Players Still Not Mentally Ready for Rescheduled India Tests: Cricket Australia

The opening Test between Australia and India was due to start on Thursday at the Gabba in Brisbane but was put off following Phillip Hughes' freak on-field accident last week. The four-Test series will now begin in Adelaide on December 9, with Brisbane to follow, then Melbourne and Sydney.

Phillip Hughes' funeral will be held on December 3.

© AFP

Sydney: Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland Tuesday said it was too early to say which players would be mentally ready for the rescheduled Test series against India following Phillip Hughes' death, as mourners began arriving for his funeral.

The opening clash between the teams was due to start on Thursday at the Gabba in Brisbane but was put off following Hughes' freak on-field accident last week, with fellow players emotionally shattered, some more than others.

Australia's four-Test series will now begin in Adelaide on December 9, with Brisbane to follow, then Melbourne and Sydney.

"There is nothing perfect about what we have come up with here but we appreciate everyone's support and understanding in these tragic and extraordinary circumstances," Sutherland said ahead of boarding a plane to Macksville, where Hughes grew up. "The schedule will inconvenience a lot of people. We understand that. But we very much hope that in light of these extraordinary circumstances that everyone can see the big picture."

Hughes died last Thursday from bleeding on the brain, two days after being knocked unconscious by a bouncer while batting during a domestic match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, throwing the cricketing world into mourning.

With his funeral on Wednesday in his home town of Macksville in northern New South Wales, Cricket Australia late Monday amended the Test dates after lengthy talks with the Board of Control for Cricket in India and other stakeholders.

Instead of starting on Friday, December 12 -- as the second Adelaide Test was originally slated -- it will now begin on December 9 and be the opening match of the series.

Such a shift will allow the second Test to be played in Brisbane from December 17-21 with the traditional Boxing Day clash in Melbourne remaining unchanged, while the Sydney Test has been pushed back three days and will now start on January 6. (Phillip Hughes' Funeral to be Live Screened at Sydney Cricket Ground)

- Raw emotions -

Whether the players will be ready for Adelaide remains to be seen.

David Warner, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin and Nathan Lyon were all on the field when Hughes was hit while captain Michael Clarke was a close friend and his emotions have been raw.

"Any player that is not comfortable or doesn't feel right, or there is medical advice to suggest they're not quite right, then we will obviously understand that," Sutherland said.

"Understand that we and the Australian Cricketers' Association will be supporting them and nobody will think ill of anyone who feels uncomfortable about it." (Read: Israeli Umpire Suffers Shocking Death)

The tragedy has deeply shaken the world cricket community, particularly in Australia where the sport is considered the national game. Flags have been flown at half mast and bats left outside front doors as a mark of respect.

Clarke arrived in Macksville via helicopter on Monday, with some 5,000 mourners expected at a service that will be broadcast live across the country. (Man Petitions High Court to Restrain India From Continuing Aussie Tour)

Hughes died after his vertebral artery split when hit by the ball, leading to massive bleeding in his brain. It was a freak injury with only 100 cases ever reported and only one as a result of a cricket ball.

Thierry Henry Confirms New York Red Bulls Exit, Leaves Options Open

Thierry Henry, who played for New York Red Bulls for four and a half years, was named an MLS All-Star four times (2011-2014) and most recently led the club to the Conference Championship for the first time since 2008.

Thierry Henry has won almost everything there is to win in the game.

© AP

New York: French striker Thierry Henry has played his last game for the New York Red Bulls after four and a half years at the club, he announced on their website on Monday.

"Unfortunately Saturday was my last game for the New York Red Bulls,", the 37-year-old who is France's top international scorer said.

"The decision has always been that I would leave after the duration of my contract," said Henry, who joined the MLS outfit from Barcelona in 2011.

Gerard Houllier, Red Bulls global football director, told France Football in October that Henry would leave the club in December, but that he might continue his career with another team rather than retire.

"I will now take the next few weeks to reflect and decide on the next chapter of my career," said Henry on Monday.

The former Monaco, Juventus and Arsenal star thanked the club's fans for supporting him and the side "through the good, the bad and the ugly times in the sun, rain and snow".

Henry was named an MLS All-Star four times (2011-2014) and most recently led the club to the Conference Championship for the first time since 2008.

New York Red Bulls general manager Marc de Grandpre payed tribute to the Frenchman and wished him well.

"He is truly one of the all-time great talents and will forever hold a special place within the organization's history. We wish Thierry all the best for his future."

Henry has won almost everything there is to win in the game including the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France for whom he played 123 and scored 51 goals.

He has won national titles in France, England and Spain, where he also won the Champions League in 2009.

Originally from the Antilles he joined Monaco at 16, but found his dream home in 1999 with a switch from Juventus to Highbury, where with his former coach Arsene Wenger and compatriots Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira he formed part of a legendary Arsenal side known as the invincables.

