British journo survives ‘lively’ pace attack from Brett Lee
SYDNEY: British journalist and talk-show host Piers Morgan has reportedly ‘just about’ survived a lively pace attack from Australian legend Brett Lee in the nets at the MCG after arrogantly claiming that he can ‘ruin a great Australian career and legend’. Morgan copped a beating, with at least three deliveries hitting him in the body although he kept coming and tried to attack Lee, even if he was never able to get anywhere near the ball. According to News.com.au, Morgan’s efforts earned him a round of applause from the big crowd watching on, including the current Australian pace attack who were not offered the opportunity to have a go. Morgan later claimed that he would have a ‘few bruises tonight’ despite operating at ’80 percent capacity’, and he commended Lee, saying that the once fastest bowler in the world did well as he did not back away from his ‘attack’. It was the part of a challenge laid down by Lee after Morgan questioned the courage of England’s batsmen in the face of an onslaught from Mitchell Johnson. (Agencies)
Kallis becomes second fielder to take 200 Test catches
DURBAN (South Africa): Jacques Kallis became the second fielder to take 200 catches in Test cricket when he held a sharp chance to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja on the second day of the second and final Test between South Africa and India at Kingsmead on Friday. Kallis, playing in his 166th and final Test match, joined India’s Rahul Dravid, who held 210 catches in 164 matches. Jadeja edged a ball from off-spinner JP Duminy and Kallis dived low and to his left at slip to hold the chance. In addition to being second on the all-time list of catches by fielders, Kallis is fourth on the Test run-scoring list with 13,174 runs at an average of 55.12 and 29th among wicket-takers with 292 at an average of 32.65. Kallis, one of the greatest all rounders of the game, on Wednesday announced his retirement from Test cricket. The 38-year-old Kallis had made his debut against England in December 1995 and is third big player to quit Test cricket this season after Australian Ricky Ponting and Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar. (AFP)