Monday, August 17, 2009
Why Wolves, Birmingham and Burnley are fighting a losing battle in the Premier League
Why Chelsea and Manchester City are on a collision course with UEFA
Schumacher agony for Ferrari - but is Badoer the right alternative?
FOUR Manchester United nearly men with so much to prove
Britain's World Cup baseball stunners face funding crisis
Women boxing brings SHAME to the Olympics
The big questions facing Everton as Manchester City battle for Lescott
Aquilani to Liverpool for £15m - calculated risk or Benitez blunder?
Why F1 loser Piquet was always destined to finish behind Alonso
Manchester City's sordid Lescott dealing puts Moyes' Everton job on line
Why Fabregas is staying at Arsenal - and Messi not arriving from Barcelona
 | The European champions have made a strong play to take the Gunners skipper home to Spain. But he's staying at the Emirates - at least for now. |
Arsene Wenger has made it clear: "How can people think we will sell Cesc Fabregas now, one day before the season starts?"
He's confident about the situation. His skipper is fully committed to the club - and the European kings won't be able to change that, though Barcelona are still hoping to bring back the playmaker to his former club.
"We are not in a weak financial position," claimed the French tactician.
Sure, Arsenal have already sold two of their talented stars. They will not have to sell Fabregas, and that means they won't.
Lose the Spanish ace, and it's practically goodbye to the Premier League trophy and maybe a Champions League position.
The problem, it seems, is with the player himself. There have been rumours about his dream return to Spain circulating for a few months.
Learn from Spurs' mistake, Moyes - and take the Liverpool way over Lescott
Premier League roundup: SIX of the best as Arsenal ruin Everton's day
Tiger claws out a two-shot lead at the PGA
CHASKA, Minnesota: What appeared to be a two-day coronation of Tiger Woods turned into a contest on Saturday at the US PGA Championship.
What had appeared an inevitable title, when Woods held a four-shot lead after two rounds, suddenly became filled with possibilities as his margin vanished along the back nine at Hazeltine. Only a late birdie by Woods and a lone bogey from Padraig Harrington gave the final major a familiar look. A conservative Woods wound up with a 1-under 71 and had a two-shot lead over Ireland's Harrington and South Korea's Y E Yang.
That left Woods one round away from capturing his 15th major, with more company than anyone expected. The advantage still belongs to Woods, who has never lost a major when he was leading going into the final round. Only once in his career - nine years ago - had he lost any tournament when leading by two shots or more.
The only fist pump Woods delivered on a blustery afternoon came on the par-4 14th. He hit 3-wood to the back of the green, chipped so poorly that it ran across the green and against the collar, then used the blade of his sand wedge to knock in a 15-foot birdie that allowed him to regain the lead.
Woods will play with Yang, who matched the best round of the tournament with a 67. Yang won his first PGA Tour event earlier this year at the Honda Classic, although he is better known for taking down Woods at the HSBC Champions in China three years ago.
What had appeared an inevitable title, when Woods held a four-shot lead after two rounds, suddenly became filled with possibilities as his margin vanished along the back nine at Hazeltine. Only a late birdie by Woods and a lone bogey from Padraig Harrington gave the final major a familiar look. A conservative Woods wound up with a 1-under 71 and had a two-shot lead over Ireland's Harrington and South Korea's Y E Yang.
That left Woods one round away from capturing his 15th major, with more company than anyone expected. The advantage still belongs to Woods, who has never lost a major when he was leading going into the final round. Only once in his career - nine years ago - had he lost any tournament when leading by two shots or more.
The only fist pump Woods delivered on a blustery afternoon came on the par-4 14th. He hit 3-wood to the back of the green, chipped so poorly that it ran across the green and against the collar, then used the blade of his sand wedge to knock in a 15-foot birdie that allowed him to regain the lead.
Woods will play with Yang, who matched the best round of the tournament with a 67. Yang won his first PGA Tour event earlier this year at the Honda Classic, although he is better known for taking down Woods at the HSBC Champions in China three years ago.
Arsenal enjoy six of best in early title warning
LONDON: Arsenal hammered out an early English Premier League title warning on Saturday when they crushed Everton 6-1 at Goodison Park, a timely reminder to Manchester United who begin their championship defence on Sunday.
Elsewhere on the opening day of the new season, Chelsea came from behind to defeat Hull 2-1 while moneybags Manchester City beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0.
Arsenal were 3-0 in front before half-time against an Everton side who finished fifth last time out with Brazilian midfielder Denilson putting the Gunners ahead with a 26th-minute curling shot that gave Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard no chance.
Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen marked his debut by heading in from a Robin van Persie free-kick and it was a similar story when the equally unattended William Gallas nodded in from a Cesc Fabregas set-piece four minutes before the break.
Fabregas made it 4-0 early in the second-half when he crowned a rapid, length of the field, counter-attack with a stylish finish before the Spaniard scored his second after being allowed to run free by the Everton defence.
Eduardo added a sixth two minutes from time after Andrei Arshavin's shot came back off the post before Louis Saha pulled one back for Everton.
Elsewhere on the opening day of the new season, Chelsea came from behind to defeat Hull 2-1 while moneybags Manchester City beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0.
Arsenal were 3-0 in front before half-time against an Everton side who finished fifth last time out with Brazilian midfielder Denilson putting the Gunners ahead with a 26th-minute curling shot that gave Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard no chance.
Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen marked his debut by heading in from a Robin van Persie free-kick and it was a similar story when the equally unattended William Gallas nodded in from a Cesc Fabregas set-piece four minutes before the break.
Fabregas made it 4-0 early in the second-half when he crowned a rapid, length of the field, counter-attack with a stylish finish before the Spaniard scored his second after being allowed to run free by the Everton defence.
Eduardo added a sixth two minutes from time after Andrei Arshavin's shot came back off the post before Louis Saha pulled one back for Everton.
Trott in for Ashes finale
LONDON: Jonathan Trott will make his Test debut for England after being called up to the squad for the fifth and deciding Ashes game against Australia.
The 28-year-old South Africa-born Warwickshire batsman was named in a squad of 14 on Sunday with the two teams level at 1-1 going into the match at The Oval starting on Thursday.
"I'm (happy) as hell really," said Trott, who was born in Cape Town, played for South Africa at under-19 level but qualifies for England through his grandparents. "I've been playing pretty well this season so hope I can play well this week.
"I'm pretty much going to try and stay as relaxed as possible. I'd like to think that under pressure I perform. We'll see this week."
National selector Geoff Miller said Trott was close to a call-up for the fourth Test.
"He's a confident lad and he knows how good a player he is," Miller said. "There's no (more) gamble than anyone when you do select them for their debut. He's a quality player. He's got a very strong mental attitude. He's unfazed but you never know until you get thrown into the international arena how you're going to react to it. But we as selectors have every confidence that he will be able to surmount that and do the job he's required to do."
Trott has played in Twenty20 games for England, the backup Lions team and was called up for the fourth Test at Headingley after averaging more than 83 for Warwickshire only to be left out of the starting line-up.
"He was in the squad at Headingley and it's a consistent policy that we've had," Miller said. "He's been in quality form this year - he was the leading run scorer in the Lions. He's been part of the process for a while now and he deserves and merits his inclusion."
The selectors have dropped out-of-form Ravi Bopara after England lost the fourth Test by an innings and 80 runs at Headingley. He had scored only 105 runs in seven Test innings.
"Ravi Bopara has been going through a tough time with the bat in this series and we have decided to leave him out of the squad for this game," Miller said.
"He will be extremely disappointed but remains very much part of our plans for the future and I am sure that he has the talent and temperament to regain his place in the side.
"Ravi's omission means Jonathan Trott will make his Test debut. Having been part of the squad at Headingley, he was the next batsman in line in our view and this rewards him for the excellent form he has shown in county cricket both this summer and with England Lions over the winter."
All-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who has announced he will retire from Test cricket after the series, was included in the squad and is expected to return after missing Headingley with a knee injury.
England kept faith with Ian Bell, who is expected to bat at No 3 in place of Bopara, and chose Trott ahead of the more experienced Robert Key and veteran Mark Ramprakash, who has been in top form for Surrey in county cricket but hasn't played for England for seven years.
Monty Panesar, who played a dramatic role in the first Test, was brought into the squad but Graeme Swann is likely to be preferred as spinner, while paceman Graham Onions is likely to make way for Flintoff.
Miller said that both Flintoff and paceman James Anderson had improved after their injuries and were expected to be fit for the final Test.
Squad: Andrew Strauss (captain), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, Paul Collingwood, Matt Prior, Andrew Flintoff, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Steve Harmison, James Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom, Graham Onions, Monty Panesar.
The 28-year-old South Africa-born Warwickshire batsman was named in a squad of 14 on Sunday with the two teams level at 1-1 going into the match at The Oval starting on Thursday.
"I'm (happy) as hell really," said Trott, who was born in Cape Town, played for South Africa at under-19 level but qualifies for England through his grandparents. "I've been playing pretty well this season so hope I can play well this week.
"I'm pretty much going to try and stay as relaxed as possible. I'd like to think that under pressure I perform. We'll see this week."
