Bok captain must earn spot in the team

Bok coach Heyneke Meyer.

NEW Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says that when it comes to picking a new captain, he will “first pick the team, and then the captain.

The 44-year-old Meyer spoke to Independent Newspapers in an interview following his appointment as successor to Peter de Villiers on a four-year contract.

The SA Rugby Union’s general council was unanimous in their support for Meyer as coach after the executive council had recommended that the former Bulls mentor be chosen to take charge of Springbok rugby

But one of his key decisions in the next few months will be about the captaincy. This comes after De Villiers came under fire for controversially sticking with John Smit as the Bok captain, despite the then-Sharks stalwart having lost form and struggling with his physical conditioning.

Furthermore, his Sharks teammate Bismarck du Plessis produced a number of tremendous displays, yet had to be content with a place on the bench at Test level. Yet De Villiers felt that because Smit’s leadership ability was too important to the team, he could not leave Smit out.

But Meyer says he will do things differently when he decides on his captain and team for his first assignment, the upcoming three-Test series against England in June.

“I first pick the team, and then the captain. The public out there may feel that (the same man) doesn’t always deserve his place. So that is very important to me, that he first earns his place in the team as a player,” said Meyer. “I just think that, if the captain doesn’t deserve his place in the team, then the other players may start doubting him, and doubt the coach’s judgement, and you will never get it back.

“We are really blessed with a lot of strong leaders, and it can be any guy. I’m also a big believer in having four or five leaders in a team. The captain is more the guy who speaks to the media, but it is important to get the right guy who I can be proud of and who the whole country can be proud of.”

Meyer added that he was first looking to appoint a captain on a “short-term basis”, as the skipper has to be in good enough form to warrant a place in the side. Stormers captain Schalk Burger is regarded by many to be the favourite to replace Smit as Bok captain, but Meyer is known to also have a high regard for new Bulls skipper Pierre Spies and also hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle. That is if veteran Victor Matfield doesn’t come out of retirement.

But before Meyer gets down to watching Super Rugby and choosing the best-possible captain, he will first have to sort out his Bok management team. It is understood that Bulls defence coach John McFarland and conditioning expert Basil Carzis are likely to be part of Meyer’s Bok support staff, but that he is still searching for a backline coach. Bulls backline coach Pieter Rossouw could be in the running for a position in the Bok set-up.

Meyer told Independent Newspapers that he would be making use of specialists as he saw fit. But he did mention at a press conference on Friday that he hoped to get the “best people in the world or South Africa” for his management team, so don’t be surprised if Australian Todd Louden is part of the mix.

Louden, of course, was roped in by Meyer as the Bulls backline coach in 2007, and the Bulls went on to become the first SA team to win the Super 14 that year. They also scored the most points (388) in the league season, including that famous 92-3 victory over the Reds at Loftus to secure a home semifinal, and the second-most tries (45, compared to the Crusaders’ 47). Louden is currently the head coach of Sydney University after spending some time in Japanese club rugby.

  However, it is unclear whether former Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus will be part of Meyer’s team, as he has been mooted to fulfil the role of high-performance manager at Saru. Saru chief executive Jurie Roux promised the public that the process of appointing the management team “won’t take a month”, although it is known that most of the likely candidates are under contract at other unions.

“We will be in a lot of meetings and a lot of deliberations over the next two weeks to get the right people in their positions,” Roux said. “If one of those candidates is contracted to a union, we will need to engage with the union before we even speak to the person concerned to ensure we do the process in the correct way.” 

Source:http://www.iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/bok-captain-must-earn-spot-in-the-team-1.1223110

DEAN JONES WANTS SHAUN MARSH TO LEARN FROM PONTING AND CLARKE – CRICKET NEWS UPDATE

Dean Jones wants Shaun Marsh to learn from Ponting and Clarke – Cricket News Update

Former Australian batsman, Dean Jones, feels that Shaun Marsh’s defence needs improvement and wants the left-handed top-order batsman to learn from the seasoned Australian batsmen, Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting.

Marsh is considered as one of the most talented young Australian batsmen and has been doing exceedingly well in patches during the last couple of years. However, the left hander has had a series to forget against India at home.

The Aussie selectors are showing a lot of faith in the left handed batsman and are prepared to give him time to learn. Marsh is expected to take up the role of Australia’s premier batsman in the coming years.

However,  Jones, who himself was a top order batsman in his playing days, feels that Marsh does not have a solid defence, which is a prerequisite to success at any level of the game. Former right handed batsman believes that Marsh has all the shots in the book but he was dismissed against India playing defensive shots throughout the series.

Jones said, "I have said many times that failure at this level, or at any level for that matter, comes from an inability to play the defensive strokes properly. Marsh has played three poor forward defensive shots and two poor back-foot defensive shots that have led to dismissals in this Test series."

