Page 850 - Sports

Playing in Australia suits my game: Vijay

Brushing off any disappointment from being dropped midway through the England Test series, India opener Murali Vijay said Saturday he will fancy his chances on the bouncier Australian wickets, which favour his backfoot game. The four-day tour game ended in a draw as India scored 211 for two in their second innings in reply to Cricket Australia XI's 544. Vijay scored 129 off 132 balls, racing from 52 to the three-figure mark in the space of 27 balls, including taking 26 runs off one over. "It was good to get some practice hitting over the boundary. I just took my chances and it came my way. I know opportunities are round the corner and wanted to be in a positive frame of mind. "I have been working hard on my game and fitness, and I am looking forward to contributing in this series. Hopefully I can do that," Vijay said. Vijay added 109 runs with K L Rahul, who scored a fluent 62, and belied the dressing room's concerns over the opening combination after youngster Prithvi Shaw was ...

Play hard but fair: CA chairman tells players ahead of India Tests

Cricket Australia's new chairman Earl Eddings has urged his Test side to "play hard but fair" in the series against India, his comments coming at a time when 'elite honesty' has emerged as the buzz word in its setup. The series starts with the first game in Adelaide on December 6. The players have devised their own cultural pact and, under new coach Justin Langer, are expected to have 'elite honesty'. "Just play good, hard cricket. I don't think people want us to be quiet but they want us to play with respect to the game, play hard but fair, and win well and lose better," Eddings was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'. "The old adage is you don't say much when you win and say even less when you lose. I think we have a great team, they are fine young men, and I think they will do that. "My advice to the guys is to go out and play your natural game and try as hard as you can. That's all Australians want to see," Eddings said. Eddings got the job after predecessor David Peever ..

Easier for India to win gold in this World Cup: former coach Brasa

Impressed with Indian hockey's revival in the last decade, former coach Jose Brasa says the ongoing men's World Cup is the country's best chance to win the trophy and end a 43-year wait. Hosts India started their campaign with a 5 -0 drubbing of South Africa on Wednesday in Bhubaneshwar, and are gearing up to play third ranked Belgium on Sunday and Canada on December 8. Maintaining consistency will be the key though, according to him. "It will be easier for India to win the gold medal in this World Cup in front of its audience than any other medal. India is now a team that could win any gold medal in any major tournament, but at the same time they are not always assured of a podium finish," Brasa told PTI Bhasha from Liege, Belgium, where he is coaching a club team. "They have to maintain consistency. Of course India is amongst the best with Australia, Belgium, Holland and let's not forget Germany. India is in the top group of best teams, but it is also the team that could lose an ...

Vijay finishes tour game with hundred

Murali Vijay struck a confident hundred while K L Rahul scored a half-century in the warm-up game against Cricket Australia XI, easing off any worries in the Indian dressing room in their final outing before the first Test. Vijay, returning to the Test squad after being dropped mid-way through the England tour, celebrated his comeback with an unbeaten century off 118 balls. He looked solid throughout the innings on the fourth day, and had reached his half-century off 91 balls. Thereafter he sped through the second fifty-runs, off only 27 balls, getting to three figures off 118 deliveries. He hit 26 runs off Jake Carder (0-41) in one over to race to his hundred. Earlier, Rahul scored 62 (98 balls) as the duo put on 109 runs for the opening wicket as India finished at 211-2 (43.4 overs) in their second innings at stumps on day four of the tour game against Cricket Australia XI here at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Rahul batted with greater confidence than in recent times, hitting eight ...

I see this as 'significant chance' for India, says Waugh

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh says the upcoming four-match rubber is a "significant chance" for India to win their first Test series Down Under. The series begins with the first Tests in Adelaide on December 6. "I will see this as a significant chance and they would have prepared for this tour for a long time, I think it's going to be a really close series," Waugh told 'ESPNcricinfo'. India captain Virat Kohli is likely to be the biggest threat for the Australian bowlers, as they look to maintain their unbeaten record at home against the Asian giants. Asked how how does Australia tackle the Kohli threat, Waugh said, "He is a great player and loves the big moment, a bit like Tendulkar and Lara. They wait for these big series and that's where they want to show their best. So who is the dangeman for Australia? They have got some really good batsmen, they have got a very good all-round team." Former wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said the visitors would mainly bank on their talismanic

