Phoenix, Glory in frustrating draw

Paul Ifill battles Shane Smeltz. Source: Sean Middleton / News Limited

THERE were plenty of chances but in the end Wellington Phoenix and Perth Glory shared the points after a 1-1 A-League draw in Christchurch.

Andrew Durante picked up a collectors item, the Phoenix skipper scoring a rare goal to give his side the lead inside five minutes in Christchurch.

Parity was soon restored when Sidney Sciola teed up Ryo Nagai.

Despite both sides having great chances to pick up three points, that's the way it ended.

Our Match Centre features play-by-play commentary, stats, polls and video highlights.

More to come...

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

NSW and Vic draw in Sheild

David Warner of the Blues hits the ball. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

NEW South Wales and Victoria have played a draw, right when the Blues seemed set to chase down an unlikely Sheffield Shield victory.

Set 240 in 34 overs, David Warner (51*) and Nic Maddinson (36*) seemed to have the firepower to still win when they'd reached 0-94 after 18 overs.

But with an hour to play, the Blues shook hands with the Bushrangers and left contented with first-innings points after a rain-interrupted match that promised much but could only deliver individual results.

Earlier in the day, Chris Rogers finished off his 63rd first-class century as Victoria piled on the runs to eventually finish at 4-356 declared.

But in the process on a day dominated by the willow, Australian one-day opener Aaron Finch continued his dismal Sheffield Shield run with a rare "king pair".

Having been bowled by a superb Sean Abbott yorker first ball in the first innings, Finch came to the crease after a 117-run third-wicket stand between Cameron White (70*) and Peter Handscomb (94) at the hands of all-rounder Steve O'Keefe.

But amazingly, Finch shouldered arms to a straight one first up and again heard the death rattle as the ball clunked his off bail.

Matthew Wade (6*) batted for a short time before tea, then called an end to the Victorian innings just when White looked set for his first century of an already prolific summer that has now yielded 649 runs at 81.1.

And when Warner and Maddinson took to Scott Boland early in the run chase, it seemed as if the Blues would have a shot at the target.

But Peter Siddle and John Hastings slowed the run rate appreciably before the shock decision to call stumps with an hour to go.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live: Sheffield Shield day three

Chris Rogers has hit form. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

AUSTRALIAN audiences could be set for a batsman-dominated Ashes series if the recent formguide is to be trusted.

Incumbent opener Chris Rogers continued his impressive outing against NSW in the Sheffield Shield clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After his first innings of 88, Rogers moved within sight of a century on Friday as Victoria attempted to avert an outright defeat.

Rogers' top-order teammates have also enjoyed decent time in the middle of late. Steve Smith and David Warner both struck centuries in the match against Victoria and are now averaging 70.66 and 46.66 respectively in the Sheffield Shield this season.

Michael Clarke, too, batted solidly in his two Shield outings, and might well have expected a better return than his average of 46.00 if not for a contentious lbw decision to John Hastings for 43 on Thursday.

The English batsmen also made merry before two straight days of rain at Bellerive Oval. Alistair Cook and Michael Carberry combined for an unbeaten opening stand of 318 against Australia A.

Follow our blog below for LIVE updates from across the country, courtesy of our reporters on the ground.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Paper Talk: Stevie G's last hurrah?

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

A BUMPER edition of Friday <i>Paper Talk</i> features Steven Gerrard's plans to retire from international football, Arsenal's brazen move for a Manchester United star and some of the lines Zlatan Ibrahimovic uses to get under the skin of his opponents.

STEVIE G'S LAST HURRAH?

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers expects England captain Steven Gerrard to call time on his international career after next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Gerrard will be 34 by the time the finals come around and the midfielder conceded last year he was considering his future even before Euro 2012.

"Steven probably looks at it as though this is his last international year and after the World Cup that will be all finished and he will have lots of time to rest then," Rodgers said.

"Obviously he and Roy have a good relationship and I'm sure if he needs that breather in these two games he will get that.

"If you go to a World Cup in Brazil at 34 you might not have many more championships left in you. Very few players do.

"It will be Steven's decision but I'm sure now he'll want to maximise every cap, every performance and every minute on the pitch he can."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

GUNNING FOR CHICHARITO

Star Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has spoken recently of his desire to start more games and if Arsenal get their way, he may soon get that opportunity.

Currently the Premier League leaders, the Gunners are yet to convince many experts that they're a genuine title threat, and their lack of firepower up front - outside in-form Frenchman Olivier Giroud - is one of the main reasons cited by the doubters.

