Christmas gift ideas for sports fans

Posted on December 14, 2012 by adminsports

Still not started your Christmas shopping Let us help with our selection of perfect gift ideas for the sports fans in your life

UPDATED:

14:51 GMT, 14 December 2012

We're half way through December, what do you mean you haven't started your Christmas shopping

It would be pretty shoddy if there weren't millions of us in the same situation. But don't worry, help is at hand.

Sportsmail has picked out a selection of gift ideas for the sports fan in your life and there's just enough time to visit the High Street or get your order in before the big day.

FOR THE DAREDEVIL

iON Air Pro Wi-Fi Camera

There are few things better than the adrenaline rush of tearing down the ski slopes – but this is no place for expensive camera equipment if you want to record the memories.

However, the new iON Air Pro Wi-Fi camera is lightweight and compact enough to capture every hair-raising moment.

Capturing the action: The compact and lightweight iON Air Pro Wi-Fi Camera is designed for use on the ski slopes

Weighing just 130g, its wide angle lens can record video in High Definition 1080p resolution and take high quality 5 mega pixel stills.

The manufacturers say it can be attached to a ski helmet, while other daredevils can use it on their bike handlebars or a snowboard.

High adrenaline: The camera can be attached to a ski helmet, snowboard or the handlebar of a mountain bike

And it also comes into its own in this socially connected world by allowing instant upload of pics and video to Facebook and Twitter through the iON CLOUD, which offers 8GB of free storage.

299 – Available from Selfridges (London and Manchester), Comet, Amazon.co.uk, Tesco.com and iontheaction.co.uk. The free smart phone App for wireless uploading of footage to social media sites can be downloaded from iTunes

FOR THE ARMCHAIR SPORTS FAN

LG 55-inch OLED TV

True armchair sports fans shouldn't settle for second best when it comes to watching the big match action – it needs to be live, loud and in high definition pixel-popping glory. With an increasing number of matches now in 3D, it must be able to handle that too.

And LG claim their 55-inch OLED TV is the best on the market right now, offering an immersive experience for watching sport.

Slimline: The LG 55-inch OLED is a market-leader in offering an immersive 3D sports watching experience

Slimline: The LG 55-inch OLED is a market-leader in offering an immersive 3D sports watching experience – and it's just 44m thick

Remarkably, it's just 4mm thick and weighs 10kg. But inside this lightweight frame is the latest 3D cinema technology and full compatibility for all the latest Smart TV offerings such as on demand services like BBC iPlayer and LOVEFiLM via wireless internet.

It comes with seven pairs of 3D glasses so everyone can come round to watch the big sporting occasions.

Currently 2,299 at Currys

FOR THE MAN WHO LIKES TO LOOK HIS BEST

it’s always important to look your best and that means keeping on top of that facial hair before it becomes wild and unsightly. Luckily, there are a couple of new products that are just the job.

Braun Series 5

Nobody wants to spend any longer than necessary shaving in the morning and so the new Braun shaver is perfect for men in a hurry. Its flexible head goes easier on the skin, causing less irritation, while the powerful motor masters even tricky flat-lying hairs.

The mid-range 5040s can also be used in the shower with foams and gels. The products come with a Clean&Charge Station which both lubricates and charges the shaver at the touch of a button.

RRP 159.99-199.99 – Boots are running a third-off these prices in a promotion on the Braun range until December 31st

Braun Series 5 shaver

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler

Close shave: The Braun Series 5 shaver (left) and the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler are the must have grooming accessories this Christmas

Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler

Particularly useful if you’re going for a certain look, Gillette’s first three-in-one grooming tool allows accurate trimming and precision edging. It combines Braun engineering and a selection of razor heads depending on your preference, all with lubricated strips to reduce irritation.

20 – All leading electrical retailers

FOR THE GAMERS

FIFA 13 Bonus Edition

It's a testament to the enduring popularity of the FIFA series that 4.5m copies of the latest edition flew off the shelves in the first five days after launch.

A must-have for the gamer in the family, FIFA 13 comes with the usual raft of innovations, which have revolutionised dribbling, ball control and physical battles.

The result is a simulation more realistic than ever, capturing all the drama and unpredictability of the real game.

The all-new Bonus Edition comes with 2200 FIFA points, enough to buy up to 22 gold packs in FIFA Ultimate Team.