Current Indian attack is one of best in long time: Geoff Lawson

Former fast bowler Geoff Lawson believes the current Indian attack is one the best he has seen in a long time and will challenge the Australian batsmen in the four-Test series. "They have got some terrific fast bowlers, as good a group as I've seen for a long time and they've got the spinners that always do the job," Lawson was quoted as saying by reporters. "Ishant Sharma's last time out here he got extra bounce. Umesh Yadav bowls freak (deliveries), Mohammed Shami has been swinging it, Bhuvneshwar Kumar swings it as well. "They are not going to play all four, they are going to play three and maybe one or two spinners," Lawson said. Playing international cricket in the 1980s, Lawson has 180 Test wickets to his name, and he said starting the series in Adelaide will work in India's favour. "The first Test (is) in Adelaide, so they got their wish there didn't they, not playing in Brisbane or Perth. "They've got four good guys and they've got some extra pace so that will be a big ...

Wilder vows to knock out Fury at heavyweight title weigh-in

Deontay Wilder, weighing in at 212.5 pounds for his WBC heavyweight world title defense against Tyson Fury on Friday, vowed to knock out the British challenger. Wilder wore a black leather facemask to the weigh-in outside of Staples Center, but that was as menacing as it got as the two fighters were kept several feet apart for the traditional stare-down in the wake of an explosive final press conference on Wednesday. Britain's Fury, who finished that event stripped to the waist and offering to engage with Wilder, tipped the scales at 256.5 pounds. Wilder, meanwhile, said he was looking forward to getting down to business in the ring on Saturday night. "Talk is cheap," the American said. "Tomorrow is the time. Actions speak louder than words. It's definitely the most important fight of my career, but it's not the most difficult. "I've fought way tougher guys than him. I'm going to knock him out." Wilder's weight is the lightest of his career. He had weighed in at just over 214 pounds ..

Woods avoids penalty despite double-hitting shot

Tiger Woods avoided penalty for "double-hitting" the ball in the second round of the Hero World Challenge thanks to the rule limiting the use of enhanced video to review possible infractions. Woods' tee shot at the 18th hole came to rest under a bush right of the fairway. The 14-time major champion crouched down to play an eight-iron back to the fairway. Woods eventually walked off with a double-bogey six that, after a flawless prior 17 holes, left him with a three-under par 69 for a two-under par total. Waiting for Woods as he headed to the scorer's hut was PGA Tour rules official Mark Watson, who advised officials wanted to look at video review of the shot at 18 after questions as to whether the ball stayed on the club too long. Woods waited in the scorer's hut as Watson reviewed footage in the TV compound. After some 40 minutes, Woods finally emerged to declare: "No penalty". "I didn't feel I made contact twice being such a small, little ball strike in hitting it sideways there," .

Mourinho expects difficult January transfer window

Jose Mourinho fears Manchester United will be unable to make major signings in January because their rivals no longer need to sell to them. United have spent almost USD 510 million on players since Mourinho arrived at the club in 2016, but the manager claims buying top-level players is becoming increasingly difficult. Mourinho claims the balance of power has shifted in the Premier League - using the example of Tottenham, who spent no money on players during the last transfer window, but also managed to keep their key names, in Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-Min. There was no attempt by United to sign any of those four players, but Mourinho is adamant Tottenham would have refused to sell even if there had been. He argued it did not used to be the case, with United prising England midfielder Michael Carrick from Tottenham in 2006, then luring Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov from White Hart Lane in 2008. "Is Manchester United by its history, by its dimension, ...

Guardiola admits FIFA plan will change City's transfer policy

Pep Guardiola says FIFA proposals designed to limit the number of players allowed to be loaned out to rival clubs will seriously alter Manchester City's business model. City and Chelsea are among the Premier League teams who will be most seriously impacted by the proposals that, from 2020, clubs will only be allowed to have between six and eight players loaned out to other clubs. At the moment, Chelsea have an astonishing 39 players on loan with rival clubs across Europe, while City have 28, one more than Wolves but nearly twice as many as any other Premier League club. "We are going to adapt to the rules. The new rules are coming, we're going to see the situation about loan players and see what we can do," Guardiola told reporters. "The club is going to adapt if FIFA decide to do that. If we cannot loan them, they are going to come back here. "If we don't believe they are going to play, if we cannot loan them we are going to sell them. It's simple. "We're going to see before they ...

