Andy Carroll scored his first league goal of the season while Luis Suarez added a late second to give Liverpool a comfortable 2-0 win at Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.
It was the third league goal only that Carroll has scored for Liverpool since his 35 million pounds move from Newcastle United in January and he took it well, sweeping home Jose Enrique's cutback into the bottom corner.
Suarez wrapped up the points for Kenny Dalglish's team when he took advantage of some slack Everton defending to score his fifth goal of the season eight minutes from time.
Everton were forced to play for more than an hour with 10 men after referee Martin Atkinson showed what appeared to be a harsh red card to defender Jack Rodwell for a challenge on Suarez.
Liverpool also missed a first half penalty when Tim Howard saved Dirk Kuyt's 44th minute penalty.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Manchester pair neck-and-neck at top
Manchester City's tough week ended on a high note on Saturday when they won 4-0 at Blackburn Rovers to maintain their unbeaten start in the Premier League and stay level on points with Manchester United at the top of the table.
They sent Blackburn crashing to their biggest defeat of the season with second half goals from Adam Johnson, Mario Balotelli and substitutes Samir Nasri and Stefan Savic who both scored their first goals for City.
It was their first match since their Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich on Tuesday when Carlos Tevez allegedly refused manager Roberto Mancini's instructions to come on as a substitute and their delight at the end was in stark contrast to the gloom that has hovered around the club since then.
Champions United also maintained their unbeaten start with a 2-0 home win over Norwich City thanks to second half goals from Anderson, who scored with a header, and Danny Welbeck which gave them a club record 19th successive home league win.
United, who were far from convincing and could easily have fallen behind to any number of Norwich chances including one that hit a post, stay top on goal difference from City with both teams taking 19 points from their opening seven games.
United have a goal difference of +19 compared to City's +18.
United manager Alex Ferguson agreed Norwich made it difficult for his side, telling Sky Sports: "I thought we were far too slow in the build up in the first half but we changed things around in the second and we dominated, but the thing about that kind of game is when you dominate and don't take your chances you're liable on the counter-attack, but we deserved to win it in the end."
In the day's lunchtime kick-off, Liverpool won 2-0 at Everton in the 185th Merseyside league derby with late goals from Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez. Everton played for more than an hour with 10 men after Jack Rodwell was sent off in the 23rd minute.
The dismissal was a controversial one because Rodwell played the ball cleanly and made minimal contact with Suarez as the momentum of his body carried him forwards, but referee Martin Atkinson showed him an instant red card.
Everton manager David Moyes said afterwards he was disappointed that a foul was given, never mind a sending off.
"It's not for me to criticise the referee, but he probably ruined this game of football today," he told Sky Sports.
THIRD PLACE
Newcastle United maintained their surprisingly good start to the season to remain unbeaten after seven matches following their 2-1 win at Molineux to inflict a fourth consecutive league defeat on Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Newcastle won with goals from Demba Ba, his fourth in two games, and Jonas Gutierrez to climb to third after their best start in 17 years and they will stay there at least until Chelsea play at bottom-placed Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.
Wolves had a late goal ruled out when a linesman, wearing a cap to shade his eyes from the sun, ruled that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up, although it appeared he might have got his call wrong.
Aston Villa, also unbeaten with two wins and five draws from their opening games, sent Wigan Athletic to a fourth successive league defeat and down to 17th with a 2-0 win at Villa Park.
Gabriel Agbonlahor and Darren Bent were on target for Villa who ended the day in sixth place.
Sunderland drew 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion after trailing 2-0 inside the opening five minutes at the Stadium of Light.
Steve Morison and Shane Long gave West Brom the early initiative but Sunderland were level with two quick goals of their own midway through the first half from Nicklas Bendtner and Ahmed Elmohamady.
FANS PROTEST
Manchester City were the highest scorers of the day with their four at Ewood Park, but their afternoon was marred when Argentine striker Sergio Aguero limped off in the first half with a groin injury.
He will now join his compatriot Tevez on the sidelines, but for totally different reasons following Tevez's suspension from the club for Tuesday's incident.
While the game ended well for City it was another unhappy afternoon for Blackburn, who are one off the bottom, with fans staying behind after the final whistle with banners and posters demanding the sacking of manager Steve Kean.
It was the second time in two weeks fans protested against the manager, but he told Sky Sports afterwards: "I hope they change because we are working hard.
"I know they are frustrated, we, the staff and players are as well, but I say, stick with us we will turn this around. We've got a lot of bright young players, but we are in a difficult moment."
Four matches are scheduled for Sunday with Bolton hosting Chelsea, Fulham playing Queens Park Rangers, Swansea City hosting Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur facing Arsenal at White Hart Lane in the always eagerly-awaited north London derby.
They sent Blackburn crashing to their biggest defeat of the season with second half goals from Adam Johnson, Mario Balotelli and substitutes Samir Nasri and Stefan Savic who both scored their first goals for City.
It was their first match since their Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich on Tuesday when Carlos Tevez allegedly refused manager Roberto Mancini's instructions to come on as a substitute and their delight at the end was in stark contrast to the gloom that has hovered around the club since then.
Champions United also maintained their unbeaten start with a 2-0 home win over Norwich City thanks to second half goals from Anderson, who scored with a header, and Danny Welbeck which gave them a club record 19th successive home league win.
United, who were far from convincing and could easily have fallen behind to any number of Norwich chances including one that hit a post, stay top on goal difference from City with both teams taking 19 points from their opening seven games.
United have a goal difference of +19 compared to City's +18.
United manager Alex Ferguson agreed Norwich made it difficult for his side, telling Sky Sports: "I thought we were far too slow in the build up in the first half but we changed things around in the second and we dominated, but the thing about that kind of game is when you dominate and don't take your chances you're liable on the counter-attack, but we deserved to win it in the end."
In the day's lunchtime kick-off, Liverpool won 2-0 at Everton in the 185th Merseyside league derby with late goals from Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez. Everton played for more than an hour with 10 men after Jack Rodwell was sent off in the 23rd minute.
The dismissal was a controversial one because Rodwell played the ball cleanly and made minimal contact with Suarez as the momentum of his body carried him forwards, but referee Martin Atkinson showed him an instant red card.
Everton manager David Moyes said afterwards he was disappointed that a foul was given, never mind a sending off.
"It's not for me to criticise the referee, but he probably ruined this game of football today," he told Sky Sports.
THIRD PLACE
Newcastle United maintained their surprisingly good start to the season to remain unbeaten after seven matches following their 2-1 win at Molineux to inflict a fourth consecutive league defeat on Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Newcastle won with goals from Demba Ba, his fourth in two games, and Jonas Gutierrez to climb to third after their best start in 17 years and they will stay there at least until Chelsea play at bottom-placed Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.
Wolves had a late goal ruled out when a linesman, wearing a cap to shade his eyes from the sun, ruled that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up, although it appeared he might have got his call wrong.
Aston Villa, also unbeaten with two wins and five draws from their opening games, sent Wigan Athletic to a fourth successive league defeat and down to 17th with a 2-0 win at Villa Park.
Gabriel Agbonlahor and Darren Bent were on target for Villa who ended the day in sixth place.
Sunderland drew 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion after trailing 2-0 inside the opening five minutes at the Stadium of Light.
Steve Morison and Shane Long gave West Brom the early initiative but Sunderland were level with two quick goals of their own midway through the first half from Nicklas Bendtner and Ahmed Elmohamady.
FANS PROTEST
Manchester City were the highest scorers of the day with their four at Ewood Park, but their afternoon was marred when Argentine striker Sergio Aguero limped off in the first half with a groin injury.
He will now join his compatriot Tevez on the sidelines, but for totally different reasons following Tevez's suspension from the club for Tuesday's incident.
While the game ended well for City it was another unhappy afternoon for Blackburn, who are one off the bottom, with fans staying behind after the final whistle with banners and posters demanding the sacking of manager Steve Kean.
It was the second time in two weeks fans protested against the manager, but he told Sky Sports afterwards: "I hope they change because we are working hard.
"I know they are frustrated, we, the staff and players are as well, but I say, stick with us we will turn this around. We've got a lot of bright young players, but we are in a difficult moment."
Four matches are scheduled for Sunday with Bolton hosting Chelsea, Fulham playing Queens Park Rangers, Swansea City hosting Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur facing Arsenal at White Hart Lane in the always eagerly-awaited north London derby.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
PREVIEW Borisov ready for close encounter with Barca
BATE Borisov midfielder Filipp Rudik expects an otherworldly experience on Wednesday when he plays against Barcelona in the Champions League at a sold-out Dinamo Stadion in Minsk.
The Group H clash is one of eight matches across the continent featuring four other former Champions League winners -- the pick of which features Olympique Marseille at home to Borussia Dortmund in Group F.
Holders Barcelona, having conceded a last-minute equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw with AC Milan in their opening group match at the Nou Camp, will be anxious to take all three points against the champions of Belarus.
BATE began their campaign with a low-key draw at Czechs Viktoria Plzen but things are about to get a little more exciting for Rudik and his team mates.
"Because I have never met creatures from outer space before," Plzen said when asked what was so special about the prospect of a close encounter with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and David Villa.
"I wanted to play against Barcelona and luck was on my side in the draw," the 24-year-old added on UEFA's website (www.uefa.com).
Porto, European champions in 2004 and 1987, travel to Zenit St Petersburg in the early kickoff in Group G while seven-times champions Milan host Plzen in the other Group H game.
Chelsea continue their quest for Champions League glory at Valencia in Group E with new signing Juan Mata facing his former club while fellow Londoners Arsenal host Olympiakos in Group F.
The Group H clash is one of eight matches across the continent featuring four other former Champions League winners -- the pick of which features Olympique Marseille at home to Borussia Dortmund in Group F.
Holders Barcelona, having conceded a last-minute equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw with AC Milan in their opening group match at the Nou Camp, will be anxious to take all three points against the champions of Belarus.
BATE began their campaign with a low-key draw at Czechs Viktoria Plzen but things are about to get a little more exciting for Rudik and his team mates.
