Page 891 - Sports
Time to replace Australia batting coach Hick with a former great: Warne
Australia has a lot of great cricketers and it is time to replace under-fire batting coach Graeme Hick with one of them, said spin legend Shane Warne. Warne was critical of Hick, under whom, Australia have lost their last 18 matches out of the past 24 matches in all formats, including the loss to South Africa in the one-off Twenty20 on Saturday. "It's time for a change," Warne was quoted as saying in the 'Sydney Morning Herald'. "The one thing I would say is ... Australian cricket over the last 25-30 years has had some terrific batsmen. "Graeme Hick has been there for the last few years and seen that the players are making the same mistakes all the time; it's time for a change," he added. Warne believes one of the former Australian greats can do justice to the job. "Whether it be Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey ... I'm sure any of those guys could do it," Warne said. "We've had great cricketers for the past 25 years and they [should] be around the cricket ...
Mo Farah eyes 2019 London marathon
Britain's most decorated athlete Mo Farah, who is all set to compete in the 2019 London marathon, has stated that his aim is "to win the race one day."The four-time Olympics gold-medalist recently set a European record of 2:05:11 at the Chicago Marathon which was held in October, this year.Farah believes that the victory in Chicago is a key to maintain the momentum for the upcoming competitions."My aim is to win London marathon one day. I don't know when that's going to be but the more I can run in London the more I can learn about the race and learn about the course and come up with a way that could suit me," CNN quoted Farah, as saying."To win a major marathon in Chicago, my third marathon, and to have one title is great, and I think from there hopefully I just keep maintaining. I think that's key," he added.The 2019 London marathon will be Farah's third attempt to win the race. The last British man to clinch victory in the marathon was Eamonn Martin who did it back in 1993.In this .
In-form Wade should be in mix for Test series: Bailey
Former Australia captain George Bailey feels in-form Matthew Wade must be in the mix when Australia select their playing XI for the opening Test of the four-match series against India beginning at Adelaide on December 6. The 30-year-old Wade, who played his last Test against Bangladesh at Chittagong last September, has scored 412 runs at an average of 82.4 to lie at the third place in the list of Sheffield Shield run-scorers. Wade had kept wickets for Tasmania in Shield games against Western Australia and Queensland but since then has played as a batsman. The wicket-keeper batsman has hit five fifties with his top-score being a 137 in Tasmania's loss to Victoria that earned him a man-of-the-match honour. Given his run of form, Bailey believes he should be in the mix when selection chairman Trevor Hohns zeros in on Australia's team for the four-Test series opener that starts on December 6. "I can't speak highly enough of the way he's going about his cricket, Bailey was quoted as saying
I-League wins silver at SPIA awards in Best Developing Football League category
I-League has won a silver medal at the SPIA Awards in the "Best Developing Football League of the Year" category nominated by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).I-League is the premier league in the country and the ongoing edition is being played among 11 clubs. The champions of the same will get a slot for the AFC Champions League qualifier.All India Football Federation president (AIFF) Praful Patel, in his statement, congratulated all the stakeholders and the clubs."I need to thank the Asian Football Confederation for nominating us and SPIA Awards for the recognition. My heartiest congratulations to all the stakeholders, especially the Clubs who have been an integral part of the League. I would also like to congratulate the AIFF and the I-League department for their hard work," Patel said.AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das pointed out that it is a "wonderful moment for Indian Football.""This recognition comes two years after AIFF had won the Award for the AFC Developing Member ...
PSL 2019: De Villiers emerges as top pick in first draft
Former South African skipper AB de Villiers has emerged has the top pick in the first player draft of the upcoming fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).The 34-year-old, who is currently playing in the Mzansi Super League, was picked up by Lahore Qalandars in the Platinum category.PSL_Tweet1Nov21.jpgMeanwhile, former Australian skipper Steve Smith transpired as the second pick of the first draft after being selected by a yet-to-be-named team, which was previously called Multan Sultan, in the Platinum category.The other notable selections in the first draft include former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who will join Smith in the yet-to-be-named team in the Platinum category.While former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq was picked up by Peshawar Zalmi in the Diamond category, New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson was selected by Lahore Qalandars in the same category.West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo was picked by Quetta Gladiators in the Platinum category while his ...
