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London
Named in England’s World Cup squad ahead of more experienced bowlers, rookie pacer Jofra Archer (in pic) has set his sights on taking the prized wicket of Virat Kohli. The 24-year-old Barbados-born Archer was included in the 15-man England squad ahead of fellow pacer David Willey only weeks after making his international debut. There was no place in the squad for back-up spinner and batsman Joe Denly, with Hampshire slow left-armer Liam Dawson — who did not play against Pakistan — recalled as cover for Adil Rashid, who is nursing a shoulder problem. Archer, whose father is English, said: “I’d quite like to get Virat out, because I was not able to get him in the IPL because I think a leggie got him in every game he played. I also wanted to bowl at AB de Villiers as well, but don’t think he’s playing for South Africa... Chris Gayle as well.”
Sydney
Former Oz opener Michael Slater kicked off plane
Former Australian opener Michael Slater (in pic) was kicked off a plane after a heated argument with two friends, delaying the flight for 30 minutes, it was reported today. The row erupted between Slater and two women as they boarded a flight from Sydney to his hometown Wagga Wagga on Sunday. It escalated with yelling and swearing as they took their seats, after which Slater locked himself in a toilet and refused to come out. Reports said that security was called to remove him. Slater, designated a commentator at the World Cup, confirmed the incident in a statement, according to Macquarie Sports Radio. “I did have an argument with two friends whilst boarding a flight to Wagga and I apologise for the inconvenience this caused other passengers on the flight,” he said. Australian airline Qantas also confirmed an incident, without naming Slater. “Prior to departure on a Sydney to Wagga Wagga flight on Sunday, a male passenger was asked to leave the aircraft for being disruptive. He complied with the crew’s request,” it said. — Agencies
Los Angeles
Semenya to run 3,000m at Prefontaine Classic
Two-time Olympics champion Caster Semenya will race in the 3,000m event at the Diamond League Prefontaine Classic on June 30, a distance she can contest without reducing her testosterone levels. The South African, winner of two Olympics gold medals in 800m event, has insisted she will not take medication to comply with new International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) rules governing testosterone levels in women athletes that went into effect on May 8 The new rules require women with higher than normal male hormone levels — so-called “hyperandrogenic” athletes — to artificially lower the amount of testosterone in their bodies if they are to compete in races over distances of 400m to the mile. The Prefontaine 3,000m will be Semenya’s first race since the rules went into effect.
London
Possible doubles return at Wimbledon for Murray
Andy Murray is confident he can return to competitive tennis and has hinted at a doubles spot at Wimbledon, inspired by American doubles great Bob Bryan’s return from hip surgery. The two-time Wimbledon champion, in January announced plans to retire after this year’s Wimbledon due to injury, expressing doubt as to whether he would even make it to the All England Club. The Scot has all but ruled out an appearance in the singles draw, nearly four months after surgery on a career-threatening hip problem, but he could return by playing in the men’s doubles.
Chandigarh
Shivpal to participate in Oslo leg of Diamond League
Javelin thrower Shivpal Singh, who won the silver medal in the Asian Athletics Championships by recording a distance of 86.23m, is set to take part in the IAAF Diamond League Oslo leg on June 13. In March this year, the Varanasi-born athlete registered a personal best of 82.56m in the Federation Cup.
London
Mkhitaryan to miss Europa final amid security concerns
Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be part of the squad for the Europa League final against Chelsea in Baku, the Premier League club said today. The Armenia international’s participation in the match had been in doubt due to the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and his native country. Arsenal had been working with UEFA over securing their player’s welfare for the May 29 final.”We have thoroughly explored all the options for Micki to be part of the squad but after discussing this with Micki and his family we have collectively agreed he will not be in our travelling party,” Arsenal said in a statement. — Agencies
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