Middlesex will not be travelling to Mumbai:shane udal

Cricket concerns are secondary in the wake of the terrorist attacks on Mumbai. Discussions surrounding the immediate future of the ongoing England Cricket Tour of India and upcoming Champions League Twenty 20 are concerns for later. Now the organisation is focusing on more important matters than cricket.

Cricket concerns are secondary in the wake of the terrorist attacks on Mumbai. Discussions surrounding the immediate future of the ongoing England Cricket Tour of India and upcoming Champions League Twenty 20 are concerns for later. Now the organisation is focusing on more important matters than cricket.

Middlesex skipper Shaun Udal has confirmed Middlesex will not be travelling to Mumbai for the Champions League Twenty20, after terrorists launched a series of deadly attacks in the Indian city.

Udal and his team were due to fly out to Mumbai tomorrow morning to take part in the inaugural Twenty20 Champions League.

Their first match of the lucrative competition was due to take place in Mumbai a week today against Australian side Victoria Bushrangers, but Udal confirmed they will not fly out as planned in the wake of the attacks.

"All we know is that our flights have been cancelled in the morning," Udal told Sky Sports News.

"We were due to fly out from Heathrow at 10 o'clock and we had a call tonight to say that those plans were now cancelled."

Udal added that the three group matches due to take place in Mumbai will be moved to Bangalore.

England had also planned to use the hotel, where international cricket teams usually stay while on tour, during the second Test against India next month.

Cricket Australia have suspended all travel to India while it takes security advice, a decision which leaves the Victoria Bushrangers and Western Australia Warriors - the two Australian teams due to compete in the elite Twenty20 tournament - as well as several Australian cricketers who are due to play for Indian teams, such as Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden and Mike Hussey, in limbo.Warne stopped his flight to India in Singapore where he is now on an extended stopover.

An official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India is quoted as saying: "This has been a terrible day for India but at the moment it's far too early to talk about cancelling England's tour or the Champions League."

The England cricket team have said they will not make a decision about whether to remain on tour until they have been fully briefed by the Foreign Office, but it is understood that the issue will be discussed at a team meeting later on Thursday.

Worries are also reflected by Cricket Australia in its instructions to players not to travel to India for the time being. A Cricket Australia spokesman said: "In circumstances like these it always takes at least 12 hours for details to emerge, and we will review all information available." In the meantime, CA has put a hold on all cricket-related travel to India - hence Warne's extended stay in Singapore.

The Cricket Australia chief executive Paul Marsh added: "We are shocked, and we have contacted all relevant experts in a bid to learn more about the situation. The teams are due to leave on Saturday, so we have to make a decision pretty quickly."

An ­organisation calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen has claimed to be behind the attacks.

for the Champions League Twenty20, after terrorists launched a series of deadly attacks in the Indian city.

Udal and his team were due to fly out to Mumbai tomorrow morning to take part in the inaugural Twenty20 Champions League.

Their first match of the lucrative competition was due to take place in Mumbai a week today against Australian side Victoria Bushrangers, but Udal confirmed they will not fly out as planned in the wake of the attacks.

"All we know is that our flights have been cancelled in the morning," Udal told Sky Sports News.

"We were due to fly out from Heathrow at 10 o'clock and we had a call tonight to say that those plans were now cancelled."

Udal added that the three group matches due to take place in Mumbai will be moved to Bangalore.

England had also planned to use the hotel, where international cricket teams usually stay while on tour, during the second Test against India next month.

Cricket Australia have suspended all travel to India while it takes security advice, a decision which leaves the Victoria Bushrangers and Western Australia Warriors - the two Australian teams due to compete in the elite Twenty20 tournament - as well as several Australian cricketers who are due to play for Indian teams, such as Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden and Mike Hussey, in limbo.Warne stopped his flight to India in Singapore where he is now on an extended stopover.

An official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India is quoted as saying: "This has been a terrible day for India but at the moment it's far too early to talk about cancelling England's tour or the Champions League."

The England cricket team have said they will not make a decision about whether to remain on tour until they have been fully briefed by the Foreign Office, but it is understood that the issue will be discussed at a team meeting later on Thursday.

Worries are also reflected by Cricket Australia in its instructions to players not to travel to India for the time being. A Cricket Australia spokesman said: "In circumstances like these it always takes at least 12 hours for details to emerge, and we will review all information available." In the meantime, CA has put a hold on all cricket-related travel to India - hence Warne's extended stay in Singapore.

The Cricket Australia chief executive Paul Marsh added: "We are shocked, and we have contacted all relevant experts in a bid to learn more about the situation. The teams are due to leave on Saturday, so we have to make a decision pretty quickly."

An ­organisation calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen has claimed to be behind the attacks.

Ridicules Ecclestone's medals plans:Eddie Jordan

LONDON - Former team boss Eddie Jordan has poured cold water on Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone's plans to have the drivers' world championship decided by gold medals rather than points.

"I think they are a nonsense," Jordan told BBC radio on Wednesday.

"I can't possibly believe he's thinking straight, especially on this one. His focus must be on cost-cutting and nothing else. The rest is just dressing it up."

Ecclestone has said he wants the title won by the driver who wins most races to make the sport more exciting and prevent a repeat of this year's situation where McLaren's Lewis Hamilton needed only to finish fifth in Brazil to be champion.

