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Times
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Times
Karun Nair, axed after triple century against England, gets second chance
'D ear Cricket, give me one more chance.' There cannot have been a more touching, heartfelt plea issued on social media by a cricketer. Not just any old cricketer, either, but someone with a Test-match triple hundred to his name, who, in December 2022 when that tweet was sent, was scrapping around the margins of the professional game looking for another opportunity to impress. Karun Nair, back in India's squad again, is a name that will not be lost on England supporters. In his third Test and in his third Test innings, Nair became only the second India batsman after Virender Sehwag to make a triple century in Test cricket when he put England to the sword in Chennai in 2016. Only two other batsmen in the history of the game, before Nair, had converted their maiden hundred into a triple: Garfield Sobers and Bobby Simpson.
BBC News
12-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Ospreys St Helens move marks new chapter for Swansea ground
Despite slipping out of the spotlight in recent times, St Helen's has been a cornerstone of Welsh sport for 150 years. But the seafront venue will return to the limelight during the 2025-26 rugby season, when the Ospreys rugby side moves back in ground provided the scene for Wales' first home rugby international, Swansea becoming the first club to beat all three major southern hemisphere sides, and where Sir Garfield Sobers famously hit six sixes against Glamorgan. But cricket has been brought to an end at the venue, and renovation work is taking place to turn it into a 8,000-capacity regional rugby stadium. It had been the home of major rugby in Swansea since the 1880s, and in the 90s superstar names such as Colin Charvis, Scott Gibbs and Robert Jones dazzled crowds of thousands who packed the terrace. But when rugby went professional and new sides were created in 2003, the old Swansea RFC joined with Neath RFC to create the new Ospreys brand. While the side initially played at St Helen's, they moved to the new stadium to share with the city's football side when it opened in level rugby may have been absent for 20 years, but in many ways, St Helen's is where the standards modern sides aspire to were set. It is where Wales played their first home international match in 1882 against England, and where Swansea became the first club side to beat the All Blacks in 1935. In fact, all three major touring sides have fallen at the ground, with South Africa being defeated there by Swansea in 1912 - more than 85 years before the national side would achieve this fell in 1908, with Swansea becoming the first British club side to defeat all three southern hemisphere powerhouses, with the world champion Wallabies again losing there in 1992. The changes to the stadium have created mixed feelings for former Swansea, Wales and Lions scrum-half Robert Jones."It's sad in one way because of course the pitch is going to change, 4G is going to come in and I know why, but St Helen's has one of the best pitches in Britain," he said. "But it's nice that the Ospreys are coming down here and this will be their home in the future. "That's important not just for Swansea rugby club but for the whole area."People in the area were supportive of the move, with Carey, who lives nearby with her rugby fan partner, saying: "I just think any kind of regeneration for this area is going to be a positive thing, definitely."Charlie said: "I've been there for a couple of rugby games at uni, it's quite lively so it should be fun." This is grass that has also seen many famous moments with a different shaped ball - with Glamorgan cricket club also having a 150-year association with it. While the club has not played a match there since 2019, they claimed back-to-back victories over Australia at St Helen's in 1964 and the ground may be best known for being the venue where Nottinghamshire's Sir Garfield Sobers became the first batter to hit six sixes in an over in a first-class was described by former Glamorgan and England spinner Robert Croft as "Wales' most iconic and historic cricket ground", as he said the fact cricket will no longer be played there is "disappointing, heart-breaking and sad". But renovating one of Wales' most famous grounds is no small feat. "We feel very privileged to be coming to this historic field and be able to give it new life and Swansea rugby club [who will also play there in the Welsh league] will be part of that," said Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley. "It needs to be an old-fashioned Welsh rugby ground but with all the modern qualities we can offer like the 4G pitch. "Hopefully it will be the best of both worlds for everyone."Returning to the good days of rugby in Swansea is the hope of Robert Jones who starred on the field during his career."I've been to games here when the bank was full and I just hope the fans will come and support the team," he said. "Hopefully we can go back to where Swansea were years ago, but now of course with the Ospreys shirt on."A new start for an old stadium, but the history of the past is a driving force for success for rugby in Swansea. A Swansea council spokesperson said: "We continue to work with the Ospreys, Swansea Cricket Club and others on this exciting plan for St Helen's to be redeveloped as a centre for all levels of rugby in the years to come."The council has conditionally agreed investment in St Helen's, with the Ospreys planning to play there from the 2025-26 season."Alternative ground arrangements are being made for Swansea Cricket Club to continue playing at Wales' highest level."Swansea is a sporting city - and these plans are part of a wider scheme to boost sport here for future generations."
