Sports Highlights

The following are the top/expected stories at 1800 hours:

EXPECTED STORIES: *Stories related to Indian and international cricket.

STORIES ON THE WIRE:

SPO-WC-AUS-LANGER

Warner and Smith are ready to face fire in England: Langer London, May 19 (PTI) The English crowd may throw some taunts on Steve Smith and Warner during the World Cup but they are ready to "face the fire", says Australia coach Justin Langer.

SPO-WC-TEAM-AUSTRALIA

A sixth triumph looks realistic for Australia By Abhishek Hore

New Delhi, May 19 (PTI) Synonymous with World Cup success, Australia will enter the showpiece with realistic hopes of widening the gulf between them and the rest, having tenaciously rallied from the ball-tampering saga that prompted radical changes in their cricketing culture.

SPO-WC-VALSON The way Binny ran, I knew I won't play a game: Sunil Valson

By Kushan Sarkar New Delhi, May 19 (PTI) Sunil Valson was the only squad member not to play a game in India's historic World Cup triumph in 1983 but a strong sense of belonging is definitely there.

SPO-AIRBADMINTON-INDIA

Indian stars endorse Airbadminton, a new version of outdoor badminton By Amit Kumar Das

New Delhi, May 19 (PTI) India's top shuttlers, including Saina Nehwal, have endorsed sport's new format - AirBadminton, saying it has the potential to provide an alternate career to retired professionals.

SPO-HOCK-IND Need to score consistently under tight marking: Graham Reid

Bhubaneswar, May 19 (PTI) India need to consistently score goals under tight marking to narrow the gap with top teams like Australia, said coach Graham Reid after his first major assignment with the national hockey team.

SPO-DUTEE Dutee faces expulsion from family after revealing same sex relationship

New Delhi, May 19 (PTI) Unapologetic about her same-sex relationship with a younger relative, India's fastest woman Dutee Chand is facing a tough battle of acceptance in her family.

SPO-BOX-OPEN Mary Kom and Co. aim to pack a punch in India Open

By Tapan Mohanta Guwahati, May 19 (PTI) All eyes will be on six-time world champion Mary Kom as 72 Indian boxers vie for honours against 200 pugilists from 16 nations in the second edition of India Open beginning here Monday.

SPO-WI-BRAVO

Retired Bravo named in West Indies' reserve list for World Cup St John's (Antigua), May 19 (PTI) A retired Dwayne Bravo has been included in the list of 10 reserve players by Cricket West Indies (CWI) for the ODI World Cup starting in England on May 30.

SPO-YUVRAJ

Yuvraj mulls retirement, may seek BCCI nod to compete in private T20 leagues By Kushan Sarkar

New Delhi, May 19 (PTI) Yuvraj Singh, one of India's greatest limited overs cricketers, is seriously contemplating retirement from international cricket and pursue a freelance career in ICC approved foreign Twenty20 leagues.

SPO-BOX-COMMENTS I'm more aggressive now: Thapa

By Tapan Mohanta Guwahati, May 19 (PTI) World championship bronze medallist pugilist Shiva Thapa said he is more aggressive in his approach and hungrier for success as he gears up for the India Open boxing tournament beginning here Monday.

SPO-WC-RAJPUT

India go into World Cup as the best bowling side, says Rajput Mumbai, May 19 (PTI) Former India opener Lalchand Rajput believes the Virat Kohli-led side has the best bowling attack among the 10 teams to take part in the upcoming World Cup, making it one of the favourites for the 50-over showpiece event.

SPO-ASHWIN-COUNTY

Ashwin set to play six games for Nottinghamshire By Kushan Sarkar

New Delhi, May 19 (PTI) Senior India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will be tuning up for the inaugural World Test Championship against West Indies by playing in English County for Nottinghamshire.

SPO-RUN-LD BENGALURU Ethiopia's Belihu wins TCS World 10K run, Kenya's Tirop defends women's title

Bengaluru, May 19 (PTI) Ethiopia's Andamlak Belihu Sunday won the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2019 title by crossing the tape in IAAF Gold Label Road Race in 27 minute 56 seconds, just eight seconds outside his personal best and 12 seconds off the course record.