Singh, US PGA Tour settle deer-antler doping dispute
Three-time major champion Vijay Singh of Fiji and the US PGA Tour announced Tuesday they have reached a settlement deal over a 2013 doping dispute over deer-antler spray. The issue began with comments Singh made five years ago to Sports Illustrated for a story about steroid alternatives, the Fijian saying he had used deer antler spray. The PGA Tour suspended Singh after finding the spray contained IGF-1, a banned substance under the tour's anti-doping rules. Singh appealed the 90-day suspension and while the case was considered, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled it no longer considered using the spray a doping violation unless there was a failed drug test involved. That was not the case in Singh's situation so the ban was revoked. Singh, however, sued the tour later in 2013, saying he was treated unfairly in how the doping violation was handled, causing unfair harm to his reputation. It was this suit that was settled Tuesday. "The PGA TOUR and Vijay Singh are pleased to ...
Kosovo close on shock Euro 2020 place by thrashing Azerbaijan
Kosovo sealed a Euro 2020 play-off place only two years after becoming a UEFA-recognised national team, as Arber Zeneli scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 Nations League thrashing of Azerbaijan on Tuesday. Heading into the game in Pristina, Kosovo knew a draw against unbeaten Azerbaijan would be enough to wrap up top spot in Group D3 and boost their Euro qualifying hopes. But they got off to a dream start, with Heerenveen midfielder Zeneli putting them ahead in only the second minute. The 23-year-old scored twice more in the second half, with Dinamo Zagreb defender Amir Rrahmani also finding the net, as Kosovo completed a famous win. Kosovo only claimed their first-ever competitive victory in September by beating the Faroe Islands, but have since won three more times in the Nations League with an incredible turnaround in form. They will play at the League D playoffs next year, where Georgia, Belarus and Macedonia will be battling them for a ticket to the 2020 European Championship. Kosovo is
Pacquiao, Roach at loggerheads over reunion
Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao said Tuesday he hopes to be reunited with long-time trainer Freddie Roach for his January bout against Adrien Broner but admitted he had not spoken to the veteran cornerman about renewing their partnership. Pacquiao ended a 16-year association with Roach ahead of his victory over Lucas Matthyse in Kuala Lumpur in July, breaking up one of boxing's most famous double-acts. However the 39-year-old raised eyebrows during a press conference in New York on Monday when he said Roach would be back in his corner for his January 19 fight against Broner in Las Vegas. Roach though expressed bemusement about Pacquiao's announcement in remarks to Sports Illustrated, saying he had not been in contact with his former protege. "I still have never directly spoken to Manny (since 2017)," Roach said. "I'm not going to make a move until Manny calls me. I've been like a father to Manny for 15 years. If he can't call me, there will be no deal." When asked to clarify the
Man United to play Leeds in pre-season Australia match
Manchester United announced on Tuesday they will take on English rivals Leeds in Australia next year as part of their preparations for the 2019-20 season. The two clubs have only met twice in the past decade, with Leeds clinching a famous win in the 2009-10 FA Cup before United triumphed in the League Cup in September 2011. United confirmed their first two fixtures of their 2019 tour schedule will be against A-League team Perth Glory on July 13 before they take on Leeds in the city four days later. "Our pre-season tour is an integral part of the squad's preparation for the forthcoming season," said United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward. "After what will be a 44-year absence since we last played in Perth we are delighted to be returning to Western Australia to play not just one, but two games -- against Perth Glory and Leeds United. "As well as preparing for the season ahead, the club will also have the opportunity to engage with our loyal fans in Australia, who last got the ...
Infantino tells Qatar it has to host best World Cup ever
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has warned Qatar that the first World Cup in the Middle East -- which begins in four years on November 21 -- has to be better than Russia. "The Russian World Cup was the best ever, and the World Cup in 2022 has to be even better," said Infantino in a joint statement issued with Qatar's tournament organisers, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy. The statement reveals that Qatar is spending USD 6.5 billion on building or refurbishing eight stadiums for the tournament. Qatar has said it is spending around USD 500 million a week on preparations for the World Cup. The Gulf state is set to host the first tournament in November and December, after FIFA agreed to move the tournament amid concerns over the desert country's fierce summer heat, where temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). "It will be a momentous occasion for the teams participating, the fans watching, and for the whole Arab world, which is eagerly anticipating ...
Neymar injured as Brazil beat Cameroon
Neymar could be an injury doubt for Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League clash with Liverpool next week after limping off during Brazil's 1-0 friendly win over Cameroon on Tuesday. The forward suffered an apparent groin problem and was replaced in the eighth minute, to boos from the crowd in the central English town of Milton Keynes. Everton's Richarlison, Neymar's replacement, headed in on the stroke of half-time for his third Brazil goal on his sixth appearance to secure victory for the Selecao. A mixture of cheers and jeers welcomed Neymar, his World Cup theatrics in Russia providing ammunition for his detractors. And there was little sympathy when the star attraction went off after making little impact. He sought treatment after five minutes and returned to send a curling right-footed shot high and wide within a minute. He immediately collapsed before being replaced. But Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar played down fears of a serious problem. "He felt discomfort," Lasmar told .
