Williams the cups campaign master

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PERHAPS the most relevant point to take out of Saturday's Caulfield meeting with a view to the Melbourne Cup is a reminder of how Lloyd Williams has become the modern master at crafting a Cups campaign.

Fawkner has now secured himself a start at Flemington and he could be joined by as many as six stablemates if Williams wants, although the most likely companions will be Green Moon, Sea Moon, Seville and Masked Marvel.

Williams' son Nick said yesterday's Caulfield Cup had been 12 months in the making.

This despite Fawkner having indifferent form beyond a mile 18 months ago.

This win was crafted to perfection. A two start trip to Sydney was followed by a seemingly surprising decision to bypass the Epsom in favour of a Turnbull start.

Williams knew best and Fawkner was as strong as any runner on the line yesterday.

As usual, there were the hard luck stories behind the winner, although none of them definitively said "back me in the Melbourne Cup."

Craig Williams said the barrier was the difference between winning and losing for Dandino, but added he would be best suited in a moderately run Cup (like last year) to ensure he runs the trip.

Fourth-placed Jet Away ran a cracking race, but he pulled for a big chunk yesterday – not usually a recipe for success at Flemington.

Hawkspur was solid enough in getting home, but pedigree says he has to be a big doubt beyond 2400m.

So with that in mind, the biggest Melbourne Cup rumble yesterday may have come from the jumbo that touched down in Melbourne around midday.

Its passengers included Dunaden and his old foe Red Cadeaux, plus Irish St Leger winner Voleuse De Couers and new Gai Waterhouse addition Tres Blue.

The market now has Dandino and Fawkner challenging for favouritism, but it will change again pending the performances of Puissance De Lune and Fiorente in Saturday's Cox Plate.

That race will also give us a final chance to assess the Williams Cup contestants.

Don't be harsh on them if they flop. Green Moon and Efficient were both Valley disappointments, but were spot on in the race that Lloyd Williams craves most. 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

DCE may warm bench again: Sheens

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AUSTRALIAN coach Tim Sheens cannot guarantee Daly Cherry-Evans won't spend another 80 minutes on the bench should the Clive Churchill Medal winner take out a three-way fight with Robbie Farah and Luke Lewis to become the Kangaroos' utility.

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Seven days out from the Australian Test team's first game of the 2013 rugby league World Cup in England, Sheens told The Sunday Telegraph that Queensland No.7 Cooper Cronk and several other incumbents were safe in a declaration that leaves form players like Cherry-Evans facing mission impossible to win a finals showdown against England or New Zealand. 

Sheens' biggest headache heading into Australia's World Cup opener against England at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, is what to do with the embarrassing amount of rugby league riches he has at his disposal with Cherry-Evans and Andrew Fifita two of many demanding selection after standout seasons. 

The former Wests Tigers coach said he would opt for experience when the tournament gets serious, leaving only a handful of players a chance to force their way into the team by outperforming the incumbents in group games against Fiji and Ireland. 

"We will give everyone a run in those matches," Sheens said.

"But in the big matches I will be looking for as much experience as possible. I think we have a lot of positions that are very solid. I would be very surprised if we changed our minds on many of the spots. 

"We still have a week of training and there are some bumps and bruises but they are the things that will decide any surprises."

Sheens declared at least nine positions were already locked in and only injury could force changes.

Cherry-Evans' only hope of playing in Australia's finals campaign is to unseat NSW captain Farah as Cameron Smith's back-up hooker. And that is no mean feat, especially for a specialist No.7. 

"The utility bench spot hasn't been decided," Sheens said. 

"Daly will be in that but he will certainly play in the next two games, and he will probably share a game with Johnathan (Thurston) and another with Cooper. Outside of Luke Lewis, who is a forward utility, he would be up against Robbie Farah." 

Sheens could not rule out leaving Cherry-Evans on the bench for another 80 minutes as he did in a Test against New Zealand last year should the Manly whiz demand finals selection during his two games against Fiji and Ireland. 

"He didn't make it on in New Zealand,'' Sheens said. "And it would be unlikely for all four bench players to not get on during a game. But the big thing for a halfback is the game might not call for them if it is close and the halves are in rhythm and playing well. 

"In the match he didn't play it was just a tough situation to get him out there. I did explain that to him before the match and he understood that." 

Sheens is facing the biggest test of his international coaching career with Australia expected to win the series despite facing arguably the strongest England and New Zealand sides ever assembled. 

The premiership winning coach admitted his side had everything to lose and nothing to gain after arriving behind enemy lines and bunkering down in Manchester.

"This is a huge challenge," he said. 

"We have an extremely talented squad but we are up against some pretty bloody good opposition. We are also a long way from home and if we don't perform we will get beat. It is as simple as that."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Veteran Rooster may leave the coop

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OFF-CONTRACT premiership winning veteran Luke O'Donnell will get a 2014 NRL swansong – but it might not be with the Roosters.

One of the few players to make a successful return to the NRL after being put out to pasture in the English Super League, the former Cowboy enforcer's career will continue with two club's ready to swoop should the Roosters fail to offer him a deal.

With the sweet taste of premiership success whetting his appetite for one more year, O'Donnell has delayed retirement and is negotiating a new deal. 

"He is going to play again," said O'Donnell's manager Wayne Beavis.

"He had a great year and wants to continue. There is no reason why he should stop."

The Roosters, however, may not be able to fit O'Donnell into their ever expanding salary cap and the back-rower turned prop could become a victim of their success. But O'Donnell, 32, will not be forced out with two Sydney club's ready to swoop in a bid to stiffen up their pack with the no-nonsense forward famous for headbutting Dave Taylor before attempting to take on the entire Queensland Origin squad. 

"There are a couple of clubs interested in him," said Beavis.

"But his first choice of course is the Roosters. He wants to stay at the club he just won a premiership and hopefully that will happen. We are talking but this is also a business and they have to be able to fit him in. We understand that and there are plenty of options there if he can't stay with the Roosters."

O'Donnell was instrumental in helping the Roosters to their fairy-tale premiership with the four club journey man helping steel the young pack. The 103kg firebrand was a last minute addition to the squad after new coach Trent Robinson snared him from the Super League for his starch. The Roosters have shed Martin Kennedy to the Brisbane Broncos but will retain their premiership winning team after officially re-signing Sonny Bill Williams. 

The retention of the Kiwi superstar, and back ended deals to the likes of Michael Jennings, will leave little salary cap cash for O'Donnell making a move likely. 

O'Donnell will only link with a Sydney club having set up home in the harbour city since returning from his stint with the Huddersfield Giants. 

