Delhi Daredevils sign to Ross Taylor for nex IPL season

Delhi Daredevils have signed Ross Taylor, the New Zealand captain, from Rajasthan Royals. Taylor is the second batsman Daredevils have signed in a trade, with Kevin Pietersen having made the move from Deccan Chargers in the first transfer window prior to the IPL auction. The transfer amount was not disclosed.

Taylor was bought by the Royals for $1 million in the 2011 player auction and played just the one season for them. He was picked to be the team's finisher, to provide that late-innings kick that sets a winning total or ensures a successful run-chase. Over 11 innings last season, he averaged 36.20 with a strike rate of 119.07 and a top score of 47 not out, one of six innings in which he remained unbeaten. Rajasthan were in contention for a spot in the play-offs for the first half of the season, but lost four of their last five games to finish sixth in the league table.

Asia Cup: Sehwag, Zaheer rested, not dropped: Srikkanth

BCCI Selection committee chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth on Wednesday made it clear that opener Virender Sehwag and pace spearhead Zaheer Khan were not dropped but "rested purely on fitness ground".

"Physiotherapist have advised that both Zaheer and Sehwag need to take rest as they have some injuries. It is an honest truth, the fact of the matter. I can assure you nobody has been dropped," Srikkanth told reports after announcing the 15-member squad for the Asia Cup.

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Boss, Shut up, says angry Srikkanth to reporters

Chief Selector Srikkanth lost his mind on Wednesday when he was prodded about the decision to rest Virender Sehwag for the Asia Cup in Bangladesh, beginning March 12.

The chairman of selectors announced the squad for the series in Mumbai and said Sehwag and Zaheer Khan had been rested on medical grounds. He was asked if the decision was in fact based on form which was refuted. " I assure you that no one has been dropped from the side. BCCI received a report from the team physiotherapist saying that Sehwag and Zaheer need proper rest," he said. (Related: Squad in pics)

On being further probed by a reporter, Srikkanth lost his composure. "Boss you just Shut up.You dont' talk like that now. Ok that's enough. You keep quiet. Aap aise googly bol-bol  ke baat karega toh mai bhi gussa ho jaega (If you talk in circles then even I will get angry)," he said.

Virat Kohli is an excellent future captain for india says Srikkanth

Virat Kohli, the man who played tremendous and single-handedly brought back interest in the cricket among many yesterday, is the new vice-captain of the Indian team for Asia cup. Chief Selector said that he is the future captain of India.

Srikkanth, who was on speaking to the media after announcing the squad for the Asia Cup to be played in Bangladesh from March 12, said Kohli was named MS Dhoni's deputy with an eye on the future. "We feel Virat Kohli is an excellent future captain. We need a futuristic view and we need to look forward," the head of selectors said.

Kohli scored a swashbuckling 133 runs against Sri Lanka last night to successfully chase the target of 321 runs within 40 overs to keep India alive in the CB Series being played in Australia. The 23-year-old batsman described the innings as "one of the best". Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar said Kohli's innings was "close to the greatest ODI innings".

Sehwag got Punishment, Sachin to play and Kohli Vice-Captain: Asia Cup

Well this is big news, Sachin Tendulkar will be the part of the 15 member squad for Asia Cup, while Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Umesh Yadav have been rested.

Virat Kohli, who powered India to a miraculous win last match against Sri Lanka, has been named as vice-captain in the absence of Sehwag.

The selection committee of the BCCI - Kris Srikkanth, Mohinder Amarnath, Narendra Hirwani, Surendra Bhave and Raja Venkat - met in Mumbai this morning to pick the squad for the tournament that begins in Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 12.

Srikkanth, chairman of selectors, clarified that no player has been dropped and the three players have rested due to injuries. Sehwag, who looked off-colour during the Australian tour, managed to score just 65 runs in 5 matches at an average of 13.

Tendulkar, who made 143 runs in seven matches Down Under, has been under tremendous pressure to take a decision on his one-day career. But the master batsman is all set to board a plane to Bangladesh. The tournament will be keenly watched as India will play old foe Pakistan, apart from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Yusuf Pathan, marked his return to competitive cricket with a 78-ball 114 to steer Baroda to a 52-run win over Saurashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, has also been picked in the squad.

The selectors have retained Ravindra Jadeja as well as Rohit Sharma. Fast bowler Ashok Dinda has also got an ODI call.

Team India squad for Asia Cup: M S Dhoni (Capt), Virat Kohli (V Capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Vinay Kumar, Rahul Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Manoj Tiwary, Irfan Pathan, Ashok Dinda.

England drop Morgan from their squad for tour of Sri Lanka

England team has dropped Eoin Morgan from their Test squad for the next tour of Sri Lanka following the former Ireland batsman's dismal series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Middlesex left hander Morgan averaged just 13.66 against Pakistan as England were whitewashed 3-0 in their first series since climbing to the top of the world Test rankings.

His omission has given a chance to spin bowling all-rounder Samit Patel, uncapped at Test level, who will compete alongside Ravi Bopara, a batsman and seam bowler, for a place in England's middle order.

England will play the first of two Tests against Sri Lanka at Galle starting March 26.

India vs Sri Lanka, 11th ODI: Statistical highlights

The statistical highlights from the 11th ODI of the CB series between India and Sri Lanka at Hobart.

# Sri Lanka (320/4) have posted their highest total against India in Australia, eclipsing the 289 for six at Brisbane on February 21, 2012.

# Sri Lanka's above total is their second highest in Australia, next only to the 343 for five against Australia at Sydney on January 9, 2003.

# Sri Lanka's 320 for four is their highest total in the Commonwealth Bank Series 2011-12, eclipsing the 289 for six against India at Gabba on February 21, 2012.

# Virat Kohli's magnificent unbeaten 133 is his career-best, eclipsing the 118 against Australia at Visakhapatnam on October 20, 2010.

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Yuvi congratulates to Virat Kohli for his match-winning Performance

Yuvraj Singh who is suffering from cancer congratulates to Virat Kohli for his match winning performance.

The senior batsman in jest also advised Kohli to have "cheekoo shake" for recovery after he scored 133 off only 86 balls.

"Chekoo kohli great inings ! Have a cheekoo shake for recovery before sleeping ! Goodnight @ImVkohli," Yuvraj wrote on his twitter page.

Currently Yuvraj is in Boston undergoing the second cycle of his chemotherapy for cancer treatment.

Recently, former India captain Anil Kumble and Bollywood actor and TV anchor Rannvijay Singh paid him a vist at the rehabilitation centre in Boston.

It is the best inning of my career: Virat Kohli

Hobart: Virat Kohli, who smashed an unbeaten 133 to guide India to a morale-boosting victory over Sri Lanka in a crunch tri-series match here on Tuesday, said that his side was confident of winning the tie in 40 overs and they took it as playing two Twenty20 games.
 

India needed to overhaul the target of 321 in 40 overs to get a bonus point and stay afloat in the tournament, a target they eventually achieved in only 36.4 overs with seven wickets remaining.

"We looked to get one boundary in an over, keep playing an over at a time, and if you need 100 runs from the last 10 overs, it was very gettable. So we took it as two Twenty20 games," said Kohli whose 86-ball knock ensured that India beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets and also earn a bonus point.

Source: NDTV

Kohli slams Australians for not playing in spirit of the game

Star India batsman Virat Kohli on Tuesday lashed out at the Australian players for not playing in the spirit of the game in his side's tri-series match against the hosts at Sydney on Sunday.

The match between India and Australia at the SCG, which the latter won by 87 runs, witnessed two controversial decisions by the umpires who turned down an 'obstructing the field' appeal by the visitors against David Hussey but chose to give Sachin Tendulkar run out despite the master blaster apparently being blocked by Brett Lee on his way while completing the run.

David Hussey, meanwhile, was given not out after he stopped the ball, directed to the stumps, by his right hand as he was ruled to be protecting himself from being hit, rather than saving the stumps.

Kohli justified the appeals by his side and even claimed that David Hussey took a one-bounce catch.

"According to us, it was evident to naked eye. It was not on. It wasn't in the spirit of the game. Why shouldn't we appeal for something that's wrong. If it is in rule book, why shouldn't we appeal," said Kohli, who smashed an unbeaten 133 to guide India to an incredible seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

"There's no point. You can crib about it as much as you want, why did they claim one bounce catch. David Hussey himself claimed a catch (Kohli's in Sydney) which clearly I can see it wasn't the way. They should see themselves before pointing fingers at others. I think what we did was totally right according to us," he said.