47.99 from Game

fifa 13

EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13

Top games: The EA Sports titles, FIFA 13 (left) and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13 are a must for every sports fan

Tiger
Woods PGA Tour 13

Another must-have game title which continues to get better year-after-year, the 2013 instalment of EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA Tour allows players to take full control over their swing.

All-new tempo, swing plane and shot power controls, as well as an adjustable shot setup, allow infinite shot types with just one club.

Golf fans will be immersed in faithful reproductions of some of the world's best courses and can play as any one of 22 PGA Tour golfers, including Tiger and Rory McIlroy.

From 15.99 at Game

Madden NFL 13

Completing out hat-trick of must-own games in Madden 13, which
once again pushes the boundaries of what NFL fans expect from their gaming
experience.

The passing system has been completely stripped down and
redesigned, while the all-new read and react defensive system offers
intelligent and realistic defense.

EA's 'Physics You Can Feel' Infinity engine accurately portrays
player collisions to ensure no two plays ever look the same.

And to top it all, Madden NFL 13 Ultimate Team provides a
free-to-play game mode that perfectly combines Madden NFL Football, fantasy
football, and player trading cards.

37.99 at Game

FOR THE GOLFER

Dunlop NZ9 Driver

The Dunlop NZ9 Driver has a 460cc full titanium constructed head, a white anti-glare finish which helps alignment for straighter, more accurate shots and a 'Gecko-Tac' grip for a superb amount of grip no matter what the weather conditions.

It also features Aeroskin technology which reduces drag and increases distance.

From 54.99 – Sports Direct and sportsdirect.com

Dunlop NZ9 Driver

Dunlop Tour Elite 1 putter

Better game: Dunlop's NZ9 Driver (left) and Tour Elite 1 Putter (right) will be gratefully received by any golfer

Dunlop Tour Elite 1
Putter

The stainless steel
Dunlop Tour Elite Putter also features a white anti-glare finish to ensure you
are not distracted whilst taking your putt.

It also features a
polymer face insert for a soft, controlled strike, alignment markings and a
'Gecko-Tac' grip for a soft and comfortable feel.

From 19.99 – Sports
Direct and sportsdirect.com

Dunlop Tour Elite Cart Bag

With a 14-way divider and eight zipped pockets, this bag
is the ideal way for keeping your clubs and accessories organised.

Other features include umbrella storage, touch and close
glove holder, padded shoulder strap and grab handles for ease of
transportation.

From 32 – Sports Direct and sportsdirect.com

Celtic
Manor gift vouchers

The world class resort and golf course are offering a new set of gift vouchers for 2013, ranging from 18 holes on the championship course which hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup to a romantic weekend break. They include:

- Winter Golf Experience (39) – Enjoy a warming breakfast of tea, coffee and a bacon roll before heading out to play 18 holes. Top it all off with a hearty two course meal in the Lodge Brasserie.

- PGA Professional Video Golf Tuition (45) – Perfect for everyone, from absolute beginners to those hoping to improve their game, with the help of the latest technology and expert tuition from PGA professionals.

- Overnight stay for two at The Newbridge on Usk (100) – Enjoy a night of luxury at this intimate country inn nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Tredunnock. Oh, and a few rounds of golf.

More details here.

Beautiful: Golfers of all abilities can enjoy a round at Celtic Manor for an affordable price next year

Beautiful: Golfers of all abilities can enjoy a round at Celtic Manor for an affordable price, while your other half can relax in the resort's pool and spa (below)

Celtic Manor pool and spa

Slazenger AERO V98 Tour Racket

FOR TENNIS PLAYERS

Slazenger AERO V98 Tour Racket (for men)

Pictured right

This racket is perfect for those who enjoy a casual Sunday morning knockabout to the more serious climbing a club ladder.

Its aerodynamic head enables a faster swing speed and greater manoeuvrability, while the unique 'Squoval' frame allows you to generate phenomenal amounts of spin.

Current ATP Tour players Jamie Murray and Ross Hutchins both use the AERO V98 Tour racket whilst British Legend and Slazenger ambassador, Tim Henman, joins the doubles experts in endorsing the new Slazenger AERO racket range.

From 109.99 – available at store.slazenger.com

Slazenger AERO V100 Team (for men and women)

This light weight racket is designed for intermediate to advanced players with medium swing speeds. This racket offers bags of power and access to spin through an ultra-aerodynamic headshape which allows it to slice through the air with the minimum of effort. The Penta X-Section in the throat of the racket adds extra control and stability.