The Roosters have also been linked to Raider's runaway Blake Ferguson, but there is little chance of that happening unless another back is shown the door.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

A good day for family of fortunes

Greg Hall congratulates his son Nick after the Caulfield Cup win. Picture: Jay Town Source: Jay Town / HeraldSun

IT was the Caulfield Cup where the door to racing's most closed shop was flung open.

It was a family affair of sons and godsons.

Those usually muted by Lloyd's rules spoke.

Who knew Robert Hickmott could string a sentence.

Who knew the official trainer of Lloyd's private army had a son. His name is Joshua and yesterday he celebrated his 11th birthday, the day Fawkner, the horse the racebook says is trained by his dad, won the Caulfield Cup.

Hickmott thanked staff whose names we'd never, from memory, heard before.

Jason Chandler, Dean Crongold, all cogs in the ­Williams machine, were mentioned and thanked.

Nick Williams, son of Lloyd, spoke of his father's endless efforts to win the Caulfield Cup.

Nayrizi, ridden by Greg Hall, failed by a whisker many years ago, when Lloyd appeared on racetracks and Nick was in short pants.

The Melbourne Cup is Nick's father's obsession but the Caulfield Cup has always been en route and important.

Nayrizi, one of Lloyd's early imports, was as close as Loyd had ever got.

The moment Nick Hall knew the cup was his as Fawkner hits the line. Picture: Jay Town Source: HeraldSun

Lloyd would have watched yesterday's cup from what he has dubbed the "Lloyd Williams grandstand", which doubles as his couch.

The billionaire would have been proud of his horse, an anomaly to Lloyd's other ­obsession, for international horses. Locally-bred, Fawkner bucks Australian racing's great trend towards imported stayers.

Lloyd would also have been proud of another Nick.

Nick Hall is Lloyd's godson, a tribute to Nick Hall's father Greg, who was one of dozens of one-time Williams stable ­riders and the one who delivered Lloyd results when Lloyd was racing's most feared punter.

Greg Hall emerged from the mounting yard throng as Nick pushed his way towards the weighing in stage.

A few moments earlier, 26-year-old Nick clenched his fist and squealed, probably for the first time in his life.

Nick signs off on a job well done. Picture: Jay Town Source: HeraldSun

A noted racing identity remarked a few years ago, after young Nick sailed home aboard All Silent twice up the straight during the Flemington Spring Carnival, that "it's like he's been here before. He's got a certain serenity".

Greg and Nick Hall were never the perfect father and son match; never described as peas in a pod, never seen arm in arm downing pots of VB in pubs.

Greg was always loud and lairy, Nick reserved and softly-spoken. The loudest thing about Nick is his vast array of tattoos.

Greg's greatest contribution to his son's early career was driving him up to Heathcote one day to ride a kind old horse called Subzero, whom Greg had ridden years earlier to victory in a Melbourne Cup.

Nick was a natural. He got that, at least, from his father.

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Greg then drove Nick to Mansfield, to learn more from a wily bush trainer called Gerald Egan. From there, Nick forged his own way.

As Nick spoke with typical reservation at the first post-cup interview, Greg stood a few metres away, edging closer to his "first born", describing his paternal pride and how Nick had put together the final piece in the family puzzle.

Greg said he had won all the big city cups and had joked at a sportsman's night that the Caulfield Cup never interested him "because I'm not interested in suburbs".

"It's unbelievable, just unbelievable," Greg said as cameras homed in on him for the first time in 20 years.

He forced himself towards his son, and said "I can touch him now'' and smothered young Nick in a bear hug.

Trainer Robert Hickmott with his son Josh. Picture: Jay Town Source: HeraldSun

Nick spent much of his childhood overseas, in places such as Dubai, with his mother Kim, Greg's first wife.

Before the split, Greg won the Victoria Derby aboard Mahogany, for, yes, Lloyd Williams.

Nick, the quiet kid, about five or six, stowed away in his famous dad's car on race morning.

"His mother thought he was lost,'' Greg said. "He hid in the back seat, never said a word."

Greg said Nick was "a beautiful kid", revealing he sent him a text message on cup eve.

It said: "I love you buddy, we can do this and get the full set (of major cups). You can have mine."

Not long after Robert Hickmott revealed his voice for the first time, thanking his own son, and a few minutes after Lloyd's son Nick told the racecourse that Nick Hall "had come of age", young Hall took to the microphone.

Typically, he was brief, but he also was memorable.

Nick Hall has never been particularly close to his dad, but his dad was there, proud as punch, and Nick had won the Caulfield Cup.

"It's a good day,'' Nick said. "It's a very good day."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

FFA close in on new Roos coach

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THE new Socceroos coach will be appointed before the next FIFA window on November 15, giving him seven months to prepare for the World Cup in Brazil.

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FFA chief executive David Gallop, who returned home from Europe on Friday, also admitted that Holger Osieck's position at the helm of the Socceroos came under scrutiny as early as June.

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"It should not come as a surprise that we have been considering possible scenarios and options since the World Cup qualification period earlier this year," Gallop said.

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"That is appropriate contingency planning. We would like to appoint the coach before the next FIFA window in November to give him the opportunity to work with the players ahead of the World Cup, the Asian Cup and beyond."

After discussions with FFA boss Frank Lowy, Gallop confirmed the next Socceroos coach will be an Australian.

"We have made contact with the A-League clubs of the three candidates mentioned and while the speculation is understandable it would not be appropriate to make further comment at this stage.

"The regeneration of the team is critical but producing a competitive outfit is not something that should only be a long-term goal. We want the Socceroos to strive for world class standards and to always punch above our weight on the global stage."

Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold, who is a candidate for the job along with Ange Postecoglou and Tony Popovic, says he's been in contact with FFA and trusts they will make the right decision.

"I received a phone call myself to say that I was a candidate and they'd be in touch shortly," Arnold said on Friday.

"Again it's a decision that will get down to Frank Lowy and the technical department. Whatever happens, happens and it's just an honour to be included as one of the candidates, but also to have an Australian in charge is great for the game.

"I think all three of us have got good credentials."

Gallop added that Luke Casserly, the new head of National Performance, will lead a review of the Socceroos and the new coach will have input into that review.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

World Cup a family affair for Daly

Daly Cherry-Evans, partner Vessa Rockliff and baby Navi.

STAR Sea Eagles halfback Daly Cherry-Evans will be boosted by the support of the two most important people in his life during the Rugby League World Cup.

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He revealed his partner Vessa and eight-month-old daughter Navi will be flying over to England during the tournament.

Cherry-Evans said the toughest thing about his selection in the World Cup squad was leaving his family at home.

"The first couple of weeks are going to be the hardest," he admitted.

"But I have them to look forward to because they will be coming over at some stage.

"It will be good to have in the back of my mind."

Cherry-Evans said becoming a dad has transformed his life.

"My oath it has, but all in a positive aspect," he said.

