Sports Reporter
Bangladesh Under-19 cricketers beat their English counterparts by 87 runs at Fatullah Cricket Stadium yesterday to take a 3-0 lead in the 7-match one-day series.
Batting first, Bangladesh youth scored 251 in their allotted 50 overs, losing eight wickets. Tasamul Haque and Nurul Hasan laid the foundation of a big total with a 68-run third wicket partnership. Tasamul top-scored with 66 while Nurul scored 40. Mahmudul made 35 and was well supported by the tail-enders who provided some quick-fire knocks to throw a tall target for the touring side.
England innings started brightly with the first wicket partnership producing 46 in 12.3 overs before Shaker got Dent caught behind. The innings fell apart from there on, losing 4 more wickets in the space of 32 runs. Contributions towards the end provided some respectability to the total, but the target proved too much for them as the innings came to a halt in the 44th over with 164 runs on the board. Shabbir and Mahmudul got three wickets each, Mahmudul though proved a bit expensive.
Cook awaits his chance
CricInfo, undated
Alastair Cook, England's Test opener, has said he would "love to give the captaincy a go" if Andrew Strauss was rested from the tour of Bangladesh in March 2010. Former England captain Michael Vaughan was among those who felt Strauss needed to be given a break after the tour of South Africa, which ends only a month before the trip to Bangladesh begins.
"There has been talk that Andrew Strauss might take the Bangladesh tour off next March," Cook said at a NatWest coaching session. "Hypothetically, if it was the case, I'd love to give the captaincy a go but it's not my only goal in cricket. It's not like I won't be able to sleep at night if it doesn't happen."
Cook was appointed England vice-captain after the row between Kevin Pietersen and Peter Moores ended in both men being sacked. "I've captained Bedford School, county age-group sides, county seconds and Essex, when Ronnie Irani was indisposed," Cook said. "But I like being at the forefront of making decisions; always have done."
Cook made his Test debut against India in 2006 and scored a century in Nagpur, after which he went from strength to strength and became the youngest England player to reach 2000 Test runs. However, he struggled later on, most noticeably against Australia and will be challenged once again when he travels to South Africa to face one of the best fast-bowling attacks in the world.
Alastair Cook, England's Test opener, has said he would "love to give the captaincy a go" if Andrew Strauss was rested from the tour of Bangladesh in March 2010. Former England captain Michael Vaughan was among those who felt Strauss needed to be given a break after the tour of South Africa, which ends only a month before the trip to Bangladesh begins.
"There has been talk that Andrew Strauss might take the Bangladesh tour off next March," Cook said at a NatWest coaching session. "Hypothetically, if it was the case, I'd love to give the captaincy a go but it's not my only goal in cricket. It's not like I won't be able to sleep at night if it doesn't happen."
Cook was appointed England vice-captain after the row between Kevin Pietersen and Peter Moores ended in both men being sacked. "I've captained Bedford School, county age-group sides, county seconds and Essex, when Ronnie Irani was indisposed," Cook said. "But I like being at the forefront of making decisions; always have done."
Cook made his Test debut against India in 2006 and scored a century in Nagpur, after which he went from strength to strength and became the youngest England player to reach 2000 Test runs. However, he struggled later on, most noticeably against Australia and will be challenged once again when he travels to South Africa to face one of the best fast-bowling attacks in the world.
Sisters not retiring
Afp, Doha
Venus And Serena Williams
Venus and Serena Williams, ghetto-kids turned multi-millionaire senior citizens of women's tennis, go into the WTA Championships here insisting that retirement is not an option.
In the last two years, the American sisters have seen former rivals Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin both quit before deciding to return to the tour.
Venus, a year older than her sister at 29 and the holder of seven Grand Slam titles, and Serena, with 11 majors to her name, are still such an impressive combination that they have also qualified for the four-team doubles here.
"Singles is something which I usually expect at the end of the year to be here. But doubles, that's not something I expect. So it's definitely exciting," said Venus, one of the eight-woman field in the singles.
"It was kind of a secret goal of Serena and I to get to the doubles here."
Venus lost her Wimbledon title to Serena this year, but her tournament wins in Dubai and Acapulco took her career total to 41.
That would normally be enough for even the less demanding of the players, but not the Americans who are also hopeful of playing some role in the Fed Cup final against Italy later this month.
"Serena and I are playing at a level that would keep us here for quite a few years longer. This is very good news for us," added Venus.
"At the end of the year, I'm feel like I'm ending on a high note.
"I'm at the point in my career where I've been very successful at every tournament just about, almost on every surface. For me it's about obviously playing great tennis, adding to my repertoire, my game, continuing to get better, to enjoy the challenge while being on top."
Serena, the first female athlete to earn over 23 million dollars, said she is even feeling even more determined to keep playing, an ambition fuelled by her frustration at losing the world number one ranking once again to Dinara Safina on Monday.
