CRICKET
Anderson eyes fifth Test
England pace bowler James Anderson could feature in the fifth Ashes Test against Australia after returning to practice on Monday. Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, suffered a side strain in the third Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England, in which the hosts secured the Ashes, and was immediately ruled out of the fourth Test. The 33-year-old was to be assessed yesterday and again today before a decision is taken over his potential participation at The Oval in London. The England camp has made no secret of their ambition to win the fifth and final Test, which begins tomorrow, to ensure a 4-1 series victory and continue the progress made since a dismal Cricket World Cup campaign.
RUGBY UNION
World Cup to use Hawk-Eye
A new Hawk-Eye system is to be used in the Rugby World Cup, which starts next month, to aid referee’s decisionmaking following a series of successful trials, the sport’s governing body said on Monday. The technology is to be implemented alongside the existing Television Match Official process to enhance officials’ instant access to multiple-angle replays in real-time and slow motion, World Rugby said in a statement. “Technology is an important component of the rugby performance and fan engagement environments and Rugby World Cup 2015 is set to showcase innovation and performance to a record global audience,” World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper said in a statement. “The system has clear benefits for the match official team, the medical team and fans around the world.”
RUGBY UNION
Faumuina suffers concussion
Tighthead prop Charlie Faumuina’s Rugby World Cup hopes suffered another blow when he was knocked out during training with Auckland’s provincial team yesterday, the New Zealand Herald reported. The 28-year-old was on a comeback trail from neck surgery and has not played for the All Blacks this year, but returned to training with them ahead of last week’s Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. He was then released to play for Auckland in New Zealand’s provincial competition for two matches before the World Cup squad is finalized on Aug. 30. However, he was involved in a collision with loose forward Taleni Seu in training yesterday and knocked unconscious, the newspaper said. “They were going for the same ball and they both got concussed. It was just a freak accident five minutes from the end of the session,” Auckland coach Paul Feeney said.
OLYMPICS
Shot putter out for 12 weeks
Double Olympic shot put champion Valerie Adams has undergone knee surgery and is likely to need up to 12 weeks of rehabilitation as the New Zealander tries to get herself in the best possible shape for the Rio Olympics next year. Adams, Olympic champion in 2008 and 2012, had shoulder and elbow surgeries last year and decided not to defend her title at the World Athletics Championships in Beijing this month after a disappointing season. She said earlier this month that she would need treatment on her right knee and yesterday the 30-year-old posted a picture of herself recovering from her latest surgery on social media. Christina Schwanitz of Germany has dominated the women’s shot this season, having ended Adams’ five-year, 56-competition unbeaten streak in Paris last month.
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
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely