Watson, Bollinger return for West Indies series

Published>Wed, Feb 03 10 01:29 PM

Star all-rounder Shane Watson and pacer Doug Bollinger on Wednesday returned to Australia's 13-member squad after a brief break for the first two one-dayers of a five-match series against the West Indies starting February 7.

The first match of the series will be played here and the second ODI is scheduled in Adelaide on February 9.

"The National Selection Panel has named a largely unchanged squad for the opening two Commonwealth Bank Series matches against the West Indies," NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said.

"Two changes have been made from Sunday's match at the WACA, with Shane Watson and Doug Bollinger returning after having their workload managed for the final two matches against Pakistan," he added.

Batsman Adam Voges, who was included in the team for the last two one-dayers against Pakistan, has been left out of the team for the West Indies series. The team will be led by Ricky Ponting with Michael Clarke as his deputy.

"Adam Voges is extremely unlucky to be omitted from the squad after having limited opportunities against Pakistan. However with the returning players and the need to get the right balance in the squad of 13, Adam has unfortunately missed out on this occasion," Hilditch said.

The squad: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, James Hopes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Clint McKay, Shane Watson, Cameron White.

Source: Web Search

Ball-tampering 'probably' prevalent, says Tait

Published>Wed, Feb 03 10 01:25 PM

He has never seen it for himself but Australian pacer Shaun Tait says there is no denying that all teams indulge in ball tampering.

Backing Shahid Afridi's claim that all teams tamper with the ball, Tait said though he is yet to see it himself, there is little doubt that such cheating tactics are not new in international cricket.

"It probably goes on, but I have never seen it with my own eyes," Tait was quoted as saying by 'The Herald Sun'.

"I am sure there could be players that do it, but not that I have seen. I have never engaged in biting the ball,' he said.

Afridi, a former teammate of Tait in a state side here, was banned for two Twenty20 games after being caught biting the ball during a one-dayer against Australia in Perth.

Former wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist felt such offences need to be dealt with strictly to set an example for others.

"I think what we saw on Sunday night in Perth and also in the England and South Africa series is that this is an issue that must be dealt with sooner rather than later," Gilchrist said.

"There is simply too much weight of evidence that it's occurring. I have no doubts that anyone caught should face extremely serious ramifications and punishment.

"It's up to the players to make the call on this one and say this simply cannot be tolerated," he added.

Source: Web Search

Tait, Nannes in selection duel for Twenty20 spot against Pakistan

Published>Wed, Feb 03 10 01:19 PM

Melbourne, Feb 3 (ANI): Australian fast bowlers Shaun Tait and Dirk Nannes are fighting for the chance to play against Pakistan in the Twenty20 international at the MCG on Friday night.

Both are clearly in contention for the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean during April, yet only one may get the opportunity on Friday, with Mitchell Johnson and the latest sensation, Ryan Harris, also in the 13-man squad.

Picking Tait would be a gamble because constant injury problems means he no longer plays Sheffield Shield cricket, raising questions about his fitness, FOX Sports reports.

Tait was one of the leading bowlers of the 2007 Cricket World Cup, but he broke down during the last of his three Tests, against India in Perth two years ago, and thereafter has struggled physically and mentally to return to the longer forms of the game.

He has played just six Shield matches in the past two seasons and by his own admission he has been scratchy for South Australia in the Ford Ranger Cup this summer.

"I haven't really bowled that well lately," said Tait, who was flown to Perth last week as cover for the injured Peter Siddle but did not play the fifth one-day match against Pakistan.

"It's not that I am not in good form, I have just been a bit scratchy in the last couple of games, bowling a few no-balls and wides came back again. It is just a case of getting back in the nets and having a good crack, and I am sure I will be fine. It is just something, throughout my career, that has always been happening," Tait said.

Nannes, 33, played for the Netherlands in the 2009 World Twenty20, but the Victoria paceman is desperate to play for Australia.

"I think any chance to play is a big opportunity. Every game you play in the Big Bash is a massive opportunity. Hopefully I get a few more opportunities after (Friday) and who knows? I'm not a selector and all I can do is try and bowl my best," Nannes said.

