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'Jai ho' set to be millionth English word

2009-06-06T03:12:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: 'Jai ho', 'cuddies' and 'slumdog' are among the 73 other finalists from across the globe to become the millionth English word.

The Global Language Monitor, an Austin, Texas-based firm that analyses and catalogues the latest trends in word usage and word choices with a particular emphasis on English, will choose the millionth word June 10 at 10.22 a.m. GMT.

At present, there are 999,927 words in their 'English language world clock'.

According to the firm's site languagemonitor.com, 'cuddies' - the Hinglish word for ladies underwear or panties; jai ho - used as a term of praise in Hindi that became popular through the Oscar winning "Slumdog Millionaire"; as well as slumdog - a disparaging description of slum dwellers - are all in the race to becoming the millionth word in the English language.

"The million word milestone brings to notice the coming of age of English as the first truly global Language," said Paul J.J. Payack, president and chief word analyst of the Global Language Monitor.

According to the site, owing to the "global extent of the English language, the millionth word is as likely to appear from India, China or East Los Angeles as it is to emerge from Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's home town)".

Payack who authored "A Million Words and Counting" also said that there were three major trends involving the English language at present.

"First - an explosion in word creation - English words are being added to the language at the rate of some 14.7 words a day. Second is a geographic explosion where some 1.53 billion people now speak English around the globe as a primary, auxiliary, or business language. Third - English has become, in fact, the first truly global language."

Other English millionth word finalists are Australia's alchopops - sugary flavoured mixed drinks; bangster - a Polish combination of gangster and banker, de-friend - Internet lingo for no longer following a friends update on sites, sexting - texting of sexual content, quendy-trendy - British youth slang for hip and up to date, and mobama - relating to the fashion trends of US first lady.

Another word in the list is 'OK' - called "the most recognised English word on the planet".

Global Language Monitor has been tracking English word creation since 2003.

In Shakespeare's time, there were only two million speakers of English and fewer than 100,000 words. He himself coined about 1,700 words.

Former US president Thomas Jefferson invented about 200 words while George W. Bush created a handful, including misunderestimate. US President Barack Obama's surname passed into the word list last year with the rise of obamamania.

Salman dumped Katrina for Asin? Asin denies…

2009-06-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

Bollywood Gossip : There’s a bit of worry for gorgeous Katrina Kaif as the rumours doing the rounds is that Asin and Salman Khan’s off-screen chemistry is really working very well.

It’s been said that Asin’s room is full ofSallu’s poster so that she can see his face, the first thing in the morning. Not only this, recently a Mumbai based tabloid reported that Salman has gifted a flat to Asin in Mumbai suburbs, Lokhandwala, so that Asin could have a permanent residence in the city of Bollywood.

The duo is working in London Dreams and it seems that their closeness would surely be bringing horrible dreams to Kat baby. But again Sallu Mia is known for his generosity so it can be that it is his yet another generous gesture towards the southern star.

But the Ghajini girl rubbishes all the speculation. She says that it’s nothing more than a professionalrelationship. She has clearly said that Salman didn’t enter her room, as reported by the tabloids.

She said, ”No one has access to my room.”

She tried her best to clear the air about the Bollywood bad boy: ”I am working with Salman in a film. Nothing more or nothing less than that.”

Big B sports a bald look in Pa

2009-06-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not this is Amitabh Bachchan's new look in his upcoming movie Pa. Taking a cue out of AamirKhan's look in Ghajini Big B has will be sporting a bald look in the movie. But unlike Aamir the 66 year old actor hasn't really shaved his hair but is using a high quality mask. The movie directed by Balki also stars son Abhishek Bachchan and vidya balan .

Both Balkia and the Amitabh had tried their best to prevent this new look from leaking in the media. Amitabh was entering and leaving the sets like an undercover agent to keep his looks under wraps. The shooting for the movie is currently going on in Delhi some of the shooting took place in Rajpath and Dwarka and the producers have even hired a metro for the shoot.

he movie will be a role reversal for Amitabh and Abhishek as Junior B will be playing Big B's father in the movie. Amitabh plays a man suffering from a peculiar disease in which he ages at a faster pace and thus looks much older than his actual age and even older than his father. The movie is expected to hit the theatres by the year end or early next year.

Shahrukh to have eight pack abs now

2009-06-05T22:48:00.000-07:00

When Shahrukh Khan was sweating it out to build his six pack abs for Om Shanti Om many had ridiculed his act. But the actor had the last laugh when he amazed everyone by getting a perfect six pack at the wrong side of 40. If you thought that was a herculean task Shahrukh is all set to leave you speechless when he flaunts his eight packs in his upcoming movie Happy New Year.

Buzz up!

This time again Om Shanti Om director Farah Khan has requested the actor to work on his abs for Happy New Year. She said that that it will be a very physically challenging film for which Shahrukh and he will and his body has to endure a lot. Farah added that Shahrukh will pump up himself and this time they were going for an eight pack.

It will be a nice opportunity for Shahrukh to score a point over his arch rival Aamir Khan. The Ghajini star had built an eight pack ab and went one up on the battle with Shahrukh Khan. The actor though is tight lipped about the entire project and does not want to disclose any details. The shooting for Happy New Year is slated to begin by the year end.

Tags: shahrukh khan, happy new year, om shanti om, farah khan, aamir khan, ghajini, subhadeep bhattacharjee.

Perez admits to secret Wenger talks

2009-06-05T22:47:00.001-07:00

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has admitted that he held secret talks with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

The recently installed Madrid supremo is a known admirer of Wenger and had moved to bring the Frenchman to the Bernabeu following the dismissal of Juande Ramos at the end of the Primera Liga season.

Perez, who already has plans in place to splash the cash and sign Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery, has since appointed former Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini after finding that Wenger was totally committed to Arsenal.

"From the beginning we have worked on two possibilities - Wenger and Pellegrini," Perez said of Wenger in French publication L'Equipe.

"We have always been attracted by the Frenchman and we talked to him several times.

"He didn't come because he feels very responsible about what has happened and what will happen at Arsenal.

"He didn't want to abandon the club that he has given such a lot to.

"But as our director general Jorge Valdano said: 'Pellegrini is the Wenger of Spanish football'."

Wenger had been criticised in certain quarters for failing to land a trophy with Arsenal last season.

Comeback king Federer downs del Porto

2009-06-05T22:42:00.000-07:00

Roger Federer stayed on course for a first French Open title after coming from two sets to one down to beat Juan Martin del Potro.

The Swiss, bidding to complete his haul of the grand slams, recovered from a slow start to claim a 3-6 7-6 (7/2) 2-6 6-1 6-4 victory in three hours and 28 minutes in the Roland Garros semi-finals.

The second seed will meet Robin Soderling in Sunday's final after the Swede defeated Fernando Gonzalez 6-3 7-5 5-7 4-6 6-4 earlier today in another thrilling five-setter to continue his remarkable run in Paris.

It was Federer's second five-set win this tournament - he was also taken the distance by Tommy Haas in the fourth round - and he has squeezed through to his fourth straight final here without being on top form.

When Federer, 27, lost the third set to Del Potro, the Argentinian was serving consistently and his powerful groundstrokes were proving too much for the world number two.

By that stage, Federer had only earned two break points, converting neither of them, but he turned that around to finish the stronger.

He is now just one win away from becoming the sixth player to complete a sweep of the Majors. The title here would also move him level with Pete Sampras on a record 14 grand-slam crowns.

Federer, installed as title favourite after Soderling dumped out reigning champion Rafael Nadal in round four, had won all his previous five meetings with Del Potro, not even dropping a set.

But he was broken in the fifth and ninth games to lose the first set here and Del Potro was dictating the rallies, feasting off Federer's weak and short backhands.

Del Potro played a poor second-set tie-break, sending four shots into the net to gift the Swiss the leveller, but he still held the whip hand and sped through a 36-minute third set during which he broke twice more.

As the South American tired, Federer found an extra gear, as he has done so often this past fortnight, and suddenly dominated Del Potro's serve.

Two breaks were sufficient to win the fourth set convincingly and he broke early in the fifth too.

