The moment police move in

Police storm the Hyper Cacher supermarket in Paris as hostages flee.

Free ... French police special forces evacuate the hostages after launching the assault at a kosher grocery store in Porte de Vincennes, eastern Paris. Picture: Snapper Media Source: Snapper Media

• Kouachi brothers shot dead in overnight siege
• Gunman Amedy Coulibaly killed in Paris grocery store siege
• Four Paris grocery store hostages declared dead
• Third siege at a jewellery store in south of France underway, police say not related to Charlie Hebdo massacre
• Female terror suspect still at large

SEVEN people have been killed in two sieges across France overnight, including the two brothers accused of slaying 12 people at a Paris newspaper, another gunman and four innocent captives.

The two groups of terrorists had seized hostages at separate locations around the French capital on Friday, facing off against thousands of French security forces as the city shut down a famed Jewish neighbourhood and scrambled to protect residents and tourists from further attacks.

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Moving in ... The moment police storm into the Kosher supermarket. Picture: France 2 Source: Supplied

Risky operation ... Police rush to get the rescued hostages to safety. Picture: Snapper Media Source: Snapper Media

A female terror suspect, 26-year-old Hayat Boumeddiene, remains at large as authorities scramble to end the three days of terror that have gripped France.

Boumeddiene, the girlfriend of slain gunman Coulibaly, is believed to have fled during the supermarket siege which saw four hostages killed.

Investigations underway ... Forensic officers gather outside the kosher grocery store. Picture: AP/Francois Mori Source: AP

A third siege, which saw two people held hostage at a jewellery store in Montpellier, south of France has now ended after the man holding them surrended to police.

RT News reports that the two hostages have not been harmed and that Montpellier prosecutor, Christophe Barret, said there was no attempted robbery and stressed that the situation in Montpellier was not connected to the earlier events in Paris and in Northern France.

Free ... French police special forces evacuate the hostages after launching the assault at a kosher grocery store in Porte de Vincennes, eastern Paris. Picture: Snapper Media Source: Snapper Media

Enferno ... Members of the French police special forces launch an assault at a kosher grocery store in Porte de Vincennes, eastern Paris. Picture: Snapper Media Source: Snapper Media

al-Qaeda Yemen claims responsibility for Paris magazine attack

Meanwhile, a member of the al-Qaeda Yemen branch- speaking on the condition of anonymity — has claimed responsibility for the Charlie Hebdo attack.

He told The Associated Press that the massacre was carried out as "revenge for the honour" of Islam's Prophet Muhammad.

TIMELINE OF TERROR: France rocked by three days of terrorism

The terrorist organisation has also released a chilling new warning for France, threatening the nation with fresh attacks.

"It is better for you to stop your aggression against the Muslims, so perhaps you will live safely. If you refuse but to wage war, then wait for the glad tiding," sharia official leader Harith al-Nadharisaid in an audio clip released by AQAP.

The three gunmen have also been deemed "heroes" by Islamic State group radio.

First siege: Printworks office in Dammartin-en-Goële

At the first stand-off, explosions and gunshots rang out and white smoke rose outside a printing plant in Dammartin-en-Goele, northeast of Paris, where brothers Cherif Kouachi, 32, and Said Kouachi, 34, had holed up with a hostage.

The brothers were shot dead by special forces as they reportedly burst out of their hide-out.

Security forces had surrounded the building for most of the day.

Their hostage, identified as Michel Catalano, is believed to have been rescued alive.

Killed ... Charlie Hebdo massacre suspects Said Kouachi, 34 (left) and Cherif Kouachi, 32, have been killed. Picture: Direction centrals de la Police judiciaire via Getty Images Source: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Scene ... smoke rises as a special forces soldiers storm a printing warehouse on an industrial estate where the Charlie Hebdo massacre terrorists sought refuge. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Second siege: Kosher grocery store in Vincennes

Moments after police surrounded the Kouachi brothers outside Paris, explosions were heard at a second siege, where another Islamic militant gunman was threatening to kill his hostages if the brothers were injured.

Gunman Amedy Coulibay spoke to French TV station BFM during the siege, saying he had taken 16 people hostage at a kosher grocery store, selected specifically "because it was Jewish".

Free ... Hostages are rescued after being held hostage in the grocery store. Picture: Snapper Media Source: Snapper Media

He said four of his captives were dead.

He told the station he had "co-ordinated" with the suspected Charlie Hebdo attackers and belonged to the Islamic State group.

BFM released the recording of the conversation, which was translated from French by The Guardian.

In the clip, the anchor explains that a BFM reporter called the print works office the Kouachi brothers had taken over, and managed to secure a conversation with the younger brother, Cerif Kouachi. This is what he said:

Tense standoff ... Police had to move quickly after Gunman Amedy Coulibay said he would shoot all the hostages if the brothers were killed. Picture: Snapper Media Source: Snapper Media

"We just want to say that we are the defenders of the prophet, and that I, Cherif Kouachi, was sent by al-Qaeda in Yemen. And that I went there and that it was Sheikh Anwar al-Awlaki who financed me", adding that the visit took place before Awlaki was killed.

Later that day, BFM got a call from Amedy Coulibaly, who wanted to be in contact with the police. Their conversation is below.

BFM: Are you in touch with the two brothers who conducted the operation at Charlie Hebdo?

Coulibaly: Yes. We synchronised our operations.

BFM: Are you still in touch with them? Have you recently spoken with them by phone?

Coulibaly: No.

BFM: How were you synchronised with the Kouachis? Are there further attacks planned?

Coulibaly: No, we only synchronised to kickstart things: so when they started Charlie Hebdo, I started on the police officers.

On the run ... Hayat Boumeddiene, the girlfriend of dead gunman, Gunman Amedy Coulibay, managed to escape. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

He also tells the TV channel that he has killed four of his 16 hostages, a fact later confirmed by French interior minister Bernard Cazenueve with the following tweet by French news source infos140: "B. Cazeneuve confirms the results from 5 deaths (including A. Coulibaly) and 4 wounded, Porte de Vincennes (France 2)".

Coulibay, who was suspected of killing a police officer yesterday, was shot dead by police.

An official said the two sets of hostage-takers knew each other.

Hayat Boumeddiene, 26. Picture: Direction centrals de la Police judiciaire via Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Amedy Coulibaly, 32. Picture: Direction centrals de la Police judiciaire via Getty Images Source: Getty Images

France on high-alert

The French ambassador to the US, Gerard Araud, has sent a series of Tweets confirming reports that two of the terror suspects were killed, according to "his information".

France has been on high alert since the country's worst terror attack in decades — the massacre on Wednesday in Paris at Charlie Hebdo that left 12 people dead.

At the kosher grocery near the Porte de Vincennes neighbourhood in Paris, the gunman, Amedy Coulibay, burst in shooting just a few hours before the Jewish Sabbath began, declaring "You know who I am," the official recounted.

The official said Coulibay is also believed responsible for the roadside killing of a Paris policewoman on Thursday.

Paris police released a photo of Coulibaly and a second suspect, a woman named Hayet Boumddiene, who the official said was his accomplice and girlfriend.

Boumddiene is on the run.

Several people wounded when the gunman opened fire in the kosher grocery were able to flee and get medical care, the official said.

Police said 100 students were under lockdown in schools nearby and the highway ringing Paris was closed.

Evacuation ... French police special forces evacuated businesses and other properties in Porte de Vincennes when a gunman opened fire at a kosher grocery store. Picture: AFP/Martin Bureau Source: AFP

Hours before and 40 kilometres away, a convoy of police trucks, helicopters and ambulances streamed toward Dammartin-en-Goele, a small industrial town near Charles de Gaulle Airport, to seize the Charlie Hebdo suspects, who had hijacked a car in a nearby town after more than two days on the run.

"They said they want to die as martyrs," Yves Albarello, a local lawmaker who said he was inside the command post, told French television station i-Tele.

Siege ... a helicopter of the French Special Police Forces waits in fields surrounding an industrial estate where the Charlie Hebdo attack suspects were hiding out. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Leaders respond to tragedy

French President Francois Hollande has confirmed that four people were killed in the siege in the Vincennes supermarket in a live televised address on Friday.

"I want to congratulate the courage, the bravery of the police officers of all those that participated in these operations," he said. "I want to say to them we are proud of them."

He also described the attack on the kosher supermarket as "anti-Semitic".

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama rallied to the support of France on Friday after the bloody end to hostage sieges in Paris, vowing to offer all assistance to combat the threat of militant Islamists.

"I want the people of France to know that the United States stands with you today, stands with you tomorrow," Obama said at a speaking engagement in Tennessee, describing France as America's "oldest ally".

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Smith’s miracle catch in vain

Steve Smith adds to an already impressive first Test series as captain with this screamer on day five of the fourth Test with India

Nathan Lyon looms as a key on day five. Source: Getty Images

FOLLOW the live coverage of day five of the fourth Test at the SCG.

A mostly cloudy day is expected in Sydney, with the chance of late storms and a top temperature of 32C.

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

LIVE SCOREBOARD: AUSTRALIA vs INDIA FOURTH TEST

6pm — AUSSIES DENIED AT SCG

Steve Smith nailed the catch but needs to work on his high fives with Shane Watson. Source: News Corp Australia

STEVE Smith inspired Australia with the catch of the summer but it was ultimately a frustrating end as the Sydney Test finished in a draw.

Set 349 runs for victory on the final day, India plodded to 1/104 from 38 overs before Smith produced a miracle to remove Rohit Sharma.

Diving full length to his right in the slips cordon Smith reeled in a screamer and shouted with joy before he hit the ground.

It renewed hopes of an Australian win on the final day — hopes that grew stronger when a middle order collapse occurred in the final session.

India lost 5/39 in 18 overs to leave Australia needing three wickets with about 12 over remaining.

But even with the new ball Australia's attack couldn't remove Ajinkya Rahane (38 not out from 88 balls) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (20 not out from 30 balls) who guided the visitors to a score of 7/252 at stumps.

