Sports News – Newsletter for February 9, 2011

Misbah dismisses ‘grouping’ reports, says Pak cricket team is fully united

KARACHI – Dismissing reports about ‘grouping’ in the Pakistan cricket team, Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has stressed that all players are united with an eye on the World Cup, which starts from February 19.

“The team is united and we all played as one unit in New Zealand series, which … Read more >>>.

Waqar, Intikhab call for ‘fresh start’ for Pakistan following ICC ban on tainted trio

LAHORE – Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis and team manager Intikhab Alam have called for a fresh start for the national side after three key Pakistani players were handed lengthy bans on corruption charges by an independent … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Waqar, Intikhab call for ‘fresh start’ for Pakistan following ICC ban on tainted trio.

Mills backs New Zealand to peak ‘Mt. Everest of cricket’

AUCKLAND – New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Mills has described the World Cup task in front of his side akin to climbing Mt. Everest.

However, Mills believes that his team can overcome the odds and succeed in climbing the gigantic hurdle that confronts them.

“The …. Original source  : Mills backs New Zealand to peak ‘Mt. Everest of cricket’.

Yasir Hameed files complaint against UK tabloid that conducted ‘fixing’ sting operation

ISLAMABAD – Discarded Pakistan batsman Yasir Hameed, who made claims over match-fixing in the team during Pakistan’s infamous tour to England last year before retracting from his comments, has lodged a formal complaint with the UK Press Complaint Commission against the tabloid News of the World (NOTW).

Hameed, who last played for Pakistan on the … Read more >>>.

Renault F1 team name three drivers to replace injured Kubica

LONDON – The Renault Formula One team has named three drivers who are under consideration to replace injured Robert Kubica for the upcoming season.

Kubica was at the wheel of a Skoda Fabia, taking part in the Ronde di Andora Rally in Italy, when his vehicle left the road and crashed into a church wall.

He was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Renault F1 team name three drivers to replace injured Kubica.

Krejza hopes to be ’surprise factor’ in Australia’s World Cup defence

SYDNEY – Australian off-spinner Jason Krejza reckons that his lack of exposure at international level could work in his favour during the upcoming World Cup.

Krejza was included in the 15-man Australian squad in place of injured Nathan Hauritz.

“India is where it all began for me with my Test career. I’ve played there a few …. Source  : Krejza hopes to be ’surprise factor’ in Australia’s World Cup defence.

Lampard to lead England in friendly against Denmark

LONDON – Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has been named England captain for the friendly against Denmark on Wednesday.

Lampard, 32, takes over from regular skipper Rio Ferdinand and vice-captain Steven Gerrard, who were both injured playing for their clubs last weekend.

It has taken Lampard 84 caps and 12 years – spanning three decades – to reach … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lampard to lead England in friendly against Denmark.

Krejza facing David and Goliath showdown on Indian subcontinent

SYDNEY – When Australia’s World Cup campaign gets underway, Tasmanian off-spinner Jason Krejza will face a David and Goliath showdown on the Indian subcontinent.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Australia will turn to the enigmatic Krejza to deliver the goods on the spin front after injured tweakers Nathan Hauritz (shoulder) and Xavier Doherty (back) were … Original source on Gaea Times at : Krejza facing David and Goliath showdown on Indian subcontinent.

Carmelo Anthony To Join Los Angeles Lakers?

DENVER (GaeaTimes.com)- Recent reports in the basketball arena has it that the Los Angeles Lakers are planning for a possible trade-in with the Denver Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony. The packaging reports is believed to be a rope in of Carmelo Anthony in exchange for Andrew Bynum. Although nothing has been confirmed, sources are claiming that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Carmelo Anthony To Join Los Angeles Lakers?.

Shane Warne has new mattress delivered as Liz Hurley arrives in Australia

LONDON – Cricket legend Shane Warne, who is dating Liz Hurley, has bought a gigantic new mattress.

The 41-year-old laid out his intentions after the king-sized sky blue furnishing was delivered to his 2-million-pound mansion.

And workers were seen removing part of his old bed.

Earlier, Shane was spotted moistening his lips with a balm – before … Original article on : Shane Warne has new mattress delivered as Liz Hurley arrives in Australia.

