THURS DAY, AUGUST 6, 2015 SPORTS Sandow boost to Wolves after Cup loss

LONDON: After the disappointment of seven rounds if they are to make the get out of the fishbowl in . the news that Australian international are still buzzing from making the Saturday’s Challenge Cup defeat the play-off semi-finals in the new system. “I think he will be the key ingredient Dave Taylor will join next year and coach Challenge Cup final. signing of Chris Sandow is exactly the But Asotasi - who played with in the Super 8s and the guy to steer us Laurent Frayssinous, who lured Todd “Our league form has been scratchy shot in the arm that Sandow at - is into the semi-finals, straight away in talk- Carney to France at the end of last sea- but our performances in the Challenge need - according to teammate Roy confident they have found just the man ing to some of the guys we are sure we son, is over the moon. “We are delighted Cup have been unreal. We’ve beaten Asotasi. for the job. have got one of the best players in Super to be able to attract such quality player some top teams but we’re not looking The Wolves’ semi-final defeat to Hull “The game in the northern hemi- League.” To close the gap to Huddersfield to the ,” he said. too far ahead,” said semi-final hero Shaun KR last time out has left Asotasi and co sphere will really suit Chris, he struggled in the top four, the Wire must win at “He will help us to make one step for- Lunt. “We’ve got plenty of league games with only the upcoming Super 8s to with the coach at the Eels and the game Headingley this weekend against table- ward thanks to his experience at the very before the final, we’ve got the Super 8s to focus on. But the impact of star half-back being so structured over there,” said the toppers Leeds - a side they have already top level. His speed, agility and capacity contend with now and it’s not going to Sandow - who is in line to make his 33-year-old prop. “But anyone who has done the double over this season. to offload combined with his size will be an easy task. We need to focus on that debut against Leeds this weekend after watched Warrington under Tony Smith Elsewhere the Giants travel to last make him a good weapon for us.” and worry about the Challenge Cup in a signing from the - will knows we play an expansive game and I year’s runners-up Wigan while Castleford Meanwhile in the Qualifiers - which few weeks’ time.” Elsewhere Bradford need to be immediate. think they are going to be a really good welcome Hull FC and defending champi- sees the bottom four Super League sides Bulls host Sheffield Eagles, Halifax wel- The Wire currently sit four points fit. “I spoke to Chris when he was think- ons St Helens head to the south of and the top four Championship sides come Widnes Vikings and Salford Red behind the top four and will need to ing about coming over but he didn’t France to face Catalans Dragons. battling for top-flight status - Leigh Devils meet Wakefield Wildcats in the make up a lot of ground over the next need a lot of convincing, he wanted to The Dragons have been boosted by Centurions welcome a Hull KR side that only all Super League tie. —AFP

Court issues arrest warrant for ex- boss Modi

MUMBAI: A special court in issued facilitation fee of 4.25 billion rupees ($67 an arrest warrant yesterday for exiled for- million) to the Mauritius arm of World mer cricket boss Lalit Modi over allegations Sports Group (WSG) as part of a contract of money laundering linked to a lucrative for taking over broadcast rights to the IPL. television deal, an official said. The Enforcement Directorate is probing The court in the financial capital if part of this fee was allegedly siphoned off Mumbai granted the non-bailable warrant to unknown individuals, at the behest of after ex- chairman Modi who was then IPL chairman. Modi failed to answer a summons ordering Modi has more recently been embroiled his return from London to face corruption in controversy with Foreign Minister allegations. A senior Enforcement who is under pressure to Directorate officer confirmed to AFP via resign over her role in helping him gain a text message that the warrant had been passport in Britain. issued by the court, which hears money Modi was removed as chairman in 2010 laundering cases. and later banned for life from holding any “Yes, we have received the warrant for positions in the sport by the powerful Lalit Modi’s arrest,” the official from India’s Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). financial crimes investigating agency, said Modi has consistently denied all accusa- on condition of anonymity. tions against him. Since its launch, the IPL Modi was instrumental in founding and has been mired in a series of corruption overseeing the money-spinning and betting scandals in cricket-loving India. IPL in 2008 before fleeing to London two Last month, a Supreme Court-appointed years later when tax and financial crime panel suspended two of the IPL’s eight authorities raided his premises. teams after officials were found guilty of Enforcement Directorate officers want to illegally betting on matches. speak to him in connection with allega- International news organisations includ- tions that proceeds from the TV deal were ing AFP have suspended on-field coverage funnelled to unauthorised beneficiaries in of matches hosted by the BCCI since 2012 Singapore and Mauritius. The Multi Screen after the board imposed restrictions on pic- Media (MSM) of Sony Entertainment paid a ture agencies.—AFP

