India have best youngsters: Ian Chappell
New Delhi: Effusive in his praise for the Indian batsmen, former Australia captain Ian Chappell has said that the side is currently producing “by far the best” crop of young talented cricketers. “India is producing by far the best young batsmen currently, and in addition to (Shikhar) Dhawan, (Virat) Kohli, (Cheteshwar) Pujara and Rohit Sharma, Unmukt Chand is one for the future,” Chappell told PTI in an interview. The Australian great said he was impressed with the attacking flare of the Indian opener Dhawan, who, he felt could be a valuable addition to any side. “I really like the look of Shikhar Dhawan. He’s a talented, aggressive opener and if successful they’re extremely valuable to a team,” the 70-year-old said. With the ICC Cricket World Cup just 13 months away, Chappell said teams have already set their sight at the marquee event, to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2015. “Teams are always playing their ODI matches with an eye on the next World Cup. Given they will be playing at home, Australia is looking like a strong contender at the moment,” Chappell, who played 75 Tests and 15 ODIs for Australia in his 16-year-long illustrious career, said. (PTI)
Fit-again Saina gearing up for Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur: After skipping the season-opening Korea Open due to fitness issues, a fit-again Saina Nehwal will now start her campaign in the Malaysia Super Series Premier which starts with the qualifiers here on Tuesday. Saina, seeded eighth, had endured a tough season last year as she could not win a single title. She also decided to miss the Senior Nationals in December and last week’s Korea Open after suffering from a cough and cold. However, the world number eight Indian is now fully fit and is rearing to go, as she prepares to open her campaign against Indonesia’s Hera Desi in the first round at the Putra stadium on Wednesday. (PTI)
Button’s father passes away
LONDON: John Button, father of 2009 world champion Jenson and a popular presence in the Formula One paddock, has died of a suspected heart attack aged 70. The McLaren driver’s agent said in a statement that the body was found at home in the south of France by a friend on Sunday. McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh mourned a “unique and…irreplaceable part of the McLaren family” while drivers and bosses paid fond tributes to the Briton. In my long Formula One career, I’ve encountered many drivers’ fathers, but I think it’s safe to say that John was perhaps more devoted to his son than any of them,” said Whitmarsh. “Ever since Jenson was a boy, racing go-karts, his dad has been at his side, helping him, supporting him, finding the money for the next race. As Jenson grew older, and continued to win in cars, still John was always there, his most steadfast helper and supporter.” (Reuters)