Available at store.slazenger.com

FOR CRICKETERS

Slazenger V200 Elite Cricket Bat

Endorsed by pros Jacques Kallis and Tim Bresnan, the V200 Elite offers the perfect balance between power and control.

Its 'lowered middle' is brilliant for batsmen who like to play attacking strokes.

From 150.00 – available at store.slazenger.com

Slazenger Elite Batting Pads

Slazenger say this is the ultimate pad to help protect you at the crease – its lightweight and agile, and yet doesn't compromise on protection.

It also comes with quick release pads in case you're promoted up the order or there's an unfortunate batting collapse.

From 52.99 – available at store.slazenger.com

Slazenger Ultimate V180 Holdall

Again recommended by the professionals, this wheeled and reinforced cricket bag allows you to carry all your equipment in comfort and style.

The Ultimate V180 comes with three main compartments for playing equipment, after-match clothing and another with room for three bats in a padded storage section.

From 60.00 – available at store.slazenger.com

Plenty of room: The Slazenger Ultimate V180 Holdall comes with three compartments - for bats, whites and other equipment

Plenty of room: The Slazenger Ultimate V180 Holdall comes with three compartments – for bats, whites and other equipment

FOR FOOTBALLERS

Adidas Predator LZ TRX Boots

As worn by dozens of Premier League footballers, including Steven Gerrard and Robin Van Persie, the Predator boot remains up there among the best on the market.

The latest offering is the LZ TRX, which comes with a super-soft upper bringing together the benefits of leather and synthetic materials.

Its technology has five 'lethal zones' to ensure the ball never slips away from your touch.

Top of the range RRP is 160 but cheaper versions are available – SportsDirect.com

Adidas Predators

Market leader: The latest Adidas Predator is worn by Steven Gerrard and Robin Van Persie, among others

Bit of a Blur: Under Armour's new boots

Under Armour Blur II Boots

They're a relative newcomer to the boots market but Under Armour have been bold in their first designs.

The Blur (pictured, right), an explosion of black, yellow and blue, is a prime example and they claim the moulded 4D foam technology provides the snuggest fit ever.

80 from Under Armour

Sondico Legend Pro Roll Spiral Goalkeeping Gloves

Sondico has used all its nous from years of supplying the likes of Peter Shilton and Neville Southall with top quality gloves to design the Legend Pro Roll Spiral.

It features an elasticated wrist cuff for comfortable fit, and 'Superior Regenerating Grip' technology for a firm grip in all weather conditions.

From 35.00 – available at sportsdirect.com

Adidas Sequencials Adiviz Half-zip Long sleeve sweatshirt

FOR LOVERS OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS/THOSE ON NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Adidas Sequencials Adiviz Half-zip Long sleeve sweatshirt

Perfect for runners of all levels, this sweatshirt features the Adidas patented FORMOTION design to allow freedom of movement and CLIMALITE fabric for wicking sweat out of your way.

Until the nights pull out, it's high-visibility reflective details and glow-in-the-dark piping allow you to be seen and safe.

40 – www.adidas.com/running

Adidas TERREX Fast R MID Gore-Tex mountaineering boot

Despite being supremely comfortable and lightweight, the TERREX boot still provides the necessary grip on both wet and dry surfaces thanks to its Continental rubber compound sole.

In the heel, the FORMOTION system comprises of two overlapping plates which can slide forward, back and to the side depending on ground conditions to reduce strain on the joints.

The MID version is ideal for fast day tours. There's a choice of colours and designs too.

140 – www.adidas.com/outdoor

Great outdoors: For single-day fast mountain runs, Adidas offer the TERREX Fast R MID Gore-Tex boot at 140

FOR THE URBAN CYCLIST

Kansi

With congestion charges and rising rail fares, there's never been a better time to invest in a fold-up bike for the daily commute.

And the Kansi is one of the best options out there. The mechanism is so lithe it can be folded up in under 10 seconds and when on the road, it offers identical steering and handling to a normal road bike.

The Kansi can be customised with coloured stickers to make it something absolutely unique and personal.

Prices range from 525-875 – www.kansi.co.uk

The new commute: The Kansi bike can be folded up in under 10 seconds and still maintains the stability of a standard road bike

Union34 luggage and clothing

Designed with the urban cyclist in mind, Union34's range of versatile bags can be used equally comfortably on or off the bike.