Cricket set to go capitalist, but may lack in substance: Roebuck

SYDNEY – At first sight, the 2011-12-cricket season might appear similar to its immediate predecessors. New Zealand and India will tour, playing Test matches and one-day internationals. Sri Lanka is also coming along to take part in a triangular series.

A third force will enter the fray in January 2012, attempting to brush aside the international … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cricket set to go capitalist, but may lack in substance: Roebuck.

Afridi backs ‘cohesive and contributing’ Pak squad to bag World Cup glory

KARACHI – Pakistan’s limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi has said his squad is confident of performing well in the forthcoming World Cup as most of the players contributed towards the one-day series win against New Zealand.

“What has given us confidence that we can do well in the World Cup is that nearly every player contributed towards …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Beckham extends training stay at Tottenham Hotspur

LONDON – England and Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham will continue training with Tottenham Hotspur for a further two weeks.

Beckham has been training with Tottenham in recent weeks despite the London club failing to tie up a short-term loan deal.

“David has extended his training spell at the club until February 22,” the Sun quoted …. Source article  : Beckham extends training stay at Tottenham Hotspur.

Experts named for Cricket Australia’s state-based structure review

SYDNEY – Cricket Australia (CA) has said that corporate experts David Crawford and Colin Carter would assist with the review of the body’s state-based structure.

According to the Age, there have been calls for CA to change to an Australian Football League (AFL)-style commission structure – the structure that Crawford played a pivotal role in creating.

“Both …. Source article  : Experts named for Cricket Australia’s state-based structure review.

South Africa’s World Cup squad arrives in Chennai

CHENNAI – The South Africa team, led by Graeme Smith, among the favourites to win the cricket World Cup, arrived here Wednesday ahead of their Saturdays warm-up match with Zimbabwe at the renovated M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.

The South Africans are placed in Group B along with India, England, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland and the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Soderling starts with a win, Ferrer eliminated in Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM – Defending champion Robin Soderling made a storming start to his title defence at the ABN-AMRO World Tennis as he crushed Dutchman Robin Haase 6-3, 6-2.

The Swede, who has contested the last two finals at Roland Garros, came good Tuesday after his early exit at the Australian Open, when he was upset by … Read more : Soderling starts with a win, Ferrer eliminated in Rotterdam.

‘Shocked’ Hussey blasts CA for ‘double standards’ over omission due to injury

SYDNEY – Australia batsman Michael Hussey has expressed “disappointment” and “shock” at being left out of the 15-man squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Hussey was dumped after being considered too big a risk following his surgery on a hamstring tendon about three weeks ago.

“I’m really disappointed and a bit shocked by the news. I tried … Read : ‘Shocked’ Hussey blasts CA for ‘double standards’ over omission due to injury.

Oz court advises mediation in case involving Don Bradman’s name

ADELAIDE – Australian cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman’s son, John Bradman, has said that he will consider mediation before going to trial in August over alleged exploitation of his father’s name.

Bradman’s lawyers told South Australian Supreme Court Justice Richard White that they had been instructed to consent to mediation, stuff.co.nz reports.

John Bradman and two other … Read : Oz court advises mediation in case involving Don Bradman’s name.

Ferguson looking forward to fill Hussey’s big boots in World Cup

SYDNEY – South Australian batsman Callum Ferguson, who has replaced injured Michael Hussey in the 15-man Australian World Cup squad, has said that he is ‘absolutely thrilled’ over the opportunity to play in his first World Cup.

“You grow up watching (the World Cup) as a youngster so it’s a dream come true for me …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Ferguson looking forward to fill Hussey’s big boots in World Cup.

Strauss’ Ashes-winning team receives just a ’single clap’ homecoming

LONDON – England captain Andrew Strauss and several members of the Ashes-winning team have returned home to a quiet reception.

The team was welcomed at London’s Heathrow Airport by an elderly man in front of a handful of supporters.

“Well played Andrew, well played,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted the man, as saying.

The muted celebrations were very …. Original source  : Strauss’ Ashes-winning team receives just a ’single clap’ homecoming.