It's tough to swallow such a loss: Jayawardena

Hobart: "It's tough to swallow such a loss", is how a dejected Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardena put it after India pulled off a sensational victory over his team on Tuesday to stay in the hunt in the tri-series.

"Virat batted brilliantly I think. You have to give him a lot of credit. The way he batted in the middle period, pretty much scoring a boundary every over. We probably didn't bowl that well, we were a bit shoddy with the fielding as well. It's tough to swallow but it's a good game of cricket and well deserved by the Indians," said Jayawardena after the match.

"We knew they had their license to go out and play their shots today. For the first 10 overs, we didn't hit our areas consistently. We gave away a few too many and they had the momentum after that", he said.

Jayawardena defended his decision to delay the bowling powerplay which he took only in the 28th over.

"We would have batted first. We felt with runs on the board, it was always going to be tough. And 320 couldn't have asked for anything better than that.

"As for bowling powerplay, that was the decision taken because I wanted to bowl my spinner. But they were going at nine an over and I couldn't just take the powerplay then. Just wanted to delay it for a few overs, thought when the ball gets older, the guys will get a bit more grip and it would be tougher for them to play.

Source: NDTV

Virat Kohli showed plenty of self-belief: Gavaskar

Former Indian Cricket Sunil Gavaskar feels that Virat Kohli has great skills and lot of self belief in such young age and also is moving in the right direction.

Kohli smashed a breathtaking century to help India stay alive for tri-series final.

It is nice to see that virat is now playing very well and consistently scoring runs for India.

Although he has seen the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who were equally matured at 23 but Gavaskar feels that Kohli has all the ingredients to be the next big thing in Indian cricket.

"Virat has plenty of self belief and also great skills. Well, I have seen Sachin and Rahul also play some great innings at the Test level at this age. Virat has also got it all. The thing I liked about him today was his gesture after scoring a century and also the winning runs. It was not an angry gesture but something he felt happy. That's how it should be. You shouldn't be angry when you have scored a century but be happy," Gavaskar said.

Taking nothing away from a fabulous win, Gavaskar didn't forget to mention that "the attack at Hobart was a sub-continental one. But the Indian batsmen showed that they are world champions. They were super-charged today although the bowling looked a bit lethargic."

Sehwag still the man for Daredevils' captaincy: TA Sekar

Virender Sehwag's sharp dip in form has been a cause of concern for the Indian team management but as far as Delhi Daredevils' director of coaching TA Sekar is concerned, the senior batsman is still an automatic choice for the IPL side's captaincy.

"There are no questions regarding Viru's captaincy. We are not really concerned about the fact that he has not scored runs. He is an impact player and believes that ball is there to be hit. We have not at all thought about making any changes as far as leadership is concerned," Sekar told mediapersons during a promotional event of the Daredevils, here on Monday.

Asked whether Mahela Jayawardena, who has been named as Sehwag's deputy, can be seen at the helm, Sekar said, "Jayawardena will always be there to complement Sehwag."

Meanwhile, the Daredevils on Monday traded speedster Ashok Dinda to Pune Warriors and Sekar said this decision was taken in the best interest of the team.

Source: NDTV

India go down 0-3 to Ajerbaijan in 2nd international friendly

The Indian football team failed to recover from an early goal and suffered a 0-3 defeat to Azerbaijan in their second international friendly match at the Rugby 7s Stadium here on Monday.

India, who had lost to Oman 1-5 in their last match on Thursday, drew a blank while Nidirov Vugar (3rd minute), Mahir Shukurov (43rd) and Hasiyev Nizami (82nd) scored for Azerbaijan.

India once again conceded an early goal in the third minute when goalkeeper Subhasis Roychowdhury's faulty clearance fell to a roving Nidirov Vugar, who blasted it in the top of the box.

The second goal came two minutes prior to the interval. This time, Mahir Shukurov was brought down inside the box by Raju Gaikwad, who was flashed the yellow card. Shukurov gleefully converted from the spot.

Hasiyev Nizami scored Azerbaijan's third goal in the 82nd minute to seal the match.

The Indians weren't able to overcome the setback of conceding an early goal.

In the first half, there wasn't much cohesion in the midfield and the back-four were kept busy throughout.

There were occasions when India counter-attacked but they weren't able to take a single shot at the goal as rival goalkeeper Achayev Kamran became a mere spectator for the first 45 minutes.

After the change of ends, there was a bit more purpose in the midfield as a Francis Fernandes cross saw Kamran palming away a Joaquim Abranches' header in the 52nd minute.

But Azerbaijan slowed down the pace of the game. A Sushil Singh free-kick from just outside the box and a couple of corners weren't enough to make an impact. The momentum faded away after a brief spell.

Source: NDTV

Arsenal make $80M profit but debt rises by $62M

LONDON (AP) — Arsenal made a half-year pretax profit of almost $80 million, thanks mainly to the sale of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

But the Premier League club's debt rose by 39 million pounds ($62 million) to 137 million pounds ($217 million) in the six months to Nov. 30.

Arsenal has struggled on the pitch this season, with the team highly unlikely to end a seven-year trophy drought. But the club swung back into a 49.5 million pound profit in the first half of its financial year, compared to a 6-million pound loss in the six months to Nov. 30, 2010.

Chairman Peter Hill-Wood said "it has been something of a roller-coaster season."

Profit from the sale of players was 63 million pounds ($100 million).

Capello's exit not 'ideal' ahead of Euros: Milner

LONDON (AP) -Under the temporary command of Stuart Pearce, England's players on Monday began an uncertain buildup to the European Championship following Fabio Capello's resignation.

The sudden departure of the coach less than four months before a major tournament has created an air of uncertainty around the England squad, who take on the Netherlands on Wednesday in a friendly.

"The timing is not as ideal as you would want, changing manager so close to a major tournament," winger James Milner said. "But we will go in as well prepared as we can be."

How England performs on Wednesday could determine just how long Pearce holds onto the job.

Milner believes Pearce has the credentials to remain in charge through to Euro 2012, having played for the England under-21 coach at the junior European Championship.

"He is a great manager, was a great player, and in the two under-21 tournaments we were unlucky on both occasions," Milner said. "We should have won at least one of them, but what I noticed was that in the tournaments I had under him, we went in very well prepared.

"He thinks about every aspect which could come up in a tournament, every eventuality. How we are going to have to play and how to plan for combating certain teams. That's the most important thing going into a tournament, you want to feel you are ready."

Milner has been singled out as a potential captain by Pearce for Wednesday night.

"I think when you grow up as a kid you dream one day you might be England captain," the Manchester City player said. "I've been lucky enough to play in a World Cup, so to be captain would be a great honor."

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, however, would seem more likely to be selected as skipper.

"He is a great influence on players," Liverpool teammate Stewart Downing said. "He drives teams on. If he is given the captaincy that is a good thing."

Milan, Juventus draw after 'goal' storm

A late goal by substitute Alessandro Matri earned Juventus a 1-1 draw at Serie A leaders AC Milan on Saturday in a match overshadowed by goalline controversy and which ended with players squaring up to each other.

Champions Milan, who took the lead on 14 minutes with an Antonio Nocerino strike, keep their one-point lead over their undefeated Turin rivals.

However, Juventus still have a game in hand.

The biggest talking point was the officials' failure to award Milan's Sulley Muntari a goal on 25 minutes when his goal-bound header clearly crossed the line but was not awarded.

That embarrassing error, however, was balanced out by the referee disallowing a Matri 'goal' 11 minutes from time for an offside which looked particularly harsh.

Source: NDTV

Bolton's Miyaichi eyes international debut

Bolton teenage winger Ryo Miyaichi could be in line for his international debut after coach Alberto Zaccheroni named him in Japan's squad for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan.

"He (Miyaichi) has tremendous speed and staying power as well," Zaccheroni said after selecting a 23-strong squad, including Miyaichi and 10 other Europe-based players, for the home match in Toyota.

"He will be able to change the rhythm of the game with his runs, both short and long," the Italian told Japanese media. "He has a chance to play."

It is the first international call-up for the 19-year-old winger who joined English Premier League side Bolton Wanderers last month in a loan move from Arsenal, his club since late 2010.

