Monday, 30 January 2012

Australia's cricket selectors want two keepers for Windies tour


Matthew Wade
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."

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.

Carlos Cuellar, Robin Van Persie, elbow.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, Robin Van Persie, elbow.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.
Van PersieAt 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. 

England Saxons London Irish Delon Armitage Stuart Lancaster rugby unionIn 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
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

Sunday, 29 January 2012

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 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 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
Concentrating: Gwen was seen helping her eldest son while Gavin took time to help Zuma
 
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 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 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 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 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
Sharing a special moment: While Kingston and Zuma made the most of the playground the couple shared a moment together
 
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 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 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 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 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.'

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 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
Good looking: The socialite looked fit and trim in her tight-fitting pants
 
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 shoppingBlock 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 Before they were famous: Kim posted a childhood photo of herself and her sister Kourtney Kardashian on her Twitter page on Sunday 
 
Enlarge Transformation: Kim began the weekend by going to a yoga class and finished it with a relaxing shopping trip
Enlarge Transformation: Kim began the weekend by going to a yoga class and finished it with a relaxing shopping trip
 
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 SundayHanging 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 SundayNot 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