Uncertain Oz selectors may name bigger squad for first Ashes Test

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 01:22 PM

Sydney, Nov 8 (ANI): The Australian selectors are still uncertain about the squad for the first Ashes Test in Brisbane, which may result in selection of as many as 15 players.

The squad to face England will be named on November 15. Till then, NSW will face Victoria and Tasmania play Queensland in two Shield matches beginning on Wednesday, while South Australia play England from Thursday.

The speculation about Australia's best XI to face England at the Gabba may be demonstrated by chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch naming an even larger squad than that, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Among the younger aspirants, Callum Ferguson, Usman Khawaja and Indian Test debutant Peter George will press their cases in those final Shield matches if included in an extended Australian squad.

Vice-captain Michael Clarke was on guard himself before his return home from India.

"To me it's about picking your best 11 players for that Test match, and conditions change as well, and I think we're in a great position with the amount of people who are in good nick around the country, to pick that best 11," said Clarke.

"I'm certain the guys who haven't played Test cricket will be trying to score as many runs and take as many wickets as they can to push for selection. The guys in the Test team at the moment, know we need to be at the top of our game, otherwise someone will take our spot," he said.

"There's always competition for spots, and I've openly said that you're never cemented in the Australian cricket team. It is important for all of us once we get back to Australia, to be performing, to have runs or wickets on the board, to put your hand up for the first Test," Clarke added. (ANI)

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Woods hoping to reap dividend from China charm offensive

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 12:58 PM

Tiger Woods again came up short in his fourth attempt at winning the HSBC Champions over the weekend but his trip to Shanghai could still have a silver lining in the shape of new sponsorship deals in China.

The former world number one is open to new backers after several main sponsors -- including AT&T, Accenture and Gatorade -- turned their back on Team Tiger earlier this year following the damaging revelations about his private life.

"We're certainly considering Chinese companies as they are certainly considering (me)," he told reporters during his hit-and-miss performance at the $7 million WGC event.

"We're looking at, and are considering all opportunities as we always do. That hasn't changed.

"It's just a matter of finding the right fit and believing in the company and making sure that I can help them and we see eye-to-eye in that regard," he added.

Woods appeared to be on a charm offensive in Shanghai after his former clean-cut image in the family-orientated country was tainted by headlines about his extra marital affairs.

He made an effort to sign autographs over the four-day tournament and to interact with the thousands who turned out to see if the 14-times major winner could regain the top ranking a week after being deposed by Briton Lee Westwood.

Many fans were also hoping the American would come full circle in Shanghai and end his annus horribilis, which started a fortnight after he imploded in a final-round duel with Phil Mickelson at the Sheshan Golf Course.

TIGER'S MOJO

"It seemed clear to me Tiger had lost what the Chinese call 'Tien Ming', his 'Heaven Luck', or his mojo," American golf writer Peter Andreas told Reuters.

"Then, two weeks later, his world exploded. And now, despite flashes of brilliance, Tiger no longer sustains 'play the zone', or goes low," added the author of 'The Secret of the Inner-Swing: Golf Qi-Gong'.

Woods, who finished with a share of sixth, seemd to be aware he had lost much "face" in conservative China and was keen to inform Chinese reporters how he "works each and every day on prayers and meditation".

The mood of the former world one, however, oscillated both on and off the course over the weekend.

Woods was seen sporadically swearing and kicking his clubs after poor shots and skipped a news conference after a poor second round.

"I'd follow Tiger if he was still winning. He's a bit old, though. I think the younger players are better. I'm following Rory Mcllroy," nine-year-old Joshua Liu from Shanghai told Reuters.

Taiwanese expats, Shanghai-based Jimmy Chen and his girlfriend Jamie Hse, said they would encourage Chinese children to follow Woods, but for his golfing skills alone.

"He's still a great role model as an athlete but after his scandals, he has lost some of his appeal, that perfect moral example... and that sets a bad example. But he still has a lot of fans here," said Chen.

Volunteer marshal, 20-year-old student Qui Luchao, was not impressed by Woods, who is known in China as "laohu" -- the Mandarin word for tiger.

"He was swearing on the fifth tee which is not nice for people to listen to... I found him arrogant," he said.

As Woods left China for the Australian Masters in Melbourne next week, image-conscious Chinese sponsors will be closely monitoring his comeback and his appeal among China's golf-lovers.

Westwood kept the number one spot by finishing second behind Francesco Molinari and, although there were still plenty of shouts of "laohu!", they were rivalled in the end by calls for a new hero whose name needs no translation in China -- "Lee!".

Source: Web Search

Oz selectors can't be faulted for bringing in specialized, fresh talent: Roebuck

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 12:52 PM

Sydney, Nov.8 (ANI): The game of cricket, it seems, is crossing national colours and boundaries, at least as far as Australia is concerned.

According to cricket commentator and columnist Peter Roebuck, while Australia's selectors are being criticized for choosing 45 players in two years on the one hand, some from different national backgrounds, on the other hand, they are trying to bring in specialized and fresh talent, at least to meet the demands of Twenty20 cricket.

He says that T20 selections have distorted figures. Injuries have also played a part in this development.

He says that those who have been suggesting that Tasmania be given to the Kiwis need to think again. Tasmania is rapidly becoming a cricketing stronghold.

David Boon made the breakthrough, Ricky Ponting proved that a lad from Launceston could captain his country, and now Tim Paine, Luke Butterworth, Xavier Doherty and Ben Hilfenhaus are proving their worth.

And the imports have been well chosen. Mark Cosgrove, Ed Cowan and Jason Krejza are ambitious cricketers, not fading players. And winning sides get attention.

Much of the credit goes to George Bailey and his coach. Anyone remember the coach's name? It's Tim Coyle. His modesty is becoming.

Captains run cricket teams. In that regard, the states are in good hands. George Bailey does a fine job in Tasmania, and Cameron White is highly regarded in Victoria. Marcus North and Simon Katich command respect despite long absences.

Several county and former international players are also taking part in Australia's cricket transformation, Ponting says.

Jason Gillespie and Allan Donald are coaching provincial teams, and the red carpet was put out for New Zealand's A team.

Cricket Australia deserves praise for its work in the region. Recently, the top cricketers from Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Japan attended a camp run at the high-performance centre in Brisbane.

The game is growing in these places, and it's avoiding the expatriate trap.

He concludes by saying that governance is the game's most important issue. With proper leadership, scandals will be few and far between, and the game of cricket needs men of high calibre and integrity. (ANI)

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Arthur lying about Ntini''s race card call: Mali

Mon, Nov 08 10 12:38 PM

Johannesburg, Nov 8 (PTI) Former Cricket South Africa president Ray Mali says ex-coach Mickey Arthur''s claims that retiring pacer Makhaya Ntini used the race card after being dropped from the side are lies. Arthur, who now coaches Western Australian in Perth, alleges in his book ''Taking the Mickey'', to be released today, that he had been called to a breakfast meeting where the then cricket boss Mtutuzeli Nyoka had apologised to Ntini after the latter had complained that Arthur and captain Graeme Smith did not want black players in the side. Mali, who is now looking after Athletics South Africa, refuted Arthur''s claims and told the ''Daily Dispatch'', "There''s no such thing. Mickey is lying. Makhaya said no such thing." "Makhaya did not play the race card. Mickey must not try to sell his book using Makhaya. I deny that outright." Mali said he remembered a meeting with Ntini after the announcement of the team from which Ntini had been omitted. He said Ntini''s gripe was not about alleged racism but about his feelings of still not being recognised as a senior player a decade after he had joined the team. Ntini, who became a star after first being a herd boy in a rural area, announced his retirement from international cricket last week. His final game will be against India in Durban on January 9 next year. Arthur''s book follows exactly a week after a controversial autobiography by one-time Proteas star opener Herschelle Gibbs, whose revelations of sex, drink and booze binges made international headlines even as he faced possible legal action from his bosses at Cricket South Africa and former teammates.

Source: Published>

Australia thrash Pak to clinch Hong Kong Sixes trophy

Mon, Nov 08 10 12:22 PM

Melbourne, Nov 8 (PTI) David Warner led from the front with a destructive cameo as Australia beat Pakistan by two wickets to clinch their first ever Hong Kong Super Sixes cricket trophy. Chasing an imposing 132 for six set by Pakistan in their alloted five overs, the Aussies smashed 48 runs from the final eight-ball over of Imran Nazir. Warner (35 off 11 balls), Glenn Maxwell (34 off 15 balls) and Ryan Carters (31 off eight balls) guided the Aussies home yesterday with two wickets to spare, Cricket Australia said in a statement today. After the match Warner said he was ecstatic with the win and the way the team never gave up in any situation. "It was amazing. We have that Australian passion when things are against us. It is one of those things; we needed 46 in that last over, but it is cricket and we knew we always had a chance if we backed ourselves," the captain said. "We fought back hard in the field. We knew our fielding was going to be the key and today was unbelievable," he added. Earlier, Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad set the scoreboard rocking with a quick-fire 92 of just 28 balls as the tournament favourites amassed a challenging total. After suffering a loss against South Africa in their opening round match on Saturday Australia came back well to register wins against Hong Kong and England in the group stage before knocking Sri Lanka out in the semi-final. Glenn Maxwell was named player of the tournament winning the Ben Hollioake Trophy.

