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England prevail over Invitational XI

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 16 November 2013 | 14.23

Michael Carberry guides one past Ryan Carters at the SCG. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Source: Gareth Copley / Getty Images

VETERAN opening batsman Michael Carberry has played himself further into the England Test side with another solid innings.

The left-hander made 50 as England beat an Invitational XI by seven wickets at the SCG on Saturday.

It followed Carberry's unbeaten 153 against Australia A in Hobart a week or so ago.

The form of the 33-year-old has allowed England to move talented youngster Joe Root down the order away from the new ball.

Carberry, whose only Test was against Bangladesh in 2010, has made runs in all three lead-up matches on this tour, with half-centuries either side of his Hobart hundred.

However they have been against modest attacks on flat wickets.

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Experienced cricketers who have seen him play believe the step up to a faster, bouncier Gabba pitch against a quality Australian pace attack will find him out.

Certainly Australia A wicketkeeper Tim Paine made no secret of the fact that they believed Carberry had an obvious weakness, no matter how diplomatically he put it.

"We thought we were probably half a sniff around that gully region if you bowl the right length to him," Paine said during the Australia A match.

Craig McDermott is not convinced that Australian all-rounder Shane Watson will bowl in the first Ashes Test.

"He is a class player, he is opening the batting for England and they are a very good side.

"If he does play in the Ashes he will be hard to get out but I do think there is an area there definitely where if you stack your gully region, at some point you will get a chance."

Carberry's only failure on tour was in the first innings of this match, although he does open the face and glide fast bowlers to gully on a semi-regular basis.

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He had an intriguing battle with rookie leg-spinner James Muirhead bowling into the footmarks outside the left-hander's off stump.

A couple of deliveries bounced and turned alarmingly, with one going past Carberry's chest and another flicking his shoulder on the way through to wicketkeeper Peter Nevill.

Given Muirhead is only 20 and has played just one first class match it was no surprise he struggled for consistency plying his difficult craft.

Ironically it was one of the young leggie's more ordinary deliveries which claimed the wicket of Carberry when he skied a short ball to be caught at mid-wicket, giving Muirhead the first two wickets.

He gives the ball a mighty rip, as England captain Alastair Cook found to his detriment.

Cook was on 21 when he rocked back to cut a ball from Muirhead only to watch it turn viciously, crashing into the left-handers off-stump.

Muirhead should have had a third wicket when Jonathan Trott on 17 attempted to flay a full, wide ball through the covers and edged it to Aaron Finch at slip. It flew at an awkward height and Finch failed to hold it.

Trott could have been run out a short time earlier when Kevin Pietersen left him stranded mid-pitch.

Pietersen was bowled for six playing across a full ball from Chris Tremain which darted back.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lions, Suns set for bumper AFL draft

Kade Kolodjashnij gets a kick away. He could be heading to Gold Coast. Picture by Colleen Petch. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

THE LIONS and Suns have enjoyed vastly different draft fortunes in recent years but both should snare at least one gun when the nation's best teens go on sale on the Gold Coast this week.

The first uncompromised draft since 2009 is loaded with class at the top end and for clubs with early picks, it will be like shooting fish in a barrel.

S CROLL DOWN FOR EXCLUSIVE VIDEO ON THE MAN THE LIONS COULD TAKE

Tom Boyd is the stand-out and has been pencilled in as the number one pick since the final name was called last year.

PICK ME: Exclusive highlights and analysis of all the hottest prospects

Josh Kelly, James Aish and Jack Billings have traded second billing throughout the season but Kelly has emerged as the favourite to join Boyd at GWS.

From there the order depends on St Kilda who's preparation has been disrupted by a turbulent post-season which culminated in the sacking of coach Scott Watters.

Gold Coast list manager Scott Clayton believes there is no point attempting to second guess what other clubs would do and says there will be plenty of great players still available at pick 5.

"I like it, I think it is a pretty good draft,'' he said.

SuperFooty draft experts Jay Clark and Sam Landsberger discuss the top 30 prospects.

"We're waiting to see what everyone else does, but we'll get a good payer regardless.''

There have been mixed signals coming out of footy clubs about the 2013 crop. It is universally agreed that the top 15 is chock full of future stars - and when you consider Sun Jack Martin and Demon Jesse Hogan, taken a year earlier through the GWS mini-draft, are basically from this pool, it shapes as a sterling vintage.

But opinion is divided over how deep the talent runs. .

The Lions and Suns are among four clubs - Greater Western Sydney and St Kilda are the others, to hold three or more picks inside the top 30.

Clayton disagrees with suggestions the talent thins out and says it is a good time to hold multiple picks at the top end.

"There is some very good players in there, we wouldn't have minded another pick,'' he said.

"I'm positive about it, I think if clubs make the right choices this can be a very successful draft.

Clubs with picks in the top twenty will go after the best players available but there is a feeling that targeted recruiting for specific body types might start a little earlier than usual.

That means ruckman and long-term, key position prospects may climb up into the late 20s, early 30s.

Both the Suns and Lions may look for a key defender with one of their later picks.

Hammo's Top Ten

1. GWS - Tom Boyd - Vic. 200cm, 103kg. Tough, smart and a strong mark. The stand-out player of the draft.

2. GWS - Josh Kelly - Vic. 183cm, 75kg. Inside and outside midfielder with elite endurance and a superb left foot.

3. St Kilda - Jack Billings - Vic. 184cm, 75kg. All class on both sides of the body. Clever around goal and will develop into a midfielder.