National selector Geoff Miller said Trott was close to a call-up for the fourth Test.
"He's a confident lad and he knows how good a player he is," Miller said. "There's no (more) gamble than anyone when you do select them for their debut. He's a quality player. He's got a very strong mental attitude. He's unfazed but you never know until you get thrown into the international arena how you're going to react to it. But we as selectors have every confidence that he will be able to surmount that and do the job he's required to do."
Trott has played in Twenty20 games for England, the backup Lions team and was called up for the fourth Test at Headingley after averaging more than 83 for Warwickshire only to be left out of the starting line-up.
"He was in the squad at Headingley and it's a consistent policy that we've had," Miller said. "He's been in quality form this year - he was the leading run scorer in the Lions. He's been part of the process for a while now and he deserves and merits his inclusion."
The selectors have dropped out-of-form Ravi Bopara after England lost the fourth Test by an innings and 80 runs at Headingley. He had scored only 105 runs in seven Test innings.
"Ravi Bopara has been going through a tough time with the bat in this series and we have decided to leave him out of the squad for this game," Miller said.
"He will be extremely disappointed but remains very much part of our plans for the future and I am sure that he has the talent and temperament to regain his place in the side.
"Ravi's omission means Jonathan Trott will make his Test debut. Having been part of the squad at Headingley, he was the next batsman in line in our view and this rewards him for the excellent form he has shown in county cricket both this summer and with England Lions over the winter."
All-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who has announced he will retire from Test cricket after the series, was included in the squad and is expected to return after missing Headingley with a knee injury.
England kept faith with Ian Bell, who is expected to bat at No 3 in place of Bopara, and chose Trott ahead of the more experienced Robert Key and veteran Mark Ramprakash, who has been in top form for Surrey in county cricket but hasn't played for England for seven years.
Monty Panesar, who played a dramatic role in the first Test, was brought into the squad but Graeme Swann is likely to be preferred as spinner, while paceman Graham Onions is likely to make way for Flintoff.
Miller said that both Flintoff and paceman James Anderson had improved after their injuries and were expected to be fit for the final Test.
Squad: Andrew Strauss (captain), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, Paul Collingwood, Matt Prior, Andrew Flintoff, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Steve Harmison, James Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom, Graham Onions, Monty Panesar.
Shoaib apologises over TV interview
KARACHI: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has apologised to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for appearing on a television show without PCB's permission and accepted that he has violated the player's central contract.
A senior official of the board said that the fast bowler, who was served a show cause by the PCB, has replied back on July 31, apologising for his actions.
"Look, now he has to decide either he wants to play for Pakistan again or continue his dispute with the authorities. Both things are not possible," the official said.
The official said Shoaib Akhtar himself is now keen to mend fences with the authorities and wants to get back in the national side as he has realised that he didn't have too many years of cricket left in him.
"That is one reason why the PCB is also not playing up this issue and handling it quietly. In all likelihood they want to end this matter and drop any disciplinary action against him," another source in the board said.
Pakistan captain Younis Khan has said he has no problems having Shoaib Akhtar in the team as long as he performs.
"I am not bothered about what he does in his own time. That is not my concern as long as he is committed to the team and 100 percent fit to perform for the side," Younis said.
A senior official of the board said that the fast bowler, who was served a show cause by the PCB, has replied back on July 31, apologising for his actions.
"Look, now he has to decide either he wants to play for Pakistan again or continue his dispute with the authorities. Both things are not possible," the official said.
The official said Shoaib Akhtar himself is now keen to mend fences with the authorities and wants to get back in the national side as he has realised that he didn't have too many years of cricket left in him.
"That is one reason why the PCB is also not playing up this issue and handling it quietly. In all likelihood they want to end this matter and drop any disciplinary action against him," another source in the board said.
Pakistan captain Younis Khan has said he has no problems having Shoaib Akhtar in the team as long as he performs.
"I am not bothered about what he does in his own time. That is not my concern as long as he is committed to the team and 100 percent fit to perform for the side," Younis said.
Tamim gatecrashes Coventry's party
BULAWAYO: Charles Coventry made the joint highest individual score in an ODI but his effort was outweighed by a sparkling, cool-headed century from Tamim Iqbal, who broke the record for the most runs made in an innings by a Bangladesh batsman here on Sunday.
Coventry's blockbuster innings pushed Zimbabwe beyond 300, far more than Bangladesh have chased before, but the visitors were rarely troubled as they hunted down the target to take their third consecutive series.
Earlier, Coventry equalled the highest One-day International score, hitting an unbeaten 194 to lead his team to 312-8 in the fourth match against Bangladesh.
