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First Test postponed indefinitely
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We’ll miss that cheeky grin, that twinkle in his eye, says Clarke
Baz double ton puts Kiwis on top
Sindhu in Macau Open final, Prannoy ousted
Asiad gold medallist Akkunji not paid salary for last 3 yrs
Mavericks can’t handle Aces
Lahiri stays in King’s Cup lead
Gerrard dropped but Liverpool prevail
Danny fires for Arsenal
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First Test postponed indefinitely
Sydney, November 29 Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said it would have been unreasonable to expect the players to get the four-Test series underway less than 24 hours after Hughes was laid to rest in Macksville, New South Wales. “Their welfare is our absolute priority. They are grieving and to expect that they could play a high-pressured, five-day Test match the following day is out of the question,” he said in a statement. “We appreciate the incredible understanding and support of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It has been nothing short of outstanding during these difficult times.” Ticket sales for the match at the Gabba in Brisbane had been suspended and a new date would be set after consultation with the BCCI, broadcasters and stadium officials, Sutherland added. Australia captain Michael Clarke earlier gave a graphic illustration of the raw emotions of the players when he broke down repeatedly while paying tribute to his friend. Tributes continued to flood in from around the world for Hughes and an indication of how deeply his death has affected his fellow professionals came in Sharjah, where Pakistan are hosting New Zealand in a Test. The second Test had been postponed for a day after Hughes died and there was no celebration of wickets or centuries when it resumed on Friday. Back in Australia, Hughes was not forgotten as Saturday morning cricket was played across the country in blazing sunshine, as it has been for more than a century. Row of bats
Cricket Australia has encouraged teams at all levels to remember Hughes and both the score he had accumulated when the fatal blow struck him, 63 not out, and his Test number, 408, were much in evidence on pitches around the country. At a match between Sydney Boys and Shore schools in Centennial Park, just a stone’s throw from the SCG, a row of bats topped with cricket caps were lined up beside the pitch in tribute. Cricket at the elite level has yet to resume with senior club matches cancelled in Sydney and Adelaide, where Hughes played his state cricket for South Australia for the last couple of years. The fate of the first Test against India had been in the balance even before Hughes died of his horrific injury as many of the Australia team were among his closest friends. TV rights make an incoming tour by the India Test team by far the most lucrative in the world game so cancellation of the Brisbane match is unlikely. There is precious little room for manoeuvre, however, with the second Test scheduled to take place in Adelaide from Dec. 12-16 with the third starting on Boxing Day (Dec. 26) in Melbourne and the fourth in Sydney running from January. 3-7. Ponting saw streak of Gilchrist in Hughes batting
Former captain Ricky Ponting described Hughes as someone who enjoyed challenging situations and said he saw a streak of daring in his batting like Adam Gilchrist. “I didn’t really know him when he joined us on South Africa tour in 2009, but I knew he was going to open batting in first Test and I went out of my way to talk and spend time with him .. I tried to get as close as I could,” Ponting said. “He was a really impressive young guy. He wanted to learn and he had that respect that you find in a lot of country kids and he listened closely. The thing that made my job easy was that he was just so likable,” Ponting wrote in his column for ‘The Australian’. — Reuters Twickenham pays tribute to Hughes
London: More than 82,000 fans and the players and officials of the England and Australia rugby teams were united in a minute's applause in tribute to Phillip Hughes. Two cricket bats were stood up by the Australian dug-out, one bearing the words "PH 63 not out" in reference to the score he was on when hit in the Sheffield Shield match in Sydney. Australia's players wore black armbands for the match, the last on their European tour. — Reuters Umpire killed after ball strikes him in the face
Jerusalem: An umpire standing in a cricket match in the Israeli city of Ashdod was killed after being struck by a ball on Saturday, Israeli police said. Police said the 60-year-old umpire, who was not named, was taken to hospital in the nearby town of Ashkelon in critical condition where he died of his injuries. One of the players who witnessed the incident said that the umpire, standing at the bowler's end, was struck by the ball in his face after it ricocheted off the stumps from a shot that came straight back down the pitch. Cricket is not a major sport in Israel but Ashdod is one of the main centres for the sport where a large number of Jewish immigrants from India live. — Reuters |
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We’ll miss that cheeky grin, that twinkle in his eye, says Clarke