Del Potro grabbed one himself as the light started to fade on Philippe Chatrier court, but he double-faulted in game seven to put Federer back in front.

This time, the Swiss did not falter.

Soderling had earlier come from 4-1 down in the fifth set to sink 12th seed Gonzalez in a riveting battle of the big hitters.

"My first feeling was relief because it was a long match and I was tired, but after a few seconds I got really, really happy," said Soderling, who was cheered on today by legendary Swede Bjorn Borg.

"If you'd have asked me a couple of years ago which grand slam I'd be playing a final in, I wouldn't have said Roland Garros."

The 23rd seed, who entered the history books after slaying Nadal last Sunday, went two sets ahead but was pegged back by Gonzalez, who showed great opportunism to nick the third and fourth on his only break points in those sets.

The Chilean forged 3-0 then 4-1 ahead in the decider, but Soderling reeled off five straight games to claim a superb win.

Gonzalez, a barrel-chested, bandana-wearing slugger, had left his previous opponents, which included Britain's Andy Murray, punch-drunk with his booming forehand but he met his match today, Soderling hitting 74 winners in total.

"I never felt comfortable on the court against him. He was playing at a really high level," said the 28-year-old, who, unhappy at a line call going against him at 4-4 in the fourth set, rubbed the alleged mark with his backside in a bizarre moment as the tension mounted.

"At 4-4 (in the fifth), I was really exhausted, both physically and mentally."

Soderling had never previously made it past the third round at a M

Federer happy to avod Nadal

2009-06-05T22:41:00.000-07:00

Roger Federer is relieved he will not be facing clay nemesis Rafael Nadal in tomorrow's French Open final.

The Swiss has lost the last three Roland Garros showpieces to Nadal, but the Spaniard was knocked out in the fourth round this year by Robin Soderling.

And it is Sweden's Soderling, the 23rd seed, who is now standing in between Federer and a first title on the Parisian clay.

"It's nice to play against someone else," Federer said.

"I'm not really going to miss him. Maybe you (the press) are going to miss him but not me."

The world number two, who also lost to Nadal in the semi-finals here in 2005, is one win away from completing a sweep of grand slam titles. He would be the sixth man to achieve such a feat.

Federer made the final after coming back from two sets to one down to defeat plucky Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro 3-6 7-6 (7/2) 2-6 6-1 6-4.

Del Potro, the fifth seed, started in unforgiving mood but tired after winning the third set.

Federer, as he has in every match so far this tournament, finished the stronger and finally got on top of his opponent's serve.

It was his second five-setter this past fortnight - he was also taken the distance by Tommy Haas in round four.

"It feels great to come through hard matches like these," said the 27-year-old.

"It is more emotional, more satisfying. And I still feel fine."

Soderling needed five sets to win his semi-final too, claiming a 6-3 7-5 5-7 4-6 6-4 win against 12th seed Fernando Gonzalez.

The Swede was 4-1 down in the final set but reeled off five successive games to continue his remarkable run in Paris.

Soderling had never previously made it past the third round at a Major.

Indeed, prior to the French Open, Soderling had not won more than two matches at any tournament since netting a title in Lyon in October 2008.

"If you'd have asked me a couple of years ago which grand slam I'd be playing a final in, I wouldn't have said Roland Garros," Soderling said.

Top seed Dinara Safina will this afternoon battle it out with Svetlana Kuznetsova, the seventh seed, in an all-Russian women's final.

Spanish high in Women's doubles

2009-06-05T22:40:00.001-07:00

Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual successfully defended their French Open women's doubles title.

The third seeds, who beat Casey Dellacqua and Francesca Schiavone at the same stage 12 months ago, dropped just two games as they hammered 12th seeds Victoria Azarenka and Elena Vesnina 6-1 6-1.

Spaniards Medina Garrigues and Ruano Pascual converted five of the 14 break points they created in a one-sided final, with their Belarussian and Russian opponents failing to secure even a solitary break of serve.

The victory brought a sixth doubles title for Ruano Pascual at Roland Garros having won this event four times with Argentine Paola Suarez before teaming up so successfully with her countrywoman.

Netherlands stun England in opener

2009-06-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

England suffered their biggest humiliation in limited-overs history as they were defeated by minnows Holland in the opening match of the World Twenty20.

Expected to progress comfortably past the Dutch, who only have 5,000 players in their country, the hosts instead slumped to a four-wicket defeat in steady rain under the lights atLord's.

It is one of their most shocking defeats since losing by nine runs to Zimbabwe, who were then still an Associate nation, at Albury during the 1992 World Cup, although England had already qualified for the semi-finals by then.

Watch the match here

Friday's defeat, which was sealed off the last ball when Edgar Schiferli scrambled a two off the last ball after Stuart Broad's throw missed the stumps at the non-striker's end, means England must beat Pakistan at the Oval on Sunday to prevent being knocked out of the tournament just three days into the event.

The tournament had threatened to get off to a damp start with steady rain forcing the organisers to cancel the opening ceremony and delay the start by 20 minutes.

Even England's innings rarely threatened to provide the thrills and spills promised in the brochure after they failed to hit a single six in their innings and added only 22 runs in the final three overs.

It's all about numbers

But after recording a respectable 162 for six despite their late stutter, England quickly realised the scale of their task and the tournament sprang to life with Holland's stunning triumph.

They celebrated by running to the corner of Lord's where their fans were most populated and slid on the turf in a football-style celebration while England's shattered players made their way to the Lord's dressing rooms.

Images from the match

There was no hint of the drama to come when England, put into bat, began their innings and Ravi Bopara and Luke Wright once again laid the foundations for a far bigger total with a 102-run stand off 73 balls.

It was England's highest ever opening stand in a Twenty20 international from the 12th pair they have tried in just 16 matches and seemed to hint at a comfortable victory for the hosts.

Relive the ICC World Twenty20 in Facebook

Instead of build on that foundation, though, England stuttered and struggled to overcome the absence of Kevin Pietersen with a recurrence of his Achilles problems.

Having forged a stunning 119-run stand in the warm-up match against West Indies, England's openers took that form into this match and at the halfway stage they were looking at a massive total on 89 without loss.

But Bopara holed out to long on to begin a collapse of five wickets for 51 runs in 7.3 overs including Wright in identical fashion for a superb 71 off 49 balls in the 18th over, prompting a sluggish finale when England were only able to score one four in the final three overs and were unable to hit a boundary off the final 17 balls.

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It was a scrappy finish which backfired badly on England later in the evening when the Dutch completed one of the greatest shocks in recent years to leave the hosts scrambling to maintain an interest in their own tournament.

Straight away, Holland made their mark with opener and part-time debt collectorDarron Reekers achieving what no England player had done by launching two sixes in the first three overs of the innings.

England had begun brightly with James Anderson striking with the fifth ball of the innings to remove Alexei

Kervezee and Broad having Reekers caught in the deep in the fourth over.

But it was the innings of middle order batsman Tom de Grooth which gave Holland the self-belief that they could spring a surprise in the opening match, who particularly took a liking to young leg spinner Adil Rashid after he was surprisingly preferred to Graeme Swann.

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He lashed 49 off 30 balls, adding 50 off just 30 balls with Bas Zuiderent, to leave Holland needing an achievable 47 from the final seven overs after driving Paul Collingwood to mid off.

Peter Borren picked up the mantle and hammered 30 off 25 balls, including a slog sweep for six off Collingwood, to take Holland even closer to their dramatic victory when he was also caught in the deep to become the second of three victims for Anderson.

Perhaps the moment which turned the match in Holland's favour, though, was in the penultimate over when Essex all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate was dropped by Anderson at full stretch on the cover boundary and allowed the ball to trickle for four.

It left Holland needing 12 runs off nine balls to finish and when Broad began the final over, the target was seven to complete a stunning triumph.

Click here to follow all the action as it unfolded

England thought the game had turned back in their favour when Schiferli seemed to have been run out attempting a quick single when Broad collected and threw down the stumps, but television evidence proved he had broken them with his hand before the ball.

It was the reprieve which Holland wanted and, needing two for victory, Schiferli pushed the final ball back down the pitch and Broad collected again but his throw missed the stumps and allowed Holland to seal victory from an overthrow.