Clarke fights back after NOTTINGHAM: ’s Steven Smith during net practice in preparation for the fourth Ashes match against , at Trent scrutiny of performances Bridge. —AP

NOTTINGHAM: Having a test aver- way to get through that.” age of 49.73 would not be a cause of con- Most of the doubts surrounding Clarke England eye Ashes glory cern to most cricketers. For a player of the in recent years have been about his health, caliber of Michael Clarke, however, it’s rather than his form. He has battled with another stick to beat the Australia chronic back problems and hamstring NOTTINGHAM: England head into the fourth side at Edgbaston. meagre series aggregate of 94 runs in six innings during an Ashes series when he is coming injuries that threatened not only his partici- Test against Australia at Trent Bridge starting However, they will have to decide if he Wood at an average of under 19. But a defiant Clarke under increasing scrutiny. pation in the this year today knowing they are just one win away from is over the ankle trouble that forced him out at dismissed suggestions he no longer has the For the first time in nearly 3 1/2 years, but also, Clarke acknowledged, his career. recapturing yet being equally aware Edgbaston, with Liam Plunkett and uncapped desire to do well in Test cricket. Clarke’s test average has dipped below 50 He fought his way back to fitness to cap- they’ve yet to string back-to-back victories Derbyshire left-armer Mark Footitt standing by. “People can certainly have a shot at me about courtesy of scoring just 94 runs in six tain Australia to the world title in March. together in Tests in 2015. Australia left-arm quick insist- my performance, but they can’t have a shot at innings this series. That continues an And Clarke, who has started nets sessions Since drawing their series opener against the ed Anderson’s absence would leave a huge hole me about my hunger and my will to play this underwhelming run of form that has seen 30 minutes before his teammates this West Indies at Antigua in April, England’s next in England’s attack. “It’s a massive loss for them,” great game,” he wrote in his Sydney Daily him hit one test half- in 16 months. week, sounded a warning: Never underesti- seven Tests have seen them alternate between he said. “Whoever they bring in will have big Telegraph column published Tuesday. And with Australia 2-1 down and on the mate him. “Getting out of bed to get better winning and losing. pressure on them.” It is , averaging 14.60 this series, brink of losing a fourth straight Ashes hasn’t become tougher at all,” Clarke said. Indeed their eight- win in the third Test Meanwhile England opener Adam Lyth is set however, who is in greatest danger of being series in England, Clarke’s critics are start- “When that becomes too hard, it’s time to at Edgbaston, which put England 2-1 up in the to keep his place despite managing 72 runs in replaced by reserve batsman . ing to gather. walk away, there’s no doubt about it. But five-match Ashes series followed a defeat by the six innings at an average of 12 so far this series. Australia would dearly love more of the Some are putting forward the theory I’ve proved to a lot of people throughout huge margin of 405 runs in the second Test at , set to lead England’s attack in aggression from Johnson that saw him produce that Clarke should switch his place in the the World Cup - after just about everyone Lord’s. the absence of longtime new-ball partner two rip snorting deliveries that yielded the wick- , from No. 4 to No. 5, to give said I wouldn’t get back for that, I wouldn’t England will also be without all-time leading Anderson, is just one wicket away from joining ets of Jonny Bairstow and in the him some breathing space. Some are say- be fit - that I was willing to do the work.” wicket-taker James Anderson, who took an Test cricket’s ‘300 club’ on his Nottinghamshire space of three balls during England’s first ing he should be dropped from the team Negating Clarke has been one of the Ashes-best six for 47 at Edgbaston but was sub- home ground. But that is not his main concern. innings at Edgbaston. entirely. Others go even further, suggesting reasons why England finds itself unexpect- sequently ruled out of the fourth Test with a side “We are consistently the most inconsistent side,” “I’m scratching my head a little bit about not that at age 34 he has lost his hunger to play edly on the brink of regaining the Ashes. strain. said Broad. continuing on from that (first over), and that’s international cricket. Clarke bristled at Stifling the influence of an opposition It is the first time Anderson has missed a Test “There is no point ignoring and