The senior Australian trio of Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey made majority of the Australian runs, and took on the responsibility of guiding the team to good totals. Jones wants Marsh to take a leaf out of their books.

He further added that Marsh must make use of the opportunities before the selectors lose faith in him.

"Hopefully he has watched Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting very carefully on how straight they have defended and how they played the ball right under their nose. Test cricket is all about making sure you cash in when things are going well,” former cricketer added.

The tri-nation series between Australia, India and Sri Lanka is going to start from the 5^th of February, 2012. It remains to be seen how Marsh shapes up in limited overs cricket.

Source:http://blogs.bettor.com/Dean-Jones-wants-Shaun-Marsh-to-learn-from-Ponting-and-Clarke-Cricket-News-Update-a126348

Virender Sehwag lukewarm on new coach

Virender Sehwag isn't too sure about Indian coach Duncan Fletcher. 

VIRENDER Sehwag says new coach Duncan Fletcher is not to blame for India's latest Test flop, but yesterday refused to offer any benefits the former England leader had brought to his nation's failing side.

Fletcher - credited as the mastermind behind England's 2005 Ashes triumph and snapping a 16-year hoodoo against Australia - won backing from full-time captain MS Dhoni following the Perth Test, but after yesterday's fourth-Test defeat at Adelaide Oval, Sehwag was less generous.
"It's difficult to tell you," the stand-in captain said after a long pause when asked about Fletcher's contribution.
"I will not comment on that, I will not say anything.
"He's a good coach. He's talking to a lot of batsmen and getting their input and making a lot of strategy. But when you (the players) can't execute your strategy, nothing happens."
Zimbabwean Fletcher has been branded India's jinxed man by a critical travelling media

Despite his 2-1 Ashes upset in England in 2005, India's 4-0 series whitewash leaves Fletcher's win-loss record in Tests on Australian soil at a horrible 1-13 in 14 matches.
He was also in charge of England's 2002-03 team that went down 4-1 and the 2006-07 side that had a 5-0 drubbing Down Under.
In April last year, Fletcher took over an Indian side that was one-day World Cup champions and the No.1-ranked Test side. In the nine months since, the Test team has slumped to consecutive 4-0 series losses away from home, broken only by a 2-0 series win over the lowly West Indies.

Despite his curious lack of praise for Fletcher, Sehwag refused to blame the coach for India's most recent disaster.

"No. Never. Why should I blame anybody because the players let down the team, not the support staff," he said.
Sehwag said claims Indian players didn't care about their hiding in Australia were wrong.
"It's very unfair," he said.
"I think everybody cares about their performances.
"They care if India lose the game and we are very passionate about the team and our performances.
"It is a shame if somebody is talking like that because if you lose the game, you should go out there and work out what went wrong and come back and perform well in the next game.
"We are trying that but it's not happening. It doesn't mean we are happy to lose."
India has also denied its ageing stars are on the verge of retiring - and is adamant none should be forced out - following its 4-0 series humiliation against Australia.
Team media manager GS Walia read out a handwritten statement after yesterday's defeat, describing as "baseless" claims that senior player Rahul Dravid was preparing to retire..

Source:http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/cricket/virender-sehwag-lukewarm-on-new-coach/story-fn67w6pa-1226256280524

Klusener to restore Dolphins' pride

Lance Klusener.

Former Proteas all-rounder Lance Klusener aims to bring back pride to the Dolphins jersey after taking over as interim coach of the KwaZulu-Natal cricket franchise. 

The former SA star replaced his own former boss, Graham Ford, last week and was handed the reins until the end of the current season.

Klusener was the last man to lead the Dolphins to silverware when he captained the team to a shared SuperSport Series title in the 2005/06 season 

“I'd like to carry on with much of what Graham Ford brought to the team and think maybe, from my side, beef up the discipline,” Klusener said.

“That's mainly in terms of how the players take on the responsibility of playing for a team like the Dolphins.

“I think if we can do that and bring that pride back of playing for the Dolphins, it will go a long way to helping this team play good cricket again and also help bring the fans back to the stadium.”

Klusener conceded there was enough talent in the province to work with and hoped the team could quickly pick themselves up after a poor season thus far.

After finishing fourth out of six teams in the One-day Cup, the Dolphins are log bottom with two rounds left in the SuperSport Series, with only one win from eight games.

“Fordy has left a massive gap,” Klusener said of his predecessor.

“He's a mentor of mine and I'll attempt to full those big shoes.

“Hopefully it will be a seamless transition and we can pick things up quickly.

“It's really a privilege for me and a nice situation because I am so at home here.

“That helped me make my decision because it's never easy to come into a team during the middle of a season, so I look forward to it as a challenge.”

Klusener, who played 49 Tests and made 171 ODI appearances for the Proteas between 1996 and 2004, has no experience as a head coach.

