Page 458 - Sports
No rivalry between fast bowlers for Aussie WC squad: Coulter-Nile
Nathan Coulter-Nile on Thursday stressed that there is no rivalry between the fast bowlers as the team comes first, while referring to the selection in the Australia's World Cup squad."Everyone's performing, that's why we're winning. But even when someone has a bad day, they're really supportive of other blokes who have had a good day," ICC quoted Coulter-Nile, as saying."It's fantastic to see. I don't think it's a conscious effort that anyone makes. Just think it's good mates supporting each other. I don't think anybody goes out there thinking, 'I'm not going to worry about selection'. It's just the way everyone is; they're all just good people," he said.Coulter-Nile had "mixed messages" from the selectors and also had a sudden bout of vertigo during the BBL and needed to be hospitalised. Despite that, he returned and an impressive Australia tour of India.The fast bowler is likely to get a chance in the five-march ODI series against Pakistan to make his case stronger for the upcoming
Nigeria take big step towards World Cup dream
Not content with stunning Namibia on the first day of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier, Nigeria held their nerve to beat Uganda, taking a big step towards the 2020 World Cup in South Africa.The West Africans recovered from 12/4, and built up their total slowly. Samuel Mba scored a priceless half-century, with skipper Syvester Okpe also scoring a gritty 26. That was after Trevor Bukenya (4/24) had ripped through the top-order, putting Uganda in a commanding position.As it was, Nigeria could only score 110. Uganda even made their way to 62/2 before the wheels fell off spectacularly. Their last eight wickets crashed for just 18 runs, as the pressure exerted by Nigeria proved too much.Mohamed Taiwo's left-arm swing struck two blows at the top and the end of the innings. Nigeria fielded tenaciously, and did not allow Uganda any room to breathe. When the final wicket fell, Uganda had half their innings still to go. They simply melted under the pressure.Nigeria's 30-run ...
Corruption exists in all fields: Kabir Khan
Filmmaker Kabir Khan, whose latest docu-drama titled "Roar of the Lion" revolves around the downfall of the Chennai Super Kings for match fixing, followed by their victorious comeback in the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL), says that corruption exists in all fields and cricket is no exception.
Germany held to 1-1 draw by Serbia in friendly
Leon Goretzka's equalizer secured Germany a 1-1 draw with Serbia in an international friendly ahead of the upcoming UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers. Germany took the reins from the kick off on home soil and created a couple of chances in the opening period.
Prajnesh beats Clarke for second straight Masters main draw appearance
India's number one singles player, Prajnesh Gunneswaran, beat Jay Clarke in straight sets to make the main draw of the Miami Open, his second straight Masters appearance. Prajnesh defeated Great Britain's Clarke 6-4 6-4 in the second qualifying round of the ATP-1000 tennis tournament in Miami to progress to the main draw. Having reached a career-high rank of 84 earlier this week, the India number one began on a strong note, breaking Clarke in the first game of the match. He saved two break points in the other games on his way to sealing the first set. The starting of the second game was no different as the 29-year-old Indian again broke his 20-year-old opponent in the first game. Clarke managed to save two break points but could not prevent Prajnesh from sealing the set and match in his favour. This is Prajnesh's second straight Masters main draw appearance, coming a week after reaching the third round at Indian Wells. The Indian will meet Jaume Munar of Spain in the first round main .
IPL: DC fans kept away from Kotla for security reasons
Almost 12,000 fans had turned up at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai when Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings played an inter-squad practice game last Sunday. In stark contrast, Delhi Capitals have played two practice games this season at the Ferozeshah Kotla but in front of empty stands as fans werent let into the stadium.
Maxwell doubtful for first ODI against Pakistan
Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is doubtful for the opening one-day international against Pakistan after being struck with illness.Australia and Pakistan are scheduled to play a five-match series, beginning March 22 at Sharjah.Maxwell missed training two days out from the first ODI.Australia could again unveil dual spin threats after being greeted by a pair of dry-looking surfaces. The ground that proudly trumpets its 'Guinness World Record' for hosting the most ODIs in the format's history is expected to take considerable turn, cricket.com.au reported.Off-spinner Nathan Lyon has a strong chance to retain his place after his key role alongside leg-spinner Adam Zampa in the recent ODI victory over India."Spin will be important for both sides. We've got two spinners, I'd be surprised if they don't both play out here. They've got quality spinners as well. It will be a good battle," paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile said.Lyon also suffered from illness as he got over a stomach bug, but the .
Di Maria ruled out of Argentina friendlies
Paris Saint-Germain forward Angel di Maria has been cut from Argentina's squad for friendlies against Venezuela and Morocco because of a quadriceps injury, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced.
South America confident of winning bid to host 2030 WC
A South American bid is the front runner to be awarded the hosting right for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, according to the head of the region's football governing body.