"He has performed at Bolton well in an eye-catching manner. He has a lot of quality and that's why I have called him up," said Zaccheroni.

Miyaichi scored his first goal in English football on February 18 in his first start for the club in a 2-0 away win against Millwall in the FA Cup fifth round.

Wednesday's game, the final Group C match for Uzbekistan and Japan, is a dead rubber for both countries, who have already secured berths in the final round of Asian qualifying.

Japan's two most important players, CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda and Borussia Dortmund goal machine Shinji Kagawa, are not in the squad as they are recovering from injuries.

But Zaccheroni said he could add Kagawa to the squad if he is involved in Dortmund's home game against Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga on Sunday.

Group C leaders Uzbekistan will be missing star midfielder Server Djeparov and four other players, who deliberately picked up yellow cards in a World Cup qualifier at home to Tajikistan in November.

This meant they would serve their suspensions in the dead-rubber match against Japan.

But FIFA announced earlier this month that the players would serve additional one-match suspensions for the first game of the fourth round of qualifying, beginning in June.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Lierse/BEL), Kaito Yamamoto (Shimizu S-Pulse), Shusaku Nishikawa (Sanfrecce Hiroshima)

Defenders: Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata), Yasuyuki Konno (Gamba Osaka), Yuzo Kurihara (Yokohama Marinos), Masahiko Inoha (Vissel Kobe), Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan/ITA), Tomoaki Makino (Urawa Reds), Atsuto Uchida (Schalke/GER), Maya Yoshida (VVV Venlo/NED)

Midfielders: Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg/GER)), Chikashi Masuda (Kashima Antlers), Hajime Hosogai (Augsburg/GER)) Yosuke Kashiwagi (Urawa Reds)

Forwards: Jungo Fujimoto (Nagoya Grampus), Tadanari Lee (Southampton/ENG), Shinji Okazaki (Stuttgart/GER), Mike Havenaar (Vitesse Arnhem/NED), Takashi Inui (Bochum/GER), Ryo Miyaichi (Bolton Wanderers/ENG).

Source: NDTV

Tendulkar approaching 1 year without 100

Sachin Tendulkar's quest for his 100th international century continues after he was run out for 14 in India's innings against Australia in a tri-series match Sunday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Tendulkar, run out by David Warner, was blocked during his run by bowler Brett Lee as India chased Australia's 252-9. Tendulkar threw his arms up in frustration, but there was no avenue for appeal as Lee didn't appear to intentionally block the India star batsman.

Tendulkar's last century was his 111 in a one-day international against South Africa on March 12 at Nagpur, India, his 48th ODI ton.

He has 51 test centuries, his last a score of 146 against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town on Jan. 4, 2011.

Paralyzed Hockey Player Featured in Sports Illustrated Magazine

A hockey player from The high school were paralyzed during the game in December who has been featured Sports Illustrated magazine in this weeks.

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BCCI steps in, asks Dhoni, Sehwag to ensure team unity

The BCCI on Thursday stepped in to bring about harmony in the Indian cricket team in Australia, telling skipper MS Dhoni and vice captain Sehwag to ensure that there was unity.

Although the BCCI had claimed that there was no rift in the team and there was nothing to be "concerned about", it is learnt that secretary Sanjay Jagdale has been entrusted with the task of talking to the team management and helping restore peace in the dressing room.

BCCI sources said Jagdale the secretary has spoken to Dhoni, Sehwag and coach Duncan Fletcher, and has told them to play as a team.

Source said that Dhoni and Sehwag could address a joint press conference to convey the message that all is well in the team and there was no division among team and senior players.

Virender Sehwag takes a dig at Dhoni, adds more confusion to rotation policy

BRISBANE: Dhoni's controversial rotation policy, which has sparked of a heated debate among critics and speculation of a rift within the team, took a more confusing turn on Tuesday with Virender Sehwag saying he did not know that fielding abilities had anything to do with it.

Sehwag said that he had never been told that the slow fielding was an issue, even none of the senior players know about this.

"I didn't know what Dhoni said and what is going on in media. He told us that he wanted to give chance to young players who had come here and will take the responsibility for the next World Cup. That's what he told us," said Sehwag.

Dhoni had stated the three openers - Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir were not being picked together in tournament because they are slow and could be costing the side at least 20 runs.

"Have you seen my catch?" Sehwag snapped back in response, adding "we have been fielding the same way for the last 10 years."

Sehwag was again pressed as to what he thought could be the reasons for Dhoni to suggest that they were costing the team 20 runs in the field.

"But you have to ask Dhoni again. What he told us was to give chance to youngsters and come here and play the next World Cup. That was what he told us," said Sehwag.

"He chatted with everyone, with Gautam and me and Tendulkar, he (said) he wanted to give chance to youngsters so they can play all the matches and prepare themselves for the next World Cup. They would have an idea how the wicket behaves in Australia."

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Raul Ibanez, Yankees who have finalize $1.1M contract

Raul Ibanez New York Yankees have finalized one year contract for $1.1 million. The deal was announced on Tuesday and after one day the sides reached agreement for $2.9 million including performance bonuses.

Ibanez who played with Philadelphia previous three seasons and hit .245 last year with 20 homers and 84 RBIs. He is expected to become the Yankees' main designated hitter against right-handed starters.

Yankees reached a preliminary agreement on $900,000, one year contract with backup infielder Eric Chavez, who hit .263 with two homers and 26 RBIs last year for New York. The six-time Gold Glove winner broke a bone in his left foot on May 5 after just 17 games and didn't return until July 26.

Hernandez wants pardon so he can rejoin Indians

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) -- The pitcher Roberto Hernandez, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, told The Associated Press he hopes to obtain a judicial pardon and return to the Cleveland Indians this season.

Hernandez who was placed on baseball's restricted list after he was arrested in the Dominican Republic on false identity charges last month. Authorities have said he is 31, three years older than the pitcher claimed.

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Isninghausen agreed to a minor league deal with Angels

ANAHEIM, Jason Isninghausen a Veteran right hander has just agreed to a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Isringhausen has agreed this deal on Wednesday.

He has appeared in 53 games last season for the New York Mets and was 3-3 with a 4.05 earned run average and 44 strikeouts, 15th season in the majors with Mets, Athletics, Cardinal and Rays.

Isringhausen is third among active players with 300 saves and 3.62 ERA in 674 games -- including 52 starts.

DL Jenkins restructures deal with Eagles

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins has agreed to restructure his contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jenkins signed a $25 million, five year deal last offseason and had 5.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 61 total tackles in his first season with the team. Jenkins spent his first seven seasons with Green Bay.

"We are very excited about having Cullen back on our football team," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said Tuesday. "Cullen made an immediate impact for us this year on and off the field. We look forward to a great future together with him in an Eagles uniform."

Philadelphia went 8-8 last season.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press.

Robert Griffin III Changes Pro Day Date To Avoid Conflict With Andrew Luck

Lot of discussion had accompanied the fact that the two biggest names in the 2012 NFL Draft - quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III had scheduled their pro days for the same day on March 22. But Griffin provided simple solution to the issue that he changed his pro day, ESPN.com reported.

The former Baylor quarterback and 2011 Heisman Trophy winner has moved his pro day from March 22 to March 21 at 9 a.m. on the Baylor campus to avoid a conflict with Luck, whose pro day is scheduled for March 22 on the Stanford campus.

Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin are expected to be the first two quarterbacks taken in the April 26 draft and may be the top two players taken overall. Luck is still expected to be the No. 1 overall pick, although the pro day workouts could change that.

Virender Sehwag concedes he has to improve his batting

Brisbane: Indian Dashing opener Virender Sehwag on Tuesday conceded that he needs to improve his batting performance at the top of the order to win matches for India in the cricket tri series and said that he would curb his natural aggressive instinct from the onset.

"Five times I have been dismissed caught at third man or at the slips. I am looking at my performance and I have to improve for the side to win matches," Sehwag, who was the standing-in captain in place of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, said after India lost to Sri Lanka by 51 runs on Tuesday.

"I think I have to leave a couple of balls early in the innings and then take the bowlers later on," said Sehwag, who has scored just 30 runs from the three matches he has played in the tournament.

He rued that Indian bowlers conceded too many runs in the slog overs and the batsmen also failed to deliver yet again in the series.