With Nicklas Bendtner on the outer, Arsene Wenger is likely to test the market in January, and his scouting network has kicked into overdrive, canvassing a shock move for the Mexican.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez remains Wenger's dream signing, but Hernandez is reportedly high on the list of alternatives.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

LLORIS MAKES PARLIAMENT

Tottenham manager Andres Villas-Boas has come under fire for allowing goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to play on against Everton despite suffering concussion.

And the debate has got so hot it has even reached British parliament, where Commons leader Andrew Lansley Andrew Lansley labelled the incident "horrific".

"(Even non-football fans) will have seen the horrific pictures last Sunday of the Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris being concussed on the pitch and yet being forced to go back on and play," Lansley said in a parliament address.

"Can we have an urgent debate as soon as possible on the dangers of concussion in sport so that we can provide a lead?

"There is real evidence that people, when they are forced to play again after being concussed, can all too easily end up suffering from premature dementia."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

TRASH TALKING ZLATAN

A few of the Anderlecht players have lifted the lid on Zlatan Ibrahimovic's attempt at sledging in Wednesday morning's (EDT) Champions League clash.

The game ended 1-1 after the Swede scored the equaliser for Paris St Germain but Sacha Kljestan told a Belgian newspaper that he had been surprised by some of the comments made after challenges.

"After a perfectly normal challenge, Ibra turned to me and provoked me, making a joke about my moustache, saying: 'That really is terrible,'" a smiling Kljestan told Het Nieuwsblad.

"I responded by saying that he should think about his nose."

And it wasn't just with his mouth that Zlatan was trying to inflict damage according to Luka Milivojevic, who added that Ibrahimovic had tried to catch him in an off-the-ball incident: "He tried to get me when the ball was long gone. Clearly he was not happy to have missed the ball."

It is not the first time Ibrahimovic has annoyed opponents with his comments during a match. In October of last year he was branded "arrogant, dirty and childish" by a player for the Faroe Islands. Zlatan had called them "a bunch of fishermen".

HODGSON WORRIED ABOUT HART

Roy Hodgson has backed Joe Hart to regain his Manchester City place and admitted the woefully out of form keeper's confidence would be crushed if he was axed from the England squad.

Hart was dropped by City manager Manuel Pellegrini following his latest high-profile error in the 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.

England's head coach stood by him but admitted he will only play him in one of the two friendlies against Chile and Germany.

"If I show a lack of faith in Joe it would be undeserving after what he has done for England and it would definitely affect his confidence negatively," Hodgson said.

"I would be a lot more concerned if, in the spring of next year as we are building up to the selection, he was a constant reserve, never getting a game of football.

"That would bother me but I will cross that bridge when I come to it. I firmly believe Joe is such a good goalkeeper that he will get back into the Manchester City team sooner or later."

A concussed Hugo Lloris (R) has been big news this week AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS Source: AFP

BIG SAM COY ON DEFOE

Sam Allardyce has refused to rule out a West Ham return for Jermain Defoe.

The England striker has become frustrated at a lack of playing time at Tottenham and is ready to move on in January. Hammers fans remain divided over the 31-year-old however.

Some have never forgiven him for handing in a transfer request just hours after West Ham were relegated a decade ago.

"I can't really comment on that because don't forget if I comment on having an interest in a player that can be deemed as an approach and they could bring me up on an FA charge.

"Many a manager has been brought up on that over the years. I was flabbergasted when that first charge was made, against David O'Leary, if I remember rightly, saying 'if that player's available I would like to sign him'."

HODGON FORGIVES DRESSING ROOM TREACHERY

Roy Hodgson insists he does not care which player accused him of racism last month - but admitted the "space monkey" controversy had "tarnished" his World Cup delight.

Three Lions chief Hodgson admitted he has become more "cautious" in the aftermath of the storm caused by his use of the punchline to the old NASA joke after one of his players went public with an accusation of racism.

But as he vehemently insisted his "innocent remark" had been "misconstrued" Hodgson made it clear he was not interested in any sort of witch-hunt.

"There is a dressing room code, everyone knows that, but I'm not prepared to discuss it, I'm not prepared to investigate it," he said.

"It's over. It's finished. I'm not interested any more."

Sami Khedira in action against Juventus. AP Photo/Antonio Calanni Source: AP

MOYES STILL WANTS KHEDIRA

Manchester United are weighing up a Pound35million January move for Real Madrid's Sami Khedira.

United are keeping tabs on the Germany international, as manager David Moyes plans to strengthen his midfield options in January.

Moyes sent assistant coach Phil Neville to watch Khedira in action in the Bernabeu side's thrilling 7-3 home win over Sevilla last week.

EVERTON'S SEARCH FOR STRIKERS

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed he is looking to delve into the transfer market to bolster his injury-hit squad in the New Year.