Collingwood demands improvement

2009-06-05T22:35:00.000-07:00

Paul Collingwood has urged England to bounce back quickly from one of the most humiliating defeats in their history.

Collingwood has urged England to bounce back quickly if they are to avoid an early exit from the ICC World Twenty20 tournament.

Friday night's stunning six-wicket defeat by Holland at Lord's has left England needing victory over Pakistan at the Oval on Sunday if they are not to suffer an embarrassing departure from the event.

Having scored a competitive 162 for five against the Dutch minnows, England were humbled when Edgar Schiferli scrambled a second run to secure victory off the final ball of the match after Stuart Broad missed with his throw at the stumps.

Collingwood: Defeat was hard to take

As Holland celebrated deep into the night, England retreated to the dressing room but captain Collingwood has underlined the need to shrug off their disappointment if they are not to become the first casualty of the tournament.

"The boys are very disappointed but we have to bounce back, it's as simple as that," stressed Collingwood.

"We're still in the tournament, we have 24 hours to get our heads around it and we have to play a hell of a lot better on Sunday.

"Pakistan are obviously a very good side. They got to the final of the last Twenty20 World Cup, they're very skilful and we're going to have to be at our very, very best to beat that side but we can do it."

England hope to have Kevin Pietersen available again after he sat out last night's defeat with a recurrence of Achilles tendon problems and Collingwood insisted: "It's not out of the realms of possibility that we can win and we believe we can win that game.

"I think as individuals we have to pick ourselves up because there were some sad faces in that dressing room last night but we've got 24 hours to do that, we'll get our heads together, see what we can do better in the next game and hopefully take it onto the park."

England not going to risk Pietersen

Pietersen, who missed the one-day series against West Indies to rest his Achilles, had a scan and injection on Friday in an effort to cure him of the ongoing problem.

But with the Ashes series due to start in five weeks at Cardiff, Collingwood stressed they would take no risks with Pietersen - or anyone else - in the coming days.

"He woke up this morning and felt very sore and it was a surprise to him and more of a surprise to the rest of us," revealed Collingwood.

"The medical staff have had a good look at him and seen what they need to do for Sunday and I'm hoping he's going to be fit.

"We're obviously not going to take any major risks because we've all got a big year ahead of us, but this is now a must-win game for us on Sunday and if he's fit he'll be playing."

Yuvi confident of keeping the title

2009-06-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

Yuvraj Singh admits to only a quiet confidence as India put the finishing touches to the ICC World T20 preparations.

Yuvraj headlined the early stages of India's run to the title in the inaugural staging of the tournament in South Africa two years ago, by hitting England's Stuart Broad for six sixes in one over.

That was payback for conceding five himself to England's Dimitri Mascarenhas in a one-day international at The Oval shortly beforehand.

Coming good with ball too

Yuvraj, however, has since uncovered the knack of taking Twenty20 hat-tricks in his guise as captain of Indian Premier League franchise Kings XI Punjab.

There can be little doubt then that the 27-year-old knows a thing or two about how to perform with bat and ball in the shortest form of the game.

He knows, too, though that Twenty20 can be notoriously unpredictable - and that is perhaps why he is taking nothing for granted as India look to build on an encouraging warm-up campaign when they take on Bangladesh in their opening Group A fixture at Trent Bridge on Saturday night.

"We are pretty confident, but the thing is the Twenty20 format is a very unpredictable one," he told the International Cricket Council's Cricket World audio show.

"You never know what is going to happen. But India have a very solid team, and we are very confident about defending it."

IPL stint will help

Yuvraj is convinced that those players coming straight from the recently-concluded second edition of the IPL, in South Africa, will hold a significant advantage over their opponents.

"The World Cup comes at the right time after the IPL," he add.

"We've had enough games to practise in the Twenty20 format.

"But it's not only Indians - other players all around the world also have that advantage.

"I think everybody will have had the practice to come and play the Twenty20 World Cup."

T20 is good fun

As for his own Twenty20 prowess, Yuvraj explains much of it has to do with pure enjoyment of the format.

"It is good fun. There is not much time to play yourself in - you have got to start from ball one," he said.

"To hit six sixes is great when you think about it - but to take two hat-tricks is amazing for a part-timer like me. That's quite funny. I'd be happy with one."

Warning for Broad

As for Broad, Yuvraj is pleased to see he has recovered so impressively from his Durban mauling - but appears keen to renew hostilities when the opportunity arises. "Anybody can have a bad day, and Stuart has been doing really well for England," he said.

"I'm sure we're going to be in the battle once again."

Australia send Symonds home

2009-06-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

Andrew Symonds' international career appears over after he was sent home from ICC World T20 due to an "alcohol-related incident".

Symonds, 34 next week, was due to fly back to Australia at the first opportunity after contravening the self-imposed guidelines set upon his return to the green and gold ranks earlier this year.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland termed the development, which included more than one breach in the past few days, as the "final straw" on Thursday.

His disciplining is the latest in a string of career indiscretions, including being banned for two matches during the 2005 Ashes tour for turning up for a one-day international against Bangladesh in Cardiff inebriated.

"There are a number of his own commitments that he has broken over the last 24-48 hours," said Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

"They are not anything we forced upon him, they were his own commitments, that he was going to live by around the team and they were team rule breaches.

"There was more than one thing that happened and from me, I think it's best just leaving it at that."

Some of Australia's players watched the State of Origin rugby league match between Queensland and New South Wales late Wednesday morning and Symonds was at a charity dinner with his team last night but not at this morning's net session at the Oval.

CA to help in rehab

Sutherland, who announced Symonds' release from Australia's 15-man squad from Melbourne, said: "The breach of team rules of itself was not a major offence but was in effect the final straw after a series of previous indiscretions and in the light of the undertakings Andrew had given.

"I am disappointed in Andrew, but I am also disappointed for him after all the work he has done with Australian cricket's support in the last year - and CA will be encouraging and supporting him with continuing rehabilitation on his return home."

Symonds was named in Australia's list of centrally-contracted players for 2009-10 last month but the annual deal, which kicks in from June 30, is now under review.

Final straw

He was on his last chance after the Darwin fishing saga in August last year, during which he missed a team meeting ahead of the one-day series against Bangladesh, and led to him being thrown out of the squad.

In January this year, Symonds conceded alcohol was playing a big part in his life during an apology for the drunken slur he aimed at New Zealand's Brendon McCullum during a radio interview - he was hit with a fine of approximately £2,000.

He was reprieved in early April when he was named in Australia's preliminary 30-man squad for this current tournament and was also recalled for the one-day series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Missed opportunities

"I don't think Cricket Australia could have done any more for him, to tell the truth," said Ponting, who was part of the four-man leadership group that recommended Symonds' release to their bosses back home.

"He has been stood down on a number of occasions, he has been working through some processes off the field over the last 12-18 months to make himself better in different aspects of his life.

"I don't think he was rushed back in but unfortunately, both for him and us, he has come back in and this has happened again. He has had plenty of opportunity, that's for sure."

Ponting, who backed Symonds' claims as a player in the past, informed the Australian team of the decision before Thursday's practice.

"Little incidents like this that happen certainly don't have the best outcome on the whole group," Ponting said.

Looking ahead

"This decision is about having the best team environment we can possibly have and giving ourselves the best opportunity of bringing on the next generation of Australian players.

"There's no such thing as a curfew in the Australian cricket team.

"You don't need curfews around good teams. That's what being part of the team's all about, having respect for yourself and your team-mates, and not disrespecting the opportunity you've got as an Australian player."

Australia must now nominate a replacement player, who will then have to be ratified by the event technical committee: a process which is expected to take place in the next 24 hours.

Symo still valuable

But Symonds' on-field value is indisputable - he commanded a $ 1.35 million Indian Premier League price tag last year and was part of Deccan Chargers' title-winning side a matter of weeks ago.

"He will be difficult to replace but we have got what we've got now," Ponting said.

"It is no good worrying about that any more, he's ruled out of this squad and we have to find someone who can have the same kind of impact on a game as what Andrew Symonds can.

"That is the challenge that lies ahead for our group now.

