Pakpassion Hailing from Faisalabad in Pakistan, 35 year old Saeed Ajmal could be classed a late bloomer as far as his

international career is concerned. Debuting at the age of 30 in 2009 in an ODI game against India in Karachi, Ajmal has made progress in leaps and bounds. Picking up 125 wickets in ODIs at an average of 27.6 and 71 wickets at 16.59 in T20Is, he is ranked the worlds top ODI bowler and only recently has dropped to second position in the T20I bowling rankings. In the Test arena, with 133 wickets to his name, he is ranked number four on the back of some superlative performances since making his Test debut.

With a wealth of big match experience behind him, Ajmal is one of the most popular cricketers in the world. He's expected to play a key role in Pakistans Champions Trophy campaign this summer and will undoubtedly be a bowler that opposition batsmen will be thoroughly tested by.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net Ajmal provides his opinion on the preparations for the Champions Trophy, the goals achieved during the camp in Abbottabad, speaks about Misbah-ul-Haq's captaincy, the IPL, provides an update on his academy in his home town Faisalabad and much more. "I'm Confident that Pakistan can defeat India at the Champions Trophy":Saeed Ajmal

PakPassion.net: Saeed, tell us about the recent training camp in Abbottabad. Do you think it was a good idea to hold the camp there ahead of the tour of the United Kingdom?

Saeed Ajmal: Yes I think it was an excellent and really innovative idea from the Pakistan Cricket Board and the coaching staff. The camp was very enjoyable and very well organised, it was hard work but the weather was great, around 14-15 degrees Celsius dring the day and not as hot and humid as other parts of the country at this time of the year.

The wickets in Abbottabad were very conducive to seam bowling and our batsmen got a flavour of what they can expect in England during the Champions Trophy, which will undoubtedly be beneficial to them. The wickets were prepared to replicate English conditions and that was achieved, so yes all in all it was very good preparation.

PakPassion.net: Just to warn you, the temperatures arent great at the moment in the United Kingdom and it may be a bit cooler than Abbottabad in Scotland.

Saeed Ajmal: Yes I've heard from friends that it's no so warm. Thats ok Ive packed my two favourite leather jackets that I usually bring with me on tours of the UK. I just hope temperatures rise, otherwise I may have to ask for special dispensation from the ICC to play in one of the leather jackets.

PakPassion.net: The planning at the camp seemed very meticulous ahead of the Champions Trophy. Did it focus on some key areas?

Saeed Ajmal: Absolutely, there were no grey areas. The players knew exactly what was expected of them on a daily basis. There were some key and important areas that the coaching staff wanted to focus upon and all in all I think it was a success. In addition having Wasim Akram and Javed Miandad in attendance in Abbottabad was a huge boost for the players and Im sure all of the players in attendance at the camp are very grateful to Wasim and Javed for their time.

PakPassion.net: You were one of several players recently told by the Pakistan Cricket Board to lose some weight. Was the target weight achieved and easy to accomplish or did you find it difficult?

Saeed Ajmal: Well I was given a training and dietary plan by the PCB which Ive had to follow. Generally it was OK, but I had to stop the parathas and eating the sweetmeats which was the toughest part of the routine. I love my parathas and sweetmeats, but as a professional sportsman you have to make some sacrifices sometimes.

PakPassion.net: Youre telling me that youve not had a single paratha or piece of sweetmeat since you were given the training plan by the PCB? Surely you must have had a sneaky one?

Saeed Ajmal: (laughs) No, absolutely none. Ive had a sort of recurring reminder in my brain saying No Parathas or Sweetmeat every time I get tempted.

PakPassion.net: Moving away from culinary delights to the new one day rules. How have recent changes in the one day rules regarding the number of fielders allowed in the circle affected your approach and your bowling?

Saeed Ajmal: The rule changes have made life even tougher for spinners in one day cricket. As if bowling in limited overs cricket wasnt hard enough for a spin bowler. By having to have the extra fielder in the circle for non power play overs means that batsmen can free their arms and take on a spinner with an even more carefree approach knowing that theres less chance of them getting caught in the deep.

Fast bowlers have been given the luxury of being allowed to bowl two bouncers in an over in one day cricket, but the rule changes have definitely made life tougher for spinners.

I find myself having to really think hard about my approach to bowling these days in the one day format, especially against those batsmen who are ready to use their feet to me. The rule changes have undoubtedly had an effect on my approach to bowling in the fifty over format as it probably has for other spinners around the world.

PakPassion.net: Critics of Misbah ul Haq say that he is not using you as an attacking option or bowling you at the right times. Do you think that is a fair criticism of Misbah?