Coventry smashed 16 fours and seven sixes in 156 balls to record his maiden ODI hundred and match the score made by Saeed Anwar for Pakistan against India in Chennai in 1997.
Playing in his first series since 2006, the 26-year-old Coventry also surpassed the highest ODI score by a Zimbabwean, previously held by Craig Wishart, who hit 172 not out against Namibia in Harare at the 2003 World Cup.
Despite Coventry's efforts Zimbabwe were unable to defend their total, with Bangladesh romping to victory with two overs and four wickets to spare. The 20-year-old Tamim Iqbal top scored with a personal best 154 from 138 balls.
Coventry's blockbuster innings pushed Zimbabwe beyond 300, far more than Bangladesh have chased before, but the visitors were rarely troubled as they hunted down the target to take their third consecutive series.
Earlier, Coventry equalled the highest One-day International score, hitting an unbeaten 194 to lead his team to 312-8 in the fourth match against Bangladesh.
Coventry smashed 16 fours and seven sixes in 156 balls to record his maiden ODI hundred and match the score made by Saeed Anwar for Pakistan against India in Chennai in 1997.
Playing in his first series since 2006, the 26-year-old Coventry also surpassed the highest ODI score by a Zimbabwean, previously held by Craig Wishart, who hit 172 not out against Namibia in Harare at the 2003 World Cup.
Despite Coventry's efforts Zimbabwe were unable to defend their total, with Bangladesh romping to victory with two overs and four wickets to spare. The 20-year-old Tamim Iqbal top scored with a personal best 154 from 138 balls.
Kiwis set for tough SL test
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| Monday, August 17, 2009 GALLE, Sri Lanka: New Zealand face a severe examination of their skill and stamina as they prepare to take on buoyant Sri Lanka in a two-Test series starting on Tuesday (tomorrow). On top of the challenge of playing on unfamiliar wickets in oppressive heat and humidity, Daniel Vettori's Black Caps will be up against a home side fresh from a 2-0 series win over Pakistan last month. Vettori admitted holding the hosts to two draws would be a good result for his inexperienced team, whose four Test wins over the past two years have included three against lowly Bangladesh. "You always want to go into a series wanting to win, but if we can pull off a couple of draws or win the series 1-0, that would be an exciting result for this team," the 92-Test veteran said. New Zealand last won a Test series in Sri Lanka 25 years ago in 1984, but managed to draw both matches on their last trip under Stephen Fleming in 2003. Sri Lanka, always formidable opponents at home, defeated Pakistan in spite of missing master spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for the entire series due to a knee injury. Muralitharan, the world's most successful Test bowler with 770 wickets, is now back to torment the Black Caps, many of whom have not played the wily off-spinner before. "It will be a learning curve for a number of our players as it will be against Murali as well," said fellow spinner Vettori. "For some of the guys this is the first time they will be seeing Murali." To counter the problem, the Kiwis hired former Pakistan Test player Saqlain Mushtaq to prepare their batsmen to face the turning ball, especially the 'doosra,' the off-spinner's googly that turns the other way after pitching. Also bowling to them in the nets ahead of the series was an unknown 19-year-old English player, Maurice Holmes, a bowler whose action resembles Muralitharan's who was discovered by the Kiwis during the World Twenty20 in England. New Zealand will, however, take heart from Sri Lanka's vulnerable batting. The side only managed to pass 300 once in six innings against Pakistan. Kumar Sangakkara's home team could also be unsettled by three consecutive losses to Pakistan in the final two one-day matches and a Twenty20 International over the past 10 days, although they took the one-day series 3-2. "There are a lot of areas we have to work on to become a consistently winning side," Sangakkara admitted. "We were to take the defeats on the chin and move on by learning from the mistakes we made. "The positive thing is we have a great bunch of players willing to stand up and be counted when the chips are down. "But it goes without saying that we must put up big scores in the two Tests, something we were not able to do against Pakistan." New Zealand's best chance in the series lies in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium where seam bowlers took 21 of the 40 wickets during the Pakistan match last month. The second Test will be played at the Sinhalese sports club in Colombo from August 26-30, followed by two Twenty20 Internationals and a limited-overs tri-series also featuring India. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hughes stands his ground in Lescott row
BLACKBURN, England: Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has refused to back down in his growing war of words with Everton counterpart David Moyes over the attempted signing of England defender Joleon Lescott.
All the indications are that City, now one of the wealthiest clubs in the Premier League, will return with an improved bid next week.
City have failed with three official offers for Lescott, earning the contempt of Moyes in the process with the Everton boss launching a vitriolic verbal attack on Hughes on the eve of Saturday's season openers.
