feet to Mach 3, it was almost a religious experience," US air force Colonel Jim Wadkins said. "Nothing had prepared me to fly that fast … My God, even now, I get goose bumps remembering. "

Most commercial planes usually fly at an altitude of approximately 37,000 feet (11,000 metres).

The tail end of the incredible SR-71 Blackbird. Picture: Thomas Ormston Source: Flickr

So what makes the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird so special? Gizmodo has unearthed this fascinating video, which unlocks its secrets.

The video explains just how the engine is capable of pushing the plane from 0 to Mach 3.2 without breaking a sweat.

There is also an inlet spike which, at supersonic speeds, takes the pressure of the leading supersonic shock wave off the engine so it has the best airflow.

It's an impressive plane. Picture: Luke Heidelberger Source: Flickr

This little fact but things into perspective. On its retirement flight from Los Angeles to Washington in 1990, to its final resting place in the Smithsonian Air & Space collection, the plane flew coast to coast in 67 minutes. Today, that trip would take nearly five hours in a commercial plane.

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First cougar in Kentucky since 1861

Cougar ... First animal (not pictured) of its type seen in Kentucky since before the American Civil War. Picture: US Fish and Wildlife Service Source: Supplied

THE first cougar seen in the "Bluegrass State" state Kentucky since before the 1861-1865 American Civil War has had his fate promptly decided.

The cougar — known as a mountain lion in America — was once native to Kentucky.

A young male was spotted up a tree on a farm in Bourbon County. The farmer promptly called Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, who arrived and shot the cougar dead.

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IS THIS THE ANGRIEST CAT OF ALL TIME — IT WAS SAVED?

Mark Marraccini, a spokesman for the department, said the animal had been in a tree by a barking dog and an officer decided it was best to "dispatch it", The Courier-Journal reported.

He said the officer shot the cat because it was getting dark and the animal might slip away and threaten people in the nearby city of Paris, population 8553 in a 2010 census.

"If that cat had left that tree, it would have disappeared into the brush and it was a fairly populated area," said Marraccini, who said it would have taken several hours and it would have been dark before a state veterinarian could retrieve the tranquilliser from her safe and get it to the scene, had officials taken that route.

"It sounds good but it's pretty impractical," said Marraccini, who said the officer who shot the cat made the right call.

"That's the way the officers deemed to handle it and I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be handled that way," he said.

Cougar ... also known as a mountain lion in the USA. Picture: AP / National Park Service Source: AP

The cougar weighed 60kg and was healthy, an examination found.

It is not known if the animal escaped from captivity or was wild.

The Cougar Network states that the cat is mostly confined to the western US but is advancing east. For years, the Mississippi River was thought to be a barrier to the mountain lion's eastern expansion, but it is becoming clear they have been getting close to Kentucky.

Mountain Lion Foundation's Amy Rodrigues told The Courier-Journal that cougars have colonised in South Dakota, Nebraska and Missouri with sightings in recent years in Indiana and even downtown Chicago.

Rodrigues said that the cougar should not have been killed and the sight of a cougar should not cause fear.

"If you're a deer, they're a little dangerous. If you're a human, not so much," she said.

"Attacks on people are not that common. There have only been 22 deaths in the last 120 years."

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Burns replaces Marsh for third Test

Darren Lehmann is confident David Warner will be fit for the boxing day Test, while Queenslander Joe Burns has replaced the injured Mitchell Marsh.

Joe Burns has been added to Australia's Test squad of 13 for the Melbourne Boxing Day Test against India. Picture: Jono Searle Source: News Corp Australia

QUEENSLAND batsman Joe Burns has been added to Australia's Test squad of 13 in place of injured all-rounder Mitch Marsh for the Melbourne Boxing Day Test against India.

Burns, 25, has scored 439 runs at an average of 54.87 in five Sheffield Shield matches for Queensland this summer.

SIX THINGS YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT JOE BURNS

Australia coach and selector Darren Lehmann said top-order player Burns was capable of batting anywhere in the top six.

Joe Burns produced the third-highest score on debut by Queenslander when he scored 140 against South Australia in 2010-11. Source: News Corp Australia

"We think Shane Watson did a really good job for us with the ball," Lehmann said.

"We'd like him to make more runs but he did a good job with the ball and he can do that all-rounder job for us so that's why we went with a batter.

"(Burns) is a very good player against fast bowling. He's had a good couple of summers of Shield cricket.

"His performances this year have been very good."

