Sports News – Newsletter for February 15, 2011

Shoaib Malik sees spinners playing decisive role in World Cup in sub-continent

LAHORE – Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has urged the national team to rely heavily on its spinners in the forthcoming World Cup, saying that spin bowlers will play a decisive role in the tournament.

“Already we have seen in the warm-up match between Australia and India how important a role spinners can play in this … Read more : Shoaib Malik sees spinners playing decisive role in World Cup in sub-continent.

Dhoni clarifies Team India was ‘not ready mentally,’ not fatigued for Oz friendly

CHENNAI – Rejecting reports that India’s jam-packed itinerary had taken a physical toll on the players, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said that the team is not fatigued, adding that master blaster Sachin Tendulkar will certainly play in the warm-up tie against New Zealand.

Dhoni clarified that he was only talking about mindset and not about … Original article on : Dhoni clarifies Team India was ‘not ready mentally,’ not fatigued for Oz friendly.

Cricket fans in Kohima wish Team India good luck

KOHIMA – Even though the game of cricket is not much popular in India’s northeastern region, the ensuing ICC World Cup has aroused overwhelming interest among the enthusiasts of sports in Nagaland, who wished Team India good luck for the Tournament.

The Indian team is scheduled to take on New Zealand in a friendly match … Read more >>>.

Australia’s search for match-winning spinner is over: Hughes

MELBOURNE – Former Test captain Kim Hughes has said that the long search for Australia’s next match-winning spinner is over, and added South Australian tweaker Nathan Lyon was the emerging star who will play Test cricket this year.

Hughes urged Cricket Australia to send Lyon to India to learn from champion Indian spinner Erapalli Prasanna.

Hughes … Original source on Gaea Times at : Australia’s search for match-winning spinner is over: Hughes.

Third-time dad Collingwood now looking forward to explode on sub-continent big stage

LONDON – England batsman Paul Collingwood has something to cheer ahead of the World Cup, after his wife Vicky gave birth to their third child.

The England all-rounder flew out to Bangladesh at the weekend, three days after the birth of his third child.

Collingwood is passing through a bad patch and is hopeful to end the … Read more >>.

It’s about mental preparation, not fatigue: Dhoni

CHENNAI – Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni Tuesday clarified that he was not referring to any cricketing fatigue factor per se in the run-up to the World Cup, but rather to the mental preparations required for a warm-up game, something he was not used to.

It is not fatigue factor but about mental preparation for …. Source  : It’s about mental preparation, not fatigue: Dhoni.

India upbeat ahead of warm-up game against New Zealand (Preview)

CHENNAI – The last time India played New Zealand in a one-day game at Chepauk here was two months ago when the visitors tumbled to 103 all out and the under-strength hosts raced to an eight-wicket win to complete a 5-0 rout of the ODI series. The teams meet again Wednesday, though in a warm-up …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

200 arrive for Special Olympics in Himachal

SHIMLA – They are intellectually disabled, but that hasn’t stopped over 200 people from eight states from arriving at the snow-laden ski slopes of Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh to conquer new heights.

They’ll take part in Special Olympics during the four-day National Winter Games beginning Wednesday.
“Intellectually disabled people in the age group of …. Original article  : 200 arrive for Special Olympics in Himachal.

Disgraced Pak trio lose domestic cricket contracts after ICC ban

LAHORE – Pakistan’s largest bank has said it has decided not to renew the contracts of the tainted trio- Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir- who have been banned by the International Cricket Council on spot-fixing charges.

All three disgraced cricketers were on the payroll of the National Bank of Pakistan for playing for the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Disgraced Pak trio lose domestic cricket contracts after ICC ban.

Sachin should win World Cup for us: Kapil

KOLKATA – World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev feels comments of Indian cricketers that they want to win the Cup for Sachin Tendulkar is just media hype. Kapil hoped it is the batting maestro who would win the World Cup for India.

‘We want to win for Sachin. We want to win for Sachin.’ It’s …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sachin should win World Cup for us: Kapil.

“Even a half fit Shoaib Akhtar can lift Pakistan to World Cup glory”: Intikhab

DHAKA – Veteran Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, whose fitness levels are once again under the spotlight, still has enough fuel in the tank to perform well at the ICC World Cup 2011, team manager Intikhab Alam has said.

