Page 1813 - Sports
We go to CWG as clear favourites in badminton, says Aparna Popat
Former nine-time national champion Aparna Popat today said India will win the maximum number of medals in the Commonwealth Games beginning next month. "Today India goes into the Commonwealth Games, as far as badminton is concerned, (as) definitely as the favourites. And what stands out is that we are not favourites in just the singles, Saina (Nehwal, (PV) Sindhu, (Kidambi) Srikanth, (HS) Prannoy doing well but across all events," the 40-year-old Popat said at a media conference organsied by official broadcasters Sony and Sports Journalists' Association of Mumbai. "We have got champions in women's doubles, in men's doubles and the mixed doubles. Mixed doubles has been really showing good promise, so not only we are going to come back with individual medals but we are also going to get the gold (in doubles) and that is my firm belief," she added. India have one of the strongest teams with shuttlers such as Olympic silver medallist P V Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth among others. Popat said
Australia coach Lehmann to quit after South Africa series
A tearful Darren Lehmann today said he would quit as coach of the scandal-tainted Australia cricket team after the fourth and final Test of a series in South Africa. "This will be my last Test as head coach of the Australian cricket team," Lehmann told a press conference on the eve of the match. "Saying goodbye to the players was the toughest thing I have ever had to do. "After seeing events in the media today with Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, the feeling is that Australian cricket needs to move forward and this is the right thing to do. "I really felt for Steve and as you see I'm crying in front of the media. All the players are really hurting." Lehmann, who was due to leave the job after the 2019 Ashes series in England, is quitting despite being cleared of any role in the ball-tampering scandal that has rocked the sport. His decision follows 12-month bans given to captain Smith and vice-captain David Warner for the roles they played in a plot to cheat in Cape Town last ...
Ball tampering incident should not define Smith & Co: Rohit
The ball tampering incident should not define Steve Smith and his two fallen teammates, according to Indian batsman Rohit Sharma, who said images of the former Australia skipper being escorted at Johannesburg airport and his tearful media conference in Sydney "resonated" with him. Smith today fought back tears as he claimed full responsibility for the ball-tampering scandal that destroyed his reputation, while David Warner and Cameron Bancroft also offered their apologies for the scandal that plunged Australian cricket into turmoil. The developments in South Africa and Australia have not escaped Rohit's attention. "The video of Steve Smith being escorted at the airport and his most recent press conference resonated with me. The spirit of the game is of utmost importance there's no denying that," Rohit wrote on his twitter handle. The swashbuckling batsman added, "They made a mistake and they accepted it. It would be unfair of me to sit here and question the board's decision but they ..
Australia coach Darren Lehmann announces resignation
Darren Lehmann has announced his resignation as head coach of Australia in the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal that sent shock waves across global cricket.Lehmann will stand down after the final Test of the four-match series against South Africa."As many who sit in this room will know, life on the road means a lot of time away from loved ones and after speaking to my family, it is the right time to step away," ESPNcricinfo quoted Lehmann as saying."I hope the team rebuilds and the Australian public can forgive the young men and get behind the XI."The 48-year-old's shocking decision comes after an emotional media address by Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft earlier today in Sydney.The Cricket Australia had, however, cleared Lehmann of any wrongdoing in the ball-tampering scandal that took place during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town."Speaking to the players and saying goodbye is the toughest thing I have had to do," Lehmann said."It's been happening for a few ...
Lehmann to quit as Australia coach after 4th Test
Australia cricket team head coach Darren Lehmann on Thursday announced his resignation, saying the fourth Test against hosts South Africa starting on Friday will be his last match in charge of the team.
Neymar can outshine Ronaldo, Messi, says Roberto Carlos
Former Brazil and Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos believes Neymar has what it takes to be the best footballer in the world, even while Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are still playing.
Tearful Australia coach Lehmann quits over cheat scandal
Australia cricket coach Darren Lehmann says he will quit after the final Test against South Africa, citing the emotional stress of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Lehmann says he came to his decision after watching news coverage of Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft returning home having confessed to cheating in the third test last weekend. A tearful Lehmann insisted the decision to quit was his, and he was not fired by his bosses over the scandal that has plunged the team into crisis. Captain Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opening batsman Bancroft all received bans. The final Test in Johannesburg starts tomorrow. South Africa lead the series 2-1.