The Blues are reeling from news Arouna Kone could be sidelined for the remainder of the season, after it was announced the Ivory Coast striker would require surgery on his knee.

That leaves Everton's striking ranks paper thin, and heavily reliant on young star Romelu Lukaku.

"Arouna and Darren (Gibson) are two unexpected absences and we need to be as strong as we can be in the final third of the season, so we'll have to look into [signing replacements]," Martinez told the Liverpool Echo.

"We're always looking, and in January we'll have to see where we are. What's important though is we never bring in players for the sake of it.

"It won't be a case of getting someone just to make up the numbers.

"If we find the right players we'll look into it but if not I will look at the U21s and younger players here and make sure someone steps up because I've been impressed in that regard and it's important we keep that in mind."

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Paper Talk: Neymarmania gets weird

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

PAPER TALK features the amazing goal-scoring form of Aaron Ramsey, the reason Neymar has to change his phone number once a fortnight, and how Eden Hazard's European walkabout got him dropped for Chelsea's Champions League clash with Schalke.

RAMSEY ON FIRE

Last season Robin van Persie was unstoppable. This season it's Aaron Ramsey that can do no wrong.

The two meet in the Premier League's heavyweight clash this weekend and after Ramsey scored the most unlikely winner in the Gunners' Champions League clash with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund on Thursday morning (EDT), the table-toppers should go into the game as favourites.

Ramsey has scored 13 goals already this season - five of them in Europe.

But what astounded about Thursday's goal is that it was Ramsey's head, not his twinkling toes that did the damage.

Turns out the Welsh midfielder's got it all...

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

NEYMARMANIA OUT OF HAND

Neymarmania has reached such extremes that the Barcelona forward has had to make a plea to fans to stop calling in the early hours of the morning, forcing him to change his number every fortnight.

The Brazilian international used his Instagram profile on Wednesday (EDT) to write an open letter to his supporters in which he asked the 'Neymarzetes' - his most ardent followers - to refrain from their over-intrusive behaviour.

"I have a lot of affection for them and I don't know if I would have got where I have today without them," he starts.

But he goes on to say: "I am unable to keep the same number for more than two weeks because people who call themselves fans - Neymarzetes - call me in the early hours of the morning or send me messages.

"And worse they discover the numbers of my family, girlfriend and friends and they invent stories and tell lies so that in the end they also have to change their numbers."

HAZARD GOES WALKABOUT

IT turns out Eden Hazard is still a massive fan of his former club. So much so, he's prepared to roll the dice on Champions League selection just to go and sit in the stands to watch them play.

Hazard was left out of the Chalsea side that on Thursday morning (EDT) easily dealt with Schalke and after the match Jose Mourinho confirmed it was a Eurotrip gone wrong that caused the attacking midfielder to slip out of the squad.

Hazard is believed to have Sunday morning for a reunion with his former team-mates and to watch his ex-club take on Monaco later that evening.

He was due to board an early Eurostar train back to London on Monday morning in time to report for training at Chelsea' Cobham HQ, but did not make it.

"He missed training on Monday. He forgot the time? That's the end of story. He's a kid," Mourinho said after the Schalke game.

"Kids make mistakes and fathers have to be clever in the way they educate their sons. He didn't play. He wanted to play.

"He was sad because he didn't play. We won without him. On Saturday, he is back. So, end of story."

DID MESSI MEAN IT?

Was this an accident or another example of Leo Messi's genius?

He was offside, so the goal didn't count, but take a look and judge for yourself...

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

SYDNEY FC'S OTHER ITALIAN CELEBRITY

Perhaps not quite as universally adored as Alessandro Del Piero, singer-songwriter Eros Ramazzotti is nonetheless a big name in his home country of Italy.

Singing in both Italian and Spanish, the 50-year-old has sold a whopping 55 million records in his 25-year career, collaborating with the likes of Cher, Tina Turner, Andrea Bocelli, Nicole Scherzinger and Ricky Martin along the way.

And on Thursday morning, the singing sensation made his way to Sydney FC training, with Tony Pignata posting this tweet.

Let's hope Ramazotti had something cheerful to sing the Sky Blues. They could do with some cheering up right now.

KLOPP BREAKING BAD?

Eccentric Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has been called many things, but we're betting one of them isn't Walter White.

At least, until now.

Wearing his hood up as he coached his side to a Champions League loss against Arsenal in the rain on Thursday morning, Klopp was snapped side on, looking chillingly like the character who has taken the world by storm in TV drama Breaking Bad.

At least the Daily Mail thought so, anyway.

Jurgen Klopp manager / head coach of Borussia Dortmund in the rain Source: ABC

CELTIC TAKING EUROPE BY STORM

Celtic is making a splash in Europe right now... Or at least their fans are, after their Champions League trip to Ajax was marred by a clash between supporters, with 15 fans from the Scottish side arrested.