Saeed Ajmal: No I disagree with that assessment. Misbahs an excellent captain and not a defensive captain. Weve played a lot of cricket together over the years and he knows how to utilise my bowling and when to bowl me. You cannot be a defensive captain when you have won as many matches as Misbah has as skipper and also his win/loss ratio is almost as good as any other Pakistani captain over the years. Whether I am picking up wickets, or any of the other bowlers are is irrelevant, whats more important is that the team is performing well and winning.

Misbah is one of crickets great thinkers. Even away from the field he analyses the teams performance, individual performances and is constantly thinking of ways to get the best out of all the players. I think its unfair and harsh to say that hes not utilising me properly in one day cricket.

PakPassion.net: Youve been the bowling mainstay for Pakistan of late and it must be heartening for you to see two excellent bowlers in Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan supporting you in the bowling attack now?

Saeed Ajmal: Absolutely, its fantastic to see Irfan and Junaid in the Pakistan line up and more importantly both bowling so well of late. We are blessed in Pakistan, our fast bowling resources never run dry. Sooner or later, from somewhere and somehow we will always manage to produce fast bowling talent.

Irfan and Junaid will be our strike bowlers at the Champions Trophy, both are fantastic talents and match winners and whilst Umar Guls absence will be felt in the team, Im certain we can overcome the loss of Umar (Gul) because of injury, particularly with Irfan and Junaid looking so dangerous and in such great form.

Wasim (Akram) has really paid some close attention to both Junaid and Irfan and has put in a lot of effort with them both lately at the camps and Im very confident that God willing both of these boys will perform very well at the Champions Trophy.

PakPassion.net: There are still some critics of yours who say that your bowling action is illegal. What is your message for those individuals?

Saeed Ajmal: I dont really take any notice of those individuals. I prefer to focus on my own game, perform to the best of my ability and to give my all for my country. Im honoured and humbled that I have been given the privilege of playing cricket for Pakistan, an honour that is bestowed only to a minority of the population and rather than worrying about a few people that criticise Id rather think about the millions of people around the world who appreciate my bowling.

Critics never left Muttiah Muralitharan alone throughout his career, despite him taking hundreds and hundreds of wickets all over the world in every format. Those critics never left that poor guy alone, so now they have to have somebody else to turn their attentions to.

PakPassion.net: You made your Test debut at the age of thirty one and since then youve picked up wickets at regular intervals and against all opponents. There must be that nagging thought in the back of your mind about how many wickets you could have taken if you had made your Test debut at the age of twenty one instead of thirty one?

Saeed Ajmal: It was my destiny to debut in Test cricket at the age of thirty one and not twenty one. It was the Almightys wish that I would play Test cricket when I did and nobody could have done anything about it. I dont think about what could have been, instead I look at the present and what I can do to make my country the number one team in all formats.

The way I look at it, who knows maybe if I had my Test debut at the age of twenty one, I might not have played as many Test matches as I have and not taken as many wickets as I have. Ive got no axes to grind regarding when I was picked and at what age.

PakPassion.net: The Pakistan team is returning to England for the first time since the infamous tour of 2010. Do you feel there is an additional responsibility on this group of players after the events of 2010?

Saeed Ajmal: That was a dark episode in Pakistan cricket, a chapter that we have all moved on from. Our attention as individuals and as a group is to focus on 2013, the matches against Scotland, Ireland and the Champions Trophy and not to look back at what happened in 2010.

Pakistan cricket and its cricketers has rebuilt its reputation after 2010, through the efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board, players, staff and the team management and whilst lessons were learnt from that tour, we are looking forward rather than looking back at the events of three years ago. We as a group have a responsibility to ensure we are good ambassadors for Pakistan wherever we play, not just in England.

PakPassion.net: You recently stated that you were looking forward to the challenge of bowling at Chris Gayle. Another West Indian Sunil Narine must have also impressed you in the shorter formats?

Saeed Ajmal: Yes undoubtedly Sunil is a world class spinner in the shorter formats and hes a bowler I enjoy watching. Its always pleasing for the spinners union to see a young man making his name in the game and hes really impressed me with his variety and control.

The challenge for Sunil will be to continue to make life difficult for the batsmen and for them to continue to struggle to read his varieties. With batsmen and analysts around the world always trying to work out your varieties and with all of the technology available these days, its not easy to disguise your bowling variations. But a subtle change here and there can more often than not confuse the opposition batsmen and the analysts.

PakPassion.net: Is there a tinge of sadness that you and your Pakistani colleagues are not being presented with the opportunity to play in the ongoing Indian Premier League?

Saeed Ajmal: No theres no hard feelings. Its not as if we are being stopped from playing cricket everywhere around the world. Whether Pakistani cricketers are allowed to play in the IPL is a matter for those that organise the tournament and not for the cricketers. If the organisers invite us to play in the future, we will play, but if they dont invite us then good luck to them. Of course Id like to play in the IPL, but its a decision thats out of my hands at the moment.