"I wouldn't change anything for the world. I definitely love the family lifestyle I am living now."

Cherry-Evans said the hollow feeling as a result of the grand final loss to the Roosters will stay with him forever.

"The reward I received on the day of the grand final (the Clive Churchill Medal) and the (Kangaroos) announcement the next day was definitely a short term consolation," he said.

"I daresay when I sit back and think about this year there will be a lot of good think about.

"But there will also be a bit of disappointment of what could have been on grand final day."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Why Cup means all to Cam and co

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THREE greats of the modern era could finish their careers without achieving the pinnacle of international rugby league, should favourites Australia once again fail on the World Cup stage.

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New Zealand's startling win back in 2008 means the tournament starting next week in the UK could be the last chance for Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater to reach the heights of the great Kangaroos before them.

Following the pattern of irregularity which has plagued the Rugby League World Cup since its inception in 1954 (33 years before rugby had its first World Cup), it's been five years since the Kiwis were crowned champions for the first time.

But the long wait has only risen the stakes for the game's elite.

Australia's dominance through the years (nine trophies from 13 tournaments) means World Cup victory has featured on the resumes of most of the game's post World War II elite – including immortals Johnny Raper, Graham Langlands, Bob Fulton, Wally Lewis, Artie Beetson and Andrew Johns.

Smith, Thurston and Slater, who could all realistically be considered for immortal status, have won grand finals and conquered all with Queensland.

But at 30 years of age, it's doubtful all three would be around for the next Cup in 2017.

However, it's not just the Kangaroos who have been sprung into action by the Kiwis' heroics under Stephen Kearney in 2008.

Sonny Bill Williams walked out on Canterbury before the last World Cup began, and in contrast to his ever-growing list of achievements, he's never even won a Test match with the Kiwis.

A Rugby World Cup winner with the All Blacks in 2011, Williams is hoping his 11th hour backflip to play for New Zealand will result in him becoming the first dual international to ever claim Cup victory in both codes.

Kiwis' coach Kearney is also on the verge of World Cup greatness.

If New Zealand can defend their title, he'll join Australians Bob Fulton and Harry Bath as the only coaches to oversee two World Cup wins.

Fulton's record of four Cup appearances as a player and two as coach make him untouchable as rugby league's most dominant figure at this level.

But Kearney, who played two World Cups for New Zealand as a player (47 Tests in total), can create his own legacy as one of the game's most successful international player/coaches.

As it was for Ricky Stuart after 2008, anything short of victory will be the end of Tim Sheens' Kangaroos career.

The tournament kick-off between Australia and England in Cardiff on October 26, is a major test for the credibility of the Poms, coached by Steve McNamara.

Great Britain has won three World Cups.

The last was way back in 1972 – and going it alone, England's trophy cabinet is empty.

They were completely outclassed back in 2008, but on home soil and with the Burgess brothers, James Graham and Gareth Widdop giving them a strong grounding in NRL experience – England are capable of pushing Australia and New Zealand.
 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ange, Arnie go back to the future

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MUCH has changed in the corridors of Australian football's HQ since Ange Postecoglou and Graham Arnold worked side by side a decade ago, integral to the national set-up under Frank Farina

Then in the days of Soccer Australia it was budgets of less than nothing, making do and mend every day – epitomised by Arnold working across four national teams, assistant to Farina with the senior and Olympic teams, and to Postecoglou with the U17s and U20s.

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Years later one of them – almost certainly Postecoglou - will return within days to Football Federation Australia as it is now, to take over a Socceroos side heading for its third World Cup but in apparent disarray. The challenge is one of a footballing kind rather than the threadbare environment where they worked before.

It's true that Postecoglou is now almost unbackable as the anointed successor to Holger Osieck. But there are still discussions to be had about the structure he would work in, and as in any football contest, nothing is certain until the whistle goes or, in this case, the contract is signed.

Certainly the merits of the two leading candidates will be debated until the deal is done. The rise in Postecoglou's star has been spectacular since he took over Brisbane Roar in 2009.

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The style of the Roar team he developed, and Postecoglou's media-friendliness, make him in some ways the people's choice – and evidently that of David Gallop, the FFA CEO determined to make fundamental changes to the way his national teams unit operates.

It's obvious that Gallop is also attracted to the way Postecoglou remade Roar in his own image, getting rid of older players who he judged unable – or unwilling – to buy into his philosophy.

From a corporate point of view, it's understandable that FFA would value the fact that the Victory coach "gets" the need for a profile, and to be comfortable with the spotlight.

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But it's also noted within the game that there is a certain degree to be taken on trust in appointing him. His teams play in a style about which he is almost a zealot – in July there was an interesting contrast between the All-Stars, whom he coached for a few days and were no match for Manchester United, and Victory a few days later who on the back of a year with Postecoglou did the A-League proud against Liverpool.

In an international environment where preparation time is often measured in hours rather than months, whether Postecoglou can instill his philosophy into the Socceroos quickly enough is one of the fascinating questions of this whole debate.

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At FFA it has been noted that the new man will have almost a month with his team before the first game of the World Cup, which they believe will make a huge difference – especially with players of national-team calibre.
Arnold by contrast is far more of a pragmatist in the sense that he first appraises the players and then chooses the system to fit what he has. 

Building from the back first, Arnold got the defensive structure right at the Mariners before gradually refining the tactics further forward over subsequent seasons. In the process he also gave them the acumen to switch between systems comfortably even within a game – something that many players will say is a pre-requisite for international football.

Where 'Arnie' is far less comfortable is when the spotlight turns his way. The Mariners has suited him perfectly, the only regional club in the competition and one that every year flies under the proverbial radar.

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Arnold used the travails of the club in recent times to his team's advantage, creating a siege mentality from the obstacles that the club being broke threw up. 

But in the process his carefully cultivated Mr Grumpy routine has rather stuck in the public consciousness, which is both unfair – he is a passionate and creative thinker about the game – but also entirely self-inflicted.

There are two things that they both have in common: an obvious patriotism, and also a graciousness about the other, as befits friends of long-standing. Many things have changed since they were international colleagues before, but the camaraderie between them hasn't.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Zullo baffled by Neill's criticism

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FRINGE Socceroo Michael Zullo is baffled by Lucas Neill's comments questioning younger players' "hunger and desire" to represent Australia.

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Backed into a corner after his own poor form in the Socceroos' 6-0 losses to Brazil and France, the ageing Neill this week hit out at calls for him to retire and instead turned the heat on Australia's emerging talent.

"The biggest problem in Australia right now is not the older guys who have been there doing it for a long time," Neill said before the Socceroos' 3-0 midweek win over a woeful Canada in London.

"My question to the younger guys who want to play for Australia is 'Do you dream of playing for Australia?' and if you do show me the hunger and the desire.