Amsterdam Police said that fans armed with bottles and sticks attacked plain-clothed police in an incident described as "coming out of nowhere".

Eight police officers were injured with one knocked unconscious following the fighting in Dam Square, in the city centre.

Police said the majority of those arrested were Celtic fans, although it is believed that supporters from other clubs were also involved.

ARE YOU FLIPPIN' SERIOUS?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has broken new ground yet again, with his famous backheeled goal recreated in a series of flipbook sketches, and played out as a comic on You Tube.

The cartoon animation captures the Swedish international holding off his marker with brute force before finishing with the finesse expected by such a complete frontman.

It was one of two goals scored by Ibrahimovic in Paris Saint-Germain's 4-0 victory over Bastia and it was yet another sensational strike from the charismatic attacker.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

ARSENAL'S NEW FAB FOUR?

When Arsene Wenger first arrived at Arsenal he inherited one of the most impregnable back fours the EPL has ever seen, with the likes of Tony Adams, Martin Keown, Nigel Winterburn and Lee Dixon.

And after the Gunners sensational start to the season, comparisons between that foursome and Arsenal's current back four of Bacary Sagna, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscienly and Kieran Gibbs are starting to be made.

Perhaps it's a little early for that, but it makes a nice change from the leaky construction the Gunners have had to rely on at the back in recent seasons.

BERNABEU'S NEW NAME?

Computer giant Microsoft have confirmed they are talks with Real Madrid to sponsor their Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

María Garaña head of Microsoft in Spain told Antena 3: "They are speaking with us and with various other companies about the stadium" when asked by the television network how far advanced was their proposed link to the world's richest club was.

Windows 7 Arena, anyone?

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

KEEPER LOSES HIS HAND

A Uruguayan goalkeeper has been forced to retire after losing four fingers in a horrific domestic accident.

Juan Obelar, a former player for Uruguayan giants Penarol, was left with only a thumb on his left hand after Monday's sickening events.

"I feel so awful, this is the most horrendous thing that has ever happened to me. It is a very painful moment," he told local media.

"I was doing a few things for my house, putting wood through a plane and the next thing I know the machine ripped off four fingers.

"I was on my own, I didn't have help from anyone and the only digit I had left was my thumb."

Obelar will undergo surgery to reconstruct his hand, although there was no possibility of saving his fingers.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live: Warner cuts loose in Shield

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

DAVID Warner and Steve Smith stepped off the Ashes casting couch with a smile today, but Fawad Ahmed might need to find a psychologist's.

As the dashing Warner compiled a chanceless century to all but book his place at the Gabba against England, leg-spinner Ahmed's dream run hit a deep pothole as the Blues took a firm grip on their Sheffield Shield match at the MCG.

With Warner leading an even-time run charge early, then Smith following suit in the final session, the visitors powered to a 117-run overall lead before being dismissed for 353 at stumps on day two.

But Ahmed, on what has quickly becoming a happy hunting ground for the Victorian, had a day to forget, being pasted for 1-91 off 21 unusually erratic overs.

The double-edged sword for the man widely lauded as Australia's Ashes secret weapon was that his potential teammates - Warner, Smith and national captain Michael Clarke - were his chief destroyers, as several full-tosses and long-hops were summarily crunched to and over the fence.

First-change bowler John Hastings was easily Victoria's best toiling manfully for his 5-61, including the prize scalp of Clarke, LBW for 43.

But the day belonged clearly to Warner, who continued his rise from a dreadful winter in which he only managed one half-century in three Ashes Tests after a series of controversies.

Without fanfare or risk until he reached his ton, he flayed the Bushrangers bowlers to all parts of the ground, dominating a century union with Clarke and celebrating intently with partner Candice Falzon watching on.

Warner played and missed a couple of times early in his final audition to join Chris Rogers as Australia's openers at the Gabba on November 21, but settled down well against both pace and spin.

His 84-ball knock featured 15 crisp boundaries to all quadrants, including some sparkling off-drives from both Peter Siddle and Scott Boland, who eventually claimed his wicket.

Warner cracked the first ball he faced after he reached his milestone to the mid-wicket fence off a Boland bouncer. He then tried to repeat the dose next ball, only to hole out to Siddle at mid-on in what was the first false stroke he'd played in two hours.

But the wicket only brought Test incumbent Steve Smith to the crease and increased Victoria's woes.

The mercurial right-hander was typically entertaining, mixing some brutal pull shots and lofted straight drives with some unique footwork that at one stage landed him flat on his face against Siddle.