4. Western Bulldogs - James Aish - SA. 184cm, 75kg. Silky skilled outside distributor who has already played in two senior premierships.

5. Gold Coast - Kade Kolodjashnij - Tas. 190cm, 81kg. Athletic half back who can cut sides open with his run and carry. Possesses a lethal left foot.

6. Collingwood - Matthew Scharenberg - SA. 190cm, 87kg. Tall and skillful and can play anywhere.

7. Brisbane - Marcus Bontempelli - Vic. 192cm, 83kg. Great distributor who has been likened to Scott Pendlebury and is a cousin to Nick Dal Santo.

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8. Kangaroos - Luke McDonald (Father-Son) - Vic. 188cm, 85kg. Clever rebounder who is expected to be an instant addition to Brad Scott's team. The son of footy manager Donald works hard and has a deadly left foot.

9. Melbourne - Nathan Freeman - Vic 182cm, 85kg. Wins the ball inside and explodes from congestion. Is deadly around the stoppages and has been likened to Patrick Dangerfield.

10. Collingwood - Ben Lennon - Vic. 188cm, 77kg. An offensive weapon who is a strong mark, chock full of courage and has an elite left foot.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Live: Hughes goes big, Finch fires

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 15 November 2013 | 14.23

Phil Hughes celebrates bringing up 150 against Western Australia on day three. Source: Morne de Klerk / Getty Images

PLAYERS from both sides of the Ashes fence have a chance today to take crucial momentum into next week's first Test.

Here are the big talking points from today's action so far:

- As if beating him to a Test berth wasn't enough, George Bailey runs salt into the wound by running Alex Doolan out in Tasmania's match against Victoria in Hobart

- David Warner was out cheaply but that didn't stop New South Wales from belting plenty of quick runs as they look to ram home their advantage over Queensland in Brisbane

- Phil Hughes and Michael Klinger send timely reminders to Australia's selectors, both hitting centuries in a mammoth opening stand for South Australia against Western Australia at Adelaide Oval.

- Rain has denied England valuable practice time in its Ashes tour match against the Cricket Australia Invitational XI at the SCG.

Follow all the action in and get updates from our reporters on the ground in our live blog below!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BLOG ON A MOBILE DEVICE.


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Live: Tendulkar's final Test

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Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed for 74, thwarting rising expectations of a 101st international century.

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Sachin Tendulkar gave the home crowd even more reason to cheer as he brought up his 50 in his final test match.

Tendulkar was caught well by West Indian skipper Darren Sammy at slip to give offspinner Narsingh Deonarine an unexpected wicket, stunning the home crowd into silence at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

They were there to see the greatest cricketer of his generation playing his very last international game.

And Tendulkar walked off with his bat raised to acknowledge the rousing ovation.

It was a sudden end to what had been building as a fairytale finish. Tendulkar smashed 12 fours and faced 118 balls, playing both spin and pace bowlers with ease and executing several shots that he has been famous for - the straight drive, cover drive and the paddle-sweep.

He had resumed on day two of the second Test between India and the West Indies on 38 after an evening cameo on day one.

And the Little Master did not disappoint fans as he played a classic innings to immense applause and familiar chants of "Sachin, Sachin."

Follow all the action from Sachin Tendulkar's final Test in our live blog below, or watch the drama unfold on Fox Sports 2.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BLOG ON A MOBILE DEVICE

Tendulkar drove a Tino Best ball to the boundary to glide past 50 and then raised his bat to an ecstatic crowd and global TV audience in the millions.

Earlier, he'd smashed consecutive boundaries from offspinner Shane Shillingford to set the tone for the day - cutting a short ball through point and then executing a vintage paddle-sweep.

When on 47, he survived a big appeal for caught behind off Best, much to the relief of his fans.

The most prolific batsman in international cricket walked onto the field to a rousing reception on Friday, with people still pouring into the stands.

That was on top of those who had arrived early enough to watch Tendulkar knock the ball around in practice and speak to former Australia legspinner Shane Warne, who is part of the television commentary team.

Spectators had their faces painted in the green, white and orange colours of the Indian flag with either "Sachin" or "200" written on their foreheads to commemorate his 200th and last Test.

Prominent politicians, actors and sportsmen have turned out to watch Tendulkar's final match which is being played in a festive atmosphere.


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Keane: 'I am not an animal'

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 14 November 2013 | 14.23

Manager Martin O'Neill and assistant manager Roy Keane (right) of Republic of Ireland chat during a training session in Dublin. Source: Getty Images

ON an icy day in the barren outskirts of Dublin town, the man with the iciest glare in football sits down in a packed hotel room, with the entire nation awaiting his words.

Roy Keane, who "divided families" after his infamous walkout from Ireland's 2002 World Cup squad, is now assistant manager of the national side, employed by the same organisation he ferociously criticised over training conditions and perceived executive pomp at the expense of the team's well-being.

His decision to accept the deputy's job by new manager Martin O'Neill has been the talk of Ireland this week and, in the eyes of some here, akin to Kim Jong-un joining the White House.

"It goes to show how strong Martin is, because unfortunately people might see me as a threat or a trouble maker of some sort, but hopefully Martin's seen something in me that I think I have a lot to offer," Keane said.

