Sports News – Newsletter for December 25, 2010

Yousuf to play league cricket in Bangladesh

KARACHI – Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf has signed up to play with a Bangladesh club, Mohammedan Sporting, in the Premier Division Cricket League of the country.

The club brought in Yousuf in place of Sri Lankan all-rounder Parveez Maharoof, who returned home after sustaining an injury, the … Read : Yousuf to play league cricket in Bangladesh.

Lalit Modi gets reprieve from Bombay High Court

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court on Saturday stayed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s disciplinary committee’s proceedings against former Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Lalit Modi on charges of financial irregularities in the conduct of the cash-rich T20 Cricket tournament.

Modi’s counsel … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lalit Modi gets reprieve from Bombay High Court.

Arsenal will feel Chelsea’s full force on Monday: Cole

LONDON – Striker Ashley Cole believes that Arsenal will feel the full force of Chelsea on Monday.

Cole is confident Carlo Ancelotti’s men are more than capable of repeating last season’s 3-0 score line at the Emirates, especially with Frank Lampard, John Terry and Michael …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Arsenal will feel Chelsea’s full force on Monday: Cole.

Strife-torn Pakistan ideal foe for Black Caps

AUCKLAND – John Wright could hardly have asked for a better start to his return to international cricket coaching than an series against a strife-torn Pakistan team starting here tomorrow.

The Black Caps are also not in the rosiest of positions from a form … Original article on : Strife-torn Pakistan ideal foe for Black Caps.

Fish slams ITF for Odesnik’s ban cut in hormone case

NEW YORK – Tennis player Mardy Fish of the US has slammed the leniency shown by international tennis officials to compatriot Wayne Odesnik, whose two-year ban for possessing human growth hormone was cut to one year in the run-up to Christmas.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) approved the South African- born Odesnik for a return … Read more »».

Australia’s Ponting goes in to bat for his job

SYDNEY – Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting Saturday declared himself fit to play in the crucial fourth Ashes Test against England in Melbourne Sunday.

The out-of-form batsman, who broke his little finger last weekend in the Perth Test that put the local side back in the game, admitted another low score Sunday would jeopardise his … Original source on Gaea Times at : Australia’s Ponting goes in to bat for his job.

Proteas ready for India’s Durban backlash

Durban (S. Africa), – The South African cricket team is prepared to face a possible backlash from India’s experienced and formidable batting line-up in the Boxing Day Test to be played at Kingsmead, Durban from Sunday.

South African skipper Graeme Smith said that expected Indian to be better, especially after the visitors had suffered an innings … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Proteas ready for India’s Durban backlash.

Pakistan to finalise preliminary squad for World Cup 2011 on December 30

LAHORE – Pakistan cricket selectors will meet on December 30 to finalise the preliminary squad of 30 players for next year’s World Cup.

The selectors decided to meet on December 30 after being assured by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that they would be given a clear answer on the availability of some players.

“The board …. Read the original article  : Pakistan to finalise preliminary squad for World Cup 2011 on December 30.

Wellington spinner Woodcock set to make Kiwi 20-20 debut

AUCKLAND – Wellington spinner Luke Woodcock is likely to make his New Zealand debut in the Twenty20 international against Pakistan at Eden Park in Auckland tomorrow.

The 28-year-old from the Johnsonville club has been one of the standout bowlers in the HRV Cup, and along with Canterbury batsman Dean Brownlie and Central Districts teenage quick bowler …. Read the original article  : here.

England footie star triggers street brawl

LONDON – England footballer Jack Wilshere triggered a street brawl that ended with a woman breaking her elbow, a court heard yesterday.

The Arsenal midfielder is said to have “made comments” to Kim Plested who was celebrating her 21st birthday with her boyfriend Dan Farnon in Kensington, west London.

According to the Daily Express, Wilshere’s words sparked …. Source article  : England footie star triggers street brawl.

PCB seeks financial documents from Akmal, Malik by December 30

LAHORE – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked former captain Shoaib Malik and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal to submit the documents listing their assets and bank accounts by December 30.