Hamilton did what was necessary -- but only just -- at Interlagos, beating Ferrari's Felipe Massa by a single point although the Brazilian won six races to the Briton's five victories.

Under Ecclestone's Olympic-style plan, the top three in each race would get gold, silver and bronze medals. Points would count only towards the constructors' standings and to decide overall rankings.

The 78-year-old Briton returned to the theme at a news conference to announce a new sponsorship partner for the championship on Wednesday.

"It's going to happen. All the teams are happy, we're happy and the (governing) FIA are happy," he said.

"The whole reason for this was that I get fed up with people talking about no overtaking. The reason there is no overtaking is nothing to do with the circuits, very little to do with the cars, it's that drivers don't need to overtake.

"If you are in the lead and I'm second, I'm not going to take a chance maybe falling off the road and doing something silly to get two (more) points," added Ecclestone.

"But if I now need to get gold medals because the most gold medals win the championship, then I will overtake you, I promise. And that's what will happen.

"This year, on a number of occasions, Lewis didn't bother to overtake Massa for that reason. And I wouldn't. If he had driven for me and tried and made a mistake, I would have complained. It's just not on that someone can win the world championship without winning a race."

Jordan said however that points were of vital importance to teams and drivers further down the pecking order and trying to get noticed.

"One point is as important to those teams as a win is to McLaren and Ferrari," he said.

"He (Ecclestone) is tinkering with something on which he has lost the understanding. He thinks only wins matter.

"When Hamilton lost the race in Spa and it was given to Massa, can you believe the controversy that would have created?" added the Irishman.

"There has not been enough thought put into this and for him to say that it comes with the full approval of all the teams -- I'm sorry, I just don't believe it."

thanks :Reuters

The NBA mafia will look after them:head coach PJ Carlesimo

Eddie Jordan and PJ Carlesimo deserved better. The former was fired on Monday after Washington opened the season 1-10 without their best player and starting centre. The latter's tenure in Oklahoma City ended messily when he was dismissed late last Friday night after a league-worst 1-12 start. Head coaching is a ruthless business. Failure, at some point, is the only certainty, outside of taxes and death. Barely a month of the NBA season has gone. They will not be the last victims.

For Carlesimo, an exit from the newly-monikered Thunder was nigh on inevitable. He came into a horrible situation when he was named as head coach of the then Seattle Sonics, 16 months ago, a franchise riddled with uncertainty off the court ahead of its relocation to Oklahoma, and underpinned by youth rather than experience on it.

Having served as an assistant in San Antonio for five years - as close as the transitory world of the NBA comes to stability - Carlesimo could have taken the easy option and remained at Gregg Popovich's right hand, rather than leaping into the abyss for a third crack at the (usually) thankless task of being The Man rather than just a No2.

Jordan, despite leading the Wizards to four consecutive playoffs (and making them relevant again in DC), was a mere victim of misfortune. Having to rely on kids to fill-in for grown-ups, he should have had more time. But there are no rules in this side of the game.

But don't weep for PJ or Eddie. Don't fear for their future or lose sleep, worrying that they might not recover. They won't rest idle long. The next pay cheque will arrive, sooner rather than later. Because, inevitably, the NBA famiglia takes care of its own.

In this club, once you're in, and have acquired some semblance of lustre, there'll be a welcome, some place. The basketball bench business is a nepotistic world where informal dynasties are spawned, mentors look out for their pupils, debts are accumulated and favours called in.

Of the 28 (non-interim) head coaching incumbents, only 10 are enjoying their first crack at the top job. The same number are having their second shot at the gig and Larry Brown, somewhat greedily, is on his ninth. Plenty of discarded chiefs are awaiting the carousel's next spin.

So Jordan could be reunited with former cohort Byron Scott in New Orleans once the terms of his separation are finalised. And even if Popovich cannot create a vacancy to bring Carlesimo back, Mike Brown – another Pop disciple – may find some room. If not in Cleveland, the door will open. It always does.

And so it should for Carlesimo, one of the finest instructors in the game, someone who visibly enjoys instilling knowledge as much as its acquisition. He's always been approachable, even just to explain a minor point or emphasis. Maybe that's his problem. Put him in charge, and he evolves from a teacher into a tyrant, and the listening stops.

Yet in truth, no-one – not a Red or a Phil or a Riles – could have done much more than him in Oklahoma City. The Thunder's three core performers are all under 22, proficient offensively but not quite there yet at the other end. They've had to pack their trunks and relocate from a city that exemplifies the future of America to one associated with its wild past. Times have been tough but someone has to be accountable for their lethargy thus far. It costs less to pay off one than 15.

Carlesimo isn't the first to find that the firing line is an uncomfortable situ. There's a gulf between being the one with the job of helping it happen and the responsibility of making it happen. For every Phil Jackson, there's a Jim Cleamons. For each Hubie Brown, a Ron Rothstein. Even with Sir Alex, a Brian Kidd. There is no such thing as greatness acquired by association.

Looking around the NBA, plenty of hot seats remain. Remember last year, when Marc Iavaroni was the most prized assistant to step up, leaving Mike D'Antoni's staff to move to Memphis? As the Grizzlies stumbled, there was talk he wouldn't survive the summer. He still might not make it to Christmas. If that happens, a summons to the Knicks may be the best Yuletide gift he could wish for.