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"I think that's where we are lacking now - our attitude towards our national team."

Zullo, who has missed selection in Australia's squads since the June World Cup qualifiers, seemed taken aback by Neill's outburst.

"I don't know what to make of them really," said the 25-year-old left back who has returned to the A-League this year to join Adelaide United on loan from Dutch outfit FC Utrecht.

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"Every time I've been in camp I've really worked hard and shown a passion to wear the Australian jersey.

"I feel like no one gets into a Socceroos camp without showing a lot of desire and passion to get themselves there.

"But Lucas has always been a good captain to me so I can't really fault him on that."

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The former Brisbane Roar star first played for the Socceroos in 2009 and has 10 caps in what has beem a stop-start national team career because of injuries, form and a lack of playing time when he was in the Netherlands.

Provided he overcomes a slight ankle problem, Zullo will Friday night get the chance to play in front of Ange Postecoglou, the man widely tipped to be named as the replacement for sacked Socceroos coach Holger Osieck.

But Zullo insists Socceroos selection and next year's World Cup won't be on his mind when Adelaide hosts the Postecoglou-coached Melbourne Victory at Coopers Stadium.

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"No one knows who's going to become Socceroos coach yet - it's just very important to play well," he said.

"When I first came back it was all about the Socceroos, but the more I've thought about it, the more I've realised that this year should be more about just playing well again and enjoying my football.

"That's got to be the immediate goal. If I do that, then hopefully everything in the future falls into place."

But having been coached by Postecoglou at the Roar, albeit before the current Victory boss led Brisbane to back-to-back A-League titles, Zullo was confident his old coach could turn the Socceroos' fortunes around if appointed.

"It was a pretty similar situation when Ange came into the Roar. He was briefed with bringing in a complete culture change and a complete regeneration of the squad and he did that extremely successfully," said Zullo, who was sold against Postecoglou's wishes at the end of the 2009-10 A-League season by the then Brisbane board to Utrecht along with Tommy Oar and Adam Sarota.

"He created the most successful team in Australian history. I found him pretty good to work under at the Roar."

Zullo said he also "owed" Postecoglou for switching him to left fullback from his previous left midfield-wing position.

"I never played a game at left back until Ange came to the Roar.

"I guess I owe him for that because that became the future of my career. That was a massive step I took."

---

IT'S here! Episode one of the Fox Football Podcast, featuring Adam Peacock, Tom Smithies, Simon Hill and Daniel Garb.

Plenty to discuss to kick us off, as the boys run the rule over the Socceroos' mess and this week's A-League.

With the next coach looking like being an Aussie, Tom reveals that Osieck's $1.5m salary would not be anywhere near enough to command a high caliber coach abroad.

You can check it out here at the iTunes store, subscribe, and share your rating! Enjoy. 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Warner filthy despite Ryobi ton

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NOT even a long overdue century could make David Warner happy.

The wayward left-hander overcame a string of low scores to smack a sparkling 139 in just 126 balls for NSW in the Ryobi Cup match against Queensland at North Sydney Oval on Thursday.

However an angry Warner left the ground shortly after the match, which Queensland won easily despite Warner's fireworks.

He hit 13 fours and six sixes including one struck a grandstand clock.

Warner celebrated his century like a man who has had a lean and disrupted year but that moment of joy did not appear to last long.

NSW collapsed to be all out for 253 and Queensland won by five wickets with six overs to spare.

It was unclear whether Warner's anger surrounded the team performance or questions about his place in the Australia side after a terrible year on and off the field.

Dropped from the Australia one-day and Twenty20 sides, Warner averaged just 24 during the four-Test tour of India earlier this year and 23 on the recent Ashes tour, when he played the last three Tests.

He missed the first two Tests in England after being suspended for punching England's Joe Root in a Birmingham hotel during the Champions Trophy.

In a growing list of controversies Warner was chastised last week for refusing to play club cricket when he desperately needs all the cricket he can get.

While Warner continues his struggles with the sometimes harsh realities of the cricketing world a relaxed Usman Khajawa scored 63 from 52 balls opening the batting for Queensland in front of selector Rod Marsh.

Khawaja confided that he spoke to Marsh after being dropped for the last Test in England.

"It's quite obvious, you score runs, you put your hand up and play for Australia if the opportunity arises," Khawaja said.

"Hopefully you take it which I haven't really done the last couple of times I've been there (in Test cricket).

"We try to keep it simple, it's not rocket science.

"They (the selectors) are picking blokes on form that's why Chris Rogers is in the team.

"A few years ago with the old selectors he wouldn't have played, obviously he has been an outstanding performer in Shield cricket and county cricket and done beautifully."

Despite averaging just 25 in nine Tests over almost three years Khawaja, 26, believes he will play for Australia again.

"I am quite confident in myself, I believe in myself and I believe in god and I am quite happy with where I am right now and I have faith I will play for Australia again, it is just a matter of when.

"It doesn't need to be rushed, good things come to those who wait. Hopefully I can keep scoring runs again and become a better player."

Significantly the best NSW bowler was spinner Nathan Lyon despite the short North Sydney Oval boundaries.
Opening the bowling Lyon claimed 2-33 from 10 overs with his first wicket Khawaja stumped.

"He was bowling well there," said Khawaja. "It was one of those ones where he genuinely beat me, beat me for flight and got me out of my crease, he got the best of me there.

"He was the toughest bowler for them, luckily you can only bowl 10 overs in a one day game so we worked out pretty quick that if we can fend him off we can score easily against the other bowlers."

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Victory poised to release Ange

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MELBOURNE Victory are reluctantly preparing to release Ange Postecoglou to coach the Socceroos, with football chiefs hopeful of unveiling him as successor to Holger Osieck next week.

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After Postecoglou on Thursday confirmed that his club had received informal contact from Football Federation Australia, frustrated Victory executives are believed to be aware of his desire to take the job, and the dangers involved in blocking it.

Though the Victory board only appointed the title-winning coach 18 months ago after a lengthy courtship, it's believed they won't ultimately stand in his way.

Nor is the club unlikely to receive a substantial compensation cheque from FFA, but discussions are ongoing about whether he will be allowed to stay at Victory for an interim period while his own successor is found.

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With the Mariners confirming on Thursday that they had had no approach over Graham Arnold, the other leading candidate for the role, it is increasingly Postecoglou's for the taking.

On Thursday the 48-year-old said he had yet to receive a "formal" approach, but confirmed discussions had taken place between club and country.

"I've had no formal contact, as far as I'm aware the club may have had some contact from FFA," Postecoglou said.

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"If it comes my way and I'm considered for the position it would be a great honour.