"We didn't bowl well in the final 10 overs and we didn't bat well later on. The way Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir was playing in the beginning, I thought we could get a good start but we lost three wickets early," Sehwag said.

Ricky Ponting, a great ambassador for the game: Brett Lee

Australian fast bowler Brett Lett said that Hailing his former captain Ricky Ponting as a "great ambassador" for cricket, The Tasmanian batsman who is out of reckoning for ODI internationals can now focus solely on Test match cricket.

"Ricky Ponting has been a great experience and records in cricket, he also has been a great ambassador for the game and brilliant cricketer, almost akin to Sachin Tendulkar," Lee said.

Ricky Ponting who has declared that he would not play any short form of game like T20 and ODI. but he would likely to play longer format game like Test cricket.

Lee also said that we would always miss to two time world cup winning Australian Skipper Ricky Ponting. The dressing romm will seem like quiet and empty without him. It is going to be strange without him.

He has been earned lot of value  to the team as player and captain. Even though Michael Clarke recently taken over captaincy and he learnt lot from him. As Ricky always been helpful for youngster.

Lee said, As i have spent over 13 years with Ricky and I have witness some of his best ODI and Test hundreds but my favorite moments with him when we won the final of world cup 2003.

"Ricky has been an absolute legend like many other famous cricket. He is the type of guy who will go down in cricket history as one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game, a guy that has always led from the front," Lee added.

Spurs forced into replay, Liverpool hit six

London: This season's FA Cup favourites Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 0-0 draw at third tier Stevenage Sunday but Liverpool laid their claim to be the real frontrunners with a 6-1 fifth-round thrashing of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Liverpool, whose win came thanks to an early Martin Skrtel goal, a neat Andy Carroll finish, three own goals and a late Luis Suarez header, next host last term's runners-up Stoke City in the quarter finals after they prevailed 2-0 at Crawley Town.

Louis Saha had the ball in the net but his shot clipped an offside Scott Parker on the line to sum up a bad day for Spurs, the best-ranked team left in the Cup after holders Manchester City lost in an earlier round like Manchester United.

Gareth Bale had a superb shot tipped around the post by Stevenage goalkeeper Chris Day, a Spurs fan who started his career at the north London club.
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"At the end of the game it got stretched and we were on the front foot. I think we did our homework, they had possession but we had a couple of chances," Day told ITV.

Joel Byrom had two decent efforts for a hard-working Stevenage on a bumpy pitch and they now have the carrot of a home tie with Bolton Wanderers in the quarter-finals on March 17 or 18 to urge them on in the replay on March 7.

Liverpool, facing Cardiff City in next Sunday's League Cup final, took a fifth-minute lead when Skrtel headed in Steven Gerrard's corner but a Kazenga LuaLua cracker from a free kick brought second tier Brighton level.

Liam Bridcutt conspired to put into his own net twice on 44 and 71 minutes either side of striker Carroll, starting with Gerrard and Suarez for the first time, finishing with aplomb to silence critics of his lacklustre form.

Warnie's 888 Poker ads splashed across hardcore porn site

Shane Warne has just become embroiled in yet another controversy for the advertisements, his 888 online poker business appeared on a hardcore porn site.

The ads, which show a grinning Warne throwing cards and gambling chips towards the camera, feature on a website broadcasting explicit adult videos.

But Warne's manager James Erskine said that we have not any clue that how the ads had appeared on the site, News.com.au. reported.

"I and Warne both were not aware of the 888 Poker Site appearing on porn sites. Thank you for informing us, we will look into it," Erskine told The Sunday Telegraph.

The cricketer's brother Jason Warne, who is general manager of the children's charity The Shane Warne Foundation, said that he would inform his board members.

"If they were breaking the law, then obviously that's something we would take umbrage to and disassociate with but I don't know," Jason said.

"It is something that I will speak to the board about and get their opinions on, but it's not something I really want to take a stand on myself just off the cuff.

The retired cricketer, who last year became engaged to former model and actress Elizabeth Hurley, was stripped of the Australian vice-captaincy in June 2000 after it emerged he had bombarded British nurse Donna Smith with dirty text messages and phone calls.

In May 2006, a UK tabloid published pictures of Warne posing in his underwear with a pair of topless 25-year-old models as well as more explicit text messages allegedly sent by him.

Bahrain GP organisers say F1 race on

Bahrain: Bahrain Grand Prix organisers have officially confirmed that they will be hosting the Formula One race on April 22.

Top brass at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) headed by chief executive Sheikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa said in a press conference that the racing weekend will be April 20-22 and will be held under the slogan 'Unified One Nation'.

Bahrain was initially scheduled to host the season opener, but F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone suggested a change in the calendar.

Ecclestone told Motor Sport magazine Hall of Fame recently that the Formula One's governing body can be trusted to make the right decision about racing in Bahrain, according to Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

'As far as I am aware, we are definitely going,' Horner had said.

'We rely on the FIA, it is the FIA Formula One world championship, and Bahrain is one of the races on the calendar.'

The 2011 Bahrain round was cancelled due to civil unrest in the country.

Several F1 teams voiced their concerns on not to hold the race due to alleged human rights violations.

Videos of anti-government protests were reportedly sent out to drivers and teams to create a sense of fear.

Dumped Ponting hopes to cling to Test spot

Melbourne: Whether it be pulling a short delivery to the fence or plucking a lightning-quick catch in the slips, Ricky Ponting's formidable powers of anticipation have rarely been questioned throughout his storied career.

So it is something of a surprise that the former Australian skipper, who scored just 18 runs in five games in the ongoing Tri-series against India and Sri Lanka, failed to spot the selectors' axe swinging at him.

Ponting, the second-most prolific scorer in the format after Sachin Tendulkar, said Monday's decision to drop him from Australia's one-day international side had come out of the blue but that he accepted his ODI career was over.

The axe fell a day after Ponting, standing in as skipper for the injured Michael Clarke, led Australia to an emphatic 110-run win over India in Brisbane to regain top spot in the triangular one-day tournament.

Despite the praise lavished on him by selectors as a brilliant fielder and mentor to the next generation in a re-building team, his 165th win as captain could not gloss over his fifth consecutive failure with the bat.

Ponting had been bowled over when chief selector John Inverarity delivered the decision but the defiant Tasmanian quickly regained his composure and is now focused on keeping his test career alive.

"I've got no bitterness at all as to what's happened," said Ponting, who will return to the domestic Sheffield Shield competition to prepare for Australia's tour of West Indies.

"I'm still firmly of the belief that I've got a lot to offer any cricket team that I play with, any team I'm a part of.

"Did the thought of (retirement) come into my mind? The thing that I thought about most yesterday was just how I was going to manage my time and to be well prepared to play every test match I play for the rest of my career.

"That obviously, now with no one-day international cricket, that becomes a little bit more difficult for me, but there are other players around Australia at the moment who play test cricket only."

A poor run of form at test level coming into the Australian summer had the knives out for Ponting, who merely gritted his teeth and got on with the job of crushing India as the hosts charged to 4-0 whitewash in the test series.

Ponting blasted 544 runs at an average of 108 for the series, but appeared strangely out-of-sorts from the start of the one-day tournament.

His coach Mickey Arthur, also a selector, said he was "jaded" and in need of a rest and warned him to make runs in his final match against India.

Ponting brushed off notions that fatigue after a long summer of cricket had taken its toll, saying his body was fine and that it was his mind that had failed to keep pace.

Despite being denied the chance to choose the manner of his exit, or even play a farewell ODI in front of home fans in Hobart against Sri Lanka Friday, Ponting was philosophical as he addressed reporters, relaxed and looking dapper in a sports jacket and white shirt.

"Of course I felt there was still room in the team (for me)," he said, smiling. "But when you don't make runs in five consecutive games you understand that there's an opportunity for selectors to leave you out."

Their decision was unanimous, according to panel chief Inverarity, meaning Clarke and Arthur both had a hand in pushing him toward the exit.

For all the raging debate in Australia about his place in the side in recent months, it is unlikely to be a popular decision.

"Ricky Pontings Omission from the National 1 Day side is an outrage!" former Australia Open Matthew Hayden said on his Twitter site.

While the decision to drop him will not sit well with Ponting, he may well respect the selectors' cold-blooded execution, having been nurtured in a succession of champion teams and carrying on their culture of winning, at all costs, into his time as captain.

