Norovirus hits All Blacks for England clash November 29, 2012 ENGLAND’S hopes of ending the year on a high were boosted yesterday when it emerged tomorrow’s opponents New Zealand have been ravaged by the norovirus. The winter vomiting and diarrhoea bug has affected all but two of the All Blacks squad, disrupting their preparations for the Test at Twickenham. No8 Kieran Read said they had [...]
Finn return to fitness heightens pressure on under-fire Broad November 29, 2012 ENGLAND fast bowler Steven Finn has recovered from a thigh strain to travel with the squad to Kolkata for next week’s third Test against India, after coming through a warm-up game unscathed. Finn took 4-50 on Tuesday and bowled seven overs yesterday to prove his fitness during an England Performance Programme innings and 193-run victory [...]
Defoe no to Redknapp reunion November 29, 2012 TOTTENHAM striker Jermain Defoe has dismissed a possible reunion with Harry Redknapp at Queens Park Rangers and pledged to see out his career at White Hart Lane. Redknapp has prioritised signing a forward as he looks to reverse his new club’s disastrous start to the season and drag them off the bottom of the Premier [...]
Flintoff ready to bowl over his critics for debut inside the ring November 29, 2012 FORMER England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff has vowed to prove his doubters wrong when he makes his boxing debut against American Richard Dawson at the Manchester Arena tonight. The Ashes hero’s boxing venture has been met with surprise and criticism, despite having former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan in his corner. Flintoff’s opponent is undefeated [...]
Red Rose must channel anger at Twickenham November 29, 2012 IF recent form over the last two seasons is any indication to the outcome of tomorrow’s match, England have no chance against New Zealand. In simple rugby terms an experienced, powerful and talented All Black team will have the beating of a fledging England side. However, do not underestimate home advantage. England must be high [...]
Vettel to stay champion as FIA clear pass November 29, 2012 FERRARI’s hopes of Fernando Alonso being handed the world title on a technicality have been dashed after Formula One’s governing body the FIA said Sebastian Vettel committed no offence during the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday. Vettel won the title at Interlagos by just three points but Ferrari have written to the FIA for official [...]
Ponting to quit as the greatest, says Vaughan November 29, 2012 FORMER England captain Michael Vaughan has hailed his adversary Ricky Ponting as the best batsman he ever faced after the Australian announced his intention to retire from international cricket after the third Test against South Africa. Ponting, who is the second highest run scorer in Test history behind Indian Sachin Tendulkar with 13,366 runs, plays [...]
Crash was a blessing, says Wiggo November 29, 2012 CYCLING: Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins says the accident in which he broke a rib this month was “a blessing in disguise”. The London 2012 time trial gold medallist said: “Things were getting out of control. It’s nice to get back to riding my bike. It’s what I enjoy. It’s all the other stuff [...]
Brazil hire Scolari – again November 29, 2012 FOOTBALL: Former Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has been appointed Brazil coach for a second time. The 64-year-old, sacked in 2009 after eight months at the Blues, replaced Mario Menezes, who was dismissed last week.
La Liga trio on Ballon shortlist November 29, 2012 FOOTBALL: Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona pair Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta have been named on a three-man shortlist for this year’s Ballon d’Or. Real boss Jose Mourinho, ex-Barca manager Pep Guardiola and Spain’s Vicente del Bosque have been nominated for coach of the year.