Like Carlesimo and Jordan, he can feel confident of keeping a roof over his head. It's rare that there's no second chance. Or third. Or more. John Calipari, Tim Floyd and Leonard Hamilton all came out of the college ranks and were summarily dispatched back with reputation sullied. Jerry Tarkanian, who took UNLV to a college championship, lasted just 20 games with San Antonio and was done with the NBA. Their crime? No prior connections on the inside of the mafia, no-one to put in a word.

Jordan will be high on the interview list next time a head coaching vacancy arises. Carlesimo, having had previously messy exits from Portland and Golden State, may not be in such demand. If nothing else, he is better off away from the Thunder. The ranks will close protectively around him and eventually offer him a seat on a bench more OK than OKC.

sfortsnew.blogspot.com: symonds did not in anyway provoke this situation."

sfortsnew.blogspot.com: symonds did not in anyway provoke this situation."

symonds did not in anyway provoke this situation."

The Normanby Hotel has denied that Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds was at fault in any way during an alleged incident he was involved in with a member of the public at the establishment on the weekend.

According to a representative from the hotel, Symonds was no more than a victim of the antics of an overzealous fan.

The patron in question apparently tried to hug and take a photo of Symonds with both attempts being declined by the 33-year-old Queenslander.

Following Symonds' refusal, the patron reportedly continued to harass the recently recalled Test all-rounder before being asked to leave by security for what it deemed to be inappropriate behaviour.

Symonds verified this version of events in a statement on Monday evening.

A member of the public acted unreasonably towards me while I was with friends at which time I took steps to remove myself from the situation," said Symonds.

"The member of the public was subsequently removed from the premises as a result of his actions."

"I was sharing some drinks with other players and close friends and did not in anyway provoke this situation. Cricket Australia confirmed that it was still investigating the incident.

"At the moment we're gathering more information, we want to better understand the situation," a CA spokesman said.

"As we understand it, the member of the public approached Andrew and there was an altercation after which the member was ejected by hotel security."

"Andrew was back at the team hotel by 9.30 or 10.00. Some other Australian cricketers were at the bar and we need to speak to those players to gather more information.

Robertson's accomplishments remain timeless as ever

"As I write this, basketball has entered a strange new century," Robertson writes. "The game has become international; it has become computerized and wireless and fiber-optic. Nobody knows what the next five years will look like, what heights players will be capable of reaching, how brightly they will shine. Whatever happens to the sport, I hope that the men who gave their blood, sweat, and tears to build the league will be remembered. I hope that people will never forget that when any man reaches for previously unattainable heights, he does so only because he stands on shoulders of those who came before.

Robertson wrote those words when he was 65 years old and 29 years removed from his final game as an NBA player and it's not difficult to understand his concern. When he called it quits after the 1973-74 season, Robertson held the NBA record for assists (9,887), was second only to Wilt Chamberlain on the all-time scoring list (26,710) and was one of the top 20 rebounders with 7,804. Now, Robertson's fourth in career assists, eighth in scoring and barely hanging in the top 60 for rebounds.

But Robertson, born 70 years ago today on a snowy Thanksgiving Day in Charlotte, Tenn., shouldn't worry about fading away.

In fact, in the five years since he penned that paragraph, Robertson's stature has only grown. Thanks to the all-around excellence of players from today's generation such as Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, Robertson's Hall of Fame accomplishments have become that much more magnificent.

From his days at Indianapolis' Crispus Attucks High School to when he retired from the Milwaukee Bucks in 1974, Robertson's playing career could best be described as a great river: a steady and consistent confluence of excellence flowed from him.

Robertson wasn't flashy like Bob Cousy and was as fundamentally sound as any player before or since. When asked how he accumulated so many assists in his career, Robertson was said to reply: "I passed it to the open man."

Therein lay Robertson's genius. He made playing the point guard position seem simple.

And at the time, there was no precedence for what Robertson was doing: leading the first all-black team to an Indiana state high school title, averaging 33.8 points per game and winning National College Player of the Year in each of his three season at the University of Cincinnati.

He lead a veritable All-Star team to gold in Rome in 1960, and then notched a triple-double during the 1961-62 season (30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists) for the Cincinnati Royals.

At the time, not even Robertson had known what he had done.

"There's a story attributed to baseball legend Willie Mays," Robertson wrote. "When Jose Canseco was honored in the 1980s for being the first man to hit forty home runs and steal forty bases in one season, Mays said, 'If I'd known that would be such a big deal, I would have done it a few times myself.'

"That comes close to expressing the bemusement I feel about all the attention on my triple-double season."

Imagine our bemusement, then, to know now that Robertson averaged a triple-double for the first five NBA seasons with 30.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 10.6 assists per game in 384 games. Stick that in your trophy case for a moment and gawk at it: 30, 10 and 10, every season for five years.

Could you imagine what ESPN would do with Oscar if he played today? They'd probably give him his own channel. He would own Nike ... and adidas. In this Internet world of today, how huge Robertson would be in Europe or China?

But that sustained excellence hadn't earned Robertson a title. Boston or Philadelphia always stood in Cincinnati's way. Then, in 1971, he teamed with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Milwaukee.

"I was very aware of Oscar's overall excellence," Abdul-Jabbar said, remembering the trade that brought Robertson to Milwaukee from Cincinnati. "I just didn't know how he'd fit in with our team. I should have known better. There was nothing to be apprehensive about. He was a great overall player and a great leader. He pushed us. He'd get on our case if we didn't do our assignments. Having that kind of leadership is a key element to any team."