"Everyone understands where they sit now in the Australian cricket team," said Ponting, who smashed 30 ODI centuries, including an unbeaten 140 against India in the final of the 2003 World Cup to win Australia a second successive trophy.

"I think in international sport, if you're not performing for a short period of time now you're a chance to be left out of the side.

Time for different captains for different formats: Ganguly

New Delhi: Critical of MS Dhoni's rotation policy, former Indian cricket and captain Sourav Ganguly says time has come for the selectors to choose different cricket captains for the three formats of game.

"Selectors have to decide different captain for different formats. At the moment there is too much cricket, too many formats," Ganguly said.

"You will never get a team where all the 11 are outstanding fielders. Even Australia don't have 11 outstanding fielders. Fielding is very very important but it is also about scoring runs in very very tough conditions", he told a news channel.

"And I feel Dhoni has to balance that. He just can't jump and say these guys can't field so they are being rotated. If a guy who can field averages 15 on the tour, what sense does it make? We have to find a way to balance players and make a team," he reasoned.

Ganguly said Dhoni also has to stop backing players for too long if they don't give results.

"As I agree that everybody feel that these senior players are so talented than the other. That's going to happen in future again. The point is he is too stuck on someone for too long because of his mindset," he said.

Real Madrid star shocked by arrests over photos

Real Madrid’s Germany midfielder Sami Khedira has spoken out against the arrests of three Tunisian journalists who republished pictures of the footballer and his girlfriend in semi-naked poses.

The Real Madrid star, whose father is Tunisian, posed for the erotic pictures with his model girlfriend, Lena Gercke, in GQ magazine, but three journalists from Tunisian newspaper Attounissia have been arrested for republishing the images.

Three members of staff have been detained by state officials for allegedly offending public morality.

‘‘I heard about the matter on Thursday evening and find it very, very sad and unfortunate that such a thing happened,’’ the 24-year-old Khedira told German newspaper Bild.

‘‘I respect the different religions that exist and also the faith that people have, but I cannot understand that people cannot express themselves freely.’’

The GQ pictures show the couple in various states of undress while one shot shows only Khedira’s arm covering the breasts of his girlfriend and have caused controversy in Tunisia.

The organisation, Reporters Without Borders, has called for the immediate release of the trio, which includes the newspaper’s managing director, who could face up to five years in jail.

Khedira came off the bench in Real’s 4-0 win over Racing Santander on Saturday night which left them 13 points clear of rivals Barcelona at the top of the Spanish league.

Messi hopes Guardiola extends Barcelona contract

Madrid: Lionel Messi hopes coach Pep Guardiola will extend his contract and stay on at Barcelona beyond this season, the World Player of the Year said after scoring four times in a 5-1 hammering of Valencia in La Liga on Sunday.

Guardiola, who prefers to renew his deal on a year by year basis, said in the pre-match news conference on Saturday he needed more time to decide on his future.

"He knows what we think, and he'll make his decision when he is ready," Messi told Spanish television in a pitchside interview at the Nou Camp. "We hope he stays, he is very important to us and to this club," he added.

Messi celebrating his 200th league appearance for Barca, took his league tally this season to 27 from 23 matches - one behind top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid - and to 146 since he made his debut in La Liga in October 2004. Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu said the Catalan club was not worried by Guardiola's failure to commit beyond the end of this season.

"He is an exceptional coach and he decides the timescales," Bartomeu told Spanish television. "We are at his disposition and when he wants he will speak to us.

"With him, there are no time limits. He is an exceptional person and we are counting on him."

Guardiola, who has led Barcelona to 13 trophies since taking the helm in 2008, is chasing a fourth consecutive league title.

Dav Whatmore to take charge of Pakistan - PCB source

Karachi: Australian Cricketer Dav Whatmore will be replace the Pakistan team's interim coach Mohsin Khan after their ODI series against England ends this month, a PCB source told Reuters on Sunday.

"Whatmore would take the charge as head coach for the Asia Cup tournament in Bangladesh next month," the source said.

"It has been decided to release Mohsin Khan from his coaching assignment after the England series and Whatmore has been chosen as the man to guide our team for the next two years," the source said.

Whatmore who coached the Sri Lanka side who won the 1996 World Cup. He also coached Bangladesh team from 2003 to 2007, leading them to their first test victory in early 2005 against Zimbabwe and also guided them into the super eight stage of the 2007 World Cup where they defeated India and South Africa.

"Whatmore will be our coach from the Asia Cup. The Board has also decided to hire English professional coach, Julien Fountain as the fielding coach of the national team," the source added.

Ajit Agarkar is still hopeful of playing for India

Mumbai: Ajit Agarkar might have been off the national selectors' radar for more than four years now during which time a new crop of younger bowlers have arrived on the scene, but he has not lost hope of making a comeback into the Indian team at some point in the future.

"I am still hoping to get another opportunity to play for India. I made my first class debut at the age of 19, so people think I am older than what I am. I am still fit. I am happy to be playing for India again," said the 34 year old fast bowler, who will lead Mumbai in the West Zone One Day Tournament, commencing on February 22.

As Agarkar had last played for India in a ODI against England at the Oval in September 2007 and went out of the national reckoning after being part of the victorious World T20 Cup winning squad the same year.

Agarkar, who has been handed over captaincy of the Mumbai team for the first time since his debut in 1996-97 after Jaffer stepped down from the post, said Mumbai's task in the One Day tournament was not going to be as easy as it was a decade ago, because other teams have improved in the shorter formats of the game.

he also said that Our task is tough. We need to play well throughout the 100 overs. It's not going to be easy. Seven to ten years ago we had it easier, but no longer is that the case.

Former Indian captain Kapil Dev wants Sachin to retire immediately

Former Indian Captain Kapil Dev feels that the time has came to an end for Sachin Tendulkar and he should immediately retire from international cricket.

Kapil is thinking that Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored only 68 runs in four innings in the ongoing tri series in Australia, should have retired after the 2011 World Cup, which India won on home soil.

"From what we have seen in the last three months, he should have announced his retirement after the World Cup or even earlier. It's important to know that every cricketer has his time. Having served India for 22-23 years, As he is surely great cricketer. But he should have announced his decision to retire from the International Cricket after the World Cup," Kapil was quoted as saying by Aaj Tak.

"If you are an Indian captain, you cannot be partial. I was surprised when Rudra Pratap Singh was drafted into the Test side in England. One must find out why all rounder Jadeja was not used as a bowler even for a single over in the ODI against Australia at Brisbane. Dhoni is a mature player. I am perturbed when he picks a player as an all-rounder and doesn't make him bowl at all. If anyone makes such mistakes, he can't survive for long. If Dhoni makes such mistakes repeatedly, he will have to pay the price," Kapil added.

Kapil also said that it was time for Sr players Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman to retire from Test cricket to give youngsters a chance to prove themselves in the international arena.

"I think Dravid and Laxman have played their last Test. They could be given one last Test for a respectable exit, but certainly not at the cost of compromising the team's interests.

"There is no denying that the likes of Sachin, Rahul and Laxman have served the nation like few other cricketers. But they are no longer young and if Indian cricket does not move forward from the Big Three, it will risk falling a generation back and struggle like West Indies and Australian teams have done in the past," he said.

Schin Tendulkar Adviced to go for MRI scan

Brisbane, Sachin Tendulkar is likely to go for a precautionary MRI scan after he was hit on the head by a bouncer of Brett Lee during the India vs Australia match in the tri-series Sunday.

Sachin seemed have misread or couldn't understand the pace of ball and it hit his helmet and went up in the air.

And Every Australian fielder made a loud appeal off a catch but umpire Steve Davis thought that the it had touched the helmet not on bat. He eventually walked back to the hut after playing an upper cut off Lee, guiding a dolly to third man. As after dismissal he given ice treatment in the dressing room.

This tri series is very bad for him he has just scored 68 runs in four innings. It seems like pressure of 100th century he could not play well and always making mistake.

Dhoni's rotation policy defies logic or nonsense: Former players

Many of the Former Indian cricketers have slammed yersterday that MS Dhoni's controversial rotation policy, as one of them saying that it defies logic and another going to the extent of calling it "utter nonsense".

