Globalsport

With indications that Younis is now a doubtful starter, the Pakistan selectors have much more to worry about as Wasim Akram and off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, may also opt out of the tour following their county commitments.

Ealham out of Triangular tournament

LONDON: Allrounder Mark Ealham was today ruled out of England’s team for the remainder of the Triangular tournament against Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Ealham has failed to recover from a bruised side after he was hit in the ribs in the championship match against Hampshire by West Indian fast bowler Nixon McLeanlast week.

Lancashire’s Ian Austin and Kent’s Mathew Fleming are favourites to take Ealham’s place, but both would have to be pulled out of current championship matches if they were selected.

Gullit tipped to coach South Africa

JOHANNESBURG: Former Dutch international star Ruud Gullit is among six coaches shortlisted to succeed Frenchman Philippe Troussier as coach of South Africa.

Troussier’s contract was not renewed after Bafna Bafna were eliminated in the first round of the 1998 World Cup following a heavy loss to eventual champions France and draws with Denmark and Saudi Arabia.

The South African football association said Gullit, Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira, Englishman Howard Wilkinson and local coaches Steve Haupt, Ephraim `Shakes’ Mashaba and Trott Moloto were in contention.

Pele becomes reluctant grandfather

RIO DE JANERIO: Brazilian football great Pele became a reluctant grandfather when his daughter gave birth to a boy, the Brazilian news service Estadoreported.

Pele did not recognise Sandra Machado Arantes do Nascimento Felinto as his daughter until court ruling forced him to do so in 1991.

A DNA test presented in the paternity suit against Pele proved that Machado was his daughter, and legally entitled to use his last name. Machado, 34, delivered a boy by Caesarean in the town of Santos, the news service reported. The infant will be named Octavio Felinto Neto, Estado reported.