He has, however, completed a level-three coaching course at the Cricket SA (CSA) High Performance Centre in Pretoria.

 He is also a coaching consult for Indian Premier League side the Mumbai Indians and admitted that, if all went well during his initial two-month stint with the Dolphins, there was no stopping him from reapplying for the position on a full-time basis.

“I do understand to a point that the longer-term is probably a more extensive process,” he said.

“So depending on how we go and how I personally enjoy it, there's certainly an option going forward.” – Sapa

Source:http://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/domestic/klusener-to-restore-dolphins-pride-1.1223332?showComments=true

NSW carrying Australian cricket

NSW's "Second XI"

IF you needed any more evidence that NSW is carrying this nation's cricketing hopes, look no further than Australia's new one-day international squad announced yesterday.

"Queenslander" Peter Forrest was a key selection, but he grew up in Windsor and played his junior cricket for Hawkesbury.

Tasmania alone have six Blues imports who would walk into a second NSW team.

Ed Cowan attended exclusive Sydney school Cranbrook and played for the Blues before heading to Tasmania and earning a Test call-up.

He plays alongside fellow NSW-bred players Steve Cazzulino, Jason Krejza, Brendan Drew, Jackson Bird and Rhett Lockyear for Tasmania.

South Australia claims Dan Christian as one of its own, as well as other young Blues Tom Cooper and Aaron O'Brien.

Christian will play in the Twenty20 international at ANZ Stadium tomorrow night but was a promising junior rugby league player at St Gregory's College alongside the Storm's Ryan Hoffman.

 

Cricket NSW chief executive David Gilbert holds no grudges.

"All we're missing is a keeper, although Tom Cooper could do the job," Gilbert said.

"For Peter, the move to Queensland has been very good for him. We're disappointed he left, but his game has certainly developed over the course of this year, so full credit to him."

Forrest knew it would be tough to cement a spot with Phillip Hughes, Usman Khawaja and David Warner vying for Test places this time last year.

"It was a no-brainer," Forrest said about linking with Queensland. "I remember the last time I got dropped and I remember my (one-day) stats.

"I was averaging 41 and striking at 88 (per 100 balls) and that still wasn't good enough to get in the team. It was extremely frustrating.

"I think they saw me as a top-order player, but when you have guys like Hughesy, Khawaja and Warner, and Simon Katich, who all bat up the top, it was hard to find a spot.

"I don't hold anything against NSW. They have a wealth of talent down there and I wasn't good enough to crack it."

The Sydney Sixers, who are made up of predominantly Blues-contracted players, proved the good times show no signs of slowing down in NSW when they won the inaugural Big Bash League on Saturday night against the Perth Scorchers
Source:http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/cricket/nsw-carrying-australian-cricket/story-fn67w6pa-1226257713869

Pakistan beat us fair and square: Flower

Andy Flower speaks to the media in Abu Dhabi. 

England coach Andy Flower said on Sunday Pakistan's series-clinching Test win would be a huge boost to the country, but called on his team to show its mettle in subsequent matches in the subcontinent.

Pakistan thumped England by 72 runs in the second Test in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Pakistan won the first Test by 10 wickets in Dubai.

The third and final Test begins in Dubai from February 3.

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Under Flower England had been unbeaten in its last nine Test series, which saw the team rise to No.1 in rankings last year.

But after being set a tricky 145-run target to win on Saturday, England was dismissed for a paltry 72 as Pakistan's spin bowlers came to the fore.

"We realise that we haven't been very skillful in dealing with that type of cricket. In saying that, it's also right to praise the Pakistan team for what they have done. They beat us fair and square," said Flower.

"They have beaten us properly in two matches. They have fought hard and worked hard at their game and in a way I'm very happy for them. It's good for their cricket and it's good for their country."

Flower, a former Zimbabwean batsman, said defeats were a "wake-up" call for England.

"It was a wake-up call no one wanted to get. Not to that degree. But, yes it is," said Flower.

"Yesterday (Saturday) was very poor. The three days preceding that were pretty good. We put ourselves in a good position where we could have won the Test but then performed very badly with the bat to lose it."

Pakistan spin duo Abdul Rehman, who recorded career-best figures of 6-25, and Saeed Ajmal (3-22) led the fightback after they had conceded a first-innings lead of 70 runs.

Flower said dropping a few catches in the first innings was crucial.

"Maybe we dropped a couple of important catches, but other than that the bowlers and fielders were outstanding and Monty Panesar was great. But obviously our batting against spin let us down."

England dropped Misbah-ul Haq on 30 and he went on to make 84. Panesar, playing his first Test since the Cardiff Test in 2009 Ashes, took 6-62 to bowl Pakistan out for 214 in the second innings.

Flower admitted that not playing well in the subcontinent was a big challenge to overcome.

