Sports News – Newsletter for January 19, 2011

Hussey likely to miss World Cup

MELBOURNE – Australian batsman Michael Hussey is almost certain to miss the 2011 World Cup after undergoing surgery yesterday to repair a serious hamstring injury.

Cricket Australia has not given up hope of Hussey featuring in the World Cup, which runs from mid-February to early April, and named him in a 15-man squad yesterday.

But a … Read more : Hussey likely to miss World Cup.

Lee has new tricks to contain World Cup batters

SYDNEY – Fast bowler Brett Lee, who will lead the Australian pace attack in the World Cup, has added extra variation to his artillery, including a slower-ball bouncer.

While still capable of reaching speeds in excess of 150km/h, Lee has added extra variation to his artillery, including a slower-ball bouncer that NSW coach Matthew Mott described …. Original source  : Lee has new tricks to contain World Cup batters.

Rooney not even the best in Manchester United, says City’s Balotelli

LONDON – Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has launched an incredible tirade targeting Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.

“He’s (Rooney) good, but he is not the best in Manchester,” the Sun quoted Balotelli, as saying.

The 20-year-old even says that United fans would love to see him at Old Trafford.They stop me in the street and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Rooney not even the best in Manchester United, says City’s Balotelli.

Pakistan names World Cup squad minus Yousuf, mystery prevails over skipper

LAHORE – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member squad for next month’s World Cup, which is to be jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The selectors, headed by former Test opener Mohsin Khan, have almost retained the ODI squad picked for the New Zealand tour, with the exception of fast [..] Read the original article: here.

New Zealand name rookie spinner Woodcock for World Cup squad

WELLINGTON – New Zealand Wednesday named in-form left-arm spinner Luke Woodcock, who has never played in a One-day International, in its 15-man squad for the World Cup, which starts in India next month.

Woodcock, 28, made his international Twenty20 debut against Pakistan this month, taking 0-20 off four overs, but starred in the domestic one-day …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New Zealand name rookie spinner Woodcock for World Cup squad.

Zaheer snaps 250 wickets, Pathan hits maiden 50 against Proteas (Match highlights)

CAPE TOWN – The explosive Yusuf Pathan struck his maiden fifty against South Africa while Zaheer Khan became only the fifth Indian bowler to take 250 wickets in One-day Internationals in the team’s victory over the Proteas here at the Newlands Stadium.

The other highlights:
Suresh Raina and Yusuf Pathan were involved in a sixth-wicket … Read : Zaheer snaps 250 wickets, Pathan hits maiden 50 against Proteas (Match highlights).

Wenger says Arsenal stars need to shape up or pay the price

LONDON – Arsenal players have been told to improve their mental sharpness against Leeds tonight – or pay the price.

Arsenal head to Elland Road hoping to deliver a better display than the one which saw them scrape a 1-1 FA Cup draw at the Emirates 11 days ago.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: “The speed of our … Read more »»».

Mancini says ‘goals, goals, goals’ against Manchester City can blow title chances

LONDON – Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini reckons that the club’s sloppy defence could blow their shot at Premier League glory.

In their last three games City have conceded seven goals, including two in the 4-2 FA Cup third round win over Leicester on Tuesday.

City is currently second in the Premier League points table with 45 … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Mancini says ‘goals, goals, goals’ against Manchester City can blow title chances.

Pakistan wins Test series against New Zealand 1-0 after drawing second Test

WELLINGTON – Pakistan tasted their first Test series victory since 2006 as they won the series against New Zealand 1-0 after the second and final match at Wellington ended in a draw.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-haq finished the day on 70 not out as Pakistan reached 226 for five at the close of the play, 48 runs …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistan wins Test series against New Zealand 1-0 after drawing second Test.

Greg Mattison – New Michigan Wolverines Defensive Coordinator

BALTIMORE (GaeaTimes.com)- Greg Mattison will no longer be a part of the Baltimore Ravens. Instead, the defensive coordinator from now onwards will be acting in the same position with the Michigan Wolverines. In a recent development, the University of Michigan football team officials decided to hire none other than the Raven’s defensive coordinator as their …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Greg Mattison – New Michigan Wolverines Defensive Coordinator.