"It throws the balance a little bit in our side. We will probably have to re-jig things and look at things in a slightly different way but the beauty of our team is we have a lot of flexibility."

Bopara: India will be a big threat

2009-06-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

In an exclusive interview to espnstar.com, England star Ravi Bopara speaks about his side's chances in the ICC World Twenty20.

Q. What are the chances of theEngland team in the Twenty 20 World Cup Tournament?

A. The experience of playing in the Indian Premier League would definitely help the England team to do well in the competition. England should really do well.

Q. Is it the only reason for which you think England would do well?

A. We have not always lived up to our potential as a Twenty20 team so far but we have played well in 20-over internationals in England. I am confident we would do well this time.The key thing for this competition has to be the way we have been playing lately. We are also banking on the winning streak.

Q. Ravi, you are a superstar now!

A. I can't help that. But I am enjoying my cricket. I know people have a lot of expectations from me. I will try my best to live upto those expectations.

Q. What did you do extra for this tournament?

A. Extra practice in the quick-fire version of the game is very important. I tried to do that to be in a good shape.

Q. Did IPL teach you anything?

A. Of course. Even though the English counties are playing Twenty20 for the last six years, I must confess that I learnt a lot from mixing with various international cricketers who took part in the IPL. I learnt about tactics,preparations and how they can make a big difference to a side.

Q. Which team can bring a threat to England in the ICC World Twenty20?

A. India. They have got a balanced side. Their cricketers have gained enough confidence from IPL.

Q. How will you prepare for the Ashes?

A. I do not want to invite any kind of pressure for this great series. I would try to concentrate on the basics and would try to be calm and realxed. But for the time being, I am only concentrating on this ICC World Twenty20.

Bald Amitabh Bacchhan

2009-06-04T03:41:00.001-07:00

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2009

Bald Big B | Bald Bachan | Bald Amitabh

Yes, this is Amitabh Bachchan. You’d be excused for doing a double take, but chinta not – he hasn’t actually shaved off his hair. This is the much-protected, top secret look that he’s sporting in the the Balki-directed movie, Pa. The film is being shot in Delhi, and Big B’s son Abhishek is also part of the cast and in the city. The father-son duo has been shooting for Pa amid tight security – and secrecy

Holland edge out Scots in a thriller

2009-06-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

Holland wrap up their preparations for the ICC World T20 with a nail-biting seven-wicket win over Scotland at the Oval.

Click here for Scorecard

A 105-run second-wicket partnership from Alexei Kervezee (62) and Bas Zuiderent (44) ensured the win for the Dutch, who were chasing 128, in the final over.

Scotland, started their innings brightly but could not maintain their quick start as they stumbled to 128 for nine thanks to impressive bowling from Edgar Schiferli (three for 33) and Mudassar Bukhari (two for 27).

Kyle Coetzer looked in good form at the crease, making 39 from 28 balls, but struggled to find a good batting partner with Fraser Watts the only other man to make 20.

The re-introduction of paceman Dirk Nannes to the Dutch attack pegged Coetzer back before he was removed by Pieter Seelaar in the 15th over and Scotland stumbled to their total of 128.

Holland, who play England in the tournament's curtain-raiser on Friday, began their reply in a disappointing fashion when Calum MacLeod dismissed Darren Reekers for four in the first over.

Kervezee and Zuiderent quickly regained the initiative for the Dutch though, as they reached 50 in the ninth over thanks to some wayward bowling from Gordon Drummond and Craig Wright and some lax fielding.

Hamilton then effectively introduced spinners Majid Haq and Glenn Rogers to slow Holland's run rate down as they struggled to get the ball off the square.

Kervezee sensed the Dutch were falling behind and began to open his shoulders in the 13th over when he found the boundary twice off Craig Wright including one huge six over mid off.

He reached his 50 the following over off 50 balls while Zuiderent kept his nerve at the other end as Jeroen Smits' side reached 100 in the 16th over.

Majid Haq then caught and bowled Kervezee in the 17th over to leave Holland requiring 18 off 22 balls. Zuiderent was caught by Watts off Wright in the final over with Holland four runs but Dan van Bunge (four not out) kept his nerve to hit the winning runs with three balls to spare.

Rohit stars in India's win over Pakistan

2009-06-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

Rohit Sharma's 80-run blitzkrieg guides India to a nine-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC World T20 warm-up tie.

Click here for Scorecard

Rohit Sharma tore apart Pakistan's bowling attack as India reached the target with three overs to spare in their final warm-up match.

Chasing 159, Rohit and Gautam Gambhir (52 not out) raised 140 runs in just 16 overs for the opening stand to slam the door on Pakistan and India cruised to 159/1 in 17 overs to complete a facile win.

Click here for all the action as it unfolded

Rohit's was a sublime 53-ball knock, bejewelled with nine fours and two sixes. In contrast, Gambhir played the second fiddle to perfection and was unbeaten after a 47-ball knock that included five hits to the fence.

Earlier, Pakistan got off to a flier before suffering a mid-innings slump even though they eventually reached a competitive 158 for six, thanks to cameos from Ahmed Shehzad (25), Younis Khan (32), Misbah-ul Haq (37 not out) and Yasir Arafat (25 not out).

But with Gambhir getting his mojo back and Rohit continuing his purple patch, India's chase was off to a rollicking start and they never relaxed their grip.

Gambhir flicked the first ball from Umar Gul for a delectable four and ended the over in similar fashion.

Rohit, meanwhile, was not ready to be outshone.

Accordingly, Gul was hit over mid-on for a four, Yasir Arafat was dispatched in the stands for the first six of the match before copping two fours in his next over. Shahid Afridi also found himself at the receiving end of Rohit's wrath when the batsman smote him over midwicket for a huge six.

Though Rohit eventually fell in the 16th over, by then it was just a matter of formality for India.

Earlier, Pakistan got off to a flier but India's disciplined bowling unit staged a remarkable comeback to restrict them to 158 for six.

Despite losing an early wicket, Pakistan cruised to 45 in just over four overs before losing three wickets without a single run added to the score.

After winning toss, Pakistan captain Younis Khan sent out teen twins Shahzaib Hasan (0) and Ahmed Shehzad (25) to open the innings but Hasan was back in the hut soon after Praveen Kumar's fifth legitimate delivery pegged back his off-stump.

Shehzad's too could have been a brief stay but Harbhajan Singh grassed a sitter at mid-wicket off RP Singh when the batsman was on five and India were made to pay for the clanger.

Shehzad shed all inhibitions and went after the Indian bowlers and suddenly it was raining boundaries at The Oval.

RP Singh copped two in the same over and Praveen didn't escape unscathed either as Shehzad pulled and drove with elan. Shehzad's aggression proved contagious as Kamran Akmal (19) too started freeing his arms to good effect.

It was probably too good to last and Pakistan lost three wickets over five balls with Suresh Raina in the thick of action.

An airborne Raina first did a Jonty Rhodes to swoop on a ball and hit the stumps to remove Akmal and then placed himself under Shehzad's miscued skier in the same Ishant Sharma over.

Shahid Afridi's was a blink-and-miss stay as the swashbuckling right-hander bottom edged Irfan Pathan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni took a diving catch to remove him for a golden duck.

Shoaib Malik (14) started well before Pragyan Ojha snared the former captain in his first over and Pakistan were without their top half when the score reached 63.

Younis (32) and Misbah (37 not out) raised 50 runs in 7.3 overs but boundaries had dried up by then. Harbhajan got rid off Younis but Misbah and Arafat (25 not out) threw their bat at everything to push the score past the 150-mark.

The Teams:

Pakistan: Shahzaib Hasan, Ahmed Shehzad, Younis Khan*, Kamran Akmal†, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Yasir Arafat, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Aamer, Fawad Alam, Sohail Tanvir

India: MS Dhoni, G Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, RA Jadeja, PP Ojha, IK Pathan, YK Pathan, SK Raina, I Sharma, RG Sharma, RP Singh, Yuvraj Singh,Praveen Kumar

Man United announce Aon deal

2009-06-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

Manchester United have confirmed they will team up with Aon from the start of the 2010-11 season.