"Because I have never met creatures from outer space before," Plzen said when asked what was so special about the prospect of a close encounter with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and David Villa.
"I wanted to play against Barcelona and luck was on my side in the draw," the 24-year-old added on UEFA's website (www.uefa.com).
Porto, European champions in 2004 and 1987, travel to Zenit St Petersburg in the early kickoff in Group G while seven-times champions Milan host Plzen in the other Group H game.
Chelsea continue their quest for Champions League glory at Valencia in Group E with new signing Juan Mata facing his former club while fellow Londoners Arsenal host Olympiakos in Group F.
"Finished" Tevez denies refusing to play
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez denied on Wednesday he had refused to come on as a substitute in their Champions League match against Bayern Munich and said he is ready to play on for the club.
Manager Roberto Mancini told reporters that the Argentine had ignored his instruction to warm up early in the second half of Tuesday's 2-0 defeat in Germany and that Tevez was "finished" while he was manager.
Tevez, who has found controversy follow him from club to club, sought to placate City fans whom he has already angered over the past year with his open desire to leave the club.
"There was some confusion on the bench and I believe my position may have been misunderstood," he said in a statement, according to local media.
"I would like to apologise to all Manchester City fans, with whom I have always had a strong relationship, for any misunderstanding that occurred in Munich.
"They understand that when I am on the pitch I have always given my best for the club. In Munich on Tuesday, I had warmed up and was ready to play.
"This is not the right time to get into specific details as to why this did not happen. But I wish to state that I never refused to play. Going forward, I am ready to play when required and to fulfil my obligations."
If Mancini sticks to his guns, Tevez's words will fall on deaf ears at a club whose patience he has tested several times.
Last December he put in a transfer request that the club turned down, while he lodged another at the end of the season citing family reasons.
He made scathing comments about Manchester on an Argentine chat show in June, saying the city "has nothing" and is "very expensive" and that he was "never going back to Manchester, not even on holiday".
'DISGRACE TO FOOTBALL'
He nevertheless returned after a planned move to Brazilian club Corinthians fell through but was stripped of the club captaincy and found himself relegated to the bench as compatriot Sergio Aguero was paired with Edin Dzeko up front.
It is a major fall from grace for the player who won City fans hearts with his work rate and goals after a controversial move across the city from Manchester United in 2009.
His arrival in the blue side of the northwest English city created a storm when City posted a giant 'Welcome to Manchester' billboard following his defection.
It was a sign of things to come and also the latest in a chain of headline-grabbing issues that Tevez has been at the centre of during his time in England.
His first English club West Ham United were fined for breaking rules on third-party agreements regarding player transfers when signing him from Corinthians in 2006.
There followed a protracted legal battle with Sheffield United, who sued West Ham for the cost of relegation saying the Londoners should have faced the drop instead because they should have been given a points deduction as well as the fine.
After two years, the clubs settled out of court. In the meantime, Tevez joined Manchester United in another controversial deal involving more player ownership issues.
He then upset United fans by moving down the road to City.
That transfer provided Tevez with a platform he never had at United to be the team's main goalscorer and it looked like the flow of controversy around him might have been stemmed.
He became popular with City fans and even last season finished joint top scorer in the Premier League despite his wish to leave the club.
What happens next remains to be seen as Mancini said he would be talking to the club's owner Sheikh Mansour, who is likely to be unimpressed by the widespread criticism from the footballing world and British media of the player.
"He is a disgrace to football," former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness, now a television pundit, said. "The owners need to get him as far away as possible because that type of behaviour can spread."
Manager Roberto Mancini told reporters that the Argentine had ignored his instruction to warm up early in the second half of Tuesday's 2-0 defeat in Germany and that Tevez was "finished" while he was manager.
Tevez, who has found controversy follow him from club to club, sought to placate City fans whom he has already angered over the past year with his open desire to leave the club.
"There was some confusion on the bench and I believe my position may have been misunderstood," he said in a statement, according to local media.
"I would like to apologise to all Manchester City fans, with whom I have always had a strong relationship, for any misunderstanding that occurred in Munich.
"They understand that when I am on the pitch I have always given my best for the club. In Munich on Tuesday, I had warmed up and was ready to play.
"This is not the right time to get into specific details as to why this did not happen. But I wish to state that I never refused to play. Going forward, I am ready to play when required and to fulfil my obligations."
If Mancini sticks to his guns, Tevez's words will fall on deaf ears at a club whose patience he has tested several times.
Last December he put in a transfer request that the club turned down, while he lodged another at the end of the season citing family reasons.
He made scathing comments about Manchester on an Argentine chat show in June, saying the city "has nothing" and is "very expensive" and that he was "never going back to Manchester, not even on holiday".
'DISGRACE TO FOOTBALL'
He nevertheless returned after a planned move to Brazilian club Corinthians fell through but was stripped of the club captaincy and found himself relegated to the bench as compatriot Sergio Aguero was paired with Edin Dzeko up front.
It is a major fall from grace for the player who won City fans hearts with his work rate and goals after a controversial move across the city from Manchester United in 2009.
His arrival in the blue side of the northwest English city created a storm when City posted a giant 'Welcome to Manchester' billboard following his defection.
It was a sign of things to come and also the latest in a chain of headline-grabbing issues that Tevez has been at the centre of during his time in England.
His first English club West Ham United were fined for breaking rules on third-party agreements regarding player transfers when signing him from Corinthians in 2006.
There followed a protracted legal battle with Sheffield United, who sued West Ham for the cost of relegation saying the Londoners should have faced the drop instead because they should have been given a points deduction as well as the fine.
After two years, the clubs settled out of court. In the meantime, Tevez joined Manchester United in another controversial deal involving more player ownership issues.
He then upset United fans by moving down the road to City.
That transfer provided Tevez with a platform he never had at United to be the team's main goalscorer and it looked like the flow of controversy around him might have been stemmed.
He became popular with City fans and even last season finished joint top scorer in the Premier League despite his wish to leave the club.
What happens next remains to be seen as Mancini said he would be talking to the club's owner Sheikh Mansour, who is likely to be unimpressed by the widespread criticism from the footballing world and British media of the player.
"He is a disgrace to football," former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness, now a television pundit, said. "The owners need to get him as far away as possible because that type of behaviour can spread."
Tevez denies he refused to play in Munich
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has denied he refused to play in Tuesday's Champions League Group A match against Bayern Munich, media reports said on Wednesday.
"There was some confusion on the bench and I believe my position may have been misunderstood," the 27-year-old Argentine international said in a statement, according to Sky Sports.
Manager Roberto Mancini said the unsettled striker was "finished" as a Manchester City player after refusing to go on as a second-half substitute in the English side's 2-0 defeat.
However, a contrite Tevez insisted he had not defied the manager's orders.
"I would like to apologise to all Manchester City fans, with whom I have always had a strong relationship, for any misunderstanding that occurred in Munich," he continued.
"They understand that when I am on the pitch I have always given my best for the club. In Munich on Tuesday, I had warmed up and was ready to play.
"This is not the right time to get into specific details as to why this did not happen. But I wish to state that I never refused to play.
"Going forward, I am ready to play when required and to fulfil my obligations."
"There was some confusion on the bench and I believe my position may have been misunderstood," the 27-year-old Argentine international said in a statement, according to Sky Sports.
Manager Roberto Mancini said the unsettled striker was "finished" as a Manchester City player after refusing to go on as a second-half substitute in the English side's 2-0 defeat.
However, a contrite Tevez insisted he had not defied the manager's orders.
"I would like to apologise to all Manchester City fans, with whom I have always had a strong relationship, for any misunderstanding that occurred in Munich," he continued.
"They understand that when I am on the pitch I have always given my best for the club. In Munich on Tuesday, I had warmed up and was ready to play.
"This is not the right time to get into specific details as to why this did not happen. But I wish to state that I never refused to play.
"Going forward, I am ready to play when required and to fulfil my obligations."
Kaka resurgence good news for Real and Mourinho
Real Madrid sit comfortably on top of Champions League Group D following Tuesday's 3-0 win at home to Ajax Amsterdam but the resurgence of Kaka is perhaps an even more pleasing development for coach Jose Mourinho.
The 29-year-old Brazil playmaker has mostly been a shadow of the man who won the World Player of the Year award in 2007 since he joined from AC Milan at the end of the 2008-09 season for a fee of almost 70 million euros ($95.4 million).
He has suffered a series of injuries and needed knee surgery after last year's World Cup but his match-winning performance against Ajax, when he scored the second goal and had a hand in the other two, suggested he is getting back to his best.
The boyish grin has returned to his face and he was given a rousing ovation by the Bernabeu faithful when he was substituted with around 15 minutes left as Real made it two wins from two in Europe's elite club competition this season.
"He has had a really bad time," Mourinho's assistant Aitor Karanka, standing in for his suspended boss, told a news conference.
"For those of us who have kept faith in him, seeing the look of happiness he has had on his face for a while now is very satisfying," he added.
"A great player like him, and considering what he has been through, deserves to be happy again."
Before Tuesday, Kaka had shown glimpses of his old self in pre-season games and in the first few rounds of La Liga and he scored the fifth goal in their 6-0 drubbing of Real Zaragoza on the opening weekend of the Spanish domestic season.
Up to now, Mourinho has generally picked Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil ahead of the Brazilian and there were unsourced reports Kaka was set to leave Real in the close season for around half what he cost the Spanish giants.
Real captain Iker Casillas said the team were thrilled that he appeared to have turned a corner.
"We know what a class player and person he is and we have faith in him," the Spain goalkeeper told reporters after the Ajax game.
"He is committed to himself, to his team mates and to the team," he added.
"We want him to be what he was before but we know what the press is like. If he has a less-brilliant match he'll be criticised again."
The 29-year-old Brazil playmaker has mostly been a shadow of the man who won the World Player of the Year award in 2007 since he joined from AC Milan at the end of the 2008-09 season for a fee of almost 70 million euros ($95.4 million).
He has suffered a series of injuries and needed knee surgery after last year's World Cup but his match-winning performance against Ajax, when he scored the second goal and had a hand in the other two, suggested he is getting back to his best.
