Sports News – Newsletter for January 31, 2011

Crawley’s Torres ready to take on Man U

LONDON – Crawley FC hero Sergio Torres is reportedly looking forward to the away tie against Manchester United.

“I was so nervous I had to get out so I went for a walk with my girlfriend Lena. I wasn’t going to watch the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Crawley’s Torres ready to take on Man U.

Liverpool coach Dalglish wants Carroll as replacement for Torres

LONDON – Liverpool FC reportedly want England striker Andy Carroll to replace Spaniard Fernando Torres.enny Dalglish’s Reds are set to make a 30-million-pound bid for the Newcastle No.9 if Torres joins Chelsea today, The Sun reports.

Liverpool also plotting a 15-million-pound swoop …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Australia must go for pace rather than spin in World Cup: Border

SYDNEY – Former Australian cricket captain and now Fox Sports cricket expert Allan Border believes that the best chance for his country to nail the ICC cricket World Cup for the third consecutive time rests with the fast bowling trio of Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson, … Read more »»».

Can unpredictable New Zealand spring a surprise? (World Cup Countdown)

NEW DELHI – New Zealand will be returning to the subcontinent for the World Cup starting Feb 19 with the bitter experiences of a 4-0 thrashing in Bangladesh and 5-0 whitewash in the ODI series in India last year.

Though New Zealand have ended their 11-match losing streak in style against Pakistan in the …. Source article  : Can unpredictable New Zealand spring a surprise? (World Cup Countdown).

I would like to do something special for World Cup: Gautam Gambhir (Interview) (World Cup Countdown)

(Attn Editors : Following is the first in a World Cup cricket countdown series by IANS that will have team previews, interviews of present and former India players, features and statistics)NEW DELHI – When Gautam Gambhir was dropped from the 2007 World Cup squad, he was so disappointed that he almost quit cricket. As he …. Source article  : I would like to do something special for World Cup: Gautam Gambhir (Interview) (World Cup Countdown).

Clarke showing glimpses of old self with steady Gabba knock: Roebuck

SYDNEY – Stand-in Australian captain Michael Clarke has realized that he has two roles to play, and cannot neglect one because the other is not working, cricket columnist Peter Roebuck has claimed.

According to Roebuck, leadership of the Australian squad sits quite easily on Clarke’s shoulders, and this came to the fore in the fifth one-day …. Read the original article  : Clarke showing glimpses of old self with steady Gabba knock: Roebuck.

Ashes mess: Cricket Australia facing pivotal board meeting

SYDNEY – Cricket Australia power brokers will decide on the mechanics of a far-reaching review into the national team’s abject failure in the recent Ashes series when they meet next Tuesday.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, an independent chairperson is being sought, perhaps from a corporate background, to assess the wider problems in the game’s … Read : Ashes mess: Cricket Australia facing pivotal board meeting.

Kiwi left-arm spinner Woodcock still waiting for international wicket

NAPIER – Wellington left-arm spinner Luke Woodcock is still looking for his first international wicket after making his debut for New Zealand over the weekend.

In the match against Pakistan in Christchurch, he had to bite his lip as wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum missed a clear stumping chance off his bowling.

The McCullum miss left him with bowling …. Source article  : Kiwi left-arm spinner Woodcock still waiting for international wicket.

Run fest expected in Napier ODI

NAPIER – New Zealand’s last visit to Napier resulted in a thrilling two-wicket victory over Australia in March, thanks to a blazing 49 not out by Scott Styris as the Black Caps chased 276.

It was New Zealand’s 20th win from 33 ODIs at McLean Park.

Against Pakistan in Napier, New Zealand have a 4-0 …. Original article  : Run fest expected in Napier ODI.

Black Caps boost batting line-up for Napier ODI

NAPIER – New Zealand will play with just two pace bowlers in tomorrow’s fourth one-day cricket international against Pakistan in Napier, preferring to boost their batting line-up.

A team spokesman confirmed Jacob Oram would be 12th man, joining the already omitted trio James Franklin, Kyle Mills and Luke Woodcock on the sidelines as the selectors’ rotation … Read more : Black Caps boost batting line-up for Napier ODI.