Source: Published>

Beckham inspires Galaxy into Conference final

Mon, Nov 08 10 12:18 PM

David Beckham created both goals as L.A Galaxy beat the Seattle Sounders 2-1 on Sunday to earn a place in Major League Soccer's Western Conference final, where they will take on FC Dallas.

Galaxy, leading 1-0 from the first leg in Seattle, doubled their aggregate advantage in the 19th minute when a Beckham corner was headed in by U.S. international striker Edson Buddle.

Eight minutes later, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, whipped in a free-kick from the left which defender Omar Gonzalez headed past Sounders keeper Kasey Keller.

Seattle struggled to get back into the game and the 35-year-old Beckham went close to a goal himself with a trademark free-kick which curled just wide.

Beckham was sidelined for six months by an Achilles tendon injury and only returned to action for L.A in September.

"His return from injury has been phenomenal, for him to be playing like this is fantastic," said Galaxy coach Bruce Arena.

The Sounders wasted a couple of good chances after the break with Colombian Fredy Montero firing wide and Galaxy's Jamaican keeper Donovan Ricketts foiling Steve Zakuani's close range effort.

Zakuani finally got on the scoresheet in the 86th minute but by then it was far too late for a recovery from the Sounders.

Colorado and San Jose will meet in the Eastern Conference final and the winners will progress to face the Galaxy or Dallas in the MLS Cup final in Toronto on Nov. 21.

Source: Published>

McKay five-for redeems team, Australia win final one-dayer

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 11:44 AM

Australia snapped a run of seven straight losses in all forms of cricket when they beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the third and final limited-overs international on Sunday. Sri Lanka claimed the series 2-1 after winning the first match in Melbourne by one wicket and the second in Sydney by 29 runs.

Young fast bowlers Clint McKay and Mitchell Starc shared nine wickets as Australia dismissed Sri Lanka for 115 in 32 overs after Kumar Sangakkara won the toss elected to bat. McKay took 5-33 and Starc 4-27. Michael Clarke made an unbeaten 50 and Brad Haddin had 31 to steer Australia to 119-2 in 21.3 overs.

Australia's first win of the domestic summer went a long way in repairing their damaged confidence on the ground where they will open their Ashes Test series against England in 18 days. McKay and Starc added a note of aggression which has been absent from Australia's bowling in recent matches and Clarke and Haddin were both confident and clinical in their pursuit of a modest target.

McKay was named man of the match and Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga was man of the series.

Upul Tharanga with 28 and Chamara Silva with 33 were the only Sri Lankan batsmen to reach double figures. McKay first cracked open the tourists' top order, dismissing opener Tillakaratne Dilshan for 1 in the third over before removing both Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene for ducks.

Starc joined the Australian team Sunday in place of Peter Siddle in one of three changes. Captain Ricky Ponting was again rested while Xavier Doherty replaced Nathan Hauritz.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 115 all out, 32 overs (U Tharanga 28, C Silva 33; McKay 5/33, Starc 4/27) lost to Australia 119/2, 21.4 overs (B Haddin 31, M Clarke not out 50; Fernando 2/47) by eight wickets.

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Dortmund crush Hanover to go four points clear

Mon, Nov 08 10 10:56 AM

Borussia Dortmund opened a four-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga with a crushing 4-0 win at Hanover 96 on Sunday, their sixth consecutive away victory.

The result gave the leaders 28 points from 11 games, four ahead of second-placed Mainz 05 who slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Freiburg on Saturday.

Bayer Leverkusen moved up to third on 21 points after coming from a goal down to beat Kaiserslautern 3-1 while VfB Stuttgart climbed out of the drop zone with a scintillating 6-0 romp against Werder Bremen.

In a one-sided game Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa gave the visitors an early lead. Lucas Barrios added another goal in the 72nd minute before substitutes Robert Lewandowski and Jakub Blaszczykowski completed the rout.

Dortmund have now piled up a league-high 27 goals while conceding only seven, also a Bundesliga best.

"We deserved this win today but maybe the score is a bit flattering," said coach Juergen Klopp. "Our second goal was the turning point and I think Hanover lost confidence after that."

Kagawa, a revelation this season after joining Dortmund from the Japanese second division for 350,000 euros ($491,400), drilled in his fifth league goal of the campaign in the 11th minute after slicing through the defence.

ONE CHANCE

Hanover never recovered and had only one real chance, a thunderous Didier Ya Konan drive in the 40th minute that sailed wide.

With the hosts constantly on the back foot, Paraguay international Barrios notched his sixth league goal of the season in the 72nd minute from close range.

Hanover were then reduced to 10 men when Karim Haggui was sent off for aiming a kick at Blaszczykowski's head.

Keeper Florian Fromlowitz saved the subsequent Nuri Sahin penalty but was helpless when Lewandowski fired in from 10 metres in the 81st minute.

Blaszczykowski was then picked out by Antonio da Silva with a dream pass and had no trouble beating the Hanover keeper in stoppage time.

Sidney Sam scored twice as Leverkusen battled back to beat Kaiserslautern and leapfrog Eintracht Frankfurt in the table.

Stuttgart rose to 14th with their second win in three games as they ripped Werder apart.

Germany international Cacau struck twice and Ciprian Marica, Christian Gentner, Georg Niedermeier and Arthur Boka were also on target for the hosts.

Werder, stuck in 11th spot on 14 points, saw Torsten Frings's first-half penalty saved when the score was 1-0.

Cacau was also denied by keeper Tim Wiese from a 61st-minute spot kick.

Source: Published>

European roundup - Real beat Atletico, other leaders lose

Mon, Nov 08 10 10:18 AM

Real Madrid went through the familiar routine of beating local rivals Atletico to stay top in Spain on Sunday.

Lazio, Chelsea and Brest stayed top in Italy, England and France respectively despite all losing.

SPAIN

Real Madrid, unbeaten by rivals Atletico in more than a decade, continued their dominance with a 2-0 win on Sunday which kept them top of La Liga.

Ricardo Carvalho and Mesut Ozil scored for Jose Mourinho's unbeaten side who have 26 points from 10 games, one ahead of champions Barcelona.

The Catalans won 3-1 at Getafe with goals from Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro.

Villarreal, who fought back from a goal down at home to beat Athletic Bilbao 4-1y, are third on 23. Espanyol are fourth on 18 after their 1-0 win over visiting Malaga.

ITALY

Surprise leaders Lazio lost their derby 2-0 to AS Roma after second-half penalties from Marco Borriello and Mirko Vucinic finally burst their bubble.

AC Milan were the main beneficiaries as they moved second, two points behind, after a 3-2 win at Bari.

Injury-hit champions Inter Milan dropped to third following a 1-1 home draw against Brescia in which Argentine centre back Walter Samuel injured knee ligaments and could be out for the season.

Fourth-placed Juventus have been similarly decimated by injuries but came from behind to beat Cesena 3-1.

ENGLAND

Champions and leaders Chelsea suffered their second defeat of the season as Fernando Torres scored twice to guide Liverpool to a 2-0 victory at Anfield.

That meant their lead over Manchester United was cut to two points after Park Ji-sung's stoppage-time goal, his second of the match, snatched a 2-1 Old Trafford victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Manchester City's Italian striker Mario Balotelli was another to score both goals as his side won 2-0 at West Bromwich Albion, though he spoiled the day somewhat by getting himself needlessly sent off.

Chelsea have 25 points, two ahead of Manchester United, with Arsenal and Manchester City on 20.

FRANCE

Paris St Germain revived their title hopes with a 2-1 home win over arch-rivals Olympique Marseille on Sunday.

PSG prevailed thanks to early goals by strikers Mevlut Erding and Guilaume Hoarau to move up to third with 19 points from 12 games, two points adrift of leaders Brest who conceded their first goals in nine league games in a 3-1 defeat at Lille.

Marseille, who reduced the arrears through Lucho Gonzalez, lie fourth on 18 points but have a game in hand.

Stade Rennes, one point behind Brest in second place, missed out on top spot when they were held 1-1 by Olympique Lyon.

GERMANY

Borussia Dortmund opened a four-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga with a crushing 4-0 win at Hanover 96 on Sunday, their sixth consecutive away victory.

Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa gave the visitors an early lead. Lucas Barrios added another goal in the 72nd minute before substitutes Robert Lewandowski and Jakub Blaszczykowski completed the rout.

Borussia have 28 points from 11 games, four ahead of second-placed Mainz 05 who slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Freiburg on Saturday.

Bayer Leverkusen moved up to third on 21 points after coming from a goal down to beat Kaiserslautern 3-1 while VfB Stuttgart climbed out of the drop zone with a scintillating 6-0 romp against Werder Bremen.

PORTUGAL

Porto extended their lead at the top to 10 points by thrashing second-placed Benfica 5-0 at home in Sunday's "classico".

Winger Silvestre Varela opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a first-time shot from near the penalty spot after a fine run by Brazilian forward Hulk on the right wing.

Colombia striker Radamel Falcao added two more before halftime, both from assists by Argentine midfielder Fernando Belluschi, again exploiting Benfica's weak defending on the left wing.