"This is a great challenge for all of us. The issues are not going to disappear. We've got another Test. We've got a one-day and T20 series, and then we've also got Sri Lanka and India before the year is out.

"So these issues will not disappear and we've got to face them with skill and a bit of courage.".

Source:http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/pakistan-beat-us-fair-and-square-flower-20120130-1qplf.html

Bolly-whine: Fletcher decries ANZ wickets

Upset ... The Indian touring party in a huff after being made to wait by the Prime Minister after they turned up unexpectedly early for a reception at Kirribilli House on New Year's Day. Photo: Star News India

THE ability of Duncan Fletcher's misfiring tourists to create controversy rather than win matches came to the fore again yesterday when an impromptu training session created more off-field drama.

The Indians caused consternation among ANZ Stadium and Cricket NSW officials after complaining about the damp state of practice wickets at the venue and, not for the first time this summer, Fletcher was in the thick of the action.

It's understood Fletcher's tone softened after realising he was dealing with the renowned curator Les Burdett, who retired in 2010 after 32 years of distinguished service preparing pitches at Adelaide Oval.

Not happy ... Virender Sehwag waves his bat at James Pattinson. Photo: Pat Scala

The drama started when the Indians changed their practice schedule yesterday morning, arriving at the Homebush Bay venue at 9am, to the surprise of stadium and Cricket NSW officials.

Burdett refused to divulge whether India had been expected at the ground but explained to Fletcher that it was impossible to dry the practice wickets, which had been covered, after Sydney's wet weather last week.

The Indians were fearful the wickets would be too lively for their batsmen, who have been outplayed by Australia's pacemen in local conditions, and restricted their players to throwdowns in the nets.

But after their fears proved ill-founded, Fletcher's bowlers adopted normal practice.

Their complaints, however, set off alarm bells at Cricket NSW, which is desperate for tomorrow night's Twenty20 match - the first international in Sydney played away from the SCG - to be a success. ''We've got so much riding on this game the last thing we want is facilities not presented in a fit and proper state,'' Cricket NSW chief David Gilbert said.

Unlike the match strip, the practice pitches are off the ground and shaded from much of the afternoon sun. Hence, they take longer to dry.

India's low-key practice was in stark contrast to the session Mickey Arthur put the home side through at the SCG. As promised by Arthur, Australia's Twenty20 squad members were regularly seen doubled over gasping for air, so rigorous were the fielding drills, aimed to refine players' skills under physical duress.

''We just want to put a marker in the sand; it's the start of something new,'' Arthur said. ''There's a group of players there that have got first bite at a potential World Cup in six months' time; we want to see what they're all about. The boys are going to get fairly flogged today.''

India, after not making a change to their beleaguered top six throughout the Test series, will give up-and-coming players such as Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja opportunities to shine in the next five weeks.

''There's no doubt in my mind we're going to see a totally different India arrive for the Twenty20s and the one-dayers,'' Arthur said.

''They're definitely hurting. They've got players in who bring a huge amount of enthusiasm.''

Raina, who did not play in the Tests, said motivation was high in the Indian camp to atone for their dismal summer. ''The youngsters have done very well in the last couple of months so we hope for the best and are looking forward,'' he said.

Source:http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/bollywhine-fletcher-decries-anz-wickets-20120130-1qpqh.html

Has Kevin Pietersen Simply Had Enough Of Test Cricket?

Abdur Rehman and Saeed Ajmal's spin would have had Alastair Campbell gushing as the Pakistanis bamboozled England's batsmen in the UAE heat. Just one of many who flustered at the crease, Kevin Pietersen's negligence for an 80-test batsman however has no boundaries.

England’s batsmen undid the good work of Monty Panesar to record an abject loss against Pakistan, with Kevin Pietersen once again unable to grasp the mantle of responsibility.

Seemingly on the cusp of levelling their Persian Gulf series against Pakistan, England’s spinners revelled in the sun on the third and fourth days of the second Test. Monty Panesar claimed six and Graeme Swann two of the scalps as their hosts were reduced to 214 all out, leaving England with 145 to win. Then the batsmen collapsed to prompt nostalgia for the bad old days of the 90s.

Inevitably the debate as to whether Panesar should have started the first Test in Dubai recurred, with England’s selectors criticised for not respecting the dry sub-continent wicket. Injury to Chris Tremlett ensured that Panesar’s return to the Test fold was certified, whilst sparing the blushes of Kevin Pietersen in the process.

Yet Panesar’s absence last week wasn’t a mistake, despite the conditions. It was Saeed Ajmal’s majestic display that heaped criticism on to the ECB as he took ten wickets over both innings and bamboozled the majority of England’s top order, not the inconspicuous absence of the Luton-born ‘Turbanator’. Panesar had not played at the five-day level since the opening Test match of the 2009 Ashes series in Cardiff, and his form prior to the Australians’ tour had been erratic. Captain Andrew Strauss had already turned to Swann as the team’s premier spinner.