IPL, other places of ill-repute harming youthful minds, techniques: Roebuck

SYDNEY – Noted cricket columnist Peter Roebuck has described tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) as sporting institutions of “ill-repute” that may improve players bank balances, but have the potential of harming youthful minds and their cricket techniques.

Commenting on the Australian World Cup squad, Roebuck said it was an unbalanced, old and unfit one …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Tait backs CA’s one spinner policy for World Cup

SYDNEY – Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait has said he is not surprised that selectors have chosen only one specialist spinner for the World Cup.

The decision to leave out Tasmania left-arm slow bowler Xavier Doherty from the 15-man World Cup squad announced on Tuesday leaves part-time spinners David Hussey and Steve Smith backing up spinner …. Source article  : Tait backs CA’s one spinner policy for World Cup.

Black Caps pick uncapped Woodcock in World Cup squad

WELLINGTON – New Zealand has picked uncapped spinner Luke Woodcock and fast bowler Hamish Bennett in the 15-man World Cup squad named today.

Convener of selectors Mark Greatbatch said 23-year-old Bennett returns from a groin injury after making his ODI debut in Bangladesh last year.

Other points of interest include the return from knee surgery … Original source on Gaea Times at : Black Caps pick uncapped Woodcock in World Cup squad.

Shane Warne ‘to woo Liz Hurley all over again’

MELBOURNE – Cricketer Shane Warne is apparently ready to woo Elizabeth Hurley all over again.

The pair indulged in some serious Twitter flirting that culminated in a romantic encounter in London last month.

Their UK fling resulted in both Warne and Hurley announcing their respective marriages was over.

But the tweet-powered lovers hit the skids after it was …. Original article  : Shane Warne ‘to woo Liz Hurley all over again’.

Saker backs Anderson to propel England to World Cup glory

MELBOURNE – England bowling coach David Saker is convinced that fast bowler James Anderson would lead the team’s bowling attack to World Cup glory.

“Jimmy Anderson is one of the world’s top bowlers and is still looking to adapt his game,” the Sun quoted Saker, as saying.

“The rest of the attack are the same, they just … Read more »»».

Prior named in England World Cup squad

LONDON – Wicketkeeper Matt Prior has been recalled to England’s squad for next month’s World Cup in the Indian subcontinent.

Prior is the sole wicketkeeper-batsman named in the 15-man squad for the two-month tournament in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

He had been replaced by Steve Davies in the ongoing seven-match ODI series against Australia.

The 28-year-old, who …. Source article  : Prior named in England World Cup squad.

Wozniacki, Henin reach Australian Open third round

MELBOURNE – Top seed Caroline Wozniacki and seven-time Grand Slam winner Justine Henin both powered into the third round of the Australian Open Wednesday, losing a total of five games between them.

Dane Wozniacki, still seeking a first title at a major to validate her new WTA number one ranking, crushed American Vania King, a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Wozniacki, Henin reach Australian Open third round.

Sharapova, Dokic satisfied after shelving coaches

MELBOURNE – Coaches are being dealt like cards in the world of women’s tennis, with Maria Sharapova and Australian Jelena Dokic just the latest to change. Both players have done well so far out of their personnel moves, reaching the second round of the Australian Open.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova tried to cushion the …. Original source  : Sharapova, Dokic satisfied after shelving coaches.

Hewitt morale sinks after opening Melbourne loss

MELBOURNE – Always controversial, Lleyton Hewitt copped criticism on Melbourne talk radio Wednesday after storming off the court in defeat without a wave to his home crowd after losing a match which he had in his hands.

Hewitt lost 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-1), 9-7 in the first round to longtime Argentine rival Davis Nalbandian, …. Source article  : Hewitt morale sinks after opening Melbourne loss.

Napoli edge Bologna to clinch Italian Cup quarter finals

ROME – Napoli secured a berth in the quarter finals of the Italian Cup with a 2-1 win over guests Bologna at Naples’ San Paolo stadium.

Napoli rested their Uruguayan bomber Edinson Cavani, but took the lead on nine minutes with a great header from Algerian midfielder Hassan Yebda, who found the far angle off … Read more »»».