ADELAIDE, Australia (CMC):
Kieron Pollard once again played a key role with the bat, but it was South Australia's bowlers who engineered their 23-run victory over Tasmania and their fourth straight triumph in the Twenty20 Big Bash yesterday. The right-handed Trinidadian hammered 27 from 23 balls with one four and a six, as South Australia were bowled out for a paltry 131 off 18 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat first at the Adelaide Oval.
Fast bowler Shaun Tait then claimed both openers with the first two balls of the innings to send Tasmania crumbling to a disappointing 108 for nine from their allotted 20 overs.
Winter break
DOHA, Qatar (AP):
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes the Premier League needs to fall in line with the other major European leagues and adopt a winter break in January. Speaking from United's training camp in Doha, Ferguson said yesterday that players struggle to play three games in eight days as the pitches get heavier in winter and are also unable to get over any lingering injuries.
"My experience tells me that when you get to December, it is draining for players to continuously play matches every Saturday-Wednesday, Saturday-Wednesday," Ferguson said. "It is difficult to play football through heavier grounds in cold weather. By December, everybody needs a break.
"With a break in January, you can repair the small injuries the players pick up. Even the coaches need a mental break."
Campbell set to rejoin Arsenal
LONDON (AP):
Former England defender Sol Campbell could be about to rejoin Arsenal on a free transfer after agreeing to play a trial match for the Gunners' reserve team. The 35-year-old Campbell has been without a club since leaving Notts County in September but has kept fit by training with the club he left more than three years ago. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said last week that Campbell was still good enough to play in the Premier League.
"He now plays tonight on a reserve league registration with a view to a permanent move back to Arsenal football club," Arsenal said yesterday in a statement.