Subsequently Swann has emerged as arguably the finest spin bowler in world cricket. Instrumental in England’s ascension to the top of the international rankings – which of course included two Ashes series victories and a 4-0 whitewash over then number one Test side India, he is undeniably indispensable.

Pietersen, on the other hand, habitually irks his knockers and admirers. Cavalier and rash, his dismissal in the second innings in this series’ preceding Test was all-too-familiar. A pulled shot off of a short delivery to deep square-leg was unforgivable and needless showmanship when a positive result remained feasible.

Chris Gayle,has not played a Test match since December 2010 and his lackadaisical approach suggests a return is unlikely. Sound familiar?

Far from the sole offender against Pakistan, there is growing disenchantment with the South Africa-born batsman. His unrivalled ego vexes team-mates who may have hoped for a display of modesty after his disastrous tenure as captain under coach Peter Moores, and he is fast becoming a liability in non-limited overs cricket, despite a 49.06 batting average and fruitful 2011.

Maybe it is Pietersen who is disenchanted. He has joined the Delhi Daredevils ahead of the forthcoming India Premier League season, and his growing impatience in cricket whites may pave the way for further money-spinners as one-dayers continue to generate a greater cash flow than their five-fold competitor. The West Indies’ Chris Gayle, another maverick batsman, has not played a Test match since December 2010 after a feud with the West Indian Cricket Board, and his lackadaisical approach suggests a return is unlikely. Sound familiar?

Had Eoin Morgan offered more than a measly 3 runs in both innings in Abu Dhabi, his position would have been fortified, despite doubts chiefly aired by Geoffrey Boycott. Only 25, the Dubliner has time on his side despite reservations over his suitability, but his ‘reverse reverse sweep’ identifies him as the heir to Pietersen. Minus the arrogance.

A grand total of 15 runs in two innings in Abu Dhabi will nevertheless intensify the pressure on Pietersen. Coach Andy Flower insisted that ‘we won’t be afraid to do that (drop batsmen)’ ahead of the third Test, as the world’s best side at the format seek to avoid a humiliating whitewash. Although dropping Morgan is likelier, making Pietersen the fall guy would send out the stronger signal that recklessness won’t be countenanced. Clichéd it may be, but sustaining success is invariably tougher than reaching the summit, but has Pietersen the appetite to want any more?

Source:http://www.sabotagetimes.com/football-sport/has-kevin-pietersen-simply-had-enough-of-test-cricket/

Australia's cricket selectors want two keepers for Windies tour

Matthew Wade cools off during the Australian Twenty20 team training at the SCG in the lead up to this weeks match against India at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Australian

BRAD Haddin's cricket career isn't over, but the man who wants his job will be breathing down his neck if the selectors get their wish and take two wicketkeepers to the West Indies.

The incumbent Test and one-day keeper has been rested from the first three one-day internationals and replaced by Victoria's Matthew Wade.

Haddin will, however, captain the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra later in the week.

Wade, 24, with a Sheffield Shield average of 60, has pushed past the injured Tim Paine as keeper in waiting.

The 34-year-old Haddin struggled this summer and admitted before the last Test against India in Adelaide that he was exhausted.

Coach and selector Mickey Arthur said he still had faith in the keeper, who is also vice-captain in the absence of the injured Shane Watson.

"I have had a good chat to Brad. Brad knows exactly where he stands, if Brad wants to play on, he feels he has a lot to contribute and so do I, but like any other player, players need to give us ammunition to keep picking them," he said.

Arthur said the selectors were trying to increase the number of experienced players.

"One of my briefs, and the selection panel's briefs, is to get a pool of players. We need to increase the depth, especially in the batting department, we think," he said.

"In the next two years or three years ... Hussey and Ponting aren't going to be around for a huge amount of time. We need to have contingency plans in place.

"We need to see some players under pressure. There's no doubt about that, same in the wicketkeeping department, we need to develop two keepers.

"It is probably our intention to take two wicketkeepers to the West Indies, so we need to see who the next best is, hence Matty Wade, who has been fantastic in domestic cricket, gets an opportunity."

The selectors will reconsider Haddin's place in the one-day squad after the first three matches, but Arthur said there were no guarantees.

Chairman of selectors John Inverarity seemed positive about Haddin's place in the side.

"Brad Haddin has come off a heavy program of Test cricket - the workload for a wicketkeeper-batsman is rigorous, and resting him for the start of the series will refresh him for coming international commitments while also giving us a chance to look at Matt Wade at this level," he said.

Meanwhile, Arthur said, there was a lot to like about Wade.