Asked if he must "tame" his approach in his new occupation, Keane replied: "I don't think it's something to tame, I am not an animal.

"I am a football man, I like to push people, I've got that wrong on one or two occasions over the years but generally when I look back I got a lot of it right.

"There's areas I need to look at, particularly as the assistant, when to stand back, hopefully I get that right as well.

"There is a way speaking to people, I understand that, ways of putting demands on them, you have to treat people with respect and hopefully the players, from the last few days, would appreciate that.

"I need to step back and let Martin run the show, I am here to help."

Keane's new boss is Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delany, the same who he tore apart during the Thierry Henry "handball" saga against Ireland in 2009.

"Who, John Delaney, I wouldn't take any notice of that man," Keane said then. "You know, [his] reaction, 'we've been robbed, the honesty of the game', people seem to forget what was going on in that [2002] World Cup - and that man's on about honesty."

Keane, who was captain of Ireland in 2002, believed Delaney could have done more to salvage the situation before he had a searingly heated argument with manager Mick McCarthy (Keane told him: "I didn't rate you as a player, I don't rate you as a manager, and I don't rate you as a person. You're a f ... ing wanker and you can stick your World Cup up your arse. The only reason I have any dealings with you is that somehow you are the manager of my country! You can stick it up your bollocks") before storming out of the team's camp on the Pacific island of Saipan.

Keane continued his 2009 rant against Delaney: "I was one of the players and he didn't have the courtesy to ring me. He got interviewed and all he said was 'I don't know where he is. He's on the island somewhere I think'.

"I've been involved in Ireland since I was 15 years of age and that man didn't even have the decency to make a phone call."

Keane was furious over the training conditions in Saipan, with potholes in the ground, while he was also livid when players flew economy when executives were in business class, and once the Ireland team was forced to eat cheese sandwiches before a match because pasta was not available.

Describing the environment yesterday, Keane, 42, smirked: "The hotel's been great, the food has been lovely, the training ground is lovely - no potholes, we've footballs, there's even bibs. Major progress."

He and Delaney have somehow managed to bury the hatchet, with Keane revealing the process was of his hiring was "very straightforward".

"Martin had already made contact with me, that was discussed, actually I think one of my strong points is that when I meet up with people and I've had disagreements with them before, that I'm quite happy to move on pretty quickly," Keane said.

"To be honest I'm going to disappoint you because it was very straightforward, we wanted what was best for Irish football.

"The past is the past."

Before long Keane, who has worked as a commentator since being sacked as Ipswich manager in 2011, was charming the 50-strong press pack.

Asked if he had consulted any of Ireland's current players when making his decision, Keane countered: "Absolutely not, none of their business, that's a ridiculous question" to the laughter of the gallery.

When it was suggested that because on his first day in the role on Monday he was the first to arrive, and then begun his highly-anticipated press conference early too, he was sending a message to the Ireland players, Keane retorted: "Don't be patting me on the back for that, if you can't get to training on time … you expect that from anybody, to be on time for work.

"Jesus, I'm not looking for miracles."

What is undoubted is the hard edge Keane will bring to the struggling Ireland side, who host Latvia at Lansdowne Road on Friday night local time, their first outing under the new management duo.

It was Keane's hardness that frightened even his former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who wrote in his recently released autobiography that his former captain had "the most savage tongue you can imagine".

"He can debilitate the most confident person in the world in seconds with that tongue," Ferguson continues.

"What I noticed that day when I was arguing with him was that his eyes started to narrow, almost to wee black beads. It was frightening to watch - and I'm from Glasgow."

Ferguson claims in his book that the Manchester United dressing room was relieved to see Keane go, adding that the skipper became more divisive as his skills deteriorated with age.

Keane essentially labelled Ferguson a liar yesterday, but left the reporters unfulfilled and tantalised.

"The beauty of football is that everybody has opinions and I've no problem with that," Keane said.

"The issue I have is when anybody who seems to talk about me, or has issues with what I've said in the past, and people will just tell lies about me, that's when I'll come out and defend myself.

"I am not going to sit here and defend myself regarding Alex Ferguson. That's for another day."

And he certainly wasn't apologising for the attitude he is taking into Ireland's dressing room as they seek to qualify for the 2016 European Championship.

"I'm not here to try to change anyone's opinions about myself or the decisions I've made in the past," Keane said.

"I spent years trying to please everyone and trust me, it's a waste of time and energy.

"A lot of the criticism I've faced in the last 15, 20 years is that I'm very demanding, I don't settle for second best. I certainly won't apologise for that, it's part of my make-up."


14.23 | 0 komentar | Read More

Saints appoint Richardson

The latest live news coverage and commentary from Australia's No. 1 media company. Stream 1

NEW St Kilda coach Alan Richardson has revealed he sought Ken Hinkley's endorsement before progressing talks with the Saints.

Richardson was officially annointed senior coach at a press conference today.

"I've been passionate about wanting to coach a senior AFL footy club and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity," he said.

"It's an incredible honour to have the opportunity to coach this really proud club.

"I think the direction the club is already started to take in terms of list is something that once again really excites me.

"The team is all about improving and going forward and culturally we want to make sure that we're a really, really competitive, aggresive and hard-working footy team."

Richardson said St Kilda's persistence was the driving force behind him making the decision to leave Port Adelaide.