The giant American company's brand name will feature on the club shirt for four years.

No terms of the sponsorship deal have been announced but the deal is thought to be worth about £80 million.

United chief executive David Gill said: "We are delighted to be entering such an important relationship with a company of the stature of Aon and to have its logo adorn our shirts from the start of the 2010-11 season."

Hughes eyes Man United's Tevez

2009-06-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has revealed that the Eastlands club are interested in bringing in Carlos Tevez.

Tevez's future has been scrutinized recently as his two-year loan at Manchester United is coming to an end.

The Red Devils have the choice of signing the striker due to a clause on the deal, though they are allegedly not keen on paying for the amount that the Argentine striker is priced at.

Reports from England indicate that Man City are ready to table a bid for Tevez and Hughes has confirmed that he is interested in getting the forward.

"Carlos Tevez is a good player. If good players become available then obviously every manager is interested," Hughes told Sky Sports News.

Hughes added in the interview that Daniel Sturridge could depart from the City of Manchester Stadium.

Chelsea have been in the frame to snap up the young striker, who has failed to sign a new deal with the Sky Blues.

Hughes admits the youngster is now on his own as he is now free from any playing contract.

"We are not in a position to dictate that [Sturridge's future] really," added Hughes. "We have offered Daniel a deal that we think is at the level he should be at."

"He is in a strong position because he is in the last year of his contract"

"He is keeping his options open, which he has done for quite some time, we just have to wait and see."

"Obviously I have made my intentions very clear to him I would like him to stay but it may be out of our hands."

Williams ousted by Kuznetsova

2009-06-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

Serena Williams' hopes of landing a second French Open title were dashed as she lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova in the quarter-finals.

The American second seed came back from a set down and saved two match points before eventually folding 7-6 (7/3) 5-7 7-5 after two hours and 47 minutes' action on Suzanne Lenglen court.

Seventh seed Kuznetsova will meet 30th seed Sam Stosur in the semi-finals, the Australian having earlier brushed past teenager Sorana Cirstea 6-1 6-3.

Williams, the 2002 champion here, won just two points in the opening three games as she was broken twice to fall 3-0 down, and she quickly found herself 5-3 behind.

The 10-time grand-slam winner upped her intensity when it came to crunch time, winning three successive games for 6-5 but squandering a set point in game 12.

She played a poor tie-break, though, as she slipped 6-1 down and despite saving two set points, Kuznetsova's forehand winner on the run brought her the set.

The Russian started the second set like she did the first, and a lucky net cord earned her an early 3-0 cushion.

Serving for the match at 5-3, Kuznetsova - by now covered in red dust after a heavy fall in the seventh game - choked.

Williams seized the initiative and won four games on the bounce, sealing the set with an ace, to take it to a decider.

She then took a 3-1 lead in the third but Kuznetsova broke back in the sixth game, as a result of a dreadful drop-shot attempt by her opponent, and strode into a 5-4 lead.

The 2004 US Open champion squandered two match points in game 10 with a backhand then forehand long but in Williams' next service game, Kuznetsova clinched victory when the American skewed a backhand wide.

Kuznetsova is the second Russian to make the semi-finals, along with compatriot Dinara Safina, the top seed and title favourite.

She is the only player to defeat Safina on clay this year.

Doubles specialist Stosur had earlier dismissed the unseeded Cirstea in straight sets in a battle between two players making their debuts in a grand-slam quarter-final.

The Australian raced into a 3-0 lead and after her 19-year-old opponent was broken again, Stosur wrapped up the first set at the first time of asking.

World number 41 Cirstea stunned fifth seed Jelena Jankovic in round four but she struggled badly in blustery conditions on Philippe Chatrier court.

The Romanian improved in the second set but was still broken twice as Stosur eased through.

Federer through to the last four

2009-06-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

Roger Federer made his 20th consecutive grand-slam semi-final with a straight-sets victory over France's Gael Monfils.

The Swiss, bidding to claim his first Roland Garros title and complete his haul of all four Majors, was in solid form as he swept to a 7-6 (8/6) 6-2 6-4 win on Philippe Chatrier court.

The victory not only moves Federer, the runner-up here the past three years, a step closer to greatness but it will also give him new-found belief after a topsy-turvy campaign at this year's Roland Garros.

Federer looked much more in control of his game today compared to two days ago, when he had to come back from two sets and 4-3 down to defeat Germany's Tommy Haas.

His forehand was back working, his error count was lower and although 11th seed Monfils gave him a decent workout, the contest never lived up to the pre-match hype.

The Swiss, a 13-time grand-slam winner, was forced to save break points in the first and 11th games as an evenly-fought first set went to a tie-break.

After two mini-breaks each, Federer clinched it when he swatted home a forehand volley at the end of a riveting rally.

The former world number one, a four-set winner over Monfils in the 2008 semi-finals here, was even more consistent in the 28-minute second set.

Again his forehand and serve were hitting the spot and he broke twice to take the set and leave an off-key Monfils with a mountain to climb.

The Frenchman called for the doctor prior to the start of the third set, a stomach problem appearing to be the issue. The same doctor would be summoned again at the end of the third game, with the set going with serve with Monfils 2-1 ahead.

The atmosphere by now was somewhat stale and Federer gradually applied the pressure. In game nine, Monfils saved a first break point but on the second the remaining French hope in the men's singles slammed a forehand into the net.

That proved decisive and Federer held comfortably in the next to ease to only his second straight-sets victory this tournament.

He will meet either Juan Martin del Potro or Tommy Robredo in the last four knowing that not only has no-one left in the draw beaten him on clay, but also that his arch-rival Rafael Nadal - toppled in the fourth round - can no longer prevent him winning the title.

Pakistan on the look-out for revenge

2009-06-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

McLaren-Mercedes' Norbert Haug has admitted that the team has all but lost the F1 Driver’s Championship this season.

Speaking to the press in a conference call on Tuesday, Haug discussed prospects for the upcoming season and took a realistic look at the champions' performance so far this year.

"It would be bizarre to speak of defending our title. Why should we think about it when we are not competitive?"

McLaren won the 2008 Driver's Championship thanks to Briton Lewis Hamilton, and were close challengers for the Constructor's title as well, finally finishing second.

Contrastingly, this season they have been well off the pace, notching up a pitiful 13 points from the first six races, in a season completely dominated by Brawn GP (86 points).

Despite the fact that 11 races remain this season, Haug has written off the chances of his team to recapture last season's glory.

However, he remained positive about McLaren's chances next year, saying that he sees the team as race-winning contenders "when the catch-up process is completed."

The motorsport executive also admitted that he hopes to see a satisfactory compromise to the budget-cap dispute that has rocked the sport.

"We can only talk about an agreement when everything has been settled", he cautioned, but said he hoped to see the 10 teams from this year back on the 2010 roster when it is announced on June 12^th.

Haug also expressed his fears about the 6 potential new teams that have applied for an F1 license, sharing doubts that they would match up to the required standards.

Haug added that Mercedes, who also provide engines for Brawn and Force India, are ready in principle to help new teams, but not at all costs.

"Formula One is not a charity, this must be clear," he said.

Pakistan on the look-out for revenge

2009-06-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

MS Dhoni would need pluck to score a consolation win against Pakistan in the warm-up match of the ICC World Twenty20.

India lost the first sparring match of the warm-ups to New Zealand on Monday and are up against an opponent who consider themselves unlucky to lose in two previous encounters between the two sides.

Both the previous ties were in the inaugural edition in 2007 and India could cross over the finish line by a matter of chance.

Indians prevailed in the first through a 'bowl-out' after the two sides had tied at the same score.

In the 2007 final match in Johannesburg, Pakistan were just a stroke away from victory when Misbah-ul Haq's scoop off Joginder Sharma landed in short fine-leg S Sreesanth's hands.

Pakistan would be determined to settle the score for they might not get another opportunity to get even with the Indians unless both sides make it to the finals this time also.

Indians would be resigned to leaving out Zaheer Khan and Virender Sehwag on the bench as both are battling shoulder injuries.

They would be keen though to play Yuvraj Singh who is just about coming to terms with a bout of food poisoning, as disclosed by skipper Dhoni on Monday night.