The boyish grin has returned to his face and he was given a rousing ovation by the Bernabeu faithful when he was substituted with around 15 minutes left as Real made it two wins from two in Europe's elite club competition this season.
"He has had a really bad time," Mourinho's assistant Aitor Karanka, standing in for his suspended boss, told a news conference.
"For those of us who have kept faith in him, seeing the look of happiness he has had on his face for a while now is very satisfying," he added.
"A great player like him, and considering what he has been through, deserves to be happy again."
Before Tuesday, Kaka had shown glimpses of his old self in pre-season games and in the first few rounds of La Liga and he scored the fifth goal in their 6-0 drubbing of Real Zaragoza on the opening weekend of the Spanish domestic season.
Up to now, Mourinho has generally picked Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil ahead of the Brazilian and there were unsourced reports Kaka was set to leave Real in the close season for around half what he cost the Spanish giants.
Real captain Iker Casillas said the team were thrilled that he appeared to have turned a corner.
"We know what a class player and person he is and we have faith in him," the Spain goalkeeper told reporters after the Ajax game.
"He is committed to himself, to his team mates and to the team," he added.
"We want him to be what he was before but we know what the press is like. If he has a less-brilliant match he'll be criticised again."
Rejuvenated Kaka inspires Real victory
A rejuvenated Kaka scored one goal and had a hand in two more as nine-times European Cup winners Real Madrid thumped Ajax Amsterdam 3-0 to seize control of Champions League Group D on Tuesday.
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 25th minute at the Bernabeu, finishing off a sweeping breakaway move. Brazil playmaker Kaka and France striker Karim Benzema then struck either side of halftime.
"It was a good win and puts us in a good position in the group," Kaka told Spanish television.
"We need to continue like this and I think we can seal the group very soon," added the 29-year-old who was given a rousing ovation when he was substituted in the 75th minute.
Kaka joined Real from AC Milan at the end of the 2008-09 season for a fee of almost 70 million euros ($95.4 million) but a series of injuries have prevented him rediscovering the form that won him the World Player of the Year award in 2007.
He looked back to his sparkling best on Tuesday as Real, who were knocked out by bitter rivals and eventual champions Barcelona in last year's semi-finals, strengthened their hold on top spot with six points from two matches.
Olympique Lyon have four points thanks to their 2-0 win at home to Dinamo Zagreb, with Ajax on one point in third and the Croatian team bottom on zero.
RAPID MOVE
Real coach Jose Mourinho, serving the final game of a three-match ban, opted for an attacking formation against the Dutch side with Kaka and Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil operating just behind Ronaldo and Benzema.
However, it was Ajax who started brightest and Iker Casillas had to make a smart save low to his left from Christian Eriksen's snap shot in the first minute.
Casillas was called into action again in the 15th when Kolbeinn Sigthorsson burst through the centre and the Spain keeper blocked the Icelander's shot.
Real's first real chance came two minutes later when Sami Khedira found space on the right and pulled the ball back for Benzema but the Frenchman scuffed his shot wide.
Kenneth Vermeer in Ajax's goal did well to sprint off his line and block a Ronaldo effort in the 22nd but was powerless to prevent the forward giving his side the lead three minutes later.
Ronaldo, another former World Player of the Year and the world's most expensive footballer, smashed the ball into the net after a rapid passing move involving Ozil, Kaka and Benzema.
Kaka was allowed too much space on the edge of the area and fired a powerful left-foot drive into the corner in the 41st minute and any hopes of a second-half Ajax revival were snuffed out in the 49th when Benzema sidefooted home Kaka's pass.
Ajax coach Frank De Boer, who helped the club win the European Cup in 1995 before making more than 150 appearances for Barcelona, said his side needed to be "smarter and better organised" if they were to challenge teams like Real.
"I said in my talk before the game that Real Madrid were very dangerous on the break and they showed that again tonight," the former Dutch international said.
"We started pretty well though and that should give us some confidence for the coming games."
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 25th minute at the Bernabeu, finishing off a sweeping breakaway move. Brazil playmaker Kaka and France striker Karim Benzema then struck either side of halftime.
"It was a good win and puts us in a good position in the group," Kaka told Spanish television.
"We need to continue like this and I think we can seal the group very soon," added the 29-year-old who was given a rousing ovation when he was substituted in the 75th minute.
Kaka joined Real from AC Milan at the end of the 2008-09 season for a fee of almost 70 million euros ($95.4 million) but a series of injuries have prevented him rediscovering the form that won him the World Player of the Year award in 2007.
He looked back to his sparkling best on Tuesday as Real, who were knocked out by bitter rivals and eventual champions Barcelona in last year's semi-finals, strengthened their hold on top spot with six points from two matches.
Olympique Lyon have four points thanks to their 2-0 win at home to Dinamo Zagreb, with Ajax on one point in third and the Croatian team bottom on zero.
RAPID MOVE
Real coach Jose Mourinho, serving the final game of a three-match ban, opted for an attacking formation against the Dutch side with Kaka and Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil operating just behind Ronaldo and Benzema.
However, it was Ajax who started brightest and Iker Casillas had to make a smart save low to his left from Christian Eriksen's snap shot in the first minute.
Casillas was called into action again in the 15th when Kolbeinn Sigthorsson burst through the centre and the Spain keeper blocked the Icelander's shot.
Real's first real chance came two minutes later when Sami Khedira found space on the right and pulled the ball back for Benzema but the Frenchman scuffed his shot wide.
Kenneth Vermeer in Ajax's goal did well to sprint off his line and block a Ronaldo effort in the 22nd but was powerless to prevent the forward giving his side the lead three minutes later.
Ronaldo, another former World Player of the Year and the world's most expensive footballer, smashed the ball into the net after a rapid passing move involving Ozil, Kaka and Benzema.
Kaka was allowed too much space on the edge of the area and fired a powerful left-foot drive into the corner in the 41st minute and any hopes of a second-half Ajax revival were snuffed out in the 49th when Benzema sidefooted home Kaka's pass.
Ajax coach Frank De Boer, who helped the club win the European Cup in 1995 before making more than 150 appearances for Barcelona, said his side needed to be "smarter and better organised" if they were to challenge teams like Real.
"I said in my talk before the game that Real Madrid were very dangerous on the break and they showed that again tonight," the former Dutch international said.
"We started pretty well though and that should give us some confidence for the coming games."
Real Madrid record routine win
Real Madrid recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over Ajax at the Bernabeu in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock midway through the first half after a good start from the Dutch champions, before Kaka doubled Madrid's lead in the closing stages of the first 45. Karim Benzema then added a third minutes after the break to put the match to bed, goal.com reports.
Ajax started the game with attacking intentions and came close to opening the scoring within two minutes. Derk Boerrigter tried his luck with a low shot from the edge of the area after a good cross from the right, but Iker Casillas showed his class as he kept the ball out with a fine reflex save.
The Spain international was again called into action shortly after when Siem de Jong popped up in the Madrid area and Casillas again was up to the task.
The hosts then took over the initiative and should have grabbed the lead in the 17th minute. Sami Khedira set up Karim Benzema in front of an empty goal, but the France international miraculously aimed wide from 10 yards out. Cristiano Ronaldo then came close after a good pass from Ricardo Carvalho, but Ajax goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer made a superb save.
Nevertheless, the Ajax No. 1 didn't have an answer to Ronaldo's shot midway through the first half as the Portugal international fired home from inside the area after a brilliant attack. Mesut Ozil started the counter inside his own half and set up Ronaldo, who reached Kaka. After a good pass from the Brazilian, again Ozil and finally Benzema, the ball ended up in the feet of Ronaldo once more and he found the net with a low shot.
The opener pretty much ended Ajax's ambitions of getting a good result at the Bernabeu and Kaka doubled the home side's lead shortly before the interval with a shot into the far corner.
Real Madrid continued to press after the break and another superb counter resulted in their third goal in the 49th minute. Xabi Alonso found Alvaro Arbeloa with a brilliant long pass down the left and the full-back squared it to Kaka, who gave Benzema an unmissable chance and the Frenchman tapped home from five yards out.
Ajax didn't give up though and De Jong, Thulani Serero and Christian Eriksen all tried their luck from long range. However, they failed to trouble Casillas and the Amsterdam giants were lucky not to concede a fourth goal when Kaka placed his shot wide after a quick counterattack.
The biggest chance for the Eredivisie titans came Vertonghen's way in the closing stages of the match, but the Denmark international's header from close range was punched away for a corner by the Madrid glovesman.
Madrid have now collected six points from two games and top Group D. They host Olympique Lyonnais on October 18 in their third game of the group stage.
Ajax sit last in the section with only one point from their opening two games. Their next Champions League match is the away clash versus Dinamo Zagreb in three weeks.
Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock midway through the first half after a good start from the Dutch champions, before Kaka doubled Madrid's lead in the closing stages of the first 45. Karim Benzema then added a third minutes after the break to put the match to bed, goal.com reports.
Ajax started the game with attacking intentions and came close to opening the scoring within two minutes. Derk Boerrigter tried his luck with a low shot from the edge of the area after a good cross from the right, but Iker Casillas showed his class as he kept the ball out with a fine reflex save.
The Spain international was again called into action shortly after when Siem de Jong popped up in the Madrid area and Casillas again was up to the task.
The hosts then took over the initiative and should have grabbed the lead in the 17th minute. Sami Khedira set up Karim Benzema in front of an empty goal, but the France international miraculously aimed wide from 10 yards out. Cristiano Ronaldo then came close after a good pass from Ricardo Carvalho, but Ajax goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer made a superb save.
Nevertheless, the Ajax No. 1 didn't have an answer to Ronaldo's shot midway through the first half as the Portugal international fired home from inside the area after a brilliant attack. Mesut Ozil started the counter inside his own half and set up Ronaldo, who reached Kaka. After a good pass from the Brazilian, again Ozil and finally Benzema, the ball ended up in the feet of Ronaldo once more and he found the net with a low shot.