IPL '18: K'taka polls force changes in RCB-DD matches
Two Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 matches are set to undergo a change due to the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on ThursdayThe match to be played in New Delhi between the Delhi Daredevils (DD) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on April 21 will now be held in Bengaluru.Another match between the above two franchise, which was originally scheduled to be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on May 12, will now be held in New Delhi.The 11th edition of the IPL will begin from April 7. DD will take on Kings XI Punjab on April 8 in their opening match while RCB will face Kolkata Knight Riders on the same date.
Smith ban 'harsh', says South Africa captain Du Plessis
South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said today that he felt the 12-month ban on disgraced Australia skipper Steve Smith was "harsh". He told a media conference in Johannesburg that he was "very sorry" for Smith and had texted him a message of support. Smith and vice-captain David Warner were banned for 12 months and Cameroon Bancroft for nine months for attempted ball tampering during the third Test in Cape Town last Saturday. The Australian cheating plot was foiled when TV cameras spotted Bancroft seeking to alter the condition of the ball with sandpaper. Du Plessis, 33, was speaking on the eve of the fourth and final Test at the Wanderers of a drama-packed series in which South Africa hold a 2-1 lead. "It's been a crazy week. I have compassion for what he's going through. "I think he's one of the good guys and he's just been caught in a bad place," said Du Plessis, who has twice been found guilty of ball tampering himself, but was only fined and never banned. "I did send him a text.
IPL 2018: Sunrisers Hyderabad rope in Kane Williamson as captain
New Zealand skipper and middle-order batsman Kane Williamson has been named as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), beginning April 7.The decision comes two days after former Australian vice-captain David Warner stepped down from the position of the skipper of the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the wake of ball-tampering scandal that took place during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.Confirming the news, K Shanmugam, CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad took to their Twitter handle and wrote, "We are happy to announce Kane Williamson as the captain of the Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2018."Williamson, on the other hand, said that that he is excited with the opportunity and is looking forward to the challenge ahead."I've accepted the role to stand in as captain for this season. It's an exciting opportunity with a talented group of players. I look forward to the challenges ahead," Kane Williamson said while accepting the role.Earlier, .
IPL: Dates changed for RCB vs DD home matches
The dates of the home matches between Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have been changed in view of the Karnataka Assembly election date.
IOC chief arrives in Pyongyang
International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach arrived in Pyongyang today, in the latest in a flurry of diplomacy for North Korea in the wake of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Bach was met at the airport by Kim Il Guk, North Korea's Minister of Physical Culture and Sports, who is also chairman of the country's Olympic committee. The IOC said Bach's trip would last until March 31, and came on the heels of an invitation extended by Pyongyang in January. "The discussions will focus on the further development of sport in the DPRK after the successful participation of athletes at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018," the IOC said, using the abbreviation of North Korea's official name. Last month's Games triggered a dramatic rapprochement with the isolated North, which sent athletes, cheerleaders and officials to take part. Competitors from the two Koreas marched together at the opening ceremony, where South Korean President Moon Jae-in shook hands with the sister of the North's .
Smith apologizes for 'failure of his leadership'
Breaking down repeatedly during a press conference, a distraught former Australia skipper Steve Smith on Thursday apologised for his involvement in the ball tampering scandal and took full responsibility for it.
Not convinced about use of yellow and red card: ICC CEO Richardson
The ICC Chief Executive David Richardson is "not convinced" about introducing soccer like sanctions like a red and yellow card to curb boorish on-field behaviour. The ICC plans to revisit its players' 'Code of Conduct' in the wake of ball tampering issue that has rocked world cricket with Australian captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner being banned for one year for their involvement in the scandal. The custodians of the game Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has suggested the introductions of yellow and red card which will empower the umpires to check poor player behaviour. When Richardson was asked a specific question, he said discussions are still on but did give a few pertinent counter-points. "This has been a suggestion from a number of corners. Suggestions of using yellow and red cards maybe. It has been discussed previously by the ICC. I think it will be discussed again in the future. (Personally) I am not convinced it will help the situation," Richardson said during a ...