Coach Darren Lehmann says Australia needs Brad Haddin to make more runs. Shane Watson is also out of form, but the 33-year-old's spot in the side is safe thanks to Mitch Marsh's injury.

Burns, who will play for the Brisbane Heat in their opening BBL04 at ANZ Stadium tonight,

was told by Chairman of Selectors Rod Marsh of his selection and admitted his normal pre-game routine would need to be carefully observed tonight.

"It took a fair while to sink in,'' he said. "I'm over the moon at the news as it is the best Christmas present I could ever hope for.

"I'll get sorted before the game tonight and then see what I have to do tomorrow but I'm just so happy."

Mitchell Marsh will miss the third Test due to a hamstring injury. Source: Getty Images

Lehmann said Mitch Marsh, who has a hamstring concern, will travel with the squad to Melbourne as part of his preparations for next month's fourth Test in Sydney.

Opening batsman David Warner has been named in the squad despite a thumb injury.

Pace bowlers Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle remain in the squad for the Melbourne Test, with Harris likely to return to the side after missing the Brisbane Test with a sore quad muscle.

Australia's Test squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh, Joe Burns, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris

Originally published as Burns replaces Marsh for third Test

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WATCH: Why Sussan Ley has fight

Sussan Ley was an early standout performer during Question Time. Source: News Limited

SHE'S just doubled the female headcount in Cabinet, but most Australians wouldn't know her from a bar of soap. So just who is Sussan Ley?

As Assistant Minister for Education under Christopher Pyne, the junior minister was a surprise performer in the first few weeks of the Abbott Government.

The country member from the NSW seat of Farrer, who was elected back in 2001, soon became known for stealing the show with her fiery and assured delivery, both in Question Time and in media appearances such as the ABC's Q&A.

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"The best feeling in the world is not going from one staff member and Google to half a dozen and a department, but walking into the chamber for the first time and sitting down on the government benches," she told the Herald Sun in 2013.

"That has given me a tremendous lift."

Arguably her most high-profile stoush was the scrapping of Labor's $300 million Early Years Quality Fund, ostensibly set up to increase wages for low-paid childcare workers but which Ley slammed as a "slush fund" aimed at boosting union membership.

"We know that every member of the Labor Party in this place owes their existence to a union, but never before has $300 million of taxpayers' money been used in the pursuit of this disgraceful aim," she told Parliament in December 2013.

"This was never about early years, this was never about quality, this was never about educators, this was never about the children. This was only ever about the union."

An independent report by PwC bolstered the case for ditching the Early Years Quality Fund, which would have given pay rises of $3 an hour to some of the lowest paid workers, but crucially not all of them.

Even the ABC's Fact Check came down on Ley's side, finding her claim to be "in the ballpark".

"The $300 million was earmarked for low-paid workers and linked to raising the quality of care they provide to children," Fact Check wrote.

"However, there are reasonable criticisms of the amount allocated to the fund, the uneven way it was distributed and the adoption of a first-come-first-served policy. This process favoured the union."

Before being elected to office, Ley held a variety of colourful "real-life" jobs — from an air traffic controller, to a pilot, to a shearers' shed cook.

A Bachelor of Economics, Master of Taxation Law and Master of Accounting, Ley rose through the ranks of that Taxation Office prior to seeking preselection in 2001.

She migrated to Australia at the age of 13 after spending her early childhood living in the United Arab Emirates with her British parents.

She'll now have to turn her attention to the vexed issue of GP co-payments.

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Unlikely hero emerges at Gabba

After losing two early wickets, Australia are closing in on a second Test win against India at the Gabba.

No one is more popular now than Steve Smith. Source: Getty Images

FOLLOW the live coverage of day four of the second Test at the Gabba.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for blow-by-blow coverage.

LIVE SCOREBOARD: AUSTRALIA vs INDIA SECOND TEST

5.30pm — ROGERS' INNINGS PROVES VITAL

Chris Rogers took the pressure off Australia's batting lineup Source: Getty Images

A QUICKFIRE half century from Chris Rogers was decisive as Australia fell over the line in the second Test at the Gabba.

Chasing 128 for victory the home side was in control at 2/85 before Rogers's knock of 55 runs from 57 balls came to an end.

Steve Smith (29) and Shaun Marsh (17) then took Australia within 14 runs of the win before they both fell within five balls of each other.

Brad Haddin also fell cheaply to leave the score at 6/122 but there was never any real danger as Mitch Marsh (six not out) and Mitch Johnson (two not out) finished the job.