Meanwhile, St Kilda has agreed to pay compensation to Port Adelaide for poaching Richardson, Power president David Koch has revealed.

After earlier today suggesting Power could hold Richardson to his contract as Port coaching director for the next two years, the club has this afternoon released him after a long negotiation.

Richardson has been ratified by St Kilda's board, which led to an outburst from Koch and a day of high-level negotiations.

Port Adelaide threatened to keep Richardson or not allow him to coach at St Kilda under a six-month non-compete clause.

Richardson will be introduced to St Kilda members as an elite assistant coach who as a former development manager can teach a young St Kilda side hungry for knowledge.

Earlier today, Port Adelaide was talking tough on Richardson, saying it wouldn't release its man to join St Kilda unless the Saints contacted them first.

Power president David Koch wasn't happy with St Kilda's process. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Limited

Speaking on Thursday morning, Koch said his club was not impressed by the prospect of losing the highly-credentialled Richardson with 2014 preparations already underway.

"It's a really disruptive time for us," Koch said on Channel 7.

"He's not an assistant coach, he's a director of coaching and as far as we're concerned he's on contract to us until the end of 2015 and that's the way it stays.

"St Kilda have issues at the moment. That's their problem - not ours.

"To leave it so late is incredibly disruptive.

"Our view is he's contracted until the end of 2015. If St Kilda want that changed, they've got to talk to us as a club. Otherwise we're going to stick with it, we're not going to release him."

Koch said his club had offered to match what the Saints were willing to pay Richardson to keep their man at Alberton.

The Power boss also hit out at the Saints, saying there was no reason his club should be set back by a rival club's woes.

"Why should we as a club be disadvantaged because of St Kilda's issues?" Koch asked.

"They're a club in turmoil, but they shouldn't put other clubs in turmoil and look for a replacement. Get your act together."

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Richardson's bold game of brinkmanship looks set to pay off.

The former Collingwood player and long-time assistant coach last night met St Kilda's selection committee after being given assurances he would be appointed senior coach.

His appointment comes after he officially stated on Tuesday night that he would not be interviewed.

St Kilda was adamant last night that yesterday's interview process was real, but Port Adelaide insiders said he had been told he would receive the job before his interview.

PICK ME: MEET THE SAINTS NEXT POSTER BOY (Exclusive video)

The Power was disappointed to lose its director of coaching but proud it had enhanced the senior prospects of Richardson.

Richardson's determination not to be interviewed forced St Kilda's hand, with the coaching panel effectively luring him to Melbourne under the assurance of being appointed.

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Mark Williams was the beaten favourite after he made it clear he needed a five-¬season contract to cross from Richmond.

That demand was made in last Friday's interview with the Saints.

It was believed to have disconcerted several Saints officials who were not won over by the forceful premiership coach.

Williams was a dominant presence at Port Adelaide and Greater Western Sydney, not ideal at a club replacing an autocratic coach in Scott Watters.

Richmond late yesterday had not officially been told Williams had missed out but was already preparing for him to again lead their development team next year.

Richardson had made it clear he would not reapply for St Kilda's job after narrowly missing out in 2011 to Watters, who was sacked a fortnight ago.

Wanted: Port's director of coaching Alan Richardson. Source: News Limited

Despite his reluctance, St Kilda made it apparent how desperate it was to lure him, arguing its coaching selection panel was dramatically different to the one that appointed Watters.

He resisted privately and publicly, forcing the Saints give him assurances before he was interviewed.

Richardson, who agonisingly missed the 1990 premiership for Collingwood with injury, has forged an elite reputation at Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs.

He was in the last three candidates for the Richmond job won by Damien Hardwick and after so many near-misses was determined not to develop a reputation as an also-ran.

St Kilda has been desperate to appoint a new coach by Monday, with the Saints to take picks 3, 18 and 19 at next Thursday's national draft.

Richardson is one of the pioneers of player development after being the head of Collingwood's player development academy under Mick Malthouse.

He eventually moved to Carlton after a strained relationship with Malthouse, then moved on to Port Adelaide last year.

But while he and Ken Hinkley were overlooked by St Kilda in 2011, they united as Port Adelaide made a rampaging run to last year's semi-finals.

Simon McPhee and Adam Kingsley, who were interviewed after the strong endorsement of the players, have been told they will not be the senior coach.

The expected appointment of Richardson mirrors Port Adelaide's appointment last year of Hinkley, who was initially resistant to the interview process.

It again underlines the weakness of the coaching appointment process given Melbourne too was surprised candidates did not come forward for its succession plan.

Too many assistants fear they will be tainted by repeatedly being interviewed for senior roles, so the best candidates do not always get appointed.

- with Grant Baker


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Hill: Arnie faces 'acid test'

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 13 November 2013 | 14.23

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THE list of Australian coaches who've gone overseas is a short one, and yet it's a sign of the growing respect in which the game here is held, that clubs to the north are starting to reach out and take a punt on the best this country has to offer.

Nathan Hall (Abahani Ltd, Bangladesh), Steve Darby (Kelantan, Malaysia) and Phil Stubbins (Bangkok Glass, Thailand), Scott O'Donell (AIFF Instructor, India), and Arthur Papas (Dempo, India) are all currently employed in the world's most populous region.