Mitchell Starc (2/36) and Josh Hazlewood (2/31) were the pick of the bowlers on the final day.

Nathan Lyon (2/110) had numerous near chances but couldn't take a bag like he did when leading Australia to victory earlier in the series in Adelaide.

Steve Smith was named man of the series after scoring 769 runs for Australia.

"It's been a good series for me, I've enjoyed every minute of it, batting out there and being able to captain the boys," said Smith, before dedicating the 2-0 series win to fallen teammate Phillip Hughes.

"It was very sad to lose one of our good mates and throughout this whole series the boys have tried to do our best to win this series for Phillip."

5.30pm — SIX OVERS TO GO

Nathan Lyon is bowling with the new ball. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA has just 36 deliveries left to take three Indian wickets.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ajinkya Rahane are offering stout resistance.

Nathan Lyon is bowling at one end and Josh Hazlewood has just replaced Mitchell Starc at the other.

5.05pm — HAZLEWOOD ENDS ASHWIN'S RESISTANCE

Josh Hazlewood is gaining more fans in Sydney today. Source: Getty Images

JUST when you felt India was starting to look like forcing a draw, Josh Hazlewood strikes.

The young Aussie quick has bowled superbly on the final day and secured his second wicket by trapping Ravi Ashwin LBW with a ball that swung in late.

India is 7/217. There are 11 overs remaining.

Rain is it's way and India are fighting for survival on day five at the SCG. Wickets to MItchel Starc and Nathan Lyon putting the tourists under all sorts of pressure but the clock is ticking.

5pm — RAHANE, ASHWIN DIGGING IN

Ravi Ashwin denied Australia victory in Melbourne, will he do it again? Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA is running out of time to win the Sydney Test, with just 13 over remaining to take the final four Indian wickets.

Ajinkya Rahane (23 not out from 48 balls) and Ravi Ashwin (0 from 15) have survived six overs since Wriddhiman Saha was removed.

Josh Hazlewood is currently bowling in tandom with Nathan Lyon. The new ball is due in three overs.

4.30pm — INDIA BEGINS TO COLLAPSE

Nathan Lyon has rejoined the party. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA needs just four more wickets to pull off a stunning victory in the Sydney Test after Nathan Lyon trapped Wriddhiman Saha LBW.

The offspinner got a ball to turn and stay very low to pin the Indian wicketkeeper in front of his stumps.

India is 6/208. The victory margin is now an unattainable 141 runs given there's only 18 overs remaining.

4.20pm — STARC ON FIRE

Mitchell Starc is ripping through the Indians. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA has a huge sniff of victory after reducing India to 5/203 with 21 overs left in the day.

Mitchell Starc is bowling hand grenades and just had Suresh Raina trapped LBW — making it a pair of ducks for the Indian in his return Test match.

It's about surviving for India now.

It's getting exciting at the SCG. After a slow start Australia have turned the screws, and are hunting victory in the final test. Importantly for the Aussies, dangerman Virat Kohli is gone.

4.10pm — STARC GETS THE DANGERMAN

Virat Kohli curses himself for a job only half done. Source: Getty Images

MITCHELL Starc has taken the wicket Australia needed to have any hope of winning this Test match, removing Virat Kohli for 46.

Starc was brought back into the attack to replace Josh Hazlewood and struck with his sixth delivery, drawing Kohli forward and finding an edge which sailed to Shane Watson at first slip.

India is 4/201, needing 148 runs from 23 overs to win.

3.50pm — VIJAY FALLS FOR 80

Josh Hazlewood deserved that wicket. Source: Getty Images

JUST like that, Australia is back in the game.

Murali Vijay is out for 80, caught behind by Brad Haddin off a Josh Hazlewood delivery which bounced more than he expected, and the home side is dreaming big again.

3.45pm — INDIA REACH HALFWAY MARK

Murali Vijay and Virat Kohli are looking dangerous in the final session. Source: AFP

THE FOURTH Test is leaning more and more in India's favour as Murali Vijay and Virat Kohli lift the tempo early in the third session.

The visitors now need 172 runs from the final 30 overs, less than a run a ball on a wicket that is still offering little to the bowlers.

Considering Australia made 213 runs in the final 34 overs of day four, an Aussie loss is becoming a distinct possibility.

India's in survival mode at the SCG. The 349 is just not realistic on a day 5 pitch, so our only options look a draw, or an Aussie victory.

3.10pm — INDIA LOOKS HALF A CHANCE

Murali Vijay has passed 450 runs for the series. Source: News Corp Australia

STEVE Smith's miracle catch (which you can see in the video player above) was the only highlight for Australia during another frustrating session at the SCG.

India added 87 runs from 28 overs to reduce their victory target to 189 runs with 33 overs to come in the final session.

They batted slowly for most of the afternoon but there were signs they still harbour ambitions of a win late in the session.

After passing 50, Murali Vijay took 16 runs from one Nathan Lyon over, including two fours and a six.

Vijay is 71 not out and with the dangerous Virat Kohli with him at the crease on 26 not out, anything is possible.

Steve Smith appears to be having a frustrating day in the office with the new Australian captain less than impressed with his team's efforts in the fourth test

2.05pm — HAZLEWOOD'S AMAZING ECONOMY

Josh Hazlewood has been almost unplayable in the second session. Source: Getty Images

JOSH Hazlewood is doing everything he can to help Australia to a fifth day win against India at the SCG.

The young paceman has figures of 0/1 from seven overs and is bowling an incredible spell in the second session.

He hasn't taken a wicket but was denied a clear LBW chance against Murali Vijay. Replays showed the ball would have hit middle and leg stump.

India is 2/110, needing 237 more runs to win.

Hazlewood's current economy rate of 0.14 would set a new record for Test cricket.

Best economy rates in an innings

0.15 — Bapu Nadkarni (India) v England, 1964 (0/5 from 32 overs)

0.21 — Garfield Sobers (West Indies) v New Zealand, 1956 (1/3 from 14 overs)

0.21 — Bapu Nadkarni (India) v England, 1964 (0/3 from 14 overs)

1.50pm — STEVE SMITH'S AMAZING CATCH

Is there anything he can't do? Source: Channel 9

AUSTRALIA needed something special at the SCG and Steve Smith has delivered.

The Aussie skipper just plucked an absolute screamer in the slips cordon off the bowling of Shane Watson to remove Rohit Sharma for 39.

Sharma attempted to guide a shortish Watson delivery down towards third man but didn't count on Smith diving full length to his right and reeling in a classic catch.

India is 2/104.

1.45pm — SIGNS OF FRUSTRATION FOR AUSTRALIA

A DROPPED catch and an overthrow have combined to leave Australia a frustrated team at the SCG.

Shaun Marsh has just put down Murali Vijay at short cover off Ryan Harris. It was a sharp chance but one the Aussie fielder got a full hand to.

The very next ball Harris let out his anger by throwing the ball back at the stumps after Vijay pushed the ball back to him.

Harris's throw hit the rough and bounced up over Brad Haddin's head and went to the boundary.

Aussie skipper Steve Smith was not impressed, waving his hands in there and directing an expletive in Harris's direction.

India is 1/104, needing 245 runs from 52 overs.

1.15pm — WORRYING SIGNS FOR CRICKET OFFICIALS

Nathan Lyon has scored five 'hundreds' with the ball in the series. Source: News Corp Australia

IT will be interesting to see if anyone from Cricket Australia puts their hand up at the end of the series and admits it's been too one-sided in favour of the batsmen.

By no means has this summer been boring — the ongoing Phillip Hughes storyline, Steve Smith's stellar series with the bat and a competitive Indian side have provided countless memorable moments.

But at the end of the day there's nothing as exciting in Test cricket as a bunch of wickets falling quickly and that has rarely happened.

Consider these statistics, which have been compiled by espncricinfo.com:

THERE have been eight 400-plus scores, the most ever in a Test series;

IT'S the first time both teams in a series of three or more Tests have scored at least 400 runs in every first innings;

THERE have been 24 times when a bowler has conceded more than 100 runs in an innings, the most ever in a Test series.

NO bowler has an average of less than 30 in the series.

NATHAN Lyon (22 wickets) is the only bowler to have taken more than 15 wickets in the series.

"I think the balance has been too much in favour of the bat," Mark Taylor said.

India has resumed its innings after lunch and is 1/74 from 30 overs.

12.30pm — INDIAN BLOCK PARTY

Josh Hazlewood has figures of 0/1 from five overs. Source: Getty Images

INDIA was not interested in trying to score off Australia's pace attack at all in the opening session at the SCG.

The visitors scored 1/73 in 29 overs to reduce the victory target to 276 runs but the run rate was much lower if you remove the runs they scored off Nathan Lyon and Steve Smith.

Pace trio Mitchell Starc, Ryan Harris and Josh Hazlewood have the combined figures of 0/20 from 17 overs at the lunch break.

Compare that to India's Umesh Yadav, who went close to setting the worst ecomony rate in a Test series this summer.

Yadav went at 4.62 runs an over to just miss out on beating the mark he set in Australia in 2011-12 (4.66 runs an over).

His effort this summer is the fourth worst all-time by a bowler who bowled more than 100 overs in a series, trailing only West Indian Fidel Edwards (4.81 v South Africa, 2003-04) and Australia's Brett Lee (4.72 v India, 2003-04).

12pm — KETTLEBOROUGH FOR MAN OF THE SERIES?

It takes more than a field full of frustrated Aussie cricketers to fluster this bloke. Source: News Corp Australia

OUTSIDE of Steve Smith and David Warner, there's no one who has received as much love this summer as Richard Kettleborough.

The dual reigning ICC umpire of the year has been nailing pretty much every decision in the series — and cricket fans love it.

Every time he makes a correct call — like he did this morning when denying Josh Hazlewood's appeal for caught behind against Murali Vijay — Twitter goes bananas.

Kind of weird to see so much adoration for an umpire, isn't it?

