Sports News – Newsletter for January 22, 2011

Not sending Marsh to World Cup means sending wrong batsmen: Roebuck

MELBOURNE – Noted cricket columnist Peter Roebuck has applauded Shaun Marsh for his timely innings which saved the Australian team from another humiliation at the hands of England.

Marsh was the hero of Friday’s 46-run win over England, making 110 after only being called into the one-day team to replace the injured Mike Hussey.

“Long before his … Read more »».

Murray crushes Lopez to storm into last 16 of Australian Open

MELBOURNE – World No. 5 Andy Murray crushed Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in straight-sets to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open on Saturday.

Murray outclassed the 27-year-old 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 in less than 90 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

The Scot managed 10 aces and broke eight times as he won a 15th match … Read more >>.

Parore prefers McCullum to Taylor as new Black Caps skipper post Vettori

WELLINGTON – Former wicketkeeper Adam Parore is in favour of Brendon McCullum to take over as the new captain of New Zealand in place of batsman Ross Taylor.

“Ross has the inside running for the test captaincy but I would give the job to Brendon McCullum. In some respects, the importance of captaincy gets overstated, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Parore prefers McCullum to Taylor as new Black Caps skipper post Vettori.

Youzhny and Tsonga out of Australian Open, Soderling storms into round four

MELBOURNE – Tenth seed Mikhail Youzhny and 2008 runner-up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga crashed out of the Australian Open on Saturday.

Canadian qualifier Milos Raonic eliminated Youzhny 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, to book a fourth-round date with Spanish seventh seed David Ferrer, while Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov ousted Tsonga 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1, the Age reported.

Youzhny is the [..] Read the original article: here.

PCB yet to receive any call from runaway wicketkeeper Zulqarnain

ISLAMABAD – Following runaway Pakistani wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider’s claim that the Pakistan Cricket Board was withholding his dues, the PCB has said it has not received any call from him.

Zulqarnain, who had stunned one and all by fleeing the team hotel in Dubai hours before the final one-day international against South Africa last year, recently … Original article on : PCB yet to receive any call from runaway wicketkeeper Zulqarnain.

Pakistan can’t be ruled out of World Cup title contention: Ramiz Raja

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan cannot be ruled out of the title contention for the ICC World Cup 2011, which starts on February 19, Pakistani cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja has said.

“I don’t think Pakistan can be ruled out of title contention. There will be less pressure on them and for our players 50-over cricket is a pretty natural … Read more : Pakistan can’t be ruled out of World Cup title contention: Ramiz Raja.

Allan Donald gives reverse swing lessons to Kiwi bowlers ahead of 2011 World Cup

WELLINGTON – Legendary South African fast bowler Allan Donald, who took over as New Zealand bowling coach, unraveled the mysteries of reverse swing in his first lesson to Kiwi bowlers at the Basin Reserve nets.

Captain Daniel Vettori said they were keen to explore reverse swing, heading into the dry, abrasive subcontinent grounds for next …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Allan Donald gives reverse swing lessons to Kiwi bowlers ahead of 2011 World Cup.

Doherty to replace injured Hauritz for next two ODIs against England

MELBOURNE – Tasmanian spinner Xavier Doherty will replace injured Nathan Hauritz for the next two one-day internationals against England.

Doherty will join the Australian squad in Sydney on Saturday evening and will be available for selection for Sunday’s third game of the series at the SCG.

Hauritz appeared to dislocate his shoulder in Friday night’s win … Original article on : Doherty to replace injured Hauritz for next two ODIs against England.

Laura Vikmanis: Oldest NFL Cheerleader

CINCINNATI (GaeaTimes.com)- Laura Vikmanis is 42, but still in the best of her health and spirit that can put any 20 year old to envy. With a great figure and a fit body, she is not only the oldest cheer leader of Cincinnati Bengal, but also NFL Laura Vikmanis said with her good sense …. Original source  : Laura Vikmanis: Oldest NFL Cheerleader.

Masur defends Venus Williams shock retirement from Australian Open

MELBOURNE – Australian tennis great Wally Masur has defended Venus Williams after the former world No.1’s shock retirement from the Australian Open on Friday night due to injury.

Williams was jeered off centre court at Melbourne Park after her shock exit from the tournament just seven points into her third-round clash with German Andrea Petkovic.

The …. Original source  : Masur defends Venus Williams shock retirement from Australian Open.

