Dravid, Kumble help Royal Challengers beat Rajasthan Royals

CAPE TOWN - Stripped of captaincy, Rahul Dravid batted with vengeance to set up a 75-run win for Bangalore Royal Challengers against defending champions Rajasthan Royals in the second match on the opening day of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Newlands here Saturday.

I’ll learn more about Twenty20 from Shane Warne: Shilpa Shetty

CAPE TOWN AP - Confessing that the Twenty20 format of cricket was new to her, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty is not just hoping that her Rajasthan Royals will take home the IPL trophy again this year she also wants to learn more about the short form of the game from the side’s coach and captain, Australian Shane Warne.

Warne says Smith an important part of Rajasthan Royals

CAPE TOWN - Old foes Shane Warne and Graeme Smith buried the hatchet to inspire Rajasthan Royals to victory in the inaugural Indian Premier League. The Australian spin magician says they are now good friends and he values Smith’s inputs.

Strong bench strength allows Australia to rest top players: Alam

LAHORE - Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam has said that the strong bench of the Australian Cricket team strength allows them to rest their top players for a series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Warne bowled over by bushfire victim’s courage

MELBOURNE - Cricket legend Shane Warne who saw much of Victoria’s fire-devastated areas, has opened up about a friendship that he has forged with a young bushfire victim.

Ponting rested, Clarke to lead Australia against Pakistan

MELBOURNE - Michael Clarke will lead Australia in the five match One-day series against Pakistan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi starting April 22. The selection committee decided to rest Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson in view of the forthcoming Ashes and Twenty20 World Cup.

Symonds,Watson and Lee back in squad for UAE series against Pakistan

LONDON - Cricket Australia (CA) has recalled Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee and Shane Watson for the six match One Day International series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Subsurface ice on Mars exposed by recent impact craters

LONDON - The HiRISE camera aboard NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has observed some small, freshly gouged craters in images taken in 2008, which in turn have exposed hidden subsurface ice on the Red Planet.

Queensland pacer Ben Laughlin called up for Australia’s one-day, Twenty20 squads

BRISBANE - Queensland fast bowler Ben Laughlin, who has taken 20 wickets at an average of 15.85 to guide his team to the Ford Ranger Cup final, has been called into the Australian squad for the Twenty20 and one-day clashes with South Africa.

Lynch of Boyzone gives up alcohol for band’s reunion

LONDON - Singer Shane Lynch of Boyzone gave up alcohol so that he could focus on the band’s comeback.

I would pick Panesar ahead of Swann: Warne

LONDON - Australian spin legend Shane Warne is disappointed with the progress of England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar but said he would still pick him ahead of Graeme Swann.

I wouldn’t change a thing about my life: Michael Clarke

SYDNEY - Michael Clarke says he is paid to play cricket for Australia and wouldn’t change a thing about his life as he is enjoying both his game as well as life outside of it.

Trevor Chappell predicts a South African whitewash

SYDNEY - Former Test all-rounder Trevor Chappell has predicted a 3-0 South African whitewash against Australia in the upcoming Test series.

Indian-origin Priyesh Bhana debuts for New Zealand hockey team

CHANDIGARH - Dipak Patel and Jeetan Patel played for New Zealand in cricket, and now Priyesh Bhana, also of Indian origin, made his international debut for the national hockey team in the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup tournament here Saturday against India.

Hayden explores success beyond cricket

SYDNEY - The life of a sportsperson revolves around rigorous training, stadiums and international tours. And it is only after retirement that one starts taking stock of other interests beyond sports. Matthew Hayden is one who is going through such a phase after hanging up his Baggy Green.

Pietersen would now be more dangerous as batsman: Warne

SYDNEY - Shane Warne has warned Australia to be wary of Kevin Pietersen in the Ashes as he would be even more dangerous as a player after stepping down from the England captaincy.

Lee will bounce back, stresses McGrath

SYDNEY - Australian pace great Glenn McGrath has backed Brett Lee to return to form soon.

McGrath said Lee has shouldered the responsibility of leading the bowling attack since his and Warne’s retirement well.

Australian system needs overhaul: Buchanan

SYDNEY - Former Australian coach John Buchanan believes the national side’s series loss to India and South Africa is a ‘fantastic opportunity’ to complete a long overdue overhaul of the system.

Former Australian captains back Ponting

MELBOURNE - As Australian skipper Ricky Ponting finds himself in firing line of critics due to the team’s listless performance, former captains Bill Lawry, Richie Benaud and Mark Taylor find the attack unjustified.

New track awaits Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground

SYDNEY - Australia will be exposed to a new pitch when they take on South Africa in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) starting Friday.