Dhoni had stated that senior players such Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag have to be rotated to ensure that the fielding standards of the side are maintained.

But the policy has drawn sharp reactions from former players.

Bishan Singh Bedi a spin legend said rotation makes sense only if players are in good form.

Bedi has asked that "I don't know what is the logic behind this rotation policy and what exactly is Dhoni thinking? But for me the rotation policy makes sense when your players are in good form. But here none of the players are in good form. So where does the question of rotating them comes when they are not scoring.

Dilip Vengsarkar a former captain and chairman of selectors said it was fine to rotate players as long as team's winning prospects were not jeopardised.

As the Rotation policy is good but should not be hard and fast rule. One should always strive to field the best eleven players. It's upto the selectors to rest some player if they feel he is jaded and needs rest. And if you feel someone needs rest or is looking tired playing against the same team, give him rest but at the same time it is also important to win that it will be fine balancing act.

Maninder Singh a former spinner has called the idea as "utter nonsense".

Virender Sehwag to lead India against Sri Lanka

Virender Sehwag is set to lead the Indian team in the absence of regular skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni when they take on Sri Lanka in a tri series match on Tuesday.

Though the team management has not declared it officially, as things stand, Sehwag appears to be the most likely candidate to lead and Parthiv Patel will play his first match as a wicket-keeper in the series.

This is the second time in the tour that Dhoni has banned for low over rate. Before that he has fined for slow over rate in the 2011 World Cup of the final match against Sri Lnaka on April 2.

As The Indian side was ruled to be two overs short of their target at the end of the match against Australia when time allowances were taken into consideration.

Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed a 40% fine on Dhoni while each of his players received 20% fines.

This is Dhoni's second suspension in the ongoing Australian tour as he was banned for one match in the Test series for slow-over rate during the third match in Perth. Virender Sehwag had to stand-in as captain in place of Dhoni in the fourth Test against Australia in Adelaide. And for next match against Sri Lanka viru will lead the India. It seems like may be BCCI could handover the captaincy to Virender Sehwag.

Cricket needs players like Irfan, says Eric Simons

Accprdomg tp India's outgoing bowling coach Eric Simons, Indian cricket doesn't need to worry about their bowling. All the bowlers have good passion to learn like Zaheer Khan has a good understanding of his craft, Vinay Kumar is hard working cricketer and also has a great work ethic, Umesh Yadav is a good learner and Irfan Pathan is an exciting talent. They just need to be more innovative, learn to be patient and to be have variations. And sticking to gameplan is one of the lessons that they all need to learn.

Earlier, BCCI has announced that Simons will be sacked at the end of the ongoing Tri Series in Australia and he would be replaced by Australia's Joe Dawes. However, Simons denied reports he had been sacked, claiming he had told the BCCI that he won't be able to continue as the bowling coach after the tour of Australia.

Simons said he was disappointed to see reports claiming that he was sacked. He told to Times of India that after the Gary Kirsten When Duncan Fletcher became the coach after the World Cup that time he asked me to extend my contract so that I could work with him during the transition period and the end of the England tour which I did. Then he also asked me to stay on till the Australian series but I'd then told him that I would be able to do so only till the Australian series. He did speak to me after the West Indies series if it was possible for me to extend my stay, but I didn’t do that for a number of reasons. My contract was extended twice and it ends now and that’s the reason I’m going. There is no other issue around it and I was disappointed to see the press reports.

Simons also said that Praveen Kumar is the good bowler and knows how to adapt to the conditions on offer. He also has been impressed with Sreesanth's skills but he needs to be more consistent and improve his work ethic.

Simons feels Zaheer is only the bowler who has great experience and also has a big role in mentoring the younger bowlers in the team as he has the good ability to teach those around him. He also praised Umesh and said he is one of the most exciting bowlers in the world.

He is also excited that Irfan is back into the India team. "World cricket needs players like Irfan. He is exciting, he hits the ball, he can swing when on song. Exciting to see him back, excited about his game.

New morning: Albert Pujols joins Angels in camp

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Albert Pujols has arrived to begin his first spring training with the Los Angeles Angels.

Just as the sun was illuminating the Angels' facility, Pujols pulled his black Mercedes into the players' lot. Clutching a bag with some of his belongings, the three-time NL MVP headed to the clubhouse to meet his new teammates. The slugger's first stop was the equipment room, where he was introduced to several employees and clubhouse attendants.

Pujols left the St. Louis Cardinals after 11 seasons in December for a roughly $250 million contract with the Angels. He is scheduled to take infield and batting practice before holding a news conference at a hotel to discuss the next phase of his illustrious career.


Copyright 2012 The Associated Press

AP source: Ibanez agrees to $1.1M deal with Yanks

Associated Press
NEW YORK — A person familiar with the negotiations says Raul Ibanez and the New York Yankees have agreed to a $1.1 million, one-year contract.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the deal had not been announced.

Ibanez is a 39-year-old outfielder who played with Philadelphia the last three seasons. He is expected to be the Yankees' primary designated hitter against right-handed starting pitchers. New York decided on him over Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, who also are free agents.

The agreement came one day after the Yankees traded A.J. Burnett to Pittsburgh, a deal in which the Pirates pay $5 million of the pitcher's salary this year.

Done deal: Yankees trade Burnett to Pirates

AJ Burnett's rocky tenure in pinstripes is over.

The Yankees and Pirates completed a trade Sunday that sends the much maligned pitcher to Pittsburgh for a pair of minor leaguers. New York is also giving the Pirates nearly $20 million to cover most of Burnett's hefty salary in a deal that clears the way for the Yankees to sign Raul Ibanez.

The teams agreed to the trade Friday but it was subject to Burnett passing a physical, which he did Sunday at Pirates camp as pitchers and catchers held their first workout of spring training in Bradenton, Fla.

"When I first heard we were thinking about getting AJ Burnett, I was excited. I was hoping we would get it done," said new Pirates catcher Rod Barajas, who played with Burnett on the 2008 Toronto Blue Jays.

The Yankees get 25 year old right hander Diego Moreno and 20 year old outfielder Exicardo Cayones, both low-level prospects.

Pittsburgh will pay $13 million of the $33 million salary due Burnett for 2012 and 2013, a person familiar with the negotiations said Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made at that time.

Pirates general manager Meal Huntington said that AJ Burnett is a solid, veteran starting pitcher with an above average pitch repertoire and potential to provide us with significant quality innings from our starting rotation.

A left handed hitter Ibanez has been waiting for New York to agree to the deal, a person familiar with those negotiations said, also on condition of anonymity. The contract for the 39-year-old outfielder would have a base salary of about $1 million.

Australia beat India by 110 runs in 5th ODI of the Tri Series

Once again Indian batsman failed against Australia. Australia beat India by 110 runs in tri series.

Earlier Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. David Warner and Mathew Wade has given good start to Australia but both have missed their half century. It was seemed liked Australian batsman would be struggle for runs when India have dismissed 3 batsman very early but after that Peter Forrest (52) and Mike Hussey(59) have played they have added 100 runs from 92 balls while David Hussey(26) and Daniel Christian(30) smashed 65 runs in just 36 balls.

Australia set 289 runs target for India to chase.

India have started their inning with Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir. Sachin Tendulkar who is still waiting for his 100th century but pressure of 100th century once again he failed to runs and he got out Gautam Gambhir also could not do well and got out in second over of Brett Lee.

The combative Kohli refused to walk until third umpire Bruce Oxenford confirmed the ball had carried, which he did despite replays appearing to indicate there was some doubt.

The Indians tried to recover but lost wickets at key moments and were unable to boost the run rate enough to stay in touch with the asking rate.

IPL5 Schedule for 2012

Find out here the full IPL5 Schedule for 2012

Apr 4: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians

Apr 5: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Daredevils

Apr 6: Mumbai Indians vs Pune Warriors India

Apr 6: Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab

Apr 7: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Delhi Daredevils

Apr 7: Deccan Chargers vs Chennai Super Kings

Apr 8: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Apr 8: Pune Warriors India vs Kings XI Punjab

Apr 9: Deccan Chargers vs Mu mbai Indians

Apr 10: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Apr 10: Delhi Daredevils Chennai Super Kings

Apr 11: Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals

Apr 12: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Apr 12: Kings XI Punjab vs Pune Warriors India

Apr 13: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals

Apr 14: Delhi Daredevils vs Deccan Chargers

Apr 14: Pune Warriors India vs Chennai Super Kings

Apr 15: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab

 Apr 15: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals

Apr 16: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Daredevils

Apr 17: Rajasthan Royals vs Deccan Chargers

 Apr 17: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Pune War riors India

Apr 18: Kings XI Punjab vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Apr 19: Deccan Chargers vs Delhi Daredevils

Apr 19: Chennai Super Kings vs Pune Warriors India

Apr 20: Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Apr 21: Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals

Apr 21: Delhi Daredevils vs Pune Warriors India.