"It's great to be sort of, I guess, recognised to be in the Australian team, and whether that, going forward, gets me a place to the World Cup, that would be fantastic. It's a bit of a different game," he said. (ANI)

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'Inept' Butt 'too old' to be PCB chairman, Miandad tells Zardari

Published>Wed, Feb 03 10 01:09 PM

Lahore, Feb.3 (ANI): Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad has called the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman 'too old' to hold the post.

"The chairman has become too old for the position he is holding as he seldom remembers his own important official commitments and agreements," Miandad wrote in a letter to President Asif Ali Zardari, who is also the patron of the PCB.

Miandad, who is currently PCB's Director General, criticised Butt for his way of handling issues in the board, and said it was due to Butt's inept ways that many top officials had resigned.

"Most of the staff working under the chairman, including many directors, are fed up with his style of working; evidence of which is that many directors have left their jobs during his tenure," the letter stated.

Miandad also blamed Butt for ruining Pakistan cricket, and said that the PCB chief has, for some unknown reasons, sidelined him from the board's affairs.

"Pakistan cricket is in real bad shape and the whole nation is looking towards me to be the saviour of their favourite sport. But unfortunately the PCB chairman is not willing to take me along and he has sidelined me for reasons only known to him," The Daily Times quoted Miandad, as saying. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Top Oz cricketers may abandon Victoria to play in cash cow IPL

Published>Wed, Feb 03 10 12:25 PM

Melbourne, Feb 3 (ANI): Top cricketers of Victoria like Cameron White, Andrew McDonald and David Hussey may walk away from their state to play in the mega bucks Indian Premier League, as the team prepares to defend its honours in the Sheffield Shield

The Shield final clashes with the start of the Indian Premier League's Twenty20 tournament next month.

Victoria's all-time leading run-scorer Brad Hodge has already made the choice and quit the team just before Christmas so that he can play for Kolkata Knight Riders.

Top bowler Dirk Nannes says he is thinking about ditching Victoria to join the Delhi Daredevils, where he would pick up 250,000 dollars for two months' work, The Herald Sun reports.

The mainstay of the Victorian team - captain Cameron White, batsman David Hussey, and Test all-rounder Andrew McDonald - face a similar predicament.

Hussey stands to make 650,000 dollars with KKR while White has been offered 500,000 dollars by the Bangalore Royal Challengers. McDonald is on 100,000 dollars with Delhi, still considerably more than the 3900 dollars he would earn playing in the Shield final.

Those three stars also earn a 200,000 dollars base payment for playing for Victoria.

Even Bushrangers coach Greg Shipperd is in the same dilemma as he has a 100,000 dollars contract to guide the Delhi Daredevils through the second IPL season.

IPL chief Lalit Modi has threatened that players not in India on time could be penalized, "including termination of contracts, jeopardising future participation."

Nannes admitted it was a delicate situation and quitting the Vics was an option. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Back injury forces Siddle out

Published Wed, Feb 03 10 12:00 PM

Melbourne, Feb 3 (PTI) Australian pacer Peter Siddle was today ruled out of the team''s upcoming Test and one-day tour of New Zealand due to a stress fracture in his back. "Cricket Australia has today advised that fast bowler Peter Siddle has suffered a stress fracture of his back," CA said in a statement. Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Siddle''s injury was revealed in scan conducted after the five-match one-day series against Pakistan last week. "Peter experienced back pain during the Commonwealth Bank Series. The source of the pain was investigated after the fifth ODI and unfortunately scans revealed that he has a lower back stress fracture," he said. Siddle has also been forced out of Australia''s domestic competition. "The nature of this injury means that Peter will require a long rehabilitation period and as such he''ll be unavailable for the remainder of the domestic summer and the tour of New Zealand," Kountouris said. Australia''s tour of New Zealand starts March 3 with a five-match ODI series to be followed by two Tests.

Source: Web Search

End of the road for Mahindra United

Published>Wed, Feb 03 10 11:49 AM

Panaji, Feb. 3 -- Mahindra United crashed out of the Nike-Manchester United Premier Cup (under-15) India-leg football Tournament after falling to Sikkim FC 0-2 in their concluding Group match at the Duler Ground, Mapuca, on Tuesday. Mahindrsa United, who were held 1-1 by Dempo SC in the day's opener, failed to get going against Sikkim. Tilak Subba and Bidhan Lepcha scored a goal apiece for the winning side. In another match, MSSA, a Mumbai outfit, went down to JCT 0-5 in their last Group A encounter.