Benfica captain Luisao was sent off in the 65th minute for elbowing Fredy Guarin before Hulk completed the rout with two more goals.

Madeira club Nacional climbed to third-place with a 1-0 win at Pacos Ferreira.

NETHERLANDS

Twente Enschede came from behind to beat Excelsior Rotterdam 2-1 with Nacer Chadli and Marc Janko on target to stay top of the Dutch league with 31 points from 13 matches.

PSV Eindhoven follow one point after beating Utrecht 2-1 with two goals from Balazs Dzsudzsak while ADO Den Haag stunned third-placed Ajax Amsterdam with a 1-0 away win.

Source: Published>

Italy celebrate Fed Cup after Pennetta win

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 09:58 AM

Fed Cup specialists Italy won the cherished women's tennis team trophy for a third time in five years on Sunday by swatting hosts the United States 3-1.

Italy's second singles player Flavia Pennetta earned the winning point in the best-of-five match final by crushing American teenager Coco Vandeweghe 6-1 6-2.

Melanie Oudin had earlier kept the U.S. alive with a 6-3 6-1 upset of Italy's Francesca Schiavone, the world number seven, at the San Diego Sports Arena.

But although Pennetta failed to hold serve in the first game of her match, she had little trouble from that point on, brushing aside Fed Cup debutant Vandeweghe in only 80 minutes to secure the trophy for her country.

The Italian world number 23 broke her 114th-ranked opponent three times in the opening set and twice in the second before wrapping up victory when a Vandeweghe backhand service return sailed long.

Pennetta raised her arms into the air and was warmly congratulated by Italy captain captain Corrado Barazzutti before she ran across to join her team mates in a group hug.

"It's very special for me, for the team and for everybody," Pennetta said courtside, while nodding her head in the direction of the Italian supporters in the stands.

She later told reporters she had been nervous but by no means panic-stricken going into her match against Vandeweghe following Schiavone's unexpected defeat.

"Of course, I was thinking Francesca can take that point and maybe everything would then finish fast," Pennetta said. "But Melanie played unbelievable today, she was on fire. It was not easy to stop her."

Barazzutti showered his team with praise after a successive victory over the U.S. in the final, following the 4-0 whitewash of the Americans in Reggio Calabria last year.

"In five years, we have won three Fed Cups and this is a fantastic team," he said. "I'm a very lucky captain. I am proud of them but it's easy to be captain of this team because they are very strong."

ITALIAN BLUSHES

Pennetta's demolition job against an error-prone Vandeweghe spared Italian blushes after Oudin's remarkable display in the first match of the day.

With Italy leading 2-0 overnight and needing just one more win to clinch the trophy, Oudin outplayed the French Open champion with a solid and often inspired performance from the baseline.

The 19-year-old broke Schiavone four times in a mistake-ridden opening set and twice in the second to complete victory in one hour 14 minutes.

Oudin sealed her dazzling win with an ace, which was challenged by Schiavone before it was confirmed by Hawkeye, to send the sparse crowd into a frenzy of celebration.

"This is the best I have played in a long time," a wide-eyed Oudin said after engaging the Italian in protracted rallies and continually attacking her opponent's backhand.

"I felt confident out there. I really played with no fear. I had a good game plan going in. I kept it going from start to finish and didn't let her get back in the match."

Oudin was a late change to the U.S. lineup on Sunday, replacing Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who lost her opening singles to Pennetta 7-6 6-2 on Saturday after suffering leg cramps and a flu virus.

With the trophy having been secured, the concluding doubles scheduled to pit Americans Liezel Huber and Oudin against Italians Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci was scrapped.

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NBA - Celtics brush off Durant and Thunder for fifth straight win

Mon, Nov 08 10 09:36 AM

The Boston Celtics brushed aside Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder to earn their fifth straight win with a 92-83 road victory on Sunday.

NBA scoring champion Durant finished with 34 points but the Celtics used a balanced attack and stout defense to improve to 6-1 for the season, tying the Atlanta Hawks for the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Ray Allen scored a team-high 19 points for Boston, Paul Pierce added 17 and Rajon Rondo finished with 10 points and 10 assists.

Russell Westbrook had 16 points and 10 assists for the Thunder (3-3), who shot just 42 percent and committed 18 turnovers to lose for the third time in four games.

Source: Published>

Team by team analysis of Brazilian Grand Prix

Mon, Nov 08 10 09:22 AM

Team by team analysis of Sunday's Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix (listed in championship order):

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RED BULL (Sebastian Vettel 1, Mark Webber 2)

Red Bull won their first constructors' title with a race to spare. Vettel's fourth win of the season and Red Bull's fourth one-two. The German put himself back in the title contention and is now third overall, 15 points off Ferrari's Alonso. Webber is eight points off the lead.

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MCLAREN (Lewis Hamilton 4, Jenson Button 5)

Hamilton set the fastest lap but is effectively out of the title reckoning, 24 points behind Alonso. Button ceded his title at the circuit where he won it. He did well to finish fifth from 11th on the grid.

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FERRARI (Fernando Alonso 3, Felipe Massa 15) Alonso can take his third title in Abu Dhabi if he finishes second. The Spaniard was held up in the opening laps by Williams' Hulkenberg, allowing the Red Bulls to escape. Massa had a problem at a pitstop and had to come back in to have a tyre changed. He also collided with Buemi.

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MERCEDES GP (Nico Rosberg 6, Michael Schumacher 7) A radio problem caused confusion at Rosberg's second stop. Schumacher let his team mate past because the younger German was on fresher tyres and better equipped to challenge Button.

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RENAULT (Robert Kubica 9, Vitaly Petrov 16) Kubica spent much of the race in traffic. Petrov's race was ruined on the first lap when he ran off to avoid running into Alguersuari and went to the back of the field. He recovered from 23rd to 16th.

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WILLIAMS (Nico Hulkenberg 8, Rubens Barrichello 14) Hulkenberg started on pole for the first time, Williams' first pole since 2005. His points allowed Williams to leapfrog Force India. Barrichello had a long first stop and an unscheduled second after a collision with Alguersuari and puncture on lap 34.

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FORCE INDIA (Adrian Sutil 12, Vitantonio Liuzzi retired) Sutil started in 22nd place with a five place penalty on the grid. Liuzzi had an accident, due possibly to brake failure, that brought out the safety car on lap 49.

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SAUBER (Kamui Kobayashi 10, Nick Heidfeld 17) Kobayashi was on a different tyre strategy to most others, doing a long stint on the hard tyres. Heidfeld started 15th and lost two places after being given a drive-through penalty with six laps remaining.

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TORO ROSSO (Jaime Alguersuari 11, Sebastien Buemi 13) Alguersuari complained his car lacked top line speed. Buemi was on a one stop strategy and suffered badly worn tyres.

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LOTUS RACING (Heikki Kovalainen 18, Jarno Trulli 19)

Lotus stayed top of the new teams with one race left. Trulli had a small hydraulic problem.

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HRT (Bruno Senna 21, Christian Klien 22)

Hispania got two cars to the finish for the third race in a row and eighth time this season. Klien started from the garage due to a fuel pressure problem on the way to the grid.

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VIRGIN (Timo Glock 20, Lucas di Grassi retired) Glock was passed by Kovalainen while avoiding Petrov. Di Grassi reported a rear suspension problem early on and needed a long stint in the garage.

Source: Published>

Indian Sepak Takraw team given a warm farewell

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 07:16 AM

The national Sepak Takraw camp (men and women) for the Asian Games 2010 came to a close at Lucknow on Sunday. The campers were given a warm farewell by Sports Authority of India (SAI) at a city hotel. The camp was organised at UP Badminton Academy from October 25 to November 7.

Talking to The Indian Express, chief coach Hemraj informed, "15 campers in the men's section and 13 in the men's section took part in the game and a 12-member team in the men's and women's section, respectively, has been selected for the Asian Games."

"Sepak Takraw is like a blend of different sports like volleyball, football and gymnastics. But in this game players are not allowed to use their hands while playing. It generally the feet which is used."

Talking about the prospects of the Indian team in the Asiad, Hemraj said, "We had not won any medals in the last edition of the Asian Games. But this year, it is a different story altogether. SAI and sports ministry have organised camps in five phases since January. Besides in the world championships held at Thailand this year, Indian women had won golds in the Regu event and the double event while in the men's section, India won a gold in the team event and a bronze in Regu event. So the confidence level of the players is quite high."

The Indian Team:Men:AK Sanathoi (Manipur), TH Dharmendra (Manipur), M Nanao (Manipur), Sandeep Kumar (Delhi), H Kirankumar (Manipur), KH Niken (Manipur), TH Ingoba (Manipur), Lalhimpuia (Manipur), CH Biken (Manipur), Jiteshwar (Manipur), Koso (Nagaland);

Women:O Jimi (Manipur), KH Robita (Manipur), A Maipak (Manipur), Sameena Begum (AP), M Aruna (Manipur), E Rasheswori (Manipur), P Ronita (Manipur), W Milana (Manipur), Amrita Pandey (Maharashtra), E Binalata (Manipur), Rebika AK (Manipur), Deepa (Delhi). Coaches: Hemraj (chief coach), BA Sharma, A Mahavir, Jaymati Singha; Physio: Dr T Nianglunching.