Indo-Pak tie will raise money

2009-06-03T08:22:00.001-07:00

An exclusive live TV screening of India-Pakistan T20 warm-up game, will raise money for the benefit of a Lancashire cricketer.

The television screening of the match, hosted by Indian cricket legend Farokh Engineer, will raise money for the benefit of Lancashire cricketer Gary Keedy.

Keedy will join Engineer during the event

Engineer, who played first-class cricket for Lancashire and is a widely respected figure here, will host the exclusive screening of Wednesday's match at the Old Trafford cricket ground in Manchester.

Gary Keedy, 44, was voted the best county player never to have played for England by 'All out Cricket' in 2006.

He will also join Engineer during the event.

The event has aready attracted considerable interest from sponsors HSBC and the local Asian Image newspaper and going to be a of mix business networking with a celebration of Asian culture.

Tickets for today's India-Pakistan warm-up match were sold out within 48 hours, but fans anticipating a tough contest plan to celebrate the event in homes, pubs and other public places.

"The event will be spectacular"

Along with the screening game, corporate guests will be entertained with Bhangra dancing and traditional Asian live performances.

"The Asian business community is very strong in the North West and we are keen to reach out and engage with these important members of the region's economy," Andrew Ryder of HSBC said.

"This event is the ideal opportunity to create a perfect blend of captivating cricket as well as showing what HSBC can offer its personal and business customers alike."

The event is a part of Keedy's benifit year, twelve months high profile sporting events, and will raise money for him and his nominated charities.

"Farokh Engineer is a cricketing legend and I'm honoured he will be hosting the event. Pakistan vs India is always a great game and with the added musical and dance twist, the event will be spectacular," Gary Keedy said.

The event will raise money for British Asian Trust. Individual tickets for the event are available at 50 Pounds and a table of ten is available for 450 Pounds.

Cibulkova crushes Sharapova

2009-06-03T08:21:00.001-07:00

Dominika Cibulkova will Dinara Safina for a place in the French Open final after thrashing Maria Sharapova 6-0 6-2.

The Slovakian 20th seed was in blistering form, making just a solitary unforced error in the first set, and belied the fact that she had never made it past round three at Roland Garros to simply blow Sharapova off the court.

Sharapova had been taken to three sets in each of her previous matches - having only returned in March this year after seven months out with a shoulder injury - and she seemed to run out of gas in the quarter-final on Suzanne Lenglen court.

The Russian had defeated her opponent in both their previous meetings, each of which came on clay last year, and towered almost a foot taller than the world number 19.

However, it was Cibulkova who made the big impression early on, breaking three times in succession to blitz Sharapova 6-0 in an opening set which lasted only half an hour.

Cibulkova was putting on a fine show in her first grand slam quarter-final and broke her bemused-looking adversary again in the opening game of the second set.

Two more breaks followed and the dreaded double-bagel was only averted when Sharapova finally got on the board in the 12th game of the match.

Pride was salvaged but the match was irretrievable, and Cibulkova served out at the next time of asking.

Earlier, Safina came from a set down to defeat 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka.

The Russian was given the runaround in the first set and was at one stage being held at 4-4 in the second, but recovered her poise to eke out a 1-6 6-4 6-2 victory on Philippe Chatrier court.

Ninth seed Azarenka, playing her first grand-slam quarter-final, had beaten Safina at Indian Wells earlier this year and had also won three titles in 2009, in Brisbane, Memphis and Miami.

She was therefore not overawed in the slightest and played an almost perfect first set, which lasted just 23 minutes.

Azarenka broke to 15 in the very first game and went 4-1 up when she grabbed a break on Safina's third service game.

The Belarussian was prospering under blue skies, her length and nagging consistency troubling Safina, who dropped her serve again in game seven to hand Azarenka the set.

Early in the second set, Safina suddenly found the form that had seen her lose just five games in her run to the quarters.

She broke in the third and fifth games, and would have been given further encouragement when Azarenka slammed her racquet down in disgust the moment she went 4-1 down.

The teenager fought back superbly to make it 4-4 but Safina rallied again to break and then hold to take the set.

Azarenka dropped serve in the first game of the third set and world number one Safina, who has yet to win a grand slam, finished the stronger to wrap up victory in an hour and 52 minutes.

History of T20 2008

2009-06-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

The laurels for inventing the Twenty20 version of cricket might go to the England and Wales Cricket Board, but the credit for making it a craze goes to the first edition of ICC World Twenty20, held in South Africa in 2007.

Be it Yuvraj’s Singh’s six sixes off Stuart Broad, an animated bowl-out, minnows toppling the biggies’ apple-cart or an equally charged title clash between the famed foes (India and Pakistan), the two weeks of unadulterated power-show on the Proteas pitches was more than enough to satisfy every cricket connoisseur’s appetite.

It started with Chris Gayle and Davon Smith demolishing the South African attack in Johannesburg and the hosts paying back the West Indians with the same currency through Herschelle Gibbs and Justin Kemp. With the tone set for the tournament, Zimbabwe only upped the ante by pulling one of the biggest surprises, blanking out Australia.

The reigning ICC Cricket World Cup champions and ICC Champions Trophy holders must have entered the arena almost assured of adding the T20 grail to their cabinet, but if cricket is a game of uncertainties, T20 happens to be one-up on that. While Zimbabwe had overtaken the mighty Oz at the finish line of the match, Bangladesh bettered it a day later. The Indian sub-continent side taught the Calypso Kings a thing or two about the trade by chasing down a formidable target with two overs still in their kitty.

But it was the 10th fixture which turned lovers into staunch loyalists. When the match list reads India vs Pakistan, the spectators’ expectations soar.

And like so many times in history, the two neighbours did not disappoint. It was time to make the world sit and up and take note of the bowl-out.

While India skipper MS Dhoni picked his cards intelligently, his Pakistani counterpart Shoaib Mallik’s choices didn’t do him any good. Robin Uthappa’s adorable bowing to the crowd and Shahid Afridi’s following miss just provided a perfect ending to the thriller and a 3-0 scoreline in India’s favour.

Towards the end of the group stage clashes, Yuvraj suddenly decided to entertain the crowds to the hilt. Unfortunate for Stuart Broad that the Indian swashbuckler chose him to be the one at the receiving end. Yuvi hit all six deliveries from the young English pacer to the other side of the rope in the penultimate over of the innings.

Pakistan got rid of New Zealand in the first semi-final and India settled scores with Australia. The two finalists played some wonderful cricket to take the spectators to . Pakistani middle order batsman Misbah-ul Haq came to India’s rescue just when Pakistan looked like taking the game away. After having failed to wrap up the earlier encounter in his side’s favour, this time too Misbah could not provide the knock-out punch. And as he slumped to the ground after playing Joginder Sharma’s delivery into Sreesanth’s hands, every Indian in every corner of the world had starting jumping with joy. Dhoni’s brigade had become the first Twenty20 World Champions.

With the first edition going script-perfect, the second one in England is expected to better it substantially.

Pietersen shows his value

2009-06-02T23:58:00.000-07:00

Kevin Pietersen underlined his massive importance to England's ICC World T20 campaign by securing victory against Scotland.

Just 24 hours after announcing England had now developed into a team no longer reliant on him to deliver when it counts, Pietersen ensured there was no shock result against a spirited Scotland side by clinching a victory heavily dependent on his talents.

Chasing Scotland's 136 for five, Pietersen finished the game with an over to spare by pulling a six over mid-wicket to put the gloss on an otherwise subdued display in front of a sparse Trent Bridge crowd.

But apart from Pietersen's unbeaten 53 off 39 balls and an unorthodox unbeaten 23 from Eoin Morgan, England presented little evidence that they can emerge as winners of the tournament in a few weeks' time.

Without strike bowler James Anderson and off-spinner Graeme Swann, who were both rested as a precaution against ankle and back niggles respectively, England's new-look attack were unable to prevent Scotland recovering from a tentative start to reach a respectable total.

Scotland never realistically looked likely to win the match, but wickets in successive balls from off-spinner Majid Haq ensured England's run chase was more pressurised than they expected and it needed another display of Pietersen's special talent to settle the issue.