"I don't think it's a position you should really lobby for, if the powers that be find it in their wisdom to have a look at me and offer it to me it would be a great honour."

Asked what his gut instinct was, Postecoglou added: "My gut's telling me that we've got a game [against Adelaide] that we're desperate to win and that's my total focus right now.

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"I know there's a lot of interest around the Socceroos position but I've got a massive responsibility here to make sure we play well and win."

With FFA CEO David Gallop due back from Europe Thursday night from his assassination mission to end Osieck's tenure, he will meet Friday with technical director Han Berger to map out the structure the new coach would work within.

As well as deciding how - if at all - to replace Berger, who leaves after the World Cup in June, it's believed the post-Osieck review under way will include every facet of the national team environment, from the use of sports science to the hotels the team stays in.

However FFA officials are also aware of the need to decide quickly whether they want the new man in place for the two home friendlies due to be announced shortly for November 15 and 19.

The squad for that must be announced a fortnight before, at least in terms of giving the players' clubs notice, meaning the new coach would have to be in place within 10 days or so to put a list of players together.

The alternative would be to allow Aurelio Vidmar to continue as caretaker coach for those November games, particularly if Victory insist on Postecoglou working at least some period of notice while his successor is found.

Though FFA would prefer to bring their new man in immediately, given there may only be six games before next year's World Cup including the two in November, that may be ground they have to give.

---

IT'S here! Episode one of the Fox Football Podcast, featuring Adam Peacock, Tom Smithies, Simon Hill and Daniel Garb.

Plenty to discuss to kick us off, as the boys run the rule over the Socceroos' mess and this week's A-League.

With the next coach looking like being an Aussie, Tom reveals that Osieck's $1.5m salary would not be anywhere near enough to command a high caliber coach abroad.

You can check it out here at the iTunes store, subscribe, and share your rating! Enjoy. 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

I want us to nail Poms: McDermott

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RETURNING pace guru Craig McDermott says getting the basics right will be a high priority for Australia's fast bowling battery.

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And he wants our paceman to be 'nailing the Poms.'

McDermott received enormous praise for his work with the national team and was a significant loss to its support network when he resigned from the job in May last year.

McDermott claimed he would be taking the same approach this time.

"It was the philosophy of we've got to get the ball swinging consistently," he said.

"I though Ryno (Ryan Harris) in particular did a good job in England and Sids (Peter Siddle) bowled pretty well.

"We've got to get our attack performing across the board like it did 18 months ago. That's my job, to get us back there knocking teams over regularly or if not grinding out Tests.

"I want to make sure we're bowling the right lengths mixed up with some really good bouncers and nailing the Poms as much as we can."

McDermott was reappointed as Test fast bowling coach yesterday after Cricket Australia performed a backflip.

A month after high performance manager Pat Howard ruled out recalling McDermott to a senior role, he announced the former champion quick would share the role.

McDermott is back in the Australia setup to work with the Test bowlers.

"I'm very keen, " McDermott said.

"It was very hard to watch the last 12 months away from the guys who I've become very close to as friends and mentors. It was very hard to watch us get beaten in the Ashes."

McDermott claimed there would be a lot of emphasis on getting the basics right.

"Addressing things like no balls at training. We've taken a couple of wickets on no balls in the last couple of series so we really need to take that seriously like I did when I was in the job previously," he said.

"There's no rocket science involved but making sure we do dot our i's and cross our t's and make sure we've got the fittest attack, which then comes into being about executing what we want to do time and time again and be relentless and boring and take lots of wickets."

Current bowling coach Ali De Winter, the former Tasmanian all-rounder, will remain one-day and Twenty20 bowling coach.

"Craig said he left for family reasons at the time and we haven't really reviewed that," Howard said last month.

"He works well with our under-19 program and we are very fortunate to have blokes like Craig involved at that level."

Yesterday Howard claimed that he had been in "constant dialogue" with McDermott.

"While it was always something that was a possibility it wasn't being discussed with Craig at the time," Howard said of McDermott's possible return.

"We've been looking at the systems the whole way through so it hasn't changed as much as it may appear."

McDermott, 48, was one of Australia's finest fast bowlers, claiming 291 wickets in 71 Test before a chronic knee injury ended his career.

He is one of just four Australians to have taken more than 200 Test and one-day wickets along with Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson. 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Milligan fit to start grudge match

Mark Milligan trains freely for Victory on Wednesday. Source: George Salpigtidis / HeraldSun

MELBOURNE Victory captain Mark Milligan is poised to win his battle to be fit for Friday night's clash with Adelaide United.

Hampered by a knee injury since a pre-season friendly against the Reds on October 3, Milligan was forced to fly home from the Socceroos camp in Europe before the weekend's loss to France.

He did not play against Heart last Saturday and coach Ange Postecoglou speculated that the midfielder may need minor knee surgery to heal the niggle.

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Doing so could have ruled the 28-year-old out for up to a month.

But Milligan, with strapping on his right knee, moved freely at training on Wednesday and played with the first XI in a full field match simulation.

If Wednesday's session - Victory's main training run of the week before they fly out to Adelaide Thursday afternoon - is any guide then the skipper will take the spot of Rashid Mahazi, even though the youngster was impressive in his A-League debut.

As expected, Nick Ansell is likely to replace the suspended Pablo Contreras in central defence after partnering Adrian Leijer at Gosch's Paddock.

New Zealand international Kosta Barbarouses will fly in to Adelaide Friday morning after taking part in the All Whites' 0-0 draw against Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain on Wednesday.

He is unlikely to start, but could be a substitute.

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Victory has defeated the Reds just once since October 2010 - a run that has included four losses and two draws - and midfielder James Troisi said the club is expecting another tough challenge at Coopers Stadium.

"We played a friendly against them, they're looking good," Troisi said.

"Obviously they had a good win (against Perth) on the weekend, but there's no doubt we have the players and the team to start to do really well this season."

***

MELBOURNE Heart captain Harry Kewell's availability for his side's clash with Central Coast at AAMI Park on Saturday is likely to be determined at training Thursday.

Teammate Iain Ramsay said Kewell had not trained since suffering a neck injury against Melbourne Victory last Saturday. 

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Chaos to greet Arthur at Eels

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Brad Arthur to be plunged into immediate chaos as new coach of Parramatta Eels NRL club

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ON Tuesday night Brad Arthur was lazing in the pool at a Kuta Beach hotel when his wife Michelle interrupted the well-earned reverie.

She had urgent news of a phone call from Sydney, which the young family had left behind the previous ­morning for a 12-day vacation in Bali.

Upon learning ­Parramatta chairman Steve Sharp was on the other end of the line, Arthur put down his Bintang stubbie and accepted the phone.

He suspected it would be a worthwhile trade.

"I thought it might be some positive news . . . why else would he be calling?" Arthur reasoned.