Late Politano strike lifts new-look Italy past USA
Late substitute Matteo Politano scored an injury-time winner to lift a new-look Italy to a 1-0 win over the United States in an international friendly in Genk on Tuesday. Roberto Mancini's side had looked set for another goalless draw after crashing out of the Nations League with a 0-0 stalemate against Portugal in Milan on Saturday. But Politano came on three minutes from time and slotted home in the 94th minute. It got Italy belatedly off the mark in a match they had dominated but which demonstrated Mancini's side's difficulty converting opportunities into goals. "We had so many chances, the important thing is that it was a good performance," said Mancini. "It was the first time we were playing together, so we couldn't think of playing like the first half for 90 minutes. "We got a little stretched as we pushed harder to find the breakthrough. I would have been very disappointed for it to end 0-0, especially for the players and for the Italians who came to see us." Mancini wanted to .
Mbappe injured as France see off Uruguay
A shoulder injury to Kylian Mbappe overshadowed France's 1-0 friendly win over Uruguay at the Stade de France on Tuesday as Didier Deschamps' world champions ended the year on a high note. Mbappe had to be replaced in the first half after a nasty fall, continuing a miserable night for his Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel after the German had already seen Neymar hobble off injured early in Brazil's friendly with Cameroon in Milton Keynes. PSG face Liverpool in a crucial Champions League clash at the Parc des Princes on November 28. When asked if he could give "reassuring news" about Mbappe in his press conference, France coach Deschamps said: "Not necessarily reassuring, but not worrying either. "He had some shoulder pain after his fall and he has to have tests tomorrow (Wednesday) morning, but there is no serious concern." After the disappointment of seeing the Netherlands pip them to a place at the Nations League finals with a late Virgil van Dijk goal in Germany on Monday, ...
Uncapped Nishan Peiris replaces Akila Dananjaya in Sri Lanka Test team
Uncapped off-spinner Nishan Peiris has been selected by Sri Lanka as a replacement for Akila Dananjaya ahead of their upcoming third Test against England, beginning November 23.Dananjaya is all set to miss the third game as he will be travelling to Brisbane for biometric testing of his bowling action, ESPNcricinfo.com reported. The 25-year-old was reported for a suspect bowling action following their first Test against England.Peiris, who is yet to make his international Test debut, was part of Sri Lanka Board XI in both of England's warm-up games before the Test series. He had scalped three crucial wickets in the form of Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali in the first match.In 12 first-class matches, he has picked up 38 wickets with an average of 29.52.Sri Lanka have already lost the ongoing three-match Test series against England as they are trailing it 0-2. While they lost the opening match by 211 runs, in the second game they stumbled to a 57-run defeat against the visitors.The
AIBA C'ship: Four out of eight Indians progress to semi-finals
Five-time World Champion Mary Kom assured the country its first medal in the 48 kg category as she thrashed her Chinese counterpart Wu Yu 5:0
Indian men's hockey team captain joins 'Elite Adidas Athletes'
To add to its already strong portfolio of athletes, Adidas on Tuesday announced their association with India men's hockey team skipper Manpreet Singh.Reflecting on his endorsement contract with Adidas, Manpreet said, "Association with Adidas is an opportunity that every sportsperson looks forward to and I am really excited to have been given this chance of joining their family. Adidas believes in nurturing talent and further carving the strengths of a sportsperson by offering the world-class products and I am looking forward to great years of association with the brand.Meanwhile, Adidas's senior marketing director Sean Van Wyk said, "As India's leading sports brand, Adidas will continue to engage and empower the youth on sports fields across the country, since we believe that 'through sport, we have the power to change lives'. When it comes to motivating a nation which is budding with talent, it calls for a role model which not only catalyzes the progression but is also a torchbearer .
Kenyan Jepchirchir returns to marathon
Former world half marathon champion and record holder Peres Jepchirchir feels she has regained her strength and will be returning to the international scene after staying out of competition for 18 months.
British sprinter Levine gets 4-year ban for doping
British sprinter Nigel Levine, medal winner at the world and European championships, has been banned for four years from all sport for breaking the anti-doping rules, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) announced on Tuesday.
Khelo India looking at recognising Sesa Football Academy: Rathore
Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Tuesday emphasised on the need for stronger alignment with private academies in India and said Khelo India is looking at officially recognising SESA Football Academy as a partner for the programme.
Bowlers hog limelight on Day 1 of Ranji Trophy Round 3
Pacer Varun Aaron's fifer helped Jharkhand restrict Rajasthan to a paltry 100 in their first innings in an Elite Group C clash at the JSCA stadium, Ranchi on Tuesday.