But Hughes, speaking after City had won 2-0 away to Blackburn Rovers with goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Stephen Ireland, was unrepentant.
"It wasn't a surprise seeing David's comments," Hughes told reporters here at Ewood Park.
"He feels a little bit aggrieved at the situation, you always are when a club comes and tries to acquire your better players.
"But all we're trying to do is conduct our business in the right way through the proper channels. Sometimes trying to ring a player to a club runs its course and you walk away. But maybe at the moment the situation is fluid and there's a chance Everton will change their minds. It's not finished yet as we understand the situation."
Sources indicate that City are still optimistic that they will add Lescott to their near 100 million pounds pre-season spending, possibly in time for Saturday's home game with Wolves and there were times against Blackburn that the team's potential defensive shortcomings were evident.
All the indications are that City, now one of the wealthiest clubs in the Premier League, will return with an improved bid next week.
City have failed with three official offers for Lescott, earning the contempt of Moyes in the process with the Everton boss launching a vitriolic verbal attack on Hughes on the eve of Saturday's season openers.
But Hughes, speaking after City had won 2-0 away to Blackburn Rovers with goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Stephen Ireland, was unrepentant.
"It wasn't a surprise seeing David's comments," Hughes told reporters here at Ewood Park.
"He feels a little bit aggrieved at the situation, you always are when a club comes and tries to acquire your better players.
"But all we're trying to do is conduct our business in the right way through the proper channels. Sometimes trying to ring a player to a club runs its course and you walk away. But maybe at the moment the situation is fluid and there's a chance Everton will change their minds. It's not finished yet as we understand the situation."
Sources indicate that City are still optimistic that they will add Lescott to their near 100 million pounds pre-season spending, possibly in time for Saturday's home game with Wolves and there were times against Blackburn that the team's potential defensive shortcomings were evident.
Sussex clinch English Twenty20 title
LONDON: Sussex won the English Twenty20 Cup for the first time on Saturday when they defeated Somerset by 63 runs in the final at Edgbaston.
West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Smith hammered 59 off only 26 deliveries with seven fours and three sixes to help Sussex reach 172 for seven after being put into bat.
Somerset never seriously threatened to achieve the highest ever score to win a domestic Twenty20 final once Marcus Trescothick had been dismissed for 33.
But they have the consolation of qualifying with Sussex for the Champions League, which takes place in India in October, where a six million dollar jackpot awaits the winners.
Sussex skipper Michael Yardy was looking forward to the Champions League.
"When you come to finals day, the Champions League is in the back of your mind. You want to win the competition," he said. "But now we have got there, it is something to really look forward to, against top players, and we want to do ourselves justice."
Somerset captain Justin Langer was disappointed with his side's performance.
"We didn't bowl as well as we did in the first game and they probably got a few too many runs. It was a bit different (batting) under lights because the ball spun a bit."
West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Smith hammered 59 off only 26 deliveries with seven fours and three sixes to help Sussex reach 172 for seven after being put into bat.
Somerset never seriously threatened to achieve the highest ever score to win a domestic Twenty20 final once Marcus Trescothick had been dismissed for 33.
But they have the consolation of qualifying with Sussex for the Champions League, which takes place in India in October, where a six million dollar jackpot awaits the winners.
Sussex skipper Michael Yardy was looking forward to the Champions League.
"When you come to finals day, the Champions League is in the back of your mind. You want to win the competition," he said. "But now we have got there, it is something to really look forward to, against top players, and we want to do ourselves justice."
Somerset captain Justin Langer was disappointed with his side's performance.
"We didn't bowl as well as we did in the first game and they probably got a few too many runs. It was a bit different (batting) under lights because the ball spun a bit."
Dilshan ready to take up opening role
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka are likely to go in with a new opening combination for the first Test against New Zealand beginning on Tuesday (tomorrow) in Galle.
Having sat out the limited-overs leg of the recently concluded home series against Pakistan due to injuries, Tillakaratne Dilshan is likely to feature at the top of the order on his return.
Dilshan, 32, had fractured his right index finger and underwent several stitches above his left eye on the second day of the third Test against Pakistan at the SSC. But following his 68 off 60 balls while opening for Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI against the New Zealanders in the tour game in Colombo, he is likely to replace Malinda Warnapura as Tharanga Paranavitana's opening partner.
"The selectors told me to have a knock here (in the tour match) as opener and I got a great opportunity to bat in the middle facing the new ball," said Dilshan. "It was good practice for me I am now ready for the Test match.
"The coach and Kumar Sangakarra discussed with me and they wanted me to come up the order as an opener to balance the side. I said if you want me to open I will do it. It's a new position for me in Test cricket. It's not easy like in the one-dayers, but I will try to deliver 100%. I am ready to accept the challenge."