The Bucks went 66-16 in the regular season, became the first team to shoot better than .500 from the field (.509), cruised through the postseason at 12-2 and capped that incredible run by sweeping the Bullets in the Finals.

"I think that was an exceptional season," Abdul-Jabbar said. "In terms of efficiency in the playoffs, that was one of the best teams that ever played. A lot of people don't remember that very accurately because of the way things happened with the Knicks and Lakers in the mix."

Robertson would make one more trip with the Bucks to The Finals in 1974 before retiring at the age of 35.

It was then one could see what the river of Robertson's career had carved: basketball's Grand Canyon. You could not help but be stunned by the depth, breadth and the sheer beauty and excellence of it all.

"I think Oscar was really special because of his ability to do so many different aspects of the game well," Abdul-Jabbar said. "There are very few people who have the ability to score, set people up to score, rebound and defend. He was a complete player."

When Kidd adds to his career triple-double total of 101 (still 80 shy of Robertson's career mark) or James finishes the season with 30 points, seven-plus rebounds and seven assists per game, they're like tourists who spend a couple days, take some photos and leave, gobsmacked by what they have seen.

And only by getting as close as they do to Robertson's excellence do Kidd and James know how much they have left to accomplish.

So, on this day, 70 years after that snowy Thanksgiving Day when Robertson was born, let us give thanks for Oscar Robertson.

Because of him we know what true greatness looks like.

The deadline is extended:Champions League T20

friday 21st

The deadline for media accreditation for the inaugural edition of the Champions League Twenty20 has been extended until 6pm on Monday 24 November.

All members of the media who intend to cover the event must apply online for accreditation and can complete the forms by clicking here.

Applicants will need to provide a scanned passport size photograph of themselves and a letter from his/her editor, without which the application process would be termed incomplete and the form cancelled.

As the accreditation process is venue based, all applicants are asked to take time to identify accurately the games they would like to attend, and bear in mind that they will only be able to pick up their accreditation at the venue of the first game they are covering.

For example, on 3 December matches are being played at Mumbai and then Bangalore and anyone intending to cover both would need to pick up their accreditation from Mumbai.

All applications are subject to the Terms & Conditions for Media Accreditation available with the accreditation form.

The form will not be available online after the deadline and media cannot apply once the form has been removed.

AUSTRALIA STRUGGLE: 214 all out ,clark 98 out

Played at Brisbane Cricket Ground

	Australia 1st innings			R	M	B	4s	6s	SR
		ML Hayden	c Taylor b Southee	8	18	16	2	0	50.00
		SM Katich	c McCullum b Southee	10	27	17	1	0	58.82
		RT Ponting	c How b Southee	4	14	8	1	0	50.00
		MEK Hussey	lbw b Martin	35		78	4	0	44.87
		MJ Clarke	not out	63		168	8	0	37.50
		A Symonds	c McCullum b O'Brien	26		33	3	0	78.78
		SR Watson	c McCullum b O'Brien	1		8	0	0	12.50
		BJ Haddin	c How b Ryder	6	22	19	1	0	31.57
		B Lee	c McCullum b Southee	4	18	12	1	0	33.33
		Extras	(lb 1, w 1, nb 1)	3
		Total	(8 wickets; 59.4 overs)	160	(2.68 runs per over)

To bat SR Clark, MG Johnson

New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee has rocked Australia's top order to see the home side reduced to 3-60 at lunch on day one of the opening 3 Mobile Test of the summer at the Gabba.

Black Caps skipper Daniel Vettori quickly had his decision to send the Australians in on a lively green pitch vindicated when Southee extracted good bounce and movement to see Australia crash to a dire 3-23 early in the first session.

BREET LEE (1not out) and Michael Clarke (60 not out) are the unbeaten men at the crease for the home side at the meal break and have been able to do a sufficient job of rebuilding the damage caused by Southee.

The 20-year-old, playing his first Test match against Australia and his third overall, took little time to stamp his impact on the game, putting the new ball to good use to see Australia's top three batsmen back in the stands after just over half an hour of play.

Opener Matthew Hayden (eight) was the first to go in the fourth over when he tentatively drove at a delivery that held its line and squared Hayden up, with a thick edge flying to Ross Taylor at first slip.

Southee grabbed the wicket of Simon Katich (10) in his next over when he produced good seam movement that Katich failed to deal with, finely edging the ball to keeper Brendon McCullum.

Southee showed bounce was another weapon in his arsenal when he caught Ricky Ponting (four) off guard with a rising shorter delivery that the Australian captain hesitantly popped up to Jamie How at second slip.

Southee was an unexpected starter in the Black Caps XI when he regulated the more experienced Kyle Mills, one of only five players in the New Zealand squad to have played a Test match against Australia, to drinks duty.

He quickly proved selectors right though as he finished the first session of the Test with figures of 3-34, causing headaches for Clarke and Hussey as they attempted to negotiate the new ball.

Clarke's fortunes would have been particularly frustrating for Southee, who found the edge of the Australian vice-captain's bat twice, but saw the knicks fly short, and then wide of the slips cordon for boundaries.After a delay of half and hour, Vettori won the toss and had no hesitations in electing to bowl to take advantage of humid conditions and a Gabba green-top that is greener than usual due to turbulent storms that have hampered the preparation of the pitch.

Australia elected to go into the match without a frontline spinner after omitting off-spinner Jason Krejza at the expense of Andrew Symonds, who returned to the national side after a three month absence.