"It ended up be the news that I wanted, but I didn't expect it.

"Over the past week it's been up, down, up, down."

Which explains why Arthur found himself in the luxurious surrounds of the Bali Dynasty resort when ­Parramatta finally sealed the most convoluted, mind-­boggling and politically driven coaching appointment in NRL history.

BOARDROOM GAMES
A week earlier, the Manly ­assistant thought he had the job after negotiations progressed to the point of discussing his salary.

Then his application was unexpectedly defeated 2-3 at a board meeting last Tuesday night, despite Sharp publicly declaring his personal support for Arthur.

Fast forward a week and Arthur's rival, Jason Taylor, was in the box seat.

Arthur's management were even told on Tuesday morning that Taylor would be appointed.

With that news in mind, Arthur settled back for his Balinese holiday in the knowledge he would remain Geoff Toovey's assistant at Manly in 2014.

And then came Sharp's offer of a three-year deal, which was extended just moments after the Eels board backflipped and voted 4-2 in favour of Arthur on Tuesday night.

"It's been like a roller-coaster ride with everything that's been going on, including the Cowboys job," said Arthur, runner-up to Paul Green in last month's race to coach North Queensland.

"The thing that kept me positive was I had a great job at Manly. There's no question I wanted to be a head coach, but it had to be the right time."

With Parramatta's highly factionalised board in a constant state of flux, the ideal time — politically — could still be years away. 

Arthur accepts the job in full knowledge that one third of the boardroom wanted Taylor.

"That doesn't bother me because I know I'm the best person for the job," he said.

"I'm going there to coach a footy side.

"I've got no concern over things I can't control, like what happens in the board room."

THE PLAYERS
Not long after Ricky Stuart quit the Eels early last month, Arthur discovered he was the players' choice to be coach.

He earned their admiration during a six-week stint as caretaker in late 2012, following Steve Kearney's sacking, by promoting a less structured brand of attack.

"Knowing the players wanted me there was good in terms of reassurance that this is the right job for me and that I've already got a head start," Arthur said.

Headed by veteran forward Ben Smith, there's also a handful of Eels who are yet to find homes after being told to look elsewhere in June.

"I've got to talk to (recruitment manager) Peter Nolan about that, and go through the way I want to coach and the way I want the team to play," Arthur said.  

"If I feel that they fit that style I would be crazy to let them go."

HOPPA AND SANDOW
As Taylor firmed to prohibitive odds to win the role, the handlers of star recruit Will Hopoate started to make noises about exercising a get-out clause to renege on the three-year deal with Parramatta.

Hopoate's father, John, was an Arthur fan from time the pair spent together during the preseason at Manly.

Now that Arthur has been appointed, Hopoate is assured of reporting for duty when the players return for pre-season training on 7 November.

Whether Sandow recaptures his best form under ­Arthur at the Eels is much more of a ­mystery.

"I've not had any involvement with Chris for 12 months, so I need to sit down with him and get an idea of what he wants to do with his career and where he's going," Arthur said.

"It's very hard to dictate what's going to happen with Chris until he decides what he wants to do."

PARRA PASSION
Unbeknown to many, Arthur was raised in Seven Hills and is a Parramatta junior.

His first coaching roles were in Batemans Bay and Cairns, prior to his career making move to Melbourne where he learned the trade under Craig Bellamy.

For the past three years Arthur has juggled assistant duties at Parramatta and Manly with the head coaching role of the Rouse Hill Rhinos Under 11s.

"My son Jake plays with Rouse Hill and it's something I want to stay involved with next year, as well," Arthur said.

"Growing up and playing for the Eels as a kid, this is more than a job. It's a real honour."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

The truth about Monkeygate

Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar. Source: DIBYANGSHU SARKAR / AFP

AS millions of besotted cricket fans prepare to farewell Sachin Tendulkar in his 200th Test next month Ricky Ponting has questioned the Indian demigod's central role in exacerbating the Andrew Symonds Monkeygate scandal.

Writing candidly in his autobiography The Close of Play, Ponting has said publicly what many Australian players have uttered privately since the 2007-08 summer was torn asunder.

Harbhajan Singh was charged with racial abuse for calling Andrew Symonds a monkey during the Sydney Test, creating a furore unprecedented since bodyline.

The Indian spinner was suspended for three Tests by match referee Mike Procter only to be cleared on appeal when Tendulkar changed his story.

Justice John Hansen from New Zealand heard the appeal and saw Tendulkar as a key witness.

Ponting was dismayed by Justice Hansen's decision, which stated: 'Contrary to reports Tendulkar heard nothing, he told me he heard a heated exchange and wished to calm Mr Singh down. His evidence was that there was swearing between the two.

Australian cricketers (l-r) Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds and Matthew Hayden at Harbhajan Singh's appeal against his three match ban.

`It was initiated by Mr Symonds. That he did not hear the word 'monkey' or 'big monkey', but he did say he heard Mr Singh use a term in his native tongue 'teri maki' which appears to be pronounced with an 'n'. He said this is a term that sounds like 'monkey' and could be misinterpreted for it.'

Ponting was taken aback by Tendulkar's sudden recollections.

"I couldn't understand why Sachin didn't tell this to (match referee) Mike Procter in the first place," Ponting wrote.

Adam Gilchrist took a similar view in his book five years ago after he retired at the end of that tumultuous summer, claiming Tendulkar's change of story for the appeal was a "joke".

"Tendulkar, who'd said at the first hearing that he hadn't been able to hear what Harbhajan had said - and he was a fair way away, up the other end, so I'm certain he was telling the truth - now supported Harbhajan's version that he hadn't called Symo a 'monkey' but instead a Hindi term of abuse that might sound like 'monkey' to Australian ears," Gilchrist said.

India's Harbhajan Singh at the appeal against his three-match ban imposed by the ICC for allegedly racially taunting Australia's Andrew Symonds.

"The Indians got him off the hook when they, of all people, should have been treating the matter of racial vilification with the utmost seriousness."

Ponting described fining Harbhajan half his match his match fee for abuse as "absurd."

"Owing to an administrative error, the judge was never told about any of Harbhajan's past offences, which meant the penalty was way less than what it should have been," Ponting wrote.

"As I pondered this result over the weeks and months that followed, I started to think that I needed to be more savvy about the off-field politics.

"Maybe the Indian cricket juggernaut of the 21st century is too influential to shake. But then I thought about the way a number of people in the game had questioned our motives; how they thought we were just seeking an advantage rather than acting on principle.

"It was much more serious than that. When Darren Lehmann was suspended for a racist comment in the lead-up to the 2003 World Cup, we were criticised as a group for not seeing the seriousness in what Boof had done.