Australia has put the clamps back on India after removing Lokesh Rahul.

Rohit Sharma (one from 22 balls) and Murali Vijay (31 from 59) have added just three runs in seven overs since Rahul's departure.

11.30pm — LYON CLAIMS RAHUL AFTER BRIGHT INDIAN START

Nathan Lyon has 22 wickets in the series, his most productive series ever. Source: Getty Images

NATHAN Lyon has made a crucial breakthrough — both for Australia and his own confidence — an hour into the opening session of day five.

After a cautious start, Indian openers Lokesh Rahul and Murali Vijay had gone after the Aussie offspinner, taking 28 runs from his first four overs.

But Lyon responded by getting a delivery to jump at Rahul and flick his glove, presenting an easy catch to David Warner.

Lyon looms as a key figure on day five and couldn't afford to get hit out of the attack.

India is 1/48.

10.15am — AUSSIES DECLARE BEFORE PLAY

Ryan Harris will be looking to make early breakthroughs. Source: Getty Images

ALL three results are still in play as we prepare for what should be a tense finish to the fourth Test at the SCG today.

Steve Smith has declared this morning to set India a victory target of 349 runs.

Both sides were talking up their chances of victory last night.

Aussie batsmen Joe Burns, who smacked a swashbuckling 66 from 39 deliveries to help set up Australia's declaration, believes the wicket will offer plenty to the home side's bowlers — and not just spinner Nathan Lyon.

"I think with the spin in the wicket, spin will play a major factor but we also saw some variable bounce and some reverse swing," Burns said.

Having already lost the series, India is expected to take it to Australia early in the day.

"It all depends on how positive you can bat," all-rounder Ravi Ashwin said. "Definitely it's going to be a very, very positive game tomorrow."

Australia will be hoping the pitch breaks up. Here's what it looked like before play.

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Who ran over baby Tatiana?

A toddler was mown down and killed while playing in her backyard during a police pursuit which involved a violent offender in a stolen car.

A WOMAN who was allegedly a passenger in the stolen car involved in a crash that killed a 17-month-old girl during a police pursuit has appeared in court.

Tatiana 'Tahlia' Tauaifaga was playing with her siblings in the backyard of her western Sydney home when a black Audi crashed through a fence closely followed by one of at least four police cars chasing it.

The Audi, was being driven by a man police have described as "violent and a risk to the community" and remains on the run.

Kate Tuite, an alleged passenger in the car, has just fronted Central Local Court after being picked up by police in Darlinghurst earlier today.

The 22-year-old faces more than 10 charges including from being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, affray, stealing and possessing housebreaking implements.

Police also acted on six outstanding warrants against her.

Tuite was remanded in custody and will make a bail application on January 14.

Community members lay flowers at the scene of the tragedy. Source: News Corp Australia

It remains unclear whether Tatiana was struck by the Audi or one of the police cars chasing it — or both.

A police spokeswoman refused to comment on reports that Raymond Nair, a neighbour who was one of the first on the scene, claimed the girl was hit by a police car.

Police sources have told The Daily Telegraph that investigators believe that Tatiana was struck by the Audi.

A police spokewoman refused to comment on Mr Nair's claim given that the tragedy had been classified as a "critical incident".

"That will be a matter for the coroner," she told News.com.au.

Police have also refused to confirm or deny reports that an unmarked police car was leading four marked cars in the pursuit of the Audi.

The toddler aunt says she does not blame officers for the tragedy.

"They were just doing their job," the girl's aunt Losi Toleafoa said. "I feel so sorry for them. It is all just too sad."

Mrs Toleafoa said the family was extremely close-knit and treasured Tatiana, who was one of a twin — and her seven siblings.

"She was so strong for her age and full of life," she said. "She got along with all of her siblings, they were such a good group of girls together."

Earlier, a family friend described the horrific moment Tatiana was mowed down:

"She was lying there dead, covered in blood, with her eyes closed. The police are trying to say she died in hospital later but she didn't. She died right there on the ground."

Speaking from near the scene at Bessbrook Way, in Sydney's west, the friend said it had been a normal night for the family.

"The mum was in the kitchen and the dad was having a shower."

There was nothing they could do when they heard the crash — that was quickly followed by screams.

"They went outside and it was all over."

Another close relative, Joseph Tauaifaga, lashed out at those responsible for the tragedy.

"Wen I find u im gna kill ur whole family mutha***** !", he posted on Facebook.

He made the comment from Westmead Children's Hospital where doctors tried frantically to revive the toddler.

Tatiana's uncle has also spoken out, describing the little girl as "full of life".

"She was so happy, she would run around playing "castles" with her siblings all afternoon," Tulaga Toleafoa said.

Tatiana Tauaifaga, the 17-month-old killed after a police chase last night. Source: Supplied

The friend said the dead child was one of twins. There were eight children in the family and the siblings were all "traumatised".

Nobody could understand why it happened.

"That's the sort of people we have now in Australia. It's just sickening. But why were the police chasing so hard and fast? ... That's the question that has to be asked. How could this happen?"

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, told news.com.au she often saw the Pacific Island family.

"They are nice people. You can sometimes see the children playing, always happily."

She had seen the children "playing on bicycles" yesterday afternoon. The 17-month-old was in the backyard though, not out on the road.

The neighbour was initially prevented from going into her house while police teams worked but later was allowed in.

She saw the mother being taken away last night. She had her head down, utterly distraught, and was being comforted by relatives who had their arms around her keeping her up.

Police have launched a critical investigation into the pursuit which Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli described as an "absolute tragedy" that had devastated the police officers involved.

"I am overwhelmed for the poor family and what they are going through," he said.

Police from the Metropolitan Robbery, the Middle Eastern Organised Crime and Tactical Operations units were involved in a sting at Constitution Hill in Western Sydney about 7pm yesterday when they chased the stolen car in the doomed pursuit.

Police at the scene where the car tore through a suburban back yard. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said it was a "highly volatile situation."

"The offenders had been described as violent and a risk to the community."

However, a police spokesman told news.com.au the man wasn't considered a danger to the community which is why he wouldn't be identified.

The arrested woman, 23, will appear on charges related to the police chase as well as other outstanding warrants.

There has been confusion among residents on which car hit Tatiana —with many believing it was the police car— however police sources told The Daily Telegraph it was the stolen car that struck the toddler.

After the driver crashed through into the backyard he kept going crashing through another fence into Richell Park and drove at 15 children playing cricket who dropped their bats and ran.

Neighbour Raymond Nair was one of the first on the scene.

"The children were crying out for their mum. They said their sister had been hit by the car."

Resident Carol Davis, 45, was watching the children play cricket when she heard what sounded like "steel ripping."

"Then we see this car flying out of the yard and a four-wheel-drive was chasing it down the hill."

Ms Davis said she screamed at the children to move.

A police officer at the scene overcome with emotion. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

"They have thrown their bats to the ground and everyone just ran for their lives," she said.

"I ran up to the house and I see the mother holding her new born baby, she was screaming.

"I could hear the kids in the house just going ballistic, they were petrified."

The offender's car was abandoned on nearby Lurgen Street and the occupants fled on foot.

Witnesses said there were no police sirens during the chase.

Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said a police vehicle chased the car through the park while other officers stopped and tried to save the dying child. The toddler's two older siblings received minor injuries.

"My condolences go out to the family and friends of that child. It is a pain that no parents should go through," he said.

Last night the driver was on the run.

An ambulance takes the child away from the scene. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Assistant Commissioner Mennilli called on his associates to give him up.

"We are reaching out to the community. This person is well known to them, they know who this person is it is best for them to come forward."

A 23-year-old woman was last night assisting police at Kings Cross police station.

Assistant Commissioner Mennilli said a critical investigation team had been established made up of officers from south west metropolitan region. The major crash unit is conducting a separate investigation.

"I must stress we had specialist resources on the ground for this particular job because of the risk to the community. We were dealing with violent offenders so we had to try to prevent these people from committing offences. Unfortunately it is a tragedy that has occurred," he said.

"I have actually spoken to police involved in this situation and they are distraught. These are family members, they have got children the same age."

Police and investigators at the scene last night. Picture: Bill Hearne Source: News Corp Australia

Neighbour Raymond Nair said he believed the killed child was a twin.

"A few other kids were hit and injured," Mr Nair said. "I was out for a jog and I heard the sirens.

"Then all these cars sped past me and straight through my neighbour's yard."

Mr Nair said a single mother with eight children lived in the townhouse. He said the mother told him that her daughter had died.

"The children were crying out for their mum. They said their sister had been hit by the car,'' he said. "She was a twin."

This map shows the route taken by the car that eventually killed a baby girl in her yard. Source: Supplied

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Originally published as Who ran over baby Tatiana?

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Kohli’s most embarrassing moment

India's captain Virat Kohli has had a brilliant series in Australia, so when he finally made a shocking mistake the fans at the SCG made sure to give him plenty of stick.

Australia's Ryan Harris. Source: Getty Images

FOLLOW the live coverage of day four of the fourth Test at the SCG.

High temperatures and showers are expected in Sydney today, with a top temperature of 33C before rain and possible thunderstorms this evening.

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

LIVE SCOREBOARD: AUSTRALIA vs INDIA FOURTH TEST

5.50pm — SMITH, BURNS SET UP AUSSIES

Joe Burns hit a scintillating 66 from 39 balls. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA is in full control of the fourth Test after a rollicking finish to day four saw them lead by 348 runs at stumps.

Steve Smith (71 from 70 balls) and Joe Burns (66 from 39 balls) played exactly how the situation required to help set up an expected declaration before play tomorrow.

"It was good fun," Burns said.

"It was nice to get a few away and get the team into a good position."

Australia added 6/251 from just 40 overs after bowling India out for 475 earlier in the day.

The home side's innings included 28 fours and six sixes — entertaining a crowd that has suffered through some extremely slow cricket in the past couple of days.

