Stuart Broad's summer revival continued in style of day two at Trent Bridge. With India heading for a sizeable first innings lead, Broad snared a dramatic hat-trick on the way to figures of 6-46. The Indians slumped from 267-4 to 288 all out, losing four wickets in eight balls along the way.
A first innings lead of 67 gives the Indian attack a nice cushion but the momentum swung firmly in England's direction as Broad ripped through the lower order, sparking wild celebrations at Trent Bridge.
Lost in all the drama was another fine century from Rahul Dravid, who is just adding to his already stellar reputation. Sachin Tendulkar again failed in his bid for a 100th Test century but Dravid and Yuvraj Singh (62) seemed to be driving the tourists into a position of strength before the mind boggling collapse.
Indian bounced back before the close, dismissing Alastair Cook cheaply with the new ball, but England will still consider themselves back in the game after Broad's heroics.
Saturday, 30 July 2011
Friday, 29 July 2011
Athletics: World Championships Will Bring Best From Bolt
Usain Bolt cruised to a 200m victory in Stockholm today with a pedestrian (by his standards) time of 20.03s. Hardly headline-making stuff - and Bolt even admitted that he was unimpressed with the time.
But come the 2011 World Championships in South Korea, count on the Jamaican to be threatening the records he set in Berlin in 2009 - 9.58s in the 100m and 19.19s in the 200m.
That summer was a special one for Bolt as he continued his mission to put athletics back on the map. His performances on the track were stunning but his medals (three golds) were not the whole story. It was his personality that also helped push him into the greatness conversation.
Digging into the 2009 archives, relive the Berlin heroics through these articles:
http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/227878-the-best-of-2009-usain-bolt
http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/205747-breath-taking-bolt-shatters-200m-world-record
http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/155605-bolt-cruise-control-berlin-fun-run
http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/185686-bolt-admits-hes-feeling-effects-historic-100m-victory
But come the 2011 World Championships in South Korea, count on the Jamaican to be threatening the records he set in Berlin in 2009 - 9.58s in the 100m and 19.19s in the 200m.
That summer was a special one for Bolt as he continued his mission to put athletics back on the map. His performances on the track were stunning but his medals (three golds) were not the whole story. It was his personality that also helped push him into the greatness conversation.
Digging into the 2009 archives, relive the Berlin heroics through these articles:
http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/227878-the-best-of-2009-usain-bolt
http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/205747-breath-taking-bolt-shatters-200m-world-record
http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/155605-bolt-cruise-control-berlin-fun-run
http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/185686-bolt-admits-hes-feeling-effects-historic-100m-victory
Cricket: Broad Cameo Keeps England In Touch
India were expected to bounce back after the defeat at Lord's - and they did just that on day one of the Second Test at Trent Bridge.
But a resilent counter-attacking 64 from Stuart Broad spared England's blushes after the Indian seamers had exploited favourable conditions and left the hosts reeling at 124-8. Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar and Sreesanth, in for the injured Zaheer Khan, did the damage, grabbing three wickets apiece. A total of 221 all out was below par but far more respectable than England might have expected once the middle order had crumbled.
India lost Abhinav Mukund to the first ball of their reply but Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman steadied the ship as the tourists ended the day on 24-1.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men came into the game under pressure but India's decision to bowl first was vindicated in the first two sessions. Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott perished early as England slipped to 23-2 and then, after Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen had pushed the score to 69-2 at lunch, an almighty collapse saw both dismissed along with Eoin Morgan (0) and Matt Prior (1).
With India firmly on top when Ian Bell became the eighth wicket to fall, Broad launched England's fightback. The number eight needed just 56 balls to reach his half century and dragged the team past the 200-mark with solid support from Graeme Swann, who injured his hand while batting and needed an X-ray later in the day.
England's total was not what Strauss would have had in mind but momentum was certainly wrestled back after Broad's heroics. The Trent Bridge pitch was giving the bowlers all kinds of encouragement on day one and should become even more bowler friendly as the match progresses.
The meat of the Indian batting line-up still looms large but honours were almost even by the close, though the tourists will believe they can go on to build a decisive first innings advantage. If England get the better of the morning session on day two, this game could yet swing back in their favour.
But a resilent counter-attacking 64 from Stuart Broad spared England's blushes after the Indian seamers had exploited favourable conditions and left the hosts reeling at 124-8. Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar and Sreesanth, in for the injured Zaheer Khan, did the damage, grabbing three wickets apiece. A total of 221 all out was below par but far more respectable than England might have expected once the middle order had crumbled.