The opener pretty much ended Ajax's ambitions of getting a good result at the Bernabeu and Kaka doubled the home side's lead shortly before the interval with a shot into the far corner.
Real Madrid continued to press after the break and another superb counter resulted in their third goal in the 49th minute. Xabi Alonso found Alvaro Arbeloa with a brilliant long pass down the left and the full-back squared it to Kaka, who gave Benzema an unmissable chance and the Frenchman tapped home from five yards out.
Ajax didn't give up though and De Jong, Thulani Serero and Christian Eriksen all tried their luck from long range. However, they failed to trouble Casillas and the Amsterdam giants were lucky not to concede a fourth goal when Kaka placed his shot wide after a quick counterattack.
The biggest chance for the Eredivisie titans came Vertonghen's way in the closing stages of the match, but the Denmark international's header from close range was punched away for a corner by the Madrid glovesman.
Madrid have now collected six points from two games and top Group D. They host Olympique Lyonnais on October 18 in their third game of the group stage.
Ajax sit last in the section with only one point from their opening two games. Their next Champions League match is the away clash versus Dinamo Zagreb in three weeks.
Careless Man United given lesson by Basel
Manchester United got a Champions League wake-up call when they needed a late Ashley Young goal to salvage a 3-3 draw against FC Basel after lax defending had allowed an unlikely Swiss fightback in Tuesday's Group C match at Old Trafford.
The English champions blew a two-goal lead to trail 3-2 after Basel capitalised on a shaky United defence to stand on the verge of a famous upset and what would have been only a second home defeat in 33 Champions League games for the hosts.
Two Danny Welbeck goals in two minutes had given United a comfortable lead by the 17th minute and they looked to be cruising before Basel hit back with two goals in quick succession from Fabian Frei and Alexander Frei.
The latter then converted a 76th-minute penalty after some woeful United defending to turn the match completely on its head but they were denied outright top spot in the group when Young headed home in the 90th minute.
United boss Alex Ferguson blamed carelessness from the back four, who had been tested throughout the first half but let off the hook by poor Basel finishing and who had been thrown together because of injuries to this season's other regulars.
"In many ways it was a welcome to European football for them, they were very lax for most parts of the game I thought," Ferguson told a news conference.
"The attacking part was very good at times, but there was a carelessness about us, they could really have scored three goals in the first half."
Up front United had no problems, with Ferguson's decision to field Welbeck instead of the experienced Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov looking inspired after the 20-year-old's quick-fire double had put United in command.
Fabio crossed from the right to Ryan Giggs in the middle who teed the ball up for Welbeck to send a scuffed shot in off the near post in the 16th minute.
Fans were still celebrating that goal when Giggs combined again with Welbeck, standing in for the injured Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, to double the score with a first-time finish.
The tables were turned in the second half when Basel's two Freis scored quickly, the first after a rebound and the second with a textbook header, to set up a mouthwatering finale.
The game tipped in Basel's favour when Antonio Valencia's clumsy challenge brought down Marco Streller for a penalty, a decision which Ferguson later branded "poor."
TWO BEERS
Facing his team's own noisy fans, Alexander Frei fired the spot kick confidently into the net to put his side on the verge of a huge upset.
Basel coach Thorsten Fink, an 80th minute Bayern Munich substitute in the 1999 Champions League final when United scored twice in stoppage time to snatch a 2-1 victory, knew all too well about the hosts' never-say-die attitude.
He was robbed of glory again when Young got on the end of an inch-perfect Nani cross from the right to score on his Champions League debut and rescue a draw.
Basel fans partied after the final whistle as if their team had won and Fink said the late United sting was nothing like the one in 1999.
"1999 was negative but this is a positive experience," he told a news conference.
"We were rather nervous in the first half, then in the second half we had the opportunity to show what we can do. I don't imagine many teams go two goals down at Old Trafford and turn the game around."
The glaring weaknesses in United's defence, missing the injured Chris Smalling, Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans, allowed Basel plenty of first-half chances and although they did not capitalise until the second half they were happy with the draw.
"I do have a glass of beer after the game, perhaps there will be two," said Fink, whose side have four points from two games along with Benfica, while United are surprisingly struggling in third with two.
The English champions blew a two-goal lead to trail 3-2 after Basel capitalised on a shaky United defence to stand on the verge of a famous upset and what would have been only a second home defeat in 33 Champions League games for the hosts.
Two Danny Welbeck goals in two minutes had given United a comfortable lead by the 17th minute and they looked to be cruising before Basel hit back with two goals in quick succession from Fabian Frei and Alexander Frei.
The latter then converted a 76th-minute penalty after some woeful United defending to turn the match completely on its head but they were denied outright top spot in the group when Young headed home in the 90th minute.
United boss Alex Ferguson blamed carelessness from the back four, who had been tested throughout the first half but let off the hook by poor Basel finishing and who had been thrown together because of injuries to this season's other regulars.
"In many ways it was a welcome to European football for them, they were very lax for most parts of the game I thought," Ferguson told a news conference.
"The attacking part was very good at times, but there was a carelessness about us, they could really have scored three goals in the first half."
Up front United had no problems, with Ferguson's decision to field Welbeck instead of the experienced Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov looking inspired after the 20-year-old's quick-fire double had put United in command.
Fabio crossed from the right to Ryan Giggs in the middle who teed the ball up for Welbeck to send a scuffed shot in off the near post in the 16th minute.
Fans were still celebrating that goal when Giggs combined again with Welbeck, standing in for the injured Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, to double the score with a first-time finish.
The tables were turned in the second half when Basel's two Freis scored quickly, the first after a rebound and the second with a textbook header, to set up a mouthwatering finale.
The game tipped in Basel's favour when Antonio Valencia's clumsy challenge brought down Marco Streller for a penalty, a decision which Ferguson later branded "poor."
TWO BEERS
Facing his team's own noisy fans, Alexander Frei fired the spot kick confidently into the net to put his side on the verge of a huge upset.
Basel coach Thorsten Fink, an 80th minute Bayern Munich substitute in the 1999 Champions League final when United scored twice in stoppage time to snatch a 2-1 victory, knew all too well about the hosts' never-say-die attitude.
He was robbed of glory again when Young got on the end of an inch-perfect Nani cross from the right to score on his Champions League debut and rescue a draw.
Basel fans partied after the final whistle as if their team had won and Fink said the late United sting was nothing like the one in 1999.
"1999 was negative but this is a positive experience," he told a news conference.
"We were rather nervous in the first half, then in the second half we had the opportunity to show what we can do. I don't imagine many teams go two goals down at Old Trafford and turn the game around."
The glaring weaknesses in United's defence, missing the injured Chris Smalling, Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans, allowed Basel plenty of first-half chances and although they did not capitalise until the second half they were happy with the draw.
"I do have a glass of beer after the game, perhaps there will be two," said Fink, whose side have four points from two games along with Benfica, while United are surprisingly struggling in third with two.
Gomez sparkles as Bayern beat Man City
Bayern Munich forward Mario Gomez struck twice in the first half to hand his team a 2-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday and extend their winning streak to 10 games in all competitions.
To add insult to injury for City manager Roberto Mancini, Argentine striker Carlos Tevez refused to come on as a second-half substitute and looks set to never play for the club again.
Bundesliga top scorer Gomez, who only returned at the weekend from a groin injury, snatched a 38th minute lead when he slid in after City keeper Joe Hart had saved efforts from Franck Ribery and Thomas Mueller.
He added another in first-half stoppage time as he again tapped in from close range.
City, in only their second ever game in the competition having drawn 1-1 with Napoli in their opener, failed to leave their mark with another lacklustre performance and have not won any of their last five European away games.
In-form Bayern, eager for a fifth European Cup title with the Champions League final being held in Munich next May, have now won their last 10 games in all competitions without conceding a goal and top Group A with six points from two games.
"In the first 25 minutes we saw that City are a very good team and they are top of the Premier League alongside Manchester United for a reason. We needed our time to get into the game," Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes told reporters.
"We gradually improved, used weaknesses in our opponents' game and we showed how homogenous a team we are. To again keep a clean sheet especially in this competition means we are in very good form and my players deserve compliments."
GOOD START
With only one win in 17 appearances by English teams in Munich, the odds were stacked against City but the visitors looked livelier at the start and threatened after only a few minutes when Edin Dzeko's low drive was blocked by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Mancini opted to start with the blossoming attacking partnership of Dzeko and Sergio Aguero, who between them have scored 14 league goals in City's unbeaten start to the Premier League, leaving Tevez on the bench.
With City pressing high, Bayern initially had problems cracking open a disciplined defence, trying their luck with some long-range efforts as Arjen Robben watched on from the bench.
Gradually, however, Ribery carved out space down the left wing and it was the Frenchman who set up the first goal, firing in from outside the box, keeper Joe Hart doing well to save it as well as Thomas Mueller's rebound before the unmarked Gomez slid in for the lead.
The goal was exactly what Bayern needed to take control of the match as City were now boxed in their own half.
On the stroke of halftime Toni Kroos floated in a free kick, Hart again was on hand to save Daniel van Buyten's glancing header but was helpless when Gomez scored from close range, leaving the keeper furious with his defenders.
Germany international Gomez should have had a hat-trick, coming agonisingly close on two occasions in the second half as City were reduced to passive observers.
Mancini was furious with his strikers, taking off Dzeko and saying he was unhappy with the Bosnian's performance.
That was nothing compared to the wrath he bore towards Tevez.
The Italian said the Argentine would not play again for City as long as he was a coach.
"I think we need to improve," Mancini told reporters. "We played well for 25 minutes, 30 minutes but we conceded a stupid goal.
"But if we want to improve as a team Carlos can't play with us. With me, he is finished."
To add insult to injury for City manager Roberto Mancini, Argentine striker Carlos Tevez refused to come on as a second-half substitute and looks set to never play for the club again.
Bundesliga top scorer Gomez, who only returned at the weekend from a groin injury, snatched a 38th minute lead when he slid in after City keeper Joe Hart had saved efforts from Franck Ribery and Thomas Mueller.
