Anderson: We have never tampered with the ball October 17, 2011 ENGLAND fast bowler James Anderson has strenuously denied ever having tampered with the ball in the wake of accusations levied against him and team-mate Stuart Broad by Pakistan seamer Umar Gul. Responding to the confessions of the recently retired Shoaib Akhtar in his explosive autobiography, Gul, a mainstay of the current Pakistan side, claimed: “Quite [...]
Wheldon death raises Indy fears October 17, 2011 TRACK greats have united to accuse America’s IndyCar series of allowing dangerous driving conditions after British racer Dan Wheldon died on Sunday. Buckinghamshire-born Wheldon, who was 33, was the only fatality in an horrific 200mph, 15-car pile-up during the Las Vegas Indy 300. Ex-Formula One drivers Mark Blundell and Jody Scheckter called the accident “inevitable” [...]
Youngster Lewis set for super stardom October 17, 2011 ANY lingering doubts as to whether the outstanding Englishman Tom Lewis had made the right decision in turning pro at just 20 years of age were utterly dispelled by his thrilling maiden tournament victory at the Portugal Masters on Sunday. At the time I was fully supportive of the move he made having been suitably [...]
Cook downbeat as Kohli century inspires England’s Delhi destruction October 17, 2011 DEMORALISED England captain Alastair Cook admits his side have been mentally weak in allowing India to open up a 2-0 series lead following yesterday’s crushing eight-wicket defeat in Delhi. Following Friday’s 126-run loss in Hyderabad England were keen to make a positive start on what appeared to be a batting friendly track. Instead, the tourists [...]
Evra insistent over Suarez racism claim October 17, 2011 OTELUL GALATI vs MANCHESTER UNITED MANCHESTER UNITED defender Patrice Evra has told manager Sir Alex Ferguson that he wishes to pursue his allegation that he was racially abused by Liverpool forward Luis Suarez in Saturday’s Premier League match. Uruguay star Suarez on Sunday denied Evra’s claim that he used “a certain word” “at least 10 [...]
Mancini in it for the long haul October 17, 2011 MANCHESTER CITY vs VILLARREAL MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini is intent on staying at the club beyond the length of his current contract, which expires at the end of next season. The Italian has presided over City’s best start to a league campaign since 1897 having secured the club’s first piece of major silverware for [...]
QPR skipper Barton blasts Terry, Giggs and England rugby team October 17, 2011 OUTSPOKEN QPR captain Joey Barton has taken aim at England captain John Terry and Manchester United star Ryan Giggs for their off-field behaviour. Barton, who served two months in prison in 2008 after admitting assault and affray, criticised two of the Premier League’s most high-profile stars during a public speaking appearance yesterday in London. Of [...]
Relegation in danger of axe – managers’ chief October 17, 2011 OVERSEAS owners of Premier League clubs want to ringfence the top flight and abolish relegation, according to League Managers’ Association chief Richard Bevan. Such a move could only be passed if 14 of the 20 leading clubs voted in favour of the change, but Bevan believes that could happen if more foreign investors snap up [...]
Sotherton defiant after funding blow October 17, 2011 FORMER Olympic bronze medallist Kelly Sotherton insists she still has London 2012 glory in her sights despite having her central funding axed following a series of injury problems. Sotherton, 34, was the highest-profile victim yesterday when governing body UK Athletics revealed how lottery cash would be distributed for a crucial 12 months as Team GB [...]
Coveted Edwards unsure of Welsh future October 17, 2011 HIGHLY-REGARDED Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards is unsure if he will remain in the role after his side returns from their World Cup adventure. The former rugby league star will be on the Welsh bench, potentially for the final time, on Friday for the third-place play-off against Australia. Edwards, also head coach at Wasps, has [...]