The World Health Organisation designates a new COVID variant in South Africa as one "of concern", Australia has introduced a raft of border security measures in response to the new variant, The Adelaide Strikers will take on the Perth Scorchers in the Women's Big Bash League final in Perth tonight.

The World Health Organisation designates a new Covid variant in South Africa as one "of concern", a giant of musical theatre, Stephen Sondheim dies aged 91 and World Number 1 Novak Djokovic helps Serbia advance in their Davis Cup opener against Austria.

Countries impose travel bans on South Africa as a new COVID19 variant threatens to cross borders, Veterans and families urged to speak out as the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicides begins and Pat Cummins confirmed as Australian Test cricket captain as predecessor Tim Paine takes a leave of absence from the game.

Peter Dutton defends his war talk over China and Taiwan; Scott Morrison under fire over his attack on the Independent Commission Against Corruption and Pat Cummins to be Australia's cricket captain.

A man faces court accused of killing two missing Victorian campers; Australian Federal Police arrive in the Solomon Islands to help restore order and Tim Paine to take a leave of absence from all forms of cricket.