The PCB also told the duo that they would not be considered for Pakistan’s preliminary squad for next year’s World Cup squad if they failed to …. Read the original article  : PCB seeks financial documents from Akmal, Malik by December 30.

Man U on course to winning Premier League title: Park Ji Sung

LONDON – South Korean football star Park Ji Sung believes that Manchester United will win the 2010-11 Premier League title, a year after losing it to Chelsea.

Park will play against Sunderland tomorrow before bowing out to undertake Asia Cup duties for South Korea in Qatar.

The 29-year-old, who is enjoying his best season for the Red …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Man U on course to winning Premier League title: Park Ji Sung.

Injured McCullum ruled out of first two T20s against Pakistan

AUCKLAND – New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum has been ruled out of Sunday’s opening Twenty20 international against Pakistan due to his back soreness.

McCullum had injured his back during the second Test against India in November.

It brings an end to the farcical situation that arose this week, when the right-handed batsman had negotiated his way …. Read the original article  : Injured McCullum ruled out of first two T20s against Pakistan.

Premier League title a three-way race this time round: Ferguson

LONDON – Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that this season’s Premier League title race is now down to three teams.

“I don’t think there will be anyone outside ourselves, Chelsea or Arsenal,” the BBC quoted Ferguson, as saying.

“I know Harry [Redknapp] is talking up his chances at Tottenham, but they are involved in the … Read : Premier League title a three-way race this time round: Ferguson.

Ashes 2010: Sledging expected to continue

MELBOURNE – The war of words between England and Australia’s cricketers is expected to continue when the hotly contested Ashes series recommences from Sunday.

Despite its image as the ‘gentleman’s game’, cricket has a long and colourful tradition of sledging among players.

But with tensions mounting as Australia levelled the series at 1-1 in the last test …. Source article  : Ashes 2010: Sledging expected to continue.

Ashes”incredible workload’ wreaking havoc on England fast bowlers: Healy

SYDNEY – Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy believes that there are serious question marks hanging over England’s bowling attack for the ongoing Ashes series.

Healy said that the gruelling nature of fast-bowling Down Under is getting the better of them.

“I think Australia’s selectors were always very aware of how difficult it is have the same attack …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ashes’ ‘incredible workload’ wreaking havoc on England fast bowlers: Healy.

England refreshed and ready to retain Ashes in Boxing Day Ashes Test: Trott

MELBOURNE – The England team is ready to secure the Ashes in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, according to middle-order batsman Jonathan Trott.

In a write-up for the Telegraph, Trott said that the preparation for the fourth encounter between the two cricketing rivals has been fantastic.

“We have the chance to retain …. Original source  : England refreshed and ready to retain Ashes in Boxing Day Ashes Test: Trott.

Swann was intimidated by in-form Hussey in Perth Test: Healy

SYDNEY – Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has credited in-form middle-order batsman Mike Hussey for neutralizing England’s world No.1 spin bowler Graeme Swann.

Swann was the tourist’s trumpcard when England took a 1-0 lead following the second Test in Adelaide, but was disappointing in the third Test in Perth’s WACA Ground.

The off-spinner bowled just 25 overs, …. Original article  : Swann was intimidated by in-form Hussey in Perth Test: Healy.

Record 90,000 fans at MCG will be electrifying: Ponting

MELBOURNE – Australian captain Ricky Ponting reckons that the atmosphere at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be electrifying if the first-day crowd for the Boxing Day Ashes Test reaches an expected record of over 90,000.

“With that amount of people coming to watch the game, there’s no doubt the nerves from players on both teams are …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Record 90,000 fans at MCG will be electrifying: Ponting.

Ponting says fit for Boxing Day Ashes Test but won’t field in slips

MELBOURNE – Australian captain Ricky Ponting has declared himself fit for the Boxing Day Test of the Ashes series before admitting that his fractured finger would face a hammering from England’s fast bowlers.

Ponting had fractured the little finger in his left hand while attempting to claim an edge at slip off Jonathan Trott on day … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Ponting says fit for Boxing Day Ashes Test but won’t field in slips.