Australia And New Zealand

Heatwave is stressing out bats in Australia

Ecologist Jason Van Weenen says bats in Adelaide's Botanic Park are getting more and more stressed. They're starting to cluster in the trees in large clumps, which signals trouble.

Ruthless Serena makes strong start in Melbourne return

Serena Williams was relentless in her first appearance at Melbourne Park since winning the title in 2017, losing only five points in the opening set on her way to a 6-0, 6-2 win over Tatjana Maria in just 49 minutes.

Australian Open: Battling Murray crashes out as Federer, Nadal fight on

Gutsy Andy Murray fought to the end before losing an epic farewell match at the hands of Roberto Bautista Agut. But it was business as usual for ruthless Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who joined Caroline Wozniacki in round two.

Injured Murray says Australian Open could be his last tournament

Five-times a runner up at Melbourne Park, Andy Murray had surgery on the hip a year ago and has been unable to recover his best form.

Australian FM says no time frame to decide case of Saudi woman

Australia is considering a UN request to give asylum to 18-year-old Rahaf Mohammed al Qunun after she made headlines with her attempt to flee her allegedly abusive family.

Australian police arrest man over suspicious packages sent to embassies

Federal police said the man was arrested at his home in rural Victoria state late Wednesday.

Suspicious packages sent to diplomatic missions in Australia

Police did not identify any of the embassies or consulates involved. Australian media say the missions affected include the UK, US, New Zealand, India, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Germany, Greece, Spain, Seychelles, Switzerland, Croatia and Egypt.

Cricket: India win first Test series in Australia

Captain Virat Kohli's team entered the final day with hopes of a 3-1 series victory and also its first win at the SCG since 1978. But rain meant there was no play and umpires called it off early, giving India a 2-1 series win.

Australian attempt to strip Daesh recruiter of citizenship hits snag

Australia planned to strip Melbourne-born Neil Prakash of his citizenship on the grounds he was a dual citizen with Fiji. Fiji says he's not. Prakash is currently on trial in Turkey over his work for the terrorist organisation.

Australia closes controversial immigrant detention centre

Maribyrnong detention centre is one of several facilities used to lock up immigrants who arrive into the country without papers.

In pictures: World welcomes 2019

Revellers welcome the new year with fireworks display and festivities as a celebratory wave sweeps westward across the globe from Asia to Europe and the Americas at the conclusion of a tumultuous year.

Cricket: Assured India sniff maiden series win in Sydney

Leading the series 2-1 after the 137-run thrashing of Tim Paine's depleted Australia in Melbourne on Sunday, Virat Kohli's team are in the box seat to shrug off the nation's history of underachievement Down Under.