"Five years later, the roles were reversed. I felt that there was a lot of hypocrisy about the 'Monkeygate' scandal."

The Sydney Test had been a record-equalling 16th consecutive victory after India dramatically collapsed to lose a Test they looked likely to draw but celebrations were cut short by Harbhajan's racial vilification hearing.

"Mike Procter heard all the evidence and found Harbhajan guilty. The next day, the Indians responded by threatening to go home," Ponting wrote.

"Because (captain Anil) Kumble's uncontested line about 'Australia playing outside the spirit of the game' received so much attention, quickly the belief spread that it was us, not Procter's judgement, that provoked the trouble."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Troisi hungry for Socceroos return

James Troisi dribbles the ball in his A-League debut for Victory. Source: Michael Klein / HeraldSun

FRINGE Socceroo James Troisi says representing Australia means everything to him and playing at next year's World Cup would be the biggest thing he could do in his career.

In light of calls to refresh an ageing Socceroos line-up, Troisi said the mood for change in the national team would give him and other youngsters extra motivation to make the squad for June's tournament in Brazil.

The Melbourne Victory midfielder insisted he had not heard Lucas Neill's comments questioning the hunger and desire of the next generation of Australian players, but could not agree.

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Troisi said playing for the Socceroos "means everything" to him.

"You ask every footballer about playing with their national team and playing in the World Cup," Troisi said on Wednesday.

"Every single player will say it's the biggest thing in football.

"Everyone wants to do it and you have to have hunger and desire to do that."

The 25-year-old has nine international caps but has not featured since the World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia 18 months ago.

Troisi, who struggled for game time with Serie A club Atalanta last season, said the lure of playing in the World Cup was part of the reason why he had chosen to play in the A-League this year.

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But Troisi also said he did not know how the Socceroos' recent struggles and the sacking of coach Holger Osieck would affect his chances of making it to Brazil.

"You could be the best player and the coach doesn't like you and doesn't pick you," he said. "I felt I did really well in Turkey and wasn't getting selected.

"I don't know what's going to happen next, but if I'm doing what I can do on the pitch with my club, then hopefully all things go well with the national team as well."

Troisi laughed when asked if he was conflicted by the prospect of Ange Postecoglou coaching the Socceroos.

Postecoglou clearly rates the South Australian, given he recruited him to Victory, but Troisi said losing his coach to the national team would be a blow to the club.

"I think he's the right man (for the job)," Troisi said.

"Do we want him to go? Yes and no. He hasn't spoken about it to us. We just hear about it on the TV and in the news. We'll just have to wait and see what happens."  

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Aussies in rush for Cup tickets

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THE doom and gloom surrounding the Socceroos have not deterred Australians from applying for World Cup tickets in huge numbers.

It comes as the possibility of a grudge match with England at Wembley next month gathers momentum.

A total of 6,164,682 requests for tickets were received by FIFA when the first application period ended on the weekend, 88,082 from Australia.

Only applications from host nation Brazil, the US, Argentina, Germany, Chile and England outstripped those of Australia.

Tickets for group matches range from $95 to $185. Tickets for the final at the Maracana stadium range from $465 to $1040.

Sales of leftover seats will begin on November 5 on a first-come, first-served basis. Another phase will begin on December 8 after the World Cup draw determines where and when each nation will play.

Australia's preparations for the tournament, which begins on June 12, may step up another gear next month with reports in England suggesting national team manager Roy Hodgson had lined up a friendly with the Socceroos.

The England match would be played just days before our cricketers recommence their battle for the Ashes in Brisbane.

The Socceroos shocked the Three Lions in the most recent meeting between the two nations, winning 3-1 at West Ham's Upton Park in 2003 courtesy of goals from Tony Popovic, Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton.

Football Federation Australia officials said negotiations with potential opponents for the November FIFA window would gather steam in the coming days after a glut of World Cup qualifiers this morning determined the availability of rival nations.

A match in each of Sydney and Melbourne against a European or South American opponent on November 15 and 19 had been mooted, and is still possible, but the English Football Association is said to be keen to see the Socceroos match take place at Wembley.

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill, speaking before this morning's friendly against Canada in London, said his side would welcome the England clash.

"It's another huge game for us against one of the biggest teams in the world, one of the most famous teams in the world," he said.

"Like playing Brazil in Brazil, like playing France in France, these are all very tempting matches and I'm sure that the people who arrange those games will definitely take serious consideration of the possibility."

WE GO TO RIO

Ticket applications for the 2014 World Cup
Brazil 4,368,029
USA 374,065
Argentina 266,937
Germany 134,899
Chile 102,288
England 96,780
Australia 88,082
Japan 69,806
Total requests: 6,164,682

Thousands of Socceroos fans have applied for World Cup tickets. Picture: Toby Zerna

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22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hussey backflips for Indian bully

Michael Hussey is inadvertently embroiled in a scandal. Source: News Limited

MIKE Hussey has become inadvertently embroiled in the scandal enveloping cricket's most dodgy and dangerous bully, Indian board president N.Srinivasan.

The former Australian champion and current IPL star with the Chennai Super Kings felt the need to apologise to Srinivasan following the recent release of Hussey's autobiography, Under the Southern Cross.

Srinivasan owns the Super Kings through his company India Cements but his now disgraced son in law Gurunath Meiyappan ran the franchise until he was arrested for alleged illegal betting on the IPL in May.

From that moment Srinivasan suddenly distanced himself from his son in law, describing him as a cricket "enthusiast."

Hussey's book said: "Our owner was Indian Cements, headed by Mr Srinivasan. As he was also on the board of the BCCI, he gave control of the team to his son-in-law Mr Gurunath. He ran the team along with Kepler Wessels, who was coach."

Now Hussey, who hopes to continue his involvement with the Super Kings, has become part of a growing Australian tradition of back-flipping for fear that the rivers of gold available through cricket in India may suddenly dry up.

Hussey told Cricinfo he might have been "a little bit wrong" and that Srinivasan would "know a lot better" who ran the Super Kings.

President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), N. Srinivasan. Source: AFP

"I knew he (Gurunath Meiyappan) was a close part of the team, no question about that, and I saw him around the team pretty much every day. [But] I am certainly not going to question the word of Mr Srinivasan."

Srinivasan has been shameless and ruthless wielding India's vast cricket wealth despite facing serious allegations himself.

The Central Bureau of Investigation is probing allegations of rorting water rights to double his cement company's profit and the failure to pay import duty on 11 luxury cars.

Following the arrest of his son in law Srinivasan was forced to step aside from daily administration of the Board of Control for Cricket in India by the Supreme Court.

Despite all this the BCCI took the remarkable step of re-electing him unopposed as president.

Such is his power as BCCI boss that Srinivasan may bankrupt Cricket South Africa, until recently a close ally.

