The Malaysian Insider :: Sports
The Malaysian Insider :: Sports |
| Pietersen in as England look to wrap up Ashes Posted: 28 Jul 2013 02:56 AM PDT Kevin Pietersen was included in a 14-man squad for next week's third Ashes Test against Australia at Old Trafford despite concerns over his calf injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced Sunday. Star batsman Pietersen will be given time to prove his fitness for the match, which starts at the Manchester venue on Thursday, with Nottinghamshire's James Taylor added to the squad as cover. England have also altered their bowling options by bringing in Monty Panesar as a second spinner and recalling fast bowler Chris Tremlett in place of seamers Steven Finn and Graham Onions. Pietersen, who has been sidelined for much of this year, suffered his latest fitness setback in England's crushing 347-run second Test win at Lord's last week and could not field in the second innings. Taylor always looked the most likely candidate to be called up as cover after the ECB sought special dispensation for the diminutive batsman to guest for Sussex in their ongoing tour match against Australia at Hove. The 23-year-old Taylor responded by making an unbeaten 64 on Saturday's second day of three. Taylor played two Tests against South Africa last year but didn't make the England squad for the tours of India and New Zealand, falling behind the likes of Nick Compton and Joe Root in the England pecking order. However, he has been in good first-class form this season, scoring 824 runs in 15 County Championship appearances, including an unbeaten double century against Sussex in June. "Kevin Pietersen is continuing his recovery from a calf strain and he will be assessed by the medical team closer to the start of the Test and we have therefore included an extra batsman in James Taylor who has been in good form for Nottinghamshire this season," said England national selector Geoff Miller in a statement announcing the squad. Meanwhile left-armer Panesar has been included in the squad alongside off-break bowler Graeme Swann on account of Old Trafford's reputation for providing spin-friendly pitches which has endured despite the ground not having staged a Test for three years because of extensive redevelopment. Sussex bowler Panesar last played a home Test four years ago when he held out with the bat to help guide England to a draw in the 2009 Ashes opener at Cardiff but has featured nine times abroad in recent years. Tremlett, who starred in England's 3-1 Ashes series win in Australia in 2010/11 has not played a Test for 18 months, with injuries checking his progress. But the giant paceman has impressed for Surrey this season. Finn played in England's narrow 14-run first Test win at Trent Bridge but was dropped for the second Test at Lord's, with all-rounder Tim Bresnan selected in his place. Durham fast-medium bowler Onions was in the squad for the first two Tests but did not play in either match. Victory at Old Trafford would see England, currently 2-0 up with three to play, clinch the series and retain the Ashes. However, a cautious Miller said: "The players worked hard at Trent Bridge and Lord's to get into a very good position in this Ashes but will be fully aware that there is still a great deal of cricket left in the series." - AFP, July 28, 2013 |
| Brawling Bodin handed two-year ban Posted: 28 Jul 2013 01:53 AM PDT Bodin Issara was banned for two years by the Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) for physical assault after his ugly on-court brawl with former doubles partner Maneepong Jongjit during the final of the Canada Open last week. The BAT also handed Maneepong a three-month ban for provocation after lengthy deliberations last night in Bangkok. The duo could face further penalties with an investigation by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) still ongoing. "Everything we have done in 60 years collapsed just because of one person. In my six decades in this sport, I haven't seen a more violent case than this," BAT president Charoen Wattanasin was quoted as saying by Thai media today. "I have been requested to be gentle in the measures but this is not about my feelings or others' feelings. It's a matter of the country's image." The duo, both 22, teamed up for Thailand at the London Olympics and were competing on opposite sides for the first time since their split and tensions blew up in a feisty men's doubles contest which ended with Bodin's disqualification after he chased Maneepong around the arena. Bodin lost his temper after Maneepong had hit him on the head with his racket at the change of ends and the crowd were left in shock as Bodin eventually tackled his former partner to the ground on a neighbouring court and rained downed punches before being pulled away. Bodin and Maneepong made a public apology yesterday, shaking hands and attempted to put the incident behind them after landing back in Bangkok on Wednesday having taken separate flights. Bodin's remorse meant he avoided a lifetime ban, while Maneepong's regret saw his penalty halved from six months. Maneepong, however, suggested it would take more than a public show of remorse for the two to become friends again. "Only if he tells the truth, but if he still tells lies, then no," Maneepong said. Maneepong said he had also received an apology via email from Bodin, while Thai media said Bodin's wife and mother had also apologised to Maneepong. The BWF have charged both players with inappropriate conduct, oral abuse and unsportsmanlike conduct. Bodin was also charged with physical abuse and conduct contrary to the integrity of the game. - Reuters, July 28, 2013 |
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