Rutherfordputs Nz on top
Dunedin: A superb 171 on debut from Hamish Rutherford steered New Zealand to a commanding first innings lead over England on the third day of the opening Test at University Oval on Friday.
Rutherford, 23, posted the seventh highest debut in Test history as he carved up the England attack, exceeding the tourists’ total of 167 single handedly as New Zealand opened up a 235 innings lead. The Black Caps were 402 for seven when rain halted play late in the day, with Brendon McCullum unbeaten on 44 and Bruce Martin 17 not out. While a James Anderson-inspired England improved after a batting performance that Ian Botham said was one of the worst he had ever witnessed, the Black Caps face the frustrating prospect the weather will save the tourists’ blushes.
Indface oz in Azlan Shah opener
Ipoh: It will be a test of character for a young and new-look Indian team when it takes on the world champions Australia in its opening encounter of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Saturday. The match between six-time champions Australia and five-time winners India is being billed as the clash of the day. India’s chief coach Michael Nobbs came here with a development squad, led by Danish Mujtaba, after resting six of his senior players, including inspirational skipper Sardar Singh for the tournament. Nobbs saw the Azlan Shah Cup to build a strong reserve pool for Indian hockey and also his eyes on the Junior World Cup. The fact that India’s junior team coach Baljit Singh Saini is accompanying the side is an indication that the team management is looking far beyond the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Some of the young names that came to the fore during the inaugural Hockey India league — Mandeep Singh, Malak Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Gurmail Singh, Amit Rohidas, PT Rao and Sushant Tirkey — will get a much-needed international exposure from this tournament.
Waqar to coach Hyderabad in IPl
New Delhi: Sunrisers Hyderabad have roped in legendary Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis as its bowling coach for the upcoming Indian Premier league in April-May. “One of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, Waqar Younis will be the bowling coach for SunRisers Hyderabad!” the team said in a tweet. Younis was bowling coach of Pakistan and national coach till mid-2011. Sunrisers, who took over the Hyderabad franchise from Deccan, have Tom Moody as their head coach and Kris Srikkanth as their team mentor. Younis’ wards in the Hyderabad team will include South Africa’s Dale Steyn, Ishant Sharma, Clint McKay and Sudeep Tyagi.
Ryder Cup stars in Avantha
Greater Noida: The creme de la creme of European golf, including six Ryder Cup stars, would be in action when the fourth edition of the Avantha Masters tees off next week at the Jaypee Greens Golf Course here. Ryder Cup stars Edoardo Molinari of Italy, Ignacio Garrido of Spain, England’s David Howell, Frenchman Thomas levet, Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie and Welshman Philip Price would be there at the event tri-sanctioned by the European Tour, the Asian Tour and the PGTI. Between them, the six have amassed a total of 31 points in the biennial contest, with Montgomerie contributing most to the European cause with 23.5 points won in eight appearances.
EB in semis; Odafa fires five
Siliguri/Kalyani: Defending champions East Bengal stormed into the semifinals of the 117th IFA Shield with a 2-0 win over United SC in Siliguri on Friday. Edeh Chidi was the star of the match as he struck a double (51st and 75th) after a goalless first-half as East Bengal topped Group A with an all-win record from three matches of the quarterfinal league. But the day belonged to Odafa Okolie who fired in five goals in another match at Kalyani to power Mohun Bagan to a 5-1 win over United Sikkim.
Want to better 2011 show: Sutil
Mumbai: Back in Formula One action after a 14-month break, Sahara Force India driver Adrian Sutil wants to make the 2013 season his best-ever career wise, by bettering the ninth-place finish he had achieved with the same team in 2011. “My aims are quite high. My personal goal is to be better than in 2011 when I finished ninth. My mind is set for some good performance and I am ready for podium (finish) and I want to achieve that,” said the 30-year-old at a media interaction here.
Sanga feasts on Bangla attack
Galle: Kumar Sangakkara smashed a superb 142 to put Sri lanka on course for a big first-innings total in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Galle here on Friday. The left-hander hit three sixes and 16 fours in his 31st Test 100 as Sri lanka posted 361-3 on the opening day after winning the toss on a good batting track. lahiru Thirimanne, who added 124 for the third wicket with Sangakkara, was unbeaten on a solid 74 when play was called off due to rain with 4.3 overs remaining.
keeper gets 22 years in prison
Sao Paulo: Former Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend and sentenced to more than 22 years in prison on Friday. In a trial that made front-page headlines across Brazil, the jury of five women and two men in Minas Gerais found Bruno guilty of ordering the killing of model Eliza Samudio, whose body has never been found amid allegations that she was dismembered and her remains were fed to dogs. Bruno also was convicted of holding hostage their young son. Defense lawyers told local media they already expected a conviction but would appeal. The goalkeeper had already been convicted of kidnapping Samudio and forcing her to terminate her pregnancy. He was serving a prison sentence of four years and six months in that case. After a court dispute, Samudio’s mother was named the child’s guardian. “I expected more,” the model’s mother, Eliza Silva Samudio, told local media after Friday’s sentence. “They made it easy on him.”
PNS/Agencies