Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Sports World |
| Bell has Ashes in sight but must keep eye on own form Posted: 26 Feb 2013 06:45 AM PST Ian Bell has revealed what many cricket fans in the betting world already feel ahead of England's Test series with New Zealand in March, that victory is crucial to building momentum for the summer Ashes. England face a tough challenge in New Zealand against a Kiwis side still hurting after their T20 and one-day series defeats to the tourists this February. They will push the tourists' top order to the limit over three matches and should keep give England's fast bowlers a good workout. "Looking ahead it would be nice, having won in India, to win this series and it would give us nice momentum going into a big summer for us at home," Bell told BBC Sport. "There are some world-class players in that New Zealand team and we are going to have to play some really good cricket to beat them." Indeed, maybe Bell more than most has to play well over this series if he is to cement his place in the team for the summer. For Bell, although rising through the England ranks last season, is in danger of losing his place should the team's fresh faces continue to shine. Joe Root has proved a superb international batsman over the past four months, and has been tipped by former England captain Michael Vaughan over at http://betting.betfair.com/cricket/michaelvaughan/ to earn a regular place in the side. He knocked two half-centuries against New Zealand this month and making 93 over two innings on his Test debut in Nagpur. If Root cannot push Bell out then maybe Jonny Bairstow can, the Yorkshireman blooded through the England squad last year in preparation for the Ashes. Bell's recent performances at the crease have been respectable, but in the Test whites he has only made one major contribution in his last six innings – a 116 against India in Nagpur – and only truly impressed against a weak West Indies attack last summer. If Bell is to keep his place he must contribute runs against the Kiwis and make himself undroppable from the team. Competition is healthy in England's order and no one's place is guaranteed, especially a man who starts at five. For more information on England cricket betting ahead of the NZ Test series head over to: http://betting.betfair.com/cricket/england-cricket/ |
| Bruins to look for final pieces of jigsaw Posted: 26 Feb 2013 04:17 AM PST The Boston Bruins have been heavily tipped to bring in some fresh faces before the April 3rd trade deadline, as general manager Peter Chiarelli looks to give the franchise their best hope of winning their fourth divisional title in five years and second Stanley Cup title in three years. The Northeast Division leaders could certainly do with some additional options in a number of areas, but it remains to be seen whether Chiarelli brings in a big name player or just a number of smaller deals to strengthen the squad. Chiarelli hasn't revealed what his plans are in terms of bringing in new players before the deadline, but has admitted he is open to deals that would give the Bruins the best chance of going on to achieve their targets in this shortened season. "It doesn't mean we'll go out and get somebody now because we have cap space," Chiarelli said to NHL betting news reporters. "But if there are good deals that come early, you have to be in the ballgame. We're in the ballgame now. That was the proactive approach that we wanted to take here." The Bruins' 28th ranked power play needs a boost, and acquiring a new forward with strong play-making and goal-scoring abilities would certainly help Boston when they have a man advantage. There are options out there available to Chiarelli. Anaheim Ducks star Corey Perry and Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla could both be available, with the two wingers both in the final years of their contracts and possibly looking to move. Without a new star forward,punters who bet on NHL think the Bruins look as though they are going to continue to struggle to be able to make the most of their powerplays. That could well prove to be the difference between earning their chance to add another Stanley Cup title to their collection. |
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