Test form no comfort as England face series November 13, 2012 I EXPECT the England camp has mixed feelings going into this long-awaited series in India, because while the tour has gone reasonably well so far, their recent Test record does not offer much cause for optimism. On the positive side, England’s players will have enjoyed the rest that preceded this trip, while the tour itself [...]
Quarter of a million London 2012 tickets were not sold November 13, 2012 AROUND 264,000 London 2012 Olympics tickets remained unsold this summer, despite the huge public demand to attend events. Customers had difficulty accessing tickets due to the official website crashing, while sections of empty corporate seats at key events angered the public. Football had the most seats unsold with 213,000, while 2,407 seats for athletics and [...]
Ruthless Gayle hits historic six November 13, 2012 WEST Indies batsman Chris Gayle made history yesterday by becoming the first player to smash a six off the first ball of a Test match. The big-hitting left-hander blasted Bangladesh’s Sohad Gazi over long-on in the first Test, although the debutant had the last laugh when he had Gayle caught for 24. West Indies closed [...]
Monye axed as Ashton returns for Aussie date November 13, 2012 ENGLAND rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has offered sympathy to wing Ugo Monye after leaving him out of his 23-man squad to play Australia on Saturday, as Chris Ashton returns from a suspension. Monye’s omission is the only change from the squad that defeated Fiji 54-12 at Twickenham at the weekend, with Gloucester’s Charlie Sharples [...]
Dettori facing inquiry after failed drug test November 13, 2012 THREE-TIME Champion Jockey Frankie Dettori faces a French horse racing inquiry after returning a positive test for a banned substance at a meeting at Longchamp in September. A solicitor for Dettori, arguably the highest profile rider in flat racing over the last two decades, said the British-based Italian’s case would be heard next week. “On [...]
Flood pretty dry on Ioane taunts November 13, 2012 FLY-HALF Toby Flood has laughed off taunts by Australia’s Digby Ioane that England’s wingers are nothing but pretty boys. “The England wingers are pretty, really good looking. I just can’t wait to go against them,” said Ioane, who will line up against Chris Ashton on Saturday. Flood saw the funny side, saying: “I can see [...]
RFU play down £6m loss November 13, 2012 Governing body the RFU has reported losses of £6.3m for 2011-12 after the World Cup meant fewer lucrative games at Twickenham. The RFU said the loss was anticipated and balanced by profits accrued over a four-year cycle.
Romanov snubs Hearts fans’ bid November 13, 2012 A fans’ group hoping to buy Scottish Premier League club Hearts has had an initial offer rejected by owner Vladimir Romanov. The Hearts Foundation, comprised of supporters and local businessmen, acted following the club’s admission last week it needed donations to pay a tax bill of around £500,000.
Masterful Djokovic ends Federer’s London reign November 12, 2012 WORLD No1 Novak Djokovic brought the curtain down on another vintage year last night by beating Roger Federer 7-6 (8-6), 7-5 in an enthralling encounter to win the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena. Djokovic had lost their last two matches but came back from a break down in each set to [...]
Don’t rely on spinners to beat India, Harmison tells England November 12, 2012 FORMER England bowler Steve Harmison insists that seamers must contribute wickets if England are to be successful in India, when the first Test begins on Thursday in Ahmedabad. England have not won a series since 1985 on Indian soil, where seamers have struggled to make an impact in conditions widely suited to spin bowlers. “They [...]