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That Graham Arnold is next cab off the rank should be no surprise. Arnold probably feels it's now or never after taking the Central Coast Mariners to their maiden championship last year - and subsequently being overlooked for the job he really coveted, in favour of Ange Postecoglou.

Arnold is ready - of that there is no doubt. His work with youngsters in particular has drawn huge admiration, and won't have gone unnoticed among Asian clubs, especially those who don't necessarily have the financial clout to compete with the big guns.

Working on a limited budget at the Mariners meant Arnold's coaching skills have been tested to the max - and the fact that he has been able to keep the smallest outfit in the league competitive - despite a huge turnover in personnel - has not only drawn plaudits, but also kept the club afloat in difficult economic times, via the transfer fees they have been able to demand.

Now, he is ready to spread his wings.

Arnold will feel he has learned plenty from some of the world's best coaches - Guus Hiddink being the standout. But it is often forgotten that he also played under the likes of Terry Venables, Eddie Thomson, Wim Rijsbergen (part of the Dutch 1974 World Cup squad) and, a little closer to home, Vedran Rozic at Sydney United.

At 50, Arnold is no longer a "young" and up and coming coach. He is at the peak of his career, and having turned down both Sydney FC, and - allegedly - Sheffield United in recent years, this latest approach was probably one he could ignore no longer.

Coach Graham Arnold during his Socceroos days. Source: News Limited

Arnold has had tough times to go with his successes in almost equal measure. The Asian Cup of 2007 (when he was interim Socceroos coach), was probably his nadir, although the Olympics of 2008 ran it close.

Like Postecoglou (who came under heavy fire for his results with the Australian junior teams), Arnold could easily have slipped off the radar - but the Mariners have proven to be his second chance, and one he grabbed with both hands.

His succession is in safe hands at Bluetongue Stadium. Phil Moss has been with Arnold every step of the way, and knows the club - and the job - inside out. Unless owner Mike Charlesworth goes for the unlikely option of an outsider, the Mariners will continue to chug along without too much disruption.

Could Arnie become the first Australian to coach in a major league in Europe? It's possible. He certainly has the ability, with his only flaw (in my opinion), a tendency to play the blame game, either with officials or the media when the going gets tough.

This will be his acid test in what is described as a "major" Asian league. One which, if he succeeds, offers him the chance to become a real trailblazer. I for one, hope he passes with flying colours.


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CWC organisers want a million fans

Cricket World Cup CEO John Harnden poses with the tournament trophy at the SCG. Source: Matt King / Getty Images

CRICKET World Cup organisers are planning a multicultural event in the hope of attracting more than a million fans to watch the tournament in Australia and New Zealand during early 2015.

CWC chief executive John Harnden wants every team to feel as if they are playing a home game, with broad support from the diverse local communities around the country.

"It's about 14 teams. if Australia and New Zealand do well, that's the icing on the cake," Harnden said at the SCG on Wednesday while announcing that ticket prices will start at just $5 for children, $20 for adults and $50 for families.

"We've got a community engagement programme and we are working very, very hard to effectively make every match for every team a home match.

"We need to capture the hearts and minds of all the communities and populations in those 14 cities and, if we get that right, I really do think a lot of the rest of it looks after itself."

The local organising committee was keen to avoid the mistakes of the West Indies in 2007, with absorbent ticket prices and empty stadia.

Many of the 42 pool matches shape as lop-sided contests involving minnows during the six-week, 14-team tournament.

To overcome the unattractive nature of many matches, the CWC is being sold as a once-in-a-generation event, with Australia and New Zealand having hosted it during 1992.

Children's tickets will be available for all matches, rising to $60 for the final at the MCG, where the most expensive adult ticket will cost $395.

"We want to put on an event which makes everyone who loves the game feel included," Harnden said.

"Cricket is a family game and like any sport, we want to inspire the next generation. We want kids to keep playing cricket, or if they are not currently playing cricket, to start.

"With $5 children's tickets for every pool match, and adult tickets from $20, we believe we will attract people from around the corner and around the globe."

The 2011 World Cup in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka attracted a record 1.2 million spectators, with India going on to win its second title.

Harnden was confident at least two thirds of the 1.5 million tickets to be made available from next February will be taken up.

"We believe over a million people will attend," Harnden said.

"At the start of the journey, more than a million is realistic but we're not going to get ahead of ourselves."

The 10 Test nations will take part along with Afghanistan for the first time, Ireland and two other qualifiers.

The tournament will run from February 14 to March 29 2015.

Watch every game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 LIVE on Fox Sports.


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Tiago banned, worse to come

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 12 November 2013 | 14.23

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SYDNEY FC defender Tiago Calvano has been suspended for two weeks, but he is facing a much longer stint on the sidelines after being referred straight to the judiciary for grabbing referee Peter Green in Saturday's clash with Melbourne Victory.<video-web-group channel="Web,Tablet" group="SpecialElement"> <video-web dtxInsert="Video" fileref="/NewsLimited/Content/MET/Videos/NWK/Sport/General/Live/NEWSMMGLMEDA000000062597.video-946.xml?uuid=e987b4a2-4b66-11e3-8ea1-0956ca5aa3f4" height="366" tmx="400 300 650 366" width="650" xtransform=" scale(1.625 1.625)"></video-web> <video-web-caption> <p>Sydney FC marquee man Alessandro Del Piero took a lot of punishment in the big blue, but it wasn't all bad as the Sky Blues ran out winners by three goals to two.</p> </video-web-caption> </video-web-group>

Tiago was cited over both incidents in the testy clash and was on Tuesday banned for two weeks for striking Archie Thompson with his arm.