"I'm feeling good. I actually feel way more energized than I did last year, so that's a good thing," said the Australian Open and Wimbledon champion.
"I think as I get older, my priorities change more towards tennis. I want to play more. I want to enter more tournaments. I want to play more doubles. I think my career has been really more focused onto tennis."
Both sisters have been drawn in the same group here, but are happy to renew their rivalry which stands 11-10 in favour of Serena since their first meeting at the 1998 Australian Open.
"We could still potentially be in the final if we both do well, so we'll see," said Serena.
Venus And Serena Williams
Venus and Serena Williams, ghetto-kids turned multi-millionaire senior citizens of women's tennis, go into the WTA Championships here insisting that retirement is not an option.
In the last two years, the American sisters have seen former rivals Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin both quit before deciding to return to the tour.
Venus, a year older than her sister at 29 and the holder of seven Grand Slam titles, and Serena, with 11 majors to her name, are still such an impressive combination that they have also qualified for the four-team doubles here.
"Singles is something which I usually expect at the end of the year to be here. But doubles, that's not something I expect. So it's definitely exciting," said Venus, one of the eight-woman field in the singles.
"It was kind of a secret goal of Serena and I to get to the doubles here."
Venus lost her Wimbledon title to Serena this year, but her tournament wins in Dubai and Acapulco took her career total to 41.
That would normally be enough for even the less demanding of the players, but not the Americans who are also hopeful of playing some role in the Fed Cup final against Italy later this month.
"Serena and I are playing at a level that would keep us here for quite a few years longer. This is very good news for us," added Venus.
"At the end of the year, I'm feel like I'm ending on a high note.
"I'm at the point in my career where I've been very successful at every tournament just about, almost on every surface. For me it's about obviously playing great tennis, adding to my repertoire, my game, continuing to get better, to enjoy the challenge while being on top."
Serena, the first female athlete to earn over 23 million dollars, said she is even feeling even more determined to keep playing, an ambition fuelled by her frustration at losing the world number one ranking once again to Dinara Safina on Monday.
"I'm feeling good. I actually feel way more energized than I did last year, so that's a good thing," said the Australian Open and Wimbledon champion.
"I think as I get older, my priorities change more towards tennis. I want to play more. I want to enter more tournaments. I want to play more doubles. I think my career has been really more focused onto tennis."
Both sisters have been drawn in the same group here, but are happy to renew their rivalry which stands 11-10 in favour of Serena since their first meeting at the 1998 Australian Open.
"We could still potentially be in the final if we both do well, so we'll see," said Serena.
Kiwis fly out for Pakistan series
Afp, Wellington
New Zealand aimed to put behind them the turmoil of the sudden departure of coach Andy Moles as they left Tuesday for a series of one-day cricket internationals and Twenty20 matches against Pakistan.
The series in the United Arab Emirates features three one-day internationals in Abu Dhabi from November 3, followed by two Twenty20 internationals on November 12 and 13 in Dubai.
Moles announced his resignation on Saturday after reports the team had lost confidence in the 48-year-old coach because he was not providing the technical and tactical guidance they wanted.
Daniel Vettori, already loaded with responsibilities as New Zealand's captain, leading all-rounder and selector, now has the added burden of acting coach as well.
New Zealand Cricket is targeting the home series against Bangladesh in February for a new coach -- yet to be named -- to start work.
Vettori's team is also without a vice-captain, after wicketkeeper and opening batsman Brendon McCullum was relieved of the job last week in the hope he can instead recover his best batting form.
The upheaval has obscured the fact New Zealand was on an upswing in one-day cricket after earlier this month reaching the final of the Champions Trophy in South Africa, where they lost to Australia.
The Kiwis lie fourth on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) one-day rankings after their strong Champions Trophy performance, one place ahead of Pakistan.
Vettori's team have won their last five one-day internationals against Pakistan, the last being their five-wicket victory in the Champions Trophy semifinal at Johannesburg on October 3.
But New Zealand's captain is wary of the enigmatic Asian team.
"We'll face a near full-strength side and we know they can be a great team. In a lot of ways we resemble them with our own inconsistencies," Vettori said.
Pace bowler Kyle Mills said New Zealand can't wait to get back on the field and leave the controversies behind them.
"We're pretty keen to get over there, it's a really important series for us to carry on where we left off in South Africa and start the season for us," Mills said Tuesday.
"Hopefully us senior guys can step up in this tour and fill the mould of what needs to be done for this coming season."
Injuries mean New Zealand are without batsman Jesse Ryder, all-rounder Grant Elliott and pace bowler Daryl Tuffey.
Debutant batsman BJ Watling has been brought into the side, which also features the return of veteran all-rounder Scott Styris and young quick bowler Tim Southee.
Pakistan will travel to New Zealand in November ahead of a three Test series.