Michael Hussey addressed his time in the IPL in his book. Source: News Limited

India is refusing to confirm a tour of South Africa because CSA appointed former International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat as its CEO.

Srinivasan took exception to Lorgat when as ICC chief he attempted to reform the moribund governing body, which would have reduced India's power and influence.

So petty are Srinivasan and the BCCI that they employ a number of the television commentators who work on India home series and anyone who is remotely critical of any aspect of the board is sacked.

Earlier this year Tim May, the former Australian spinner, was forced off the ICC's cricket committee by the BCCI and replaced by BCCI employed commentator Laxman Sivaramakrishnan.

As chief executive of the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations May had been a constant critic of the BCCI.

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Morgan boosts Thunder firepower

Eoin Morgan will play the Big Bash League with Sydney Thunder. Source: IAN KINGTON / AFP

ENGLAND'S Irish short form specialist Eoin Morgan has become the latest star to sign with the Sydney Thunder.

A basket case for the first two years of the newly expanded Big Bash League, the Thunder is now shaping as a genuine contender, with Morgan joining new skipper Mike Hussey at the reinvigorated franchise.

And Morgan, 27, is hoping that spending time with Hussey will help the clever left hander reinvigorate his Test career.

"To play under a guy like him is going to be huge for me," Morgan said.

"I'm no different to any other left-handed middle order batsman. I'm a guy who aspired to be like him since I was very young having watched him progress his international career and kill it since he broke into the Australian side. It's been great to watch.

"I'll be picking his brain as much as he can. 

"Anything to help me (play Test cricket again). I'm still an aspiring Test match cricketer.

"I've really enjoyed the Tests that I did play and I got a bit of a taste for it even though it was only 16 matches.

"It's where I want to be, especially playing Ashes cricket."

Eoin Morgan has played plenty of short-form cricket. Source: Getty Images

Morgan was reserve batsman on England's previous Ashes tour four years ago but failed to make the 17-man squad this time around.

However he is an integral member of England's one-day team, captaining the side in the absence of a resting Alastair Cook during the post Ashes one-day series earlier this year that Australia won.

Morgan will be available for the first four Thunder matches then joins the England one-day and Twenty20 squads following the five-Test series.

He is currently holidaying on the Gold Coast, where his South Australian girl friend is attending university, and will link up with an extended England training squad during the Test series, which begins in Brisbane next month.

Born in Dublin, he is a third generation "cricket nut" despite the game being a minor sport in Ireland.

"It's a lot bigger than you think," he said, claiming it has grown significantly over the past decade.

Eoin Morgan is looking forward to playing with Michael Hussey. Source: AP

His two sisters also played for Ireland and three brothers were part of provincial representative teams.

Morgan joined Middlesex as a 16-year-old claiming that Irish players moving to England was a natural progression for anyone who aspired to play Test cricket.

He has been followed by fast bowler Boyd Rankin, who is a part of the Ashes squad.

"I knew what I wanted to do from quite a young age so from when I was a young teenager I was an aspiring professional cricketer and knew the only pathway was to go across and play in England, to ply my trade over there," Morgan said.

He captained England to victory over Ireland in June, scoring 124 not out. It was the third time he had played against his former country.

"It didn't really feel that awkward," Morgan said. "I played against a lot of guys I grew up with and the big realisation for me is that if they were given the chance that I have been they would take it with both hands.

"There's no hard feelings between me and any of my mates."

22.07 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bosnich tells Neill to deliver

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THE angry war of words surrounding Lucas Neill's captaincy of the Socceroos continued last night, after Neill hit back at Bosnich's call for him to retire from the national team.

Told by Neill that he expected better "from someone who has played the game", Bosnich said that Neill should "stop telling us and show us" — while former Socceroo Robbie Slater dubbed it the "worst captain's interview I've ever seen".

As the row threatened to overshadow this morning's friendly betweent the Socceroos and Canada, the first game since Holger Osieck's sacking, Football Federation chairman Frank Lowy sought to calm the issue by suggesting the words came "in turbulent times".

Earlier Neill, at the pre-match press conference, was asked what he thought of calls for generational change — a reference to Bosnich calling on Neill to retire after Saturday's 6-0 defeat to France.

Neill, 35, emphatically denied he was set to give up his spot in the side, saying: "Retirement is not a word that has been on my agenda.

"Mark Bosnich is entitled to his opinion, but I would expect better from people who have played the game and certainly from those who call themselves my friend.

"People who know football know games are won and lost by a team and it's not about one person.

"I am committed to remaining captain for as long as the people in charge give me that status.

"I add value to the team and I bring a lot of good attributes, but I am the victim, the same as everybody in this team, of a side which has lost two games in a row 6-0."

In a further twist, Neill appeared to question the motivation of some teammates, when he said that there was no point making mass changes if there were few replacements ready to go.

"I think the biggest problem in Australia right now is not the older guys who have been doing it for a long time — I still have as much passion now as I had when I was 17 — but my question to the younger guys who want to play for Australia, is: Do you really dream of playing for Australia?" he said.

"And if you do, then show me the hunger, show me the desire that you want to be in the Socceroos and you want to represent your country. That's where we are lacking now, our attitude towards the national team."

Later Bosnich offered a succinct response. "Lucas is entitled to his opinion as anyone is, and it's good he's had it," Bosnich said. "Now stop telling us all, and show us."

Made aware of the exchanges yesterday afternoon, Lowy said the remarks had to be put in the context of a heavy defeat and its subsequent fallout.

"He led the Socceroos with distinction for all the time he has been in there, and I think these are heated times at the moment," Lowy said of Neill. "I don't think we should hang on to every word said in the heat of the moment.

"I have a great respect for him, and if he makes himself available and the coach picks him, fine. If he doesn't make himself available, or the coach doesn't pick him, that's the coach's decision."

Asked if the comments were strange for a captain to make, Lowy added: "You could say that, but we need to be mindful of these turbulent times and what is said in the heat of it all, which we can maybe take as not very serious."

But Slater had already labelled Neill's declaration as a sign that "he's not seeing things clear and he's not seeing the reality."

"(It was) disgraceful," Slater told Fox Sports. "Quite possibly, the worst captain's interview — in a football sense — I've ever seen."

"When you have a coach in survival mode (like Holger Osieck was), it can reflect on the squad and players. Lucas is in the survival mode.

"He has a siege mentality ... and he's living in a cocoon. He's not seeing things clear and he's not seeing the reality.

"That squad is torn apart … If it wasn't before because of the results, it will be now because of what the captain has said.

"The amount of times I hear 'I' ... for him to have a go at younger players, that's exactly the opposite of what the captain should be doing."

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Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill remains defiant in the face of immense pressure.

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