Source: Web Search

UP, Orissa Ranji teams to practise today

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 07:06 AM

The Uttar Pradesh and Orissa Ranji teams will be arriving in the state capital on Monday ahead of their Ranji Trophy match which will take place at Dr Akhilesh Das Stadium from November 10 to 13. Both the teams will be practising at the venue from 2.30 pm on Monday.

Talking to The Indian Express, sports in charge of the Das Stadium, Ajai Arora said, " Two practice pitches are available at different corners of the ground. So both the teams can practice simultaneously. I have been told by Cricket Association Lucknow (CAL) that the UP team will be practising from 2.30 pm."

Both UP and Orissa have collected three points each. Though Mohammad Kaif led UP settled for a draw against Punjab in is first match held at Meerut from November 1 to 4 but managed to get three points by virtue of a first innings lead. SS Das lead Orissa's match against Baroda too ended in a draw but Orissa too collected three points because of the 1st innings lead.

Sources informed that UP players Digvijay Singh and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are not likely to be available for the second match as they will be taking part in the under-22 tournament at Mumbai.

Praveen gets engagedTeam India cricketer Praveen Kumar got engaged to his friend Sapna, in Meerut on Sunday. Sapna is good in the sport of shooting. The marriage will take place at a resort in Noida on November 18.

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Chirag take a major leap

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 06:48 AM

Mohammad Rafique's celebrations after he had scored the winning goal was evidence of what Chirag United had just accomplished. Coming into existence only in 2006 and playing their first major final, Chirag claimed the Durand Cup, the world's third oldest football competition, by a lone goal on Sunday. And against the five-time winners JCT, with an almost non-existent defence and a hobbling goalkeeper, the 'minnows' did the improbable.

The win makes Chirag the fourth team from Kolkata to win the title after East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting ? and the first since 2002.

It probably explains the delirious celebrations in the largely Chirag-supporting crowd, and the bare-chested, shirt-waving run by Rafique in the 76th minute after scoring the winner.

The credit for that, though, must go to substitute Arnab Mondal who came in for Justine Stephens at the stroke of half hour ? Mondal sent in a precise long cross from inside the Chirag defence that found captain and Man of the Tournament Josimar Da Silva Martine hovering on the edge of the penalty box. Josimar wrong-footed a JCT defender and sent the ball to Rafique and the latter, with just the goalkeeper to beat, made no mistake in slotting the ball in the top-left corner.

Sound start

Chirag had been on the lookout for that goal from the word go, getting their first few chances early in the first half. Rafique failed to find the net with a header in the 10th minute, while Josimar was guilty of wasting a brilliant set-up from Rafique two minutes later.

Chirag were clearly the dominant team, but suffered a crucial blow minutes before the halftime as they lost mercurial defender Chika Wali, who was their best player in the competition.

Wali had to be substituted after he clashed with goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal. The clash left Mondal too hobbling for the entire second half. However, he managed to not only clear a couple of corner kicks but also held up the post in the face of the rare JCT offensive.

With the Punjab team relying more on aerial balls, Chirag players preferred playing along the ground.

While for most of the Chirag players this was their first-ever experience of playing a big final, coach Subrata Bhattacharjee achieved the distinction of becoming the only coach to win the tournament with two different clubs ? he won the title with Mohun Bagan in 2000.

"This team was different from my days with big teams like Bagan that had the best players. Here, I had to plot specifically for every opposition team keeping in mind my team's strengths and limited resources. But we proved today that we are a small team only in name, not in performance," a proud Bhattacharjee said after the match.

Source: Web Search

Haile Gebrselassie ends illustrious career

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 04:56 AM

New York, Nov 8 (DPA) Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia, one of the greatest ever distance runners, announced his retirement Sunday after quitting the New York Marathon injured.

'I am retiring ... Let me do another job,' Gebrselassie, 37, told a news conference after pulling out with right knee problems after 25 km.

Known for his devastating kick in the final lap and his constant smile, Gebrselassie was one of the most popular and the most successful distance runner over almost two decades.

He burst onto the scene with a first of four straight 10,000 metres world titles 1993 in Stuttgart and won Olympic gold over the distance 1996 in Atlanta and 2000 in Sydney.

Gebrselassie was a world record holder over 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres and ended his track career with a 10,000 metres bronze at the 2003 worlds.

Moving on to the marathon, Gebrselassie claimed the world record 2007 in Berlin and bettered it there the following year to 2 hours 3 minutes 59 seconds.

Further world record attempts failed and Gebrselassie's last success was in his first Great North Run in Britain two months ago, winning the race from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields in a time of 59 minutes 33 seconds.

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Gebrselassie announces retirement

Published>Mon, Nov 08 10 12:18 AM

Ethiopian world marathon record holder Haile Gebrselassie announced his retirement on Sunday after dropping out of his first New York City marathon

"I am retiring," the twice Olympic 10,000 metres champion told a news conference. "It's time to step away and give chances to the youngsters."

Gebrselassie, 37, who set 27 world records in his illustrious career, pulled out after the halfway stage. A medical examination on Saturday had revealed fluid and tendinitis in his right knee.

"I never thought about retirement," he said. "But for the first time, this is the day. Let me stop and do other work after this.

"Let me do another job. Let me give a chance to the youngsters. I did very hard work to win this race, it didn't work."

After retiring from the track, Gebrselassie clocked two hours four minutes 26 seconds to break Kenyan Paul Tergat's world marathon at the 2007 Berlin race.

In the following year he became the first man to run under two hours four seconds when he clocked 2:03:59 in Berlin.

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Sutil finishes 12th at Brazilian GP, Liuzzi crashes out

Mon, Nov 08 10 12:12 AM

Sao Paulo, Nov 7 (PTI) Force India''s Adrian Sutil raced amazingly from 22nd on the grid to finish 12th at Brazilian Grand Prix but Vitantonio Liuzzi crashed out after an accident in the penultimate race of the season, here today. Force India returned empty handed for the fifth time in the season and a double finish eluded them yet again. Sutil had qualified for P18 but a five-place penalty, he carried into the race from Korea, pushed him to almost to the rear on the grid. Sutil, who had failed to finish the previous two races, faced stiff competition from Mercedes'' legendary driver Michael Schumacher and Robert Kubica while in the top-10. It was important for Sutil to get some points after surrendering his 10th position in the drivers'' championship to Ruben Barichello of Williams. Sutil remained in 11th position as Barichello also failed to get any points after finishing 14th. Liuzzi though had a disappointing result as he crashed out in lap 51 after ramming his car into the tyre wall. The Italian driver, who came into the race after a good result in Korea where he finished sixth, has failed to finish a race for the fifth time in the season and third time in the last four races. Sutil sneaked into top-10 by the lap number 16 and strengthened his position lap after lap. By the half-way mark in the 71-lap race, Sutil was in eighth position. It was tight from thereon as Schumacher and Kubica put a lot of pressure on Sutil. Sutil had delayed his first pit stop and after coming to pit lane he dropped to 15th. However, he kept pushing hard, gradually cleared the field and overtook Torro Rosso''s Sebastian Buemi in lap 61 to get to 12th position. Red Bull''s Sebastian Vettel won the race and was followed by his teammate Mark Webber and championship leader Fernando Alonso of Ferrari. Williams'' Nico Hulkenberg finished sixth after starting from Pole position.

Source: Published>

Ferrer boosts Tour finals bid with Valencia title

Sun, Nov 07 10 11:56 PM

David Ferrer clinched his second title of the year and improved his chances of making this month's World Tour finals when he dismissed Spanish compatriot Marcel Granollers 7-5 6-3 to win the Valencia Open on Sunday.

The world number eight, victorious in Acapulco in February, used his speed and tenacity to good effect against the powerful Granollers.

Granollers, who qualified for the main draw after the injured Jo-Wilfried Tsonga withdrew, was appearing in the second ATP Tour final of his career.

Valencia resident Ferrer edged a tight first set at the Mediterranean city's cathedral-like indoor arena when Granollers failed to return a shot that kissed the baseline.

The 28-year-old, Valencia champion in 2008 before the event switched from clay to indoor hard court, quickly pressed home his advantage, opening a 3-0 lead in the second set.

The break of the Granollers' serve in the second game proved crucial and Ferrer sealed victory on his first match point when his opponent hit a return into the net.

He dropped his racket and tumbled on to his back on the blue court before climbing into the crowd to embrace his family.

"It's a very special day for me that I wanted to dedicate to my parents," he said in a courtside television interview. "I am just filled with joy and speechless."

Ferrer is well placed to clinch one of the three remaining berths at the Nov. 21-28 ATP World Tour finals in London, for which Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Robin Soderling have all qualified.

As of Saturday, Tomas Berdych, Andy Roddick, Fernando Verdasco, Mikhail Youzhny and Juergen Melzer could also still make it, with more ranking points available at next week's Paris Masters event.

Sunday's match was the fifth all-Spanish final this year and Ferrer's is the 20th title for his nation in 2010, with seven of those, including three grand slams, going to world number one Rafael Nadal.

