Correction and Sports News

Cricket

Sorry. It seems I have made a blunder in one of my earlier posts. The cricket test series consisting of India vs. West Indies has NOT YET ended. I had reported it had ended in a draw as I had thought that it was the best of three series. Apparently, it is a four test series. So, with the first three tests not yielding a result, anyone can still win the series. At the end of the first days play, India was 200 all out. Although it is still anyone's series, the West Indies have a slight edge at this point. I think India deserve to win this series simply because they outplayed the Indies in three games IN the Caribbean. Regardless, this is a test match and not of much importance to me. I prefer one-dayers. Still, I thought I should correct myself.

" Jerome Taylor's 5 for 50 helped West Indies dismiss India for 200 on the first day in Jamaica"

© AFP From: Cricinfo

In other cricket news, England is playing Sri Lanka in a five match ODI series. Sri Lanka has won the first four matches. The last remaining match is to be played on July 1st. Surprisingly, the matches are being played in England. It seems unbelievable. This is a team (England) that beat the Aussies in the Ashes last year. There are only two or three new faces on the England team but the big names are still there except for Vaughan. Is it only the lack of Vaughan's presence that is making such a great impact. I don't buy that! Kudos to SL. They must be playing great.

FIFA
Italy beat Ukraine 3-0. Germany beat Argentina via penalty kicks after they were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time. Germany will now play Italy in the semifinal on July 4 at 3 P.M. (EST). Thus, so far two out of four of my predictions have come true! Here are an expert's predictions on ESPN. He picked Brazil, Portugal, Italy, and Argentina as winners in the quarterfinals. The two remaining quarterfinal matches take place today.

Italy's Luca Toni scored two goals against Ukraine.

NBA
The NBA has introduced a new game ball. This in only the second change made to the ball in the NBA's history. The last change was over 35 years ago. The new ball will be in play in the 06-07 season. The ball was revealed from the mysterious Black Box that David Stern had created a stir about a few days ago. The new ball, produced by Spalding, is made of a microfiber composite material that provides for more material coverage, better grip, and moisture management. The old ball was made of leather.


In Heat news, Jason Kapono's contract for next season was secured by Miami. Coach Pat Riley noted "We will definitely keep Jason. I don't think there is a better 3-point shooter in the game." While I may not completely agree with the statement, it seems like a good move for now with the Heat not having a pick in the draft lottery this year.