It is safe to put your umbrella away - but just for today. There is a very good chance of needing to pull your brolly out every day this week ... but on this fine Sunday, weather forecasters predict clouds but little to no chance of rain. We've woken up to an eight-degree morning and the weather bureau says we're heading for a top of 14 degrees.

BREAKING NEWS

Michael Clarke speaks during a press conference after he announced his retirement. Photo: Ryan Pierse

• Michael Clarke endorses Steve Smith as his successor as he begins preparing to captain Australia for a final time
• A man has died following a head-on car crash in Melbourne's west on Saturday night
• Police appeal for help to find a missing Wodonga woman
• Man sought over two sex attacks within a week in Richmond

TRANSPORT

Metro Trains has announced works alerts on the Cranbourne, Frankston, Pakenham, Sandringham and South Morang lines this weekend. Plan your journey here.

FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD READ

Starting to have babies late? Don't worry. Elderly primiparae face fewer challenges than you might think. Photo: Simon O'Dwyer

• Tony Abbott dragged down by expenses scandal as Bill Shorten surges ahead
• Former federal politicians have launched a High Court bid to claw bigger allowances
• Lost trust would return if MPs admitted wrongdoing and said sorry, writes Josephine Cafagna
• Starting late? Don't worry. Elderly mothers are faring better than you might expect
• Helicopter parents are raising a generation of therapised children

SPORTS WRAP

Alastair Cook of England celebrates winning the Ashes series. Photo: Laurence Griffiths

• Ashes 2015: Michael Clarke bows to time and tide, writes Greg Baum
• Ashes 2015: England ruthlessly finish off Australia to emphatically regain urn
• AFL 2015: Joel Selwood's banner night gets Geelong home
• AFL 2015: Hawthorn beat West Coast by 14 points
• AFL 2015: Port Adelaide has a Dog of a day

WHAT'S ON?

• Take your pick at the Supersense Festival this weekend. artscentremelbourne.com.au
• Kids will love Melbourne Planetarium show We Are Astronomers.  museumvictoria.com.au/planetarium
• Melt Away Chocolate Festival sweetens Docklands this weekend. meltawaymelbourne.com
• Yours the Face, the latest work from playwright Fleur Kilpatrick, is on for one final day at Theatreworks. theatreworks.org.au
• The Last Five Queers features five up-and-coming stars of Australian musical theatre. thebutterflyclub.com
• Heading to the Melbourne International Film Festival? Here's where to get the best coffee to keep you going.

PROPERTIES TO SEE

The best homes to get a peek at this weekend.

THE WEEK IN POLITICS

Have you been keeping up? Take the quiz. 

IT'S A WEIRD WORLD

Photobombing animals, a chicken with a prosthetic leg and a psychic 'communicating' with Cecil the lion in the afterlife (he's 'fine', by the way) ... what can we say? It's been a weird one.

SIX REASONS TO VISIT ...MOUNT HOTHAM

Here are six ways to make the most of winter amongst the powdery peaks.