It completed a fantastic recovery in the second half of the game after the Indians looked on track for an upset win.

Fantastic lower order hitting from the Australian tail in the first innings and a fine day four bowling performance were critical.

Smith was named man of the match in his first game as captain after scoring 133 in the first innings to hold the Australian batting order together.

"It was nice to get home there in the end. The way the boys came back after that first day was remarkable," Smith told Channel 9.

"I enjoyed the whole thing. The first day was one of the toughest I've seen in any day of cricket ...

"But we came out and bowled well in the second innings and created the chances we needed."

Scroll down to catch up on all the action from day four, including a controversial statement issued by the Indian team.

5.20pm — MESSY FINISH FOR AUSTRALIA

Steve Smith was run out for 28. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA is making hard work of this run chase but is still in control despite the departures of Shaun Marsh, Steve Smith and Brad Haddin.

Marsh was caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper MS Dhoni for 17 after attempting to nudge a Umesh Yadav delivery.

Smith (28) followed five balls later when a direct hit saw him short of his crease before Brad Haddin (1) hit the ball straight to Virat Kohli at fine leg.

Australia is 6/122, needing only six runs to win.

4.45pm — ROGERS DEPARTS WITH GAME IN CONTROL

Chris Rogers matched his first innings score of 55. Source: News Corp Australia

CHRIS Rogers has put Australia in the boxseat to win the second Test, scoring a run-a-ball 55 to take the game away from India.

The opener has just been caught in the slips off Ishant Sharma (3/33) but leaves with Australia just 43 runs from victory at 3/85.

Shaun Marsh has joined Steve Smith (12 not out) at the crease to finish the job.

4.35pm — KOHLI GIVES STEVE SMITH A LIFE

India's Virat Kohli just dropped the second Test. Source: AFP

INDIA just missed a golden opportunity to send tremors through the Australian dressing room.

Virat Kohli put down an easy catch at second slip off Steve Smith, getting two hands to the ball but letting it spill.

It leaves Australia 2/75 — just 53 runs from victory.

"He really shouldn't be in the slips Kohli," veteran commentator Ian Chappell said. "I've seen him drop so many catches."

Lucky for us, cricket-obsessed India keeps stats on things like this.

This tweet was posted yesterday.

4.20pm — ROGERS PLAYING POSITIVELY

Was this the left-handed opener you expected to guide Australia home? Source: AFP

THE victory margin is down to 81 runs as Chris Rogers and Steve Smith look to settle Australia after a rocky opening.

Rogers is 30 not out and looks to determine to save his country — and perhaps his Test career.

Smith is four not out as Australia reaches 2/48.

India is continuing to ride the hot hand of Ishant Sharma (2/15).

3.40pm — WATSON GOES CHEAPLY TO INCREASE PRESSURE

Quack, quack. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA is off to a nightmare start in its attempt to chase 128 for victory at the Gabba.

Shane Watson has joined David Warner in the sheds, caught off Ishant Sharma after skying an attempted pull shot for a duck.

The home side is 2/23 at the tea break and will again rely on Steve Smith to lead it home.

3.25pm — WARNER GONE AFTER INJURING THUMB

David Warner didn't last long after injuring his thumb. Source: Getty Images

INDIA has removed the man who could have taken this Test away from them quickly.

David Warner is out caught behind off Ishant Sharma, falling to a fine delivery which squared him up.

The opener didn't settle after potentially breaking his thumb in the second over of the innings.

He was assessed by a physio on the pitch and decided to keep batting but never looked comfortable.

Australia is 1/22 requiring another 110 runs to win. Chris Rogers is 15 not out.

2.55pm — AUSTRALIA NEEDS 128 FOR 2-0 SERIES LEAD

Mitchell Johnson led the Aussie attack on day four. Source: Getty Images

MITCHELL Johnson's fourth wicket closed the Indian innings at 224 — leaving Australia 128 runs to get for victory.

Johnson (4/61) had Umesh Yadav caught behind for a well-made 30 after Nathan Lyon (2/33) earlier claimed the wicket of Varun Aaron.

The home side will be hoping David Warner can play his normal quickfire innings at the top of the order to reduce the target this evening.

2.30pm — LYON GETS DHAWAN ... JUST IN TIME

Nathan Lyon is continuing his fine series. Source: AFP

AUSTRALIA has ended a dangerous partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Umesh Yadav which threatened to take the game away from the home side.

Importantly, Nathan Lyon has claimed the wicket of Dhawan — who had moved to 81 after resuming his innings today.