Pakistan was originally scheduled to play a home series against New Zealand but the matches were moved due to security concerns after the attack on the Sri Lankan team earlier this year in Lahore, in which eight people died.
New Zealand aimed to put behind them the turmoil of the sudden departure of coach Andy Moles as they left Tuesday for a series of one-day cricket internationals and Twenty20 matches against Pakistan.
The series in the United Arab Emirates features three one-day internationals in Abu Dhabi from November 3, followed by two Twenty20 internationals on November 12 and 13 in Dubai.
Moles announced his resignation on Saturday after reports the team had lost confidence in the 48-year-old coach because he was not providing the technical and tactical guidance they wanted.
Daniel Vettori, already loaded with responsibilities as New Zealand's captain, leading all-rounder and selector, now has the added burden of acting coach as well.
New Zealand Cricket is targeting the home series against Bangladesh in February for a new coach -- yet to be named -- to start work.
Vettori's team is also without a vice-captain, after wicketkeeper and opening batsman Brendon McCullum was relieved of the job last week in the hope he can instead recover his best batting form.
The upheaval has obscured the fact New Zealand was on an upswing in one-day cricket after earlier this month reaching the final of the Champions Trophy in South Africa, where they lost to Australia.
The Kiwis lie fourth on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) one-day rankings after their strong Champions Trophy performance, one place ahead of Pakistan.
Vettori's team have won their last five one-day internationals against Pakistan, the last being their five-wicket victory in the Champions Trophy semifinal at Johannesburg on October 3.
But New Zealand's captain is wary of the enigmatic Asian team.
"We'll face a near full-strength side and we know they can be a great team. In a lot of ways we resemble them with our own inconsistencies," Vettori said.
Pace bowler Kyle Mills said New Zealand can't wait to get back on the field and leave the controversies behind them.
"We're pretty keen to get over there, it's a really important series for us to carry on where we left off in South Africa and start the season for us," Mills said Tuesday.
"Hopefully us senior guys can step up in this tour and fill the mould of what needs to be done for this coming season."
Injuries mean New Zealand are without batsman Jesse Ryder, all-rounder Grant Elliott and pace bowler Daryl Tuffey.
Debutant batsman BJ Watling has been brought into the side, which also features the return of veteran all-rounder Scott Styris and young quick bowler Tim Southee.
Pakistan will travel to New Zealand in November ahead of a three Test series.
Pakistan was originally scheduled to play a home series against New Zealand but the matches were moved due to security concerns after the attack on the Sri Lankan team earlier this year in Lahore, in which eight people died.
Hockey team win against Italy
Sports Reporter
Bangladesh national hockey team handed a 4-2 defeat to Italy in a friendly match in Rome, said a press release yesterday.
Mamunur Rahman Chayan converted all four goals from penalty corners in the game played on Sunday, said a Bangladesh Hockey Federation statement.
Bangladesh were scheduled to play the second match against the same opponents on yesterday and the third and last game against Italy U-21 today.
The statement also said that the national team will also play a three-match series against the Check Republic.
After having played for different clubs in the German Hockey League, the national players are currently playing friendly matches as part of their preparation for South Asian Games that will be held in Bangladesh from January 29 to February 9 next year.
Bangladesh national hockey team handed a 4-2 defeat to Italy in a friendly match in Rome, said a press release yesterday.
Mamunur Rahman Chayan converted all four goals from penalty corners in the game played on Sunday, said a Bangladesh Hockey Federation statement.
Bangladesh were scheduled to play the second match against the same opponents on yesterday and the third and last game against Italy U-21 today.
The statement also said that the national team will also play a three-match series against the Check Republic.
After having played for different clubs in the German Hockey League, the national players are currently playing friendly matches as part of their preparation for South Asian Games that will be held in Bangladesh from January 29 to February 9 next year.
Unacceptable behaviour
Sports Reporter
Sporadic crowd disturbances added salt to the wounds as Bangladesh slumped to a five-wicket defeat in the first ODI of the Grameenphone Cup against Zimbabwe yesterday.
The Tigers' tag of favourites seemed to have been taken too much to heart by a select few present at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, as sections of the crowd started to hurl plastic bottles into the ground expressing their displeasure at the performance of their heroes, in a match most had expected to win. The sad incident in the 29th over during Zimbabwe's chase stopped the game for a few minutes before security personal took the situation under control.
But the ugly scenes are set to prove red flags for the eagerly watching International Cricket Council (ICC) representatives who have an altogether keener eye on proceedings since Bangladesh is all set to host the 2011 edition of the World Cup at this very stadium.
Although a loss at home is always disappointing, fans have traditionally avoided expressing their displeasure in an overtly showy manner. However, these scenes will do nothing to enhance the reputation of Bangladesh as hosts with the World Cup knocking on the door.