The UK-designed range offers three different types – a rucksack pannier, shoulder pannier and a traditional rucksack.

The latter is designed to fit onto a bike using a unique quick-release fixing bracket.

Available from Amazon

Luggage: Union34 have designed a selection of bags for the urban cyclist

I"m so happy Kevin Pietersen is back for England, says Alastair Cook

Posted on October 25, 2012 by adminsports

I'm so happy Pietersen is back in England fold, says Cook ahead of departure

UPDATED:

20:11 GMT, 24 October 2012

England set off for Dubai determined to show they are in total harmony with the only member of the squad who will be missing from the plane taking them to their pre-India tour training camp.

Kevin Pietersen has been a man apart for two months and it is not without irony that he should be competing for Champions League riches with Delhi Daredevils while the England team he has rejoined take the first steps on one of the toughest assignments in world cricket.

It will be the success or otherwise of Pietersen’s quest to prove to Alastair Cook and Andy Flower that England really do still mean more to him than the Indian Premier League when he eventually joins them either on Friday or in Mumbai on Monday that will decide whether his ‘reintegration’ is complete.

New start: Kevin Pietersen, in action this week for the Delhi Daredevils, has been welcomed back by Alastair Cook

Four key areas for England
Alastair Cook must ensure the whole team put the KP saga behind them and unite.Decide quickly who will open with Cook. Jonathan Trott wants to remain at three, leaving Nick Compton and Joe Root to battle it out in the three warm-up games.Use the training camp and warm-ups to work out how to combat the sub-continental problems with spin. England must find balance, probably with Samit Patel as a fifth bowler.

Pietersen’s rapid return after the crisis that ripped the team apart is a calculated gamble by England but it is one the new Test captain has been integral to. If Cook has a mighty difficult task in stepping into Andrew Strauss’s shoes for this four-Test series then at least he wants his best players with him.

‘For me as captain this is the best possible outcome because we have a world-class player back in our team,’ said Cook at Lord’s. ‘It’s been a difficult two months for Kevin but he’s contrite and he’s determined to get back to what he does best, scoring runs for England. As a captain that’s all I want.’

Cook would not say whether he felt Pietersen would have been added to England’s squad if Strauss, the subject of his ‘provocative’ texts, had still been in charge but clearly it would have been more difficult to welcome him back.

Tough tst: Cook is bidding to become the first England captain to win in India in 27 years

As it is there is the feel of a marriage of convenience about Pietersen’s return, with Cook needing as many potent weapons in his armoury as possible as he attempts to become the first England captain to win a Test series in India since David Gower almost 30 years ago. Pragmatism has won the day.

‘We are confident he can fit in again otherwise we would not have put him in the squad,’ said Cook.

‘Now Kevin is back we do have to draw a line under what’s happened.

‘Andy Flower and I have worked closely on this issue and I’m just delighted we have ended up where we are.’

Shake on it: Cook (right) is glad to have Pietersen back in the England side

But would it not have been better had Pietersen been with England at Heathrow today rather than in South Africa playing for Delhi in their Champions League semi-final against the Lions

England Test schedule

Oct 26-28: Training in Dubai at the ICC Global Cricket Academy
Oct 29: Arrive in Mumbai
Oct 30-Nov 1: Tour match, Mumbai, CCI
Nov 3-5: Tour match, Mumbai, BKC
Nov 8-11: Tour match, Ahmedabad, Motera ‘B’ Ground
Nov 15-19: 1st Test, Ahmedabad, Motera
Nov 23-27: 2nd Test, Mumbai, Wankhede Stadium
Dec 5-9: 3rd Test, Kolkata, Eden Gardens
Dec 13-17: 4th Test, Nagpur, Jamtha VCA Stadium

‘In an ideal world it would but we knew about the Champions League before we settled this,’ said Cook. ‘It would have been the same for Joe Root had Yorkshire got through to the semi-finals. Kevin will come back with a clean slate.’

This is an intriguing first challenge for Cook as he looks not only to reintegrate Pietersen but also arrest a decline in England’s results during a miserable 2012 after the high of becoming the best in the world last year.

It will be far from easy but a man who appears to share many of Strauss’s qualities is determined to do the job his way. ‘I will be a different captain because we’re different people,’ said Cook, who would not confirm that Stuart Broad will be his vice-captain.