But with 13 fours and two sixes, Smith could barely care less about the niceties of technique as he took apart the old enemy before falling in the quest for late runs as his partners dwindled.

In Brisbane, George Bailey missed a chance to further his Ashes claims after being dismissed by Test paceman Ryan Harris for his overnight score of 34.

At lunch, Tasmania was 7-334

There was sad news this morning for Queensland fans, as the first-class debut of teenage batsman Nick Stevens looks to have exploded along with his knee.

The talented 19-year-old batsman, playing his first game for Queensland, spent some of last night in hospital after injuring his knee in the field yesterday.

Stevens woke up this morning with enormous swelling to his knee and is unlikely to play any further part in the Queensland versus Tasmania Shield game at Brisbane's Allan Border Field.

Over in Perth, Western Australia will look to build a big lead when play gets underway at the WACA Ground after dismissing South Australia for 222 on day one.

Down in Hobart, rain has delayed the start of day two of England's tour match against Australia A.

Follow the live coverage from all the Shield matches, plus England's tour match against Australia A, in our live blog below!

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

McDonald puts hand up at North

North Melbourne players doing a time trial at Albert Park athletics track. North Melbourne's Sam Gibson leads the time trial. Picture: George Salpigtidis. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

NORTH Melbourne father-son recruit Luke McDonald is already in pole position for an early-season debut after a strong start to the club's pre-season.

McDonald and the club's 1st to fourth year players started a pre-season coach Brad Scott has promised will be "combative, aggressive and taxing".

The Roos have high hopes of an instant impact from free agency acquisition Nick Dal Santo and McDonald, who will be taken at pick 8 after last month's father-son bidding.

He finished seventh in a highly impressive 2km time trial at Lakeside Oval behind Sam Gibson, rookie Tim McGenniss, Ryan Bastinac, Shaun Atley and Jamie Macmillan.

Coach Brad Scott is aware McDonald will need to handle many of the same expectations of dramatic improvement that the club faces for 2014.

SAINT SAAD TO LEARN FATE

But while the Roos know he will take time, his impressive VFL finals performances for Werribee will only be enhanced by a second Utah altitude camp in coming weeks after travelling to America with the club last year.

Drew Petrie started his 14th pre-season early despite being allowed another fortnight's break, with only forward Majak Daw (PCL reconstruction) and captain Andrew Swallow (achilles surgery) facing delayed pre-seasons.

Scott said last week only through a massive pre-season would the Roos put themselves in position to justify the huge expectations after impressive on and off-field recruitments.

"We are pretty confident in the health of our list, but the hard work is about to start and we will have a combative, aggressive and taxing pre-season. The players are relishing that opportunity and hopefully come Round 1 we have similar list availability.

"Andrew (Swallow) is making great progress and Utah will be the best place for him to rehab his achilles. There is no better place to do hiking and walking than Utah."

Daw will be "touch and go" for Round 1 after his PCL reconstruction, but Scott said he would be ready for repetitive sprint work.

"A lot of the work for him is coaching around specific tactics and game-sense training and we are going to be able to do that. When he does come back into the side he will be ready."

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Heppell nears full recovery

Essendon Training at Windy Hill. Dyson Heppell Source: News Limited

RISING Essendon star Dyson Heppell is closing in on a full recovery from a serious foot injury after embarking on a diligent off-season fitness campaign.

The Bombers admitted to being impressed by Heppell's condition yesterday as the club's first to four year players reported back for duty at their new airport base.

Heppell missed the last two matches of 2013 with a metatarsal stress problem; an inflammation of an old injury football manager Steve Alessio described as a "growth plate issue".

But Heppell worked hard over the break and trained with his young teammates yesterday ahead of a final meeting with specialists in a fortnight.

"He's been going very well. In fact he's been doing a heap of training during the off-season and has come back in really great shape," Alessio said.

"He's a real professional."

Heppell was a shining light in Essendon's season, finishing third in the Crichton Medal and being named captain of the inaugural AFL Players' Association under 22 team.

The 21-year-old is expected to be given the green light for full training by the time he leaves for the club's two-week high-altitude camp in Boulder, Colorado.

The Bombers will send an expanded 25-player delegation overseas, up from 10 this time last year.

"We're looking to continue to increase our altitude training camps and to invest in our players," Alessio said.

"A mix of players will stay behind. A few old blokes at the end of the spectrum and the young guys at the front."

Interim coach Mark Thompson will return from leave on Monday, but Alessio said there was already an exciting vibe as the Bombers embark on a fresh start.

"The mood among the players and staff, they've got a real spring in their step. It really helps coming into a workplace that is elite and new and provides the facilities that we all need," he said.

"Everyone is optimistic and this facility only adds to that optimism."

