Unveiling a lineup featuring nine players with test centuries, the World XI made the first move to ensure the Super Series amounts to more than a glorified cricket exhibition.
Promoted as a contest between the best team in the world -- No. 1-ranked Australia -- against the best players from the rest of the world, the Super Series starts today with the first of three limited-overs internationals at Melbourne's Docklands Stadium.
World XI skipper Shaun Pollock and Australia captain Ricky Ponting both supported the International Cricket Council's decision to grant full status to the one-dayers and the subsequent six-day test in Sydney, predicting an intense series.
Australia is coming off a test series defeat in England, where it lost the Ashes for the first time in 18 years, and has a depleted bowling attack after injuries forced Shaun Tait and Brad Hogg out of the squad.
The World XI bats right down the order, with only No. 11 Shoaib Akhtar yet to register at least a test 50.
Andrew Flintoff, player of the series in England's 2-1 Ashes triumph, is expected to bat at No. 7, behind Virender Sehwag, Kumar Sangakkara, Rahul Dravid, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis and Kevin Pietersen. Pollock and Daniel Vettori are expected at No. 8 and No. 9. Sri Lankan offspinner Muttiah Muralitharan has a highest test score of 67 and should bat one place above Shoaib.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
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