‘Clearly we are similar in a couple of ways but I just have to be true to myself. Yes he was a fantastic leader but it’s a different side now. I believe we can do something special.’

Kevin Pietersen has positive talks with England captain Alastair Cook

Posted on October 18, 2012 by adminsports

Pietersen flies back to South Africa following positive talks with England captain Cook

By
Lawrence Booth

PUBLISHED:

21:00 GMT, 17 October 2012

UPDATED:

21:00 GMT, 17 October 2012

Back in the fold: Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen flew back to South Africa after a positive meeting with Alastair Cook which is expected to pave the way for his return to the international fold and the tour of India.

The board will discuss Pietersen’s ‘reintegration’ today following his discussion with the England captain in Oxford and face to face chats with other senior players, with an announcement imminent.

‘The process is well on its way,’ said Cook, speaking at the launch of next year’s ICC Champions Trophy in England. We do need to draw a line in the sand for the sake of English cricket, but it’s a very important decision that we’ve got to get right.

‘We need to move forward as a team. We've got an amazing 18 months ahead of us and we need to move together. We want all our world-class players playing for England.’

Should his selection be confirmed for the four-Test series, starting on November 15, Pietersen could miss the three-day training camp in Dubai if Delhi Daredevils – his IPL team – reach the final of the Champions Trophy, scheduled for October 28 in Johannesburg.

Pietersen tweeted: ‘Short & sweet London. Bye bye!’

Andrew Strauss: England and Kevin Pietersen must be totally committed to reunion

Posted on October 16, 2012 by adminsports

Strauss: England and KP must be totally committed to reunion or it'll end in tears

UPDATED:

21:00 GMT, 15 October 2012

Andrew Strauss has warned England to guard against a return to a dysfunctional dressing-room as Kevin Pietersen prepares for face-to-face meetings with senior players ahead of the Test series in India.

Pietersen is expected to be allowed back into the side in time for next month's first Test in Ahmedabad.

But Strauss, who stepped down as England captain in August at the height of the Pietersen furore following the texts he sent to members of the South Africa team, told Sportsmail: ‘For it to work out long term, everyone’s got to genuinely want it to work out.

Break: Kevin Pietersen is between Champions League matches with Delhi

‘Kevin’s got to genuinely want to be part of the England team for a long period of time, and the players genuinely need to move on from what happened at Headingley and various other things.

‘Even Andy Flower has genuinely got to want to move forward and not dwell on the past. If that is everyone’s attitude, then it can definitely work. If it isn’t, then I think there are going to be challenges ahead.’

Former captain: Andrew Strauss on the golf course

Pietersen, who is currently between matches for Delhi Daredevils in the Twenty20 Champions League in South Africa, arrived in England on Monday ahead of two days of clear-the-air talks with several team-mates.

But Strauss said: ‘It’s not about words. People will always be judged on their actions. For Kevin and the rest of the guys over the next few months it will be apparent whether it’s going to work or not.

‘I’ve been in good, functional dressing-rooms and I’ve been in dysfunctional ones. It doesn’t matter how good the players are, but a dysfunctional one never has success consistently. And England have got to guard against that at all costs.’

As revealed by Sportsmail, ECB chief executive David Collier has apologised to Cricket South Africa for suggesting their players provoked Pietersen into sending the texts.

Andrew Strauss is an ambassador for pensions and investment group MetLife, which has been his bat sponsor since 2008.

Graeme Swann calls for truce with Kevin Pietersen

Posted on October 14, 2012 by adminsports

Swann calls for truce with Pietersen ahead of pre-India summit meeting

UPDATED:

18:40 GMT, 13 October 2012

Graeme Swann has become the latest
England player to extend an olive branch to team outcast Kevin Pietersen
by admitting 'everyone has been in the wrong at some point'.

Pietersen, who yesterday scored 14
for Delhi Daredevils in the Champions League Twenty20, will meet senior
England players, including Swann, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, this
week ahead of the pre- India tour camp in Dubai.

Pietersen's now infamous 'it's tough
being me' press conference sparked a media frenzy last summer which
revealed he had sent a string of messages to South Africa's players –
described as 'provocative' by the ECB – regarding former England captain
Andrew Strauss.

