Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Sports World |
- Strike team head to Brisbane
- Are Spurs really two players away from title chasers?
- Federer shows his class
| Posted: 23 Nov 2010 07:29 AM PST England's front line bowling attack will miss their final warm-up match against Australia A, in a bid to acclimatise to conditions in Brisbane. Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Steven Finn and Graeme Swann will all travel north ahead of the rest of their team who will play in Hobart against Australia's A side. Those looking to place an Ashes bet will note that the bowlers have had enough practice time during the two previous warm-up games and the English management feel getting used to the different climate in Brisbane is more important then bowling more overs. Stuart Broad has backed the decision, saying "We've had two fantastic games as a bowling group together. Now it's all about preparation for that first Test match - and I see going up to Brisbane early as a great opportunity to get used to conditions." The absence of the first string will give the other bowlers in the squad a chance to impress and maybe put themselves in contention. Tim Brsenan, Chris Tremlett, Ajmal Shazad and Monty Panesar will all make their first appearances of the tour so far in Tasmania. While the three quickies will probably expect to be carrying the drinks this series, the inexperience of Finn could hand one of them a chance should the youngster struggle. Fan's favourite Monty, may have a chance of returning to the Test side if England choose to play two spinners at any point during the series. Monty's chance could come in the Boxing Day Test at the SCG. Those giving cricket betting tips note how the pitch at Sydney is renowned for its turn and the English management will be watching how Monty performs in the upcoming warm-up match. If the Monty of old turns up, jumping around like a beardy jack-in-the-box, then there could be a very good chance of him playing some part this winter. If England can beat Australia's A side by using their second string bowling attack, it will give the whole squad another massive confidence boost. It's fair to say that this is probably the most confident an England side in Australia has been since they last won a series Down Under 24 years ago. Most see that confidence as being well placed so far, it will be up to the selected players to carry it on into the opening Test.  |
| Are Spurs really two players away from title chasers? Posted: 23 Nov 2010 04:39 AM PST Harry Redknapp thinks a few new changes to his Tottenham squad will put them in prime position to battle for the Premier League title. The manager sees his side sitting six points off Premier League leaders Chelsea after a shock comeback win over North London rivals Arsenal at the weekend. Redknapp said after that game he felt Spurs were now set to become title contenders in the near future, but most fans would be happy with a repeat of last season's Premier League top four finish. They have struggled at times this season but still sit three points behind fourth-placed Man City - the team they pipped to the Champions League last season and the football betting suggests they could be on for a repeat. Redknapp admitted he "genuinely" believes that Spurs are one of the leading contenders in the race for the top for and also the title, but will people looking to bet on Premier League winner consider them to be in with a real shout? Regardless, if you consider they were a relegation-threatened side when he took over it shows how far Redknapp has dramatically taken them on during his time. He has made some astute signings and now boasts a Spurs squad full of stars like Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart that is the envy of a number of rival Premier League managers. "I am looking to bring people in this January," Redknapp said. "We need to tweak it to finish it off. There's one or two other bits we could do, without spending a fortune, that could make a difference to the team. We've a new training ground coming, the club's in good shape and we can go forward." Redknapp recently stated he felt that despite all the problems Chelsea have had this season they are still favourites for the Premier League title.  |
| Posted: 23 Nov 2010 03:08 AM PST Despite the most cynical of his critics suggesting publicly that Roger Federer is nothing but a spent force in the world of tennis, the man himself carries a vastly different belief and is currently aiming to show that he can triumph in this year's ATP World Tour Finals in London. Despite the fact that Federer is now looking to add a fifth end of season trophy to his already bulging trophy cabinet, some have suggested that he is starting to head into tennis wilderness after only winning one Grand Slam this season (the Australian Open). However, with Federer making a ninth successive appearance at the end of season event, and clearly able to show that he still has both the fight and desire to add a Slam or two to his already impressive final total, it would take a brave man to suggest that he is at the end of what has been a truly successful career. This becomes particularly obvious if you look at the credentials of his next opponent in the current event at the O2, Andy Murray, a man who despite all the promise and undoubted ability he has shown since his career began is yet to win a Grand Slam event. If roles were reversed and Murray had 'only' won a single Grand Slam event this year, then we would surely be talking about how successful his season had been. It therefore is a little strange that people who regularly bet on tennis are discussing a 'disappointing' year for the Swiss legend. It is perhaps a result of the player's stunning record and the high standards he has constantly set for himself that we are even acknowledging the fact that he may or may not be in a minor slump. In fact, this alone is an accurate sign of the class that the player has displayed in what so far has been a glittering career and, should he triumph against Andy Murray, surely few would be prepared to place a tennis bet against him winning this year's ATP World Tour Finals.  |
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