“Shoaib’s not 100 per cent fit, but even a half fit Akhtar can lift Pakistan to glory. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : “Even a half fit Shoaib Akhtar can lift Pakistan to World Cup glory”: Intikhab.

Morgan’s ‘quicker than expected’ return to cricket leaves England camp ‘red faced’

LONDON – Injured England batsman Eoin Morgan has said that he would be back to full fitness much sooner than anticipated, leaving the team’s medical staff red faced.

Ravi Bopara replaced Morgan last week in the 15-man squad after being advised by a consultant that he might need an operation on a broken finger.

Morgan is …. Source article  : Morgan’s ‘quicker than expected’ return to cricket leaves England camp ‘red faced’.

Ponting says Sreesanth’s ‘L’ antics are nothing new

BANGALORE – Australian captain Ricky Ponting has tried to brush off another display of emotion by Indian bowler Shantha Sreesanth, saying that the pacer’s antics are nothing new.

After beating Ponting with a magnificent short ball outside off stump, Sreesanth went up for a massive appeal, which was turned down, and then theatrically stood face … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ponting says Sreesanth’s ‘L’ antics are nothing new.

McCullum’s captaincy ambition soars again

CHENNAI – Brendon McCullum wants to be New Zealand cricket captain, but right now he is focussed on scoring big runs during the 2011 World Cup, opening the New Zealand innings.

The Black Caps play India on Wednesday in a warm up game that is expected to be packed to capacity at Chennai’s 50,000 seater …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : McCullum’s captaincy ambition soars again.

25 wides against India in friendly would have set Oz record had tie been official

SYDNEY – The Australian team would have easily won the crown of the nation’s most wayward attack in almost a decade after conceding 25 wides in India’s innings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium

Australia’s bowlers were fortunate that Sunday’s match against India did not have official one-day international status.

The largely encouraging performance from the bowlers was …. Source article  : 25 wides against India in friendly would have set Oz record had tie been official.

After beggars, Bangladesh’s all-out war on mosquitoes to ensure bite-free World Cup

DHAKA – After deciding to pay local beggars to stay off the streets during the World Cup, Bangladesh has launched an all-out war on mosquitoes in and around cricket stadiums to ensure a bite-free World Cup for spectators and players.

Authorities have already evicted hawkers and beggars, forced worn-out buses off the roads and banned laundry [..] Read the original article: here.

Waugh rules out coaching Indian cricket team

KOLKATA – Legendary Australian captain Steve Waugh has ruled out coaching the Indian cricket team once South African Gary Kirsten steps down from the post after the World Cup.

Gary Kirsten was a certain choice because he was not certainly in the focus of the media. He was low profile. Coaching becomes a trouble when …. Original article  : Waugh rules out coaching Indian cricket team.

‘Apologetic’ Woods faces up to 10,000 pounds fine for spitting in Dubai Classic

LONDON – Ace golfer Tiger Woods, who apologised for spitting on a green at the Dubai Desert Classic, may be fined anything between 250 to 10,000 pounds.

The former world number one was found guilty of a breach of the European Tour’s code of conduct.

Woods posted on Twitter: “The Euro Tour is right – it was …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Former Oz players peg Sri Lanka as biggest threat to Australia’s WC charge

MELBOURNE – The biggest threat to Ricky Potning-led team’s chances of lifting the World Cup for the fourth consecutive time comes from Sri Lanka, according to Australia’s World Cup-winning players.

India is destined to start the tournament as favourites following their 38-run win over Australia in Monday’s warm-up match, but it’s co-host Sri Lanka who … Read : Former Oz players peg Sri Lanka as biggest threat to Australia’s WC charge.

2012 London Olympic Games under terror threat from Irish Republican groups

LONDON – British Sports Minister, Jacquelin Magnay, has warned that the 2012 Olympic Games could be targeted by Irish Republican groups.

Speaking at the publication of the annual report on preparations for the Olympic Games, Robertson said that security agencies fear that groups based in Northern Ireland have become “a threat to the Games.”

“The security …. Original article  : 2012 London Olympic Games under terror threat from Irish Republican groups.