The Independent
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Your perfect match: Why Barbados makes for the ultimate sporty sunbreak
Whether you want to feast your eyes on thrilling cricket, polo and road tennis matches, or dive into the action yourself with some surfing or scuba diving, Barbados is the top destination for a sporty break. With a diverse range of events and activities to choose from, you can also unwind with a round of golf or a sun-kissed yoga class, before relaxing on the island's beautiful beaches. What's more, this year you can enjoy discounts of up to 65 per cent on select Barbados hotels and an array of unforgettable attractions and experiences. Visitors can also make the most of the vibrant culinary scene, with curated specials and exclusive menu offers at participating restaurants. Making your Bajan getaway even more we round up just some of the sporting events and activities you can enjoy while you're there… Cricket As an island that nurtured a wealth of cricket stars, including Sir Garfield Sobers, Malcolm Marshall and Sir Clyde Walcott, Barbados lives and breathes the sport. One of the international capitals of cricket, the island puts on a match like no other. Music, dancing, drinking and delicious food add to the atmosphere at the celebrated Kensington Oval, where you can take in an international Test Match or a One-Day match – or look out for friendly matches on the island's beautiful beaches, which are just as passionate and fun! Polo Played in Barbados since 1884, polo is extremely popular, and nearly a century and a half later has grown by leaps and bounds. You need to make time for polo since matches here are epic, day-long events. You can start with a relaxed and delicious high tea, then watch the game with a glass of champagne, followed by dinner, drinks and post-match dancing. What a day – you might even spot a celebrity or two! Horse-racing With street food, parades, picnics and partying, a day at the races in Barbados is an unforgettable experience the whole family will enjoy. So head to the historic Garrison Savannah, which is one of the oldest horse racing tracks in the Americas and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights on the racing calendar include The Banks Guineas and the Midsummer Creole Classic, but the pinnacle is the Sandy Lane Gold Cup, held in March. The event runs over a turf course of 1,800 metres (8.95 furlongs), and is one of the most prestigious in the region's racing calendar, attracting visitors from all over the world, including top jockeys and trainers. Surfing With the swells driving waves toward the island from all directions, you can surf all year round in Barbados. The waves can reach as high as 12 feet, so it's the stuff surfers' dreams are made of. If you're a beginner, head for the gentle waves of Freights Bay, Pebbles and Surfers Point. The more experienced should head to Fryers Well and Mullins, while the experts can be found catching waves at Soup Bowl in Bathsheba. Yoga As if the laid-back atmosphere, gentle breeze and beautiful sunshine of Barbados isn't enough to unwind you, the island's yoga classes will ease you into ever more blissful depths of relaxation. Barbados boasts luxury meditation retreats and some of the best yoga resorts in the Caribbean, with trained and experienced teachers working you through your stretches and breathing techniques in the fresh air and Bajan sunshine. True bliss. Road tennis Road tennis was created in Barbados in 1930 and it has become a thrilling part of the island's sporting scene. A bit like a combination of table tennis and lawn tennis, it's played on a small painted court with an eight-inch net and it's popular in the roadways of St. Michael and many other neighbourhoods. As the ball is hit back and forth, the players also exchange plenty of good-humoured banter, making this one of the most exciting spectator sports. Diving and snorkelling Whether you snorkel or scuba dive, you'll discover that there's an underwater paradise in Barbados. Taking to its sparkling turquoise waters, you'll be treated to a perfect view of coral reefs, shipwrecks and marine life, including Stingray, Parrotfish and Seahorses. There are guided trips, scuba diving lessons and equipment hire available all over the island, including popular sites such as Maycocks Bay, Dottins, Shark Bank and Bell Buoy. Or you can snorkel at the coral reef at Folkestone Marine Park, with turtles swimming along beside you. Golf It's no wonder that golf enthusiasts from around the world flock to Barbados to hit the fairway. With gorgeous weather, stunning views and impeccably kept greens, Barbados is a golfer's paradise where you can tee off in style. The courses are integrated into the breathtaking natural landscape and they're perfect for newcomers and pros alike. Whether you visit Barbados Golf Club, Rockley Club, the famous Sandy Lane , Royal Westmoreland or the newest prestigious Apes Hill Golf Club, you'll be totally bowled over with the facilities.