Apr 22: Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab

Apr 22: Deccan Chargers vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Apr 23: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Apr 24: Pune Warriors India vs Delhi Daredevils

Apr 24: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Deccan Chargers

Apr 25: Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians

Apr 25: :Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings

Apr 26: Pune Warriors vs India Deccan Chargers

Apr 27: Delhi Daredevils vs Mumbai Indians

Apr 28: Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab

Apr 28: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Apr 29: Delhi Daredevils vs Rajasthan Royals

Apr 29: Mumbai Indians vs Deccan Chargers

Apr 30: Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders

May 1: Deccan Chargers vs Pune Warriors India

May 1: Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Daredevils

May 2: Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab

May 3: Pune Warriors vs India Mumbai Indians

May 4: Chennai Super Kings vs Deccan Chargers

May 5: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Pune Warriors India

May 5: Kings XI Punjab vs Raja sthan Royals

May 6: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings

May 6: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Deccan Chargers

May 7: Delhi Daredevils vs Kolkata Knight Riders

May 8: Pune Warriors India vs Rajasthan Royals

May 8: Deccan Chargers vs Kings XI Punjab

May 9: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

May 10: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings

May 11: Pune Warriors India vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

May 12: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians

May 12: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Daredevils.

May 13: Rajasthan Royals vs Pune Warriors India

May 13: Kings XI Punjab vs Deccan Chargers

May 14: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians

May 14: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings

May 15: Delhi Daredevils vs Kings XI Punjab

May 16: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders

May 17: Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings

May 17: Delhi Daredevils vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

May 18: Deccan Chargers vs Rajasthan Royals

May 19: Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Daredevils

May 19: Pune Warriors India vs Kolkata Knight Riders

May 20: Deccan Chargers vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

May 20: Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians

May 22: Qualifier 1 First Placed Team vs Second Placed Team

May 23: Elminator Third Placed Team vs Fourth Placed Team

May 25: Qualifier 2 Winner of Elimi nator vs Loser of Qualifier1

May 27: Final Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2.

Greece's top-division league to cancel games for a week

ATHENS, Greece — "The top division soccer games will be suspended for a week at the end of the month to protest new law that has also drawn criticism from FIFA," Greek league organizers said.

"Scheduled games will not be played February 25-26 in opposition to law voted in this week that gives expanded powers to a state controlled sporting oversight committee," Organizers said. Games has planned this weekend will be played.

On Thursday FIFA warned Greek lawmakers that the country risks suspension from world soccer if the new legislation compromises the national federation's operational independence.

2012 college football spring games schedule

Here is a complete list of college football's spring games from the BCS conferences, as well as some beyond that scope.

Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2012-02-17/2012-college-football-spring-games-schedule-sec-big-ten-acc-big-12-pac-12#ixzz1mh90vhsA

Jimmy Howard returns back for Red Wings

Jimmy Howard who has just recovered his injury and keen to come back for Detroit Red Wings.

Well the coach Mike Babcock said on Wednesday, "We will see what happens there. I don't know if that means he is starting against Nashville or not, but he is starting sooner or later. You can only get so much holiday time during the regular season. It's time for him to go.

As Howard has not played since Feb. 2 and in his absence AHL call up Joey MacDonald who has performed well; the Red Wings, behind MacDonald, set new NHL record, by winning their 21st consecutive home game on Tuesday.

Howerd said. i hve been through couple of days and i am looking forward to going back out there.

Tim Wakefield announced his retirement from Red Sox

Tim Wakefield who has been for longtime in Red Sox and one of the best pitchers has just announced his retirement on Friday after 19 seasons including the last 17 with the Boston Red sox.

Wakefield shares many great memories and moments which reflected on his fantastic 17 year career in Boston.

He has played 19 major league seasons and out of 19, 17 seasons with the Red Sox and also become a favorite.

Every time I stepped on the field, I gave everything that I had. All I ever wanted to do was win, and the bigger goal was to win a World Series for this great city. Finally, after 86 years, we were able to do that, Wakefield said.

Wakefield is first in team history with 3,006 innings and 430 starts, and second in games and strikeouts.

Tim Wakefield was the oldest player in the majors last season.

Pakistan team making 'fool of itself': Shoaib Akhtar

The Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar feels that the national cricket team is making a fool of itself in the ongoing one day series against England in the UAE.

They have not take first two as seriously and made a fool and joke out of themselves. if they don't improve quickly and continues the same situation in future than I fear they could lose the series by 4-0, Shoaib added, as saying after Pakistan suffered second straight defeat in the four matches series on Wednesday.

Akhtar also slammed, Misbah-ul Haq who led Pakistan to a stunning 3-0 whitewash against England in the Test series.

Misbah needs to be more strict with the team players. The way Umar Akmal, Imran Farhat and Shahid Afridi got out today, I think Misbah needs to reach and tell them what is expected of them as senior players. When Umar was batting and trying needless strokes, what was Misbah doing? He should have spoken to him. If Misbah doesn't get strict and press the red button I don't think we can win this series," Shoaib said.

He felt that Misbah needed to be more aggressive as captain in the one dayers.

Shoaib also added that We have the best spinners in the world but they were not turning the ball even in day time. I think instead of containing roles Misbah needs to be use them to get wickets. He should be attacking more with his field placements and bowlers.

Sangakkara reaches 10,000 as Sri Lanka hammer Australia

Tpdau Kumar Sangakkara hit his 10,000th run in one day internationals to help Sri Lanka, and with help of sangakara Sri Lanka beat Australia by eight wickets in a rain shortened Tri-series match on Friday.

Australia set the 152 runs target for Sri Lanka from 41 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method after Australia had been bowled out for 158 in an innings that was interrupted for two hours by wet weather.

Symonds retires from all forms of cricket

Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds who was one of the best and game's highly talented player in the cricket world. Yesterday he announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket, bringing an end to cricket career marked by controversies and disciplinary breaches.

The 36 year old Symonds who got temperamental and colourful personality whose racial row with Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh made headlines in 2008, cited family reasons for his decision to quit cricket.

He has also said that he would not be playing this IPL season as he was quitting competitive cricket in the wake of the impending birth of his first child.

"Effective immediately, I am retiring from all forms of professional cricket," Symonds said.

Symonds has not played any of the cricket match for Australia since being sent home from the Twenty20 World Cup in England three years ago but has appeared for several domestic sides and clubs in limited overs cricket and Twenty20 leagues.

He said with regret that i will not be able to fulfil my final year of the IPL for Mumbai Indians. Indian Premier League and Mumbai Indians both have been very supportive of me, but for me the impending arrival of my first child is a priority,"

England beat Pakistan with help of Cook century

Alastair Cook became the first England captain to score consecutive ODI centuries. With the help of his century England set the taget 250 runs for Pakistan on Wednesday in the second one-day international in Abu Dhabi.

England's captain cook won the toss for the second time in the four match series, and he chose to bat first. Cook made 102 runs from 118 deliveries.

After set the 250 runs target it was turn for bowler to prove them self. Fast bowler Steven Finn then turned in another match-winning performance with four for 34 from 10 overs as Pakistan were all out for 230 from 49 overs.

When Kevin Pietersen reached on 26 Saeed Ajmal have sent back to the pavilion in one of the nicest ball nad kevin got out by LBW.

Ravi Bopara also played a nice inning and hit second consecutive half-century with 58 and Eoin Morgan struck a brisk, unbeaten 25.

Mohammad Hafeez (26) and Imram Farhat (47) gave Pakistan a steady start with 61 but suddently wickets then fell regularly as the England bowlers maintained a tight line and length.

Afridi struck 18 from as many deliveries and captain Misbah-ul-Haq kept his side in the hunt with 47 from 59 balls before he was brilliantly caught by wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter, who clung on to a skied mis-hit at full stretch off Stuart Broad.