Source: Published>

CAB mourns S S Ray''s death

Sun, Nov 07 10 09:22 PM

Kolkata, Oct 7 (PTI) The Cricket Association of Bengal today mourned the demise of their former president Siddhartha Shankar Ray, who died at his south Kolkata residence last evening following renal failure. The former West Bengal chief minister''s body, put in a hearse, was carried to the CAB offices where president Jagmohan Dalmiya placed a wreath before being taken to the crematorium where he was given a final adieu with full state honours. In its condolence message, the CAB said, "The entire sports fraternity of our state is stunned for the sad demise of Ray. His death caused an immense loss in the sports arena of this state and ended a golden era." The CAB will hold a condolence meeting on November 14 at Eden Gardens and the offices will remain closed till Tuesday as a mark of respect. Ray was at the helm of CAB from 1981-1986. He was also triple blue of the Calcutta University representing the famous institution in cricket, tennis and football. He was the captain of Presidency college football team and Kalighat cricket during his college days. As a sports administrator, Ray displayed rare acumen when he was president of CAB and it was during his tenure as Bengal chief minister the Netaji Indoor Stadium was built. Also a barrister, Ray had defended Sourav Ganguly successfully in 2004 after the then India captain was served a two-Test ban by Match Referee Clive Lloyd for the team''s slow over rate during a India-Pakistan ODI at Eden Gardens. In 2005, Ray along with Soli Sorabjee, were also successful in getting Ganguly''s six-ODI ban, imposed by Chris Broad, reduced to one-third.

Source: Published>

Action against six Pakistani cricketers for violating curfew

Published>Sun, Nov 07 10 08:58 PM

Islamabad, Nov 7 (IANS) Three Pakistani cricketers, currently touring the United Arab Emirates for a one-day series against South Africa, have been fined while three others have been issued warnings for violating Dubai's discipline code, a media report said Sunday.

The three cricketers fined UAE dirhams 500 each are wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider, opener Shahzaib Hasan and left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman. They had returned to the hotel where the team was staying after the curfew hours, Samaa TV reported.

Three other players - pacer Shoaib Akhtar, all-rounder Abdul Razzaq and left-handed batsman Fawad Alam - have been issued a warning for violation of discipline. The incident occurred after the players went partying late into the night after the nail-biting victory against the Proteas in Dubai on November 5.

The Pakistani team management is enforcing strict discipline on tour and the players are not allowed to meet fans or move out of the hotel without prior permission. Team manager Intikhab Alam confirmed 'that disciplinary action had been taken against these players', Samaa TV said.

The strict disciplinary regime has been enforced as a precaution following the troubled English tour when three players - Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer - had to be withdrawn from the squad following a report in the News of the World tabloid that an alleged bookie had taken money on their behalf to indulge in spot-fixing.

The Pakistan players were seen going to parties with the alleged bookie Mazhar Majeed anmd taking gifts from him. It later transpired that he had befriended the players and was also acting as their agent to negotiate endorsement deals.

The same newspaper reporter also met batsman Yasir Hameed while faking as an advertising agent. Yasir had leveled some startling allegations against fellow players in the discussion with the reporter that was captured by a hidden camera but he later denied having said anything with an ulterior motive.

Pakistani cricketers have a history of violating discipline on tour and Shoaib Akhtar can easily be called the leader of the pack. He has been fined and handed other penalties on several occasions. During his current stint with the team, he has reportedly been told by the PCB to fall in line if he has to remain active as a player.

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Tendulkar better than Bradman: Abbas

Sun, Nov 07 10 08:52 PM

Karachi, Nov 7 (PTI) Most commentators and former players would rank Sachin Tendulkar as the greatest batsman after Don Bradman but former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas has rated the Indian icon as the best of all time, even above the legendary Australian. "People keep calling him (Bradman) the greatest. I never saw him bat but I know, somehow, that he couldn''t have been better than Tendulkar," Abbas, considered one of the finest batsmen Pakistan has produced, said. "This boy (Tendulkar) has certainly gone a step ahead of the Don. Just look at the guy. I mean he has been playing for 21 years, has scored thousands of runs, dozens of centuries but is still hungry for more as a debutant. It''s such an inspiring sight to see him go out there and still bat like he batted as a teenager. Our batsmen should learn from him," Abbas told ''News on Sunday'' today. Abbas lamented he was not playing in the current era and said he envied Tendulkar because of his never ending appetite for runs. "I am proud that I am the only Asian to have scored over 100 first class hundreds but after 16 years of international cricket I just played 78 tests. I wonder if I was born in the seventies. I could have played twice as many tests and have scored so many more runs. Probably I was born in the wrong era," he said. "Tendulkar is so good and so lucky to be born at just the right time. It''s a great combination," said Abbas, who is known as Asian Bradman for his run making ability and remains the only Asian to have 100 first class hundreds. Zaheer advised Pakistan batsman to take more responsibility and to stay at the wicket. He said he did not think Pakistan batsmen had any technical faults but just lacked application and temperament. "They should stop going for shortcuts at international level." PTI Corr PDS

Source: Published>

Sauber F1 engineers robbed at gunpoint

Published>Sun, Nov 07 10 08:36 PM

Three Sauber engineers were robbed at gunpoint shortly after Formula One world champion Jenson Button escaped unhurt from a similar attack at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the team said on Sunday.

"They left the track, three engineers together in a van, at around 8 p.m. (on Saturday)," a spokesman said.

"They had to stop at the red light and then all of a sudden five people were around the car, one with a machine gun, and they opened the door and took two rucksacks and disappeared. So nobody was injured."

McLaren's Button was the victim of an attempted armed robbery about an hour earlier but his police driver smashed his way through traffic to escape when the gunmen were seen approaching.

Button told reporters on his arrival at the circuit that he was fine but shaken by the incident.

"You hear about it happening over the years but until you are actually involved you don't know how it feels," he said. "It's a pretty scary situation because initially you don't believe it's happening.

"It's a horrible thing to happen.

"I feel fine now. there's a lot of attention because it's the first time it's been a driver that's been held up but hopefully it will show the dangers that are down there and we'll take more care," said Button.

"From what I hear most of the drivers have got a police escort into the circuit (today) as a well as a bullet proof car and policeman as a driver."

MACHINE GUN

Button, still just in mathematical contention for the title ahead of the penultimate race of the season, said his bullet-proof Mercedes -- with blacked-out windows -- had pulled up at a traffic light outside the circuit.

Sitting in the front passenger seat, he noticed a group of men loitering suspiciously by the side of the road at the entrance to one of the buildings that masks the shanty town behind.

"Richard (Goddard, his manager) noticed one had a baton hanging down from his arm and I noticed that one guy was playing around with something in his trousers and it was a gun," said Button.

"As soon as I said that, the driver looked across and they saw him look and started running towards the car. So we floored the car, it didn't look like there was a big enough space but we got between six cars and just rammed every single car to get past and got through and away."

"Looking behind there were two guys with handguns and one guy with what looked like a machine gun," said the driver.

Teams are always on the watch for attempted armed attacks on members leaving the circuit after previous incidents in Sao Paulo, a sprawling city with one of the highest crime rates in South America.

Petty theft is also a problem, with stories of stolen bags and wallets doing the rounds of the paddock. Two photographers also had expensive lenses go missing from their room at the circuit.

"We just take sensible precautions travelling to and from the circuit, we don't leave passes visible and don't wear team shirts," said a Toro Rosso spokesman when asked what measures they took.

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Jhulan helps Bengal win over Jharkhand

Sun, Nov 07 10 07:38 PM

Dhanbad, Nov 7 (PTI) A superb batting display by Jhulan Goswami helped Bengal post 57 runs victory over Jharkhand in the East Zone senior women''s inter state cricket championship here at Railway stadium today. In another match of the day at Digwadih stadium, Tripura shocked Assam by five wickets to register second successive victory in the championship. At Railway stadium, Bengal piled up 213 for 7 in 50 overs. In reply, the hosts managed to score only 156 for 7 in their alloted overs. After scoring a scintillating 90 for Bengal, Jhulan took two valuable wickets in her 10 overs, conceding just 24 runs. Jhulan came to the crease when her team was in dire straits, losing five wickets with 43 runs on board. During her 90 runs knock, she struck 12 boundaries and faced 106 balls. Archana Das hit 39 in 65 balls while Annyesha Maitra chipped in with 36 runs in 38 balls. Both of them sent four hits to the fence. For Jharkhand, Rakhi Sinha, S R Sharma and N M Prasad claimed two wickets each. In reply, Jharkhand top-order failed to respond to the challenge and they were all out for 156. Nitu and Rina Singh contributed 43 runs each while Kavita Roy hit 30 runs. Jhulan, Annyesha and Moumita took two wickets each. At Digwadih stadium, Tripura crushed Assam by five wickets. Batting first, Assam scored 124 for 9 in 50 overs. Devika Sathe was the highest scorer with 40 runs. She faced 53 balls and hit six fours. Anita Lodh contributed 26 runs facing 71 balls. S P Sinha took 3 wickets for 15 runs while Ganga returned with figures of two for 20 runs. In reply, Tripura reached the target (125) in 48.3 overs, losing only five wickets. Indrani Jamatia (24) and Anapurna Das added 69 runs for the fourth-wicket partnership which helped the team post victory. Devika Sathe took 3 wickets for 30 runs.