Ronaldo signing signals Serie A renaissance: Baresi
Cristiano Ronaldo signing for Juventus last year was a shot in the arm for Serie A and bolstered the impression that the league is undergoing a renaissance, Italy and AC Milan legend Franco Baresi told AFP. Baresi, widely considered to be one of the greatest ever defenders, said that Ronaldo's arrival in Serie A was a clear statement the Italian championship is once again attracting star names. Baresi, who won the European Cup/Champions League three times in his 20 years at Milan, added that it was good for European football that Serie A is becoming a force again. "Yes, there is a renaissance in Italian football, it is growing again," said the 58-year-old Baresi, after appearing at the Betting on Football conference at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge ground. "There is significantly more interest and the arrival of some great footballers like Ronaldo. "His signing is a very clear and positive signal. Italian football has always been at a high level but is growing again. "Italian teams are ..
Goretzka strike salvages a draw for new-look Germany
Leon Goretzka spared coach Joachim Loew a humiliating defeat with a second-half equaliser as a new-look Germany side were held to a 1-1 draw in Wednesday's friendly against Serbia. Having controversially dropped veterans Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Mueller from the national squad two weeks ago, coach Loew had announced the beginning of a "new era" ahead of Wednesday's game. "I was generally happy with the performance. You could see that there were a few communication problems, but that is something which improves with experience at this level," Loew told German broadcaster RTL after the game. The young Germany side looked comfortable in the opening exchanges, but Serbia scored with their first chance on 12 minutes. A fortunate deflection at a corner found Luka Jovic unmarked in front of goal, and the Eintracht Frankfurt striker nodded the ball past Manuel Neuer. Germany brought on Marco Reus and Leon Goretzka in the second half, and set about grinding down a solid Serbian
Wales leave it late to beat Trinidad without Bale
Wales needed a stoppage-time goal from Liverpool teenager Ben Woodburn to beat Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 in friendly after Ryan Giggs left Gareth Bale out of the home side in Wrexham. Bale was one of several players, including Aaron Ramsey and David Brooks, omitted by Wales manager Giggs Wednesday just days before the team begin their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign against Slovakia in Cardiff on Sunday. Trinidad and Tobago are ranked 93rd in the world -- 74 places lower than Wales -- yet it seemed they might be rewarded with a highly creditable draw at a Racecourse Ground where their manager, Dennis Lawrence, played for Wrexham. The last match between the two countries had seen Bale become Wales' youngest player at 16 years and 315 days in a victory over Trinidad in Austria in a 2006 friendly. Bale was not even on the bench on Wednesday, with Giggs protecting his star player ahead of Sunday's match. Trinidad nearly took the lead when Aubrey David's shot was cleared off the line by Chris .
Novak says all good with Roger, Rafa despite Kermode ouster
Novak Djokovic played down a reported rift with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, saying he welcomed their views on the controversial ousting of ATP Chairman Chris Kermode. Federer and Nadal ripped top-ranked Djokovic, current president of the ATP Player Council, for failing to contact them over the decision to terminate Englishman Kermode, whose reign began in 2014 and concludes at year's end after a vote at Indian Wells earlier this month. Serbian star Djokovic vociferously pushed for change despite many within the game strongly advocating for Kermode to remain in charge. Federer said Wednesday he was not "chasing" Djokovic for an explanation despite claiming at Indian Wells it was "hard to understand" why Djokovic turned down a request to discuss the situation. Djokovic, however, maintains he would welcome the input of the Swiss and Spanish legends. "We welcome them as well as anyone else who wants to join the political discussions," Djokovic said ahead of the ATP Miami Open, where ..
Sheffield United women's player to quit after five-game racism ban
A Sheffield United Women's player has said she plans to retire from football after being given a five-game ban for racially abusing an opponent. As well as being punished by England's governing Football Association on Wednesday, Sophie Jones also had her contract terminated by Sheffield United. Jones, a forward, was sanctioned for racially abusing Tottenham Hotspur defender Renee Hector during a second-tier Women's Championship game in Sheffield in January. Hector said she had "received some monkey noises from an opposition player" That in turn led to Jones being charged by the FA. Jones denied the claim and Sheffield United said she "maintains her innocence". But an independent regulatory commission announced the charge was "found proven". Jones said the ruling by what she claimed was a "kangaroo court" had left her unable to continue playing under an organisation she "does not have any confidence in". In a statement published on social media, Jones said: "I would like to state on ...