Umesh Yadav copped the worst of it, seeing six of his first eight deliveries hit for four and 45 runs taken from his three overs.

It sets up a thrilling day five where Virat Kohli and the Indian side will attempt to deny the Aussies victory.

Smith, who passed Don Bradman's record for most runs by an Australian in a series against India, believes his side has enough runs.

"We were hoping for just above 300," he said.

"Hopefully (the pitch) will start to go up and down a bit ... and hopefully we'll be able to take 10 wickets."

Smith's innings included one boundary that Kohli would rather forget. You can see it in the video player above.

Continue reading for more information about Smith's record-setting summer and rejoin us when play starts at 10.30am tomorrow.

5.10pm — SMITH NIGHTMARE FINALLY OVER FOR INDIA

Relax India, you don't have to bowl another ball to this guy for a while. Source: News Corp Australia

STEVE Smith's record-setting series with the bat is finally over.

Mohammed Shami removed the Aussie captain with a ripping inswinger for 71 to reduce Australia to 5/165.

Smith's knock came from just 70 deliveries and was perhaps his most entertaining of the summer.

It left his final series total at 769 runs — the most ever for an Australian against India and the 13th highest tally in Test history.

974 — Don Bradman (Australia) v England, 1930

905 — Wally Hammond (England) v Australia, 1928-29

839 — Mark Taylor (Australia) v England, 1989

834 — Neil Harvey (Australia) v South Africa, 1952-53

829 — Viv Richards (West Indies) v England, 1976

827 — Clyde Walcott (West Indies) v Australia, 1955

824 — Garfield Sobers (West Indies) v Pakistan, 1957-58

810 — Don Bradman (Australia) v England, 1936-37

806 — Don Bradman (Australia) v South Africa, 1931-32

798 — Brian Lara (West Indies) v England, 1993-94

779 — Everton Weekes (West Indies) v India, 1948-49

774 — Sunil Gavaskar (India) v West Indies, 1970-71

769 — Steve Smith (Australia) v India, 2014-15

4.45pm — ROGERS NOTCHES HALF CENTURY

Forget the nickname Buck, we should start calling Chris Rogers 'Fiddy'. Source: News Corp Australia

CHRIS Rogers has scored his sixth consecutive Test fifty — but once again failed to turn it into a century.

The Aussie opener hit a crisp 56 before holeing out to Suresh Raina at midwicket off the bowling of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

He's made scores of 55, 55, 57, 69, 95 and 56 in his last six digs.

The 37-year-old is now within reach of the all-time Test record of seven consecutive half centuries shared by Sir Everton Weekes, Andy Flower, Shivnarin Chanderpaul and Kumar Sangakarra.

Steve Smith reached 50 just after Rogers fell.

He's helped Australia quickly reach 3/132, pushing their lead to 229 runs.

Smith's series total is now 746 runs — pushing him past greats like Sir Garfield Sobers (722 v England, 1966), Sunil Gavaskar (732 v West Indies, 1978-79) and Herbert Sutcliffe (734 v Australia, 1924-25) in the past half hour.

Shaun Marsh came and went quickly after replacing Rogers at the crease.

He edged Ravi Ashwin to slip on one to become the spinner's third victim of the innings.

4pm — SMITH ENTERS HISTORY BOOKS

Steve Smith is in rare air. Source: News Corp Australia

STEVE Smith now holds the record for most runs in a four Test series by an Australian.

The Aussie skipper is 29 not out at the SCG and has taken his series total to 727 runs.

It betters Ricky Ponting's mark of 706 runs in a four Test series and Don Bradman's record of 715 for most runs in a series against India.

Most runs in a Test series for Australia

974 — Don Bradman v England, 1930

839 — Mark Taylor v England, 1989

834 — Neil Harvey v South Africa, 1952-53

810 — Don Bradman v England, 1936-37

758 — Don Bradman v England, 1934

727* — Steve Smith v India, 2014-15

715 — Don Bradman v India, 1947-48

706 — Ricky Ponting v India, 2003-04

3.40pm — WATSON FALLS AFTER TEA

Shane Watson became Ravi Ashwin's second victim of the innings. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA finds itself in the awkward position of wanting to score quickly without throwing the game after Shane Watson joined David Warner in the changerooms.

Watson attempted to cut a low bouncing Ravi Ashwin delivery but chopped it onto his stumps.

The Aussies are 2/46 in their second innings with a lead of 143 runs.

A bizarre fake throw from Suresh Raina has caused confusion for both India and Australia during the fourth Test.

3.30pm — THIS IS HOW YOU CELEBRATE A BOUNDARY

This kid probably needs a little more water in his cordial.

3.10pm — AUSSIES GO ALL OUT ATTACK

Shane Watson made his intentions clear early. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA has shown its hand in a six over period before the tea break — it's win at all costs for the home side.

Despite losing David Warner for four in the third over of the innings, Chris Rogers (21 not out from 17 balls) and Shane Watson (13 from 14) have continued to attack the Indian bowlers.

They've added 32 runs in 27 balls to leave the score 1/38 at the tea break. The lead is 135 runs.

Watson should have been run out for eight but was given a reprieve by Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, who mishandled the ball.

2.50pm — SPINNING TO WIN

David Warner edges Ravi Ashwin to slip. Source: News Corp Australia

A BOLD decision to open the bowling with offspinner Ravi Ashwin has already paid dividends for India in the wicket of David Warner.

Ashwin bowled a delivery which bounced and turned and Warner sent an edge to Murali Vijay at slip.

It's a big blow to the home side's plans to chase quick runs and set up a declaration.

The score is 1/6. The lead is 103 runs.

2.40pm — NO FUN FOR BOWLERS

Steve Smith has been the most dominant batsmen in a batsmen-dominant series. Source: News Corp Australia

NOW India's marathon 162 over innings has come to an end, there's time to consider just how batsmen-friendly the pitches have been in the series.

Consider these numbers:

NO bowler has an average of less than 30 in the series. Ryan Harris is the lowest with an average bang on 30.

NATHAN Lyon (21 wickets at 32.9) is the only bowler to have taken more than 15 wickets in the series.

NINE batsmen are averaging more than 50 in the series, led by Steve Smith at 139.6.

EIGHT of the 14 innings so far have seen the batting side total more than 400 runs.

Obviously the pitches aren't solely to blame — fine batting, poor bowling at times and ordinary fielding have all played a part.

But apart from a couple of sessions when Australia has run through the Indian tail there's hardly been any periods of sustained dominance from the bowlers.

Having said that, if Australia can blast a quick innings of 250-odd we could be set up for an exciting finish tomorrow.

It's just a shame it took so many slow days to get there.

2.35pm — STARC, HARRIS FINISH THE JOB

Ravi Ashwin lasted just one more ball after bringing up his 50. Source: Getty Images

AN almost unplayable spell by Mitchell Starc allowed Australia to close the Indian innings at 475.

Starc got the old ball reversing and had Ravi Ashwin caught behind for 50.

The Aussies took the new ball soon after and Ryan Harris gave Brad Haddin another catch by forcing Umesh Yadav to sky an attempted pull shot.

It gives Australia a 97 run first innings lead.

1.55pm — TWO MORE TO GO

Debate is set to rage over the controversial dismissal of Indian batsman Bhuvneshwar Kumar in fourth Test, with replays proving inconclusive.

NATHAN Lyon has ended a frustrating 65 run partnership between Ravi Ashwin and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Lyon had Kumar caught at first slip by Shane Watson for 30 after the third umpire ruled the ball did not hit the ground after the Indian tailender hit it.

It gives Australia a chance of leading by 100+ runs on first innings. India is 8/448, 124 runs behind.

1pm — INDIAN SLAMS SCG PITCH

Wisden India journalist Anand Vasu has slammed the SCG pitch for the fourth Test between Australia and India, claiming it does not offer a fair contest between bat and ball.

WE'RE just about to tick over the 1000 run mark in this Test match and one veteran Indian cricket writer believes the pitch is to blame.

Wisden India managing editor Anand Vasu is disappointed in how much conditions have favoured the batsmen.

"To come all the way out to Australia, 9000km, and play on this Indian pitch in this Indian weather and be served samosa every day in the press box — I should be asking for a refund of my flight ticket really," Vasu said.

"There's not enough in this pitch. It either should have broken up more or it should have had a bit of grass on it so the Australian bowlers could have got in the game.

"The great thing about playing cricket in Australia is the balance between bat and ball. You don't see that so much in the subcontinent. So when you come out here you really want to see that — and to not see that is disappointing."

12.30pm — THAT'S LUNCH

Joe Burns drops India's Bhuvneshwar Kumar off the bowling of Nathan Lyon. Pic Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

India is 7/407 at lunch on day 4 at the SCG. Australia took two wickets - those of Virat Kohli and Wriddhiman Saha - in the first session, but also missed opportunities to take more thanks to a few dropped catches.

Special mention to Indian batsman Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who, in what was already a slow session, managed to stand out as the slowest. He only managed to score three runs off 39 balls.

Expect more scintillating batting when he returns after the break.

12.20pm — CATCHES WIN MATCHES

Joe Burns drops a chance off Kumar. Source: News Corp Australia

They say catches win matches and Australia might rue their missed opportunities at the SCG.

More drops have marred a productive first session for the Aussies following a day of dropped catches yesterday.

This time it was Nathan Lyon who let a Ravi Ashwin screamer slip through his fingers.

Admittedly it would have been an amazing catch if it had have stuck, but it follows a day of fielding errors on day 3 in which centurions Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were both dropped by skipper Steve Smith, and substitute fielder Pat Cummins missed an easy run out opportunity.

Shortly after Lyon's miss, Joe Burns also put down what should have been an easy catch when Kumar edged one to short-leg.

Burns appeared to panic as the ball popped up. All he needed to do was stay still and let the ball come to him. Instead, he moved in and dropped a sitter.

Aussie coach Darren Lehmann lamented the missed chances after stumps yesterday, describing his side's efforts as 'disappointing'.

