Bairstow gives Cook headache October 13, 2011 CRICKET: England one-day captain Alastair Cook admits the emergence of rising star Jonny Bairstow has given him a “selection headache”. The Yorkshire batsman made a 53-ball century in Tuesday’s warm-up match and is pushing to replace either Kevin Pietersen or Ian Bell in the side to face India today.
Ireland handed Estonia draw October 13, 2011 FOOTBALL: The Republic of Ireland will take on Estonia in the Euro 2012 play-offs. Estonia are at home for the first leg on 11/12 November. The return leg will take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 15 November.
Hamilton feeling totally drained October 13, 2011 FORMULA ONE: Lewis Hamilton says it will take time to recover from what he has described as his worst ever season. The McLaren driver, 26, has been involved in several controversial incidents this year. “It will take a lot to recover from the difficulties that I’ve had this year,” said Hamilton ahead of this weekend’s Korean [...]
Americans to blame in Reds TV cash row, says Whelan October 12, 2011 WIGAN chairman Dave Whelan has blamed Liverpool’s American owners for an attempted football television rights breakaway from the rest of the Premier League, calling it “appalling” and “greedy”. Reds managing director Ian Ayre has indicated the club would like the freedom to strike their own potentially more lucrative overseas broadcast deals, as Spanish giants Barcelona [...]
Johnson blow as critic Cotton to lead review October 12, 2011 UNDER-FIRE Martin Johnson’s hopes of retaining his position as England manager suffered a major setback yesterday when one of his harshest critics, Fran Cotton, agreed to chair an independent review of the entire England structure at the Rugby Football Union. Cotton’s team, which will comprise a two or three-man panel, will be charged with reviewing [...]
Hot to Trott: Bairstow emergence of no concern to England’s Mr Reliable October 12, 2011 ENGLAND batsman Jonathan Trott insists he doesn’t feel his place in the one-day side has been placed in jeopardy by the emergence of rising star Jonny Bairstow. Trott, the International Cricket Council’s Player of the Year, has become a mainstay of the 50 over side and boasts a higher ODI batting average than the likes [...]
Trapattoni’s Ireland benefit from Euro 2012 play-off seeding boost October 12, 2011 THE REPUBLIC of Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012 were given a major boost yesterday after Uefa confirmed Giovanni Trapattoni’s side as one of the seeded teams ahead of today’s play-off draw. Ireland secured second spot in Group B following Tuesday’s jittery 2-1 home win over Armenia and will now avoid the likes of [...]
Tevez faces City misconduct hearing October 12, 2011 MANCHESTER CITY outcast Carlos Tevez is set to face will face disciplinary proceedings over his conduct during last month’s Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich. The club conducted an internal investigation following accusations from manager Roberto Mancini that the Argentina international refused to take to the field as a second-half substitute, and as a result [...]
Wales stand firm on Gatland October 12, 2011 RUGBY UNION: Wales rugby boss Roger Lewis has warned off possible suitors of coach Warren Gatland. Speaking ahead of Wales’ semi-final against France on Saturday, Lewis said: “We have got a watertight contract. Even if anyone wanted to talk with us it would cost them a heck of a lot of money.”
Rooney to learn Euro 2012 fate October 12, 2011 FOOTBALL: Wayne Rooney will receive a three-match ban for violent conduct if Uefa’s disciplinary laws are followed stringently today. Uefa’s control and disciplinary body will rule on the striker’s suspension for his red card against Montenegro as fears grow he could miss England’s group games at Euro2012.