Strauss gets ICC backing in cramp row September 28, 2009 WORLD governing body the ICC has backed England captain Andrew Strauss in the row over cramp that erupted during Sunday’s Champions Trophy defeat of South Africa. Proteas skipper Graeme Smith asked for a runner when he started cramping as the hosts vainly chased their target of 324. But Strauss, backed by the umpires, turned down [...]
Flintoff: I won’t pick and choose my England dates September 28, 2009 ENGLAND all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has stressed that playing for his country will be his priority when he returns from his latest injury nightmare. The 31-year-old, who is expected to be out for at least six months following knee surgery, earlier this month drew criticism for refusing a central contract. But the irreplaceable talisman, who retired [...]
Borthwick in all-clear for autumn Tests September 28, 2009 ENGLAND captain Steve Borthwick’s rollercoaster injury ride took another upturn yesterday after he was given the green light to play in the autumn internationals. Saracens feared their skipper had suffered an eye socket fracture when he was forced off in their narrow 19-16 win over Gloucester on Sunday. But scans yesterday revealed nothing more sinister [...]
Double injury blow for Blues’ European trip September 28, 2009 CHELSEA have been rocked by the news midfielders Michael Ballack and John Obi Mikel will both miss tomorrow’s Champions League tie with APOEL Nicosia. Neither player has travelled with the squad as Germany captain Ballack has a calf strain and Mikel is struggling with an ankle injury. But England full-back Ashley Cole did make the [...]
DOWNPOUR AND OUT? September 28, 2009 INDIA’S hopes of reaching the Champions Trophy semi-finals suffered a blow last night when torrential rain caused their match with Australia at Centurion to be abandoned. Australia were in a strong position with 234-4 from 42.3 overs when a thunderstorm hit, meaning both sides were awarded a point each. It leaves India needing to thrash [...]
Tevez Hammers former club September 27, 2009 MANCHESTER CITY boss Mark Hughes last night hailed strike duo Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy after the former West Ham players put their old club to the sword. Tevez scored twice against his old colleagues, with Martin Petrov also on target for the home side and Carlton Cole replying for the Hammers. Victory lifted City [...]
England charge into last four in a tale of cramp and style September 27, 2009 CAPTAIN Andrew Strauss hailed a best-ever batting display as England waltzed into the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy against all odds at the expense of hosts South Africa. Strauss’ men produced a batting masterclass in smashing the No1-ranked Proteas for a massive 323-8 – their sixth highest 50-over total of all-time. Man-of-the-match Owais Shah (98) [...]
Saudi Prince eyes 50 per cent stake September 27, 2009 A SAUDI prince has declared he is close to buying a stake in Liverpool – and wants to snap up as much as 50 per cent of the club. Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah is ready to pay up to £350m for half of the Premier League giants, he said yesterday. Prince Faisal, who [...]
Hamilton on song in Singapore as Button takes another step closer to his championship dream September 27, 2009 BRITAIN’S Jenson Button toasted the sweetest fifth-placed finish of his career yesterday at the Singapore Grand Prix, after tightening his grip on a maiden world championship. Pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton won the night race but Button increased his lead over Brawn GP team-mate and nearest title rival Rubens Barrichello, while Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel only made [...]
Jones double gores Wolves September 27, 2009 SUNDERLAND boss Steve Bruce berated his side’s calamitous defending despite seeing them smash five past sorry Wolves to go eighth in the Premier League. Striker Kenwyne Jones grabbed a brace with Darren Bent, Michael Turner and a Michael Mancienne own goal completing the rout. But Bruce was angered by his side’s woeful defence as John [...]