"They were a couple of tough chances but you've still got to take those on wickets where it's going to deteriorate day four, day five. We needed to speed up the game today," Lehmann said. "So [it was] a little bit disappointing, we need to take those chances and that's now two Test matches in a row, But there's still a lot of time in this game.

India has just passed 400 and now trails by 170.

11.40am — GOT HIM!

Saha avoids a bouncer. AFP PHOTO Source: AFP

Josh Hazlewood has taken the wicket of Wriddhiman Saha for 35.

Saha found himself in no man's land thanks to a short-pitched delivery from the lanky fast bowler, and gloved it to Steve Smith for an easy catch.

India now trails by 189 with three wickets in hand. Australia will be hoping to clean up the tail by lunchtime.

10.50pm — RHINO GETS THE BREAKTHROUGH

India's Virat Kohli shows his disappointment after being dismissed by Ryan Harris, caught Chris Rogers for 147 during Day 4 of 4th Test Australia v India at the SCG. pic. Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

JUST a few overs in to day 4 and Ryan Harris has scored the breakthrough, taking the wicket of Virat Kohli for 147.

Kohli was caught at mid-wicket by Chris Rogers after playing forward to Harris.

It's been a superb innings for the Indian skipper, who scored his fourth century of the Summer, and equally superb bowling from Harris who executed his plan brilliantly.

Kohli's 147 takes him 646 runs for the series, the third highest score in a series by an Indian.

It's now just a question of how much the Indian tail wags.

The tourists trail by 216 runs with four wickets in hand.

9.45am — WATSON JUST NEEDS A HUG

We all need a hug sometimes. AFP PHOTO Source: AFP

It appears troubled all-rounder Shane Watson has hit some form at just the right time as Australia looks to clean up India's tail on day 4.

Watson took two wickets in two balls late yesterday — the first time he's taken two wickets in a session since 2011.

The crucial wickets were the first real sign that the SCG pitch is finally coming to life, which is good news for the Aussies who need to take five wickets early today if they're any hope of scoring a win.
Watson finally made something happen with the ball late on day three, removing danger man Ajinkya Rahane and then Suresh Raina with consecutive deliveries.

They were breakthroughs Australia desperately needed on a lifeless wicket, and also a circuit-breaker for the most under-fire figure in Australian cricket.

Watson has been copping it social media for much of the series as he underdelivered with the bat and failed to take wickets.

Teammate David Warner sensed it at training on match-eve, when he saw Watson was sitting on a cooler, head in hands and suffering an upset stomach.

"I thought he needed a hug, the big man," Warner said.

"If I see a mate that's down I'll go over there and give him a bit of a hug."

Fingers crossed Watto has hugged it out again overnight and can take a few more wickets today as Indian batsmen Virat Kohli and Wriddhiman Saha dig in to bat out the first session after finishing yesterday at 5/342.

9.30am — SPIDERCAM HERE TO STAY

Steve Smith looks up in the direction of the Spidercam suspended above the playing field after he dropped a catch on day 3. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) Source: AP

Australian coach Darren Lehmann insists he has no problem with Channel 9's Spidercam after it appeared to cost his side a crucial wicket on day 3 at the SCG.

Skipper Steve Smith blamed the aerial camera after dropping batsman Lokesh Rahul, who went on to make 110.

After dropping the catch, Smith pointed to the air and blamed 'the f***ing wire' which allows Spidercam to zoom over the top of the SCG pitch.

In a statement, Channel 9 and Cricket Australia admitted the camera's wires had gotten in the way.

"Captain Steve Smith was distracted by one of the wires in his eye line," CA said in a statement.

"Both CA and Nine will continue to work together on the use of spidercam in the broadcast coverage and will take on board any player feedback as necessary.

"As it stands, if any player has a concern about the placement of spidercam they can ask the umpires for it to be moved."

"It was just the wire moving and the camera moving as the ball was coming down, and he had the sun, so it was a pretty difficult catch," Lehmann said.

Australia's coach believes spidercam is good for the game — he just wants Channel Nine to work with CA in order to make sure it doesn't get in the players' line of sight.

"Not ideal where it was positioned for that particular ball, but I actually like watching it," he said.

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Aussie TV set for a huge shake-up

The US streaming service will hit local shores in March. Will it change the face of Australian TV?

Get ready for change ... Source: Getty Images

TV in Australia is about to get a big shake up.

While the manufacturing giants are spending most of their time these days going on about "OLED", "Triluminos", "S'UHD" or whatever other confusing names they can come up with to push their products, something much bigger is going on behind the scenes.

Because the fact is that while Samsung, LG and Sony are all divided over their different display technologies, the one thing they all unanimously agree on is that digitally streaming content is fast becoming the most popular way people consume content.

MORE: Netflix tight lipped on geoblocking at CES

You just have to look at the success of companies like YouTube and GoPro who have made their billions by either hosting or being used to create content for people to spend hours streaming.

The ease of creating and showing people videos has made amateur footage, whether it be of sport, comedy or tutorials, a magnet for eyeballs. The fact that nearly all TVs now come with a YouTube app installed reinforces this. Minecraft tutorial videos, such as this one, have attracted more than 8 million hits alone:

But of course, where the real change is about to happen is in the streaming content market. All the big players are set to make a splash in 2015, with Foxtel and Channel 7 combining for Presto Entertainment, Channel 9 and Fairfax partnering for Stan and of course the world's most popular streaming service Netflix.

In the USA where Netflix launched years ago, the service is so popular that 30 per cent of the country's internet traffic in peak times is just from Netflix.

Another survey from Sony owned Crackle showed that 83 per cent of the US streams TV and movies over the internet. For those aged under 30, the stats are even higher, at 90 per cent.

Get ready to hear a whole lot more about Netflix ... Source: Getty Images

For at least the next 12 months, the market will be fragmented due to exclusive contracts signed some time ago for big shows, with most of these owned by Foxtel. This means that Presto will be exclusively streaming some shows, while Stan and Netflix will be streaming different exclusives that they don't have.

However, once the rights for individual shows expire, the content deals could go anywhere.

Netflix spokesman Cliff Edwards told news.com.au today at CES that the company no longer looks to sign contracts for individual countries and regions, but globally.

One example of this is Batman spin-off Gotham., In Australia, Channel 9 owns the broadcast rights, but Netflix owns the global streaming rights. This means, the day after Channel 9 airs its episode of Gotham, Netflix will have the episode online in its library for subscribers to watch.

For now, that business model seems the immediate future, but with blockbuster TV shows like House of Cards increasingly being commissioned by streaming companies like Netflix, it has become evident that the future of our media consumption is going to be on streaming services like Presto, Netflix and Stan.

Mr Edwards also told news.com.au that if the right locally produced Australian TV show popped up, Netflix would have no problem jumping on it to commission the show.

Companies such as Sharp are incorporating Google's Android TV software so that viewers can use a variety of streaming apps, such as Netflix and Hulu, without a separate device. Source: AP

However, Foxtel's Director of Presto and VOD Shaun James told news.com.au that the company believes streaming services like Netflix and Presto will compliment existing cable subscription services rather than replacing them.

"Streaming services aren't an either or, but rather an and," said James.

While content is key for the future, software and ease of use is equally as important.

As it stands, traditional broadcasters don't broadcast in high definition on their main channels.

With streaming, as opposed to traditional TV, all our major shows can be broadcasted from either the lowest quality possible, right up to 4K. It's for that reason that TV makers like LG are pushing the services to compliment the technology they're engineering. LG Australia's General Manager of Marketing Lambro Skropodis told news.com.au that their partnership with GoPro for the GoPro channel helps legitimise beautiful 4K content and makes it accessible in ways that traditional broadcast television can't.

Streaming services also have the advantage over traditional TV services of being able to not only give access to content whenever the user wants, but to use special algorithms to work out what the user might want to watch next based off their previous habits. While this obviously benefits the consumer hugely, it means that people will be spending more time watching content and giving providers more opportunity than ever for revenue.

But as great as all this new technology is, it is still yet to be seen whether Australia's internet can handle that much data being streamed. Especially without a complete fibre connection like in the US and Europe. With the Government's new multi-technology NBN, it doesn't look like this will be changing anytime soon either.

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Smith’s horror day in the field

Steve Smith has had a horror day in the field. The Australian skipper was left frustrated with his teammates when a potential run out resulted in a kerfuffle, before he himself dropped two catches.

Mitchell Starc left the field a satisfied man after day two. Source: News Corp Australia

FOLLOW the live coverage of day three of the fourth Test at the SCG.

A partly cloudy day is expected in Sydney, with a top temperature of 31C.

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

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

LIVE SCOREBOARD: AUSTRALIA vs INDIA FOURTH TEST

5.40pm — SMITH'S DROPS HIGHLIGHT DAY THREE

Smith's drop of Lokesh Rahul created all sorts of controversy. Source: News Corp Australia

FOR a man that can seemingly do no wrong with the willow right now, Steve Smith endured a tough day of cricket at the SCG on Thursday.

The Aussie skipper was the key figure in one of the most controversial moments of the summer when he was distracted by Channel 9's Spidercam before dropping a catch.

A furious Smith pointed towards the wire which controls the camera in the sky after putting down Lokesh Rahul when he was on 46.

It was the most interesting moment of two incredibly dull sessions to open the day.

India's cautious approach coupled with Australia's tight bowling saw scoring at a minimum and wickets almost impossible to find.

Smith didn't help with his clumsy hands, also putting down Virat Kohli at second slip late in the second session.

That meant two Indian batsmen who scored centuries slipped through Smith's fingers as the visitors finished the day at 5/342.

After a slow start, Kohli displayed the style which has him rivalling Smith for player of the series.

He finished the day on 140 not out — taking his series total to 639 runs.

That's the eighth highest ever by a visiting batsmen in Australia and a record for an Indian.

Australia will still have some hope of winning the Test after two wickets in two balls from Shane Watson late in the day moved them to the cusp of the Indian tail.

