Better-Prepared Australia Has The Edge, Say Clarke

Cape Town, Nov 7: Australia captain Michael Clarke has described his team’s preparations for the first test against South Africa as “outstanding” and says the tourists have an important early edge in the two-match series. Unusually, his opposite number agrees. South Africa captain Graeme Smith concedes his men have not played enough in the run-in to the series-opener at Newlands, and says “if we’re fair, Australia are better prepared than us. That’s the reality.” Smith’s words on the eve of the first test in Cape Town on Tuesday were welcomed later by Clarke, who said “it was great to hear.” Clarke adds “that’s a real tick in that first box for us that I know we’re 100 percent ready.” Australia is seeking a fifth straight test series win in South Africa.

ED Quizzes Shah Rukh Khan In Connection With IPL 2

Mumbai, Nov 8: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recorded the statement of Bollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan in connection with alleged irregularities in holding the IPL. “Shah Rukh appeared before us on Saturday and we recorded his statement in connection with IPL 2,” an ED official told PTI. Indian Premier League season 2 was held in South Africa after the venue was shifted from India. There have been allegations of ill-gotten money flowing into the T-20 tournament from foreign tax heavens. Former BCCI president Shashank Manohar and cricketer Ravi Shastri, who were on the IPL governing council headed by Lalit Modi, have so far been questioned in connection with alleged irregularities in conduct of the cash-rich league. ED sources said that Khan has been asked to submit documents relating to the buying of players, advertising, profit and loss and share holding pattern of his franchise to the agency in two weeks.