But that could be the least of the Brazilian's worries if the 25th minute incident where he appears to grab at referee Green is dealt with in a manner similar to the last case of a similar manner - then-Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic suspended for nine months for grabbing referee Mark Shield in the 2008 A-League grand final.

Tiago will face the judiciary next week, but will miss Friday's clash with Melbourne Heart due to Saturday's tangle with Thompson.


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Aussie football boom continues

Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich in Townsville for the Tim Cahill All Stars soccer academy. Source: News Limited

THE latest audit of football participation in Australia shows that 1.96 million Aussies are actively involved in the game as a player, coach or match official.

The figure is a 13% increase on a previous survey in 2010, which tallied 1.7 million people involved with the game.

FFA CEO David Gallop said the latest figures shows that football is growing strongly at the community level and providing a vibrant base for the A-League and Australia's national teams.

"The game's simple beauty and reliance on skill rather than collisions makes it a natural choice for so many people in so many places," said Gallop.

"It's the popular game for boys, girls, old and young, who are playing outdoor, indoor, in parks and fields and in clubs and schools. Football is flourishing across the Australian community and we're delighted."

The gemba Active Sports Participation study (gASP), which surveys the Australian population between the ages of 5 and 75, reveals that 960,000 people participate in organised football competitions, while another 1 million play in social, recreational and semi-organised ways.

"The survey result confirms that football retains its status as the no.1 team participation sport in Australia," said Gallop.

"Football has always had a huge playing base, but now the popularity is spilling over to the attendances, TV ratings and digital audiences for the Hyundai A-League and the Socceroos.

"Today, the powerful idea that football could become Australia's biggest and most popular sport overall is no longer just a dream. It's starting to happen in significant steps forward."


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Gai alone but change in the wind

Written By Unknown on Senin, 11 November 2013 | 14.23

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THE Flemington carnival will be remembered for Gai Waterhouse winning the Melbourne Cup with Fiorente, which continued the recent success of female trainers on the international front.

Waterhouse is only the second female in 153 years to win Australia's most famous race, following the path blazed by Sheila Laxon with Ethereal in 2001.

Last month, Criquette Head-Maarek won her second Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Europe's richest race, with Treve.

And two days before the Melbourne Cup, Kathy Ritvo became the first woman to train the winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic, North America's richest race, when Mucho Macho Man won at Santa Anita, California.

It has not been overnight success for Waterhouse, 59, who has been training for 21 years, and Ritvo, 44, who has been at the caper for 26 years.

All this should be cause for celebration, and is on the global front.

However, the Flemington carnival did little to enhance the reputations of the female fraternity as a whole.

Waterhouse seized the headlines with the win of Fiorente, and she also finished second in a Group 2 with Queenstown and third in a Group 3 with Equator among her 11 starters over the four days.

The only other successful female trainer was Kelly Doughty from the Gold Coast, who won with her only starter, Black Cash, in the Subzero Challenge for greys.

UK visitor Jane Chapple-Hyam collected some booty when Mull Of Killough finished third in a Listed race and fourth in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes.

On the Victorian scene, Geelong's Simone Ferchie was the most successful, with a third placing with Lord Drante in the @FlemingtonVRC Vase.

Five other female trainers were represented without success, while two others nominated horses who didn't run.

The ladies fared even worse in the saddle.

Seven of them, headed by Michelle Payne, shared just nine rides for the four days. Another, Shirley Hunter, didn't even make it to the mounting yard when her mount was scratched.

Payne at least rode in three Group races. The best result for any of the female jockeys was Payne's seventh on Lake Sententia in the Group 2 Momentum Energy Stakes.

Racing Victoria believes the tide will turn, certainly in the riding ranks. This season half of the apprentices are female.

However, during the spring carnival, horse owners tend to take as few risks as possible and a stable affiliation with a jockey isn't enough.

As David Hayes pointed out: "They always want the hottest in-form rider. At the moment, the top riders in Australia are men."

Of the 32 apprentice jockeys who have a permit to ride, 14 are female.

In the senior ranks, just 16 of 145 jockeys are female.

As with these past few months with the success of Waterhouse, Head and Ritvo, the time for dramatic results will arrive eventually for the female jockeys.

Gai Waterhouse with the Cup at a celebration party in Melbourne last Tuesday night. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited

FEMALE TRAINERS AT FLEMINGTON CARNIVAL

GAI WATERHOUSE (NSW)

Equator (3rd, Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes)

Julienas (unplaced)

Vaquera (unplaced)

Divine Calling (unplaced)

Knight Exemplar (unplaced)

Fiorente (1st, Group 1 Melbourne Cup)

Tres Blue (unplaced)

Rain Drum (4th, Listed Visit Victoria Plate)

Ryker (unplaced)

Queenstown (2nd, Group 2 Momentum Energy Stakes)

Spurtonic (unplaced)

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KELLY DOUGHTY (Gold Coast)

Black Cash (1st, Subzero Challenge)

JANE CHAPPLE-HYAM (UK)

Mull Of Killough (3rd, Listed Visit Victoria Plate)

Mull Of Killough (4th, Group 1 Emirates Stakes)