As responsible cricket fans, it should be the duty of each present at the stadium to ensure that they do nothing untoward to put the safety of the players into question.
Bangladesh have historically been identified by their fanatic but safe cricket following, having avoided many of neighbours India's decent into violence. With the biggest cricket show on earth coming to Bangladesh, this is exactly the time we should aim to keep up our generally high standards.
Sporadic crowd disturbances added salt to the wounds as Bangladesh slumped to a five-wicket defeat in the first ODI of the Grameenphone Cup against Zimbabwe yesterday.
The Tigers' tag of favourites seemed to have been taken too much to heart by a select few present at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, as sections of the crowd started to hurl plastic bottles into the ground expressing their displeasure at the performance of their heroes, in a match most had expected to win. The sad incident in the 29th over during Zimbabwe's chase stopped the game for a few minutes before security personal took the situation under control.
But the ugly scenes are set to prove red flags for the eagerly watching International Cricket Council (ICC) representatives who have an altogether keener eye on proceedings since Bangladesh is all set to host the 2011 edition of the World Cup at this very stadium.
Although a loss at home is always disappointing, fans have traditionally avoided expressing their displeasure in an overtly showy manner. However, these scenes will do nothing to enhance the reputation of Bangladesh as hosts with the World Cup knocking on the door.
As responsible cricket fans, it should be the duty of each present at the stadium to ensure that they do nothing untoward to put the safety of the players into question.
Bangladesh have historically been identified by their fanatic but safe cricket following, having avoided many of neighbours India's decent into violence. With the biggest cricket show on earth coming to Bangladesh, this is exactly the time we should aim to keep up our generally high standards.
Grameenphone Cup
Elton torments Tigers
Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe all-rounder Elton Chigumbura follows through on a delivery during a fine overall show in the first ODI against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. Chigumbura took three wickets and effected a superb run-out to restrict the hosts. He then hit an imperious unbeaten half-century under pressure to propel the Africans to a five-wicket win. Photo: STAR
Elton Chigumbura stole the show with a clinical all-round performance as the Tigers suffered a five-wicket defeat in the first one-dayer of the five-match series against Zimbabwe at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.
It was however Shakib Al Hasan's men's dismal batting show, which ensured that the visitor's drew the first blood in the series although they started the battle with a tag of “underdog” and with a bitter memory of losing the last series 4-1 against the same opponents at home in August this year.
Chigumbura first caused the damage with his military medium pace bowling and then showed character with the bat as Zimbabwe recovered from Abdur Razzak's magical spell to achieve the target of 189 for five in 34 overs under lights in 35.4 overs with five wickets in hand.
Left-arm spinner Razzak revived hope by taking three wickets in the eighth over but Chigumbura, who hit an unbeaten 60 off 50 balls, and Stuart Matsikenyeri made sure that their bowlers' effort would not go into vain. Matsikenyeri added an unbeaten 47 off 55 balls.
The crowd showed their angers throwing empty mineral water bottles into the pitch while the two batsmen almost confirmed their team's victory which stopped the play for a while.
It was guessed that the team winning the toss would like to bat first considering the fact that the dew later on could be a major factor in the day-night affair but Zimbabwean skipper Prosper Utseya had different planning and it clicked owing to mindless batting from the local batters.
It's true the visiting bowlers kept it tight to justify their captain's decision of fielding first but it was poor batting approach of Jamie Siddons charges, which helped Zimbabwe to take the upper hand in the season's first battle.
From a dire state of 62 for 6, Bangladesh could manage a decent total of 186 before being bundled out in 46.5 overs thanks to sensible batting from vice-captain Mushfiqur Rahim and a brilliant power-hitting display from Dollar Mahmud, who entertained some 20,000 present by hitting four boundaries and three sixes during his 30-ball 41.
The wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur did exactly what was required from the top order batsmen against the medium pace attack led by Elton Chigumbura, who made the early damage by taking three wickets.
The 21-year old right-hander, during his 78-ball 56 that hit five boundaries and completed his fourth half-century with a lovely shot
Left-arm spinner Ray Price broke the partnership when Nayeem swept and got a top edge to reach at deep backward square leg where Charles Coventry took a simple catch to put an end the right-hander's 47-ball 21 knock.
Then Dollar took charge to give some life in the match as the right-hander launched a counterattack against Kyle Jarvis, who set the tune for Zimbabwe with the new ball, by smashing two fours and a six in a over which was followed by two consecutive sixes against Price on the following over.
The right-hander associated 54 runs with Rahim in the ninth wicket and his effort salvaged the blushes of the home team as well providing a total for the bowlers to defend under floodlights.
Before that it was all about a suicidal effort from Zunaed Siddiqui, Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Ashraful, Rokibul Hasan and captain Shakib Al Hasan.