PakPassion.net: Weve seen various innovations in the art of off spin over the years, but do you think off spin bowling has now reached a point where no further innovations can be added?

Saeed Ajmal: I dont think any more innovations can be made in future. We have the conventional off break, the Doosra, the Teesra, the straighter one and the quicker one. I cant think of any other varieties an off break bowler can add in future. I cannot really see any new deliveries being bowled by an off spinner.

You always try different variations with the coaches in practice and in the nets but the truth is that I cannot foresee any new deliveries from any off spinner.

PakPassion.net: June 15th sees Pakistan face arch rivals India at Birmingham. Give us your thoughts on that particular match and also the fact that India will be without Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Sachin Tendulkar?

Saeed Ajmal: Its always a fantastic occasion playing against India. The atmosphere wherever we play is always electric and Im sure the fans lucky enough to be at Edgbaston and all those watching the telecast around the world will not be disappointed by this match. Its like a minifinal within the tournament.

Both sides are very strong and at the end of the day, the team that handles the pressure will be victorious. We have the psychological advantage having defeated India in their own back yard in the one day series and Im confident that we can defeat them in Birmingham.

As for some of the Indian big names not playing in the match in Birmingham, players come and go. Big names are replaced by lesser known players who then turn into big names and then they get replaced. The cycle of cricket goes on, no cricketer lasts forever and no cricketer has a Godgiven right to be picked again and again. If a player is out of form or struggling for form then its only right that they are replaced by a player who is in form.

PakPassion.net: Were seeing some cricketers around the world retiring from one or two formats to prolong their careers. Is this something youve contemplated?

Saeed Ajmal: Retiring from any format is not something that Ive even considered. I just want to be out there on the field playing for my country for as long as I can and giving my all for Pakistan. Fitness plays a key part in such decisions and Ive been very lucky with injuries and I hope that continues. As long as I stay fit, as long as Im taking wickets, as long as Im not a burden on the team, then I will look to play in all formats for Pakistan.

PakPassion.net: There seems to be a shortage of young talented spinners in Pakistan at the moment. Other than Raza Hasan one cannot think of too many other options. Does this concern you?

Saeed Ajmal: No I dont think its a concern. Pakistan has the tendency to unearth bowling talent literally overnight and we have never been short of bowling options. Weve been pioneers when it comes to bowling talent and innovation and the stream of cricketing talent will never end. I think that spin bowling talent is there in Pakistan, it just needs to be nurtured and developed a little more than what it is at the moment.

PakPassion.net: Whats the latest news on your cricket academy in Faisalabad?

Saeed Ajmal: God willing Im hopeful that by the end of the year well see the first matches being played at the academy. Theres a lot of hard work going on at the moment regarding this project and of course its a project that is very dear to my heart. Pakistan cricket has given me a lot, its given me a lot of dignity and fame and I want to give something back in return. I hope that in future matches will be played there on a regular basis and that we can start producing cricketers that are good enough for first class and international cricket.

PakPassion.net: Recently weve had a General Election in Pakistan. By my reckoning if you had stood in the Election, given your popularity you would have been voted in as Prime Minister. Is politics something that youve considered as a career after cricket?

Saeed Ajmal: (laughs) No chance ! I leave politics to the politicians, Id rather play cricket and then remain involved in cricket after Ive stopped playing. Politics is definitely not for me.

PakPassion.net: Can Pakistan win the Champions Trophy?

Saeed Ajmal: The eight top teams in the world will be competing and its very tough to predict who will win the tournament. I think whoever gets the right balance in their team and copes with the pressure can go on and win the Trophy. There are no weak teams in the tournament. I look at the West Indies and New Zealand and they are very balanced teams with several players who can change the course of a match in the space of a few overs.

Pakistan can go into the tournament with a lot of confidence. We have six matches ahead of our first game so that gives us plenty of time to get the team balance right and establish a settled starting eleven. Were full of confidence, preparations have gone well and we are all looking forward to a tournament that if we play to our potential we can win.

2009 in England was fantastic when we were crowned Twenty20 champions and I hope we can repeat that performance next month.

##############3333333333333333333

Mirror Coach trip: Manchester United will offer Ryan Giggs a role on David Moyes' management team 14 May 2013 22:30

Reds icon will be asked to play on for one more year while using his wealth of experience of life at Old Trafford to help new boss bed in Bright future: Giggs is close to completing his coaching courses Bright future: Giggs is close to completing his coaching courses Action

Ryan Giggs is set to be offered a coaching role at Manchester United by new boss David Moyes.

Moyes, who officially takes over from Sir Alex Ferguson on July 1, wants Giggs to combine a playing and coaching role in what is expected to be the United legend's final season in the firstteam.

Incoming boss Moyes wants to get the most out of the unique experience and enduring popularity of Giggs in the Reds' dressing-room to ensure the transition from Ferguson to him is as seamless as possible.