National selectors will be hoping that all-rounders Shane Watson, who edged out Krejza for the last spot in the XI, and Symonds will be able to chalk up the runs that the top order missed out on.

Srikkanth tips: Yuvraj for Ganguly slot

November 18, 2008

Kris Srikkanth, the chairman of India's national selectors, has backed Yuvraj Singh to take the Test middle-order spot vacated by Sourav Ganguly, the former captain who has retired.

Yuvraj made two consecutive match-winning hundreds (138* and 118) against England in the first two ODIs of the seven-match series over the last five days, and also picked up a four-wicket haul in Indore yesterday. Srikkanth told the Kolkata-based Telegraph that he now sees Yuvraj as the front-runner to take Ganguly's slot.

"I see Yuvi as a potential match-winner in Tests too. Over the years, he has already shown he's a match-winner in ODIs," Srikkanth said. "There are others in the running as well (for Ganguly's slot), but Yuvi is definitely a front-runner."

Yuvraj has had an inconsistent run in Test cricket, having played just 23 matches for 1050 runs since his debut five years ago. However, the 26-year-old has been a mainstay for India in one-day cricket having piled up 6397 runs in 219 matches.

While Dilip Vengsarkar, the former India captain and previous chief selector, had recently blamed Yuvraj's inconsistency at the highest level on a lack of focus, Srikkanth said it had more to do with confidence.

"I've never felt Yuvi has a problem focusing on what he's required to do. I've always seen him as a confidence-player and such players need a couple of good knocks under their belt," Srikkanth said.

Asked about Yuvraj's latest run of form, Srikkanth said, "He has been brilliant. Rajkot had a batting track, but the Indore wicket was on the slower side and Yuvi had to first hold the innings together. He proved that he can be a match-winner from any situation."

The Indian selectors will meet on Thursday in Kanpur, after the third ODI between India and England, to select the team for the rest of the series.

Cristiano backs up his 100th goal for Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo says he is delighted with scoring over 100 goals for Manchester United, having bypassed the milestone in their 5-0 demolition of Stoke on Saturday.

The Portugal international scored twice from free kicks just outside the area, taking his career tally to 101 goals.

The 23-year-old was the top scorer last season with a phenomenal 43 goals and is on nine in the current campaign, despite making a late start to the season, due to an ankle injury.

"I feel very proud," he said on the Sporting Life website.

"One hundred goals is a great achievement. I have 101 for this club now. This is my sixth season here so I think that is fantastic," he said.

Reality bites and players haunt former clubs

Reality checks and a measure of revenge were high on the Premier League agenda at the weekend.

Arsenal went into their match against Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on the crest of a wave after receiving deserved plaudits for a thrilling victory over Manchester United and their dismissal of Wigan in the Carling Cup with a team full of understudies.

But Arsene Wenger's leading men fluffed their lines badly against a vibrant Villa side who claimed a

deserved victory and could even afford to miss a first-half penalty, which was won and wasted by Ashley Young.

Martin O'Neill's men are now only behind the Gunners on goal difference and are realistic contenders for a top-four finish, which is the best the Emirates outfit can hope for having suffered four defeats in their opening 13 games.

There was further cause for celebration in the Midlands later on Saturday with Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Curtis Davies joining England regular Gareth Barry in Fabio Capello's squad for the friendly against Germany.

It was a miserable weekend all round for the residents of North London as Harry Redknapp's sparkling start to life with Tottenham Hotspur finally came to an end with defeat against capital rivals Fulham.

It was inevitable that Spurs would eventually be beaten under their new manager, and perhaps even more so that blundering goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes would be the man behind their downfall.

The Brazilian's failure to deal with a routine effort from Simon Davies was just the latest in a long line of gaffes which causes grief for Tottenham's outfield players, often because they are as likely to be punched as the ball.

Fulham, meanwhile, have climbed to 10th on the back of a third win in four outings, but still only have a four-point cushion on the relegation places with the competitive nature of the top-flight confirmed by how congested it remains.

The only substantial gap anywhere in the table is at the summit, with Chelsea and Liverpool eight points clear after their respective victories over West Bromwich Albion and Bolton Wanderers.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side showed they were suffering no hangover from their shock Carling Cup reverse at home to Burnley with Nicolas Anelka continuing his red-hot form in front of goal.

The enigmatic France international took his Premier League tally for the season to 12 and has now scored eight times in his last four games, while the rock-bottom Baggies have garnered just one point from a possible 18.

Superior

Liverpool had temporarily replaced the Blues courtesy of their Reebok Stadium triumph earlier in the day, but slipped back to second by close of play due to Chelsea's substantially superior goal difference.

Fernando Torres, who continues to be eased back into the action after his lay-off with a hamstring injury, demonstrated his ability with a delightful cross for Steven Gerrard's second before fluffing the kind of chance he normally dispatches with ease.

Cristiano Ronaldo had no such problems finding the target as he scored his 100th and 101st goals for Manchester United as the champions thrashed Stoke City 5-0.

The Potters arrived at Old Trafford having recently defeated Arsenal and with a draw at Anfield already under their belts, but departed a chastened side as Ronaldo grabbed the headlines with his brace of free-kicks, while youngster Danny Welbeck deserves an honourable mention after a superb strike on his Premier League debut.