Essendon's return to action came as St Kilda and Collingwood youngsters also took to the track.

The Saints embarked on day one of pre-season without a coach, while former Hawk Carl Peterson was a shock invitee at Seaford.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Moises loses ground on rivals

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Moises Henriques is amongst the greatest victims of Australia's just completed one-day tour of India.

A candidate to replace another India tour victim, Shane Watson, as a batting all-rounder in the first Test later this month, Henriques did not play in any of the seven one-day matches.

While George Bailey was filling his boots and advancing his chances of a Test debut aged 31, Henriques was a spectator who also missed the first round of Sheffield Shield matches.

It was a round where Tasmania's Alex Doolan scored a fine 132, taking his side to victory over NSW and pushing him high up the list of hopefuls in line to play the first Test at the Gabba, beginning on November 21.

Confusion continues to surround the extent of Watson's left hamstring strain, with Cricket Australia expected to release a statement on Wednesday.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Henriques has not played for a month. His last match was a Twenty20 game for Australia against India at Rajkot, where he scored 12 and finished with figures of 0-15.

In that time state players have been playing almost non-stop in the Ryobi Cup and last week's Shield matches.

Henriques arrived in Hobart around noon on Monday and took Tuesday off to recover. On Wednesday he will toss the coin as captain of Australia A in a four-day match at Bellerive Oval.

It is his one chance to stake a claim before the Test team is announced next Tuesday.

"I slept pretty well through exhaustion more than anything,"Henriques said. "I Should be right."

A promising cricketer from the age of 16, Henriques has spent a decade failing to fulfil his potential.

He has just one first class century in 46 matches, with a batting average of 32 and bowling average of 28.

It appears he may have broken through during the Test tour of India earlier this year, making 68 and 81 not out in the first Test at Chennai, but was dropped after scores of 5, 0, 0 and 2.

However he played down the possibility of being a replacement for Watson, who damaged his hamstring bowling during the fine one-day match against India last Saturday.

"I think obviously depending on Shane's fitness, but he managed to bat in the second innings and was still jogging between the wickets so I think he'll be fine for the first

Test," Henriques said.

"With his injury I am not sure what's going on but he still managed to come out in the second innings of that ODI and hit the ball all over the park so he was going okay.

"The only thing I am worried about at the moment is trying to win games for whatever team I am playing for whether it is down here this week or back at NSW.

"The big goal is to put ourselves in position to win the shield so I think playing good shield cricket is all I can try and do and the rest will look after itself."

An articulate man, Henriques is highly regarded as a future leader if he can ever justify his place in the side.

"It's a great opportunity for me just to be recognised by the selectors and CA in this light and a great opportunity to lead an Australian team onto the park, it's a massive honour," Henriques said.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Marsh says he's conquered demons

SHAUN Marsh can't explain why his international went career spiralling out of control but the injury-prone batsman is confident he is now in better mental shape than the mess of two seasons ago.

The left-hander burst onto the scene with a century on Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2011, followed by 81 in his next innings to lay the foundation for what seemed a long stint in the baggy green.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

But when he was forced to retire hurt on 44 in tough conditions against South Africa in Cape Town in his next series, it sent his career into free fall.

Marsh scored just 14 runs in his next seven Test innings - including averaging a paltry 2.83 against India two summers ago - before being axed.

Injuries have continued to plague the 30-year-old since, and when he was suspended by the Perth Scorchers for a late night of drinking during the Champions League he was almost at rock bottom.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

However with the assistance of former Test opener and Western Australian coach Justin Langer Marsh has reinvented himself, scoring 304 runs at 76 during the recently completed Ryobi Cup.

"Good question, obviously a disappointing last series for me, I think it was about 18 months ago now," Marsh said when asked if he knew what went wrong against India.

"I guess I've learned a lot from it and I'm certainly a better player for it and if I do get another opportunity down the track, I'm sure I will be a better player.

"It really showed me you had to be 100 per cent mentally on top of your game and I probably wasn't during that series, I had a few distractions away from cricket which didn't help.

"But I have always said if I did get another opportunity I would be a lot better prepared."

Marsh has the chance to stake his claim for a spot in the opening Ashes Test at the Gabba when he lines up for Australia A against England starting in Hobart today.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

He is one of a number of batsman around the country looking to push for the No.6 spot, alongside Australia A teammates Usman Khawaja and Alex Doolan and national Twenty20 captain George Bailey, who will lead Tasmanian against Queensland at Allan Border Field.

And although he has already had a taste of Test cricket, Marsh doesn't feel he has any inside running, despite being endorsed from former national skipper Mark Taylor.

"There are probably five, six, seven guys who are all vying for that spot and guys have performed well already, so it is crucial for everyone to be performing and scoring runs and putting your name up.