Mitchell Starc was the other Aussie bowler to enjoy some success, finishing with figures of 2/77.

Continue reading for more information about the Spidercam incident, including a joint statement released by Cricket Australian and Channel 9 regarding what happened, and rejoin us when play starts tomorrow at 10.30am.

4.40pm — WATSON TAKES TWO IN TWO BALLS

Shane Watson has just bowled a game-changing over. Source: Getty Images

SHANE Watson sent Ajinya Rahane and Suresh Raina back to the pavilion in consecutive balls to breathe life into the Sydney Test.

Rahane was trapped LBW (unfairly) attempting to pull a ball that stayed down and was gone for 13. Replays showed the ball would have travelled over the top of the stumps.

The very next ball Raina was drawn forward and sent an edge to Brad Haddin, who plucked a great catch low to his left.

Watson's hat-trick ball was on the money but well defended by Wriddhiman Saha. India is 5/292 and suddenly looking vulnerable.

4.20pm — KOHLI NOTCHES FOURTH TON OF SERIES

This guy is good, seriously. Source: Getty Images

VIRAT Kohli continues to have his way with the Australian bowling attack, scoring his fourth century of the series.

Kohli has now scored 600 runs in seven innings against the Aussies this summer, to move within 19 runs of Rahul Dravid's record for the most by an Indian in a series in Australia.

After scoring twin tons in Adelaide as acting-captain he's now passed triple figures in all three innings as skipper.

He is 101 not out in India's score of 3/282. His knock included 17 fours.

Kohli is only the 10th visiting batsmen to score 600 runs in a series in Australia:

905 — Wally Hammond (England, 1928-29)

766 — Alastair Cook (England, 2010-11)

734 — Herbert Sutcliffe (England, 1924-25)

732 — Aubrey Faulkner (South Africa, 1910-11)

662 — Jack Hobbs (England, 1911-12)

657 — Geoff Boycott (England, 1970-71)

648 — John Edrich (England, 1970-71)

633 — Michael Vaughan (England, 2002-03)

619 — Rahul Dravid (India, 2003-04)

600* — Virat Kohli (India, 2014-15)

3.40pm — STARC HOOKS RAHUL

Keep bending your back, Mitch. Source: News Corp Australia

MITCHELL Starc has broken the 141-run stand between Lokesh Rahul and Virat Kohli.

The Aussie paceman sent a wide bouncer down at Rahul, who attempted to hook but sent the ball straight up into the air.

Starc ran down the pitch and managed to avoid Rahul and hang on to the catch to leave India 3/238.

Rahul made 110, adding a further 64 runs after being dropped by Steve Smith in the Spidercam incident.

Ajinkya Rahane, who put on a huge partnership with Kohli in Melbourne, is next man in.

3.10pm — NEW BALL ADDS DRAMA BUT NO WICKETS

Mitchell Starc bowled well with the second new ball before tea. Source: News Corp Australia

INDIA successfully negotiated the second session without losing a wicket despite a couple of half chances for Australia.

The introduction of the second new ball and opening bowlers Mitchell Starc and Ryan Harris brought the session to life but the home side failed to make the most of its opportunities.

Starc nearly bowled Virat Kohli with the first ball of the 81st over before seeing Steve Smith drop the Indian captain at second slip two overs later.

It was a sharp chance above the Aussie skipper's head but certainly catchable and added to the pain of an earlier drop he endured involving Spidercam.

Lokesh Rahul reached his maiden Test in the final over before the tea break and is 106 not out.

Kohli is 67 not out and closing on Rahul Dravid's record for most runs in a series by an Indian.

2.30pm — SPIDERCAM STATEMENT RELEASED

Spidercam, doing whatever a Spidercam does. Source: AP

CRICKET Australia and Channel 9 have issued a joint statement about the Spidercam incident which has dominated day three.

"We have spoken about the matter involving Spidercam and the dropped catch before lunch and it's clear the ball did not hit the camera or its supporting wires," the joint statement read.

"Captain Steve Smith was distracted by one of the wires in his eye line. Both CA and Nine will continue to work together on the use of Spidercam in the broadcast coverage and will take on board any player feedback as necessary.

"As it stands, if any player has a concern about the placement of Spidercam they can ask the umpires for it to be moved.

"Spidercam technology has been used in Nine's international cricket coverage for many years and is used in other major sporting events such as the SuperBowl, NRL and AFL Grand Finals."

You can read more about the incident further down in the blog.

India has started to pick up its scoring rate in the second session and is now 2/183.

Lokesh Rahul is 82 not out and Virat Kohli 45 not out.

1.45pm — RAHUL RUBBING IT IN

Lokesh Rahul has been in the thick of the action on day three. Source: Getty Images

SPIDERCAM survivor Lokesh Rahul continues to frustrate the Aussies in the second session of day three.

The Indian second-gamer has moved to 64 not out as he looks to notch his first Test century.

Virat Kohli has been watchful at the other end, scoring 24 runs from 66 deliveries.

Not one of the Australian bowlers is going at more than three runs an over as the home side maintains its ploy of attempting to take pressure wickets. The score is 2/140.

1pm — DID SPIDERCAM COST AUSTRALIA?

Steve Smith finally put a foot wrong this series dropping a sitter on day three of the fourth Test with India, but the Aussie skipper wasn't having a bar of it blaming the Spider cam

THERE was a controversial finish to the opening session of day three when Steve Smith appeared to blame Spidercam for a dropped catch.

Smith was well positioned under the ball after Lokesh Rahul sent a shot skyward, but appeared to misjudge the flight as it came down and grassed the chance.

The Aussie skipper pointed to the sky afterward, perhaps indicating the ball had hit Channel 9's roving camera, or the wires which control it.

The missed opportunity allowed Rahul to reach his half century before lunch. India is 2/122.

12.30pm — INDIA'S STRUGGLES ON THE ROAD PUT IN PERSPECTIVE

Improving India's away record will be Virat Kohli's biggest challenge as captain. Source: News Corp Australia

WHILE our attention has been on this series the West Indies have completed a two Test trip to South Africa.

Unsurprisingly, the Windies failed to win a game.

It continues an unbelievably barren stretch away from home for the former kings of Test cricket, which was highlighted by this tweet:

That's one win from 65 games on the road if you exclude cricket minnows Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Wow.

It's something this Indian side can hang on to considering they've won just four of 29 Test matches away from home since mid-2010.

Not that road wins have been common in Test cricket this decade.

South Africa (10W, 9D, 2L) is the only team in the world to have won more games than they've lost since the start of 2010. Australia's record is nine wins, five draws and 14 defeats.

India looks unlikely to add to its tally in this match as runs continue to be hard to come by at the SCG.

Lokesh Rahul has just notched his half century from 161 balls after surviving a dropped catch from Steve Smith.

Virat Kohli is 16 not out from 33 balls. The score is 2/122 at lunch. India added 1/51 in 30 overs in the opening session.

11.50am — LYON OPENS HIS ACCOUNT

Nathan Lyon took a wicket in his second over of the day. Source: News Corp Australia

THE pressure Australia built during a tedious morning has paid off with the wicket of Rohit Sharma.

The Indian No. 3 attempted to sweep a Nathan Lyon delivery but under-edged it onto his stumps.

The wicket leaves India 2/97 and brings star batsman Virat Kohli to the crease.

11.30am — SLOOOOOOOOW START IN SYDNEY

Lokesh Rahul has been showing off his forward defence. Source: AFP

YAWN. That pretty much sums up the first hour of today's play at the SCG.

India has scored a paltry 19 runs from 15 overs as Australia attempts to build pressure with tight lines.

There have been seven maidens already.

Lokesh Rahul went a marathon 31 deliveries without scoring a run at one point and has crawled to 41 not out. Rohit Sharma (47 not out) hasn't been much better.

It's been that bad we're even going to excuse some of the inane commentary that's come from the Channel 9 team this morning.

There's so little to talk about they've already run highlights of two Australian Prime Ministers (Bob Hawke drinking beer and John Howard bowling poorly).

10.50am — HADDIN JOINS THE FIFTY SIXES CLUB

Brad Haddin is only the third wicketkeeper to hit 50 sixes. Source: News Corp Australia

ONE statistic we overlooked yesterday that's worth mentioning was Brad Haddin joining the fifty sixes club.

The Aussie wicketkeeper's audacious long-ball down the ground off his first delivery saw him become just the fourth Aussie to reach the milestone.

Adam Gilchrist is the world record holder with 100 sixes, all though New Zealand's Brendon McCullum (92) is closing fast.

Matthew Hayden (82), Ricky Ponting (73) and now Haddin are the other Australians among the 32 players to achieve the feat.

The full list, which can be viewed here, is filled with famous heavy hitters like Chris Gayle, Viv Richards and Andrew Flintoff. That's pretty good company.

It's been a slow start to today's play in Sydney. India has added just 12 runs to its overnight score of 1/71 from the first seven overs.

Australian wicket keeper Alyssa Healy predicts day three of Australia's fourth Test with India will be a tough one for the Aussies

10.15am — STARC THE LONG-TERM ANSWER TO JOHNSON

Mitchell Starc is surrounded by teammates after removing Murali Vijay last night. Source: AP

HE'S had his body language questioned by Shane Warne, been dropped from the team mid-series and pigeon-holed by some as a limited overs player, but in one Aussie cricketer's opinion Mitchell Starc is the next Mitchell Johnson.

Trent Copeland believes his Sydney Sixers teammate's ability to bowl consistently at 150km/h makes Starc Australia's enforcer-in-waiting.

"I've never had a doubt Starcy is going to be the guy that steps in when Mitchell Johnson retires ... Starcy is that man and yesterday we saw that," Copeland said.

"He was aggressive, he was at the Indian batsmen, he was bowling bouncers and hitting guys on the gloves."

You can hear more of what Copeland had to say in the video above.