Even the much-vaunted long throws of Rory Delap were negated with his run-up affected by the slope at the edge of the Old Trafford surface, although his effectiveness is always reduced away from the tight confines of the Britannia Stadium pitch.

Any suggestions that Newcastle's interim boss Joe Kinnear is planning to dig a trench around the St James' Park pitch for the Potters' next away trip on 6th December are utterly without foundation.

The Magpies, who have sneaked back out of the drop zone on goal difference, were unable to take advantage of a questionable refereeing decision from Andre Marriner as Titus Bramble enjoyed his return to the North East with Wigan.

Bramble, who received more than his fair share of stick during his five-year stay with the Magpies, headed home a last-gasp equaliser for the 10-man Latics after the home side had taken full advantage of Emmerson Boyce's dismissal with two goals of their own in the closing stages.

Marriner's decision to issue a second yellow card to Boyce for a challenge on Shola Ameobi when he appeared to take the ball left Steve Bruce fuming, while Kinnear should note that decisions do not always go against his side after his recent rant at the officials following their defeat at Fulham.

Sliding

Geovanni was another old boy to enjoy a meeting with his former club as Hull City and Manchester City snapped their three-game losing streaks with a 2-2 draw at the KC Stadium.

After two pieces of defending which would have drawn dismay in most primary school playgrounds, never mind in the Premier League, Stephen Ireland gave City the lead with a finish of the highest quality before Geovanni's deflected free-kick restored parity.

The Brazilian was given three further opportunities from one free-kick in the second half with the City wall refusing to stay 10 yards back and referee Phil Dowd determined to ensure they would, but could not beat substitute goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Sunday's other fixture saw former Middlesbrough striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni on target as Everton claimed a deserved share of the spoils at Goodison Park, where David Moyes' men still only have one win to show for their efforts this season.

The result extended the unbeaten runs of both teams to five games yet Gareth Southgate's men are still as close to the drop zone as they are to a Uefa Cup berth, with Everton just a point better off.

Former Manchester United team-mates Paul Ince and Roy Keane met for the second time in the space of four days at Ewood Park, with the Sunderland boss turning the tables on his Blackburn counterpart.

Rovers had knocked the Black Cats out of the Carling Cup with a 2-1 victory at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, but the North East side were the victors by the same scoreline in league action on Saturday.

Keane, who was forced to laugh off suggestions he had quit his post, saw his side climb out of the bottom three with Rovers now in the drop zone, mainly due to their dismal home form which has seen them win just once and score only four times.

West Ham are another club sliding dangerously towards the relegation places as they took only their second point from the last 21 available with a 0-0 home draw against Portsmouth.

The fact that Gianfranco Zola's side did not suffer their sixth defeat in seven was mainly due to some inspired goalkeeping from Rob Green, who denied Jermain Defoe on three occasions in front of watching England coach Capello.

But while Defoe retained his place in the international squad for the friendly with Germany on Wednesday, Green was again overlooked by the Italian.

Symonds will play:former aussie captain

Former Test captain Steve Waugh expects all-rounder Andrew Symonds to feature in Australia's line-up for the first Test against the Black Caps in the first Test of the 3 Mobile Test Series in Brisbane on Thursday.

"I think they need his spirit back in the side and the way he carries himself and his enthusiasm," Waugh said on Friday.

"Whether he's form-wise ready to get back into it and mentally, I guess the jury's still out on that because he hasn't done well for Queensland yet."

"There's got to be still some question marks there, it's not easy at international level just to turn the tap on and say 'ok I'm going to get back into my best form now'."

"So I think it might take him a little bit of time to get back into it so we don't want to expect miracles straight away if he plays in Brisbane and I think it'll take him a couple of Test matches to get back into it."

Symonds' return from exile after he was stood down by the player leadership group ahead of the sides one-day series against Bangladesh in August, creates a potential dilemma for selectors following fellow all-rounder Shane Watson's solid performances in India.

But Waugh says' he'd be 'comfortable' with the inclusion of both men in the final XI. "I don't think they've brought Andrew Symonds back in the 13 (man squad) to be 12th man or 13th, he'll play I'm pretty sure," Waugh predicted.

"And I think Shane Watson deserves his place in the team so I'm glad I'm not a selector."

"Maybe one of the quicks might make way and Shane Watson can be the third quick."

Meanwhile, Waugh conceded the current Test team is in the middle of a 'tough phase' but called for patience as Ricky Ponting's new-look side adjusts to the demands of international cricket.

"It's a little bit tougher for the younger players coming into the environment where the Australian cricket team's been so dominant and all of a sudden they feel a bit vulnerable, a bit fragile (having just) lost a series," he said.

"We've just got to give these guys a bit of time I mean Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath weren't star overnight, it takes a bit of time to get used to this top level.

The youngest fast bowler make a debut in australia club

Josh Hazlewood will this week become the youngest fast bowler ever to play for New South Wales, having been chosen for his first-class debut against the touring New Zealanders. Hazlewood, 17, has been picked for the four-day match that starts in Sydney on Thursday and he is part of one of the most youthful squads New South Wales have ever chosen.

A 200-centimetre right-arm bowler, Hazlewood is so highly rated by New South Wales that he already holds a full contract with the state. However, the Blues had decided against picking him until his year 12 demands were complete and they kept to their policy - just. Soon after finishing his final exam in geography on Friday, Hazlewood was told he would be bowling for his state within a week.