Zunaed started the rot when the left-hander drove without any bite against a wide of off stump delivery from Chigumbura only to reach at the safe hand of Matsikenyeri at cover while his partner Tamim fell to the same bowler trying to drive through the off-side without any footwork to take an edge to keeper Tatenda Taibu.
Ashraful looked well but again it was Chigumbura who dismissed the ace batsmen when the right-hander unnecessarily went for a big booming drive through the off side but edged it to Taibu
And then it was stupid run out which deepened the woe. A tossed up delivery from Utseya and Rokibul worked it away behind square on the leg side and got a call from Shakib for single but captain changed his mind after taking couple of steps. It was too late for Rokibul as Chigumbura's throw came in at the striker's end and Taibu clipped the bails.
Bangladesh fell in big trouble when Justice Chibhabha removed Shakib, who drove well away from his body and ended up with a faint edge to Taibu.
Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe all-rounder Elton Chigumbura follows through on a delivery during a fine overall show in the first ODI against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday. Chigumbura took three wickets and effected a superb run-out to restrict the hosts. He then hit an imperious unbeaten half-century under pressure to propel the Africans to a five-wicket win. Photo: STAR Elton Chigumbura stole the show with a clinical all-round performance as the Tigers suffered a five-wicket defeat in the first one-dayer of the five-match series against Zimbabwe at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.
It was however Shakib Al Hasan's men's dismal batting show, which ensured that the visitor's drew the first blood in the series although they started the battle with a tag of “underdog” and with a bitter memory of losing the last series 4-1 against the same opponents at home in August this year.
Chigumbura first caused the damage with his military medium pace bowling and then showed character with the bat as Zimbabwe recovered from Abdur Razzak's magical spell to achieve the target of 189 for five in 34 overs under lights in 35.4 overs with five wickets in hand.
Left-arm spinner Razzak revived hope by taking three wickets in the eighth over but Chigumbura, who hit an unbeaten 60 off 50 balls, and Stuart Matsikenyeri made sure that their bowlers' effort would not go into vain. Matsikenyeri added an unbeaten 47 off 55 balls.
The crowd showed their angers throwing empty mineral water bottles into the pitch while the two batsmen almost confirmed their team's victory which stopped the play for a while.
It was guessed that the team winning the toss would like to bat first considering the fact that the dew later on could be a major factor in the day-night affair but Zimbabwean skipper Prosper Utseya had different planning and it clicked owing to mindless batting from the local batters.
It's true the visiting bowlers kept it tight to justify their captain's decision of fielding first but it was poor batting approach of Jamie Siddons charges, which helped Zimbabwe to take the upper hand in the season's first battle.
From a dire state of 62 for 6, Bangladesh could manage a decent total of 186 before being bundled out in 46.5 overs thanks to sensible batting from vice-captain Mushfiqur Rahim and a brilliant power-hitting display from Dollar Mahmud, who entertained some 20,000 present by hitting four boundaries and three sixes during his 30-ball 41.
The wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur did exactly what was required from the top order batsmen against the medium pace attack led by Elton Chigumbura, who made the early damage by taking three wickets.
The 21-year old right-hander, during his 78-ball 56 that hit five boundaries and completed his fourth half-century with a lovely shot
Left-arm spinner Ray Price broke the partnership when Nayeem swept and got a top edge to reach at deep backward square leg where Charles Coventry took a simple catch to put an end the right-hander's 47-ball 21 knock.
Then Dollar took charge to give some life in the match as the right-hander launched a counterattack against Kyle Jarvis, who set the tune for Zimbabwe with the new ball, by smashing two fours and a six in a over which was followed by two consecutive sixes against Price on the following over.
The right-hander associated 54 runs with Rahim in the ninth wicket and his effort salvaged the blushes of the home team as well providing a total for the bowlers to defend under floodlights.
Before that it was all about a suicidal effort from Zunaed Siddiqui, Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Ashraful, Rokibul Hasan and captain Shakib Al Hasan.
Zunaed started the rot when the left-hander drove without any bite against a wide of off stump delivery from Chigumbura only to reach at the safe hand of Matsikenyeri at cover while his partner Tamim fell to the same bowler trying to drive through the off-side without any footwork to take an edge to keeper Tatenda Taibu.
Ashraful looked well but again it was Chigumbura who dismissed the ace batsmen when the right-hander unnecessarily went for a big booming drive through the off side but edged it to Taibu
And then it was stupid run out which deepened the woe. A tossed up delivery from Utseya and Rokibul worked it away behind square on the leg side and got a call from Shakib for single but captain changed his mind after taking couple of steps. It was too late for Rokibul as Chigumbura's throw came in at the striker's end and Taibu clipped the bails.
Bangladesh fell in big trouble when Justice Chibhabha removed Shakib, who drove well away from his body and ended up with a faint edge to Taibu.