Source: Published>

''Flashing Star'' wins

Sun, Nov 07 10 07:22 PM

Chennai, Nov 7 (PTI) ''Flashing Star'' ridden by jockey G Ross and trained by R Foley won the Golden Temple plate, the chief event of the races held here today. The winner is owned by M A M R Muthiah. Trainers R Foley and B Suresh saddled six and three winners respectively. Jockeys Rajendra Singh and Ms N Rupa rode two winners each. Only one favourite obliged in a card of nine events. PTI COR BN

Source: Published>

Sauber F1 engineers robbed at gunpoint

Published>Sun, Nov 07 10 07:16 PM

A group of Sauber engineers were robbed at gunpoint shortly after Formula One world champion Jenson Button escaped unhurt from a similar attack at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the team said on Sunday.

"They left the track, three engineers together in a van, at around 8 p.m. (on Saturday)," a spokesman said.

"They had to stop at the red light and then all of a sudden five people were around the car, one with a machine gun, and they opened the door and took two rucksacks and disappeared. So nobody was injured."

McLaren's Button was the victim of an attempted armed robbery about an hour earlier but his police driver smashed his way through traffic to escape when the gunmen were seen approaching.

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Patience was the key to my batting: Williamson

Sun, Nov 07 10 07:08 PM

Ahmedabad, Nov 7 (PTI) After becoming the youngest New Zealand cricketer to score a century on debut, Kane Williamson today said the hard grind while preparing to face India''s spinners had paid off in the first cricket Test here. "We knew before coming here we have to face top class spin bowling. Patience was the key. We had prepared very hard for it and it has paid off," said the 20-year-old Williamson after the fourth day''s play at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera here. Williamson top-scored for New Zealand with 131 in a total of 459 that fell short of the Indian first innings score by only 28 runs. He also became the eighth New Zealand -- and the second visiting batsman from all countries this year -- to notch up a hundred in Test debut on Indian soil. South Africa opener Alviro Peterson was the first to score 100 in Kolkata in February against India. Williamson, who showed enormous patience and the correct approach to tackle the Indian spinners on the slow track here, batted for over six and a half hours and hit 10 fours in his 299-ball essay. He was dismissed by left arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, who took his career-best innings haul of four for 107, at the stroke of lunch today. The youngster said that by nature New Zealand cricketers played aggressively and thanks to the superb bowling by Chris Martin, who claimed 5 for 25 to break the back of the Indian batting, the visitors were in with a chance to win the match against the world number one Test team. "We are aggressive by nature. It was a superb effort by our bowling (Martin). When the third (Indian) wicket fell we were charged up and decided to have a go at their batsmen," he said. India lost their first three wickets with only three runs on the board before tea with Martin taking two wickets without conceding a run. Virender Sehwag, who scored 173 in the first innings, was run out by a superb piece of fielding by substitute Martin Guptill.

Source: Published>

Australia beat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in 3rd ODI

Published>Sun, Nov 07 10 06:38 PM

Australia snapped a run of seven straight losses in all forms of cricket when it beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the third and final limited-overs international on Sunday.

Sri Lanka claimed the series 2-1 after winning the first match in Melbourne by one wicket and the second in Sydney by 29 runs.

Young fast bowlers Clint McKay and Mitchell Starc shared nine wickets as Australia dismissed Sri Lanka for 115 in 32 overs after Kumar Sangakkara won the toss elected to bat. McKay took 5-33 and Starc 4-27.

Michael Clarke made an unbeaten 50 and Brad Haddin had 31 to steer Australia to 119-2 in 21.3 overs.

Australia's first win of the domestic summer went a long way to repairing its damaged confidence on the ground on which it will open its Ashes test series against England in 18 days.

McKay and Starc added a note of aggression which has been absent from Australia's bowling in recent matches and Clarke and Haddin were both confident and clinical in their pursuit of a modest target.

McKay was named man of the match for his career-best bowling figures and Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga was man of the series.

Australia at last re-discovered its ability to dominate other teams, a quality notably missing on its recent tour to India and in the first two matches of this series.

McKay and Starc relished a pitch at the Gabba ground which was faster and bouncier than those on which the first two matches were played. Both used the pace of the wicket and a steepling bounce to disconcert, then dismiss Sri Lanka's batsman.

Upul Tharanga with 28 and Chamara Silva with 33 were the only Sri Lankan batsmen to reach double figures.

McKay first cracked open the tourists' top order, dismissing opener Tillakaratne Dilshan for 1 in the third over before removing both Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene for ducks.

The tall Starc then used his sharp pace to remove Angelo Mathews for 9, Jeevan Mendis for 5 and Silva for 33, bowling both Silva and Mathews with accurate, full-pitched deliveries.

McKay returned in his second spell to dimiss Thissara Perera for 3 and Surav Ranjiv for 7 before Starc wrapped up the innings, removing Malinga for 2.

Shane Watson trapped Tharanga lbw for 28 to capture the only other Sri Lankan wicket.

Starc joined the Australian team Sunday in place of Peter Siddle in one of three changes to the lineup that lost in Sydney two days ago. Captain Ricky Ponting was again rested, handing the leadership to Clarke and a starting place to Callum Ferguson while Xavier Doherty replaced spin bowler Nathan Hauritz.

Sri Lanka made two changes to its lineup from Sydney, naming Mendis for Muttiah Muralitharan and Dilhara Fernando for Nuwan Kulasekara.

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India suffer 0-2 loss against Kuwait in Asian Games football

Sun, Nov 07 10 06:22 PM

Guangzhou, Nov 7 (PTI) India put up a valiant fight before going down 0-2 against Kuwait to get off their Asian Games football campaign on a disappointing note here today. Sukhwinder Singh''s boys were on equal terms against their stronger rivals for most part of the match. They paid the price of conceding an early goal and letting in another via a defensive lapse in the injury time. Striker Khaled Al Azemi scored both the goals -- in the sixth and 91st minutes -- for Kuwait at the Huadu Stadium. India will now have to beat either defending champions Qatar on Tuesday or Singapore on Thursday to have any chance of remaining in contention for a berth in the knock-out round. The top two teams from each of four groups and the four best third-placed teams will qualify for the Round of 16. India were in the backfoot as early as the sixth minute with Al Azemi finding the target even as the Indians were trying to settle down. Al Azemi found the target from an opportunistic shot after a Kuwaiti free-kick from outside the box deflected from an Indian defender. Not to be alarmed by the deficit, the Indian Under-23 side did not allow their rivals to dictate terms on them. They matched their rivals in ball possession and got some gilt-edged chances which though they could not convert. In the whole match, India had five shots at the goal as against six by the Kuwaitis. The Indians had more corner kicks -- five against one by Kuwait. India dominated the second half but wasted at least three chances to equalise. They conceded the second goal in the first of the three-minute injury time with the back pass from an Indian defender to goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimany, who started instead of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, landing on Kuwaiti striker Al Azemi. Al Azemi slotted the ball and D Ravanan''s desperate attempt to clear it was unsuccessful. Despite the loss, Sukhwinder was happy with the performance of his boys and said his side still has the chance to make it to the knock-out round. "It was an evenly contested match. Kuwait converted two from the three chances they got. We had at least three chances to equalise in the second half. So overall, I am happy with the performance of the boys," he told PTI. "The boys played a good game. There were one or two Kuwaiti boys who are skillful and speedier than my boys. So we are looking to play our best against Qatar and Singapore. We still have chance to qualify for next round. There are no injury concerns in today''s match also," he added. (More) PTI PDS SHN

Source: Published>

Smith, Waqar praise 'exciting' fourth ODI between Pak-SA in Dubai

Published>Sun, Nov 07 10 05:52 PM

Dubai, Oct 7 (ANI): Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis and South African skipper Graeme Smith have described the fourth one-day match between their two teams in Dubai as 'exciting' and 'good' for fifty-over-format of the game.

Earlier on Friday, Pakistan pulled off a sensational one-wicket win on the penultimate delivery of the match after being set a challenging 275-run target, to level the five-match series at 2-2 and set an intriguing decider for Monday, The News reported.

Waqar described the crucial match as "a hell of a game" and "good for the health of one-day cricket."

Smith, whose 98 was the cornerstone for the South African total, termed the series as having been ultra competitive.

"The four teams that are playing one day cricket at the moment are doing a good job keeping people on the edge of their seats," he said of the Pakistan-South Africa and Australia-Sri Lanka series.

The skipper said close matches are good and exciting for one-day cricket.

"Games like these are good things. Cricket is competitive no matter what the format is, but it is exciting and good for the game," said Smith. (ANI)

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India 487&82-6 v New Zealand 459 - close day 4, 1st test

Sun, Nov 07 10 05:38 PM

India were 82 runs for the loss of six wickets in their second innings, a lead of 110, against New Zealand at the close on day four of the first test on Sunday.

Scores: India 487 (V. Sehwag 173, R. Dravid 104, H. Singh 69; D. Vettori 4-118) and 82-6 (C. Martin 5-25) v New Zealand 459 (B. McCullum 65, R. Taylor 56, J. Ryder 103, K. Williamson 131; P. Ojha 4-98).