It will be the first time Dilshan will be opening the innings during his 55-match Test career, during which he has scored 3166 runs at 41.11. The pressure will also be eased off as he would no longer be required to don the wicketkeeping gloves with Prasanna Jayawardene having recovered from a finger injury.
Dilshan has continually strengthened his reputation as a limited-overs specialist, which has fetched him many accolades, the most recent being named Man of the Tournament at the World T20 in England. However, he was keen to repeat the success in the longest format as well.
"If the ball is in the right area to hit I will go for the shot straight away. I am not thinking whether it's one-day or Test cricket and whether it's the first over, it doesn't matter."
Having sat out the limited-overs leg of the recently concluded home series against Pakistan due to injuries, Tillakaratne Dilshan is likely to feature at the top of the order on his return.
Dilshan, 32, had fractured his right index finger and underwent several stitches above his left eye on the second day of the third Test against Pakistan at the SSC. But following his 68 off 60 balls while opening for Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI against the New Zealanders in the tour game in Colombo, he is likely to replace Malinda Warnapura as Tharanga Paranavitana's opening partner.
"The selectors told me to have a knock here (in the tour match) as opener and I got a great opportunity to bat in the middle facing the new ball," said Dilshan. "It was good practice for me I am now ready for the Test match.
"The coach and Kumar Sangakarra discussed with me and they wanted me to come up the order as an opener to balance the side. I said if you want me to open I will do it. It's a new position for me in Test cricket. It's not easy like in the one-dayers, but I will try to deliver 100%. I am ready to accept the challenge."
It will be the first time Dilshan will be opening the innings during his 55-match Test career, during which he has scored 3166 runs at 41.11. The pressure will also be eased off as he would no longer be required to don the wicketkeeping gloves with Prasanna Jayawardene having recovered from a finger injury.
Dilshan has continually strengthened his reputation as a limited-overs specialist, which has fetched him many accolades, the most recent being named Man of the Tournament at the World T20 in England. However, he was keen to repeat the success in the longest format as well.
"If the ball is in the right area to hit I will go for the shot straight away. I am not thinking whether it's one-day or Test cricket and whether it's the first over, it doesn't matter."
Miandad doesn't want full-time stint
KARACHI: Pakistan's legendary batsman Javed Miandad has made it clear that he is not interested in a full-time coaching job with the national team as he does not have time to focus on it.
"I was offered to coach the national team by PCB chairman immediately after he took over. But I refused because of time constraints," said Miandad who was recently appointed a batting consultant for national senior and junior teams.
Miandad, whose main job is to prepare Pakistan batsmen for next month's Champions Trophy, said he would take the job as a challenge.
"It is an exciting challenge. To be honest, there is nothing drastically wrong with our batsmen. It is just that they need someone to identify their small problems on a regular basis," Miandad said.
"My job is to identify the small mistakes and help them overcome them. I will help them improve their application and staying powers. At times our batsmen are playing shots too frequently and making the wrong shot selections," he added.
Captain Younis Khan and coach Intikhab Alam have hailed the appointment of Miandad as batting consultant and felt he can be a big help because of his deep insight into the game.
Maindad said more than the senior team he would enjoy working with the younger and under-19 players.
"I was offered to coach the national team by PCB chairman immediately after he took over. But I refused because of time constraints," said Miandad who was recently appointed a batting consultant for national senior and junior teams.
Miandad, whose main job is to prepare Pakistan batsmen for next month's Champions Trophy, said he would take the job as a challenge.
"It is an exciting challenge. To be honest, there is nothing drastically wrong with our batsmen. It is just that they need someone to identify their small problems on a regular basis," Miandad said.
"My job is to identify the small mistakes and help them overcome them. I will help them improve their application and staying powers. At times our batsmen are playing shots too frequently and making the wrong shot selections," he added.
Captain Younis Khan and coach Intikhab Alam have hailed the appointment of Miandad as batting consultant and felt he can be a big help because of his deep insight into the game.
Maindad said more than the senior team he would enjoy working with the younger and under-19 players.
India recall Dravid for Trophy, tri-series
CHENNAI: India recalled Rahul Dravid to the squad on Sunday for next month's tri-series in Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy in South Africa.
The former captain's last One-day International appearance came in October 2007 before selectors opted for a more youthful side with an eye on the 2011 World Cup.
The tri-series in Sri Lanka, which also involves New Zealand, will be held from September 8-14, while the Champions Trophy runs from September 22-October 5.
Indian selectors hope the 36-year-old will bolster the batting in the Champions Trophy on pacy South African pitches.