He added another in first-half stoppage time as he again tapped in from close range.
City, in only their second ever game in the competition having drawn 1-1 with Napoli in their opener, failed to leave their mark with another lacklustre performance and have not won any of their last five European away games.
In-form Bayern, eager for a fifth European Cup title with the Champions League final being held in Munich next May, have now won their last 10 games in all competitions without conceding a goal and top Group A with six points from two games.
"In the first 25 minutes we saw that City are a very good team and they are top of the Premier League alongside Manchester United for a reason. We needed our time to get into the game," Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes told reporters.
"We gradually improved, used weaknesses in our opponents' game and we showed how homogenous a team we are. To again keep a clean sheet especially in this competition means we are in very good form and my players deserve compliments."
GOOD START
With only one win in 17 appearances by English teams in Munich, the odds were stacked against City but the visitors looked livelier at the start and threatened after only a few minutes when Edin Dzeko's low drive was blocked by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Mancini opted to start with the blossoming attacking partnership of Dzeko and Sergio Aguero, who between them have scored 14 league goals in City's unbeaten start to the Premier League, leaving Tevez on the bench.
With City pressing high, Bayern initially had problems cracking open a disciplined defence, trying their luck with some long-range efforts as Arjen Robben watched on from the bench.
Gradually, however, Ribery carved out space down the left wing and it was the Frenchman who set up the first goal, firing in from outside the box, keeper Joe Hart doing well to save it as well as Thomas Mueller's rebound before the unmarked Gomez slid in for the lead.
The goal was exactly what Bayern needed to take control of the match as City were now boxed in their own half.
On the stroke of halftime Toni Kroos floated in a free kick, Hart again was on hand to save Daniel van Buyten's glancing header but was helpless when Gomez scored from close range, leaving the keeper furious with his defenders.
Germany international Gomez should have had a hat-trick, coming agonisingly close on two occasions in the second half as City were reduced to passive observers.
Mancini was furious with his strikers, taking off Dzeko and saying he was unhappy with the Bosnian's performance.
That was nothing compared to the wrath he bore towards Tevez.
The Italian said the Argentine would not play again for City as long as he was a coach.
"I think we need to improve," Mancini told reporters. "We played well for 25 minutes, 30 minutes but we conceded a stupid goal.
"But if we want to improve as a team Carlos can't play with us. With me, he is finished."
Darren Clarke trying to stay motivated
Darren Clarke acknowledged he's struggling to stay motivated after achieving his lifetime goal of winning the British Open.
Clarke earned an emotional victory at Royal St. George's in July, winning the major in his 20th attempt.
Since then, the 43-year-old Northern Irishman has missed the cut twice, finished tied for 68th at the Bridgestone Invitational and tied for 35th at the European Masters.
Clarke said Wednesday that being appointed Ryder Cup captain is the biggest challenge left in his career.
First up, however, is the Dunhill Links Championship this week. He'll be playing in a field with U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel with Ryder Cup points on the line.
Clarke said he's been taking motivational advice from those closest to him.
"I've done what I always wanted to do, got to the top of the mountain -- what else can compare to it?" Clarke said. "What else is there to do?"
It's made Clarke appreciate just how hard it is for athletes, particularly those who have achieved success late in their careers, to keep on going.
"I've no idea how Steve Redgrave did it," said Clarke, referring to the British rower who won five Olympic golds -- the last coming in 2000 at 38. "It's not as if I'm 21 or 22. I'm 43. Whether I get another chance to win a major, it may not happen."
After playing five Ryder Cups -- including four victories -- one of the few challenges left for Clarke is to one day captain the European team.
"In terms of my golfing career, I've won World Golf Championships, I've won the Open, I've won tournaments all around the world -- I've had a pretty decent career," he said. "At some stage in the future, I might be asked to be Ryder Cup captain. What more could I do?"
Plenty of Ryder Cup points for next year's match in Medinah, near Chicago, are available from the Dunhill Links Championship. Clarke plans to take seriously, yet enjoy, the pro-am tournament in Scotland.
"It's a huge tournament for us on the European Tour. First prize is a lot of Ryder Cup and world ranking points. We will be laughing and joking and we'll all be trying to play well," said Clarke, who will be partnered around St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns by his manager Chubby Chandler.
Clarke earned an emotional victory at Royal St. George's in July, winning the major in his 20th attempt.
Since then, the 43-year-old Northern Irishman has missed the cut twice, finished tied for 68th at the Bridgestone Invitational and tied for 35th at the European Masters.
Clarke said Wednesday that being appointed Ryder Cup captain is the biggest challenge left in his career.
First up, however, is the Dunhill Links Championship this week. He'll be playing in a field with U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel with Ryder Cup points on the line.
Clarke said he's been taking motivational advice from those closest to him.
"I've done what I always wanted to do, got to the top of the mountain -- what else can compare to it?" Clarke said. "What else is there to do?"
It's made Clarke appreciate just how hard it is for athletes, particularly those who have achieved success late in their careers, to keep on going.
"I've no idea how Steve Redgrave did it," said Clarke, referring to the British rower who won five Olympic golds -- the last coming in 2000 at 38. "It's not as if I'm 21 or 22. I'm 43. Whether I get another chance to win a major, it may not happen."
After playing five Ryder Cups -- including four victories -- one of the few challenges left for Clarke is to one day captain the European team.
"In terms of my golfing career, I've won World Golf Championships, I've won the Open, I've won tournaments all around the world -- I've had a pretty decent career," he said. "At some stage in the future, I might be asked to be Ryder Cup captain. What more could I do?"
Plenty of Ryder Cup points for next year's match in Medinah, near Chicago, are available from the Dunhill Links Championship. Clarke plans to take seriously, yet enjoy, the pro-am tournament in Scotland.
"It's a huge tournament for us on the European Tour. First prize is a lot of Ryder Cup and world ranking points. We will be laughing and joking and we'll all be trying to play well," said Clarke, who will be partnered around St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns by his manager Chubby Chandler.
Injured de Villiers out of CLT20
AB de Villiers has been ruled out of the remainder of the Champions League Twenty20 after fracturing a finger on his left hand during a Royal Challengers Bangalore training session at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The injury could force de Villiers to miss the start of Australia's tour of South Africa, which begins with a Twenty20 international on October 13, ESPNcricinfo reports.
"He [de Villiers] will probably be coming back to South Africa tonight," South Africa's team manager Mohammad Moosajee told ESPNcricinfo. "He will see our panel of hand specialists after that, and we will decide what the plan of action is.
"I understand from the Bangalore physio that he broke the third finger on his left hand during a fielding drill. It is quite serious, that's why he is coming back."
The home series against Australia will be de Villiers' first after taking over as South Africa's limited-overs captain from Graeme Smith in June. South Africa play the first of two Twenty20s against Australia on October 13, followed by three one-dayers that begin on October 19.
In de Villiers' absence, either Tillakaratne Dilshan or Arun Karthik will keep wicket for the Royal Challengers. "Not having AB is a big loss," Virat Kohli, the Royal Challengers batsman, said. "But we have quality players in our squad who can cope with it."
The Royal Challengers play Kolkata Knight Riders in Bangalore on September 29, with games against Somerset and South Australia to come. They lost their first game of the CLT20 and another loss would make a semi-final berth unlikely.
However, three wins would make their qualification almost a certainty - two other sides in Group B would need to be tied on three wins for net run-rate to come into contention.
The injury could force de Villiers to miss the start of Australia's tour of South Africa, which begins with a Twenty20 international on October 13, ESPNcricinfo reports.
"He [de Villiers] will probably be coming back to South Africa tonight," South Africa's team manager Mohammad Moosajee told ESPNcricinfo. "He will see our panel of hand specialists after that, and we will decide what the plan of action is.
"I understand from the Bangalore physio that he broke the third finger on his left hand during a fielding drill. It is quite serious, that's why he is coming back."
The home series against Australia will be de Villiers' first after taking over as South Africa's limited-overs captain from Graeme Smith in June. South Africa play the first of two Twenty20s against Australia on October 13, followed by three one-dayers that begin on October 19.
In de Villiers' absence, either Tillakaratne Dilshan or Arun Karthik will keep wicket for the Royal Challengers. "Not having AB is a big loss," Virat Kohli, the Royal Challengers batsman, said. "But we have quality players in our squad who can cope with it."
The Royal Challengers play Kolkata Knight Riders in Bangalore on September 29, with games against Somerset and South Australia to come. They lost their first game of the CLT20 and another loss would make a semi-final berth unlikely.
However, three wins would make their qualification almost a certainty - two other sides in Group B would need to be tied on three wins for net run-rate to come into contention.
Australia to play Ireland in 2012
Ireland and Australia will play in a one-day international next year, Cricket Ireland has said. The two sides will square off at the Civil Service ground at Stormont in Belfast on 23 June, 2012.
"We are delighted to welcome Australia to Belfast in 2012 after their exciting RSA Challenge ODI against Ireland in Dublin 2010," Warren Deutrom, Cricket Ireland's chief executive said, ESPNcricinfo reports.
"Although opportunities to find space in the Future Tours Programme are rare against the world's leading teams, it is apparent that Cricket Australia is committed to ensuring that the top Associates, like Scotland and Ireland, have a chance to test themselves against the best and help us to improve.
"Off the field, the visit of such teams gives a massive boost to the profile of the sport, delivers a terrific return on investment to our valued partners and a wonderful day out for our fans."
Ireland lost to Australia by 39 runs in Dublin in 2010 and Phil Simmons, the Ireland coach, said the game was a good chance for his players to try and get one back.
"We had a wonderful opportunity to beat them in Dublin last year but let the game slip," Simmons said. "I know just how much that defeat hurt the players, so it's great to get another chance to play them.
As a coach and a player, these are the sort of fixtures that you thrive on, and with the backing of the crowd in Belfast, we've a genuine chance of pulling off another famous win."
A Cricket Australia spokesman also welcomed the chance to play Ireland in Ireland again. "We had a great visit there last year and eventually won a very competitive game. The hospitality we experienced was first class and we look forward to bringing high quality cricket to Northern Ireland next year."