Rahm, Stenson share Hero World Challenge lead

Big-hitting Spaniard Jon Rahm muscled his way to a share of the Hero World Challenge lead, firing a nine-under par 63 to join Henrik Stenson on 10-under 134. Rahm, 24 birdied four of his outward nine holes and five over the home stretch on the Albany course to share a one-shot lead with Stenson, who signed for a 66. The victorious European Ryder Cup duo are one shot clear of the American pair of Dustin Johnson (67) and overnight co-leader Patrick Cantlay (70). Tournament host, Tiger Woods had a share of ninth place in the elite 18-player field with five birdies through 16 bogey-free holes before coming unstuck at the last. The 14-time major champion's tee shot came to rest under a bush. He crouched down to hit an eight-iron back to the fairway, finally walking off with a double bogey six that left him sharing 14th place on two-under par. Woods at least escaped a penalty for hitting the ball twice as he tried to get out from under the bush. Ultraslow motion, high definition video ...

Buoyant Spurs aim to end Arsenal's unbeaten run

Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has warned Arsenal that his side are in the perfect form to end their bitter rivals' 18-match unbeaten run on Sunday. Mauricio Pochettino's team head to the Emirates Stadium on a six-match winning streak which has carried them to third in the Premier League table. Tottenham are also on a high after salvaging their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League last 16 with a 1-0 win over Inter Milan on Wednesday. Revitalised by new boss Unai Emery, Arsenal's own form has been just as impressive over the last three months and they sit only three points behind Tottenham. But England international Winks says the north London derby has come at the right time for Tottenham as they chase a first win at their hated neighbours' stadium since 2010. "It is a game the fans want to win and one that we want to win. Three games in a week is going to be tough, but confidence is high," Winks said. "Of course they are beatable. The form we are in right now, it is ...

Argentina humiliated by 'Copa Conquistadores' final

The first ever Copa Libertadores final between Argentina's two most popular clubs was supposed to be the "match of the century" and a football festival that would propel the country back into the spotlight following yet another World Cup debacle. Well, Argentina is back in the spotlight but for all the wrong reasons and the decision to play the twice-postponed "superclasico" final second leg between Buenos Aires arch rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors in the homeland of Latin America's colonizers, is a painful humiliation. All over social media, the prestigious competition -- the most important club tournament in South America -- has been rechristened the "Copa Conquistadores de America." In one meme on social media there is a picture of Christopher Columbus landing in South America to initiate the European colonization of the Americas and holding aloft the Copa Libertadores trophy, whereas he's usually depicted with the flag of Spain's Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella of Castille ..

Euro 2020 draw offers unique incentive for 12 host nations

For the first time 12 nations will head into Sunday's qualifying draw for Euro 2020 with the extra incentive of playing on home soil should they make it to the 24-team tournament in two years time. Amsterdam, Baku, Bilbao, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Glasgow, London, Munich, Rome and Saint Petersburg are the 12 cities that will host matches across the continent to celebrate the 60th anniversary since the first European Championships. The draw in Dublin will see UEFA's 55 nations split into 10 groups with the top two in each section making up the first 20 teams to qualify. However, a maximum of two of the hosts nations can be paired together in each group to give all 12 the chance of experiencing a home tournament with a guarantee of at least two home games in the group stages. England stand to gain most from home advantage with both semi-finals and the final, as well as three group games and a last 16 tie set to be played at Wembley. The Three Lions have enjoyed argubly ..

ISL: Bheke hands Bengaluru sixth straight win

Bengaluru FC saw their winning run in the Indian Super League extend to six games after a pulsating clash against FC Pune City that finished 2-1 at the Sree Kanteerava stadium here on Friday.