Time to move on: Graeme Swann wants the Kevin Pietersen situation to be resolved

He was subsequently suspended for the final Test and spent the recent World T20 as a television pundit for ESPN before belatedly agreeing a four-month contract with the ECB which could yet see him tour India next month.

Broad this week became the first player to break cover by saying Pietersen would be welcomed back into the dressing room while Swann accepts mistakes have been made on both sides.

'The very fact it's gone on this long means that everyone has to hold their hand up and say, “Everyone has been in the wrong at some point”, and obviously some more than others,' Swann said.

Back in business: Kevin Pietersen was dismissed by Brett Lee in the Twenty20 Champions League

'A line needs to be drawn in the sand for everyone's sake. If I was an England cricket fan at this minute I'd be going off the sport very quickly because of what's happened. We've got to make sure that doesn't happen.

'I don't know if Kevin will come back. It's still on-going but whatever happens I hope it happens quickly. It's been going on way too long.'

Swann, Broad and Anderson have been accused by Pietersen's celebrity supporter Piers Morgan of being part of an anti-Pietersen clique that is threatening to undermine his career.

'That theory has been thrown out there by someone, but it's not true,' Swann insisted.

'I didn't play at Headingley when Kevin did that press conference so I don't know the ins or outs, but it needs sorting and it is being sorted.'

Swann insists that if the team do not move on they will face the same 'embarrassing' mess that led to Peter Moores being sacked as coach in 2009 following criticism from Pietersen, who was sacked as captain.

'Let's let the cricket do the talking otherwise it just gets back to the time when Mooresy was leaving,' Swann added.

'That was embarrassing as well when everything was dragged through the mud in the papers. We need to get back to playing cricket. Everyone's ready to put it bed.'

Graeme Swann is an ambassador for Rubicon exotic juice drinks. See him in action at RubiconExoticcom/lovecricket

Kevin Pietersen returns to the crease as Delhi Daredevils beat Kolkata Knight Riders

Posted on October 14, 2012 by adminsports

Tepid Pietersen returns to the crease as Delhi Daredevils beat Kolkata Knight Riders

UPDATED:

21:10 GMT, 13 October 2012

Kevin Pietersen endured a lukewarm return to competitive action but his Delhi Daredevils side still trounced Kolkata Knight Riders by 52 runs in the Champions League Twenty20.

The controversial batsman struck a modest 14 off 18 balls in his first meaningful innings since the England and Wales Cricket Board announced he would be subject to a 'reintegration process' back into the national set-up.

It did not matter, however, with Unmukt Chand plundering 40 off 27 balls as the Daredevils made 160 for eight before early wickets undermined Kolkata's chase in Centurion.

Back at the crease: Kevin Pietersen hit 14 off 18 balls

Irfan Pathan, Umesh Yadav and Morne Morkel each took two wickets as the Knight Riders finished on 108 for seven – having been three for three at one stage.

There was further concern for Kolkata when Jacques Kallis retired injured and it fell to Manoj Tiwary to top score for the Knight Riders with 33 from 38 balls.

Mahela Jayawardene and Virender Sehwag had put on 36 for the first wicket for Delhi, who were put into bat, before the former was bowled for 21 by West Indies' spinner Sunil Narine, allowing Pietersen to make his long-awaited entrance.

Sehwag was then caught behind off Pradeep Sangwan for 22 and Pietersen could not take advantage of being dropped twice when he perished after pulling Brett Lee to Narine at deep midwicket.

That's out: Brett Lee is congratulated after removing Pietersen

Chand and Ross Taylor boosted Delhi with a partnership of 63 for the fourth wicket, but the latter was unlucky to be caught by Rajat Bhatia at deep square leg for 36 off Lakshmipathy Balaji.

Narine returned to stifle Delhi's innings, first skittling Chand before Naman Ojha holed out to Yusuf Pathan at long-off two balls later.

Pawan Negi then top-edged a Kallis bouncer to deep square leg while Ajit Agarkar clipped Balaji – who conceded 61 runs from his four overs – to short third man having made eight.

The Knight Riders needed a strong start in their chase but they lost three wickets in the first seven deliveries.

On the front foot: Pietersen in action in Centurion

Captain Gautam Gambhir lamely chipped
to Pietersen at mid-on off the bowling of Irfan, who also trapped
Manvinder Bisla for one with an inswinging delivery, before Brendon
McCullum cut straight to point off Morkel.