"They will pick the guy who has scored the most runs and in the best nick and we will have to wait and see who that is.

"Age shouldn't have any [bearing] on selection, if you are performing well and scoring the most runs you should be picked."

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cahill scores as Carney falters

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

TIM Cahill turned on another stellar show but fellow Socceroo David Carney had a match to forget as their New York Red Bulls opened the MLS playoffs with a painful 2-2 draw.

Cahill scored the first goal - his 12th of the season - with a trademark header and he also assisted in the second to put his team 2-0 up inside 45 minutes of the first leg in their Eastern Conference semi-final series with Houston Dynamo.

But the Red Bulls, who led the points standings in both conferences in the regular season, had a horror second half and hosts Houston secured a draw with their second goal two minutes into injury time.

Unfortunately for left back Carney, it was his poor clearance in the 51st minute that started the comeback when Houston's Ricardo Clark latched onto the ball and skimmed a shot through the legs of Jamison Olave into the goal with keeper Luis Robles unsighted. Then Olave was shown a straight red card in the 65th minute for a challenge from behind on substitute Omar Cummings, leaving the Red Bulls to play with 10 men against a revitalised home side. It was Cummings who scored the equaliser from point blank range when Robles stopped but could not control a headed shot.

Cahill's goal came in the 22nd minute off a cross from superstar teammate Thierry Henry and he combined with Henry in setting up Eric Alexanders for the second Red Bulls goal.

"I thought we gave them confidence," said Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke.

"Obviously, with the deflection goal, the poor clearance on our part. The red card killed us. Those goals are our fault.

"It wasn't something created out of spectacular stuff. It was self-inflicted on us.

"The rule of thumb is on the road, if you get a tie and go home to your place and it's pretty much 0-0, its a good thing.

"But our guys are angry at the way that we allowed them back in the game."

The return leg of the series will be held on Thursday (AEST) at Red Bull Arena. AAP gc

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

NFL coach collapses, is stable

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

HOUSTON Texans coach Gary Kubiak was in stable condition and undergoing tests at a hospital after collapsing at halftime of his team's National Football League home game Sunday against Indianapolis.

The absence of Kubiak, who calls the offensive plays for the Texans, was felt by Houston in the second half as the Colts rallied from a 21-3 halftime deficit and beat the hosts 27-24.

"He had an episode at the end of the first half where he was light headed and dizzy," Texans general manager Rick Smith said. "He is awake, coherent and communicating. He is in stable condition.

"Hopefully Gary will be back with us tomorrow and that's how we will move forward."

The 52-year-old coach fell to the ground in pain near the 20-yard line on the Texans' sideline as he was walking off the field at halftime. Television video showed Kubiak putting his hands on his head moments before he slumped to the turf.peKubiak attempted to sit up, but was unable to stay upright and lay on his back for several minutes. He was taken off the field and into the locker room on a stretcher before leaving the stadium in an ambulance.

Wade Phillips, a former NFL coach now serving as the Texans' defensive coordinator, assumed the coaching duties in Kubiak's absence.

NFL game telecaster NBC reported that Phillips said the hospital trip was a precautionary move and that Kubiak's heart rate and pulse were both fine.

A Texans spokesman later said that Kubiak did not lose consciousness and had not suffered a heart attack.

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shoulder injury ends Lewis' campaign

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

AUSTRALIA'S comprehensive 34-2 win over Fiji this morning was overshadowed by a serious shoulder injury that has ended Luke Lewis's World Cup dream.

The Cronulla backrower dislocated his shoulder after crashing into an advertising sign late in the game that knocked him unconscious.

It was the first big injury blow of the tournament and Lewis was in terrible pain as concerned teammates rushed to him. 

Minutes later he was helped from the field with the assistance of trainers and it took the best part of 20 minutes for medical staff to put his shoulder back in place.

Coach Tim Sheens confirmed he was out of the tournament but Lewis is likely to travel with the team to ireland tomorrow where he will have further tests.

The Kangaroos backrower was chasing through on a kick in the 68th minute when he slid across the turf and collided into the advertising sign.

Sheens said it was a disappointing blow for the team to lose such an inspirational player.

"It is definitely the end of his tour," Sheens said.

"It is going to be a big loss to us. 

"He is up and around but he was in a bit of trouble for a while.

"He'll be sore in the morning. 

"It is disappointing for the group. The boys are all pretty concerned for him.

"It's not a career-ending injury or anything like that; it's just disappointing for his tournament, that's all."

Sheens was unsure if the tournament rules allow Australia to send for a replacement to complete their 24-man squad.

"That's being looked at but I'm uncertain of the rules there," Sheens said.