Manchester United will allow ‘under performing’ Michael Carrick to leave

LONDON – Manchester United will allow Michael Carrick, who has just 18 months left on his contract, to leave by the summer, as there are no plans to offer him a new one.

Carrick, 29, had an inconsistent first half to this season and only a marked improvement will prompt a change of mind by the …. Original source  : Manchester United will allow ‘under performing’ Michael Carrick to leave.

Rafael Nadal is new Armani underwear model

MELBOURNE – Tennis ace Rafael Nadal has been unveiled as the new face of Giorgio Armani’s underwear and jeans campaign.

The Grand Slam winner has followed the likes of David Beckham and Christiano Ronaldo.

In a new ad campaign, the ripped hunk-who is incidentally the worlds number-one-ranked tennis player-bares nearly everything off to model both underwear and … Read : Rafael Nadal is new Armani underwear model.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp ‘mugged and pick-pocketed’ in Madrid

LONDON – Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was pick-pocketed at a football match between Atletico and Real at Madrid in Spain on Thursday.

Redknapp, who had gone to the match, said: “It was difficult to concentrate on the game, because I got mugged before. Well, I got my pockets picked.”

He said two men fell to their knees …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp ‘mugged and pick-pocketed’ in Madrid.

‘Gatecrashing Oz teen’ now tells Clarke to ‘hit the nets’ to overcome form slump

SYDNEY – Victorian teenager Daniel Brew has advised Australia’s stand-in skipper Michael Clarke to hit the nets for two days to work on his game in a bid to lift himself out of his form slump.

Daniel Brew became an overnight celebrity after gatecrashing Clarke’s pre-game press conference to give the struggling batsman batting tips.

Brew, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Gatecrashing Oz teen’ now tells Clarke to ‘hit the nets’ to overcome form slump.

India lose by 48 runs through D/L; series levelled

PORT ELIZABETH – India lost to South Africa by 48 runs through Duckworth and Lewis (D/L) method in the rain-interrupted fourth one day international here Friday, with the five-match series now levelled 2-2.

India were 137 for six in 31.3 overs and needed another 129 runs for victory when rain stopped play. At resumption, the … Read more : India lose by 48 runs through D/L; series levelled.

Scoreboard: India vs South Africa, fourth ODI

PORT ELIZABETH – Following is the scoreboard of the fourth one day international between India and South Africa here Friday:

South Africa:
Hashim Amla run out (Kohli/Dhoni) 64
Graeme Smith c Harbhajan Singh b Nehra 18
Morne van Wyk c Kohli b Yuvraj Singh 15
A.B. de Villiers c Dhoni b Yuvraj Singh 3
… Read more »».

India lose fourth ODI by 48 runs through D/L method

PORT ELIZABETH – India lost by 48 runs to South Africa in the rain-marred fourth ODI through Duckworth and Lewis (D/L) method to level the five-match series 2-2 here Friday.

Chasing South Africa’s 265 for seven in 50 overs, India were 137 for six when rain suspended the play. On resumption, four overs were lost …. Source article  : India lose fourth ODI by 48 runs through D/L method.

Scoreboard: South Africa innings, fourth ODI

PORT ELIZABETH – Scoreboard of South African innings in the fourth ODI against India here Friday.

South Africa:
Hashim Amla run out (Kohli/Dhoni) 64
Graeme Smith c Harbhajan Singh b Nehra 18
Morne van Wyk c Kohli b Yuvraj Singh 15
A.B. de Villiers c Dhoni b Yuvraj Singh … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Scoreboard: South Africa innings, fourth ODI.

Duminy prevents South Africa’s collapse, India need 266 to win

PORT ELIZABETH – Jean Paul Duminy struck 71 and raised vital partnerships with the lower order as South Africa scored 265 for seven against India in the fourth ODI here Friday.

South Africa were reeling at 113/5, before Duminy and Johan Botha (44) scored 70 runs to resuce the hosts. Duminy and Robin Peterson …. Source article  : Duminy prevents South Africa’s collapse, India need 266 to win.

South Africa set India 266-run target

PORT ELIZABETH – Jean Paul Duminy struck 71 as South Africa scored 265 for seven against India in the fourth ODI cricket match here Friday.

At one stage, South Africa were reeling at 113/5 but Duminy and Johan Botha (44) scored 70 runs to rescue the hosts. Duminy and Robin Peterson (31) then added another … Read more »».