Fleming quits as coach of Melbourne Stars
Melbourne Stars coach Stephen Fleming has quit after four seasons in charge, having witnessed his team implode to city rivals the Renegades in this year's Big Bash League final. The former New Zealand captain said it was time for change. "I feel the time is right for me to step down and allow someone else to take the reins and the club forward," he said in a statement late Wednesday. "The club is in very good shape having rebounded from last in BBL 07 to grand finalist this season." His decision follows fellow former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori opting not to renew his contract with Brisbane Heat, leaving two head coach roles to be filled before the new season starts. Stars president Eddie McGuire said Fleming had been "a wonderful servant". "He has left a large footprint on the club which we will be forever grateful for," he added. Glenn Maxwell's Stars looked on course to win the all-Melbourne BBL final last month. Chasing 146 to win against Aaron Finch's Renegades, they were .
Youthful talent gives England a bright future, says Henderson
Jordan Henderson says England are ready to fulfil the growing expectations around their vibrant young team as the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign starts with the Czech Republic's visit to Wembley on Friday. Gareth Southgate's squad are back together for the first time in 2019, with the Czechs their first test before a trip to Montenegro for the second qualifier on Monday. For the first time in years, there is a sense England can emerge as one of the main contenders for international football's top prizes. After reaching the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1990, England rounded off a memorable 2018 by defeating Spain and Croatia to reach this year's inaugural Nations League finals. While that stands as impressive progress for England after decades of underachievement, Liverpool midfielder Henderson is confident the best is still to come for Southgate's men. With promising teenagers Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi and 20-year-old Declan Rice joining an England squad ...
Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay relaunch 2030 World Cup bid
Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay relaunched their bid to host the 2030 World Cup following a meeting of their presidents in Buenos Aires. The four national presidents committed to creating a local organizing committee with a representative from each country to coordinate with CONMEBOL, South American football's governing body. The first meeting will be in Buenos Aires on April 8. They also decided to distribute the opening match, two semi-finals and final between the four potential hosts. Argentina and Uruguay originally announced their intention to submit a joint bid in 2017 before Paraguay joined the coalition later that year. Chile was added to the joint candidacy last month while Bolivia, led by football-mad President Evo Morales, has also shown an interest in forming part of the bloc. Argentina's Mauricio Macri, Sebastian Pinera of Chile, Paraguay's leader Mario Abo and Uruguay president Tabare Vazquez met with CONMEBOL chief Alejandro Dominguez on the margins of the UN ...
SAFF Women's Championship: India and Nepal to clash in finals
India and Nepal will take on each other in the finals of the fifth SAFF Women's Football Championship.In the two semi-finals played on Wednesday Nepal defeated Sri Lanka 4-0 whereas India outclassed Bangladesh 4-0 to storm into the finals of the tournament.For India, Indumati Kathirisan scored twice, while Dalima Chibbar and Manisha got one goal each to their name.Punam Jarghamagar, Anita Basnet, Sabitra Bhandari and Rekha Poudel scored one goal each for Nepal, as they completely dominated Sri Lanka.India's Indumati Kathirisan is the leading goal-scorer of the tournament so far, she has a total of four goals and she is closely followed by Nepal's Sabitra Bhandari at the second position with three goals.It is the fifth time that India has managed to make it to the finals of the tournament whereas Nepal has reached the finals for the fourth time.India would look to hold on to the trophy as they are the defending champions. They defeated Bangladesh 3-1 in the finals of the 2016 SAFF ...
FIFA President congratulates Chennai City on winning I-League title
Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President congratulated Chennai City FC for winning their maiden I-League title."I was delighted to hear that Chennai City FC have been crowned 2018/19 I-League Champions. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate them for their first ever championship title," Infantino wrote in his letter addressed to the All India Football Federation (AIFF)."This is, no doubt, the result of effort and hard work, and everybody involved can be proud of this great achievement. I encourage them to continue working with determination and motivation," he further stated."On behalf of the entire football community, I take this opportunity to thank Chennai City FC and your federation for helping spread the positive message of football and foster the practice of this beautiful game that unites us all," he added in the letter.Chennai City won their maiden I-League title earlier this month, after a nail-biting final day finish, which saw them finishing the league with 43 points, just
PCB names all-female selection panel for the women's team
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday named a new three-person women's selection committee for the Women's cricket team.The move has been taken as a part of restructuring within the PCB in regards to women's cricket. The committee will be led by Urooj Mumtaz, who has played one Test, 38 ODI's and 9 T20I's for Pakistan.The rest of the panel comprises of former Pakistan internationals. Mumtaz will be joined by the retained Asmavia Iqbal and Marina Iqbal."Women's cricket will be an important priority moving forward and this has been reflected in the selection of such a relevant and dynamic committee. Their appointments will go a long way towards accelerating the progress of our senior women's team," Wasim Khan, Managing Director of the PCB said in an official statement."The new selection committee comprises players who, until very recently, have been involved in white ball cricket. This syncs very nicely with the PCB's vision of providing an environment where women's cricket not .