He also discusses Starc's controversial send-off of Indian opener Murali Vijay and whether he thinks Shane Warne's criticism has fired him up.

Starc, who will hope to play a leading role as Australia targets the Indian batting order at the SCG today, also earnt praise from his captain last night.

"I thought Mitchell Starc really ramped it up and with a little more luck we could have had one or two more wickets," Steve Smith said.

The visitors resume at 1/71 in pursuit of Australia's first innings score of 7/572d.

Rohit Sharma (40) and Lokesh Rahul (31) are the not out batsmen.

Steve Smith stated it was a 'special moment' scoring another century but insists he remains focused on building a team performance.

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Burned body: Pregnant woman, two men arrested

A man and woman are arrested over the death of 20-year-old Dane McNeill in Picnic Point. Courtesy: NSW Police Media

AFTER six months waiting for answers, the family of a young Sydney man whose life was turned upside down by the drug ice is a step closer to knowing who killed the 20-year-old.

Dane McNeill had been a star ice hockey player in his teenage years, with dreams of playing in the NHL.

But in the months before his death last July, the 20-year-old fell in with the wrong crowd.

He had been dabbling in low-level drug dealing and had pleaded guilty in court to a string of drug charges last June.

Dane McNeill whose body was found at Picnic Point. Source: News Corp Australia

Dane McNeil had been a star ice hockey player. Source: Facebook

Dane McNeill was a promising ice hockey player, and played for Australia as a teen. Source: Supplied

A month later, his badly burned body was found dumped in a leafy reserve at Picnic Point, in Sydney's southwest.

In May 2014, on two separate occasions, police found him high on the drug ice in the middle of the night in St Andrews, also in Sydney's southwest.

On one occasion, he had a padlocked bag with scales, a drug tick book and ice, court documents state.

RELATED: ICE HOCKEY-LOVING DANE MCNEILL SKATED ON THIN ICE

RELATED: POLICE INVESTIGATE WHETHER DANE MCNEILL WAS TORTURED

He admitted to police he had been dealing "a bit", according to the documents.

Mr McNeill's loving family tried to pull their son out of his downward spiral.

"We were forever trying to help him but he just made his own choices," father Peter McNeill said in July.

This morning, a large contingent of police, assisted by riot squad officers and homicide detectives, arrested a 24-year-old man at a home in Bankstown.

Two hours later they arrested a 24-year-old pregant woman, who has a two-year-old child, at Liverpool.

Homicide Squad detectives have today arrested a man and a woman over the death of a man whose burnt remains were found at Picnic Point in July last year. Picture: NSW Police Media Source: Supplied

Homicide Squad detectives have today arrested a man and a woman over the death of a man whose burnt remains were found at Picnic Point in July last year.Picture: NSW Police Media Source: Supplied

Homicide Squad detectives have today arrested a man and a woman over the death of a man whose burnt remains were found at Picnic Point in July last year. Picture: NSW Police Media Source: Supplied

The man this afternoon was charged with Mr McNeill's murder while the woman is being questioned. She is expected to be charged in relation to the killing this afternoon.

A third person, the woman's partner, is also likely to be charged with murder. He is currently in jail on unrelated charges, reports The Daily Telegraph.

The arrests come after a six-month investigation by Strike Force Halfrey.

Police will allege Mr McNeill was assaulted at an address in Heckenberg on July 19, and kept captive overnight.

He was then taken to an address in Cartwright where he died after allegedly being assaulted and stabbed.

It is alleged Mr McNeill's body was taken to Picnic Point and set alight in the early hours of July 21.

It is understood his body was found in a suitcase.

Mr McNeill told the Liverpool Leader in 2007 of his dream of playing in the NHL.

"Hopefully there's no limit. I want to make the Australian team and play for Australia. It's fun, rough and it's very fast."

Mr McNeill's mother and father had reported him missing.

He survived by his two brothers, Ryan and Nate, as well has his girlfriend of about 18 months, Jade Patterson.

It's believed Dane McNeill's body was found in a suitcase. Source: Facebook

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Haddin’s brazen hit a delight

Brad Haddin made a perfect start to his innings in the fourth Test, smashing a six off the first ball.

Steve Smith salutes the crowd after passing 50 on day one. Source: AFP

FOLLOW the live coverage of day two of the fourth Test at the SCG.

A partly cloudy day is expected in Sydney, with a top temperature of 29C.

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

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

LIVE SCOREBOARD: AUSTRALIA vs INDIA FOURTH TEST

5.30pm — HADDIN'S HIT A SYMBOL OF AUSSIE DOMINANCE

Brad Haddin showed India whose boss on day two. Source: Getty Images

IF there was one shot that illustrated Australia's dominance on day two of the fourth Test it was Brad Haddin's first ball six off Mohammed Shami.

The confident Aussie wicketkeeper launched Shami straight down the ground to join Greg Chappell (1975) and Tim Wall (1930) as the only Aussies to score six runs off the first delivery they faced in a Test match.

It was one of countless highlights in Australia's mammoth first innings total of 7/572 declared, which was set up in the morning by Steve Smith's fourth century of the series.

The Aussie skipper became the first man to score hundreds in the first innings of his first three Tests as captain and fell just short of breaking Ricky Ponting's record for most runs by an Aussie in a four Test series.

Shane Watson (81), Shaun Marsh (73) and Joe Burns (58) also made good scores as all six of Australia's top order passed the half century mark for the first time in history.

Ryan Harris played an entertaining cameo — scoring 25 from nine balls — before Mitchell Starc put India on the back foot immediately by removing Murali Vijay for a duck.

But that was the home side's sole breakthrough in the final session as Rohit Sharma (40 not out) and KL Rahul (31 not out) showed the quality of the pitch by guiding India to 1/71 at stumps.

Continue reading for all the best moments, statistics and photographs from day two and rejoin us tomorrow at 10.30am.

As hundrerds of Richie Benauds prepared to descend on the SCG for the second day of the fourth Test, Billy Birmingham of 12th man fame put on a master class on how to impersonate the great man.

4.40pm — INDIA BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES

Steve Smith has thrown the ball to Nathan Lyon early. Source: News Corp Australia

HOPES of Australia running through the Indian top order have been given a reality check in the past half hour — this is going to take some time.

Mitchell Starc (1/9 from 4 overs) and Ryan Harris (0/6 from 4) hit the right areas but this pitch still favours the batsmen.

KL Rahul has played a lot more steadily than he did in Melbourne to reach six not out from 24 deliveries, while Rohit Sharma is 18 not out from 38.

Steve Smith didn't waste any time getting Nathan Lyon into the attack, throwing him the ball before the 10th over. The score is 1/24.

4pm — STARC CLAIMS VIJAY THIRD BALL

Starc's passionate celebration after removing Vijay. Source: Getty Images

MITCHELL Starc has taken the key wicket of Murali Vijay with just the third ball of the innings.

The Indian opener has been a thorn in Australia's side this series, scoring one century and three fifties, but is back in the sheds for a duck.

Vijay has been disciplined at leaving balls outside his off stump but he played a loose drive at a Starc delivery and sent an edge through to Brad Haddin to leave India 1/0.

Starc gave Vijay a bit of a send off too despite calls in the lead up to the game to cut them out.

3.50pm — HARRIS ADDS THE ICING

Ryan Harris provided some lower order fireworks. Source: Getty Images

STEVE Smith has declared at 7/572, giving his bowlers 25 overs to attack the Indian top order this evening.

Ryan Harris pushed Australia to its sixth highest score at the SCG with an entertaining knock of 25 runs from nine balls.

He clubbed his first two deliveries for four and took 18 from one Bhuvneshwar Kumar over to have the SCG crowd chanting "Harris".

He was caught hooking at deep backward square leg off Mohammed Shami to give the Indian paceman a five wicket haul.

3.35pm — BURNS GOES DOWN SWINGING

Mohammed Shami has taken four wickets. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA looks ready to declare soon after Joe Burns was caught trying to hit Mohammed Shami for six.

Burns made a patient 58 from 114 balls but opened his shoulders after the tea break.

After hitting Shami down the ground for four, he attempted another boundary but was caught at deepish mid on by KL Rahul.

Despite posting his first Test half century Burns still finishes with the lowest score of Australia's top six batsmen.

Shami has quite decent figures of 4/105. Australia is 6/546.

3.10pm — FIRST SIX AUSSIE BATSMEN POST FIFTIES

Joe Burns posted his first Test fifty. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA's top six batsmen have posted fifties in the same innings for the first time in history after Joe Burns made his first half century today.

Burns (52 not out) combined with Shaun Marsh (73) in a 114 run partnership, the third 100+ stand of the innings.

Marsh's innings came to an end when he was caught behind off Mohammed Shami.

Brad Haddin (seven not out) replaced him at the crease and hit Shami for six off the first delivery he faced.

Australia is 5/538 at tea. The score is the 10th highest by an Australian side at the SCG.

Highest Australian scores at the SCG:

4/659d v India, 2012

8/659d v England, 1946

619 v West Indies, 1969

586 v England, 1894

581 v England, 1920

568 v Pakistan, 2005

554 v South Africa, 2002

5/552d v India, 2000

547 v West Indies, 1969

4/538* v India, 2015

2.10pm — MARSH'S FIFTY LEAVES AUSSIE EYEING RECORD

Shaun Marsh displays the style which makes him so good to watch. Source: Getty Images

SHAUN Marsh has become the fifth Australian batsmen to score fifty runs in this innings, leaving the Aussies just one short of their all-time record.

It ramps up the pressure on second-gamer Joe Burns, who is 30 not out midway through the second session.

He's taking the responsibility seriously too, recently enduring a stretch of 22 consecutive dot balls.

David Warner (101), Chris Rogers (95), Shane Watson (81) and Steve Smith (117) all comfortably passed the half century mark earlier in the innings.

The all-time Test record for most Test fifties in an innings is seven and shared by England (v Australia, 1934), Pakistan (v India, 2005-06) and Sri Lanka (v England, 2006)

After showing signs of life by removing Watson and Smith, India seems to be waiting for the inevitable Australian declaration.