"We are delighted to welcome Australia to Belfast in 2012 after their exciting RSA Challenge ODI against Ireland in Dublin 2010," Warren Deutrom, Cricket Ireland's chief executive said, ESPNcricinfo reports.
"Although opportunities to find space in the Future Tours Programme are rare against the world's leading teams, it is apparent that Cricket Australia is committed to ensuring that the top Associates, like Scotland and Ireland, have a chance to test themselves against the best and help us to improve.
"Off the field, the visit of such teams gives a massive boost to the profile of the sport, delivers a terrific return on investment to our valued partners and a wonderful day out for our fans."
Ireland lost to Australia by 39 runs in Dublin in 2010 and Phil Simmons, the Ireland coach, said the game was a good chance for his players to try and get one back.
"We had a wonderful opportunity to beat them in Dublin last year but let the game slip," Simmons said. "I know just how much that defeat hurt the players, so it's great to get another chance to play them.
As a coach and a player, these are the sort of fixtures that you thrive on, and with the backing of the crowd in Belfast, we've a genuine chance of pulling off another famous win."
A Cricket Australia spokesman also welcomed the chance to play Ireland in Ireland again. "We had a great visit there last year and eventually won a very competitive game. The hospitality we experienced was first class and we look forward to bringing high quality cricket to Northern Ireland next year."
Kaneria case adjourned till Oct 20
Pakistan legspinner Danish Kaneria's case against the PCB in the Sindh High Court has been adjourned till October 20.
During the September 27 hearing in the case, Kaneria consented to allow the board to ask the British Crown Prosecution Services for the tapes of an investigation by the Essex police, reports ESPNcricinfo.
Kaneria had been questioned regarding a case involving spot-fixing allegations during a Pro40 match for his county Essex.
Though Kaneria was not charged in the spot-fixing case, in which his Essex team-mate Mervyn Westfield faced criminal proceedings, he has not been cleared to play for Pakistan since the incident.
Kaneria had filed a petition against the PCB over his non-clearance on July 2. During a hearing on August 18, he had admitted that tapes of the investigation in Essex existed and it was decided that they would be produced before the court on September 27.
Kaneria's lawyer Mohammad Farogh Naseem had said the tapes were in the UK with Kaneria's British lawyer Steve Haurigan. .
During the September 27 hearing it was decided that the PCB would write to the CPS to ask for the tapes or their transcripts.
The PCB's lawyer Taffazul Rizvi argued that though Kaneria was not charge with spot-fixing, his integrity was under the scanner and therefore his clearance would only be possible after scrutiny the of the tapes.
The PCB's integrity committee had asked Kaneria to produce transcripts of the investigation before the case had been filed began but his lawyers had maintained it was not possible as the transcripts were still part of an ongoing investigation in the UK.
Before seeking legal recourse, Kaneria had appeared several times before the integrity committee to gain clearance and had submitted various financial records and documents, but had not managed to satisfy its members.
He last met the committee on August 15, along with Shoaib Malik, and though Malik got clearance after that meeting and was on Pakistan's tour of Zimbabwe, Kaneria's wait continued.
"I am desperate to play and am missing top cricket," Kaneria told ESPNCricinfo after the September 27 hearing. "Of course I feel frustrated but I am optimistic about my career. I chose the legal path for which I feel no regret as I see it as the only way to get myself clear from the stigma."
During the September 27 hearing in the case, Kaneria consented to allow the board to ask the British Crown Prosecution Services for the tapes of an investigation by the Essex police, reports ESPNcricinfo.
Kaneria had been questioned regarding a case involving spot-fixing allegations during a Pro40 match for his county Essex.
Though Kaneria was not charged in the spot-fixing case, in which his Essex team-mate Mervyn Westfield faced criminal proceedings, he has not been cleared to play for Pakistan since the incident.
Kaneria had filed a petition against the PCB over his non-clearance on July 2. During a hearing on August 18, he had admitted that tapes of the investigation in Essex existed and it was decided that they would be produced before the court on September 27.
Kaneria's lawyer Mohammad Farogh Naseem had said the tapes were in the UK with Kaneria's British lawyer Steve Haurigan. .
During the September 27 hearing it was decided that the PCB would write to the CPS to ask for the tapes or their transcripts.
The PCB's lawyer Taffazul Rizvi argued that though Kaneria was not charge with spot-fixing, his integrity was under the scanner and therefore his clearance would only be possible after scrutiny the of the tapes.
The PCB's integrity committee had asked Kaneria to produce transcripts of the investigation before the case had been filed began but his lawyers had maintained it was not possible as the transcripts were still part of an ongoing investigation in the UK.
Before seeking legal recourse, Kaneria had appeared several times before the integrity committee to gain clearance and had submitted various financial records and documents, but had not managed to satisfy its members.
He last met the committee on August 15, along with Shoaib Malik, and though Malik got clearance after that meeting and was on Pakistan's tour of Zimbabwe, Kaneria's wait continued.
"I am desperate to play and am missing top cricket," Kaneria told ESPNCricinfo after the September 27 hearing. "Of course I feel frustrated but I am optimistic about my career. I chose the legal path for which I feel no regret as I see it as the only way to get myself clear from the stigma."
England host WI, Australia and SA
England will play three-testseries against West Indies and South Africa next year separated by a five-match one-day series against Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Wednesday.
The home side, who replaced India as the world's top-rankedtest nation this year, will play 14 one-day internationals,including a match against Scotland, and four Twenty20 games during a crowded summer.
"With England looking to maintain its position as the numberone side in the ICC's World Test rankings and also preparing todefend the world T20 title in Sri Lanka next autumn, interest innext summer's international programme will be intense," ECBchief executive David Collier said in a statement.
"A record number of people attended this season'sinternational fixtures and with an exciting summer in prospectagain in 2012, we would urge spectators to buy tickets early inorder to avoid disappointment."
Test match schedule:
West Indies
First test, Lord's, May 17-20
Second test, Trent Bridge, May 25-29
Third test, Edgbaston, June 7-11
South Africa
First test, Oval, July 19-23
Second test, Headingley, Aug. 2-6
Third test, Lord's, Aug. 16-20
The home side, who replaced India as the world's top-rankedtest nation this year, will play 14 one-day internationals,including a match against Scotland, and four Twenty20 games during a crowded summer.
"With England looking to maintain its position as the numberone side in the ICC's World Test rankings and also preparing todefend the world T20 title in Sri Lanka next autumn, interest innext summer's international programme will be intense," ECBchief executive David Collier said in a statement.
"A record number of people attended this season'sinternational fixtures and with an exciting summer in prospectagain in 2012, we would urge spectators to buy tickets early inorder to avoid disappointment."
Test match schedule:
West Indies
First test, Lord's, May 17-20
Second test, Trent Bridge, May 25-29
Third test, Edgbaston, June 7-11
South Africa
First test, Oval, July 19-23
Second test, Headingley, Aug. 2-6
Third test, Lord's, Aug. 16-20
Samuels' action cleared by ICC
Marlon Samuels, the West Indies batsman and part-time offspinner, has had his bowling action cleared by the ICC after undergoing significant remedial work.
An independent test found his action to be legal and the player has been cleared to resume bowling in international cricket, reports ESPNcricinfo.
"A comprehensive analysis revealed that his mean elbow extension was now comfortably within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the relevant regulations," the ICC said in a statement.
"During the original test on 11 February 2008, his mean elbow extension had been calculated to be in excess of 15 degrees."
Samuels was reported for a suspect action by the umpires in the third Test between South Africa and West Indies in Durban in January 2008.
On-field umpires Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar and third umpire Brian Jerling reported their doubts over his action, especially with respect to his "fast" deliveries. Roshan Mahanama, the match referee, subsequently informed both the ICC and the West Indies team management of the report, as per the ICC regulations governing the reporting process.
The analysis of Samuels' action was conducted by professor Bruce Elliott, a member of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists, and his team at the School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health at the University of Western Australia on September 14
As with all bowlers who are tested, Samuels' action will continue to be scrutinised by match officials to ensure it remains legal. He has taken seven Test wickets at an average of 127 and 57 ODI wickets at 43.24.
An independent test found his action to be legal and the player has been cleared to resume bowling in international cricket, reports ESPNcricinfo.
"A comprehensive analysis revealed that his mean elbow extension was now comfortably within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the relevant regulations," the ICC said in a statement.
"During the original test on 11 February 2008, his mean elbow extension had been calculated to be in excess of 15 degrees."
Samuels was reported for a suspect action by the umpires in the third Test between South Africa and West Indies in Durban in January 2008.
On-field umpires Simon Taufel and Aleem Dar and third umpire Brian Jerling reported their doubts over his action, especially with respect to his "fast" deliveries. Roshan Mahanama, the match referee, subsequently informed both the ICC and the West Indies team management of the report, as per the ICC regulations governing the reporting process.
The analysis of Samuels' action was conducted by professor Bruce Elliott, a member of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists, and his team at the School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health at the University of Western Australia on September 14
As with all bowlers who are tested, Samuels' action will continue to be scrutinised by match officials to ensure it remains legal. He has taken seven Test wickets at an average of 127 and 57 ODI wickets at 43.24.
Johnson dropped from T20 in SA tour
Australia have dumped Mitchell Johnson from their Twenty20 side for their upcoming South Africa tour after the paceman endured a poor tour in Sri Lanka.
The 29-year-old Queenslander was expensive in Australia's 2-0 series loss to the Sri Lankans and his struggles continued in the one-day and Test series wins that followed.
"Mitchell has struggled in this format of the game to date," Andrew Hilditch, the outgoing chairman of selectors said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Most Twenty20 internationals have been at the start of tours and Mitchell has not always been at his best in these matches.
"Obviously Mitchell has a great skill set for Twenty20 cricket and we are sure he will put a lot of pressure on us to pick him in the future in the Twenty20 team."
Johnson's omission means a recall for Doug Bollinger, who will join Brett Lee, James Pattinson and teenager Pat Cummins in the 14-man squad's pace quartet for the two T20 matches in South Africa next month.