Matters
worsened for the Knight Riders as Kallis had to retire in the same over
after a Morkel delivery cannoned into the veteran batsman's right hand,
while Yadav clean-bowled Yusuf Pathan in the fifth over.

Bhatia
and Tiwary steadied the ship with a partnership of 47 but the run rate
was still steadily climbing before Tiwary was caught and bowled by
Agarkar for 33.

Bhatia
was caught behind while looking to cut off Morkel and Lee missed a full
toss off Yadav to be bowled for 13 as Kolkata came up well short of the
mark.

Cheap wicket: Irfan Pathan celebrates the dismissal of Gautam Gambhir

Kevin Pietersen to play for Delhi Daredevils in Champions League

Posted on October 12, 2012 by adminsports

Pietersen begins build-up to England return with Delhi in Champions League

UPDATED:

13:45 GMT, 12 October 2012

Kevin Pietersen aims to show England what they have been missing – and what they might soon be getting again – when he returns to action for the Delhi Daredevils in the Champions League Twenty20 competition in South Africa on Saturday.

The controversial 32-year-old batting star spent the past month commentating on the ICC World T20 tournament in Sri Lanka, but now it is time for him to get out in the middle again and do what he does best.

Delhi start the group stages at Centurion against the Kolkata Knight Riders, but how long Pietersen is with them could depend on the reintegration process he has agreed to prior to an England comeback.

Back in the fold: KP will soon begin his reintegration to the England team

In what he has called 'a horrible situation for all involved', Pietersen has not been part of the international set-up since it was revealed he had sent text messages to South Africa players during the summer series.

Last week the England and Wales Cricket Board released a statement saying Pietersen would undertake a programme of reintegration after which selectors 'will consider Kevin for future matches'.

He in turn stated: 'I'd just like to take this opportunity to apologise to my team-mates and all the England supporters.

'Thankfully we have drawn a line under it and it's time to move forward. Playing cricket for England is the pinnacle of any cricketer's career and I want an opportunity to do that again as soon as possible.

'Some of my proudest and best moments of my life have been in an England shirt and I want them to continue for as long as possible.

Net result: KP is likely to return for England in the New Year

'I'm entirely committed to completing the reintegration process we have agreed over the coming weeks and resuming my England career in all formats, hopefully until the World Cup in 2015, as long as my body allows.'

England, now with Alastair Cook as Test captain in place of the retired Andrew Strauss, fly out in less than a fortnight for a tour of India and while Pietersen is not expected back for the four Tests and two Twenty20 games before Christmas, the five-match one-day series at the start of January is seen as a possibility.

Stuart Broad, captain of the T20 side unable to retain their world title, said earlier this week: 'The team have no issues with KP coming back if the management decide he's ready to.

'It's in their hands at the moment. There are some meetings going on behind closed doors and we're waiting to see the outcome of those, but from the team's perspective his integration will be easy.

'Ultimately we're playing cricket and we want guys who will score runs and take catches to help England win. Whatever's happened has happened.

'We pride ourselves on being a strong dressing room and I'm sure that if he came back for India or New Zealand, or whenever it is, that things will be fine within the team.'

James Anderson welcomes news of Kevin Pietersen"s return

Posted on October 7, 2012 by adminsports

Anderson welcomes news Pietersen has begun 'reintegration' into England setup

UPDATED:

22:10 GMT, 6 October 2012

James Anderson has welcomed the news that Kevin Pietersen has started the 'reintegration process' which could lead to the maverick batsman's return to the Test side for the tour to India.

After a phone conversation with Pietersen last week, Anderson is due to have further discussions with him in the coming days.

But the England bowler is already sufficiently encouraged by events to hope all parties can put the saga behind them and move forward.

Draw a line under it: Kevin Pietersen is nearing a return to the England squad

Anderson said: 'I'm sure I'm in a similar position to everyone. We are coming towards an end to this and, hopefully, things have progressed well. They certainly seem to have done so between the ECB and Kevin.

'I think everyone involved wants a line drawn under it. We have a huge tour to India coming up and we just want to get on with that.'

Pietersen is due to take the next step of trying to clear the air with his team-mates either by phone or by flying back for face-to-face meetings in England between matches with Delhi Daredevils at this month's Champions League commitments.

Should those planned talks bear fruit, England team director Andy Flower has been authorised to recommend Pietersen be given the chance to restart his international career by inviting him to join the pre-Indian tour training camp in Dubai as soon as his Champions League involvement is over.

