Anderson could be rested in B’desh, India Test series

London : England fast bowler James Anderson may sit out some of the Test matches on their tours of Bangladesh and India. The 34-year-old, England’s leading Test wicket-taker with 463 victims, was named in the squad for the tour to Bangladesh where they play two Tests next month. England will travel to India in early November for a five-Test series. “It’s a tough one because as a player if you’re fit you want to play, simple as that, no matter what the format you’re desperate to play,” said Anderson. “But there may well come a time when it will get managed. At 34 I probably have to manage myself, be managed, quite well. You want, if possible, to play every Test but India is going to be five back to back and that’s a huge ask for any bowler,” he added.
Lahore
Pakistan awarded ICC Test Championship mace
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq today received the ICC Test Championship mace for leading the side to the top of the Test rankings for the first time since the current rankings system was introduced in 2003. ICC CEO David Richardson presented the mace to Misbah at the Gaddafi Stadium. “There can’t be a better location to receive the mace than this ground where we last played a home Test seven years ago,” said Misbah. “It is ironic for both the players as well as the fans that the journey to the No. 1 position has been outside Pakistan. But I am confident things will change and international cricket will soon return to Pakistan.
Singapore
Bengaluru FC seal AFC semis berth
I-League champions Bengaluru FC today booked their maiden semifinal berth in the AFC Cup football tournament on 1-0 aggregate against Tampines Rovers of Singapore after the second leg of the quarterfinals tie ended in a goalless draw here. Bengaluru had beaten Tampines 1-0 in the first leg in Bangalore last week, courtesy CK Vineeth’s strike. Bengaluru thus became only the third side from India to have qualified for the semifinals in the AFC Cup, the continent’s second-tier club competition. Dempo and East Bengal achieved the feat in 2008 and 2013, respectively.
Tokyo
Jayaram, Srikanth reach Round 2 of Japan Open
It turned out to be a mixed day for Indian shuttlers at the Japan Super Series with Ajay Jayaram, HS Prannoy and K Srikanth fighting their way to the second round of the men’s singles competition here today. World No. 13 Srikanth, who reached the quarterfinals at the Rio Olympics, had to toil hard to beat compatriot P Kashyap, who is making a comeback from an injury lay-off.