Source: Web Search

Insured Premier League

Published>Wed, Feb 03 10 11:44 AM

New Delhi, Feb. 3 -- Lalit Modi, IPL supremo, and P Chidambaram, the Home Minister, were in rare agreement recently when they emphatically stated that player security would be no problem during the third edition of the Indian Premier League. But, clearly, the League is taking no chances. The IPL has bought a "terrorism" insurance cover of Rs 250 crore for the 60-match tournament that begins on March 12. "Let Australian players come to India. Let Pakistani players come to India. Let them play in Mumbai and I will guarantee them full security," Chidambaram had said recently. But terrorism isn't the only threat. The Shiv Sena has threatened to disrupt matches involving Australians and the Telengana protests have left Hyderabad's matches under a cloud. Already, the opening ceremony and first game have been moved from Hyderabad to Mumbai. "We do not divulge these details (of insurance policies) to the media," was all IPL CEO Sundar Raman would say on the record. However, sources told the Hindustan Times that the Telengana situation meant that the Deccan Chargers' home games in Hyderabad would have a higher cover than others. From the pointed end of terrorism to the relatively mundane possibility of lost baggage, the IPL has every eventuality covered. "An agreement between Oriental Insurance, the IPL and the team owners resulted in a consensus on the medical, personal accident and baggage insurance," an official told HT. But even here, there is a premium on players bought at an auction as opposed to others. A group personal accident policy means every player bought at an auction is covered for between Rs three to 12 crore. This varies based on the player's match fee and works out to approximately seven times his match fee. As players not bought at one of the auctions generally cost their owners less, the cover is proportionately lower - a Rs 25 lakh to one crore personal accident policy and a Rs five lakh medical cover. Finally, there's also a cushion in place for a staging association, in case of any mishap - a stampede, a fire in the stands etc - Rs 10 crore for each of the 60 matches. Well before the first ball of IPL III is bowled, the cash registers are ringing for Oriental Insurance. In addition to hefty premiums from the IPL itself, all eight franchises are working with Oriental on parallel covers - for event cancellation, external advertisement and gate revenue collection.

Source: Web Search

End of the road for Mahindra United

Published>Wed, Feb 03 10 11:11 AM

Panaji, Feb. 3 -- Mahindra United crashed out of the Nike-Manchester United Premier Cup (under-15) India-leg football Tournament after falling to Sikkim FC 0-2 in their concluding Group match at the Duler Ground, Mapuca, on Tuesday. Mahindrsa United, who were held 1-1 by Dempo SC in the day's opener, failed to get going against Sikkim. Tilak Subba and Bidhan Lepcha scored a goal apiece for the winning side. In another match, MSSA, a Mumbai outfit, went down to JCT 0-5 in their last Group A encounter.

Source: Web Search

Watson, Bollinger return for West Indies series

Published Wed, Feb 03 10 10:53 AM

Melbourne, Feb 3 (PTI) Star all-rounder Shane Watson and pacer Doug Bollinger today returned to Australia''s 13-member squad after a brief break for the first two one-dayers of a five-match series against the West Indies starting February 7. The first match of the series will be played here and the second ODI is scheduled in Adelaide on February 9. "The National Selection Panel has named a largely unchanged squad for the opening two Commonwealth Bank Series matches against the West Indies," NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said. "Two changes have been made from Sunday''s match at the WACA, with Shane Watson and Doug Bollinger returning after having their workload managed for the final two matches against Pakistan," he added. Batsman Adam Voges, who was included in the team for the last two one-dayers against Pakistan, has been left out of the team for the West Indies series. The team will be led by Ricky Ponting with Michael Clarke as his deputy. "Adam Voges is extremely unlucky to be omitted from the squad after having limited opportunities against Pakistan. However with the returning players and the need to get the right balance in the squad of 13, Adam has unfortunately missed out on this occasion," Hilditch said. The squad: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, James Hopes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Clint McKay, Shane Watson, Cameron White.