Be bloody good, be elite in values: Langer tells Australia

"Be bloody good," coach Justin Langer warned his players Friday at a time when 'Elite Honesty' has emerged as the buzz word in Australian cricket. "Be bloody good, not just at being the number one team in the world, be elite in values," Langer told Fairfax Media ahead of the four-Test series against India starting December 6. Ever since Australian cricket plunged into crisis following the year-long ball-tampering bans on Steve Smith and Davis Warner, there has been a lot of discussion on the spirit of cricket. Talking about Cricket Australia's "Elite Honesty" slogan, Langer said: "Where we were with Australian cricket at rock bottom eight months ago with what happened in South Africa, the word 'elite' ... we have to raise the standard. "Take the word 'elite' out, ok, honesty is a crucial value. If we're going to develop you've got to have honesty with each other, professionalism, humility, learning and your mates. "They're really important parts, not just what I believe but what I've .

Force India go for Stroll

Canadian driver Lance Stroll will race for Formula One outfit Force India, the team rescued from administration by a consortium headed by his billionaire father Lawrence, it was announced on Friday. The 20-year-old -- who is the final one of the 20 drivers to be confirmed for next season -- will team up with talented Mexican Sergio Perez in a team that is likely to have its name changed by his father. Stroll replaces Frenchman Esteban Ocon, who has driven consistently well for them for the past two years. Ocon remains without a team for 2019. "This is the beginning of an incredibly exciting journey in my Formula One career," Stroll said on the Force India website. "I look forward to working alongside a successful team with a great culture. It's a new challenge and I am excited to embrace this new opportunity!" Stroll's best finish in two years at Williams was third in the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The same year he also qualified fourth fastest in the Italian Grand Prix, ending the ..

Barcelona send Umtiti to Doha for knee fix

Key Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti will fly out to Doha for specialised treatment on a recurring left knee injury, the Spanish champions said on Friday. Umtiti is said to be keen to avoid going under the knife and is seeking a softer solution. Considered one of the best centre-backs in the world, the left-footed Frenchman has played just eight games for Barcelona this season because of the recurring pain in his knee. The 2018 World Cup winner played in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid at the weekend but that was his first game in almost two months due to the pain which returned after the bruising game in Madrid. "Samuel Umtiti will follow a plan of conservative treatment with the objective of curing the discomfort in his left knee," Barce reported on their website Friday. "The player will travel to Doha, Qatar where he will follow this therapeutic plan under the supervision of the club's medical services." Catalan sports daily Sport said Umtiti "would not play again in 2018", ...

Villain-turned-hero Bheke hands Bengaluru sixth straight win

Bengaluru FC saw their winning run in the Hero Indian Super League extend to six games after a pulsating clash against FC Pune City that finished 2-1 at the Sree Kanteerava stadium on Friday. Udanta Singh gave the hosts the early lead in the 11th minute but his sumptuous strike was cancelled out by a Rahul Bheke's (15') own goal. The Bengaluru right-back, however, slammed in a late winner (89') to redeem himself and render a heroic defensive effort from Pune City void. The win sends Bengaluru five points clear at the top of the table, while Pune remain ninth. It were the hosts who took the early lead against the run of play in the 10th minute. Winger Udanta Singh sold Chhuantea Fanai a dummy with a step-over before cutting on to his left foot and unleashing an unstoppable shot past Kamaljit Singh. That goal spurred Bengaluru to life with Sunil Chhetri and Chencho Gyeltshen coming close before Pune sneaked in an equaliser through a Rahul Bheke own goal. The Bengaluru defender could ...

Dabang Delhi beat Jaipur Pink Panthers 48-35 in PKL

Meraj Sheykh put in a fine show to guide Dabang Delhi to a convincing 48-35 win over Jaipur Pink Panthers in a Pro Kabaddi League match here Friday. It was a solid performance from Delhi as Meraj Sheykh (15 points), Naveen Kumar, (9 points) and Chandran Ranjit (9 points) combined to score 33 points. Jaipur Pink Panthers never recovered from a slow start and just couldn't handle the intensity of Delhi's performance. Deepak Hooda produced a terrific raiding performance and scored 20 points but his effort went in vain as he just didn't get enough support. Sheykh got Dabang Delhi to a flying start with super raid in the first minute. Deepak got a couple of raid points as Pink Panthers trailed 3-4 after three minutes. Naveen then made a two-point raid in the 4th minute to give Dabang Delhi a 6-4 lead. The hosts then switched gears with Sheykh producing another super raid in the 11th minute to help Delhi led 15-7 after inflicting an all out. Three minutes later, Dabang Delhi inflicted ...