Muralitharan finishes with 800 Test wickets

GALLE – Sri Lankan off-spinner Muthiah Muralitharan made a perfect finish to a stellar career, claiming his 800th Test wicket in his last match against India here Thursday and becoming the first bowler to reach the milestone.

Muralitharan, who was eight wickets short of the landmark figure of 800 coming into his swansong Test, finished with … Original article on : Muralitharan finishes with 800 Test wickets.

Cricket: Sticks For The Quicks

GALLE, SRI LANKA (GaeaTimes.com)- Fast bowlers seem to have made a much awaited comeback into test cricket as Lasith Malinga ripped through the Indian batting order. Dismissing Gautam Gambhir for a duck in both the innings and showing a variety of swing and movement of the pitch, Lasith Malinga gave the Indian batsmen little chance …. Original article  : Cricket: Sticks For The Quicks.

Ponting’s decision to bat ’shocking’: Umar Gul

LEEDS – Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul has described Ricky Ponting’s decision to bat first in the second Test at Headingley as “shocking” after the Australia recorded their second lowest Test total against Pakistan. ustralia’s batsmen were left humiliated as they scrambled to 88 all … Read : Ponting’s decision to bat ’shocking’: Umar Gul.

Peter Ingram to replace Ryder in New Zealand team

WELLINGTON – New Zealand has included Central Districts opener Peter Ingram in the cricket squad for next month’s tri-series in Sri Lanka.

Ingram replaced Jesse Ryder in the 14-man squad after Ryder was ruled out yesterday with an elbow injury.

It represented a remarkable change of forturne for the 31-year-old teacher Ingram, who wasn’t included …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Peter Ingram to replace Ryder in New Zealand team.

Hamilton revved up to race on his favourite tracks

LONDON – Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, who leads the championship by 12 points, is revved up for two of his favourite tracks, starting with Hockenheim this Sunday and the Hungaroring a week later.

The McLaren driver and teammate Jenson Button finished behind Vettel at the European Grand Prix on June 27, the same day …. Read the original article  : Hamilton revved up to race on his favourite tracks.

Beckham persuaded Henry to join US soccer league

LONDON – Ace French striker Thierry Henry has admitted that he was persuaded to join New York Red Bulls by David Beckham.

Ex-Arsenal striker Henry’s first game since leaving Barcelona will be against his old rivals Spurs tomorrow.

“I did approach David about my move. He did not say anything negative about the MLS and told me … Read more >>.

Retiring Koertzen concedes umpiring was difficult, but pressure improved skills

LEEDS – Retiring South African cricket umpire Rudi Koertzen has conceded that it is extremely difficult to officiate a match.

Koertzen, who retires after the end of the second Test between Pakistan and Australia being played at Leeds, however, said the pressure had only helped him to improve as the years went by.

Having umpired in 108 …. Read the original article  : Retiring Koertzen concedes umpiring was difficult, but pressure improved skills.

Vettel believes he has the edge at German Grand Prix

LONDON – Twenty-three-year-old Sebastian Vettel believes his familiarity with the Hockenheim track gives him the edge at the German Grand Prix this weekend.

Vettel trails World Championship leader Lewis Hamilton by 24 points heading into the race.

The Sun quoted Vettel, as saying: “Hockenheim is only half an hour from my home town. It’s definitely something …. Original article  : Vettel believes he has the edge at German Grand Prix.

Cole’s swipe at Chelsea, says he joined the biggest club in England

LONDON – Midfielder Joe Cole took a swipe at his former club Chelsea by saying that he has joined the biggest club in the country.

Liverpool’s new signing reckons that the club is ready to challenge Chelsea for the Premier league title.

Cole said: “When I knew Liverpool were interested it was a no-brainer because they are … Read more : Cole’s swipe at Chelsea, says he joined the biggest club in England.

Man U determined to win record 19th Premier League title

LONDON – Manchester United is determined to win a record 19th Premier League title and be crowned the undisputed kings of English football after they were declared the most valuable club in the world.

United equalled Liverpool’s total of 18 in 2009, but lost out to Chelsea last season in the race to be Premier …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Man City still trying to sign US striker Donovan

LONDON – Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has admitted that the club is still trying to sign US star striker Landon Donovan.