The way would then be open for him to play in the first Test against India in Ahmedabad, starting on November 15.

Like old times: Anderson (right) hopes to welcome back Pietersen soon

Anderson also confirmed he would be honoured to accept the England vice-captaincy should he be invited to fill the vacancy created by Alastair Cook's promotion to succeed Andrew Strauss as Test skipper.

'Of course, if the chance came along and the job was offered I would love to take it,' said Anderson.

'It would be a privilege and I would be delighted and honoured to accept it. Who wouldn't

'One thing Andy Flower has always done is try to get all the players to take on the responsibility of thinking as a captain.

'When Andrew Strauss was in charge he had a number of players offering opinions and support, and everything was listened to. That's not going to stop now.

'If one person is given the job, it won't mean everyone else shuts up, and whoever is chosen, it would not be an issue with the other candidates.'

Kevin Pietersen back for India tour

Posted on October 3, 2012 by adminsports

Truce! Pietersen back for India tour as England hand axed star central contract

UPDATED:

21:50 GMT, 2 October 2012

England will hand an extraordinary comeback to Kevin Pietersen by rushing him straight back into their squad for the four-Test tour of India.

Not only will Pietersen end his exile by being handed a new central contract either on Wednesday or Thursday, but England have decided to add him to the 16-man squad already named for one of the toughest assignments in cricket.

Welcome back: Pietersen will be handed a central contract by England

Coming in from the cold: KP hasn't played for England since August

It was felt that the earliest Pietersen would be welcomed back after his bitter dispute with the England team and the ECB would be the relatively low-key tour of New Zealand that starts in February.

Yet England have grabbed the bull by the horns and decided there is no time like the present.

They want Pietersen to prove his commitment to the cause by potentially cutting short his time at the Twenty20 Champions League in South Africa with his Indian side Delhi Daredevils.

Kevin Pietersen sent text messages to South African rivals during second Test

Posted on August 10, 2012 by adminsports

EXCLUSIVE: KP text alert! Pietersen sent messages to opposition during Test

UPDATED:

22:03 GMT, 9 August 2012

Kevin Pietersen has risked further damaging his relationship with England after it emerged he sent text messages to members of the South Africa team during the Headingley Test.

News of his fraternisation with the tourists will infuriate coach Andy Flower and captain Andrew Strauss as they attempt to avoid yet more distractions ahead of next week’s third Test at Lord’s.

The text messages — reportedly sent to fast bowler Dale Steyn and wicketkeeper AB de Villiers — contained ‘less than flattering comments’ about Strauss and his team-mates.

Embarrassing: Kevin Pietersen apparently sent text messages to members of the South Africa team during the second Test

England must win the game if they are to maintain their position at the top of the world rankings.

South Africa’s manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee attempted to play down the matter, telling Sportsmail: ‘I can confirm that text messages were sent but they contained friendly banter between guys who have played with each other in the past.’

Old team-mates: Dale Steyn is one of the players who received a text message from Pietersen

Steyn is a former team-mate of Pietersen at Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, while De Villiers plays for Delhi Daredevils, Pietersen’s current IPL side.

Despite those links, both men are said to be embarrassed that Pietersen — who has complained of dressing-room ‘politics’ and warned he could quit international cricket after the Lord’s Test — made contact with them during a game England needed to win to keep alive hopes of victory in the three-match series.

Dressing room politics : Pietersen is believed to have spoken about the divide in the England dressing room in the messages

The texts followed an incident on the opening morning of the Headingley Test, when Pietersen upset team-mates by mingling with the South Africa players as both sides warmed up on the outfield before play.

The ECB declined to comment on Thursday night.

Sports Bound Guide

Sports Bound Guide. Fresh Sports News

Tag Archives: daredevils

I"m so happy Kevin Pietersen is back for England, says Alastair Cook

Kevin Pietersen has positive talks with England captain Alastair Cook

Andrew Strauss: England and Kevin Pietersen must be totally committed to reunion

Graeme Swann calls for truce with Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen returns to the crease as Delhi Daredevils beat Kolkata Knight Riders

Kevin Pietersen to play for Delhi Daredevils in Champions League

James Anderson welcomes news of Kevin Pietersen"s return

Kevin Pietersen back for India tour

Kevin Pietersen sent text messages to South African rivals during second Test