"I was surprised and didn't even know New South Wales were playing New Zealand," Hazlewood told the Daily Telegraph. "I thought they were tied up with the domestic scene. I think it will be a good game to get started in. There won't be as much pressure given it's a tour game."

He has been likened to his childhood hero Glenn McGrath who, like Hazlewood, was raised in rural New South Wales. Hazlewood is from the small town of Bendemeer, a 40-minute drive from Tamworth. His selection gives the Blues a remarkably young line-up for the tour game - Steven Smith and Phillip Hughes are both 19 and another four players are aged 22 or under.

David Gilbert, the chief executive of Cricket New South Wales, said the 12-man squad highlighted the state's promising stocks. "New South Wales has a proud history of producing quality young players," Gilbert said.

"We are delighted that the game against New Zealand offers our youngsters the chance to compete against international opposition. We have been greatly impressed with the development of Josh Hazlewood and it will be exciting to see him make his first-class debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground this week."

New South Wales squad Phillip Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Peter Forrest, Steven Smith, Dominic Thornely (capt), Moises Henriques, Daniel Smith (wk), Grant Lambert, Beau Casson, Nathan Hauritz, Burt Cockley, Josh Hazlewood.

© Cricinfo

TRUE COLORS.

When I first got my copy of 'True Colours', I was a little disconcerted to find that it exceeded 600 pages in length. Steve Waugh's attempt to emulate 'War and Peace' with his book 'Out of My Comfort Zone' has left me a wary of excessive long and verbose autobiographies. In spite of these concerns, 'True Colours' is written quite well, without any great pretensions of literary greatness. Whilst there is no official co-author identified, Gilchrist acknowledges Sydney Morning Herald literary editor and writer Malcolm Knox for his assistance in 'constructing' the book.Gilchrist does not hold back with his views, and the sections regarding his relationship with fellow players Shane Warne and Michael Slater are particularly interesting. Gilchrist is refreshingly honest, and cheerfully admits to be 'scared' when facing a fired up Allan Donald at the WACA early in his career. Very few batsmen have ever been able to admit they were physically frightened, even when they clearly were, and it is to Gilchrist's credit that he is willing to confront this issue openly. I found some of Gilchrist's descriptions of the technical and mental aspects of his game fascinating, with the example being how he focuses his eyes at the start of his innings a great tool for lesser batsmen to consider utilising.

I detest reading book reviews that are composed primarily of a series of quotations from the manuscript. I consider it exceptional laziness to simply use sections of the book in padding out a review, rather than actually providing a carefully thought-out opinion of its literary merit. However, in the case of 'True Colours' it is hard to write a review without referring to some of the more controversial aspects of the book that have already been widely reported, particularly in Australia and India. The media in both countries have picked up on a few statements and paragraphs that have the potential to be interpreted negatively, and they have then run rampant with them.

It is perhaps sad that the publicity team has seen fit to clearly leak aspects of the book they considered sensational. In context and within the wider book, I found there was little truly offensive or controversial material. It has been fascinating to note the on-line vitriol from many Indian and Sri Lankan supporters who have clearly not read the book or relevant passages. I actually feel that this approach will backfire on the publishers, with previous fans of Gilchrist choosing not to buy the book on the basis of what they think he has said. Gilchrist has undoubtedly been more open and forthcoming than he could have been last year whilst he was still contracted to Cricket Australia, however, it was not a vindictive or nasty book in any way.

'True Colours' is not instant classic, and will not go down in history as a must read autobiography in the same vein as '10 for 66 and all That' . It is too long, and some parts could have been successfully edited without losing their impact. However, it is interesting and revealing enough to maintain the attention of cricket followers throughout the entire 600 pages. It has sufficient new material to justify its purchase, even if the reader has biographies of fellow players of this era. If you are a fan of Australian cricket in the past decade, it is well worth reading, and it is one of the better autobiographies released this year. 3.5 stars.

Archie's Effort

It seems that cricketing autobiographies are becoming longer and longer first we had 802 pages by Steve Waugh and now Adam Gilchrist has managed to produce another whopper. Although I enjoyed the former, on balance I think this is the better read.

Steve Waugh once said that Gilchrist 'was a once in a generation cricketer', but surprisingly Gilchrist never thought of himself as a great, and always had doubts about his belonging in the elite cricketing class, both as a batsman and a wicket keeper.

This was a surprising revelation, but was one of just many such revelations throughout the book. This could well be the most honest heartfelt cricket biography ever written - although I have not read Rising From The Ashes by Graham Thorpe which is said to be brutally honest - with the author seemingly prepared to bare his soul on everything, both on-field and off-field incidents.

You really believe you know 'the real Gilly' after reading his journey from breaking his nose the first time he kept wicket to the scoring the second fastest ton in Test cricket history, of which surprisingly for cricket tragics Gilchrist had no idea of how close he was to beating 'King' Viv's record.

It was quite amazing to find just how emotional Gilchrist was during his career, seemingly breaking down and crying on a regular basis. He also comes across as being very sensitive, becoming most upset at sledging he received from Shane Warne and Darren Berry, which seemed of a school boy nature, but was obviously still hurtful for the author.

His relationship with Warne is a complicated one, and it seems to fluctuate from mates to enemies throughout their time in the Australian cricket team, although Gilchrist's respect for Warne the cricketer is apparent.

Gilchrist is quite candid in his opinion of Muttiah Muralitharan believing him good for cricket, but still feeling that his action was against the laws of the game, and that the laws were changed to accommodate the Sri Lankan spinner.