India lost Abhinav Mukund to the first ball of their reply but Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman steadied the ship as the tourists ended the day on 24-1.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men came into the game under pressure but India's decision to bowl first was vindicated in the first two sessions. Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott perished early as England slipped to 23-2 and then, after Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen had pushed the score to 69-2 at lunch, an almighty collapse saw both dismissed along with Eoin Morgan (0) and Matt Prior (1).
With India firmly on top when Ian Bell became the eighth wicket to fall, Broad launched England's fightback. The number eight needed just 56 balls to reach his half century and dragged the team past the 200-mark with solid support from Graeme Swann, who injured his hand while batting and needed an X-ray later in the day.
England's total was not what Strauss would have had in mind but momentum was certainly wrestled back after Broad's heroics. The Trent Bridge pitch was giving the bowlers all kinds of encouragement on day one and should become even more bowler friendly as the match progresses.
The meat of the Indian batting line-up still looms large but honours were almost even by the close, though the tourists will believe they can go on to build a decisive first innings advantage. If England get the better of the morning session on day two, this game could yet swing back in their favour.
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Football: Bruce's Summer Spending Breathes Life into Sunderland
Losing Darren Bent and Jordan Henderson in the space of six months could have left Sunderland staring at a relegation battle. Instead, manager Steve Bruce has made a string of splashes in the transfer market, revamping the Black Cats squad and welcoming in a new era at the Stadium of Light.
Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/07/28/sunderland-set-for-new-era-after-spending-spree/46019/
Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/07/28/sunderland-set-for-new-era-after-spending-spree/46019/
Football: Manchester United Tour Exposes Flaws of MLS
For all the progress made by Major League Soccer over the past few years, Manchester United's US pre-season tour has provided a timely reminder of the gulf in quality between MLS and the top European leagues. For the majority of the fixtures to date, it has been men against boys.
On paper, the tour posed some tricky tests. A stop in Seattle pitted the Premier League champions against the Sounders, one of MLS' most talented teams. Seattle are among the Western Conference contenders, sitting just behind David Beckham's LA Galaxy. None of that counted for much as United thumped the Sounders 7-0, with Wayne Rooney grabbing a 21-minute hat-trick.
Some felt a clash with the MLS All-Stars would be a tougher proposition. So much for that - United waltzed to a 4-0 victory, with the goals shared around between Anderson, Ji-Sung Park, Dimitar Berbatov and Danny Welbeck. By the end, United were toying with their opponents. In truth, the score could have matched the demolition in Seattle.
While the tour has been hugely lucrative for the MLS, with huge crowds flocking to see the United stars up close, the scorelines have not gone unnoticed. Bear in mind, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are still building match fitness after a restful summer. With no World Cup or European Championships, Rooney and company had a rare opportunity to recharge their batteries before returning to training in early July.
But that means that the United stars are likely at about 80% fitness, with the Community Shield ahead next weekend to cap off the pre-season workout. The MLS, meanwhile, has been up and running since March.
Admittedly, Manchester City have not overwhelmed MLS opponents in the same way on their North American tour, beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 with a late winner and overcoming the LA Galaxy on penalties after a 1-1 draw. But again the fitness factor must be taken into account.
For United players and fans, there is plenty to smile about. The tour has confirmed the team's status as favourites to retain the Premier League title and showcased the potential of Ashley Young and Phil Jones as well as Federico Macheda and Welbeck. However, for their MLS opponents it has been a harsh learning experience. The game is steadily improving in North America but the signs suggest that MLS clubs will never close the gap on Europe's best.
On paper, the tour posed some tricky tests. A stop in Seattle pitted the Premier League champions against the Sounders, one of MLS' most talented teams. Seattle are among the Western Conference contenders, sitting just behind David Beckham's LA Galaxy. None of that counted for much as United thumped the Sounders 7-0, with Wayne Rooney grabbing a 21-minute hat-trick.
Some felt a clash with the MLS All-Stars would be a tougher proposition. So much for that - United waltzed to a 4-0 victory, with the goals shared around between Anderson, Ji-Sung Park, Dimitar Berbatov and Danny Welbeck. By the end, United were toying with their opponents. In truth, the score could have matched the demolition in Seattle.
While the tour has been hugely lucrative for the MLS, with huge crowds flocking to see the United stars up close, the scorelines have not gone unnoticed. Bear in mind, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are still building match fitness after a restful summer. With no World Cup or European Championships, Rooney and company had a rare opportunity to recharge their batteries before returning to training in early July.