"He's a terrier, a fighter," he said. "Unbelievable in two disciplines. We want cricketers who bring two disciplines to the party.

"We want players who fight, they're strong of character and Matthew has got all of that."

Wade revealed that Haddin had sent him a message yesterday offering to help him with the transition.

The replacement keeper said that was evidence they could work together in the squad.

"I got a text from Hadds this morning so me and him can work closely on a few things and two keepers can work in the future, that'd be great for me and Brad obviously," he said.

"It was a really nice text, he offered to help out if I needed it - first time in the big lights he was happy to help which was nice."

Haddin and Adam Gilchrist toured as batsmen for Australian one-day sides in the past, and Wade is strong with the bat.

"My batting is good enough at this level and my keeping is good enough at this level," he said.

"I'm not looking at it as a trial. I'm just looking at it as an opportunity to go out there and do my best. If I look at it as a trial for Test cricket I'll be a bit uptight and tense. I'm just going out there to play a role for the Australian cricket team."

Source:http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/australias-cricket-selectors-want-two-keepers-for-windies-tour/story-e6frg7mf-1226257710649

Monty backing England

England spinner Monty Panesar is not worried about the effect Saturday's second-Test collapse against Pakistan will have on the team.

The world's number one-ranked side were skittled out for 72 in Abu Dhabi when chasing just 145 to win, and as a result went 2-0 down in the three-Test series.

Their inability to cope with spin has been a significant problem on tour, but Panesar, who took six second-innings wickets on his first Test appearance for 30 months, does not see there being any deep-rooted problems.

"As a team we have to adapt to changes and as a squad we have to stay tight and enjoy the challenge," he told Sky Sports.

"With the conditions [on Saturday], the Pakistan bowlers had luck with the conditions. They had a fourth-innings track and there were cracks involved."

On the subject of England's misfiring batsman, he added: "The batters have done exceptionally well over the last 18 months against all sorts of bowlers.

"They are determined, and I am confident that as a team we will work hard in the next few days to get the result we want in the third Test."

Source:http://www1.skysports.com/cricket/news/12173/7465834/Monty-backing-England

Alex McLeish wants FA to investigate Robin van Persie 'elbow'

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has called on the FA to investigate Robin van Persie following Sunday's 3-2 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, with the Gunners captain accused of throwing an elbow at Villa defender Carlos Cuellar.

Aston Villa's Carlos Cuellar (left) and Arsenal's Robin Van Persie (right) in action during the FA Cup, Fourth Round match at the Emirates Stadium (Picture: PA)

The incident happened in the 64th minute of the fourth round tie at the Emirates Stadium, when van Persie and Cuellar both contested a high ball, before the latter collapsed, holding his face.
The video replays seemed to suggest that van Persie had deliberately aimed an elbow at the Spanish centre back - an allegation Villa boss McLeish aimed after the full time whistle: 'It was a clear elbow. Would I like the FA to look at it? Yes.

Alex McLeish wants Robin Van Persie investigated (Picture: Action Images)

'Look at my nose, it is a result of elbows all my career. It is something which is dangerous.
'But the referee did not seem to think there was anything in it. I never mentioned it to the referee.
'I saw it in real time. I don't like to point the finger at players, but it has happened to mine enough times'
Arsenal are now left sweating on the match report from referee Mike Jones, knowing that, if he did not see the incident and make reference to it in his notes, the FA could take retrospective action and charge the Dutch striker with violent conduct.
That would result in a ban for the in-form van Persie, which could prove to be lengthy, given his past reputation for physical play, with QPR manager Neil Warnock remarking in December: 'Every ball in the area he fouls the centre-half and gets away with absolute murder.

At the double: Van Persie celebrates his second penalty, Arsenal’s winner, with Walcott (Picture: AFP/Getty)

'I wish I could educate referees on free-kicks that he gets because we make it obvious when we go for a ball that it's a free-kick.
'But Van Persie gets his arm up, he backs in, he fouls them and looks at the referee and gets away with it - it's amazing how he does it.'
Van Persie's penalty brace against Villa saw him draw level with Dennis Bergkamp on 120 Arsenal goals, but his scoring run could be halted if he is charged, with a decision expected in the next few days.
Source:http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/888822-alex-mcleish-wants-fa-to-investigate-robin-van-persie-elbow

Delon Armitage dropped from England Saxons squad after arrest

England and London Irish full-back Delon Armitage has been dropped from the England Saxons squad after being arrested for assault. 