pretending it something I’ll look at this game,” said Johnson. those suggestions on Wednesday, saying team’s captain, especially someone with as in three years and means he won’t be able to has not happened. He added: “It is all about Meanwhile Nottinghamshire groundsman he has the “love, desire and passion” to get distinguished a career as Clarke, can breed add to his exceptional record at breaking it down into the simplest form as play- Steve Birks is under pressure too after last year’s back the kind of form that made him one of confidence. Nottinghamshire’s headquarters which has seen ers, so focusing in on our individual jobs on Test pitch at Trent Bridge was officially classed as the polished, easy-on-the-eye batsmen “We know what a good player Michael him take 53 in eight Tests, including 10 Thursday morning and not thinking about the “poor” after a run-glut draw between England around. “If I didn’t have the love I have for Clarke is, his record is fantastic,” England during England’s thrilling 14-run win in the cor- exterior things like 300 wickets.” and India proved heart-breaking for any bowler the game, if I didn’t have the will to want to captain said yesterday, “but responding Ashes clash in Nottingham in 2013. above medium-pace. be the best I can possibly be and help this the lads have bowled really well at him and England would like to recall Durham quick Mark HUNGER AND WILL But Broad said overhead conditions often team have success, I wouldn’t be sitting we’ve got to continue.” Wood, whose absence through injury paved the For Australia, captain Michael Clarke is des- held the key to the outcome of matches at Trent here today,” a determined-looking Clarke Clarke said after Australia’s eight-wick- way for Middlesex fast bowler to perate to end a mediocre run of form. Scores of Bridge. “If it is blue sky, it is good to bat. If it is said the day before the fourth Ashes test et loss at Edgbaston that the team has take a Test-best six for 79 on his return to the 10 and three at Edgbaston left Clarke with a cloudy it can be good to bowl.” —AFP that Australia cannot afford to lose. been playing with only 10 players this “I’ve had this (criticism) a number of series, a harsh assessment on his own per- times throughout my career. It’s not new to formances. “The captain hasn’t turned up me. That’s what playing sport at the highest yet,” he said.If he doesn’t turn up at Trent level is about - the rollercoaster ride, the Bridge, he could end his career without Johnson eyes Lillee’s record highs and lows, being able to pick yourself achieving one of his big goals - a series up when things don’t go to plan and find a win in England. —AP NOTTINGHAM: Mitchell Johnson has set his Lillee has remained a source of support and as well. It’s probably something I don’t normally sights on equalling the record of mentor Dennis Johnson said: “It would be nice to reach DK think about. Lillee after becoming just the fifth Australian to Lillee. That’d be pretty special. “You never know, “It’s something that I’ll be able to cherish take 300 Test wickets last week. if I get that opportunity to reach him and could when I finish cricket and am sitting back with my ’s Australia record 708 Test wick- end it there as well. It would be a nice little finish mates enjoying a beer,” he added. —AFP ets and Glenn McGrath’s next-best 563 are set to prove far beyond the reach of the 33-year-old left-arm quick. But the Test tallies of fellow Australia fast bowlers (310) and Lillee (355) are with- in range for Johnson. Last week, Australia lost the third Test at Edgbaston by eight wickets as England took a 2-1 lead in the five-match Ashes series. One consolation for Johnson was the manner in which he got to 300 Test wickets, a rip-snort- ing which England’s Jonny Bairstow gloved to wicket-keeper . Two balls later, a similar saw Ben Stokes caught behind for a as Johnson pro- duced one of the most thrilling spells of in the entire series so far. “It was a very special occasion,” Johnson said Tuesday of the delivery that did for Bairstow. “And the way I did it. I guess that’s sort of a trademark for me now, to bowl that short ball and get it ripping off the gloves,” he also told reporters at Trent Bridge, where the fourth Test starts on Thursday. “The next target for me is trying to chase down Brett Lee. That’d be really nice, he’s a hero of mine,” Johnson added. “I once said I wanted to bowl as fast as Brett Lee when I first came in on the scene.” But it was Lillee who first alerted Australia’s hierarchy to Johnson’s talent, having coming across the then teenage paceman in his role as a Australia’s Michael Clarke fast-bowling coach. Mitchell Johnson