Source: Web Search

VRV Singh laid low on the fitness front

Published>Wed, Feb 03 10 10:49 AM

Kolkata, Feb. 3 -- When as India coach, Greg Chappell was looking for genuinely quick bowlers this Chandigarh lad had impressed him. Tall, well built and with a slightly open-chested action, there was no question about VRV Singh's ability to bowl fast. Unfortunately, there was a question mark over his fitness, which has persisted. Not appreciably successful in terms of taking wickets, VRV's rhythm, release and style of delivery had impressed Ian Bishop, when he made his Test debut in Antigua in 2006. He took just two wickets in two Tests in that series, but the way he bowled indicated that here was a youngster with potential. He toured South Africa later that year and also went to Australia in 2007-08 without getting too many chances to play. However, this was an opportunity for him to learn and VRV showed in domestic cricket that education-wise, those foreign trips weren't completely futile. This was reflected in his first-class statistics. Just when it seemed that he was getting ready to perform on the bigger stage, injuries began pegging him back. An ankle problem first cut short his domestic season in 2008-09 and, after having recovered from that and playing for Kings XI Punjab in the second edition of the IPL, a back injury ruled him out of the 2009-10 edition of the Ranji Trophy. Undergoing rehabilitation at the moment, VRV is eyeing the zonal phase of the national one-day championship, beginning on February 10. "Though not at full steam, I have started bowling," VRV told Hindustan Times. "I want to get fully fit before returning to action because there is no point in spoiling my future for the sake of just one tournament. "I'm getting back to rhythm gradually and the priority at the moment is not to aggravate the injury. This is a crucial stage of my career and I don't want to rush things." VRV is happy with his progress though. "I'm feeling a lot better and working hard to make sure that I play the one-dayers. I'm not bowling as fast as I can but that's not important at the moment. There's a lot of cricket to be played this year and I want to be at my best when I make a come back." 25 year old, VRV is one of those forgotten players who has age on his side.

Source: Web Search

All teams tamper with ball: Imran, Rameez

Published Wed, Feb 03 10 10:39 AM

Karachi, Feb 3 (PTI) Shahid Afridi is not the only one who thinks that all teams tamper with the ball. Pakistan''s World Cup winning former captain Imran Khan and another ex-skipper Rameez Raja feel the same. Afridi, who has been banned for two Twenty20 matches for tampering with the ball in a one-dayer against Australia in Perth, has claimed that all teams try such tactics to exploit the conditions to their advantage. Backing Afridi''s claim, Imran said only the sub-continental teams are punished for the offence. "It is nothing new, when we were playing and developed reverse swing we were accused of being cheats and tampering with the ball, but when the English and other bowlers did it became an art," he said. However, both Imran and Rameez didn''t condone Afridi''s behaviour in gnawing into the ball. Imran insisted he never tampered with the ball in his playing days as other teams did. "There have been several recorded incidents of teams trying to change condition of the ball through various methods," he claimed. .

Source: Web Search

VRV Singh laid low on the fitness front

Published>Wed, Feb 03 10 10:19 AM

Kolkata, Feb. 3 -- When as India coach, Greg Chappell was looking for genuinely quick bowlers this Chandigarh lad had impressed him. Tall, well built and with a slightly open-chested action, there was no question about VRV Singh's ability to bowl fast. Unfortunately, there was a question mark over his fitness, which has persisted. Not appreciably successful in terms of taking wickets, VRV's rhythm, release and style of delivery had impressed Ian Bishop, when he made his Test debut in Antigua in 2006. He took just two wickets in two Tests in that series, but the way he bowled indicated that here was a youngster with potential. He toured South Africa later that year and also went to Australia in 2007-08 without getting too many chances to play. However, this was an opportunity for him to learn and VRV showed in domestic cricket that education-wise, those foreign trips weren't completely futile. This was reflected in his first-class statistics. Just when it seemed that he was getting ready to perform on the bigger stage, injuries began pegging him back. An ankle problem first cut short his domestic season in 2008-09 and, after having recovered from that and playing for Kings XI Punjab in the second edition of the IPL, a back injury ruled him out of the 2009-10 edition of the Ranji Trophy. Undergoing rehabilitation at the moment, VRV is eyeing the zonal phase of the national one-day championship, beginning on February 10. "Though not at full steam, I have started bowling," VRV told Hindustan Times. "I want to get fully fit before returning to action because there is no point in spoiling my future for the sake of just one tournament. "I'm getting back to rhythm gradually and the priority at the moment is not to aggravate the injury. This is a crucial stage of my career and I don't want to rush things." VRV is happy with his progress though. "I'm feeling a lot better and working hard to make sure that I play the one-dayers. I'm not bowling as fast as I can but that's not important at the moment. There's a lot of cricket to be played this year and I want to be at my best when I make a come back." 25 year old, VRV is one of those forgotten players who has age on his side.

