Singles
Flower to meet with ECB over future
Melbourne: Andy Flower says he'll be telling the new England Cricket Board managing director when they meet this week that he wants to continue contributing as a national coach despite the Ashes series debacle in Australia. England is in danger of being swept 5-0 in the Ashes for the second time in eight seasons after four lopsided defeats to Australia ahead of the fifth test starting Friday in Sydney. It has confounded critics how this team, only four months after winning the Ashes on home soil, could be so comprehensively outplayed in Australia. "Certainly I examine my role in the tour. I ask myself tough questions," Flower told reporters in Melbourne on Monday, the morning after an eight-wicket defeat in the fourth test. We'll talk about the leadership of the national team with regards to the coaching position," Flower said. "I'm very motivated to contribute to English cricket and that's what I'm going to do."
Alex Doolan in aus’ Ashes squad
Sydney: Batsman Alex Doolan has been added at the expense of paceman Doug Bollinger in the only change to the 14-man Australian squad attempting to sweep the Ashes series 5-0. Australia has used the same XI in the four comprehensive wins to date over England, although there is concern over the fitness of allrounder Shane Watson and paceman Ryan Harris and that may lead to changes for the fifth test starting Friday in Sydney.
Churchill signs Costa Rican striker
Panaji: Defending I-league champions Churchill Brothers have signed Costa Rica striker Cristian lagos Navarro to bolster their struggling forwardline and turn their fortunes as the Goan side is presently languishing at the bottom of the league. The 29-year old, who is contracted to Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica, has signed a contract until the end of the season and is likely to replace Syrian striker Yaser Shahen, who will join the club in January. "I'm happy and grateful to Saprissa because I was provided all the facilities to join this important Indian team. I am excited about this new challenge and the offer I was presented," Navarro said in a statement. "I want to take this opportunity to thank all the Saprissa fans who always showed me their love and support. This is a unique opportunity for myself and my family that I could not pass. I hope to do well and worthily represent the country abroad," he added.
Simpson, Hockley in ICC Hall of Fame
Dubai: Former Australia captain Bob Simpson and ex-New Zealand women cricketer Debbie Hockley will be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in a special function to be held in Sydney on Thursday, the world body said on Monday. Hockley will become the fourth female player after Belinda Clark (Australia), Enid Bakewell and Rachael Heyhoe-Flint (both England), and second cricketer from New Zealand after Richard Hadlee to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, the ICC said in a statement. Simpson will overall become the 72nd male and 20th from Australia.
Agencies