Giggs, who turns 40 in November, has signed a one-year extension to play on for United next season but is expected to play a peripheral role, with more emphasis on him helping out behind the scenes as Moyes settles in at Old Trafford.

Midfield legend Giggs, who picked up his 13th Premier League winner's medal following United's latest title triumph, has completed his coaching badges and is understood to be ready to take up a coaching role under Moyes, only playing occasionally next season.

Moyes sees Giggs as an invaluable link to the United dressing-rooom and is also said to want to find a coaching role for midfielder Paul Scholes, who retired from playing for the second time on Sunday following Ferguson's farewell game at Old Trafford.

Only a week ago, Giggs, who has played 940 times for United, indicated his desire to take up a coaching role when he finishes playing, but said he did not know when.

But Ferguson's subsequent announcement he is to retire, coupled with the swift appointment of Moyes, could see Giggs embark on a coaching career sooner than expected.

"I'm doing my necessary qualifications, which I'm close to finishing now," Giggs had said.

"I wanted to do that and prepare myself as best I can, if I do go into coaching or I do go into management, when I'm finished.

"I've done that while I'm playing, which at times can be tough, doing homework and going on courses while you're still playing, or doing coaching sessions after training.

"I've enjoyed it and it's probably the natural progression. Whether I'll do it straight away or take a bit of time off when I finish, I don't know.

"But at the moment I'm just enjoying my football and preparing myself as best I can for when I finish."

###############3333333333333333333333

Mirror After you! Carlos Tevez could follow sacked Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini out the door 14 May 2013 22:31

Ambitious French side Monaco's billionaire owner wants the striker - plus Atletico Madrid's Falcao and Newcastle star Cabaye Follow the leader? Monaco have been eyeing Mancini - and now want Tevez Follow the leader? Monaco have been eyeing Mancini - and now want Tevez Getty

Big-spending Monaco have put Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez on their transfer hit-list.

Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev has already made a stunning 50million move to bring Atletico Madrid goal machine Radamel Falcao to the south-of-France club - and is dreaming of pairing the Colombian with Argentinian Tevez.

Monaco owner Rybolovlev is also prepared to bankroll moves for Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye, fellow midfielder Joao Moutinho of Porto and Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho.

It remains to be seen whether Rybolovlev - has also targeted Roberto Mancini, who was sacked as City manager on Monday - can attract big names to a club that was just secured promotion back to the top flight for next season.

But, with a 6billion personal fortune and increased TV revenue coming into French football, he is determined to throw money around.

Monaco are prepared to gazump Chelsea on Falcao both in terms of transfer fee and 8m-a-year after-tax contract for the Colombian striker.

Chelsea were supremely confident of getting Falcao just two weeks ago, when fellow suitors City switched targets to Napoli striker Edinson Cavani.

Tevez has a year left on his contract at the Eastlands club, but his situation may change dramatically following the departure of Mancini as the new manager may have different ideas on who stays and who goes. ###############333333333333333333333333 Mirror Height club: England's 6ft 5in Broad out to cut New Zealand's 'Two-Metre Peter' Fulton down to size 14 May 2013 22:30

Bowlers usually tower over batsmen but that won't be the case when 6ft 6in star marches to the crease in opening Test at Lord's Tall order: Broad and co have a point to prove after drawn winter series Tall order: Broad and co have a point to prove after drawn winter series Getty

Stuart Broad has set himself the tall order of landing the first punch of Englands cricketing summer.

And thankfully for England, unlike most, their beanpole paceman can just about look his target square in the eye as he tries to knock Two-Metre Peter Fulton off his stride at Lords.

Normally it is the bowler towering over the batsman, but in Fultons case he sniffs rarefied air at 6ft 6in which can cause problems for bowlers lengths.

Fulton took the fight to Broad and Co down under in cracking his first two Test match tons during the 0-0 draw in -Auckland.

But Englands paceman is out to set the tone right from the off and get his team hitting new heights this year.

Youll see a really focused team on Thursday who are determined to put on some really good performances and throw the first punch, said Broad.

We want to make sure the first three days are our days, the first hour is our hour not relaxing into Test matches and chasing the game.

It is about getting back to basics, putting up a good first innings score or bowling tightly in the first innings.

We can really make a statement in the first couple of days and thats what we need to do.

Big score: Fulton laps up the applause after his century in Auckland Gareth Copley / Getty

Fulton will ask different questions of the England bowlers in the same way that Kevin Pietersen does, or Clive Lloyd or Tony Greig did as tall men, but Broad is determined not to get sucked into the tale of the tape.

I think it can affect you bowling at different heights of batsmen, but it shouldnt affect you, cautioned Broad.

At the end of the day a top of off stump ball is a top of off stump ball and thats where you want to be 95 per cent of the time.