Source: Web Search

Malaysia eyes team for 2011 UCI season

Published Wed, Feb 03 10 09:49 AM

Malaysia's national cycling federation (MNCF) plan to enter a team in International Cycling Union (UCI) tours from 2011 in a bid to improve the country's flagging road racers.

"I see the setting up of the continental team as very important for road cyclists because they are lagging far behind track cyclists, who are already world class," MNCF President Abu Samah Wahab told the national news agency Bernama on Tuesday.

Wahab said that many details of the team had already been agreed including some aspects of sponsorship, although no information was given.

Azizulhasni Awang, a silver medallist in the men's sprint at the 2009 UCI World Championships, heads the Malaysian track team but the country has struggled to produce world class road cyclists.

Source: Web Search

McCarron apologises to Mickelson over groove choice

Published>Wed, Feb 03 10 09:29 AM

Scott McCarron has apologised to fellow American Phil Mickelson for implying that the world number two had cheated by using a 20-year-old Ping-Eye 2 wedge at last week's San Diego Open.
The pair had a 10-minute conversation after PGA Tour players met with commissioner Tim Finchem at Riviera Country Club on Tuesday to discuss the lingering debate over the legality of square grooves.
Under United States Golf Association (USGA) rules implemented on Jan. 1, square or U-grooves have been outlawed but the Ping-Eye 2 wedge is deemed legal because of a lawsuit won by its manufacturer over the USGA in 1990.
"I would like to apologise to Phil Mickelson for the comments that I made," McCarron told reporters in the build-up to this week's Northern Trust Open.

Santiago International men's singles results

Published Wed, Feb 03 10 09:17 AM

REUTERS - Santiago International men's singles first round results on Tuesday
1-Fernando Gonzalez (Chile) beat Oscar Hernandez (Spain) 6-2 6-1
Ricardo Mello (Brazil) beat 4-Pablo Cuevas (Uruguay) 7-6(5) 6-3
Paul Capdeville (Chile) beat Cristobal Saavedra (Chile) 4-6 6-2 6-1
Eduardo Schwank (Argentina) beat Paolo Lorenzi (Italy) 4-6 7-6(3) 6-3
Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo (Spain) beat Victor Crivoi (Romania) 6-4 6-2
Joao Souza (Brazil) beat 7-Simon Greul (Germany) 3-6 6-4 7-6(5)
6-Jose Acasuso (Argentina) beat Hans Podlipnik (Chile) 6-1 6-1
David Marrero (Spain) beat Juan Martin Aranguren (Argentina) 7-6(4) 2-6 7-6(2)
Lukasz Kubot (Poland) beat 5-Horacio Zeballos (Argentina) 3-6 7-5 6-3
3-Thomaz Bellucci (Brazil) beat Nicolas Lapentti (Ecuador) 3-6 6-1 6-1
Pere Riba (Spain) beat Santiago Ventura (Spain) 6-3 7-5

Source: Web Search

Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm to begin from February 14

Published Tue, Feb 02 10 06:23 PM

New Delhi, Feb 2 (PTI) About 250 rallyists from across the country will be seen in action at the eighth edition of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm Rally starting February 14 from here. The Rally will cover 2,600 km in six days and pass through tough terrains of Thar Desert, the rocky and uncertain Aravalli, and the slippery sands of the Rann of Kutch. Organised jointly by Maruti Suzuki and Northern Motorsports, the rally will culminate at Udaipur in Rajasthan on February 19.

Man U is still Beckham's first love

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 05:39 PM

David Beckham, who is preparing to take on Manchester United ahead of their Champions League confrontation with his club AC Milan, has revealed the heartache he felt on leaving Old Trafford.
"When I was at Real Madrid it just never felt right to come back to Old Trafford," Beckham said.
He added: "The thought of playing United always gives me that sick feeling because I missed the club so much."