The underdogs had begun nervously, perhaps still reeling from the walkout of experienced seamer John Blain from their squad at the weekend following a furious row with captain Gavin Hamilton, and took 11 deliveries to score their first runs off the bat.

That start contributed to them struggling to 41 for two in the eighth over, only for a spirited 62-run third-wicket stand off 41 balls between Kyle Coetzer and Colin Smith to give them renewed momentum.

Hampshire all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas had restricted Scotland from the start, delivering a maiden opening over and bowling opener Fraser Watts in his next over.

Hamilton attempted to make amends from the sluggish start and hit Mascarenhas for the first six of the innings over long-on, but he fell to Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid on the mid-wicket boundary attempting to hit a second successive boundary.

His demise brought Coetzer and Smith together, who seized on the opportunity to attack England's spin pairing of Rashid and Pietersen in the middle overs of their innings.

Rashid, a surprise replacement for the injured Andrew Flintoff in England's squad, should have had Coetzer stumped by James Foster for 22 but square-leg official Amish Saheeba ruled against the appeal and did not have the option of a third umpire because the match is not a full international.

Coetzer immediately punished that error by hitting Rashid's next ball for six in an over which cost 17 runs as Scotland accelerated towards three figures.

Durham batsman Coetzer fell when he picked out Pietersen at long-on, attempting to hit England captain Paul Collingwood over the top after hitting 34 off 34 balls.

But wicketkeeper Smith went on to hit a superb 45 off 32 balls, which included four fours and a six before he gave Collingwood a return catch with just three overs of the innings remaining.

Scotland could even have set a bigger target, but middle-order batsman Neil McCallum struggled to combat a new tactic developed by Stuart Broad, who bowled around the wicket to the right-hander in the final over and conceded only two runs by slanting the ball across him outside off stump.

England began their reply with much more purpose after Ravi Bopara built on his growing reputation with a superb 32 from 29 balls before giving Haq his first wicket by picking out long-on.

Haq had already caught fellow opener Luke Wright, who was preferred to Kent's Rob Key at the top of the order, at mid-off and then tempted Owais Shah into driving straight to extra cover off his next delivery during an impressive spell of two for 19 from his four overs.

Scotland, however, offered little threat other than Haq and although seamer Gordon Drummond had captain Paul Collingwood caught at long-off, England were never looked likely to suffer an embarrassing defeat once Pietersen relaxed at the crease.

Chris Gayle blows away Ireland

2009-06-02T23:56:00.000-07:00

West Indies captain Chris Gayle blasted his side to a nine-wicket victory over minnows Ireland in ICC World T20 warm-up clash.

Gayle struck seven sixes in an unbeaten 88 as the West Indians comfortably surpassed Ireland's 130 for seven.

They got to their target with 24 balls to spare after left-hander Gayle unleashed his explosive strokeplay.

They had made 77 for one by the halfway stage of their chase, of which Gayle contributed 50, and his savage assault on off-spinner Kyle McCallan's third over yielded two of his clearances of the ropes.

Two more came in the decisive 16th over, sent down by medium pacer John Mooney, as Ireland's back-up bowlers took a pounding.

Ireland's single success with the ball came in the eighth over when youngster Andre Fletcher, who impressed with his sheer power, miscued an expansive stroke from McCallan's second delivery and was caught at point.

Earlier, West Indies restricted tournament outsiders Ireland to just over a run a ball.

A lack of batting firepower was exposed by Gayle's team, who have endured a torrid time against England so far this summer in both Test and one-day cricket.

William Porterfield's men, who defeated Holland in an extra-over eliminator at Lord's yesterday, failed to make the most of the powerplay period.

A position of 36 for one at the end of the fielding restrictions severely dented hopes of a challenging total on a traditionally fast-scoring ground.

Northamptonshire's Niall O'Brien attempted to be the top-order aggressor and was just getting into his stride when he picked out midwicket with a pull off Dwayne Bravo.

Ireland particularly struggled against the sheer pace of Fidel Edwards, who followed up his good recent form in the second season of the Indian Premier League with figures of 3-0-13-1.

"Australia loss a wake-up call"

2009-06-02T23:55:00.000-07:00

Peter McGlashan believes New Zealand's seven-wicket loss to Australia in their final warm-up match was a reality check.

After accounting for tournament favourites India the previous day, New Zealand found themselves on the back foot at 21 for five against Ricky Ponting's men before Scott Styris (42) and Peter McGlashan (49) helped them to a reasonable total of 147 all out.

After a shaky start, which left them at 26 for two, Ponting (56) and Michael Clarke (49 not out) helped steer the Australians to 151 for three and a comfortable victory in the end.

"It was a nice wake-up call really," said McGlashan. "We got ourselves into some trouble but fought back. It had been fairly easy up until now so it was probably a good reality check for the boys."

In his first game against Australia, McGlashan's 49, off just 35 balls, was New Zealand's top score and the 29-year-old credited the advice of Styris for helping him through.

"It was good to bat with Scotty. It's been a while since we have batted together. It was good to have someone at the other end who has faced the Australian on quite a few occasions," McGlashan said.

"With it being my first game I didn't really know what to expect from too many of the bowlers but he had some advice on most of them and we managed to get a partnership together which gave us a reasonably competitive score."

As well as starring with the bat, McGlashan was also handed the wicket-keeping duties ahead of Brendon McCullum.

"I was pretty happy with the way I kept. It just gives the team choices really. We have got a lot of natural ball strikers so if it makes it easier for Baz not having to keep and we can get the best out of him at the top of the order then I need to make sure my standards are high enough that we don't miss anything if I do need to take the gloves.

"It was good to get a good performance in today in both facets of the game," he told Radio Sport.

Following Saturday's match against Scotland at The Oval, New Zealand will play South Africa at Lord's on Tuesday.

Pakistan name two uncapped players

2009-06-02T23:51:00.000-07:00

Pakistan have named uncapped fast bowler Mohammad Aamer and wicketkeeper Shahzaib Hasan in their final team for the World T20 in England.

Pakistan have named uncapped fast bowler Mohammad Aamer and wicketkeeper Shahzaib Hasan in their final team for the World Twenty20 in England in June.

Aamer, who was named in the squad for the series against Bangladesh which was eventually cancelled, was picked following impressive performances on the domestic circuit.

The left-arm paceman claimed 56 wickets in 10 games for Rawalpindi.

The 19-year-old Hasan has played only 10 first class matches and is seen as a back-up to regular wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal.

Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was also named in the team while opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad, who made his one-day debut earlier this month in the series against Australia, retains his place.

Promising middle-order batsman Fawad Alam, who was overlooked for the series in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, earned a recall.

Squad: Younis Khan (Captain), Salman Butt, Ahmed Shehzad, Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Fawad Alam, Shoaib Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Mohammad Aamer, Yasir Arafat, Saeed Ajmal, Shahzaib Hasan.

Cahill gets shock England call

2009-06-02T23:10:00.000-07:00

England defender Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of match against Kazakhstan and Gary Cahill has received a shock call-up.

Ferdinand's calf injury, a complaint he was understood to be carrying before Manchester United's Champions League final, means he will miss the trip to Almaty but could return for the clash against Andorra next week after the problem is assessed.

With Phil Jagielka sidelined, England boss Fabio Capello turned to Cahill after the 23-year-old's impressive season with Bolton.

"I was at home and I got a phone call from the FA (Football Association) saying that they wanted me in the squad," Cahill said on his club's official website, bwfc.co.uk.

"I've had to get a few tools together - the boots and the shin pads - and now I am really looking forward to the opportunity.

"I've had a good season and I've worked really hard. I've been in the provisional squad twice before and then this third time I was included once again, so I'm obviously delighted to get the call."

Tottenham skipper Ledley King, whose call-up in March caused controversy as he cannot play matches in quick succession because of a chronic knee problem, would have been another option but he could only have played in one of the two qualifiers.

Cahill now joins Matthew Upson and Joleon Lescott as the players competing for a place alongside skipper John Terry at centre-back for the clash against Kazakhstan.

