Pietersen take note, current crop are Broad’s favourite January 14, 2015 ENGLAND seamer Stuart Broad hailed the side’s current batting line-up as the best he has ever witnessed in what could be viewed as a thinly veiled swipe at former team-mate Kevin Pietersen. Opener Ian Bell posted England’s highest-ever one-day score of 187 as the tourists amassed 391-6 during yesterday’s clash with a Prime Minister’s XI [...]
Defoe prepares to face Spurs in Sunderland bow January 14, 2015 ENGLAND striker Jermain Defoe could make his Sunderland debut against former team Tottenham on Saturday after closing in on a return to English football last night. Defoe is believed to have successfully completed a medical ahead of a transfer from Toronto FC, just five months after leaving White Hart Lane for the Major League Soccer [...]
‘Basketball has all the attributes to be Britain’s true second sport’ January 14, 2015 The NBA’s Ben Morel tells Frank Dalleres about their plans to expand in London IF YOU are lucky enough to be among the 20,000 or so witnessing the NBA’s dazzling roadshow tonight at the O2 then you are probably either a celebrity or quick out of the blocks. Tickets for the match between the Milwaukee [...]
I can rule Europe after Manchester City transfer, says £28m Wilfried Bony January 14, 2015 MANCHESTER City’s newest recruit Wilfried Bony is hoping that his record-breaking £28m move will help him to realise his dream of winning the Champions League. The Ivory Coast striker yesterday officially completed his transfer from Swansea to the Premier League title-holders for a fee of £25m plus £3m in potential extras – a club record [...]
Crolla wants ring comeback just six months after fractured skull January 14, 2015 ENGLAND’S Anthony Crolla has targeted a return to the ring in May, less than six months after suffering a fractured skull when he was struck with a concrete slab. The 28-year-old lightweight also broke his ankle in the attack in December as he attempted to apprehend thieves he suspected of robbing his neighbour’s house in [...]
Higgins suffers Masters defeat January 14, 2015 NORTHERN IRELAND’S Mark Allen pinpointed his ability to thrive under pressure after recording a 6-4 Masters victory over two-time champion John Higgins at Alexandra Palace yesterday. The pair were locked at 3-3 before Allen surged into a 5-3 lead, sealing victory after Higgins had reduced the arrears and then missed a yellow when poised for [...]
Trott double ton sends message to Test selectors January 14, 2015 BATSMAN Jonathan Trott accelerated his claims for an international recall by striking a double century for England Lions as their first unofficial Test against South Africa A at Paarl ended in stalemate yesterday. Trott was at his obstinate best as he amassed an unbeaten 211, batting for almost 11 hours and racking up 17 fours [...]
Coventry hails Exiles’ ambition January 14, 2015 LONDON Irish head-coach-in-waiting Tom Coventry has revealed that the Premiership club’s ambitious plans convinced him to abandon his native New Zealand and replace Brian Smith. Coventry has agreed to join the Exiles in the summer, it was confirmed yesterday, after Smith was allowed to bring forward his planned departure on compassionate grounds. The 48-year-old is [...]
Broken collarbone places Dowsett hour-record bid in grave doubt January 14, 2015 BRITAIN’S Alex Dowsett has suffered a major blow in his bid to smash cycling’s hour record after the Commonwealth Games time trial champion sustained a fractured collarbone in training. The 26-year-old is scheduled to try and beat 51.852km, the benchmark set by Austria’s Matthias Brandle in October, at the Lee Valley VeloPark on Friday, 27 [...]
Murray seeded sixth for Australian Open January 14, 2015 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray will be seeded sixth for the Australian Open when the draw for the year’s first Major, which starts on Monday, takes place tonight. The three-time finalist is ranked behind top seed Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori. Compatriot Heather Watson is afforded no protection in the women’s [...]