Cricket Australia set to prevent WACA blacklist

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 05:25 PM

Perth, Feb 2(ANI): Cricket Australia (CA) has said that the WACA Ground in Perth should continue to host international cricket matches and they will push for government help to prevent it from being blacklist.
CA is opposed to limiting alcohol sales and installing high wire fences to prevent ground invasions by spectators and believes the best way of preventing a repeat of Sunday night's security breach, when a spectator crash-tackled Pakistan's Khalid Latif, is to increase penalties for ground invaders drastically.
The fine for ground invasion at the WACA is only 500 dollars, compared to 7000 dollars at the MCG, 5500 dollars at the SCG and 4000 dollars at the Gabba.

Sports ministry asks IOA, CGOC to fulfil RTI obligations

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 05:09 PM

New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has asked Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Commonwealth Games Organising Committee to fulfil various obligations of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The IOA and CGOC have been asked to designate their Central Public Information Officers and appellate authorities as per section 5 of the Right to Information Act.

China FA honest despite match-fixing, says boss

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 04:50 PM

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) is not fundamentally dishonest despite the arrest of three top officials in a match-fixing scandal, China's new soccer supremo Wei Di said on Tuesday.
Wei's predecessor Nan Yong, his deputy Yang Yimin, the former head of refereeing and a marketing executive at the CFA were among more than 20 officials arrested or detained in the last two months on suspicion of match-fixing.

Ian Gould to officiate in Tests, ODIs

Published Tue, Feb 02 10 04:23 PM

Mumbai, Feb 2 (PTI) Englishman Ian Gould and Australian Steve Davis will be the two on-field umpires for the two-Test series between India and South Africa commencing on February 6 at Nagpur. India''s Amish Saheba would be the third umpire in the series opener, according to Cricket Board sources. Gould would be one of the two on-field umpires during the ODI series to follow.

Smith gets his chance in T-20 call-up

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 04:19 PM

Sydney, Feb 2 (ANI): New South Wales all-rounder Steve Smith is set to make his international debut in Friday's Twenty20 match against Pakistan.

Smith, along with Travis Birt and Dirk Nannes, are the new names in the Australian T20 squad.

"I think there's a big part in Twenty20 cricket for spin bowling. They [batsmen] are going pretty hard at it all the time, they've got to make their own pace with the ball, so if you get it up there and get it to turn a little bit it's pretty hard to hit, so it's a chance to take wickets all the time," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying.

Smith said his experience in India late last year with the Blues in the Champions League and then in the ACA All-Stars match at the start of the summer increased his desire to play for his country, without delay.

"I hoped to be part of this side actually. I played in that All-Star game a couple of months ago, and it was pretty exciting to be around the side. I'm not too sure what the team is but to be a part of it and see how things go is pretty exciting," he said.

In the Big Bash, Smith claimed seven wickets at 10.28, the third-best average in the competition.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch lauded Smith for his performances for NSW in the Champions League Twenty20 and Big Bash.

"(He) gives us great flexibility with his ability to bowl leg spin, bat and field," Hilditch said. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Kiwis want Bangladesh whitewash to prepare for Oz challenge

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 04:09 PM

Wellington, Feb 2 (ANI): New Zealand is looking to whitewash Bangladesh in all forms of cricket during their tour and also to use the series to prepare for Australia, who will be here next month.

Bangladesh is in New Zealand to play one Twenty20 match, three one-day internationals and one test.

New Zealand fast bowler Daryl Tuffey said playing well and winning every match against Bangladesh would set the Black Caps up for the Australians who will tour next month.

"We do want to whitewash them in all forms of the games especially moving forward against Australia next month," Tuffey told RadioLive.

However, Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons said his side is a lot further developed than the one that last toured New Zealand in 2007-08, New Zealdns Herald reports.

"We are still a young side but they are starting to show real signs we are improving. In the one-dayers against India, 250 was our last score and 296 was our best score - these are great scores in our conditions over there.

"In the test against India, we had three different guys make 100s and five bowlers taking five-fors (five wickets or more in an innings). We also saw (skipper and left arm spinner) Shakib (Al Hasan) continuing his form with another five-for so that's really great signs for us," he said.