The only different thing with Two-Metre Peter is if you go near the stumps, -especially on those New Zealand wickets, hed seem to hit it for four through the leg side.

Engaging and thoughtful at 34, Fulton will relish the chance to clip one off his legs down the slope at Lords after believing his chance of playing Test cricket in England had gone in 2008.

Just like an outfield footballer being substituted when a goalie gets sent off, Fulton was named in the side to play at Trent Bridge but was yanked out of the XI moments before the toss when a new wicket-keeper was needed.

Fulton said: Brendon (McCullum) hurt his back on the morning of the game just before the toss and they had to bring in someone else to keep.

I got the tap on the shoulder and told that I wasnt going to be required. At the time I thought, the next tour to England is five years away, I guess I might have missed my opportunity.

It will be a nice moment walking through Long Room, but in the end it is how you perform out in the middle.

If I can do well and we do well as a team that is what we will remember.

Battle of the beanpoles

##############3333333333333333333

Sydney morning herald

Doherty: I wasn't up to Test cricket

STATHI PAXINOS May 15, 2013 Australia's Xavier Doherty.

Australia's Xavier Doherty. Photo: Reuters

Australian spinner Xavier Doherty has admitted that he had not been up to Test standard in his "couple of cracks" at it, but he holds hopes that he will be given another chance to prove that he could make the grade.

Doherty was left out of the Ashes squad series after being largely ineffectual against India in March, taking four wickets in two Tests. He has taken seven Test wickets at an average of 78.28.

The 30-year-old left-armer, named in the one day squad for Junes Champions Trophy, accepts that his Test-career had been placed on hold.

"Ive had a couple of cracks at Test cricket and come up a little bit short so I guess one day cricket and the Champions Trophy is going to be a pretty big tournament for me.

"But I think my Test aspirations are probably just put on hold for the time being given how things went in India. Ive got a bit to learn about Test cricket and some more good performances to put on the board rather than just one good tournament, so I think theyre on hold just for the moment."

However, Doherty said he had the ability to be a Test player and took heart from the recall of the likes of veteran Chris Rogers.

"Ive got no doubt that Im good enough," Doherty said. "Ive shown that in Shield cricket and the fact that Ive been selected twice now for Test cricket shows that Ive got what it takes to get to that level.

"But Ive had two cracks at it and Ive played four Tests, which is four more Tests than a lot of people get, and come up short.

"If I dont get another chance Ive only really got myself to blame but I feel that Im good enough.

An established performer in international one-day cricket, where he has taken 46 wickets in 43 matches at a run-rate of 4.69, Doherty has a modest record in first-clas cricket, where he has 126 wickets at 45 from 54 matches.

"Im still in the one day team and have bowled quite well there over the few years and the aim for me now is to get back to Shield cricket and really put two or three seasons together.

"At 30, Im not young but Ive still got plenty of cricket left in me as a spin bowler so hopefully another Test opportunity will come down the track."

###############333333333333333 Sport24

PCB raises players' salaries Comment on this story 2013-05-14 14:20

VIDEO: Donald's Steyn tribute

Karachi - Pakistan announced Tuesday that its 21 cricketers on central contracts would get a 15 percent salary increase and a 10 percent rise in match fees this year.

The contracts, up for renewal in January, were finally handed to players hours before they left for Britain early Tuesday.

Dashing all-rounder Shahid Afridi was lucky to retain his place in the "A" category after being dropped from the one-day squad for next month's Champions Trophy in England and after retiring from Test cricket in 2010.

Test and one-day captain Misbah-ul Haq, Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez, Saeed Ajmal and Younis Khan also retained their "A" category status.

The Pakistan Cricket Board keeps 21 players on central contracts in three categories, marked by three different scales for retainers and match fees.

"For the second consecutive year the players' retainership fee has been increased by 15 percent," a board statement said.

Spearhead Umar Gul, batsman Umar Akmal and spinner Abdul Rehman were demoted to "B" category after lacklustre performances last year.

Others in the "B" category are Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Junaid Khan, Shoaib Malik and Nasir Jamshed.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal regained his central contract after losing out last year and was placed in the "C" category along with Mohammad Irfan, Imran Farhat, Taufeeq Umar, Aizaz Cheema, Adnan Akmal, Faisal Iqbal and Ahmad Shahzad.

"The Test match fee for all categories has also been increased as well as the match fee for all formats by 10 percent from 2012," the board said.

The increases give "A" category players a monthly salary of 359 375 rupees ($3 600) and a Test match fee of 440 000 rupees ($4 400).