Barclays English Premier League
FA charges Fergie
Afp, London
Sir Alex Ferguson was charged Monday with improper conduct by the Football Association (FA) for publicly labelling referee Alan Wiley "unfit".
The Manchester United manager made his comments after the Premier League champions were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland at Old Trafford on October 3.
Ferguson apologised for the remarks but that didn't stop the FA from pressing charges against the Scot which could lead to a possible touchline ban and fine.
Ferguson accused Wiley of not being "fit enough for a game of that standard" and of "walking up the pitch for the second goal needing a rest".
The FA said Monday in a statement: "Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct.
"The charge relates to media comments made by Ferguson about referee Alan Wiley following United's match against Sunderland at Old Trafford on October 3. He has until November 3 to respond to the charge."
Ferguson, in his apology, said: "I apologise to Mr Wiley for any personal embarrassment my comments may have caused and to the FA for going public with my views.
"In retrospect I accept that they could be deemed as expressing those views in an inappropriate form. It was never my intention to bring the focus of intense media interest on Mr Wiley and I will apologise to him personally when I return from an overseas trip during the international break," he said.
Ferguson's outburst outraged leading English referees and now retired former top official Jeff Winter, blasted it as "a cowardly attack."
"Every game Alan Wiley takes charge of now where he makes a decision which upsets some fans is going to result in chants of 'You're not fit to referee', he's going to be known as the 'unfit ref'," Winter told the Guardian newspaper.
"Sir Alex won't care though. He's a knight of the realm and he thinks he's untouchable, bullet proof," added Winter, who dubbed Sir Alex "a bully".
At 49, Wiley is one of the oldest referees officiating at the top level in England. His supporters say his fitness, like that of other officials, is subjected to weekly monitoring and an annual assessment.
Afp, London
Sir Alex Ferguson was charged Monday with improper conduct by the Football Association (FA) for publicly labelling referee Alan Wiley "unfit".
The Manchester United manager made his comments after the Premier League champions were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland at Old Trafford on October 3.
Ferguson apologised for the remarks but that didn't stop the FA from pressing charges against the Scot which could lead to a possible touchline ban and fine.
Ferguson accused Wiley of not being "fit enough for a game of that standard" and of "walking up the pitch for the second goal needing a rest".
The FA said Monday in a statement: "Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct.
"The charge relates to media comments made by Ferguson about referee Alan Wiley following United's match against Sunderland at Old Trafford on October 3. He has until November 3 to respond to the charge."
Ferguson, in his apology, said: "I apologise to Mr Wiley for any personal embarrassment my comments may have caused and to the FA for going public with my views.
"In retrospect I accept that they could be deemed as expressing those views in an inappropriate form. It was never my intention to bring the focus of intense media interest on Mr Wiley and I will apologise to him personally when I return from an overseas trip during the international break," he said.
Ferguson's outburst outraged leading English referees and now retired former top official Jeff Winter, blasted it as "a cowardly attack."
"Every game Alan Wiley takes charge of now where he makes a decision which upsets some fans is going to result in chants of 'You're not fit to referee', he's going to be known as the 'unfit ref'," Winter told the Guardian newspaper.
"Sir Alex won't care though. He's a knight of the realm and he thinks he's untouchable, bullet proof," added Winter, who dubbed Sir Alex "a bully".
At 49, Wiley is one of the oldest referees officiating at the top level in England. His supporters say his fitness, like that of other officials, is subjected to weekly monitoring and an annual assessment.
Zim take it 4-1
Afp, Harare
Hamilton Masakadza smashed the 11th highest score in ODI history on Sunday when his career-best, unbeaten 178, led Zimbabwe to a 142-run win over Kenya.
The home side piled up 329-3 off 50 overs, their second 300-plus total of the series which they claimed 4-1.
Masakadza and fellow opener Forster Mutizwa put on on 127 by the 25th over for the first wicket before off-spinner Jimmy Kamande provided the breakthrough, having Mutizwa stumped for 55.
Brendan Taylor joined Masakadza and the two then put on 102 for the second wicket with Taylor hitting three fours and three sixes.
Masakadza reached his century and his 167-ball effort yielded 17 fours and five sixes.
Kenya then slumped to 85 for 5 with Chris Mpofu claiming three wickets.
Jimmy Kamande top-scored with 37 as Kenya were all out for 187 in 39.3 overs.
Hamilton Masakadza smashed the 11th highest score in ODI history on Sunday when his career-best, unbeaten 178, led Zimbabwe to a 142-run win over Kenya.
The home side piled up 329-3 off 50 overs, their second 300-plus total of the series which they claimed 4-1.
Masakadza and fellow opener Forster Mutizwa put on on 127 by the 25th over for the first wicket before off-spinner Jimmy Kamande provided the breakthrough, having Mutizwa stumped for 55.