Some controversial points were released before the books publication, but as is often the case, they were taken completely out of context, and after reading the rest of the book, there is no doubt that Gilchrist is honest in giving his account of the most recent SCG Test between Australia and India.

It should be said that Gilchrist is far too close to many of the controversies he comments on, and he often seems unable to give a dispassionate commentary on a number of issues.

The book for its size is surprising error free, with only the very occasional typo. Although I did find one factual error, that I imagine only the most tragic of cricket tragics would notice; Gilly writes that he was only the third Australian wicket keeper to captain his country after Jack Blackham and Barry Jarman.

In fact he was the fourth, with William Murdoch keeping wicket in one Test in which he was captain, although Blackham did play in the Test as a specialist batsman.

The book on the whole was maybe a fraction too long, but it is totally engrossing; for instance his account of the 2005 Ashes series is riveting and Gilchrist surprisingly gives a completely different perspective of a series that has been written and analysed ad nauseam.

If you really want to know what it is like to be a Test cricketer in the modern era of 'Big Brother' then don't miss True Colours four stars from the Mac

Hamilton call to join Schumacher

Formula One's new world champion Lewis Hamilton has been invited to compete against Michael Schumacher at Wembley Stadium next month in the annual Race of Champions.
Event organiser Fredrik Johnsson told a news conference on Friday that the 23-year-old McLaren driver had an open invitation.

"Lewis has said that he wants to do it," he said.

"It's a question of whether the team will let him and whether it is possible with his obviously very busy schedule at the moment.

"The invitation is open. We've got a second space on Team F1 Racing Great Britain next to David Coulthard," he added.

Hamilton arrived in Formula One after Ferrari's Schumacher had retired with seven world championships and 91 race wins.

The Briton, who became the youngest champion in last weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, has said that he regrets never having the chance to test himself against the German.

"It would certainly help me a great deal if Lewis would come along," said Coulthard. "I'd love to ride on his coat-tails and win something."

The Race of Champions, with tons of asphalt laid out over Wembley's turf to create a two-lane track, pits competitors from various branches of motorsport against each other in a range of machinery on Dec. 14.

The event, founded in 1988 by Johnsson and France's former rally driver Michele Mouton, includes a nations cup with drivers paired in teams based on nationality.

Germany, with Schumacher and Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel, won last year.

Other Formula One drivers confirmed for this year's event include Australian Mark Webber, Britain's Jenson Button and newly retired compatriot Coulthard.

Five times world rally champion Sebastien Loeb will also be competing along with Australia's triple superbike world champion Troy Bayliss, outgoing world touring car champion Andy Priaulx and Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen.

NBA: Iverson Traded To Detroit and new News

The rumors were barely a day old. The Denver Nuggets traded Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess, and Cheik Samb.

Samb is a throw in and it is rumored that McDyess is unhappy and might be bought out. Denver is saying they definitely want McDyess to come and play for them.

On Celtic message boards, visions of McDyess are dancing in Celtic fans' heads already. He played for Ainge in Phoenix in 1997-98, and Danny has tried to acquire him for Boston before. He would be a perfect fit in Boston, if a rumored Denver buy out occurred.

At first glance, the Pistons traded away Mr. Big Shot for Stephon Marbury Lite.

But wait. The ramifications are deeper than the immediate transfer of existing talent.

There is the immediate impact...and there is the future.

Detroit comes out $17 mil to the good in reduced contract commitments as Allen Iverson has one year left at $21,937,500. They traded away $25,250,000(4th year team option not included) in guaranteed money to Billups and $13,826,100

Fears over deepening Congo crisis

source: BBCNEWS

The paper describes rebel leader Laurent Nkunda as "The 'butcher' bringing fear and panic" to thousands of people in the city of Goma.

The Guardian says "violent instability will continue to plague the region" unless long-term issues are addressed.

"Deeper problems including citizenship, management of natural resources, government legitimacy and return of refugees," are all of vital importance.

Risky business

The Andrew Sachs phone call row rumbles on, with the Daily Mirror labelling Jonathan Ross a "prize pumpkin" for throwing a lavish Halloween party amidst the furore.

The Sun takes a different stance altogether, referring to Children in Need and the £20m it raised last year.

It says: "Amid the justifiable outrage at the BBC, it is worth remembering that it still does some decent things."

The Daily Telegraph points out that good television "needs to risk causing offence", just like Fawlty Towers did.

'Sad prospect'

The papers also react to Barclays' plan to obtain billions of pounds from Middle Eastern investors.

The Daily Express calls the deal "a sad, sickening prospect" that is "bad for Britain's national interest".

The Financial Times says Barclays will struggle to persuade "sceptical shareholders" that the move - which dilutes their investments - was the right one.

Meanwhile, the Independent says Gordon Brown is also going "cap in hand to the Gulf" to ask for help with the economic downturn and the price of petrol.

'Not cricket'

"March of the dustbin Stasi," writes the Daily Mail. The paper is angry at the use of "anti-terror laws" to catch people who put their rubbish out on the wrong day.

"Their tactics are chilling", it says of councils. "Our civil liberties are too precious to be threatened by these meddling jobsworths."

The Times, meanwhile, is upset at Allen Stanford's million dollar cricket match involving England later today.

It is "meaningless and undignified", it writes, and just "not cricket".