"B" category players will get a monthly salary of 251 562 rupees and players in the "C" category, 143 750 rupees. AFP

###############3333333333333333333 Stuff Fulton finally ready for Lord's debut MARK GEENTY IN LONDON Last updated 06:58 15/05/2013 FULTON READY: Peter Fulton slunk away from the previous tour of England five years ago feeling robbed and cheated. Peter Fulton slunk away from the previous tour of England five years ago feeling robbed, cheated and with an inkling he might never feature again in a black helmet.

So not only did his dual centuries in Auckland in March ensure cricketing cult hero status in New Zealand, it booked him a plane ticket and a chance to make up for the huge disappointment of 2008.

Back then, Fultons name was inked to play the third test at Nottingham with New Zealand 1-0 down in the series. Hed been told by coach John Bracewell two days before hed be playing, until then-wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum strained his back in warmups.

McCullum played as a batsman, Gareth Hopkins was whistled in to take the gloves and Fulton got the dreaded shoulder-tap.

It was literally just before the toss. It was pretty tough to deal with, especially knowing that I was definitely going to play. You spend a couple of days before, and then the morning of the test getting nervous and going through all those emotions, Fulton recalled today.

At the time I thought with the next tour to England five years away I might have missed my opportunity to get a test over here.

Instead he stood today on the lawn at the back of the Lords pavilion, surrounded by fascinated British journalists and contemplating a debut at the home of cricket at age 34, starting Thursday night (NZT).

The closest hed come to gracing the hallowed turf was being named 12th man in the seriesclinching ODI back in 2008.

Fultons cricketing resurrection was the story of the home summer when he became the fourth New Zealand batsman to score dual test centuries in that memorable series decider at Eden Park.

He said the best spinoff was finally hearing people talking positively about the New Zealand team.

And life changed further when he married long-time partner Libby Retallick (the cousin of All Black Brodie) in Christchurch then began preparing for his England return.

He doesnt expect to be any more nervous for his 14th test despite the regal venue, where he and opening partner Hamish Rutherford will walk through the Long Room before opening New Zealands innings.

Itll be a nice moment but its about how you perform out in the middle and if we can do well as a team thats what well remember. Ive heard a few people say that you sometimes cop a bit of chirping as you walk through. Itll be nice to experience that myself. Ad Feedback

Of slight concern is that Fulton hasnt set England alight in the warmup games. He scored 21, three and seven in Derby and Leicester but subscribes to the poor dress rehearsal theory.

I take a little bit of comfort from knowing before that first test in Dunedin I had two of the worst nets of my life before the game, and things worked out OK. Ive played enough cricket and been around long enough to know that things can change pretty quickly.

How Fulton and Rutherford cope with a fired up England attack which largely flopped in the New Zealand tests will be a key factor here as the tourists look to continue momentum from the 0-0 series draw.

England paceman Stuart Broad said he, James Anderson and Steven Finn knew they were outswung by the New Zealand quicks in March.

If its cloudy at Lords it swings and we have best swing bowler in the world in Jimmy. We know we can bowl a lot better than in New Zealand, Broad said.

As a unit we werent disciplined enough there to do it consistently. We need to build pressure together; we let ourselves down a bit in New Zealand.

Both teams trained at a grey and cold Lords where light rain swept through and is forecast to play a part in the opening two days. The pitch looked dryer than expected, meaning New Zealand are unlikely to play four pacemen and instead stick with same 11 for a fourth consecutive match.

- Fairfax NZ News

############3333333333333333333333333

Guardian Wayne Rooney transfer deal is of no interest to us, say Bayern Munich

He's not on the agenda, says Matthias Sammer Price tag and wage bill puts Rooney beyond most teams Wayne Rooney Manchester United's Wayne Rooney holds no attraction for Bayern Munich, who say they are not sure what he would bring to the Bundesliga. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

Barney Ronay

If Wayne Rooney's time at Manchester United really is coming to a close, it seems that Bayern Munich can be struck from his list of potential destinations. Stories have circulated in the German media that England's premier attacker might have been an object of some interest for the Bundesliga champions. That is, though, a possibility that can be pretty much ruled out after

Bayern's sporting director, Matthias Sammer, confirmed in the bluntest terms that the club have no interest in signing him.

"I don't know what Rooney would bring to the Bundesliga," Sammer said. "I can't answer that. I can answer that we have great respect for Wayne Rooney but there has been no contact with him. There is no contact and he's not on the agenda. No, no. Absolutely not."

In the past this kind of talk has often been the prelude to a protracted saga of seduction. Real Madrid denied having any interest whatsoever in David Beckham, or in Cristiano Ronaldo, before proceeding to sign both from United. In this case, though, Sammer was simply stating the facts.

With Bayern preparing to take part in their third Champions League final in four years, and with all the talk around the Allianz Arena of Bayern's rejuvenation as a club geared towards producing or at least poaching and nurturing the best young players, it is clear a wellseasoned 27-year-old striker of steadily declining mobility does not fit the business plan.