Source: Published>

India end day four on 82 for 6

Sun, Nov 07 10 05:26 PM

Ahmedabad, Nov 7 (PTI) India were 82 for six in their second innings, leading by 110 runs, at stumps on day four of the first cricket Test against New Zealand at Sardar Patel Stadium here today. Brief scores: India: 1st innings: 487 New Zealand: 1st innings: 459 India: 2nd innings: 82 for 6 (VVS Laxman 34 not out, Chris Martin 5/25).

Source: Published>

Ivanovic beats Kleybanova to win Tournament of Champions

Published>Sun, Nov 07 10 05:18 PM

Ana Ivanovic ended the season on a positive note by defeating Alisa Kleybanova 6-2 7-6 in the final of the Tournament of Champions in Bali on Sunday.

Ivanovic weathered some heavy hitting from her Russian opponent before breaking to lead 4-2 and won the final 11 points of the first set.

Kleybanova broke to lead 2-1 in the second, but Ivanovic immediately broke back with a stunning winner down the line, and her resilience under pressure, together with some fine serving, continued to give her the advantage.

Ivanovic faced a crisis at 5-5, but saved two break points and went on to claim victory with her eighth ace of the match.

The last few weeks have shown a remarkable turnaround for the Serbian former world number one, who has struggled since winning the French Open in 2008.

Ivanovic saw her ranking sink to 65 in July but her fortunes began to improve in August when she reached the semi-finals in Cincinnati before retiring against Kim Clijsters with an injury.

She also won three matches at the U.S. Open before losing to Clijsters.

The Serb defeated Elena Dementieva to reach the quarter-finals of the China Open, before winning her first title in two years in Linz. With her victory against Kleybanova she will rise to 17, her highest ranking in more than a year.

"I got to number one and I thought: 'This is great and I have to play even better to improve', and I started changing my technique and the way I was working," she said in explaining her slide down the world rankings.

"It wasn't good because I had a certain rhythm and I lost that, and then a few injuries crept in and then you lose matches you expect to win. That was hard and I took it very personally and was very hard on myself and brought myself down.

"Having more wins under your belt helps build your confidence, but it's a long process. At one point I wasn't really aware of that. I wanted to have results and get back to the top straight away but sometimes it takes longer than you anticipate.

"It was a big thing for me to realise it takes time and you have to be patient.

"There will be some up and downs until to get to that level where I feel comfortable playing against top players all the time, but I feel very confident about my game and my fitness.

"I feel my game is getting close to where it used to be and I'm even more aggressive, and experience-wise I'm much more mature and a more complete player now." (Editing by Peter Rutherford; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

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Kaneria stopped from going to Dubai over spot-fixing charges

Sun, Nov 07 10 05:06 PM

Karachi, Nov 7 (PTI) Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has been stopped from leaving for the UAE for a Test series against South Africa because of the spot-fixing charges he faced during his county stint with Essex. In a late night development, Kaneria was stopped by the Pakistan Cricket Board from going to Dubai to join the national team for the two Test matches against South Africa starting November 12. Kaneria was scheduled to leave with Muhammad Sami from Karachi as were Muhammad Yousuf, Taufiq Umar and Azhar Ali from Lahore in the early hours of Sunday. But as he was preparing to leave for the airport, Kaneria was told by the PCB to remain in Karachi till further orders. Zakir Khan, the director of cricket operations in the board, today said the board had not given clearance to Kaneria for the Test series. He refused to say anything more on the issue. A similar response came from chief selector Mohsin Khan who said he couldn''t select any player in the team who was not cleared by the board. "Under the new regulations only those players can play who are given clearance by the board and apparently in Kaneria''s case he has been stopped from playing for Pakistan at this point," Mohsin said. A well-placed source in the board told PTI that infact it was the ICC that had told the PCB not to play Kaneria at this time in the coming series. "Apparently the ICC is still not satisfied with the conduct of Kaneria because of the criminal investigation that was conducted against him this year by the Essex police," the source said. .

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Englishmen edge past Australians in Ashes series over 2010 statistics

Published>Sun, Nov 07 10 04:38 PM

Sydney, Nov 7(ANI): Only four Australian cricketers would be named if a composite side of Australians and Englishmen was selected on the basis of their performances in 2010, cricket columnist David Sygall has said.

The analysis of statistics found that England has every right to be confident heading into the series after a year that so far has brought seven Test wins, two losses and one draw.

"Englishmen dominate the bowling line-up, Stuart Broad and James Anderson having captured 64 wickets between them from their combined 16 Tests. England's best-performed bowler is spinner Graeme Swann, with a remarkable 51 wickets at an average of 23," Sygall wrote in an article for the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Only NSW left-arm paceman Doug Bollinger forces his way into the team after a year in which he snared 29 wickets in seven Tests," he added.

Sygall further said that the statistics supported Australian batsmen.

"Ironically, pressured middle-order batsman Mike Hussey wins the No.5 spot, having notched up 442 runs in eight Tests, while another player feeling the heat, Michael Clarke, is at No.4," he said.

"Opening the batting is Australia's rock-solid left-hander Simon Katich, with England's Alastair Cook, whose 10 Tests have yielded 710 runs. Ian Bell is at No.6 with two centuries in six Tests and an average of 71.5," he added.

Sygall however admitted that the Australians have had relatively tough year with tournaments against Pakistan, New Zealand and India, while England played four of their 10 Tests against Bangladesh, following series against South Africa and Pakistan. (ANI)

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Woods hopes to regain No.1 position

Published>Sun, Nov 07 10 04:26 PM

Sydney, Nov 7 (ANI): Tiger Woods is hoping to use three remaining tournaments this year to regain the No.1 golf ranking surrendered to England's Lee Westwood.

According to news.com.au, Westwood, currently injured, assumed the top ranking on Sunday to end a record run by Woods, who had topped the list for 281 weeks.

"As far as the world ranking is concerned, yes, I'm not ranked No.1 in the world," In order to do that you have to win and I didn't win this year," Woods said on Monday.

"I've got three more events this year and, hopefully, I can end on a good note. I'm really looking forward to these events and hopefully they will spearhead into a better 2011," he added.

Woods played an exhibition at Yokohama Country Club on Monday against Japanese teenager Ryo Ishikawa. He is on the way to China for the HSBC Championship, which starts Thursday at Shanghai's Sheshan International.

Woods had been No.1 since the week before the 2005 US Open, where he was runner-up. He won the British Open a month later and his ranking was rarely threatened since then till this year when Woods struggled through his worst season on and off the course, the report said.

He took a five-month break from golf to cope with confessions of extramarital affairs, which ultimately led to divorce, and his game has not been the same. (ANI)

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Pietersen not interested in Australia's losing streak

Published>Sun, Nov 07 10 04:08 PM

Sydney, Nov 7 (ANI): England batsman Kevin Pietersen has said that he has taken little interest in Australia's losing run, and added that he hasn't even watched a single ball of their recent defeats to Sri Lanka.

Australia's losing run in all forms of the game stretched to seven after Friday night's one-day loss to Sri Lanka.

"I haven't watched a single ball. My computer's turned on to Skype and I speak to my wife and baby as much as I can. I haven't watched a single ball, I haven't even turned my TV on in Australia," Pietersen said after scoring 58 against Western Australia.

"I haven't read a headline, nothing. Somebody told me (on Saturday) that they lost (on Friday) but that's got nothing to do with us. We are concentrating on our game and what we do," he added.

Western Australia will resume on day three at 1-109 in their second innings, holding an overall lead of 128, with Wes Robinson unbeaten on 46 and Michael Swart on 16.

Pietersen was the only recognised batsman to score in England's innings, hitting nine boundaries in his 90-ball stay to help the visitors reach 8(dec)-223. (ANI)

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Atwal ends tied 48th in WGC - HSBC Champions

Sun, Nov 07 10 03:46 PM

Shanghai, Nov 7 (PTI) Arjun Atwal went over-par for a second successive day, carding a 74 in the final round, to drop 10 rungs and sign off tied 48th in the WGC - HSBC Champions golf tournament here today. Atwal managed two birdies against two bogeys and a double bogey to be two-over for the day and end the tournament with a total of three-over 291. The Orlando-based golfer was one-over in the front nine after managing to sandwich a birdie in between a couple of bogeys. The back nine comprised a double bogey against a birdie as Atwal rounded off his campaign on a rather disappointing note. Italian Francesco Molinari clinched the title by a stroke after a second successive 67 left his overall score at 19-under 269. England''s Lee Westwood finished second after returning a 67 in the final round.