Siddons, who had his contract extended to the 2011 World Cup after Bangladesh won their first test series overseas in the West Indies last year, confirmed that key bowler Mashrafe Mortaza would not make the trip to New Zealand. (ANI)

Source: Web Search

As of now, tennis is king

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 03:39 PM

Mumbai, Feb. 1 -- If people had their way, Leander Paes would not only be a movie star but also part of TV dance and reality shows, a brand ambassador for beer, and a member of parliament. "There's a lot of goodwill for sportsmen and many people approach us to be part of projects which, at times, are bizarre. As far as movies are concerned, who doesn't want to be a star? Over the last 14 years I have had several film offers. But right now, tennis is the priority and I have no concrete offer with a script that's enticing enough," Paes told HT when quizzed about his supposed involvement in a movie. "I have not shot for anything as of now though cinema does interest me greatly." The eleven Grand Slam winner goes on to admit that the entertainment industry has its allure, but thats for the future, "I firmly believe that people cannot be categorized into slots. There are myriad facets to each personality. But, I can act anytime in my life while top-notch tennis is possible only for the next few years." Paes confirmed that he had attended Anupam Kher's acting classes and that the veteran actor had told him that he had the goods to make it big on the silver screen. Paes' wife Rhea also adds that anything other than tennis is just not on right now: "At the moment Leander's focused on his sport. He'll retire four to five years from now. At that time there is no telling just where his interest will lie." Beyond tennis Paes is likely to dabble in entertainment, sports management, motivational talks and politics. "I also intend to create a top-notch sports science facility to groom the next generation of Indian athletes," he assures. Right now, however, no plans have been firmed up. Paes rises to seventh

Source: Web Search

Asiad medallist donates body for research work

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 03:35 PM

Chandigarh, Feb. 1 -- He may have missed a medal in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, but his last deed would have surely won over hearts. The body of Arjuna awardee Ajmer Singh, an Olympian and Asian Games gold medalist (Jakarta, 1966), has been donated to the Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here. The former Olympian passed away on January 26, and his family handed over the body to PGIMER's Department of Anatomy on Sunday. He was 70. Probably, he's the first Indian Olympian to donate his body for medical research. "It's for the first time we have received the body of a famous personality. When such people donate their bodies, the message reaches far and wide. Besides spreading scientific awareness, it shows another way to serve humanity," said Dr Daisy Sahni, head of the department. Ajmer Singh's gesture has set an example for sportsmen. "In his youth, he inspired youngsters to join sports and win laurels for the country. In his death, too, he has motivated people to come forward for a cause," said Raja K.S. Sidhu, secretary general of Punjab Olympics Association.

Ajmer Singh, who hailed from Kupkalan, a small village in Sangrur district of Punjab, clinched gold in 400m relay and silver in 200m at Jakarta. He was conferred the Arjuna Award in 1966.

Source: Web Search

''Ignored'' Miandad threatens to resign from PCB post

Published Tue, Feb 02 10 03:25 PM

Karachi, Feb 2 (PTI) Feeling ignored and unwanted, former captain Javed Miandad today threatened to resign from the Director-General''s post in Pakistan Cricket Board if the state of affairs don''t improve. A miffed Miandad said at the moment, his post was a mere ornamental one. "Basically they are not allowing me to do anything and I am bypassed in everything even in areas which are supposed to come under my control," Miandad alleged. The former captain, who has fallen out with PCB chairman Ejaj Butt, alleged that by ignoring him, the board chief was in fact defying chief patron and President Asif Zardari who had appointed Miandad. "I am here because of the chief patron who has appointed me and given me other responsibilities, everyone must understand this. I have no problems resigning because I can earn more from other work. But I am working in the board because of the chief patron," Miandad said. He said he has already written a letter to Zardari, outlining the problems in the board and team and how Butt was working. "It is my duty to keep President Zardari informed of all that is happening in the board and team," he added. (More) PTI Corr AY SHN

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Asiad medallist donates body for research work

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 03:19 PM

Chandigarh, Feb. 1 -- He may have missed a medal in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, but his last deed would have surely won over hearts. The body of Arjuna awardee Ajmer Singh, an Olympian and Asian Games gold medalist (Jakarta, 1966), has been donated to the Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here. The former Olympian passed away on January 26, and his family handed over the body to PGIMER's Department of Anatomy on Sunday. He was 70. Probably, he's the first Indian Olympian to donate his body for medical research.

When you want to bowl, bowl ? don't chew.