Brendan Taylor joined Masakadza and the two then put on 102 for the second wicket with Taylor hitting three fours and three sixes.
Masakadza reached his century and his 167-ball effort yielded 17 fours and five sixes.
Kenya then slumped to 85 for 5 with Chris Mpofu claiming three wickets.
Jimmy Kamande top-scored with 37 as Kenya were all out for 187 in 39.3 overs.
Bundesliga
Wolves see off 'Gladbach
Afp, Berlin
Defending champions Wolfsburg moved up to fifth in the Bundesliga table on Sunday after a last-minute goal frenzy ended in a 2-1 win over Borussia Moenchengladbach.
The game was heading to a 1-0 win after defender Alexander Madlung's first-half header, but Gentner scored for the Wolves deep in injury-time and almost immediately Michael Bradley scored a consolation goal for Borussia.
Both sides had had first-half efforts ruled offside, but the Wolves finally got the break just before half-time when play-maker Zvjezdan Misimovic swung in a cross which Madlung powered home before the frantic finish.
The result leaves Moenchengladbach in the bottom three, but there was concern for Wolves goalkeeper Diego Benaglio who took a heavy knock to the throat in the last few minutes, but he recovered to finish the game.
Afp, Berlin
Defending champions Wolfsburg moved up to fifth in the Bundesliga table on Sunday after a last-minute goal frenzy ended in a 2-1 win over Borussia Moenchengladbach.
The game was heading to a 1-0 win after defender Alexander Madlung's first-half header, but Gentner scored for the Wolves deep in injury-time and almost immediately Michael Bradley scored a consolation goal for Borussia.
Both sides had had first-half efforts ruled offside, but the Wolves finally got the break just before half-time when play-maker Zvjezdan Misimovic swung in a cross which Madlung powered home before the frantic finish.
The result leaves Moenchengladbach in the bottom three, but there was concern for Wolves goalkeeper Diego Benaglio who took a heavy knock to the throat in the last few minutes, but he recovered to finish the game.
SA Games
PM orders foolproof security
Unb, Dhaka
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked the authorities concerned to ensure foolproof security during the 11th South Asian (SA) Games to be held in the capital over January 29-February 9 next year.
She gave the directive while addressing the first meeting of the Organising Committee for the SA Games at the Prime Minister's Office yesterday afternoon.
The prime minister also assured the organisers of all necessary support from her government for unblemished arrangement of the SA games.
Finance Minister and chairman of the SA Games Organising Committee Abul Mal Abdul Muhith, State Minister for Youth and Sports Ahad Ali Sarkar and Bangladesh Olympic Association president and Army Chief General Abdul Mubeen attended the meeting.
Unb, Dhaka
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked the authorities concerned to ensure foolproof security during the 11th South Asian (SA) Games to be held in the capital over January 29-February 9 next year.
She gave the directive while addressing the first meeting of the Organising Committee for the SA Games at the Prime Minister's Office yesterday afternoon.
The prime minister also assured the organisers of all necessary support from her government for unblemished arrangement of the SA games.
Finance Minister and chairman of the SA Games Organising Committee Abul Mal Abdul Muhith, State Minister for Youth and Sports Ahad Ali Sarkar and Bangladesh Olympic Association president and Army Chief General Abdul Mubeen attended the meeting.
Citycell Federation Cup'09
Derby date in final
Sports Reporter
L-R: Mohammedan players stretch during their practice session at the BUET ground yesterday. They will meet archrivals Abahani in the Citycell Federation Cup final today at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Abahani players jog during their practice session at the club ground yesterday. The Sky Blues moved into the final drubbing Beanibazar 4-1 on Sunday. PHOTOS: STAR
Mohammedan are tagged as the favourites in the final of the Citycell Federation Cup when the defending champions take on archrivals Abahani in their season's first meeting at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today.
The end of last season saw the Taka one-crore Super Cup play host to both teams in the final in front of a packed stadium. And the football fans are again set to get feverish at the big bowl with Bangladesh Television telecasting the Dhaka derby live from the venue at 5:00pm.
Old foes Abahani and Mohammedan, as expected, reached the season's curtain-raising tournament final to fulfill the hopes of the football's governing body and now the onus is on both giants to please the football fans through their performance in the classic showdown, the eighth Federation Cup final clash between two powerhouses.
Star-studded Mohammedan have been quite entertaining in their five outings scoring 22 goals, led by lethal attacking duo Nigerian Alamu Bukola Olaleken and Zahid Hasan Emily, who together have struck 15 goals.
The task of scoring has apparently become easier for both marksmen when they were getting tremendous support from dynamic midfielders like Zahid Hossain, Nigerian Christian Emeka, Mamunul Islam and Arman Aziz.
Coach Maruful Haq also admitted his real strength lies in the midfield and his first target in the final is to enforce the authority in the midfield and then build up the attack against a side they beat 1-0 in the Super Cup final.
