Sydney, Nov 18 : A French appeal court has refused to annul the marriage of a Muslim couple after the husband discovered his bride was not a virgin, the hubby’s lawyer has said.

The groom, a Muslim engineer in his 30s sought the annulment after realising his bride was not a virgin on the night of their marriage in a civil ceremony in July 2006.

A lower court in April, ruled in favour and the couple’s marriage was annulled.

Sydney, Nov 18 : Former Aussie opener Justin Langer has said that after the just concluded India series he has changed his mind about Australia''s Test batting opening partnership, once again favouring his former opening mate Simon Katich instead of the newcomer Phil Jaques, who averages 47.47.

One century and three 50s by Katich, besides his tenacity and aggression, have convinced Langer about his utility for the Oz team.

Sydney, Nov 18 : Australian fast bowler Bret Lee has said that his bowling speed would increase as he grows older. He said his bowling will reach peak speed in his mid-30s, and added that he always focused on fitness.

He said he alter his approach to fast bowling as he approached his mid-30s.

Sydney  - Fea

Sydney - Australians were shocked to learn Tuesday that the Navy ships that protect their shores were taking most of the southern hemisphere summer off so sailors could holiday with their families.

"It's about getting a culture in place that's about working smarter not harder, and I think we owe that to our people," Navy Chief Vice Admiral Russ Crane told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Having all hands off deck over December and January has incensed opposition Liberal Party defence spokesman David Johnson.

Sydney, Nov 18: Australian batsman Andrew Symonds, who was included into his national side after being sacked for having “gone fishing” in Darwin instead of attending an important team meeting, has said that he had lately realized that alcohol played a part in his poor attitude this year and getting axed from the squad.

He said that the Darwin episode was the “wake-up call” for him and that he needed to address his behaviour.