In hot water: Armitage has had a chequered disciplinary history 

Armitage, 28, was detained in Devon in the early hours of Sunday morning, following the Saxons' 23-17 win over the Irish Wolfhounds in Exeter on Saturday.
He was arrested in Torquay after an altercation in a nightclub and released on bail while inquiries continue.
'We take issues surrounding the behaviour of England players very seriously and as such have decided to suspend Delon from the Saxons EPS [Elite Player Squad] pending the result of the police inquiry', said England head coach Stuart Lancaster.
'High standards of behaviour are required from England players on and off the field, and they also need to understand that they should not put themselves in a potentially vulnerable position or environment.'
His club side London Irish issued a statement saying they were 'extremely disappointed' and took the matter 'extremely seriously.'
'We fully understand the RFU stance on this matter and will convene our own internal investigation to procure a full understanding of the matter in question, the outcome of which will determine any further action,' the statement continued.
'Player conduct is a direct representation of the club and, therefore, inappropriate conduct will be strongly acted upon.'
Armitage was banned four times last year, including a one-match suspension at the World Cup for a high tackle in the win over Scotland, which saw him ruled out of England's World Cup exit at the hands of France.

Source:http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/888831-delon-armitage-dropped-from-england-saxons-squad-after-arrest

Chris Robshaw named England captain for first two Six Nations games

 Flanker will lead side against Scotland and Italy
• 25-year-old Harlequins captain succeeds Lewis Moody

Chris Robshaw will captain England against Scotland in the Six Nations despite having only been capped once. 

Chris Robshaw will captain England in their first two Six Nations matches. The 25-year-old Harlequins skipper has been handed the armband for the games against Scotland and Italy, despite having only been capped once by his country.
Tom Wood was Stuart Lancaster's first choice to lead the interim coach's new-look England side but the Northampton player will miss the start of the championship with a toe injury.
"It's a huge honour and a very proud day – hopefully one that will live in my memory for a long time to come," Robshaw said. "It's not about myself because there are six or seven guys around me who all have a massive role to play – there's lots of other leaders in the group."
Robshaw is one of the least experienced players in international terms ever to have captained England, although they have previously been led by four uncapped players.
After being named the Premiership player of the year three years ago, he was awarded his sole cap in that summer's defeat to Argentina. He also played in a loss against the Barbarians two weeks earlier but has not featured for his country since the second Test against the Pumas in 2009.
Lancaster said: "We have a strong leadership group and I have been very impressed with the way they have all stepped up so far. Chris is a key member of that group and has shown with Harlequins and when I have worked with him in the Saxons that he can lead a team tactically and passionately.
"I am delighted that he has got this chance at the highest level and I know it will be a very proud moment for him, his club, family and friends when he leads England out at Murrayfield on Saturday."
Source:http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jan/30/chris-robshaw-captain-england-six-nations?newsfeed=true

Making fishing fashionable! Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale take their boys out angling

There are often considered the first family of fashion and are often rocking effortlessly stylish ensembles. 

So fans of Gwen Stefani might be surprise to know that the singer appears to be a keen angler. 

Gwen and husband Gavin Rossdale spent a day with their boys fishing at Troutdale ponds in Los Angeles today. 

 

Family fishing day out: Gwen Stefani was seen with her husband Gavin Rossdale and their two boys in Los Angeles on Sunday

Kingston, five, and his three-year-old brother Zuma appeared to be having a splashingly good time as they tried to hook something. 

Gwen didn't let the activity get in the way of her style and she looked chic in a pair of tie-dye jeans, a khaki military jacket and matching boots as she took up her perch. 

She finished off her look with a black hat and her signature red lipstick. 

 

Making a splash: Zuma, three, and Kingston, five, appeared to be having a great time as they tried to catch a fish

 

 

Concentrating: Gwen was seen helping her eldest son while Gavin took time to help Zuma

Five-year-old Kingston opted for a pair of three-quarter length shorts with a red and white striped polo. 

Meanwhile Zuma was wearing a pair of sweat pants with a long sleeved T-shirt and black and white wellington boots.

While Kingston appeared to have more patience as the family sat watching the pond it appeared that Zuma proved the better angler. 

 

I got one: Zuma was seen squealing in delight as he reeled in a fish, with the help of a female family friend

 

Wow mom! The boys were impressed as Gwen pulled in a fish

The three-year-old was seen squealing in delight as he pulled a fish out of the water, with the help of a female family friend.
Gwen also proved skillful at the sport and was seen reeling in her own catch much to the joy of her boys.
While the family will no doubt help to make fishing fashionable on Saturday Kingston was making his own style statement. 

 

Showing them how it's done? Gwen and Gavin also had a go at the activity with more sophisticated rods

 

Big boy: Five year old Kingston was also allowed to use a proper rod, under the watchful eye of his mother

 

 

Sharing a special moment: While Kingston and Zuma made the most of the playground the couple shared a moment together 

While the five-year-old was taking a trip to his grandmother's house, he didn't dress up in his very best.  

So it was surprising that the fashionable little five-year-old emerged without shoes for the family outing.

