Chance for Rashid at last!

clipped from news.bbc.co.uk CRICKET Fast bowler Amjad Khan is added to England's squad for the two-Test series in India, while Adil Rashid is named as back-up.

Pig Problem

No bacon for a while eh?

clipped from news.bbc.co.uk Irish Republic recalls all pork All pork products made in the Irish Republic since September have been recalled over fears they are contaminated with a toxic substance. The action was taken after dioxins were found in slaughtered pigs thought to have eaten contaminated feed. Tests showed some pork products contained up to 200 times more dioxins than the recognised safety limit. The UK's Food Standards Agency said it did not believe at this stage that UK consumers faced any "significant risk". Banned substance A spokesman said the agency was awaiting confirmation from the Irish authorities as to whether any of the affected products had been exported to the UK. He said they would assess the situation and take any action required to protect UK consumers. The animals may have been contaminated by animal feed

Rugby League Play-Offs

Dilemma

clipped from news.bbc.co.uk Saints chief slams play-off plans St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus has criticised changes to the play-off system, due to take effect from 2009. The highest placed team after the first round will be able to choose semi-final opponents in week three in an event expanded from six to eight teams. "We were not in favour," he said. "It's a little bit of a gimmick gone too far. "The game has thrived on innovation and much been correct but this won't work. It's supposed to be an advantage but all it will do is motivate opponents." One theory for the decision to change the structure of the play-offs is that it would bring greater excitement to the concluding stages of the competition. Leeds retained their Super League crown by beating St Helens in the Grand Final in October in Manchester. And McManus added: "I don't think semi-finals have been predictable at all. "The play-offs have worked in the current form, are successful and an exciting culmination to the season."

Test Doubts

I can't see how they will go back!

clipped from news.bbc.co.uk Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison have been identified by England coach Peter Moores as having doubts over returning to India after the Mumbai attacks. "Fred has had issues and it's fair to say Steve Harmison has as well," said Moores, as England wait for a security report to determine if they will tour. "The important message from me is that we respect people and allow them to have their views," added Moores. "The key is we get clear information. I hope as a team we all go together." England have set up a training camp in Abu Dhabi while they wait to discover if the two-Test series will go ahead. Senior England officials have travelled to India to assess security at Chennai, where the first Test is due to start on Thursday 11 December. Hugh Morris, managing director of England cricket, and Sean Morris, chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, will return to Abu Dhabi on Sunday with their conclusions and an announcement on the tour is expected shortly afterwards.

Mumbai Worries

All the world should be worried about tensions between these two countries.

clipped from news.bbc.co.uk Pakistan 'feared Indian attack' Pakistan feared India was planning to launch a military strike at the height of tensions over the Mumbai attacks, a senior Pakistani diplomat has said. Pakistan's High Commissioner to London said there was evidence that India wanted "to teach Pakistan a lesson". Islamabad denies involvement in the attacks which left at least 170 dead, but some of the gunmen are said to have had links to Pakistani militants. Both sides have taken care not to openly inflame the situation.

British Hope

Murrat really seems to have raised his game this year!

clipped from news.bbc.co.uk Sampras backs Murray to win major Tennis legend Pete Sampras believes British number one Andy Murray is on the cusp of winning a Grand Slam title. Murray enjoyed a superb 2008, reaching his first major final at the US Open and climbing to fourth in the rankings. "He is one notch below Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal," said 14-time Grand Slam winner Sampras.

Flock Trial

Have decided to give FLOCK a try-there seem to be a couple of problems with FF3!

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