The score is 4/486.

1.30pm — PLENTY FOR MARSH, BURNS TO PLAY FOR

Joe Burns has scored 16 runs from as many balls since lunch. Source: News Corp Australia

SHAUN Marsh and Joe Burns have started the second session of day two in positive fashion after a slow period before lunch.

Marsh is 23 not out while Burns, after taking 18 deliveries to get off the mark, is 16 from 33. Australia is 4/445.

After making 99 in Melbourne, Marsh is still looking for his first hundred on home soil.

Burns failed in both innings at the MCG so will be desperate to post a score to press his claims for a place on Australia's tour to the West Indies and England later this year.

12.45pm — HOW INDIA BROUGHT IN THE NEW YEAR

Ishant Sharma shows why there ain't no party like a Bollywood party. Source: Facebook

Ravi Ashwin: a rose between two thorns? Source: Facebook

SO this is why the Indian bowlers have been so substandard in the Sydney Test ...

To be fair, Ishant Sharma isn't playing in this Test and we're hardly going to hang Ravi Ashwin out to dry for enjoying a glass of wine on New Year's Eve.

These are just a couple of photographs that were sent in showing members of the Indian cricket team enjoying NYE celebrations at the Bollywood Club at Ivy in Sydney.

There's plenty more on the club's Facebook page if you're interested, plus a video of the team showering the crowd with champagne.

12.30pm — SMITH FALLS SHORT OF PONTING'S MARK

Steve Smith was caught behind for 117. Source: News Corp Australia

STEVE Smith has narrowly missed out on reaching Ricky Ponting's record for the most runs by an Australian in a four Test series.

Smith was out caught behind off Umesh Yadav for 117, leaving him with 698 runs for the series.

Ponting scored 706 against India in 2003-4 — a mark Smith may get a chance to pass if he gets a hit in the second innings.

Australia is 4/420 at lunch. Shaun Marsh (14 from 38 balls) and Joe Burns (0 from 17 balls) have made cautious starts to their innings.

Steve Smith has scored his fourth century of series at the SCG, becoming the first Australian to score three tons in his first three Tests as captain.

11.45am — WATSON GOES FOR 81

Shane Watson's 13-month wait for a Test century goes on. Source: AP

SHANE Watson's inability to turn fifties into hundreds was on show again this morning when he holed out for 81.

Watson has now scored 24 Test fifties but only four centuries.

It's the worst conversion rate of any Australian with 2000 Test runs to his name outside of Shane Warne — who scored 12 fifties but never reached triple figures.

Attempting to pull a short Mohammed Shami delivery over the fence, Watson didn't quite connect and hit it straight to Ravi Ashwin at midwicket.

Australia is 3/402. Steve Smith is 111 not out.

11.15am — SMITH POSTS CENTURY

Steve Smith is closing in on one of Don Bradman's records. Source: Getty Images

STEVE Smith is scoring so many runs it's getting hard to think of new ways to describe his batting.

The Aussie skipper just passed triple figures for the fourth time in the series and became the first man to score centuries in the first innings of his first three Tests as captain.

"He's making batting look easy," Michael Slater said.

Only four men have bettered Smith's effort of scoring hundreds in four consecutive Tests.

Sir Don Bradman holds the record with six (all scored against England from 1937 to 1938), while Jacques Kallis (South Africa), Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan) and Gautum Gambhir (India) have scored five.

Smith charged to 102 not out this morning as Australia eyes a huge score at 2/383.

Shane Watson is 73 not out.

10.50am — DAVID WARNER'S FREAKISH STATS

David Warner is scoring hundreds at a near record rate. Source: News Corp Australia

WHILE we wait for Steve Smith and Shane Watson to get their eye in early on day two (the score is 2/359), it's worth revisiting David Warner's record after another ton yesterday.

Cricket.com.au has produced some fascinating statistics about Warner's ability to score hundreds.

According to stats compiled by Mazher Arshad, Warner is scoring tons more often than any Aussie batsmen in history not named Sir Donald Bradman.

Warner has 12 centuries from 67 innings, good for sixth place on the all-time list.

Lowest innings/century ratio in Tests (minimum 10 centuries)

2.75 — Don Bradman, Australia (80 innings, 29 centuries)

4 — George Headley, West Indies (40 innings, 10 centuries)

4.93 — Clyde Walcott, West Indies (74 innings, 15 centuries)

5.25 — Herbert Sutcliffe, England (84 innings, 16 centuries)

5.4 — Everton Weekes, West Indies (81 innings, 15 centuries)

5.58 — David Warner, Australia (67 innings, 12 centuries)

Warner is also showing nerves of steel during the nineties.

He's now scored the fourth most hundreds of any Test batsmen without getting out in the nineties.

Bradman (29) and England's Michael Vaughan (18) and Sir Ian Botham (14) are the only players ahead of him.

The other interesting stat from the cricket.com.au piece was that Australia's total of 2/348 on day one was the third highest on the opening day of a Sydney Test.

10am — RECORDS WITHIN SMITH'S REACH

Steve Smith and Shane Watson will resume with the score at 2/348 this morning. Source: News Corp Australia

TODAY could be a historic day at the SCG as Steve Smith looks to put the finishing touches on his sublime series.

The Aussie captain has the opportunity to quickly climb the list of most runs by an Australian in a Test series this morning, entering the day in 13th place.

Currently 82 not out, Smith needs just 44 more runs to move past Ricky Ponting into seventh place on the list.

Most runs in a Test series for Australia

974 — Don Bradman v England, 1930

839 — Mark Taylor v England, 1989

834 — Neil Harvey v South Africa, 1952-53

810 — Don Bradman v England, 1936-37

758 — Don Bradman v England, 1934

715 — Don Bradman v India, 1947-48

706 — Ricky Ponting v India, 2003-04

702 — Greg Chappell v West Indies, 1975-76

699 — Doug Walters v West Indies, 1968-69

696 — Arthur Morris v England, 1948

680 — Don Bradman v England, 1946-47

667 — Bill Lawry v West Indies, 1968-69

663* — Steve Smith v India, 2013-14

Smith can become the first man in history to score centuries in the first innings of his first three Tests as captain.

A century would also see him join Jacques Kallis as the only players to score hundreds in all four Tests of a four Test series.

Shane Watson will be looking to ease the pressure on his position in the batting line-up by reaching triple figures.

He starts at 62 not out in Australia's total of 2/348.

Good to see 'The Richies' making their way to the ground too.

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‘It was the worst two months of my life’

Glenn Maxwell is to determined to add to his three Tests for Australia. Source: Getty Images

GLENN Maxwell has opened up about the heartache he endured after Phillip Hughes' death, which he says was made more difficult because he shares a house with Hughes' best mate, Aaron Finch.

In a revealing interview with cricket.com.au's Sam Ferris, Maxwell discusses the torment of the past two months, which started with him losing his place in the Test side.

"It's been a weird season," Maxwell said.

"To go in and out of random formats, and in and out of teams, it's been pretty tough after what's happened with Hughesy.

"You combine that with everything else that was going on, it was probably the worst two months of my life right there, and that (Hughes' passing) was the icing on the cake."

Glenn Maxwell has been refreshingly honest about a tough period in his life. Source: Getty Images

Maxwell shares a house in Melbourne with fellow Aussie cricketer Finch and said it was a hard place to live after Hughes died in November.

"Living with Finchy probably didn't help either," Maxwell said.

"He was obviously best mates with him (and) we went through different stages of grieving at different times.

"The first week he didn't want to talk about it and I sort of did. That didn't really sit well with either of us.

"Then the second week I didn't want to talk about it and he did. We were on different paths the whole time.

"I really struggled to deal with that."

Maxwell was the talk of the town after leaving this delivery in the Big Bash. Source: Supplied

Maxwell, who is one of the most talented hitters in Australian cricket but has struggled with consistency, says Hughes continues to be in his thoughts.

"I had a dream about him the other night and woke up really emotional," he said.

"I keep having random moments of weakness where I just lose it because I start thinking about him."

Maxwell also discusses his lack of opportunity in the longer form of the game since scoring 544 runs in last year's Sheffield Shield.

You can read the full article here.

A tribute to cricketer Phillip Hughes.

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Annoying photos tourists take

You've spent so many hours perfecting this shot you've run out of time to see the actual museum. Source: Supplied

THEY'RE the cliched photos that tourists can't help but take. From holding up the leaning tower of Pisa to kissing an Egyptian sphinx, travellers will pose for hours, grinning proudly as though its never been done before.

Ending up on Facebook and Instagram or in your inbox at work, it's not just the photos that make us cringe but as one guide said, it's what you look like posing for them too. These are the most annoying photos tourists take on holidays.

Holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Nope, you're not the first tourist to think of this. Picture: Averain. Source: Flickr

Posing with a Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace

Here we go again. We can only imagine what the guard is thinking. Source: Getty Images

Touching the top of the Louvre

Yep it's amazing, we don't know how you did it. Picture: jbelluch. Source: Flickr

Kissing a sphinx

The most loved up sphinx in Egypt. Picture: ephysimon Source: Flickr

Squeezing the Statue of Liberty

How long did he stand like this for we wonder? Picture: nan palermo. Source: Flickr

Crossing Abbey Road in London

A dead ringer for the Beatles. Picture: Shht! Source: Flickr

Holding a pyramid in Giza

What is it about pyramids and tourists? Picture: yosoynuts. Source: Flickr

And this is what you look like to an outsider. Picture: dearanxiety. Source: Flickr

Re-enacting Christ the Redeemer

We're not sure this has quite the same effect. Picture: over — kind — man. Source: Flickr

Pinching the top of the Eiffel Tower

Another tourist pinching the top of a huge monument. Picture: vl8189. Source: Flickr

Squashing the Washington Monument

Ready to crumble at the strength of your hands. Picture: m01229. Source: Flickr

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