Currently the Bundesliga champions' biggest problem in attack is how to squeeze Arjen Robben, Thomas Mller, Franck Ribery and Toni Kroos into three available spots, with Pep Guardiola also sure to have a list of preferred new-season targets in Rooney's area of the pitch.

Whether there ever was any contact from Rooney's side is also open to question. The suggestion is that his representatives may simply have made known his general availability to Europe's top clubs. But it is still another avenue closed down among a shrinking roster of clubs with the fiscal muscle, let alone the willingness, to take on Rooney's 250,000-a-week salary and 40m valuation: silly money, by any sensible measure, for a player who was dropped for United's biggest game of the season against Real Madrid.

With Rooney's side now disputing Sir Alex Ferguson's suggestion that a formal transfer request was made, and coming so soon after the acrimonious flirtation with defection to the blue half of Manchester two years ago, it all adds up to another clumsily executed episode of sabre-rattling for a player who signed for United eight years ago. He has given sterling service but still

somehow managed to get himself booed by a minority of supporters at United's dewy-eyed titlewinning parade through Manchester on Monday.

With Bayern so forcefully ruling themselves out, Rooney's list of likely suitors appears to have dwindled away to just Paris Saint-Germain, a club of eccentric spending and recruitment patterns who are intent on buying their way both to Champions League success and the kind of footballing uber-brand status only a tacked-together collection of the world's most glamorous players can buy.

Bayern, on the other hand, have their sights on Robert Lewandowksi, a player operating at a higher level than Rooney, who is three years younger, and would cost less.

One familiar face who seems intent on being at the Allianz Arena next season is Robben. The Dutch winger has been linked with a move to Manchester City, but he suggested during Bayern's media day ahead of the Champions League final that he will stay in Munich until the end of his contract in 2015. "There are always so many rumours," Robben said. "I've already said I'm just concentrating on Bayern and nothing more. We want to win the title on the 25th and that's the only thing that matters for me."

Along with the Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes, - who confirmed that he has yet to make a decision on whether he will retire at the end of the season - Robben was one of several Bayern players to suggest the German champions were undeserved losers to Chelsea in last year's final. It is a wound that clearly still runs deep, for all the talk of approaching this year's campaign as an entirely separate event. "Last year it was a huge disappointment," Robben said. "I don't think we deserved to lose. We deserved a lot more but we didn't get it. Now we have raised our level again and we have a lot of confidence."

############3333333333333333333333 Guardian Last 24 hours have left Manchester City in 'shock', says Brian Kidd

Interim manager relieved to have claimed second place

 1,300 fans turned out despite Wembley disappointment brian kidd Brian Kidd, Manchester City's stand-in manager, watches his side beat Reading 2-0 to secure second place. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Jamie Jackson at Madejski Stadium

Brian Kidd said Manchester City have been in a state of "shock" since the sacking of Roberto Mancini. He hailed the players for managing a 2-0 win at Reading on Tuesday evening, as they were the "ones who have had to put up with stuff off the pitch."

The assistant took charge of the side for the game after David Platt, the first-team coach, resigned to follow Mancini, a close friend, out of the club. Goals from Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko confirmed City will finish second in the Premier League as they are now six points clear of Chelsea, on 78 points, with only one game left. Kidd said: "What has gone on in the last 24 hours was a shock to the staff, and before the game I would have just taken the result, to get the three points and take second place.

"You'd have to ask the players how they feel. It's all credit to the players they are the ones who have had to put up with stuff off the pitch. I am pleased for them because it would have been a travesty if we hadn't finished second.

"We appreciate the fans, and they were disappointed, and we were disappointed, on Saturday [with the FA Cup final defeat to Wigan Athletic].

"To be honest, the three points was the most important thing. When you get to this stage of the season it's not about performances, but getting results and it was on my mind that we needed to seal that second spot in the league. That's the least we could do, and the staff, the fans and the players did it for the club. I was pleased with the way the players acknowledged the fans, but those players really appreciated it."

Throughout the game the travelling fans sang Mancini's name to again show their support for the former manager who led the club to last Cup. "There were 1,300 of them, disappointed after Wembley, but they turned out and you could hear them. The players and the backroom staff have been terrific. I was asked to take charge for [the last] two games, and being a Manchester lad, I couldn't say 'no'. I wouldn't have been able to walk down Market Street if I had."

Regarding Platt's resignation, a club statement said: "With regret Manchester City announce that David Platt has this afternoon left his role as assistant manager at the club. David was offered the opportunity to continue his work with us but has declined the invitation. He has decided to leave his role with his close friend Roberto Mancini."

#############333333333333333333333333333 BBC Wigan are relegated Close Match details Arouna Kone and Shaun Maloney

14 May 2013 Updated 20:59 GMT

By Chris McKenna - BBC Sport

Wigan's eight-season tenure in the Premier League came to an end as they were hammered at Arsenal, who moved back into the Champions League places.