A young Indian batting unit struggled against short-pitched bowling at the Twenty20 World Cup in England in June.
Sachin Tendulkar returned to the frame after opting out of the one-day series in the West Indies, which the tourists won 2-1 last month, but explosive opener Virender Sehwag will miss both tournaments after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Sehwag went under the knife in June for a shoulder tear that had sidelined him for the Twenty20 World Cup and Caribbean trip.
Left-hander Suresh Raina returned to the limited-overs squad after recovering from a thumb injury while leg-spinner Amit Mishra replaced left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha.
Ishant Sharma will spearhead the five-man pace attack in the absence of experienced left-armer Zaheer Khan, who has been ruled out of action until the end of the year after undergoing surgery on an injured shoulder.
Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Yuvraj Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra, Rudra Pratap Singh, Ishant Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, Praveen Kumar, Amit Mishra and Abhishek Nayar.
The former captain's last One-day International appearance came in October 2007 before selectors opted for a more youthful side with an eye on the 2011 World Cup.
The tri-series in Sri Lanka, which also involves New Zealand, will be held from September 8-14, while the Champions Trophy runs from September 22-October 5.
Indian selectors hope the 36-year-old will bolster the batting in the Champions Trophy on pacy South African pitches.
A young Indian batting unit struggled against short-pitched bowling at the Twenty20 World Cup in England in June.
Sachin Tendulkar returned to the frame after opting out of the one-day series in the West Indies, which the tourists won 2-1 last month, but explosive opener Virender Sehwag will miss both tournaments after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Sehwag went under the knife in June for a shoulder tear that had sidelined him for the Twenty20 World Cup and Caribbean trip.
Left-hander Suresh Raina returned to the limited-overs squad after recovering from a thumb injury while leg-spinner Amit Mishra replaced left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha.
Ishant Sharma will spearhead the five-man pace attack in the absence of experienced left-armer Zaheer Khan, who has been ruled out of action until the end of the year after undergoing surgery on an injured shoulder.
Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Yuvraj Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra, Rudra Pratap Singh, Ishant Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, Praveen Kumar, Amit Mishra and Abhishek Nayar.
Army retain title, Navy finish second in National Boxing
KARACHI: Army strongly defended the title after they finished with 120 points while Navy and Sindh Rangers claimed second and third positions in the 33rd KESC Cup National Boxing Championship concluded here at the PSB Coaching Centre on Friday night.
Army claimed seven gold, one silver and a bronze medal finishing on the top with 120 points while Navy (100 points) concluded the four-day expedition with three gold, five silver and a bronze medal. Sindh Rangers finished third with two silver and five bronze medals.
Army claimed seven gold, one silver and a bronze medal finishing on the top with 120 points while Navy (100 points) concluded the four-day expedition with three gold, five silver and a bronze medal. Sindh Rangers finished third with two silver and five bronze medals.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
World Cup 2011 matches not to be held in Pakistan’s: Minister
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Sports Pir Aftab Shah Jillani has said that despite serving legal notice to International Cricket Council (ICC), matches of World Cup 2011 would not be held in Pakistan.
Kambli retires from international cricket
Vinod Kambli, who last played international cricket in 2000 and senior domestic cricket in 2004-05, has announced his retirement from international cricket. He will continue to make himself available for domestic selection.
Kambli made the announcement at the inauguration of his sports academy, Khel Bharati, in the presence of Virender Sehwag, who inaugurated the academy, and Ramakant Acharekar, who coached Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar during their youth.
Kambli, 37, has gradually gone farther and farther from the selectors' sights after he was dropped in 2000. His international career was a classic story of promise gone wrong. He announced himself to the world with double-centuries in his third and fourth Tests, but sadly took the fast route to destruction. He made nine comebacks into the ODI team, but played his last Test in 1995, before he had turned 24. Since being out of the Indian and Mumbai teams, he has tried his hand at movies and reality shows on the small screen.
Ireland hungry for fourth straight win
Kyle McCallan, the Ireland offspinner, expects a battle when the defending champions take on Scotland in the ICC Intercontinental Cup at Mannofield in Aberdeen on Monday.
McCallan said it was Ireland's three-run victory against Scotland in Aberdeen in 2005 that sparked off their successful run in the ICC Intercontinental Cup, which they have won on the previous three occasions. "It's funny but despite winning the trophy three times, we probably want it even more this time," McCallan said. "We've got a real desire to show the world we're the best Associate team at all levels, and winning this is one of the best ways to do it. We've some fantastic memories over the past few years.