"I think for a serious injury like that, I'm hoping we will (get a replacement)."

Cowboys superstar Johnathan Thurston won his second man of the match in as many games on tour while Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans couldn't have done more to press his claims with a terrific game in his first start for the Kangaroos at halfback.

The Clive Churchill Medal winner scoring a try and playing a significant role in three more in the Kangaroos' six tries to nil shutout.

Driving rain, strong winds and close to freezing temperatures made conditions difficult but Australia's had still managed to build a commanding 16-2 lead by halftime.

They didn't have it all their own way in the early stages with Fiji producing a spirited start with some bruising defence and powerful running.

Australia had an early try disallowed to Josh Morris and Fiji got the opening points courtesy of a penalty goal to five-eighth Alipate Noilea in the 6th minute.

The first of Australia's three first half tries came via a nice ball from Cherry-Evans that put Josh Papalii over in the 14th minute and Darius Boyd was the next to score after some good lead up work from Greg Inglis.

Tim Sheens had moved the Souths superstar to fullback to try and get him more involved and on occasions in the first half he was showing some promising signs.

Inglis again played a part in Jennings' try in the 30th minute with the Roosters flyer showing brilliant acceleration in his chase to lock down the left centre role.

Up front Cameron Smith was outstanding as always and coming off the bench Paul Gallen did a truck load of work along with the starting front rowers Matt Scott and James Tamou.

A cross-field kick from Cherry-Evans provided the spark for Australia's fourth try with Jarryd Hayne also involved as he tapped the ball back to give Josh Morris his first try of the tour.

And then Cherry-Evans was on the end of some great lead up work from Scott and Tamou as the halfback raced away for his first try of the World Cup to make it 28-2 after 56 minutes.

Cherry-Evans then played a part in the next try Luke Lewis scored after he combined with Inglis to send the backrower over to give Australia a 34-2 lead.

Re-live all the action in our World Cup blog below:

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Watson's injury hampers Australia

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

SHANE Watson's untimely hamstring injury has thrown Australia's Ashes preparation into chaos.

Batting and bowling plans will be hastily revamped in the fear that Watson will be unable to recover for the first Test, beginning at Brisbane's Gabba in just 17 days.
 
His likely absence will further weaken an already fragile batting line-up now largely devoid of experience following the retirements of Mike Hussey and Ricky Ponting. 
 
Watson has a history of hamstring problems which flared again on Saturday night when he broke down while bowling in the last one-day match of the seven-game series against India in Bangalore.
 
He appeared to aggravate the strain while batting as Australia lost a staggeringly high-scoring encounter by 57 runs. 
 
The injury-plagued all-rounder was forced to miss the entire 2006-07 Ashes series because of ongoing hamstring issues.
 
Watson appeared set to remain at number three after his career-best 176 in the final Test of the Ashes tour at the Oval.
 
Now the strong favourite to fill that spot is Tasmania's number three Alex Doolan, who scored a superb 132 against a strong NSW attack on Saturday to ensure victory chasing 295.
 
Doolan was a big chance to play even if Watson was fit, particularly if David Warner continues to fail at first class level.
 
Now Doolan appears a certainty, and he has the chance to reinforce a likely Test debut playing for Australia A against England at Hobart's Bellerive Oval in a four-day match beginning on Wednesday.
 
Watson's injury now means there are likely to be two debutants from Tasmania in the first Test following George Bailey's spectacular one-day series in India.
 
With Shaun Marsh and Usman Khawaja making below par starts to their Sheffield Shield campaigns Bailey has little competition for the number six spot in the Test team.
 
Even the spin bowling options have been thrown up in the air by Watson's dodgy hamstring.
 
The selectors would have been happier to take a risk with leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed in the knowledge that Watson was in the side as a fifth bowler to dry up the runs if necessary.
 
Fawad is a more attacking option than off-spinner Nathan Lyon but there is also a danger that with limited experience and the pressure of his first Test, Fawad may leak runs, releasing the pressure on England.
 
Fawad is certainly a wicket-taker, he has 22 from four Sheffield Shield matches since the Pakistani refugee was selected for Victoria late last season.
 
However neither he nor Lyon could land the killer blow for their state teams on Saturday.
 
Fawad claimed 6-68 in the first innings against Western Australia but failed to take a wicket on the last day as WA held on for a draw at the MCG.
 
He was out bowled by occasional leg-spinner Cameron White, who took 4-38.
 
Likewise Lyon is yet to show that he can bowl his team to victory on the last day, whether it be at state or national level.
 
He took three late wickets on Saturday but it proved too little too late as Tasmania collapsed from 2-261, losing 6-23 before scrambling to an eight-wicket win.
 

14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More