“Compared to Abahani's performance in the tournament, Mohammedan are favourites in the final and the players look determined to retain the title through putting up an impressive show,” said Maruf yesterday at the club tent.
Nevertheless, Maruf will try to utilise his coaching sense against Abahani, who are crownless since their last Fed Cup triumph in 2000 as he has more than one match winner in his armory as well as last season's best right-back Wali Faisal, who can be a real threat for Abahani for his relentless crossing overlapping the midfield.
Maruf sounded confident about winning the match and a surprise may be in store for the Black and Whites. Because Abahani are no pushover, winning the prize seven times to the Black and Whites' nine.
“It is true our midfielders are yet to be up to mark, but the backline lead by Rajani Kanta Barman and Ghanaian Samad Yousuf is much stronger and have ability to foil Mohammedan's attempts,” said Abahani coach Amalesh Sen.
But, the good thing for the Abahani midfield, is that they more organised in the semifinals and are getting better with the match providing a battle to control the midfield.
After having served a suspension, the return of Ghanaian striker Awudu Ibrahim will strengthen the Abahani attack, also comprising of national striker Enamul Haq.
Abahani may drop Sheriff Deen Mohammad, a striker from Ghana, in the starting eleven in a bid to ensure a place for Awal, who made his Sky Blues debut in the semifinal and played a key role in Abahani's crucial 4-1 drubbing to Beanibazar SC.
Amalesh plans to restrict Mohammedan trio Emily, Bukola and Emeka while Awudu and Mehdi Hasan Ujjal will be marked by the Mohammedan defenders, which is being marked as the most vulnerable department of the defending champions.
Sports Reporter
L-R: Mohammedan players stretch during their practice session at the BUET ground yesterday. They will meet archrivals Abahani in the Citycell Federation Cup final today at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Abahani players jog during their practice session at the club ground yesterday. The Sky Blues moved into the final drubbing Beanibazar 4-1 on Sunday. PHOTOS: STAR
Mohammedan are tagged as the favourites in the final of the Citycell Federation Cup when the defending champions take on archrivals Abahani in their season's first meeting at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today.
The end of last season saw the Taka one-crore Super Cup play host to both teams in the final in front of a packed stadium. And the football fans are again set to get feverish at the big bowl with Bangladesh Television telecasting the Dhaka derby live from the venue at 5:00pm.
Old foes Abahani and Mohammedan, as expected, reached the season's curtain-raising tournament final to fulfill the hopes of the football's governing body and now the onus is on both giants to please the football fans through their performance in the classic showdown, the eighth Federation Cup final clash between two powerhouses.
Star-studded Mohammedan have been quite entertaining in their five outings scoring 22 goals, led by lethal attacking duo Nigerian Alamu Bukola Olaleken and Zahid Hasan Emily, who together have struck 15 goals.
The task of scoring has apparently become easier for both marksmen when they were getting tremendous support from dynamic midfielders like Zahid Hossain, Nigerian Christian Emeka, Mamunul Islam and Arman Aziz.
Coach Maruful Haq also admitted his real strength lies in the midfield and his first target in the final is to enforce the authority in the midfield and then build up the attack against a side they beat 1-0 in the Super Cup final.
“Compared to Abahani's performance in the tournament, Mohammedan are favourites in the final and the players look determined to retain the title through putting up an impressive show,” said Maruf yesterday at the club tent.
Nevertheless, Maruf will try to utilise his coaching sense against Abahani, who are crownless since their last Fed Cup triumph in 2000 as he has more than one match winner in his armory as well as last season's best right-back Wali Faisal, who can be a real threat for Abahani for his relentless crossing overlapping the midfield.
Maruf sounded confident about winning the match and a surprise may be in store for the Black and Whites. Because Abahani are no pushover, winning the prize seven times to the Black and Whites' nine.
“It is true our midfielders are yet to be up to mark, but the backline lead by Rajani Kanta Barman and Ghanaian Samad Yousuf is much stronger and have ability to foil Mohammedan's attempts,” said Abahani coach Amalesh Sen.
But, the good thing for the Abahani midfield, is that they more organised in the semifinals and are getting better with the match providing a battle to control the midfield.
After having served a suspension, the return of Ghanaian striker Awudu Ibrahim will strengthen the Abahani attack, also comprising of national striker Enamul Haq.
Abahani may drop Sheriff Deen Mohammad, a striker from Ghana, in the starting eleven in a bid to ensure a place for Awal, who made his Sky Blues debut in the semifinal and played a key role in Abahani's crucial 4-1 drubbing to Beanibazar SC.
Amalesh plans to restrict Mohammedan trio Emily, Bukola and Emeka while Awudu and Mehdi Hasan Ujjal will be marked by the Mohammedan defenders, which is being marked as the most vulnerable department of the defending champions.
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