Lukas Podolski headed the Gunners in front early on before Shaun Maloney's free-kick levelled the game.

Realistically Wigan had to win to keep their survival hopes alive.

But Theo Walcott's low strike, a lobbed second from Podolski and Aaron Ramsey's angled strike ensured Wigan will be playing in the Championship next term.

Arsenal are now fourth - a point ahead of Tottenham with one game to go and the Gunners know a win at Newcastle on Sunday will guarantee a place in next season's Champions League.

Wigan's defeat also means that Sunderland and Aston Villa can now also rest easy heading into the final weekend.

All the pre-match debate was about how well Wigan could recover from their historic FA Cup win over Manchester City just three days earlier, but manager Roberto Martinez picked the same starting line-up at the Emirates Stadium.

It was clear in the early stages that there were some weary legs and Arsenal were keen to capitalise, creating a chance for Santi Cazorla, who headed wide from Walcott's cross wide.

It seemed more mental fatigue than physical tiredness that gifted Arsenal the opener.

Podolski easily outmuscled James McArthur in the area and as the rest of the Latics defence stood still, the Germany international had a free header to turn in Cazorla's floating corner.

The Gunners were posing the biggest threat as they whizzed the ball around in Wigan's half with Kieran Gibbs almost getting on the end of a misplaced Bacary Sagna shot.

"Believe" has been Wigan's mantra in recent weeks and despite Arsenal's pressure, the visitors kept trying to hit on the counter-attack.

Maloney went down under what seemed like little pressure from Mikel Arteta and referee Mike Dean gave the Latics a chance as the referee pointed for a free-kick just outside the area.

The forward then managed to get the ball up and over the wall to beat Wojciech Szczesny despite the Gunners keeper getting a hand to the ball.

Wigan seemed to have cast aside their earlier stiffness and after the break only a good save from Szczesny denied Arouna Kone at close range.

If Martinez's side needed a reminder of Arsenal's threat, it came when Walcott played a ball across the face of goal for Cazorla and Latics keeper Joel Robles was forced into a double save before Tomas Rosicky's skidding shot went wide.

Arsenal regained the lead through Walcott after a superb low cross from Cazorla was turned home by the England forward despite Robles getting something on the ball.

The floodgates then opened as Wigan's weariness returned.

Paul Scharner played Podolski onside to allow the German forward in to lob over Robles before Ramsey fired in from a tight angle to complete the win that turned Wigan's tears of joy from Saturday into tears of anguish.

And in failing to keep their hopes of staying up alive, Wigan became the first team to win the FA Cup and suffer relegation from the top flight in the same season.

############33333333333333333333333 DAILY STAR FERGIE WANTED ANCELOTTI NOT MOYES

ABOVE: PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti may have been approached by Sir Alex Ferguson to succeed him Ancelotti certainly comes with a better pedigree than Moyes, who failed to win any silverware during his time at Goodison Park.

15th May 2013 By Paul Brown

DAVID MOYES may not have been Manchester Uniteds first choice to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson.

Reports in France suggest they turned to Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the Everton boss, who will take charge at Old Trafford next season.

Highly respected sources close to Paris Saint-Germain manager Ancelotti claim Ferguson even made a personal plea for the Italian to succeed him last week.

Ancelotti was said to be surprised and flattered by the offer but politely declined. Starsport understands he wants the Real Madrid job instead.

PSG confirmed earlier this week they have already rejected one approach for Ancelotti from Real, who are looking for a replacement for Jose Mourinho.

The Special One is expected to return to Chelsea this summer and Ancelotti remains the No.1 choice of the Spanish club to succeed him.

Moyes was handed a six-year contract by United last week, with the club insisting he was the unanimous choice.

Ancelotti certainly comes with a better pedigree than Moyes, who failed to win any silverware during his time at Goodison Park.

The Italian won the League and FA Cup Double with Chelsea in 2010, lifted the Champions League twice with AC Milan and has just helped PSG win the Ligue 1 title in France.

Ancelotti still has a year left on his contract but Starsport understands it contains a break clause which could allow him to leave this summer.

###############33333333333333333333333333 Daily star SIR ALEX FERGUSON SAYS SUCCESS WAS FUELLED BY BISCUITS ABOVE: Sir Alex Ferguson says he owes his success down to his love of biscuits I try to be sensible.

Sir Alex Ferguson 15th May 2013 By Daily Star Reporter

SIR ALEX FERGUSON says his success was fuelled by biscuits.

The retiring Manchester United boss has kept going for 27 years on KitKats, Jaffa Cakes and Tunnocks Caramel Wafers.

Fergie, 71, offsets his love of sweet treats with trips to the gym.

In an interview, he said: I try to be sensible.

##############33333333333333333333