Cummins, an 18-year-old and the youngest ever Australian player to be handed a central contract, had also forced his way into the one-day side after John Hastings was ruled out by injury.
Brad Haddin's retirement from Twenty20 last week and an injury to stand-in Tim Paine paved the way for a promotion for Victoria state wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade in the Cameron White-captained T20 squad.
Mitchell Marsh, a 19-year-old all-rounder, had also been included after a solid tour for Australia A in Zimbabwe, Hilditch said.
Johnson has retained his place in the Michael Clarke-led one-day squad which will play a three-match series after the T20 matches, meaning he will likely be in the frame for the following two-match Test series despite his form slump.
The swing bowler took 16 wickets at an average of 25 in the Australians' 2-1 victory over hosts South Africa in the 2009 Test series and interim coach Troy Cooley said getting the erratic bowler back into the groove was a top priority.
"I will be picking up quite quickly with (bowling coach) Craig McDermott and (Test captain) Michael Clarke on what transpired over there (in Sri Lanka)... and make sure Mitchell Johnson is up and running," he said on Tuesday.
Twenty20 squad: Cameron White (captain), Shane Watson, Doug Bollinger, Patrick Cummins, Aaron Finch, David Hussey, Brett Lee, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Stephen O'Keefe, James Pattinson, Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
One-day squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson, Doug Bollinger, Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Steven Smith, David Warner.
The 29-year-old Queenslander was expensive in Australia's 2-0 series loss to the Sri Lankans and his struggles continued in the one-day and Test series wins that followed.
"Mitchell has struggled in this format of the game to date," Andrew Hilditch, the outgoing chairman of selectors said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Most Twenty20 internationals have been at the start of tours and Mitchell has not always been at his best in these matches.
"Obviously Mitchell has a great skill set for Twenty20 cricket and we are sure he will put a lot of pressure on us to pick him in the future in the Twenty20 team."
Johnson's omission means a recall for Doug Bollinger, who will join Brett Lee, James Pattinson and teenager Pat Cummins in the 14-man squad's pace quartet for the two T20 matches in South Africa next month.
Cummins, an 18-year-old and the youngest ever Australian player to be handed a central contract, had also forced his way into the one-day side after John Hastings was ruled out by injury.
Brad Haddin's retirement from Twenty20 last week and an injury to stand-in Tim Paine paved the way for a promotion for Victoria state wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade in the Cameron White-captained T20 squad.
Mitchell Marsh, a 19-year-old all-rounder, had also been included after a solid tour for Australia A in Zimbabwe, Hilditch said.
Johnson has retained his place in the Michael Clarke-led one-day squad which will play a three-match series after the T20 matches, meaning he will likely be in the frame for the following two-match Test series despite his form slump.
The swing bowler took 16 wickets at an average of 25 in the Australians' 2-1 victory over hosts South Africa in the 2009 Test series and interim coach Troy Cooley said getting the erratic bowler back into the groove was a top priority.
"I will be picking up quite quickly with (bowling coach) Craig McDermott and (Test captain) Michael Clarke on what transpired over there (in Sri Lanka)... and make sure Mitchell Johnson is up and running," he said on Tuesday.
Twenty20 squad: Cameron White (captain), Shane Watson, Doug Bollinger, Patrick Cummins, Aaron Finch, David Hussey, Brett Lee, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Stephen O'Keefe, James Pattinson, Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
One-day squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson, Doug Bollinger, Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Steven Smith, David Warner.
Henriques masterminds unlikely NSW win
On a sluggish track built to suck all skill out of cricket, Moises Henriques found plenty of it to help New South Wales first to an improbable tie and then a win through the Super Over.
For the second match in a row, Trinidad & Tobago lost the script after having defended spiritedly for most of the match, reports ESPNcricinfo.
Henriques maneuvered the field - something that was arguably easier than it should have been - in the last over to help NSW get the 16 runs they needed for the tie, and then played around with the same bowler, Ravi Rampaul, some more to score 18 in the Super Over.
Lendl Simmons hit a six and a four in the chase, but with four required off the last ball, drilled Steve O'Keefe straight down long-off's throat.
The tournament is fast resembling different actors acting out the same play with a little improvisation here and there, but to their credit the actors today made it very dramatic.
The story for most of the Hyderabad and Chennai games has been: sizzle at the start, struggle with the slowness and lowness in the middle and scramble in the end.
Both the teams sizzled to begin with (T&T score 40 in first 5.3, NSW 43 in the first six), both struggled once the ball became soft (T&T managed 21 in the next 5.3 overs, going six overs without a boundary; NSW's next six overs brought 30, and they didn't score a boundary for 8.5 overs).
It was the scramble that would decide that match, and T&T's 61 off the last six matched NSW's 50 off their last four to produce the third tie in Champions League history.
Like all sluggish tracks do, this one in Chennai too took a lot skill out of the equation for about 39 overs. The bowlers couldn't bowl wicket-taking deliveries, but they could stifle the batsmen by bowling slow, stump to stump, and short of a length. The batsmen found it incredibly hard to time the ball.
Simmons and Warner didn't face those problems at the top, although Warner did play out a maiden from Samuel Badree. Simmons hit through the line, and Warner punished width as they got their respective sides to good starts.
O'Keefe's non-spinning delivery in the seventh over started the first-innings turnaround, dismissing Adrian Barath. Sunil Narine's flicked legbreak induced the top edge from Shane Watson in the seventh over of the chase.
Mud-wrestling followed in both innings as frustrated batsmen played intemperate shots to lose their wickets. Henriques got Simmons and Darren Bravo, Sherwin Ganga accounted for Warner and Daniel Smith. T&T: 69 for 3 after 11.5, NSW: 72 for 3 after 11.5.
T&T's scramble began in the 15th over when Steven Smith offered them two long hops, which were hit for fours by Denesh Ramdin. In the same over, Billy Bowden, the third umpire, reprieved Darren Ganga, who went onto add a further 11 off 7.
The real game-breaking scramble came through a two-over association between Ravi Rampaul and Kevin Cooper, which brought them 25 runs. It wasn't all skill: two of their boundaries came through pulls through long-on and long-off. Rampaul finished with an unbeaten 15 off 7.
Rampaul wasn't done with the scramble, though. He would bowl two out of NSW's last three overs, with 36 to defend. He began with a no-ball, a call he contested heatedly.
The replays showed his front foot well in, and no replays of the back foot was available. Be that as it may Rampaul came back with a smashing yorker on the free-hit, and followed it up Simon Katich's wicket in the same over.
With 16 to defend, Rampaul began the last over with his trusted practice of going round the stumps and bowling yorkers on off and outside off.
Henriques wreaked havoc with his head by walking across and flicking the first two past the short fine leg. These were tow incredible shots: they were not length balls but near yorkers, and he whipped them late in order to miss the fielder. He could manage a single off the third ball, but trusted Pat Cummins enough to take a couple off the fourth.
Selected earlier today for the Australian national side to tour South Africa, Cummins made room, got a length ball, and somehow squeezed it between mid-on and midwicket for four.
Cruelly it came down to two required off the last ball. Would T&T still offer the tie on the platter? They bowled the last ball with just four fielders inside the circle, but one of them- midwicket - wasn't quite at the edge of the circle. Cummins found that man, and we were going into the Super Over.
NSW sent the form-man, Henriques, to bat ahead of Shane Watson. T&T persisted with Rampaul, who persisted with bowling round the stumps. He began with a dot, but a poor throw from their worst fielder - Bravo - allowed Henriques a second off the second ball.
The way the game panned out, T&T would have taken any other man than Henriques on strike. Henriques hit fours off the next four balls: through such varied areas as midwicket, point, mid-on and fine leg.
More drama followed just before T&T could bat their Super Over. T&T saw the ball being tossed up to O'Keefe, and wanted to promote Bravo, originally slated to bat at 3.
Ranjan Madugalle, the match referee, was alert and wouldn't have any of it. With Bravo still kicking the ground, O'Keefe began to bowl left-arm spin to two right-hand batsmen.
With 15 required off last three, Simmons managed to clear a leaping long-on. O'keefe followed it up with a die. Cummins followed it up with a misfiled at square leg to allow a four.
Simmons timed the last ball perfectly, but it was pitched just too close to him to allow the elevation. It was a matter of inches in the end.
For the second match in a row, Trinidad & Tobago lost the script after having defended spiritedly for most of the match, reports ESPNcricinfo.
Henriques maneuvered the field - something that was arguably easier than it should have been - in the last over to help NSW get the 16 runs they needed for the tie, and then played around with the same bowler, Ravi Rampaul, some more to score 18 in the Super Over.
Lendl Simmons hit a six and a four in the chase, but with four required off the last ball, drilled Steve O'Keefe straight down long-off's throat.
The tournament is fast resembling different actors acting out the same play with a little improvisation here and there, but to their credit the actors today made it very dramatic.
The story for most of the Hyderabad and Chennai games has been: sizzle at the start, struggle with the slowness and lowness in the middle and scramble in the end.
Both the teams sizzled to begin with (T&T score 40 in first 5.3, NSW 43 in the first six), both struggled once the ball became soft (T&T managed 21 in the next 5.3 overs, going six overs without a boundary; NSW's next six overs brought 30, and they didn't score a boundary for 8.5 overs).
It was the scramble that would decide that match, and T&T's 61 off the last six matched NSW's 50 off their last four to produce the third tie in Champions League history.
Like all sluggish tracks do, this one in Chennai too took a lot skill out of the equation for about 39 overs. The bowlers couldn't bowl wicket-taking deliveries, but they could stifle the batsmen by bowling slow, stump to stump, and short of a length. The batsmen found it incredibly hard to time the ball.
Simmons and Warner didn't face those problems at the top, although Warner did play out a maiden from Samuel Badree. Simmons hit through the line, and Warner punished width as they got their respective sides to good starts.
O'Keefe's non-spinning delivery in the seventh over started the first-innings turnaround, dismissing Adrian Barath. Sunil Narine's flicked legbreak induced the top edge from Shane Watson in the seventh over of the chase.