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India suffer dramatic collapse after taking 28-run lead

Sun, Nov 07 10 03:08 PM

Ahmedabad, Nov 7 (PTI) In a dramatic collapse, India lost their top three batsmen with only two runs on the board at tea after dismissing New Zealand for 459 on the fourth day of the first cricket Test here today. After taking New Zealand''s last four wickets for 42 runs, India were off to a shock start as they losing Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid in the space of 4.5 overs. Gambhir fell for a duck while first innings centurions Sehwag and Dravid were dismissed after scoring identical singles to leave India tottering at two for three at tea with Sachin Tendulkar, yet to score after facing nine balls. Gambhir and Dravid were dismissed by fast bowler Chris Martin while Sehwag was brilliantly run out by substitute fielder Martin Guptill. The Test, that headed for a tame draw close to lunch when New Zealand were 417 for five chasing India''s 487, has taken a dramatic turn with four sessions left to be played on a pitch that has started assisting the bowlers. Before losing the clutter of wickets, Pragyan Ojha picked up a career-best four-wicket haul as India dismissed New Zealand for 459 to take a token first innings lead of 28. After New Zealand almost saw off the first session without losing any wicket, they lost four in the post-lunch period to be all out one hour and 25 minutes into the session. Left-arm spinner Ojha, who dismissed debut centurion Kane Williamson with his third ball of the last over before lunch for 131 in 391 minutes, sent back wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins post lunch to finish with career-best innings figures of 4 for 107 in 53 overs. The 24-year-old Hyderabad cricketer, who sent back Brendon McCullum and B J Watling yesterday, bettered his previous best of 4 for 115 claimed against Sri Lanka when India visited the island nation a few months ago. Part time bowler Suresh Raina dismissed rival captain Daniel Vettori for 41 without any addition to New Zealand''s total before Hopkins was sent back. New ball bowlers S Sreesanth and Zaheer Khan later packed off Jeetan Patel and Hamish Bennett respectively to terminate the visitors'' first innings short of India''s own. In a dramatic collapse on either side of lunch, New Zealand lost their bottom half for 42 runs after threatening to overtake the Indian total when they were 417 for five before Williamson was caught in the slips off Ojha on the stroke of lunch. The other wicket takers for India, who made 487 in the first innings, were Zaheer Khan (2), Shantakumaran Sreesanth (2), Harbhajan Singh and part timer Suresh Raina (one each). But New Zealand rocked India with three early wickets when the hosts started their second innings late in the middle session. .

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Australia snap losing streak with confident win

Sun, Nov 07 10 02:58 PM

Australia finally got back to winning ways 18 days before the start of the Ashes with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third one-day international on Sunday.

The Australians were reeling after losing their previous seven matches in all forms of cricket and had already conceded the three-match series after defeats in the first two encounters.

Clint McKay took 5-33 with fellow quick Mitchell Starc chipping in with 4-27 to dismiss the Sri Lankans for a paltry 115, however, and the Australian batsmen took just 21.4 overs to reach their victory target at the cost of two wickets.

Michael Clarke, standing in for rested skipper Ricky Ponting, was in impressive form and grabbed the winning runs by guiding the ball down to third man for a four, bringing up his 50 in the process.

McKay had given the hosts the perfect start at the Gabba with two wickets in the third over of the day and he struck again in his next over to reduce the Sri Lankans to 3-14.

Ably supported by his 20-year-old fellow quick Starc, McKay returned to help mop up the Sri Lankan tail-end and claim his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals.

Chamara Silva, who made 33, and opener Upul Tharanga (28) top-scored for Sri Lanka but there was none of the flourish to their batting that saw them secure their first series victory on Australian soil on Friday.

The opening Ashes test is also at the Gabba and the bounce and pace evident in the pitch on Sunday augured well for an entertaining contest starting on Nov 25.

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No tour restriction for Australia's WAGS during Ashes

Published>Sun, Nov 07 10 02:38 PM

Melbourne, Nov 7 (ANI): Cricket Australia in stark contrast to England's policy will allow wives and girlfriends (WAGS) of players more often than ever during the Ashes series.

England has banned WAGS for the first six weeks of the Ashes tour, but the Australian players will be able to have their families stay with them at team accommodation whenever they want.

Cricket Australia's decision comes after it commissioned research from relationship and social experts, which revealed having WAGS on tour eased the strain on family life, and was a positive move for team harmony.

CA is convinced the benefits outweigh the negatives so high-profile WAGS such as Jessica Bratich (Mitchell Johnson's fiancee), Lee Furlong (Shane Watson's wife) and Rianna Ponting (Ricky Ponting's wife) will be regular fixtures, News.com.au reports.

CA will not only continue its policy of paying for the WAGS to stay during the festive period of the Melbourne and Sydney Tests, but will also allow them to stay during all other Tests this summer.

Australia's players will be staying at family-friendly, apartment-style accommodation in every venue rather than hotels and the WAGS can stay as long as they pay for incidental costs like breakfast.

Players will not even have to inform skipper Ponting or team management when the WAGS are in residence.

"We have talked to a broad range of experts across a range of fields and decided this is a very good thing," a CA insider said. (ANI)

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Partnerships helped to strengthen England's cricket: Andrew Walpole

Published>Sun, Nov 07 10 02:22 PM

London, Nov 7(ANI): England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) General Manager for media relations, Andrew Walpole, has revealed how the board had revived English cricket in the mid-1990s.

"We had long been the No.1 summer sport, but then we realized we needed to work very hard to maintain that position," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Walpole, as saying.

Walpole said that community interest was falling, funding was harder to come by and kids were choosing other sports, but in 1997, the ECB changed the scenario by being ready to take calculated risks.

"That turning point enabled us to form a proper strategy to build the game and to work with government and other bodies to ensure funding," Walpole said.

The ECB started 'Chance to Shine', now a 25 million pound program promoting cricket in schools, and policies as the 'Natwest Cricket Force', an annual event at which clubs are encouraged to use local support to improve their facilities.

"People help put a new roof on the pavilion, paint, redecorate or help to prepare the ground. It's fantastically successful. Nationally this year we had about 80,000 people involved at 1600 clubs," Walpole said.

"In the past four years, we've put 30,000 people through our coaching programs. That's enough people to fill Lord's," he added.

The General Manager further emphasized that cricket's foundation can be strengthened by building partnerships.

"In 2009, we saw a 15 per cent jump in participation in our focus clubs to about 6000. Cricket is now played in 8000 schools. We're now looking at how we can get the schools and clubs to work closely," Walpole said.

"We're working better with local authorities, sporting bodies, funding agencies and with sponsors and government," he added. (ANI)

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McGrath ridicules critics, backs Australia to win Ashes

Sun, Nov 07 10 01:56 PM

Melbourne, Nov 7 (PTI) Former seamer Glenn McGrath has ridiculed the critics for considering Australia''s bowling weak and backed Ricky Ponting and his men to regain the Ashes from England. Australia have been on a losing streak in all forms of the game and critics pinpointed lack of "swagger" and "arrogance" as a sign of collective weakness in Australia''s pacemen. Legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan felt Australian bowling lacked talent, while former England skipper Michael Vaughan also criticised the Aussie attack, saying it lacks the "X factor" and even suggested the bowlers could ultimately be responsible for Ponting losing his captaincy. "It makes you laugh, doesn''t it?" said McGrath, who retired in 2007 after taking 563 Test wickets. "They were [once] saying we were too arrogant; you can''t win either way. "It just amazes me ... when the Australian team was too strong, No. 1 in the world, it was bad for world cricket, bad for this and bad for that but now because all of a sudden they''ve lost a few games, Australia is now accused of hurting cricket because the team isn''t strong enough. "I think it''s ridiculous. Before Australia lost to Pakistan in England, they''d won 13 in a row ... the players know they''re good enough and with one or two wins under their belts, they''ll be OK," he added. McGrath also backed Ponting''s men to regain the urn during their five-match Ashes series against England starting November 25 in Brisbane. "I was away on holiday when Australia played over in India but I have total faith in our boys," he told ''The Sun-Herald''. "The Test series will be played on our wickets and guys like Mitchell Johnson, Doug Bollinger, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus and Ryan Harris will do great. I know what they can do and I am confident they''ll do it," he said. .

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Breaches can be found in England team's fortress: Roebuck

Published>Sun, Nov 07 10 01:38 PM

Sydney, Nov 7(ANI): The Andrew Staruss-led England team can be beaten, but Australia will need to be at their best, noted cricket columnist Peter Roebuck has said.

England have arrived Down Under to defend the urn they claimed with a 2-1 success on home soil last year.

"England are not exactly a pack of cards, but they're not a fortress either. Breaches can be found. Strauss commands a middling team with a poor away record. These rivals are fourth and fifth in the rankings," Roebuck wrote in his syndicated column for the Sydney Morning Herald.

"These tourists are eminently beatable. Their attack depends on an off-spinner with a knack of taking wickets in his first over and a way of removing batsmen lbw. Australian researchers will have dug up these details."

"Keep out the first over, avoid using pads and the swan becomes a duck. The gap between the spin departments might not be as wide as predicted," he added.

Roebuck also wrote down England fast bowlers saying that they rely on height and swing.

"Kookaburras are more grudging. James Anderson averaged 80 in his last series Down Under. He is a more confident and accomplished operator these days, but is still a swinger," Roebuck wrote.

He also believes that England's batting line-up is not at all daunting to pose a real challenge during the series.

"Alastair Cook tends to nibble outside his off stick. Strauss is solid, but not spectacular. Jonathan Trott failed on bouncy decks in South Africa. Kevin Pietersen has been out of sorts for two years.

Paul Collingwood is a fighter, but not without his limitations, Ian Bell needs to add substance to his style and, by the look of things Eoin Morgan, the inventive Irishman, won't make the cut," Roebuck said.

Australia have not lost an Ashes series Down Under since 1986/87, but have been struggling in recent months and suffered a 2-0 Test whitewash on their recent tour of India. (ANI)

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