Excluding special items, earnings were 35 cents per share, ahead of the analysts' average forecast of 31 cents, according to Thomson Financial.

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However, BBC Test Match Special commentator Simon Mann revealed on Twitter that heavy rain in Melbourne on Thursday - with more forecast for Friday - could put the Twenty20 match in doubt.

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Excluding special items, earnings reached 27 cents per share, a penny ahead of the Street's forecast.

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But he forecast a strong season ahead for himself and the team, and the former GP2 champion reserved a special welcome for the return of slick tyres to the sport.

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