"Our games with Scotland over the years have always been battles, and I expect the game in Aberdeen to be no different," McCallan said. "They seem to be in something of a transition period but they got a great result last month against Canada and we would never take them lightly."
McCallan was preparing to lead against Scotland until Gloucestershire released William Porterfield, the regular Ireland captain, at the last minute from his county duties. Porterfield's availability strengthens a squad which already included Trent Johnston, Jeremy Bray, Andrew White and young talent such as Shane Getkate and Paul Stirling.
Scotland will be confident going into the match against Ireland, having begun their campaign by beating Canada outright at the same venue. They made four changes to that successful squad though. Lockhart replaced the injured Simon Smith as the wicketkeeper-batsman. Gordon Goudie returned from shoulder injury and replaced Calum MacLeod, while left-arm spinner Ross Lyons was selected ahead of legspinner Moneeb Iqbal. Stewart Chalmers received his first four-day call-up because of the injury to allrounder Jan Stander.
Ponting to take a break after Ashes
SYDNEY: Australia will give Test skipper Ricky Ponting a break after the crunch Ashes series with England as it experiments with its one-day and Twenty20 line-ups, selectors said Tuesday.
Ponting will miss both Australia’s Twenty20 matches against England, a one-off one-dayer against Scotland and the beginning of the one-day series against England as he returns home for a rest. Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said the Australian captain was “having his workload managed” as the team’s full schedule meant he would not get another break until next year. “This gives Michael Clarke another opportunity to captain the Australian Twenty20 and ODI side,” Hilditch said.
Batsman Mike Hussey was omitted from the Twenty20 side, along with bowlers Peter Siddle and Nathan Bracken. Hilditch said selectors wanted to assess the talents of bowlers Dirk Nannes and Adan Voges in the ultra-short form of the game ahead of next year’s ICC World Twenty20. “We are keen to look at different players as specialist Twenty20 players in these two matches,” he said. Wicket-keeper Tim Paine was called into the one-day squad, providing cover for Test glovesman Brad Haddin.
“Tim has been picked not only because he is an excellent wicketkeeper but because he has opened the batting in this form of the game with great success, which gives us good versatility if Brad Haddin misses any of the ODIs,” Hilditch said. Australia play Scotland on August 28 before two Twenty20 matches and a seven-match one-day series against England from September 4 to September 20. Ponting will return at some point of the one-day series but the selectors did not say when.
Rookie Umar can break my record, says Yasir
LAHORE: Applauding young batsman Umar Akmal for his brilliant performance in the recently concluded Sri Lanka one-day international series, Pakistan opener Yasir Hameed has said Umar has the potential to be a world-class batsman and break his record of scoring 1000 one-day runs in 24 innings. In an interview with a website, PakPassion.net, Yasir described Umar, younger brother of Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, as a stylish and talented batsman. “He’s a very talented and stylish batsman. It took me 24 innings to reach 1000 one-day runs which is the fastest for Pakistan, but I feel that Umar has the potential to break that record,” Yasir said. Yasir, who is currently playing league cricket in England, said Umar could become an important player in the middle order. “Umar has all the attributes to become an important part of the Pakistan middle order and he already has 192 runs in only four innings, so he has every chance of beating my record,” he said. The overall record of scoring 1000 runs in the least
number of innings is held by famous West Indian batsman Viv Richards who took just 21 innings to achieve the feat
Pakistan back on couch ahead of Champions Trophy
KARACHI, Aug 15 - Pakistan will again seek the help of a sports psychologist to inspire them to repeat their Twenty20 World Cup success in the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.
Pakistani players had several counseling sessions with sports psychologist Maqbool Bari before heading to England where they upset a string of more-fancied sides to clinch the T20 World Cup in May.
The team faltered badly, however, immediately after during their recent tour to Sri Lanka where they lost both the test and one-day series.
"There is no doubt that the sessions with the psychologist helped improve the self belief and focus of the players before the T20 World Cup," Pakistan captain Younis Khan told Reuters in an interview.
"Those sessions were one of the reasons for us showing great fighting spirit to win the T20 World Cup."
Younis said he had asked the Pakistan cricket board to arrange more time with a psychologist during a short conditioning camp to be arranged for the Champions Trophy in mid-September.
"We will have two proper counseling sessions because there is a problem with us that we tend to suffer from a mental block when it comes to handling pressure or finishing off matches," he said. The Pakistan board has also appointed former captain and batting great, Javed Miandad as batting consultant for the Champions Trophy.
Younis said that former captains, Waqar Younis and Saeed Anwar would also visit the conditioning camp to work with the players.
"I think our players can gain a lot by seeking advice from these former greats and a psychologist. We need these things to do well in the Champions trophy which is a mega event."
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