Mud-wrestling followed in both innings as frustrated batsmen played intemperate shots to lose their wickets. Henriques got Simmons and Darren Bravo, Sherwin Ganga accounted for Warner and Daniel Smith. T&T: 69 for 3 after 11.5, NSW: 72 for 3 after 11.5.
T&T's scramble began in the 15th over when Steven Smith offered them two long hops, which were hit for fours by Denesh Ramdin. In the same over, Billy Bowden, the third umpire, reprieved Darren Ganga, who went onto add a further 11 off 7.
The real game-breaking scramble came through a two-over association between Ravi Rampaul and Kevin Cooper, which brought them 25 runs. It wasn't all skill: two of their boundaries came through pulls through long-on and long-off. Rampaul finished with an unbeaten 15 off 7.
Rampaul wasn't done with the scramble, though. He would bowl two out of NSW's last three overs, with 36 to defend. He began with a no-ball, a call he contested heatedly.
The replays showed his front foot well in, and no replays of the back foot was available. Be that as it may Rampaul came back with a smashing yorker on the free-hit, and followed it up Simon Katich's wicket in the same over.
With 16 to defend, Rampaul began the last over with his trusted practice of going round the stumps and bowling yorkers on off and outside off.
Henriques wreaked havoc with his head by walking across and flicking the first two past the short fine leg. These were tow incredible shots: they were not length balls but near yorkers, and he whipped them late in order to miss the fielder. He could manage a single off the third ball, but trusted Pat Cummins enough to take a couple off the fourth.
Selected earlier today for the Australian national side to tour South Africa, Cummins made room, got a length ball, and somehow squeezed it between mid-on and midwicket for four.
Cruelly it came down to two required off the last ball. Would T&T still offer the tie on the platter? They bowled the last ball with just four fielders inside the circle, but one of them- midwicket - wasn't quite at the edge of the circle. Cummins found that man, and we were going into the Super Over.
NSW sent the form-man, Henriques, to bat ahead of Shane Watson. T&T persisted with Rampaul, who persisted with bowling round the stumps. He began with a dot, but a poor throw from their worst fielder - Bravo - allowed Henriques a second off the second ball.
The way the game panned out, T&T would have taken any other man than Henriques on strike. Henriques hit fours off the next four balls: through such varied areas as midwicket, point, mid-on and fine leg.
More drama followed just before T&T could bat their Super Over. T&T saw the ball being tossed up to O'Keefe, and wanted to promote Bravo, originally slated to bat at 3.
Ranjan Madugalle, the match referee, was alert and wouldn't have any of it. With Bravo still kicking the ground, O'Keefe began to bowl left-arm spin to two right-hand batsmen.
With 15 required off last three, Simmons managed to clear a leaping long-on. O'keefe followed it up with a die. Cummins followed it up with a misfiled at square leg to allow a four.
Simmons timed the last ball perfectly, but it was pitched just too close to him to allow the elevation. It was a matter of inches in the end.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Australia appoint Cooley as interim coach
Australia have appointed bowling mentor Troy Cooley as interim head coach for their upcoming tour of South Africa following Tim Nielsen's resignation last week, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Tuesday.
Cooley, 45, was replaced as bowling coach in May by former test paceman Craig McDermott but has overseen talent development at CA's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Brisbane.
Cooley previously acted as Australia's head coach when he took up the role for the last three one-day matches during Australia's 6-1 away series victory over England in 2009.
He helped coach England's bowlers to victory over Australia in the 2005 Ashes before being lured back home and helped Ricky Ponting's side exact revenge with a 5-0 whitewash in the following 2006-07 series.
"I've got a pretty good, close relationship with all the players and also the coaching staff there," Cooley told reporters on a conference call.
"I'm pretty confident that we can make sure that we can keep progressing along the lines that (captain) Michael (Clarke) wants to keep progressing.
"There's a lot of work still to do but the signs are good and I just hope that I can come in and make sure that we continue to keep going forward."
CA general manager of cricket Michael Brown said in a statement Cooley would not be applying for the job permanently.
Nielsen announced his resignation at the end of Australia's 1-0 test series victory over hosts Sri Lanka, weeks after recommendations from a comprehensive review into Australian cricket were released.
The team performance review, conducted in the wake of Australia's galling 3-1 home defeat to England in the Ashes, recommended the appointment of a head coach with expanded powers as a selector.
Nielsen, who had signed a three-year contract extension months before the Ashes series, declined to re-apply for the head coach position saying the review had made his continued involvement difficult.
SELECTION ADVICE
Australia, ranked fourth in world test rankings, will play two tests in Cape Town and Johannesburg in November against second-ranked South Africa following five limited overs matches.
Cooley said he would be unlikely to embrace his selection powers to the fullest, having been out of the international frame for much of the year.
"I'll be taking a lot of advice of course, obviously not being in that area I'll be leaving that up to the selectors, who have been working in that area for quite some time," he added.
One area of discussion would be the selection of a Twenty20 wicketkeeper. Brad Haddin announced his retirement from the format last week to concentrate on tests and one-day matches, while his stand-in Tim Paine has been ruled out of the South Africa tour with a finger injury.
Cooley suggested 33-year-old Haddin might be persuaded to fill the breach for South Africa.
"That's something we'll probably talk about once selectors get round the table," he said.
Cooley, 45, was replaced as bowling coach in May by former test paceman Craig McDermott but has overseen talent development at CA's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Brisbane.
Cooley previously acted as Australia's head coach when he took up the role for the last three one-day matches during Australia's 6-1 away series victory over England in 2009.
He helped coach England's bowlers to victory over Australia in the 2005 Ashes before being lured back home and helped Ricky Ponting's side exact revenge with a 5-0 whitewash in the following 2006-07 series.
"I've got a pretty good, close relationship with all the players and also the coaching staff there," Cooley told reporters on a conference call.
"I'm pretty confident that we can make sure that we can keep progressing along the lines that (captain) Michael (Clarke) wants to keep progressing.
"There's a lot of work still to do but the signs are good and I just hope that I can come in and make sure that we continue to keep going forward."
CA general manager of cricket Michael Brown said in a statement Cooley would not be applying for the job permanently.
Nielsen announced his resignation at the end of Australia's 1-0 test series victory over hosts Sri Lanka, weeks after recommendations from a comprehensive review into Australian cricket were released.
The team performance review, conducted in the wake of Australia's galling 3-1 home defeat to England in the Ashes, recommended the appointment of a head coach with expanded powers as a selector.
Nielsen, who had signed a three-year contract extension months before the Ashes series, declined to re-apply for the head coach position saying the review had made his continued involvement difficult.
SELECTION ADVICE
Australia, ranked fourth in world test rankings, will play two tests in Cape Town and Johannesburg in November against second-ranked South Africa following five limited overs matches.
Cooley said he would be unlikely to embrace his selection powers to the fullest, having been out of the international frame for much of the year.
"I'll be taking a lot of advice of course, obviously not being in that area I'll be leaving that up to the selectors, who have been working in that area for quite some time," he added.
One area of discussion would be the selection of a Twenty20 wicketkeeper. Brad Haddin announced his retirement from the format last week to concentrate on tests and one-day matches, while his stand-in Tim Paine has been ruled out of the South Africa tour with a finger injury.
Cooley suggested 33-year-old Haddin might be persuaded to fill the breach for South Africa.
"That's something we'll probably talk about once selectors get round the table," he said.
Pak coach candidates not high-profile enough
Pakistan's hunt for a new cricket coach has not attracted many experienced candidates and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might have to directly approach some high-profile names for the job.
A PCB official confirmed to Press Trust of India that after the expiry of the September 26 deadline for interested candidates to apply, the response had been good but the interested candidates didn't include any high profile figures, reports PTI.
"We have received applications from England and Australia and many from within the country but some of the names we were expecting are not there," the official conceded.
The special committee formed by the PCB to shortlist candidates for the position will meet on September 29 in Karachi to prune the list and shortlist the best possible candidates for recommendation to the board.
The PCB is hunting for a new coach after Pakistan's former Test captain Waqar Younis stepped down following the recent tour to Zimbabwe on personal and health grounds.
"The September 29 meeting is important because we will then go through all the candidates who have applied and see who are the best possible options for our requirements," PCB chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad said.
He didn't rule out the possibility of the committee directly approaching anyone if it was not satisfied with the list of candidates who had applied for the position.
"That is the prerogative of the committee they can hold talks directly with anyone but right now even the board is unaware of who have applied for the post, all we know is they are local coaches and foreigners as well," he said.
The names of high-profile coaches such as Dav Whatmore, Peter Moores, Tom Moody, Mickey Arthur and Tim Nielsen have been reported as possible candidates for the job but Ahmad said the board had not spoken to anyone and neither had anyone approached directly for the position.
A PCB official confirmed to Press Trust of India that after the expiry of the September 26 deadline for interested candidates to apply, the response had been good but the interested candidates didn't include any high profile figures, reports PTI.
"We have received applications from England and Australia and many from within the country but some of the names we were expecting are not there," the official conceded.
The special committee formed by the PCB to shortlist candidates for the position will meet on September 29 in Karachi to prune the list and shortlist the best possible candidates for recommendation to the board.
The PCB is hunting for a new coach after Pakistan's former Test captain Waqar Younis stepped down following the recent tour to Zimbabwe on personal and health grounds.
"The September 29 meeting is important because we will then go through all the candidates who have applied and see who are the best possible options for our requirements," PCB chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad said.
He didn't rule out the possibility of the committee directly approaching anyone if it was not satisfied with the list of candidates who had applied for the position.
"That is the prerogative of the committee they can hold talks directly with anyone but right now even the board is unaware of who have applied for the post, all we know is they are local coaches and foreigners as well," he said.
The names of high-profile coaches such as Dav Whatmore, Peter Moores, Tom Moody, Mickey Arthur and Tim Nielsen have been reported as possible candidates for the job but Ahmad said the board had not spoken to anyone and neither had anyone approached directly for the position.
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