The rest of Capello's squad have trained, including Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole, who sat out yesterday after taking a kick during the FA Cup final at the weekend.

Gerrard: South Africa will be my last

2009-06-02T22:55:00.000-07:00

Steven Gerrard believes the 2010 World Cup could be his last chance to win football's most coveted prize.

The Liverpool captain will be 30 by the time Fabio Capello's side compete in South Africa next summer - assuming there are no last-gasp hiccups in their qualifying group.

Gerrard conceded that he may be past his prime by the time of the 2014 finals.

And he will use that thought as a driving force for the double header with Kazakhstan away on Saturday and the home meeting with Andorra on June 10.

England already top their group and two more victories will put them on the verge of going through to the finals.

Gerrard said: "Will this be the last chance to qualify for a World Cup? I would say so. If we qualify, I'll be 30 when the finals come around.

"For me, it will be the last chance of doing well at a World Cup. Maybe by the time of the next one I might not be in my prime. That is a big motivation for me.

"We've now got these two important qualifiers coming up and if we want to play in the finals, we've got to get two good results.

"When we met up with the manager he said basically he wants the two wins to put us in the driving seat in the group. If we win these two games, we may possibly only need three more points.

"Of course, we know it will be warm in Kazakhstan and any international away from home is very difficult but there will be no excuses on our part.

"We should win these two games comfortably and put ourselves on the brink of going through."

Gerrard is also enjoying the new role given to him by Capello in interchanging with Wayne Rooney as the second striker.

Gerrard has operated effectively in that role at club level and it is a far cry from the days when he was often chosen to play on the left wing for his country.

He said: "The manager has put me there but with strict orders to interchange with Wayne.

"He wants me to pick up dangerous positions in a central area and not just on the left. I think he understands I'm not a left-winger.

"He sees the relationship with Wayne improving. We get on very well on and off the pitch and I think that partnership can certainly improve going forward."

Gerrard was proud to be voted the FWA Player of the Year but admits it did not make up for another trophy-less season at Anfield.

However, he feels Liverpool are closing the gap on Manchester United and is aware dropping too many points against teams they were expected to overrun cost them the title.

The 29-year-old said: "I wouldn't say being voted Player of the Year made up for not winning a trophy. It certainly helped from a personal point of view.

"But no player wants to finish the season without honours. For me the big challenge is to look forward and try and make sure there will be trophies in 12 months' time.

"We can look back at where we went wrong. That was drawing against teams who on paper we should have taken the three points against.

"But on the opposite side of the coin you get a lot of confidence from having gone to places like Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford and come away with a victory.

"What we have to do is use that sort of experience to try and go one better next season."

City complete Barry signing

2009-06-02T22:29:00.000-07:00

Manchester City have completed a surprise £12million transfer swoop for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

The 28-year-old England midfielder has signed a five-year contract at Eastlands having completed a medical earlier today.

Barry, who was a target for Liverpool last summer, leaves Villa after 12 years and more than 400 matches.

The midfielder had publicly stated he wanted to play in the Champions League and manager Martin O'Neill knew it would be difficult to hang on to the player should one of the top four come calling.

However, Barry's decision to join the revolution - bankrolled by Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan - being undertaken by Mark Hughes at Eastlands will have come as a shock to O'Neill and Villa fans alike.

City have not even qualified for next season's revamped Europa League and some supporters are certain to believe Barry has moved because of the £80,000-a-week salary at Eastlands.

But it is understood Barry has received assurances regarding the quality of player Mark Hughes is looking to bring in this summer to help establish City as a major force.

And he is likely to be assured of regular first-team football at Eastlands - a crucial factor in the build-up to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, assuming England qualify.

O'Neill refused to budge from his £18million valuation of the player when Liverpool relentlessly pursued Barry less than 12 months ago.

But with Reds manager Rafael Benitez's priorities for squad-building lying elsewhere, City saw their chance to sign an established England international and proven Premier League player.

Even though they are £6million down on the deal from a year ago the transfer still makes sense for Villa as Barry, who is currently with the England squad preparing for a World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan on Saturday, could leave for nothing at the end of next season.

Kaka: I want to stay with Milan

2009-06-02T22:28:00.000-07:00

Kaka has repeated his desire to stay a Milan player in the aftermath of Carlo Ancelotti's departure to Chelsea.

The Brazilian striker was speaking from Brazil as speculation of his pending move to Real Madrid increases daily.

New Milan coach Leonardo has stated he wants Kaka to stay with the Rossoneri but vice president Adriano Galliani revealed that it will be difficult to keep hold of their prized asset if, as reports suggest, Real launch a massive bid.

Manchester City tested Milan and Kaka's relationship in January with a massive bid but the Brazilian turned down the move even though Milan agreed a fee with City.

"I will say it for one last time: I do not want to leave Milan," La Gazzetta dello Sport quotes Kaka as having said while on the flight to his homeland.

"I prefer to keep quiet for the time being because I don't want to be misinterpreted or, even worse, manipulated.

"I just want to say to the millions of Rossoneri fans that I have made my choice. I want to stay. Just leave me alone, please."

Milan finished third in Serie A to qualify for next season's Champions League after Kaka netted in a 2-0 victory over Fiorentina on the final day.

"Thank God we qualified for the Champions League. We missed it and I missed it," explained Kaka.

"I want to keep winning with Milan. I'm staying at Milan. And as of today, this case is over."

Dunga: Kaka can play anywhere

2009-06-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

Brazil coach Dunga believes that Kaka will continue to be a success, regardless of where he plays next season.

Reports have suggested that the Brazilian attacking midfielder is headed for Madrid following the return of president Florentino Perez and the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as their new coach on Monday.

He has also been linked with a move to Chelsea following the appointment of former Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti while the player himself has indicated his desire to remain at the San Siro.

Said Dunga: "Kaka has already proven he has had no problem settling down in Italy.

"A player with his talent would have no problem getting used to any country. Kaka has the football skill to play in any championship."

Soderling keeps dream alive

2009-06-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

Robin Soderling continued his stunning run at the French Open with a straight-set victory over Nikolay Davydenko.

The 24-year-old Swede, seeded 23 at Roland Garros, recorded arguably the biggest upset in the tournament's history on Sunday by knocking out world number one and four-time defending champion Rafael Nadal.

And he was in equally imperious form again today to see off Davydenko 6-1 6-3 6-1 on Suzanne Lenglen court and claim his place in the semi-finals, where he will face either Andy Murray or Fernando Gonzalez.

Soderling played out of his skin in his first last-eight match at a grand slam to end Nadal's 31-match unbeaten streak on the Paris clay on Sunday, and continued in much the same vein today.

While some people expected his level to dip, he clearly had other ideas and produced another masterclass of mighty groundstrokes to triumph in just an hour and 41 minutes.

The world number 25 raced through the first set, breaking his Russian opponent twice to wrap it up 6-1 in just 23 minutes.

The second set was a much tighter affair, with the first six games going with serve.

But Soderling, who headed into today's contest buoyed by having beaten Davydenko in three of their five previous meetings including both times on clay, then took control.

He broke the world number 11 in game seven, survived a double fault in a hard-fought game to consolidate at 5-3 and then rounded off the set with a second break.

Davydenko also enjoyed an impressive victory on Sunday, albeit not such a high profile one, seeing off eighth seed Fernando Verdasco with a surprisingly comfortable 6-2 6-2 6-4 win.

But the shellshocked Russian was thoroughly outplayed today and hardly got a look-in in the third set.

He managed only one further game in the match - his first service game of what turned out to be the final set - as Soderling completed the obliteration.

mfl

Davydenko was understandably disappointed to have picked up only five games over the three sets against an opponent he would have been expected to overcome at the start of the tournament.

"I don't know why but it's three times I've lost against him before. I didn't have my best game and that's surprising," he said.

"Maybe his tennis is too fast for me. He had very good control from the baseline."

The Russian denied he was getting ahead of himself and contemplating a place in the final, however.

"I was not thinking about the semi-final or final," he insisted. "Okay, it was not Nadal or (Novak) Djokovic I was playing, but Soderling played well."

Cibulkova crushes Sharapova

2009-06-02T22:07:00.000-07:00