IPL much bigger than BPL, as per Tanvir

Pakistan's all rounder Sohail Tanvir has said that the BPL (Bangladesh Premier League) is not in same attraction as the IPL(Indian Premier League).

Tanvir who was playing for Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural edition of the IPL. He said while has was enjoying BPL and also said BPL ccould not be compared to IPL.

I don't think any one can compare IPL and BPL. IPL was much bigger scale and is still a biv event. And the BPL will surely take time to establish itself as big event like IPL, "Tanvir said".

Tanvir said "It is the good initiative from Bangladesh cricket. It will give big boost to Bangladesh cricket and its players who can learn a lot playing with so many foreign players".

As PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf also claimed that he will hopefully launch Pakistan Premier League this year.

Ashraf said "We are in talks with different sponsors to start the PPL and i am sure we can launch this event in this year. We see it as platform to bring back international cricket to Pakistan.

As PCB has been trying to hold PPL for last five years but due to lack of sponsorship and reluctance of foreign players to play in Pakistan and they have failed.

Kate Upton Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover

Kate Upton who just 19 but young kate already has a career defining

She’s just 19, but young Kate Upton already has one career-defining acquirement, gracing the cover of the 2012 Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.

As Sophia Neophitou saud: We would never use Ms. Kate Upton for Victoria's Secret show.

Read more http://open-news-for-you.blogspot.in/2012/02/kate-upton-sports-illustrated-swimsuit.html

Dawes appointed as India's new bowling coach

Well recently BCCI has announced that Australian Joe Dawes will be the India's new bowling coach after the tour of Australia.

Dawes is a former Queensland fast bowler who have played 76 1st class matches from 1997 to 2005. He has been bowling coach of Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.

As BCCI has decided to relive Eric Simons from his job at the end of the ongoing tri series in Australia,

Simons has been associated with the Indian team since 2010 when he was roped in by then coach Gary Kirsten. Simons' contract expires at the end of the current tour Down Under.

As Eric Simons is also the bowling coach of Delhi Daredevils. So we can not say all is lost for simons.

Tevez: Mancini treated me like a dog!

Carlos Tevez has landed in England to face a fresh storm after he accused Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini of treating him ‘like a dog’.

The Argentinian is arriving back in Manchester today before travelling to Carrington at around 5pm.

Mancini was at Carrington on Tuesday morning as he prepares to introduce Tevez back into his squad.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2100643/Carlos-Tevez-Man-City-meet-Roberto-Mancini.html#ixzz1mNNDZMOI

Ponting will lead the team in absence of Michel Clarke

Ricky Ponting has been asked to step back into the role of Australia Captain because of the Clarke's injury. Ponting will be leading the team on Friday match against Sri Lanka.

As Davis Warner the opening batsman had been the official vice captain of the one day team but they are not likely to put more pressure on youngster who has played only 13 ODI matches.

Inverarity said in a statement Warner has good potential to lead the team but the selection panel is of the view that he should not at this moment, have the added responsibility of captaincy thrust on him.

As Warner has been gained very good experience under Michael Clarke's captaincy and he will have the opportunity to grow his leadership skills further as vice captain to Ricky Ponting.

Clarke's injury could make critical situation for Australia. As he is one of the best Australian player.

Dhoni earns India thrilling tie with Sri Lanka

Indian Captian Mahendra Singh Dhoni has played another thrilling inning for India with Sri Lanka in the fifthe tri series match at Adelaide on Tuesday.

On the last India were needed 4 runs in 1 ball to win and Dhoni lofted paceman Lasith Malinga over cover but he could manage only three runs and the result for the match was tie. As India has finished their inning with 236 runs for nice wickets in 50 overs exactly the same score as Sri Lanka.

It was the same situation when India were playing against Australia on sunday at the same venue, India were needed 13 runs in 6 balls and Dhoni hit a huge six and he has finished that match in his style and India won the match by four wickets.

As India have started their inning with Guatam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar. Once again Gambhir has played a nice inning for 91 runs. Sachin Tendulkar once again fail to score run and got out early.

Earlier, Sri Lanka lost their way during the batting powerplay, losing three wickets very early.

Dinesh Chandimal who is like wall of Sri Lanka. As this series is good for Chandimal. Dinesh Chandimal scored 81 runs, captain Mahela Jayawardene (43) and Thisara Perera (5) got out during the five-over period which took the momentum away from the innings.

Sri Lanka, who lost their first two matches in the triangular series, got off to a poor start after Jayawardene won the toss.

Sri Lanka who lost their first two matches in the tri series, got off to a poor start after Jayawardene won the toss.

The next match will be on Friday with Australia. Hope thta Sri Lanka could do well.

Srikkanth prays for Yuvi's speedy recovery at Tirupati

BCCI selection committee chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth prays at Tirupati for cricketer Yuvraj Singh who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Dozens of fans along with Srikkanth were seen at the temple of Hindu deity Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupati.

Srikkanth, who had arrived at the temple with his family on Sunday said he wished Singh a speedy recovery.

Shrikanth said: I would like to wish Yuvraj Singh all the very best. We are at the Kalian Venkateshwara temple. I have been hearing from the TV reports and the press reports that he is very cheerful and he is recovering from his disease very fast and I am sure by the grace of Kalian Venkateshwara and by Lord Balaji's grace Yuvraj will be hundred percent cured and I am sure he will be playing for India shortly and winning more world cups for us.

30 year old southpaw was told last year that he had a golf ball sized non-malignant tumour but that diagnosis was changed last week to a condition called "mediastinal seminoma.

Yuvi is currently undergoing chemotherapy in the USA at the Boston Medical Center, the same institute that treated American cyclist Lance Armstrong.

Armstrong is arguably international sports' best-known cancer survivor who went on to win a record seven Tour de France titles.

Well South African Dave Callaghan and Australian Simon O'Donnell also recovered from cancer to resume their cricketing careers. Lets hope for the same for Yuvraj Singh.

Confused Sangakkara plays mind games ahead of India clash

Kumar Sangakara the senior Sri Lankan Batsman said today that we are desperate to win our first match of the tournament against India in the ODI Tri series.

As everybody knows that Indian team always strong in India with the smaller grounds and conditions they are used to. We have always played our best cricket against them. Sangakkara was trying to play few mind games knowing well that he can't back his statements with facts which state otherwise.

In Australia, India have lost only one out of six matches against Sri Lanka. In England, it's again a solitary loss from five games. The only time they met in South Africa, India prevailed handsomely.

Yes India did lose to Sri Lanka by 69 runs in the 2007 World Cup group league match and they suffer by 19-26 win-loss ratio in Sri Lanka but overall they have had a superior presence than their island neighbours in 50 over format.

Even in Sri Lanka, in the last 17 matches, India have emerged victors in 10 matches. In India, of course they enjoy a 29-11 win-loss record. Overall, India have won 69 and lost 50 matches with no-result in 11 matches.

India beat Australia by thrilling chase

Well Today India have played their best cricket to beat Australia. Whether it is fielding, blowling or batting. India shown outstanding and all round performance in this 4th ODI of this tri series.

It looked like Australia will set target over 300 runs when David Hussey and Forrest were playing but after dismissal of forrest and hussey India pulled things back with some tight bowling and quick wickets in the last 10 overs to restrict Australia to a smaller total. And After the 50 overs Australia set 269 runs target to chase for India.

Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir have the inning and it was good partnership between both of them for 53 runs but suddently Sehwag got out for 20 runs, but gauti was looking dengerous today and played very well but unfortunately he missed his ton for 8 runs got out for 92 runs but he has done his job reach the target

Virat Kohli got out early and after Rohit sharma came to the crease who could also not play long inning and he added only 33 runs, Suresh Raina added 38 runs for just 30 balls in crusial situation.

Now it was a Dhoni's time to take whole the resposibility to thrilling chase and he has done it. Dhoni biffed McKay’s second ball of final over into the banks behind long on, one of the biggest six in international cricket. The hit may have easily been about 120 metres long. Dhoni swung the next ball, a waist-high full-toss to midwicket, where it was caught by David Warner. The no ball was called, leaving India three runs to get from three balls.

Now situation was three ball and three runs and Dhoni swung the ball to midwicket again, taking three runs, coolly collecting a souvenir stump and walking off the park.