SIMONE FERCHIE (Geelong)

Lord Durante (3rd, @FlemingtonVRC Vase)

NIKKI BURKE (Cranbourne)

Lumic (unplaced)

Unpretentious

DANIELLE SMITH (Mornington)

Dance To Inspire (unplaced)

HELEN BURNS (Swan Hill)

The Long Road (unplaced)

WENDY KELLY (Cranbourne)

Mightiest (unplaced)

Bells Of Troy (unplaced)

ALLISON BENNETT (Moe)

New York (unplaced)

JENNIFER WILLIAMS (Bendigo)

Legal Rock (scratched)

SHARYN TROLOVE (Sale)

God Help Her (emergency, didn't get a start)

FEMALE JOCKEYS (7) WHO RODE AT FLEMINGTON

MICHELLE PAYNE

Moudre (8th, Group 3 Lexus Stakes)

Lake Sententia (7th, Group 2 Momentum Energy Stakes)

Moudre (7th, Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes)

Damian Brown riding Black Cash (green) leads the field into the straight in the Subzero Challenge. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

CLARE LINDOP

Nearest The Pin (8th, Listed MSS Security Stakes)

KATELYN MALLYON

Good Thinking (9th, TAB Rewards Trophy)

RUTH BRADLEY

King's A Star (15th, @FlemingtonVRC Vase)

NIKITA McLEAN

Sudden Moment (8th, Listed Connoisseur Stakes)

Tully Costa (scratched)

LINDA MEECH

Smoken Cash (7th, Subzero Challenge)

KAYLA NISBET

Sanosuke (10th, Listed Connoisseur Stakes)

SHIRLEY HUNTER

Grand Sai Wan (scratched)


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Saints' old-school guru still spotting

Veteran St Kilda recruiter John Beveridge at the Morabbin Oval facilities. Picture: Derrick den Hollander Source: Derrick Den Hollander / News Limited

MATTHEW Rendell thinks it is a miracle John Beveridge has survived 30 years in AFL recruiting.

Not so much because of the blazing scrutiny that accompanies each draft pick, but because one of the game's most revered drafting figures has lasted, for the most part, without using technology.

To his mates, there is not a person who deserves a Saints premiership more than the 74-year old, who still keeps junior vision of club legends Stewart Lowe and Robert Harvey stockpiled on old VHS tapes.

He is the kind-hearted scout, who over three decades has ushered almost every player through Moorabbin's doors, still popping in to see many of their parents on long drives to under-18 games in the country.

His memory is legendary. Beveridge can recall Olympic marathon champions back to 1896 and remember the shoe sizes of John Newcombe (size 11) and Arthur Ashe (eight), from his early working life as a sales rep for Dunlop.

PICK ME: Exclusive video of the running machine the Saints could draft

Even VFL coaching great Allan Jeans would refer to Beveridge when he was a stats man in the 60s, as "the professor".

But as he confronts one of the most pivotal drafts in St Kilda's recent history, with three picks inside the top-20, it is unlikely you'll find the names of his favourite players in a spread sheet.

Rather, former Saints list manger turned Collingwood recruiter Rendell recalls the handwritten notes and post-it pads that would be piled up on Beveridge's desk, containing all the precious information.

PICK ME: Watch our exclusive draft series showcasing the hottest talent

"What I can't believe in this modern age of recruiting is how he has survived without one clue about how to operate a computer," Rendell said.

"He once had 10,358 emails in his inbox because he didn't know how to delete them.

"I said 'If you get a hit by bus tomorrow whose name am I going to call out?' He said 'It's all there in my book'.

St Kilda CEO Michael Nettlefold with recruiting manager John Beveridge Source: News Limited

"But you looked over at all the bits and pieces of paper and it would have taken me a month to sort it all out."

Beveridge takes the jibes in good nature, laughing at his lack of technological know-how and his short-sightedness that until a recent cataract operation, meant he could only see one half of the field, without his binoculars.

But a more respected figure at St Kilda is hard to find.

The man who now works in a part-time role under recruiting chief Tony Elshaug, has a long list of draft hits, which paved the Saints way into three grand finals (1997, 2009 and '10) and three preliminary finals (2004, '05 and '08).

He plucked James Gwilt from suburban football, Sam Fisher at No. 55, rookied Stephen Milne and discovered Barry Hall at No. 19. He hit the jackpot with Lenny Hayes at No. 11 and Nick Riewoldt, when he was a skinny Queenslander, at No.1.

Nick Reiwoldt in full flight Source: News Limited

And he delivered Harvey a quarter-time gee-up in a Victoria under-19 practice match that helped ignite career that spanned a club-record 383 games and two Brownlow Medals.

"He hadn't touched the ball and it was obvious footy at that point didn't really mean that much too him," Beveridge said.

"I said to him 'For God's sake you are good enough to be in this team but get a bloody kick'. He went a bit better after that.''

Robert Harvey in game No. 350. Source: News Limited

It's that nose for talent which gives Geelong recruiting master Stephen Wells great comfort whenever he spots Beveridge, who he labelled "one of the gentlemen of the industry", at the same ground.

"You knew if John Beveridge was there, you were at the right place," Wells said.

Even during these troubled times for St Kilda, Beveridge fiercely defends the club's record and position.

"It annoys you when they say 'the same old St Kilda'," Beveridge said.

