29/08/2012
Strauss Retires From Professional Cricket
England captain Andrew Strauss has announced he is retiring from professional cricket.
At a press conference in Lord's, he said his decision was spurred by a drop in his batting form, and not the fallout over the Kevin Pieterson row.
He said: "In truth I hadn't batted well enough for a long period of time now. From a captaincy point of view it's important you're not a passenger, and people aren't speculating on your future. I know from my own energy levels and motivation I wasn't going to improve batting-wise.
"It's not something that's happened overnight. It's been a gradual thing over the last 12 months, and certainly the last six weeks."
Pietersen admitted sending controversial texts, criticising Strauss and coach Andy Flower, to south African cricketers.
Speaking about the incident Strauss said: "What happened did not undermine me in the eyes of the team. It was a difficult decision to deal with but not in terms of making me more or less keen to leave the team.
"It was one of those decisions you know in your heart."
(CD)
At a press conference in Lord's, he said his decision was spurred by a drop in his batting form, and not the fallout over the Kevin Pieterson row.
He said: "In truth I hadn't batted well enough for a long period of time now. From a captaincy point of view it's important you're not a passenger, and people aren't speculating on your future. I know from my own energy levels and motivation I wasn't going to improve batting-wise.
"It's not something that's happened overnight. It's been a gradual thing over the last 12 months, and certainly the last six weeks."
Pietersen admitted sending controversial texts, criticising Strauss and coach Andy Flower, to south African cricketers.
Speaking about the incident Strauss said: "What happened did not undermine me in the eyes of the team. It was a difficult decision to deal with but not in terms of making me more or less keen to leave the team.
"It was one of those decisions you know in your heart."
(CD)
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England defeat on second inning collapse
An England collapse for 129 has handed a six wicket victory to Australia in the second Ashes Test. Instrumental in the Australian win was the bowling of Shane Warne who took 4-49 with key batsmen playing poor shots in a dry spell of play that saw England manage only 60 in 43 overs for nine wickets.
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Pietersen Arrives Home With Police Escort
Kevin Pietersen has arrived back to Britain from South Africa, following his shock resignation as England cricket captain. Pietersen, who resigned in controversial circumstances, was given a police escort out of Heathrow airport. He was met by reporters and photographers, however he refused to comment on the situation.
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Ancram calls for cricket tour to Zimbabwe to be scrapped
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Ancram calls for cricket tour to Zimbabwe to be scrapped
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Murdered teen's mother makes appeal for information
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Murdered teen's mother makes appeal for information
The mother of murdered Kent teenager Michael Chapman has made an emotional appeal for information about her son's death. Sixteen-year-old Michael died on June 16 shortly after being attacked at the upper playing fields at Gore Court Cricket Club, Sittingbourne, as he walked with his 28-year-old brother David and their girlfriends.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.