Injured Chris Gayle Ruled Out of South Africa Tour

Chris Gayle is the second experienced player in the squad to withdraw after Dwayne Bravo pulled out last month citing personal reasons. Devon Smith is called up to replace him.

© AFP

St John's: Devon Smith is called up to replace the West Indies injured star batsman Chris Gayle in the squad for the tour of South Africa from December 17, the selectors announced on Monday.

Smith, 33, has represented the West Indies in 33 Tests since making his debut in 2003 against Australia in Guyana.

The pugnacious left handed opener -- who scored a century in his latest first class match -- has scored one Test century and five half centuries and averages a shade under 37 in First Class cricket.

Gayle is the second experienced player in the squad to withdraw after Dwayne Bravo pulled out last month citing personal reasons.

The series against South Africa will be the first for the West Indies since they quit India four matches into a five-game, one-day series in October after a pay dispute between players and the Board, with a Twenty20 international and three Tests to play.

The West Indies Cricket Board has since set up a task force to explore the controversy with a report due on December 18.

West Indies will play three Tests, three Twenty20 internationals and five one-dayers in South Africa.

Squad

Denesh Ramdin (Capt), Sulieman Benn, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Braithwaite, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sheldon Cottrell, Assad Fudadin, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Leon Johnson, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Devon Smith, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton

Kaka Bids Emotional Sao Paulo Farewell

Kaka was given a rousing reception after his team's 1-1 draw with Figueirense on Sunday, his last home match before joining new US Major Soccer League franchise Orlando City.

Kaka is the first designated player to sign with the Orlando City Soccer Club that will begin play in Major League Soccer in 2015.

© AP

Sao Paulo: Kaka has admitted to being overcome with emotion after bidding farewell to Sao Paulo's fans at the Morumbi stadium.

The 32-year-old was given a rousing reception after his team's 1-1 draw with Figueirense on Sunday, his last home match before joining new US Major Soccer League franchise Orlando City.

"It was emotional...my teammates congratulating me and the fans applauding. The week has been very special," Xinhua quoted Kaka as saying.

He will play his last match of a five month-loan spell against Figueirense at the Arena Pernambuco Sunday.

The 2002 World Cup winner and 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year will have little time to rest before beginning pre-season training with Orlando next month.

"Now I have a three-year contract with Orlando," Kaka said. "It's not the right time to talk about coming back. But who knows what will happen in the future."

Kaka previously said he will be hungry for trophies at Orlando, in what could be his last contract as a professional player.

The former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder recaptured glimpses of his best form during his Sao Paulo loan and was rewarded by being recalled to Brazil's national team by coach Dunga in October.

Novak Djokovic to Reveal Life Story in Short Film Series

Novak Djokovic will detail his journey from war-torn Serbia, including the dedication of his first coach Jelena Gencic, to his career-shaping Grand Slams wins at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. The video is due to be released in January.

File photo of Novak Djokovic

© AFP

Sydney: World number one Novak Djokovic will reveal "never before told" stories about his life in a short documentary series in partnership with an Australian sponsor. (Related: Biopic on Mohammed Azharuddin, Emraan Hashmi in Lead Role)

The 27-year-old will detail his journey from war-torn Serbia, including the dedication of his first coach Jelena Gencic, to his career-shaping Grand Slams wins at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

"The biggest fight I had in my life was actually the fight within," he said in a short trailer released Monday for the videos called "Made By", in association with Australian winery Jacob's Creek.

He added that the mini-documentary form "has given me the opportunity to tell the world my story for the first time, showing what I've been shaped and inspired by".

The video is due to be released in January, just days ahead of the Australian Open, the opening Grand Slam of the season where Djokovic is a four-time champion.

Andre Agassi previously featured in Jacob's Creek films.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer Shortlisted for World Player of the Year

Cristiano Ronaldo, who is the present holder of the title having also won it in 2008, scored a record 17 goals in a Champions League campaign as Real Madrid went on to win their 10th European Cup last term.

© AFP

Paris: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who have between them won the past six world player of the year awards, face opposition from Germany's World Cup winning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the short list announced by FIFA on Monday.

Ronaldo, who is the present holder of the title having also won it in 2008, scored a record 17 goals in a Champions League campaign as Real Madrid went on to win their 10th European Cup last term.

Messi, the only player to have won the award four times, failed to win a title this year either with Barcelona or Argentina, although he was integral in his country reaching the World Cup final where they lost 1-0 in extra-time to Germany.

The 27-year-old did pick up the consolation of player of the tournament.

Neuer, who was outstanding in goal for Germany and for Bayern Munich as they won the domestic double, would be only the second goalkeeper to win the award, which is announced on January 12 in Zurich, after the then Soviet Union's Lev Yashin.