"Prior to last year, we were the only club to win at least 11 games for 10 successive years, so I say 'what's the same old St Kilda?'"

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The same old St Kilda discussion of recent times has often focused on the lost years at the draft table between 2006-10.

But there were some triumphs, too.

Ben McEvoy was picked No. 9. Jack Steven 42. Jarryn Geary and Clinton Jones were rookies. The failed Andrew Lovett trade was meant to be "the icing on the cake".

Ultimately, his heart still skips a beat when he discovers a fresh talent.

He also tried to convince Aaron Sandilands' father into encouraging his boy to nominate a year earlier than he did and invited Michael Barlow to train after a dominant year at Shepparton United.

"I used to be very guilty of falling in love with the blokes who were very athletic and not like the blokes who were fairly slow," he said.

"But the smart midfielders who rise to the level and have a tank, although they might not captivate the eye, they can play.''

It was Shane Warne's lack of athleticism that cost him a football career, despite the legendary leg-spinner kicking seven goals in the Saints under-19s.

"He had beautiful hands and a beautiful kick," he said.

"He got promoted to the reserves and a Carlton player had four bounces down the wing and he was Warney's man and where was he? He was in the goal square."

Finding the next Saints star drives him as much as ever.

The mission gets him out of his chair and out to the under-18 teams' huddle at every quarter time break on freezing Melbourne mornings.

"You think will I see something or won't I? I probably won't, but you might run into someone that might give you bit of information, like 'such and such has had the flu all week, no wonder he isn't playing well','' he said.

"Sometimes you notice things, like is he paying attention? How's his attitude?"

He remains a prized part of the Saints recruiting staff.

"He brings a great balance to our meetings because we do roll out the numbers," football boss Chris Pelchen said.

"John will put all the numbers aside and ultimately decide whether he thinks the guys can play or not.

"We don't take away that right at all, especially a man with as much as wisdom on football as he has."

After managing the Saints zone from 1983, when they picked squads of 50 15-and-a-half year olds from local areas, Beveridge was draft boss from 1994.

He stepped down from the main role in 2006 under ex-head coach Grant Thomas.

"I said to 'Thomo' it's time to bring in someone younger, not that I don't want to do it, but you can't have an older person being recruiting manager for too long," he said.

The quest for St Kilda's second premiership goes on, but as much as Beveridge craves a flag, it would be more for others' sake, according to Thomas.

"He is a guy with incredible nature, he is so giving and caring," Thomas said.

"So, when you talk about winning premierships, John Beveridge wouldn't be thinking about himself.

"He would want it for all the other St Kilda people and that's the kind of wonderful person he is."


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Victory in hot water for ADP tweet

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 10 November 2013 | 14.23

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The tweet - which received 195 retweets as of Sunday evening - suggested Sydney FC marquee Alessandro Del Piero was receiving favourable treatment from referee Peter Green during the Sky Blues thrilling 3-2 victory in the Big Blue.

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The Italian legend, whose 39th birthday fell on match day, won and converted what proved to be the winning penalty, while he was also awarded several free-kicks - some rather dubious.

Intended to be tongue-in-cheek, the FFA didn't find it as funny, though the Victory are unlikely to be punished.

The Victory players and coaching staff expressed frustration at the wily striker, with coach Kevin Muscat and Del Piero appearing to exchange words at one point.


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Tuck worth another chance

Travis Tuck has impressed in the SANFL this season. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: Sarah Reed / News Limited

HAWTHORN premiership player Andy Collins says the 18 club recruiters should do their due diligence and at least interview Travis Tuck who he believes deserves another chance in the AFL.

Collins, who coached the 25 year-old at West Adelaide this season, described Tuck as the SANFL's best clearance players and a walk-up start for a club looking for a big-bodied midfielder.

He said Tuck, who became the first player to record three strikes under the AFL's illicit drug policy in 2010, had not put a foot wrong since moving from Hawthorn to Adelaide, and has a steady job and girlfriend as he completes the rebuilding of his life both on and off the field.

"If any recruiter just met with him, he would see that Trav is in such a strong position and he would be a totally different person to what he once was and he is a very impressive young man right now," Collins said.

STAR DOCKER PLAYED GRAND FINAL INJURED

"He is probably the best clearance player in the SANFL and he had an early ankle injury ankle which didn't allow him to maximise his fitness, but he is a V8 who operated on six cylinders and he has got a huge engine capability."

Collins, who has been appointed coach of VFL club Williamstown after six years with West Adelaide, said niggling injuries prevented Tuck from performing like a "V8'' and there was obviously a huge upside to him if went back into the AFL.

"He has got elite foot skills and there's his physicality and he is very different as a player to his father (games record holder Michael) and his brother Shane (recently retired Richmond on-baller)," Collins said.

"He is a left footer, while the other two were right footers and he has got deft foot skills and is deceptively big and strong which is the modern midfielder that all clubs are looking for."

PICK ME: WATCH EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF DRAFT PROSPECTS

Collins, who has a teaching and psychology background, said Tuck was the best state midfielder he'd encountered and was laughing that he got him to West Adelaide this year.

He said that unlike other players who had encountered drug taking during their careers, Tuck no longer "touched it" and was ticking all the boxes in regards to employment, his professionalism and his whole life.

Tuck's manager Liam Pickering, who said everyone deserves a second chance, says there's no doubt the former Hawk was better than some current league players.


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