Aussie captain Clarke taunts Cook’s team over selection November 12, 2013 AUSTRALIA captain Michael Clarke has lit the touchpaper ahead of next week’s first Ashes Test by claiming he knows exactly what XI England will send out to play in Brisbane. Clarke, speaking at Australia’s Ashes launch event, insists Hampshire’s Michael Carberry will open the batting and that Surrey’s Chris Tremlett will take the third fast-bowling [...]
Djokovic prepared to sacrifice No1 ranking for 2014 grand slam haul November 12, 2013 WORLD No2 Novak Djokovic intends to prioritise adding to his six grand slam titles next year over regaining the No1 ranking from Rafael Nadal. The 26-year-old beat Nadal in the ATP World Tour final at the O2 Arena on Monday night to continue his sensational 22-match unbeaten run. Djokovic, who lost his world No1 ranking [...]
Cricket Comment: England have to call cover if Prior out of first Test November 12, 2013 HE MAY not grab the headlines like Alec Stewart or Adam Gilchrist did, but we mustn’t underestimate the contribution Matt Prior has made to England’s success. Not just a wicketkeeper but also a genuine batsman, Prior is a major cog in this squad’s wheel. I am a huge fan of his and in all of [...]
Bailey handed surprise chance to become Aussies’ Ashes hero November 12, 2013 UNCAPPED batsman George Bailey has been rewarded for his fine one-day international form with a surprise inclusion to Australia’s 12-man squad for next week’s first Ashes Test in Brisbane. The 31-year-old averaged 79.67 during the recent six match one-day series against India, where he captained Australia in the absence of the injured Michael Clarke. Bailey’s [...]
Davies set for switch to France November 12, 2013 RUGBY UNION: Wales centre Jonathan Davies will move from Scarlets to Clermont Auvergne in July. The 25-year-old has penned a two-year contract. Davies suffered a chest injury against South Africa on Saturday and will miss the remainder of Wales’ autumn internationals.
Legal battles take toll on McIlroy November 12, 2013 GOLF: Former world No1 Rory McIlroy admits off-field distractions have plagued his game this year as he goes in search of his first win for 12 months at the DP World Tour Championship. McIlroy, who tees off at 5am tomorrow, said: “I’ve seen more lawyers this year than I care to see in my entire [...]
Strachan hoping to poach Caulker November 12, 2013 FOOTBALL: Scotland boss Gordon Strachan hopes to convince defender Steven Caulker to switch allegiance from England. Caulker can turn his back on the Three Lions having won his only cap to date in a friendly defeat to Sweden last year.
Middlesbrough to name new boss November 12, 2013 FOOTBALL: Middlesbrough are expected to unveil former Real Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka, 40, as their new manager this morning.
Nadal denied dream end to fairytale year by Djokovic November 11, 2013 WORLD No1 Rafael Nadal was gracious in defeat after Novak Djokovic successfully retained his ATP World Tour Finals title in straight sets at the O2 Arena last night, glad to be involved again having frustratingly watched from the sidelines 12 months ago with a career-threatening injury. Nadal, who has never won the season finale, saved [...]
All Blacks better than 2012 class, warns Lancaster November 11, 2013 ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster has warned his team that last year’s record victory over New Zealand will count for nothing against the same opposition at Twickenham this weekend. The All Blacks were beaten 38-21 last December with second-half tries from Brad Barritt, Chris Ashton and Manu Tuilagi, while fly-half Owen Farrell was exceptional kicking [...]