Saini replaces Shami for Afghan Test
new delhi: Troubled India speedster Mohammed Shami on Monday failed the YoYo fitness test, prompting the selectors to summon rookie Delhi speedster Navdeep Saini for the one-off Test against Afghanistan starting June 14. Saini is currently one of the quickest red ball bowlers in domestic circuit and has been touted by many as one for the future after his consistent Ranji Trophy performance in the past two seasons. He is also part of the four-day set-up of the India A team and is set to travel to UK next month. "The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Navdeep Saini as Mohammed Shami's replacement in the Indian Test team for the upcoming Paytm Test against Afghanistan. The announcement came after Mohd Shami failed to clear the fitness test at NCA, Bengaluru," the BCCI release stated.
Steyn returns to South Africa squad
johannesburg: Much-injured fast bowler Dale Steyn was on Monday named in a 15-man South African squad for two Test matches in Sri lanka next month. Steyn, who turns 35 on June 27, has missed 27 of South Africa's most recent 32 Test matches. He has been plagued by groin, shoulder and heel problems and was unable to complete the most recent Tests he started, against Australia in November 2016 and India in January this year. The South African squad includes three spin bowlers, including uncapped leg-spinner Shaun von Berg, while Steyn is one of four fast bowlers. Selection convener linda Zondi welcomed Steyn's return "in our pack of world-class seamers, particularly in view of the retirement of Morne Morkel." Steyn has 419 Test wickets - two short of Shaun Pollock's South African record of 421.
Morgan backs England after Scots' shock
edinburgh: Rafael Nadal's 11th French Open title raised his Grand Slam trophy count to 17, three away from the men's record held by Roger Federer. But that doesn't necessarily mean Nadal is fixated on catching his rival. "Of course I would love to have 20, like Roger, in the future - or even more," Nadal said on Sunday evening after beating Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 in the final at Roland Garros, "but being honest, (it's) something that is not in my mind." He added that it's not an "obsession." "let me enjoy this title," Nadal said. "I can't be always thinking of more. Of course, I have ambition. Of course, I have passion for what I am doing. But I never have been crazy about all this kind of stuff."
Nadal not obsessed with Federer's 20 Slams
paris: Rafael Nadal's 11th French Open title raised his Grand Slam trophy count to 17, three away from the men's record held by Roger Federer. But that doesn't necessarily mean Nadal is fixated on catching his rival. "Of course I would love to have 20, like Roger, in the future - or even more," Nadal said on Sunday evening after beating Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 in the final at Roland Garros, "but being honest, (it's) something that is not in my mind." He added that it's not an "obsession." "let me enjoy this title," Nadal said. "I can't be always thinking of more. Of course, I have ambition. Of course, I have passion for what I am doing. But I never have been crazy about all this kind of stuff."
Vettel wins the Canadian Grand Prix
montreal: Sebastian Vettel led from the pole to the checkered flag - and then some - to claim a long-awaited Ferrari victory at the Canadian Grand Prix. The four-time world champion speed on after the checkered flag was waved one lap too early, finishing his wire-to-wire victory at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Sunday to claim his third win of the year and the lead in the Formula One standings. Mercedes was second with Valtteri Bottas - not erstwhile championship leader lewis Hamilton - about six seconds back after never really challenging for the win. Max Verstappen was third and the other Red Bull car, driven by Daniel Ricciardo, was fourth. Hamilton, who was fifth on Sunday, fell from the top of the Formula One standings and now trails Vettel by one point, 121-120. He had been going for a record-tying seventh victory in Montreal and a third win in four races.
Federer eyes top spot return in Stuttgart
stuttgart: Roger Federer on Monday said his motivation is sky-high as he bids for a possible return to the number one ranking if he reaches the final at the Stuttgart Cup. The 36-year-old Swiss, second in the ATP standings behind 11-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal, has it all to play for this week at the hilltop Weissenhof club, where he lost a year ago in the first round to longtime friend and rival Tommy Haas. After sitting out the clay season to fully rest and prepare for the grass and last playing match in Miami on March 24, the 20-time grand slam winner is quietly confident that all is falling into place as he mounts his quest for a ninth Wimbledon trophy next month.
showed character and resilience: constantine
mumbai: The Indian football team showed a lot of character and resilience in its title-winning Intercontinental Cup campaign and the attitude would be crucial to ensuring that the country doesn't just make up the numbers in next year's AFC Asian Cup, feels national coach Stephane Constantine. "We know we have a huge task going to the Asian Cup. (We are) not going to make up the numbers, we believe that if we do the right things between now and then, we believe that we have a chance to qualify from the group and that will be our target," Constantine said after India beat Kenya 2-0 in the final on Sunday. The Asian Cup will be played in the UAE, next January. India are clubbed with UAE, Bahrain and Thailand.
It's a privilege to play Afghan in their first Test: Rahane
dubai: Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane on Monday termed it is a "privilege" to be a part of a historic first Test match against Afghanistan. "It's a privilege to be playing in Afghanistan's first Test match. It's a historic moment for them and an opportunity for us to be part of the occasion," Rahane was quoted as saying in an ICC release. "They have a fine team and some talented players, who have proved themselves in shorter formats. I am sure they are looking forward to do the same in Test cricket. On behalf of the Indian team, I wish them all the best." Afghanistan, who have fast established themselves as a force to reckon with in the shorter formats, will become the 12th side to figure in men's Test cricket after Ireland debuted against Pakistan last month. Both Ireland and Afghanistan were granted Full Member and Test status last June.
India, Pakistan set to lock horns in Kabaddi Masters
dubai: India and Pakistan are set to renew their rivalry in the six-nation Kabaddi Masters Dubai which will get underway at the Al Wasl Sports Club here from June 22 to 30. India are clubbed with Pakistan with new comers Kenya in group A, while group B features Iran, Republic of Korea and Argentina with top two teams making the semifinals. India will be going up against strong contenders with kabaddi maestros Iran and Republic of Korea successfully proving their prowess in the Asian Games and Kabaddi World Cup. Republic of Korea had beaten India in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup opener, fuelling India's bid for retribution this time. "Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 will give us the chance to go up against the best teams and will go all out to gun for the trophy," India coach Srinivas Reddy said."A tournament of this stature does well to bring nations together," Muhammad Sarwar Secretary General Pakistan kabaddi Federation said.