 

Time for home: The family made the most of the day and didn't head back home until the sun had gone down

 

Too cool... for shoes? Gwen Stefani steps out with a shoeless Kingston as they take a trip to grandma's house in LA

The gorgeous youngster was seen strolling on the street with his mother with just a pair of socks on his feet. 

But despite the missing accessories, the 42-year-old's eldest boy looked darling in every other respect, with his combat trousers slouched with a classic grey T-shirt tucked just inside them.

His proud mother was beaming as she walked alongside her eldest boy.

It seemed that Kingston had ditched his desert boots, whipped off his tank top pullover and smoothed down his trendy quiff that he was sporting earlier. 

His brother Zuma, three, meanwhile looked super cute in a Vivienne Westwood inspired outfit of tartan pants paired with a studded belt and vest.

The little one seemed happy enough to be attending the family outing, safely ensconced in the arms of his rocker father. 

The No Doubt frontwoman just launch her clothing line, Harajuku Mini Kids, a collaboration with retailer Target.

Prices for the collection, for kids aged one to 13, is easy on the pocket, ranging from just $3.99 to $29.99.

She recently said that Kingston and Zuma took a bit part in the collaboration.

'My kids have a big opinion about it,' she said.

'I'm just excited. I think that moms' are going to walk into Target and lose their minds - 'Are you serious right now? And it's $20? All right, I'm taking five.

 

Quick change: Kingston had ditched his pullover and boots

 

Daddy and Zuma: Gavin Rossdale carried the couple's youngest child, who couldn't remove his Vivienne Westwood inspired outfit

'I feel really proud of it. It's fun to be creative. It's fun to bake the cookies and have everyone eat them. It's a great feeling.'

In a release announcing the collaboration in July, she also said: 'Harajuku Mini is a dream come true.

'I’ve always wanted to do a cool children’s fashion line inspired by the super-cute and playful kids' clothing you find in Japan.

'The whole idea is about being creative, expressing your own individuality and having fun getting dressed.'

Source:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2093347/Gwen-Stefani-Gavin-Rossdale-boys-fishing.html

Kim Kardashian goes hell for leather in tight trousers as she turns to retail therapy after stalker scare at her home

Kim Kardashian recovered from a scare at her home in Beverly Hills last night the best way she knows how - with some retail therapy. 

The reality TV star was spotted shopping in Calabasas, California, today wearing of Louboutin shoes, a bright yellow jacket and tight leather pants.

Her outing came just hours after police were called to her home in Beverly Hills when a stranger showed up at her gate with luggage saying he intended to stay at her home.

 

Hitting the shops: Kim Kardashian spent Sunday afternoon shopping with her family in Calabasas, California 

The man showed up late last night, buzzed the intercom at her security gate and claimed Kim had flown him into town to stay with her, according to TMZ. 

He is said to have claimed he was supposed to be working on her reality show. 

Kim 'got freaked out' when the man refused to leave, according to TMZ, and a member of her security team called police. 

It's unclear at this point if the man was charged.

But it's not all bad news for the star this week. 

According to a report in the latest issue of New York Magazine, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star is among a number of celebrities who makes thousands of dollars endorsing products on their Twitter pages.

Kim earns a reported $10,000 per tweet for promoting companies like ShoeDazzle.com and CVS pharmacy.

 

 

Good looking: The socialite looked fit and trim in her tight-fitting pants 

 

Block colour: Kim wore a bright yellow jacket when she went out shopping

Rapper Snoop Dogg apparently earns $8,000 per tweet while Paula Abdul and Whitney Port also earn money with a click of their fingertips.

Former Two and a Half Men star Charlie Sheen earns a massive $50,000 per tweet, according to the report that is published on Monday.

Kim took to her Twitter page in earnest on Sunday, keeping her more than 12 million followers up to date with her weekend activities.

 

Enlarge Before they were famous: Kim posted a childhood photo of herself and her sister Kourtney Kardashian on her Twitter page on Sunday 

 

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Transformation: Kim began the weekend by going to a yoga class and finished it with a relaxing shopping trip 

In addition to her shopping expedition she went to church with her family and declared that she wanted to start a Bible study group with her friends.

She also posted a childhood picture of herself with Kourtney.

The sisters are shown wearing similar summer dresses and hugging each other.

Kim didn’t say exactly when the photo was taken but she did say it was one of her favourites.

She wrote: ‘This was on Easter at the house where we grew up.

‘My dad loved to take home videos and lots of photos of us as kids and I’m so glad I have these memories now to treasure and share with you all.’

 

Hanging out: Kim was spotted picking up food in West Hollywood as well on Sunday

 

Not a care in the world: Kim's estranged husband was hard at work playing basketball in Newark, New Jersey on Sunday
Source:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2093607/Kim-Kardashian-goes-hell-leather-tight-trousers-turns-retail-therapy-stalker-scare-home.html