John Hastings announces retirement
Australian fast bowler John Hastings on Friday announced his retirement from first-class and one-day cricket, following a succession of grueling injuries that took toll on him. Hastings, who played one Test for Australia in 2012 and has thrived in international limited-overs formats, will continue to play T20 cricket, and be eligible for Australian selection in this format. The 31-year-old played the first of his 29 ODI matches against India in 2010, and his most recent against New Zealand in June this year, claiming 42 wickets across all matches.
Nadal cruises to China Open semis
World number one Rafael Nadal progressed through to the semi-finals of the China Open after dismantling sixth-seeded American John Isner in straight sets in the men's singles event here on Friday. The Spanish tennis maestro, who is bidding to win his second China Open title, knocked out Isner 6-4, 7-6(0) in a one-sided quarter-final clash.
Mithali Raj's autobiography to be out soon
Those who have admired Mithali Raj's skills on the 22-yard strip will now get a chance to take a closer look into the cricketer's life as her autobiography will soon be released. Published by Penguin Random House India, the book, scheduled to be released next year, will provide a candid and revealing look into her personal and sporting life. Not only will it be a treat to cherish for her cricketing fans, but it will also be a captivating story of how an ordinary girl went on to inspire real change and made the world sit up and take notice.
Hamilton dominates rain-hit second practice session
Three-time world champion and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton produced a rich vein of form as he emerged out as a quickest driver in a rain-hit second practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday. The Formula One championship leader, who clocked his fastest lap of one minute and 48.719 seconds, was 0.799 seconds faster than Esteban Ocon for Force India, Sport24 reported.
Azhar Ali rested for Sri Lanka ODIs
Pakistan middle-order batsman Azhar Ali has been rested for the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka beginning October 13 in UAE. "The Champions Trophy team has been retained except Azhar Ali, who has been rested for the ODI series to gain full fitness, said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief selector Inzamam ul Haq. Young left-handed batsman Imam-ul-Haq, who is also Inzamam's nephew, has been selected in the 15-member squad.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets engaged
Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has confirmed that he recently got engaged to his would be 'better-half' Nupur Nagar on Wednesday in a ceremony in Greater Noida, which was a closed affair and was attended by family members and friends. Taking to his official Instagram account, Bhuvneshwar posted a photo of him along with his fiancee, captioning, "Rewinding and going back to the happy memories, inspires me to fast forward and dream about the amazing future that lies ahead."
Sania-Peng to play for semi-final spot in China Open
The third seeded pair of Sania Mirza and Peng Shuai will today look to book their place in the semi-finals of the China Open when they take on the Czech duo B Strycova and K Siniakova in the quarter-final of women's doubles event in Beijing. Earlier, Sania-Peng duo defeated the Belgian-Dutch pair of Elise Mertens and Demi Schuurs 7-5, 6-2 to enter the quarterfinals. The third seeded pair had received a bye in the opening round.
PM Modi wishes U-17 World Cup teams
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday conveyed his best wishes to all teams taking part in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The tournament started on Friday evening with India taking on the US at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here in their campaign opener. This is the first ever FIFA tournament in any age group to be held in India. "A warm welcome and best wishes to all teams taking part in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. I am sure FIFA U-17 World Cup will be a treat for football lovers," Modi said in a statement.
