SPORT IN BRIEF
Flower’s Pietersen hopes wilt
CRICKET: England coach Andy Flower admits star batsman Kevin Pietersen may miss this winter’s tour of South Africa through injury.
The 29-year-old batsman is currently recovering from Achilles surgery but a subsequent infection in the area has slowed his rehabilitation.
“We’re still taking it day by day,” said Flower. “We’re still not sure whether he’s going to be fit or not.”
England begin their Champions Trophy campaign on Friday and Flower added: “I would have wanted him back at the start of this one-day tournament.”
Injured forces Nadal withdrawal
TENNIS: World No2 Rafael Nadal has pulled out of next week’s Thailand Open having failed to shrug off an abdominal injury. The Spaniard, 23, picked up the problem shortly after returning from a long lay-off with tendonitis and it flared up at the US Open where he lost to eventual winner Juan Martin Del Potro.
“The injury needs to be taken care of,” said Nadal.
Australia to host England Tests
RUGBY UNION: Australia will play England in two Tests next June, the Australian Rugby Union has confirmed.
The Subiaco Oval in Perth and the infamous venue where England won the World Cup, Sydney’s ANZ Stadium, will host the matches.
“Sydney is a heartland for the game and it will be great to see our old nemesis, the English, back in town,” said ARU managing director John O’Neill. Australia will also host Ireland in June 2010.