Dhawan attempted to play a straight Lyon delivery down leg side but missed it and was trapped LBW.

The 60-run partnership has stretched India's lead to 106 runs.

Australia won't want it to get much higher than that given the difficulty in chasing fourth innings totals at the Gabba.

India is 8/203. Lyon has figures of 1/18.

1.55pm — DHAWAN STANDING BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND VICTORY

Dhawan has recovered well from his injured wrist. Source: News Corp Australia

SHIKHAR Dhawan threatens to make Australia's eventual fourth innings chase a difficult one as he passes the half century mark at the Gabba.

The Indian opener — who sparked controversy by injuring his wrist in the nets this morning — is now 56 not out.

Dhawan has combined with Umesh Yadav (seven not out) for an unbeaten 29-run eighth-wicket partnership.

India is 7/172, now leading by 75 runs.

And how about this for a worrying stat ...

1pm — LUNCH BREAK OFFERS CHANCE FOR A BREATHER

Australia dominated the opening session. Source: AP

IT'S been a chaotic opening to day four of the second Test at the Gabba as Australia enters the lunch break with a stranglehold on the contest.

India has a 60 run lead but just has three wickets in hand as Shikhar Dhawan (41 not out) and Umesh Yadav (7 not out) look to launch a fightback.

Australia — led by Mitchell Johnson (3/54) and Josh Hazlewood (2/51) — bowled superbly in the opening session to reduce India to 7/157.

It was a morning filled with controversy after India issued an angry statement about the state of the Gabba practice pitches.

Read on for all the action as it happened.

Mitchell Johnson continues to punish India for sledging with an incredible spell during the first session on day four of the second Test

12.50pm — HAZLEWOOD ENDS PUJARA'S RESISTANCE

That's a cheeky celebration. Source: News Corp Australia

JOSH Hazlewood's dream debut Test has continued with the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara for 43.

The Indian first drop had managed to survive where so many others fell around him this morning but he received an almost unplayable delivery from the young Aussie quick.

Hazlewood got the ball to jump off a decent length, surprising Pujara who pushed the ball high to Nathan Lyon in the gully.

India is 7/143 with a lead of 46 runs.

12pm — STARC REMOVES ASHWIN

Mitchell Starc now has two second innings wickets. Source: News Corp Australia

THE Indian collapse has continued after Mitchell Starc had Ravi Ashwin caught behind.

Replays of the dismissal aren't going to improve the mood of an angry Indian camp because it certainly looked like the ball missed Ashwin's bat and brushed his pad.

It gave Brad Haddin his eighth catch for the game and left India 6/117 — just 20 runs ahead.

Injured opener Shikhar Dhawan has resumed his innings.

It looks like West Indian opener Chris Gayle is enjoying the action.

11.55am — INDIANS UPSET ABOUT NET CONDITIONS

Virat Kohli was out for one today after being one of two Indian batsmen hit in the nets. Source: News Corp Australia

INDIA has blamed poor net conditions for injuries to batsmen Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli this morning.

The explosive claims came after Dhawan was forced to retire hurt before the start of today's play after being struck on the wrist.

The Indians released a statement saying they have been asking for new nets to practice on for several days but have been denied and forced to bat on wickets with uneven bounce.

"Indian team has been asking for the fresh net practice wickets several times for last two days which has not been provided," the statement read.

"Instead of that, they have had to practice on worn out wickets which has uneven bounce. "Because of that two of our batsmen got injured (this) morning, one of the two batsmen Shikhar Dhawan had a right wrist injury because of that he was unable to bat in the morning. He is being examined by our physio and will assess his fitness in sometime."

There has been no explanation of how Kohli was injured. He batted this morning but was dismissed by Mitchell Johnson for one. India is 5/113 and has a 16 run lead.

Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell offered the following response to News Corp Australia's Ben Dorries: ''The practice wickets are fine. They wear just like a match pitch does and reflect what is happening in the middle. We have never had a complaint from another touring team. The Indian team saw fresh practice wickets which I had prepared for the Brisbane Heat next week. They wanted to use them but were not allowed and weren't real happy about it.''

11.35am — HAZLEWOOD JOINS THE PARTY

It's been a happy morning for the Aussies. Hugs all round. Source: AP

INDIA is in disarray after Josh Hazlewood removed MS Dhoni LBW for a duck to leave the visitors 5/87.

Dhoni walked right across in front of his stumps and tried to play through the leg side but missed the ball and was on his way.