But that means that the United stars are likely at about 80% fitness, with the Community Shield ahead next weekend to cap off the pre-season workout. The MLS, meanwhile, has been up and running since March.
Admittedly, Manchester City have not overwhelmed MLS opponents in the same way on their North American tour, beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 with a late winner and overcoming the LA Galaxy on penalties after a 1-1 draw. But again the fitness factor must be taken into account.
For United players and fans, there is plenty to smile about. The tour has confirmed the team's status as favourites to retain the Premier League title and showcased the potential of Ashley Young and Phil Jones as well as Federico Macheda and Welbeck. However, for their MLS opponents it has been a harsh learning experience. The game is steadily improving in North America but the signs suggest that MLS clubs will never close the gap on Europe's best.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
NBA: Players and Owners Finally Set to Talk Again
A month has already passed since the players and owners last held significant discussions regarding the NBA lockout and a new collective bargaining agreement. Over the course of these four wasted weeks, pessimistic predictions about when NBA fans might next see a regular season game have been flying around relentlessly.
But reports suggest that the players and owners will at least be sitting down together again soon - as soon as Monday, in fact. The two parties remain far apart on several key issues but this meeting would obviously be a step in the right direction.
Read more at http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/6810413/nba-union-first-collective-bargaining-talks-monday-sources-said
But reports suggest that the players and owners will at least be sitting down together again soon - as soon as Monday, in fact. The two parties remain far apart on several key issues but this meeting would obviously be a step in the right direction.
Read more at http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/6810413/nba-union-first-collective-bargaining-talks-monday-sources-said
Football: Tough Start for McCoist
Just two games into his tenure as manager and new Rangers boss Ally McCoist must be wondering if he has taken on a poisoned challice.
After 5 long years as Walter Smith's No.2, Rangers' all-time record goalscorer finally got the chance to become manager following the former's retirement in May. Although McCoist has inherited a squad which has won the SPL three years in a row, two unconvincing performances at home have left the new boss under pressure.
Saturday lunchtime's 1-1 draw with Hearts was followed by a shock home defeat against Swedish side Malmo in the UEFA Champions League 3rd round qualifying.
In spite of a new owner in the shape of Craig Whyte and a promise for a change in the transfer policy which has stifled the 'gers recently, McCoist failed to re-sign Kenny Miller, last season's top scorer. After his unsuccessful spell in Turkey, Miller opted for a move to Cardiff City rather for a return to Govan, mainly due to Rangers' reluctance to pay more than £400,000 they received for the player from Bursaspor. Add to this reports of defender Madjid Bougherra's itchy feet and the champions squad looks set to become weaker rather than stronger.
Rangers now have a trip to St. Johnstone this weekend before travelling to Sweden for Wednesday's decisive second leg. Should they fail to qualify for the Champions League proper, question marks over McCoist will persist. Just 1 goal scored in two outings this campaign suggests McCoist may have to move away from his trusted 4-5-1 formation and provide greater support for striker Nikica Jelavic.
It promises to be a significant week in Scotland's second city...
After 5 long years as Walter Smith's No.2, Rangers' all-time record goalscorer finally got the chance to become manager following the former's retirement in May. Although McCoist has inherited a squad which has won the SPL three years in a row, two unconvincing performances at home have left the new boss under pressure.
Saturday lunchtime's 1-1 draw with Hearts was followed by a shock home defeat against Swedish side Malmo in the UEFA Champions League 3rd round qualifying.
In spite of a new owner in the shape of Craig Whyte and a promise for a change in the transfer policy which has stifled the 'gers recently, McCoist failed to re-sign Kenny Miller, last season's top scorer. After his unsuccessful spell in Turkey, Miller opted for a move to Cardiff City rather for a return to Govan, mainly due to Rangers' reluctance to pay more than £400,000 they received for the player from Bursaspor. Add to this reports of defender Madjid Bougherra's itchy feet and the champions squad looks set to become weaker rather than stronger.
Rangers now have a trip to St. Johnstone this weekend before travelling to Sweden for Wednesday's decisive second leg. Should they fail to qualify for the Champions League proper, question marks over McCoist will persist. Just 1 goal scored in two outings this campaign suggests McCoist may have to move away from his trusted 4-5-1 formation and provide greater support for striker Nikica Jelavic.
It promises to be a significant week in Scotland's second city...
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