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 03:11 PM

Shahid Afridi is once again in the news for his on-field tamper tantrums. The Pakistani player is no stranger to controversies, and in return, controversies seem to court him with alarming frequency.
This time, however, he?s bitten off more than he can chew. Close on the heels of his not-so-successful attempt at turning the game versus Australia in his favour, he's the butt (no offense to Salman Butt) of many a ?Bite me!? joke on Twitter.
Twitterer @i_r_squared had many a ready pun on Afridi?s biting abilities ? sample this. ?Shahid Afridi thinks incisive bowling involves incisors somewhere? and ?Shahid Afridi has the perfect answer to Ricky Ponting - Dental Disintegration?. @notytony, crossword aficionado, came up with ?All this noise about the Shahid incident is munch ado about nothing? and "Pakistan are a Chomp-ion side.?

Pink cricket ball experiment starts

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 02:55 PM

Melbourne, Feb.2 (ANI): Pink cricket balls were used in Futures League fixtures in Adelaide and Brisbane on Tuesday, with a white ball used in a second XI match in Melbourne.
The trials are aimed at finding a non-red ball suitable for Test matches at night.
However, Australian selector Jamie Cox, who is also South Australian cricket's director, said the pink balls had received lukewarm receptions at training.

Nowhere man RP searches for direction

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 02:25 PM

Kolkata, Feb. 1 -- One of India's most memorable away Test wins in recent times came against Australia in Perth in January 2008. Irfan Pathan was the Man of the Match, Rahul Dravid made a crucial 90-plus in the first innings and V.V.S. Laxman contributed an invaluable 70-odd in the second. Yet, the unsung hero of that match was R.P. Singh. The Rae Bareli left-armer took four for 68 in the first innings to ensure India took a handy lead and when India needed to build on that, RP shared a 51-run ninth-wicket stand in the second innings with Laxman, chipping in with a plucky 30. Fittingly, he ended the match by taking the last Australian wicket in the fourth innings.

Gayle calls for better player protection

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 02:19 PM

Canberra (Australia), Feb.2 (ANI): West Indian captain Chris Gayle has asked for improved security during his team's match against the Prime Minister's XI at the Manuka Oval here on Thursday.
He warned Canberra spectators that the entire West Indies team would confront any one jumping over the fence during the match.
Gayle's reaction came days after a 37-year-old man roughed up Pakistan cricketer Khalid Latif at the WACA Ground.

Vettori only favours on field control

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 02:11 PM

Wellington, Feb.2 (ANI): New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori says his domain is on the cricket field and he won't be running the team on a day-to-day basis.
Rejecting talk of player power within the Black Caps, the NZPA quoted Vettori as saying: "On the field is my domain and the manager and coaches look after everything else."
Vettori believed the position he held was similar to that of Australian skipper Ricky Ponting and South African counterpart Graeme Smith.

Poor Sunderland fail to find way past Stoke

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 01:59 PM

London, Feb 2 (DPA) Sunderland's poor form continued in a goalless draw at home with Stoke City in Monday's only English Premier League match.
After a promising start to the season, Steve Bruce's side have now gone 11 matches without a win in the league. The result leaves them languishing in 13th place on 24 points, two points behind their opponents on Monday in 12th.
With the respective form of both sides - Stoke themselves have won only one match from their last nine away from home - a draw was always a possibility, but the visitors will nevertheless feel they had the better chances and should have taken all three points.

After impressive test drive, Schumi undergoes secret neck tests

Published>Tue, Feb 02 10 01:39 PM

After his impressive test drive on Monday, Michael Schumacher underwent secret tests on his neck, fuelling fears that it could affect his F1 comeback.
The seven-time champ returned to the cockpit on Monday for the first time in three years, setting the third-fastest time for Mercedes in Valencia, The Sun reports.
Schumacher covered 40 laps after taking over from team-mate Nico Rosberg.
Ferrari miracle man Felipe Massa set the fastest time on his return following his 180mph shunt in Hungary last July. He needed life-saving brain surgery after a spring flew into his helmet and fractured his skull.
But the 41-year-old German deriver took the unusual step of having his personal doctor Johannes Peil at the track and underwent an exam on his neck at his motor-home after testing.
When asked if Schumacher's neck was fully healed, Dr Peil said: "We wait and see!"
Last year, Schumacher scrapped a temporary comeback with Ferrari after suffering the injury in a motorbike accident almost 12 months ago.

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