That's three wickets in six balls for the Aussies — who received a boost when Shikhar Dhawan retired hurt before the start of play.

Indian No. 8 Ravi Ashwin has joined Cheteshwar Pujara at the crease. India still trails by 10 runs.

11.30am — MITCH ON FIRE, INDIA IN TROUBLE

Mitchell Johnson is back to his intimidating best. Source: News Corp Australia

MITCHELL Johnson is breathing fire at the Gabba, running through the Indian top order to put Australia right on top of the second Test.

Johnson has three scalps already — having added the wickets of Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma in the same over.

He removed Rahane with a rising delivery which the Indian batsman popped up to backward point, then had Sharma caught behind.

India is 4/86 and also had Shikhar Dhawan retired hurt.

11.15am — JOHNSON STRIKES

Mitchell Johnson has given Australia a dream start on day four. Source: Getty Images

MITCHELL Johnson has claimed the key wicket of Virat Kohli to drastically improve Australia's chances of knocking India over cheaply today.

Kohli sent an inside edge onto his stumps to fall for 1 and leave India 2/76.

Australia may only have to take nine wickets after Shikhar Dhawan was injured in the nets before play started and retired hurt. He is being assessed.

Ajinkya Rahane has joined Cheteshwar Pujara in the middle.

11am — DHAWAN RETIRES HURT BEFORE START OF PLAY

Shikhar Dhawan was absent when play resumed this morning. Source: AFP

AUSTRALIA'S hopes of bowling India out today have received an early boost.

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan was reportedly struck on the wrist while warming up in the nets this morning and has retired hurt on his overnight score of 26.

There has been no indication whether he will be available to continue batting later in the innings.

Virat Kohli accompanied Cheteshwar Pujara (15 not out) to the crease this morning — surprising everyone at the ground.

Shane Watson has opened the bowling for Australia.

10am — NO MIDDLE GROUND FOR AUSSIE 11

Everyone in Australia has a man crush on Steve Smith right now. Source: Getty Images

IT'S hard to remember an Australian side that is split so evenly between the haves and have nots as the current 11.

Test cricket is a tough game and the court of public opinion is ruthless.

Right now we have a bunch of players whose brands couldn't be hotter — and another group who are massively under the pump.

HOT

Steve Smith — Has only been dismissed once in the series while scoring 347 runs including a century in his debut innings as skipper.

David Warner — Twin tons in the first Test continued a sensational 2014 with the willow. Hugely popular personality.

Nathan Lyon — Bowled Australia to victory in the Adelaide Test with a career-best 12 wicket haul and grabbed three handy scalps in the first innings in Brisbane.

Josh Hazlewood — Took five wickets in his debut innings then smacked 32 not out with the bat. Everyone's on board.

Mitchell Johnson — Might not be bowling like he has in recent times but when you smash 88 from 93 balls to turn a Test you're firmly in the good books.

Mitchell Johnson turned the game with the bat yesterday. Source: AFP

COLD

Chris Rogers — Made 55 in the first innings but it was his first half century in eight innings. In a dogfight for his career.

Shane Watson — Another one who is struggling with the bat. Mitch Marsh's injury will help him survive but many want him dropped down the order.

Shaun Marsh — Most seem pretty comfortable with his recall but he needs to make an immediate impact. Dropped catches aren't helping.

Brad Haddin — Keeping well but has lost all confidence with the bat — and that's important. His last 12 scores read: 0, 9, 1, 13, 3*, 22, ), 10, 13, 0, 14* and 6. Wow.

Mitchell Starc — Answered his critics somewhat with a nice half century yesterday but he's in this team to take wickets and so far he only has one. That's one less than Peter Siddle took in Adelaide before he was axed.

The situation increases the pressure on Rogers, Watson, Marsh, Haddin and Starc to fire in the second innings of this Test.

India begins the day at 1/71, trailing by 26 runs with Shikhar Dhawan (26 not out) and Cheteshway Pujara (15 not out) at the crease.

India's bowlers had a day to forget after being belted around the Gabba by Australias tailenders, helping the hosts take charge on day three.

9.45am — HARRIS INJURY UPDATE

Neroli Meadows chats to injured Australian Test cricketer Ryan Harris ahead of day four of the second Test with India

GOOD news ahead of today's play with fast bowler Ryan Harris indicating he's right to go for the Boxing Day Test.

Harris described his injury as only a slight strain of his quad and said he was now pain-free.

For more, watch the video above.

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