Batting and bowling units did not perform in sync, admits Jhulan
Veteran India pacer Jhulan Goswami has admitted that the team's batting and bowling unit did not perform in sync in the Women's T20 tri-series involving Australia and England. India were already out of contention for the final after losing the first three games, but scored a consolation win today defeating England by eight wickets in a dead-rubber. We never said that we are going to win this competition. But as a process for our T20 World Cup, we were seeing this as an important tournament, we were trying new players. And the thing was like as a team, bowling and batting unit did not contribute together," said Jhulan. But the veteran pacer also said that there were positives like performance of young players like Pooja Vastrakar and all-rounder Anuja Patil. But considering the new rules, so far what we have done in the competition, I am happy. Because we scored 198, which has never happened, consistently we scored 160-170. When the top order did not click, Anju (Patil), Pooja ...
T20I Tri-series: Bowlers, Mandhana help India beat England in dead-rubber
A terrific bowling performance from the Indian women's cricket team followed by Smriti Mandhana's significant fifty saw the home side clinch an eight-wicket win over England in the last round-robin encounter of the T20I tri-series at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.Opting to bowl first, England were bundled out cheaply for 107 runs in their stipulated 20 overs.Anuja Patil was the pick of the bowlers for the Indian women for his figures of three for 21, while Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma and Poonam Yadav all chipped in with a wicket each.Meanwhile, Pooja Vastrakar also chipped in with a wicket for the home side.Except opener Danielle Wyatt (31), none of the England batsmen were able to contribute much to their side's innings and were failed to reach beyond 15 runs.In reply, opener Mandhana continued her rich vein of form as she smashed an unbeaten 62 in 41 balls while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten at 20 as the Indian batswomen reached the target with 4.2 overs to spare.The ..
I hope I can earn back respect: Steve Smith
While facing the media for the first time after the ball-tampering fiasco, Steve Smith broke into tears as he apologised for orchestrating the act that "has brought pain to the nation and fans."Smith, who was addressing a press conference here on Thursday, said he wished to earn back the lost respect."I will regret this for the rest of my life. I'm absolutely gutted. I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness. Cricket is the greatest game in the world. It has been my life and I hope it will be again," said while breaking down in tears repeatedly."I will do everything I can do to make up for my mistake and the damage it has caused. If any good can come of this, it can be a lesson to others, and I hope can be a cause for change," he added.The 28-year-old, who was banned for 12 months from international cricket by Cricket Australia for his involvement in the ball tampering scandal, took the complete responsibility of the act and termed it a serious error of judgment."I am ...
Warner not a bad guy, says Williamson
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson feels David Warner is "not a bad person"
Maini to continue as Haas F1 development driver
Arjun Maini will continue as a Haas F1 Team development driver in 2018 while simultaneously competing in his first full season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Trident. Maini, a 20-year-old from Bengaluru, is paired with 19-year-old American Santino Ferrucci. Both are Haas' development drivers and both compete for Team Trident. Being involved with an F1 program has really accelerated my learning in terms of what I need to do on the racetrack and with my engineers. In fact, it's already helped me transition from GP3 to F2. I'm one step closer to my goal of competing in Formula One thanks to Haas, said Maini. Maini joined Haas in 2017 and on the weekend of his signing, promptly won his first GP3 Series race May 14 at Circuit de Barcelona, becoming first Indian to do so. He completed his first full season of GP3 ninth in the championship standings with 72 points. Maini competed in 14 of the 18 GP3 races in 2016 and despite missing the first four races, he finished 10th in points ...
Stricter code of conduct for players on cards, hints Richardson
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to revisit its players' 'Code of Conduct' and amendments are on the cards for specific serious offences like ball tampering and sledging, the apex body's Chief Executive David Richardson said today. The world cricket has been rocked with Australian captain Steve Smith, his deputy David Warner being banned for a year for involvement in ball tampering during the third Test against South African in Cape Town. Rookie opener Cameron Bancroft has got a nine-month suspension. The disgraced trio has tendered a public apology with Smith looking completely distraught with his reputation tarnished forever. "Yes, I am pretty sure that in a short span of time, we can make amendments to our code of conduct, easier to enforce and easier to up the level of sanctions on specific offences. We can do that quite quickly," Richardson told PTI during an interaction today. The former South African wicketkeeper however feels that while amendment can be done in ..