Shahzaib Hasan ‘disappointed’ over Pak World Cup snub

LAHORE – Pakistan batsman Shahzaib Hasan, who was a member of the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup winning squad, has said that he is disappointed and surprised at being left out of the national squad for the upcoming World Cup.

“I was really disappointed, shocked and surprised that I never even made it into the list of …. Source  : Shahzaib Hasan ‘disappointed’ over Pak World Cup snub.

Murray’s time ‘yet to come’: Tennis Scotland

EDINBURGH – Andy Murray’s time is “still to come” despite his defeat in the Australian Open final, Tennis Scotland has said.

The BBC quoted a spokesman, as saying that everyone was “extremely disappointed” at Murray’s failure to win a Grand Slam title on Sunday, but felt sure he would fight back.

Murray lost previous finals at the … Read more »».

PCB to videotape domestic matches to deal with players’ indiscipline

LAHORE – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to introduce a system of video recording its domestic matches to deal with the growing problem of players’ indiscipline and sub-standard umpiring.

PCB’s domestic cricket division head Sultan Rana said that the board plans to install two video cameras at every stadium where first-class and national one-day …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Booker T Returns To WWE

LOS ANGELES (GaeaTimes.com) After a span of three years, WWE superstar Booker T made a surprise comeback in Royal Rumble 2011. The former ‘King Of The Ring’ made an unexpected entry in Royal Rumble so as to give a shot to earn the main event spot at Wrestlemania 27. But to much disappointment …. Source  : Booker T Returns To WWE.

Shane Warne to reunite with Liz Hurley?

MELBOURNE – Rumours are abuzz that spin bowler Shane Warne is all set to reunite with his ladylove Liz Hurley.

Speculation is mounting that the pair could enjoy a romantic Melbourne rendezvous before jetting off together for a short holiday, reports News.com.au.

As Warne’s ex-wife, Simone Callaghan moves on with her life, the cricket legend and his …. Read the original article  : Shane Warne to reunite with Liz Hurley?.

Murray not to play tennis for two months after Oz Open loss

MELBOURNE – British tennis champion Andy Murray has said that he not play the sport for the next two months following his thrashing in the Australian Open final.

“I might not play for a few months. I might feel like playing in a week’s time, it depends. I’ll see how I feel,” The Sun quoted Murray, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Murray not to play tennis for two months after Oz Open loss.

Fabregas defuses potential ’sportsmanship’ row with Huddersfield

LONDON – Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has played down claims of bad sportsmanship during the club’s match against Huddersfield after an edgy 2-1 FA Cup win at the Emirates.ccording to The Sun, some Terriers players accused Fabregas of refusing to swap shirts with them at the end of the match.

But Fabregas: “It was a … Original article on : Fabregas defuses potential ’sportsmanship’ row with Huddersfield.

Shane Warne’s ex finds love in the arms of model Toby Roberts

MELBOURNE – Shane Warne’s ex-wife Simone Callahan has found new love with a younger man, Melbourne model Toby Roberts.

According to this week’s issue of Woman’s Day magazine, Callahan is dating Roberts, son of St Kilda champion and 1958 Brownlow medallist Neil Roberts.

The couple stepped out last week for a romantic meal in St Kilda, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Shane Warne’s ex finds love in the arms of model Toby Roberts.

Akhtar must get ‘match-fit’ if he wants to play for Pak: Afridi

CHRISTCHURCH – Pakistan’s ODI captain Shahid Afridi has said that fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was left out of the third ODI against New Zealand, as he needs to work harder on his fitness and form.

“Shoaib needs to be match fit and should train. Waqar Younis is spending lot of time and is working hard … Read more »».

Pietersen shocked, disappointed by hoax bid on Queensland flood fundraiser

BRISBANE – England middle-order batsman Kevin Pietersen has expressed both shock and disappointment over a cruel hoax that foiled his attempt to help flood victims in Queensland.

Pietersen had offered his Ashes kit plus airfares, accommodation and tickets to Sunday’s 50-over match against Australia in Perth in an online auction that was knocked down for 51,000 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pietersen shocked, disappointed by hoax bid on Queensland flood fundraiser.