India toughest side to beat: Lee

Ready to return to action after a brief break, Australian speedster Brett Lee said he wants to test himself against India whom he considers one of the toughest sides to beat.

“Sri Lanka and India are very hard teams to play against but for the moment, it looks India is the toughest side to beat. If India gets a great start, they are very hard to pull back,” Lee said.

Pawar enters title round

India’s Anand Pawar outclassed Nathan Rice of England in straght games to move into the final of the Austrian Open badminton championships on Saturday, reports DHNS.

According to information available, Pawar scored a lop-sided 21-14, 21-8 win in the semifinals. In the title clash, the Indian ace will lock horns with seventh-seeded Vladislav Druzchanko. The world No 60 from Ukraine overcame Aamir Ghaffar of England 21-12, 21-16 in the other semifinal.

‘Manavjit can win  gold for India’

Renowned coach Marcello Dradi says World champion trap shooter Manavjit Singh Sandhu is capable of winning the ever eluding Olympic gold for India in the Beijing Games, reports PTI from Jaipur.

“Manavjit is currently the best trap shooter in the world and even if he wins a silver it will be a missed gold for me,” said Dradi, the current coach of the star shooter.

Binu targets Olympic medal

K M Binu, the National 400-metre record-holder believes he is a medal contender in the Beijing Olympics later this year, reports PTI from Kochi.

“It is my dream to win an Olympic gold medal. I know there will be stiff competition. It requires dedicated hard work to achieve it. I am working hard to be at my best,” Binu said.

Binu, who made it to the semifinals in the Athens Olympics four years ago, feels he will reach his peak form during the Games in August.

Lions round off tour with win

The visiting England Lions outfit thrashed Saurashtra by 176 runs in their third and final warm-up match at the Brabourne Stadium, reports PTI from Mumbai.

The Lions, who took part in the Duleep Trophy, powered their way to 298 for 7 wickets in 50 overs and then skittled Saurashtra for only 122 in 33.1 overs to emerge victors.

Brief scores: England Lions: 298/7 (Joe Denly 56, Ed Joyce 104, James Hildretch 43, Michael Yardy 42; S Sanandiya 3-52, Nayan Doshi 2-80) bt Saurashtra: 122 all out in 33.1 overs (Alan Richardson 2-25, Steve Kirby 2-19, Charlie Shrek 4-37).

Gillespie to quit, likely to join ICL

One of cricket's favourite characters, Jason Gillespie (32), is set to announce his retirement from international cricket, Australian media reported on Saturday, reports IANS from Sydney.

The South Australian fast bowler is believed to be making a statement on Sunday announcing his departure from international and state cricket. He had expressed an interest in the Indian Premier League but failed to come to an agreement. The rebel Indian Cricket League is believed to be considering making the charismatic quick an offer.