Coach of the year is to be fought out between Neuer's national coach Joachim Loew, Ronaldo's club handler Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Simeone, who guided the far less moneyed Atletico Madrid to the Spanish title and the final of the Champions League.

The trio selected for the Puskas award for best goal are Colombia's James Rodriguez, for his goal against Uruguay in the 2-0 victory in their World Cup last 16 clash, Robin van Persie's leaping header against Spain in their World Cup group game and outsider Irish woman Stephanie Roche for her goal for Peamount United against Wexford Youths in October 20, 2013.

Roche doesn't make the women's player of the year shortlist which consists of Brazil's five-time winner Marta, Germany's European player od the 2013-14 season Nadine Kessler and America's all-time record goalscorer Abby Warmbach, winner in 2012.

Japan's Asian coach of the year Norio Sasaki, who has been in charge of her national side since 2007, Ralf Kellermann, who guided VfL Wolfsburg to the women's Champions League title and his compatriot Maren Meinert, who coached the German Under-20 team to their age category global title, are in line for the women's coach of the year crown.

MS Dhoni to Reach Australia Before First Test in Adelaide From December 9

If fit, MS Dhoni will captain the side in the first Test at Adelaide, effectively putting off Virat Kohli's debut as Test skipper. As per original schedule, Kohli was to lead in the first Test at Brisbane from December 4.

.

© AP

Sydney: India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is expected to join the team ahead of the rescheduled first Test, commencing here on December 9.

Owing to a hand injury, Dhoni had not been named in the original squad for the first Test, earlier scheduled to be played in Brisbane from December 4. He was earlier expected to join the team for the 'second Test' in Adelaide, which was originally starting on December 12.

The tragic demise of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes resulted in the rescheduling of the four-match Test series.

Thus, now the Indian captain will be able to join the team sometime this week, before the Test series begins.

As per the new schedule released by Cricket Australia late Monday night, the first Test of the four-match series will now be played in Adelaide from December 9-12, while second game will be held at Gabba in Brisbane from December 17-21.

The Boxing Day Test -- the third one of the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy -- was the only Test whose schedule has remained unchanged. It will start in Melbourne on December 26.

The fourth Test will be played in Sydney but with a delay of three days, now starting on January 6 instead of January 3.

The Indian team will be playing its second practice match at the Glenelg Oval in sub-urban Adelaide ahead of the first Test. It will be a two-day game, beginning December 4. The opposition for that tie will be another Cricket Australia XI, though it will expectantly be devoid of any big names since the players are in mourning. India's second tour-game had got cancelled after Hughes' death.

Dhoni, however, will be unavailable for the practice game as he is not likely to join before December 4.

Indian team spokesperson Dr Redhills Baba said that the skipper, though, will join the team well ahead of the first Test, which means stand-in captain Virat Kohli will not lead the side when the series gets under way at the Adelaide Oval.

Meanwhile, Kohli will be attending Hughes' funeral in the late cricketer's home-town, Macksville on Wednesday. He will be joined by batsmen Rohit Sharma and Murali Vijay, along with team director Ravi Shastri, coach Duncan Fletcher and team manager Arshad Ayub.

The team management expects Kohli, Sharma and Vijay to return in time for the two-day tour game, which is scheduled on Thursday.

The entire Australian cricketing fraternity will be attending the funeral, which will begin in the afternoon and will be televised by major channels here. The Australian Test squad is then expected to travel to Adelaide on Thursday and then begin preparations for the Test series.

However, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland has stated that "any grieving player is free to pull out of the match or indeed the Test series".

"Right now there's a funeral tomorrow and let's just understand that's going to be difficult enough as it is," Sutherland said at a press conference this morning in Sydney before departing for Macksville.

"There will be a great temptation for people to speculate about who's going to play and how they are feeling. I encourage everyone to give the players their space.

"No one will think ill of anyone who feels uncomfortable about playing. Test cricket is a different game. It is not just going out there and playing a game of sport for a couple of hours. You need to go out there and commit to five days. It will be up to the individual. Any player that is not comfortable or doesn't fell right, or there is medical advice to suggest that they are not quite right, then we will obviously understand that and I am sure the broader public will understand that as well," he added. (Phillip Hughes' Funeral to be Live Screened at Sydney Cricket Ground)

Meanwhile, there will be obvious speculation about Australian skipper Michael Clarke's participation in the first Test. He had earlier been included in the original squad for the Brisbane Test pending a fitness test, but a small controversy had erupted that saw him at loggerheads with the national selectors over the issue. (Man Petitions High Court to Restrain India From Continuing Aussie Tour)

National selector Mark Waugh had revealed that Hughes would have been in contention for a Test return if Clarke had been sidelined due to lack of fitness.

Hughes' death put that issue on the back-burner like everything else, and Clarke has been a great leader off the pitch for Cricket Australia in this time of tragedy. However, it has also not given him any time for rehabilitation and thus, his participation in the opening Test is still a big question mark.