Sydney, November 29 “Words cannot express the loss we all feel as a team right now,” Clarke said in a statement on behalf of the Australian team. “To Greg, Virginia, Jason and Megan, we share in the deep pain that you’re feeling.” Clarke shared how passionate Hughes was for the game of cricket. “Apart from when he was home on the farm with his beloved cattle, Hughesy was at his happiest playing cricket for his country with his mates. Things were always put into perspective when Hughesy said, ‘Where else would you rather be boys but playing cricket for your country?’ “We are going to miss that cheeky grin and that twinkle in his eye. He epitomised what the baggy green is about and what it means to us all,” he said. Clarke also said that Cricket Australia has agreed to his request to retire Hughes’ ODI jersey shirt number 64. “It means so much. His legacy of trying to improve each and every day will drive us for the rest of our lives. We’d like to thank everyone, both here and overseas, for the touching tributes to Hughesy in recent days. Our dressing room will never be the same. We loved him and always will. Rest in Peace, Brussy,” he concluded. — Reuters ‘Time will help cricketers to deal with death’Wellington: Cricketers at the elite level will simply need time to process the death of Phillip Hughes before they would be able to play again, according to a psychologist who works with New Zealand’s high performance athletes. Rod Corban, a senior psychologist with High Performance Sport New Zealand, said it was natural for players at the elite level to feel a sense of loss, given the relatively small community of professional cricketers. “It’s a tragedy, they feel for him and his family and the young man who bowled it, but I don’t think it will affect them too much once they’re out there and playing,” Corban said. “It won’t stop people thinking about the event and how they work through it is acknowledging that it was a freak accident and then going out and performing the tasks they do week in, week out. That’s not to say they won’t have those thoughts floating around about ‘what is going to happen to me’, but I think most professional cricketers would feel relatively resilient to deal with it once they’re out on the wicket.” — Reuters
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Baz double ton puts Kiwis on top
Sharjah, November 29 McCullum (202) fell two balls after completing his fourth double hundred in Tests, the fourth fastest ever, but the visitors continued to pile on runs and reached 637 for eight at stumps on the third day, a first-innings lead of 286. Williamson also reached his eighth hundred in the morning and was out for 192, his highest Test score, by the first ball after tea as New Zealand, trailing 1-0 in the series, continued to score runs at a fierce pace. Resuming on 249-1, McCullum and Williamson hit boundaries off pacemen and spinners at will on their way to breaking New Zealand’s record for the highest second-wicket Test partnership. The 33-year-old McCullum, who hit 21 fours in his 188-ball knock, got past his double-hundred against leg-spinner Yasir Shah with his 11th six but was bowled round his legs while attempting a sweep shot. The celebration was again muted in memory of Phillip Hughes with both sets of players continuing to wear black armbands. There was also no jubilation from Williamson after he drove Mohammad Talha for a boundary to bring up his century. — Reuters Brief Scores: New Zealand: 637/8 (McCullum 202, Williamson 192, Rahat 4-89) lead Pak: 351 by 286 runs
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Sindhu in Macau Open final, Prannoy ousted
Macau, November 29 While two-time World Championships bronze medallist Sindhu registered a comprehensive 21-14, 21-15 win in 42 minutes over Thailand’s Busanan Ongbumrungpan, world No. 26 Prannoy lost 16-21, 21-16, 12-21 in an hour against Wong Wing Ki Vincent of Hong Kong. World No. 23 Busanan tried her best against Sindhu but failed against the Indian, who was very aggressive. Busanan started the first game on a brighter note, taking a 5-2 lead but Sindhu fought back to equalise at 5-5. After a brief tussle, the Indian world No. 11 was back in business and took a 13-9 lead. Busanan had her moments, winning three straight points and reduced the gap to one. But, the Hyderabadi upped her game and notched up six points on the trot to take the first game 21-15. In the second game, Sindhu dominated the game and never allowed Busanan to make a match of it. With this win, Sindhu's record against Busanan reads 5-0. Prannoy lost the first game but managed to equalise in the second game. However, the Indian struggled in the third game against world No. 34 Wong and lost it 21-12. — IANS
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Asiad gold medallist Akkunji not paid salary for last 3 yrs
New Delhi, November 29 Akkunji, who has won gold medals at the 2010 CWG and the Asian Games in 4x400m relay event with Manjeet Kaur, Mandeep Kaur and Sini Jose and also an individual gold in the 400m hurdles in Guangzhou, has been fighting the injustice meted out to her by the bank, which has not released her salary since October 2011. Corporation Bank had reportedly appointed the Mangalore-girl as their brand ambassador with the grade of Manager in March 2011. However, after failing a dope test along with five other athletes the same year, Akkunji was removed as the brand ambassador but continued to serve as a manager. According to an Athletics Federation of India official, the bone of contention has been the bank’s demand that Akkunji join its Delhi branch as a full-time employee. The packed international schedule does not allow Akkunji to assume a fulltime position as she has to travel constantly with the team for different competitions. Akkunji had been training at the NIS Patiala centre for the Glasgow CWG and Incheon Asian Games, and had requested the bank to release her salary keeping her competition schedule in mind. “Her doping ban ended in July 2013, after which she started preparing for the CWG and the Asian Games. She had been practising at the NIS Patiala and SAI’s Bangalore centre. How can you expect her to join the bank? Now, she has two important events lined up, including the Rio Olympics,” an AFI official said. When contacted, Akkunji was initially reluctant to speak on the issue, but later informed that she has approached the bank's senior officials to work out a solution. “I am in talks with them and hope for a solution. They need to understand my professional commitment. For three years I have not received I have not received salary. AFI is funding my training, but still I need salary to take care of my family,” Akkunji said. “I had written to them on earlier occasions too, but did not get any satisfactory response. This time, I have approached the AFI officials to intervene in the matter,” she added.
