‘There’ll be more burnouts’
As Shaun Tait’s indefinitely walking away from the game once again raked up the burnout issue, former coach John Buchanan has warned Cricket Australia of more such cases if “safety nets” for players performing under demanding conditions were not explored further.
“There needs to be a good support mechanism around players and their families,” he said.
Yuvraj to be fit by second ODI
India will welcome Yuvraj Singh back to their playing eleven for the second match of the tri-series, against Sri Lanka in Brisbane next Tuesday, reports DHNS from Adelaide.
The hard-hitting left-hander, who hurt his left knee during pre-match training during the Perth Test nearly two weeks back, was examined by a doctor in Melbourne on Wednesday evening. "It was confirmed that remarkable progress has been observed, and he will be ready to play for the team from the second one-day international," media manager Dr MV Sridhar said.
Aussies call up another Hussey
The inclusion of David Hussey in a 13-man Australian squad to face India in Friday's Twenty20 international at the MCG has raised the possibility of two brothers representing Australia for the first time in an international game since the Waugh twins, reports DHNS from Adelaide.
The 30-year-old David, younger brother of Mike Hussey, is the lone new face as the national selectors left out Matthew Hayden to give him more time to recover completely from his hamstring injury ahead of the triangular series beginning in Brisbane on Sunday.
Michael Clarke has been named Ricky Ponting's deputy with an eye on the future, while there is no place for pacers Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark.
The squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke (vice-capt), Adam Gilchrist, Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hodge, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Brett Lee, Ashley Noffke, Andrew Symonds, Adam Voges.
Lanka restart Aus tour with win
Sri Lanka began the second part of their tour of Australia with a convincing four-wicket win over the Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Wednesday, reports Reuters.
Lasith Malinga and Farveez Maharoof captured three wickets each as Sri Lanka bowled the home team out for 152 in just 38 overs.
Sri Lanka cruised to their victory target for the loss of six wickets with more than 18 overs to spare.
Opener Sanath Jayasuriya made 43 while Tillakaratne Dilshan was unbeaten on 75.
Indian Juniors book Japan berth
India, comprising Rahul Bakshi, Amanjyot Singh, Rashid Khan and Chikkarangappa, finished second in the Asian Junior Golf Team Championship at the Damai Laut Golf and Country Club, Perak, Malaysia, last week.
India finished with a three-day score of 658, three strokes behind winners Korea (655). Chinese Taipei (665) finished a distant third. Both Korea and India qualified for the World Junior Golf team Championship to be held in Japan in June.
Seven countries took part in the three-day event from Jan 23-25.
Bakshi was the best Indian on view. The Chandigarh ace had rounds of 70, 78 and 71.
Nigeria enter quarterfinals
Midfielder John Obi Mikel scored and set up another as Nigeria beat Benin 2-0 to reach the quarterfinals of the African Nations Cup on Tuesday, reports Reuters from Sekondi.
The Super Eagles will meet hosts Ghana for a last four spot on Sunday while Group B winners Ivory Coast, who beat Mali 3-0 in Accra, will take on Guinea. Mali, who needed a draw to progress, are eliminated on goal difference.
Nigeria improved after a lacklustre first half at the Essipon stadium and made the breakthrough on 52 minutes when Obi Mikel headed in a Peter Odemwingie cross after Benin keeper Yoan Djidonou had failed to clear a Taye Taiwo free kick.
The Chelsea midfielder set up striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni for his team's second four minutes from time.