The City manager’s first approach for the LA Galaxy forward was snubbed by the MLS.

Mancini said: “Landon Donovan is a good player and there is the possibility that he could come to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Man City still trying to sign US striker Donovan.

New Pak skipper vows not to lambast ‘non-performing’ players publicly

LEEDS – New Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt has vowed not to lambast teammates publicly who disappoint him, after he had to undergo same sort of embarrassment six months ago when he was criticized by then skipper Mohammad Yousuf.

Butt’s culpability in the run-out of Mohammad Yousuf in the Test against Australia at Hobart prompted then … Read more >>>.

Manchester United rated as richest club in world

WASHINGTON – Manchester United has been rated as the most valuable sporting club in the world.

A study done by Forbes.com said that shrewd marketing to a worldwide fan base made Manchester United the richest club in the world.

Forbes released its list of the world’s most valuable teams on Wednesday, with the Premier League [..] Read the original article: here.

Winter fast approaching for USA Luge, which opens its 2010-11 training camp season on Friday

USA Luge team to open training camp Friday

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – Former women’s world champion Erin Hamlin and three-time Olympian Tony Benshoof are among 14 athletes who will be part of USA Luge’s season-opening training camp starting Friday.
It’ll be the first camp overseen by five-time Olympian Mark Grimmette, who retired from sliding a month after … Read more »».

India take 48 run lead, Muralitharan one short of 800 Test wickets (Lunch report)

GALLE – Sri Lanka closed in on a victory in the first cricket Test against India, leaving the visitors tottering at 292 for eight at lunch on the fifth day here Thursday.
V.V.S. Laxman was resolutely batting on 58 while Ishant Sharma was on 18. Following on, India have taken a slender lead of … Read : India take 48 run lead, Muralitharan one short of 800 Test wickets (Lunch report).

For Schleck, its now or never as Tourmalet looms in last Pyrenees stage at Tour de France

Schleck ready for ‘queen stage’ at Tour de France

PAU, France – For Andy Schleck, it’s make or break time at the Tour de France.
The 25-year-old Luxembourg rider says he knows he’ll be on the spot in Thursday’s “queen stage” of the race, needing to overcome his eight-second deficit to defending champion Alberto Contador during the … Original article on : For Schleck, its now or never as Tourmalet looms in last Pyrenees stage at Tour de France.

‘Bressie is my heir in England squad,’ says Flintoff

LONDON – Andrew Flintoff has named Tim Bresnan as his natural all-rounder heir in England’s Test side.
With the Yorkshireman part of a five-man bowling attack, Flintoff believes Andrew Strauss’ men are hot favourites for Ashes glory this winter.
Aussie legend Ian Chappell had suggested England talk Flintoff about a Test return this winter …. Read the original article  : ‘Bressie is my heir in England squad,’ says Flintoff.

Yorkshire chief eager to host India-Pak Test at ‘revamped’ Headingley ground

LONDON – English county Yorkshire’s chief executive, Stewart Regan, has said he would love to see the s Headingley ground acting as a neutral venue for a Test match between India and Pakistan.

“There’s talk of Pakistan playing India next year, and we want to be at the forefront of the queue to host one of … Read : Yorkshire chief eager to host India-Pak Test at ‘revamped’ Headingley ground.

South Africa planning IPL-style rugby union

CAPE TOWN – A group of South African entrepreneurs are pressing ahead with an Indian Premiere League (IPL)-style rugby union, with the first tournament planned for January 2012.

Eight private franchises will own teams and players will be part of an auction, as in the IPL.

The matches will be played with two 20-minute halves, two-minute half-time, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : South Africa planning IPL-style rugby union.

Brit Asian boxer Amir Khan angry at seven-month ring lay-off

LONDON – WBA Light Welterweight Brit Asian champ Amir Khan has revealed his anger at being forced into a seven-month ring lay-off.

Khan last fought when he stopped Paulie Malignaggi in May, and is now due to meet Juan Manuel Marquez or Juan Diaz on December 11.

“It is a long break and my team thought it … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Brit Asian boxer Amir Khan angry at seven-month ring lay-off.