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Mavericks can’t handle Aces
Manila, November 29 Having started their campaign by defeating Singapore Slammers, Indian Aces today strengthened their position by outplaying a star-studded Mavericks side. Opting to serve first, Mavericks captain Treay Huey decided to begin the match with legends’ singles game and Fabrice Santoro of the Aces led Carlos Moya 3-1, when the Spaniard retired hurt with a groin injury. He was replaced by Daniel Nestor, whom Santoro easily beat 6-1. The Manila boys — Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Filipino Treat Huey — then outplayed Gael Monfils and Rohan Bopanna 6-0 to give the Mavericks a 7-6 lead over the Indian team after the end of two sets. The Aces, however, bounced back in the third set with Gael Monfils beating Andy Murray 6-4. After leading the set at 3-4, Murray succumbed to Monfils, losing three consecutive points and eventually the set. In the clash between two stars pairs, Sania Mirza and Bopanna mauled the top singles players Maria Sharapova and Andy Murray brutally. The experienced Indian duo thrashed Sharapova and Murray 6-1 to give Aces an 18-12 lead. Ana Ivanovic of the Aces then shut the door on Mavericks by getting the better of Sharapova 6-3. Royals beat Slammers
Indian Aces will next face UAE Royals, who earlier today beat Singapore Slammers 28-22. The day started with the most-awaited match with the current men’s singles players — Marin Cilic of UAE Royals and Tomas Berdych of Singapore Slammers — facing each other. Cilic took an early lead by breaking Tomas in third game and extending it to 4-3, but Berdych tied it 4-4. But another break of serve helped Cilic defeat the Czech player 6-4. Royals took the upper hand when Kristina Mladenovic thrashed Daniela Hantuchova 6-1. Singapore Slammers could not recover from this huge defeat. — PTI |
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Lahiri stays in King’s Cup lead
Khon Kaen (Thailand), Nov 29 Lahiri is now 16-under and one shot ahead of Thaworn Wiratchant, a 17-time Asian Tour winner. Wiratchant carded a flawless 66 to take second place while Australia’s Andrew Dodt gate-crashed the home party by sharing third place with three other Thai players — Sutijet Kooratanapisan, Panuphol Pittayarat and Jakraphan Premsirigorn — at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club. SSP Chowrasia, the co-leader after first round, slipped further to tied 12th as he shot a two-under 70 to come to 10-under after three rounds, while Arjun Atwal (72-67-72) was tied 25th at six-under and Rashid Khan (71-69-71) was five-under 211 in tied 37th place. Lahiri surprised even himself after keeping his top spot. The 27-year-old struggled early in his round as he turned in 36, with just one birdie which was offset by a bogey-four on the fifth hole. Lahiri’s game came back to life with two birdies in three holes after the turn. He picked up a further gain on 15 before an eagle-three on 18. — PTI
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Gerrard dropped but Liverpool prevail
London, November 29 Even though there have been questions over his form and effectiveness at 34 during Liverpool’s struggles this term, Gerrard’s sidelining felt like a shock symbol of their struggles. Yet when the captain was sent on to save the day with quarter of an hour left, amid deafening cheers from the home faithful, Liverpool, still labouring for the breakthrough, soon prevailed through Glen Johnson’s 85th-minute headed winner. Arsenal, gaining welcome relief amid their worst start to a season for 32 years, were left toasting Danny Welbeck after the England striker’s goal earned them a 1-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion. It was the former Manchester United forward’s third Premier League goal — and sixth goal in all — for the Gunners since his move from Old Trafford. Manchester United consolidated their fourth place, on 22 points, after first-half goals from Chris Smalling and Wayne Rooney and a brilliant, morale-boosting strike from Robin van Persie after the break sealed a 3-0 victory over Hull City. — Reuters Bayern storm 10 points clear
Berlin: Bayern Munich scraped past Hertha Berlin 1-0 courtesy of an Arjen Robben goal to stretch their lead at the top to 10 points and equal a Bundesliga record for goals conceded after 13 games. Bayern’s clean sheet meant they matched VfB Stuttgart’s 2003-04 record of letting in only three goals in the opening 13 matches. |
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Sydney,
November 29
Captain Brendon McCullum’s blistering double hundred and a record 297-run stand with centurion Kane Williamson put New Zealand firmly in control of the third and final Test against Pakistan.
McCullum (202) fell two balls after completing his fourth double hundred in Tests, the fourth fastest ever, but the visitors continued to pile on runs and reached 637 for eight at stumps on the third day, a first-innings lead of 286.
Williamson also reached his eighth hundred in the morning and was out for 192, his highest Test score, by the first ball after tea as New Zealand, trailing 1-0 in the series, continued to score runs at a fierce pace.
Manila, November 29
London, November 29 
