International career could be over for Australian paceman

Australia could be forced to do without pace bowler Brett Lee permanently with the veteran struggling to overcome a long-standing elbow problem.

The cricketer had surgery on the joint at the end of 2009 after injury meant he missed the entire summer period for Australia.

Lee has not played a Test for Australia since 2008 but has continued to be a key man in their one-day squad, however he has said now that his time playing for his country could be over as he is struggling to recover from the surgery.

The pace bowler has been a key part of Australia's attack, taking 310 wickets in 76 Test appearances, but injuries have hampered his career and this latest problem could be the final straw.

Lee told the Herald Sun that "anything is possible" but there is a high likelihood his international career for Australia could now be over.

"I may never bowl another ball and if that's the case, I'm so satisfied with my career and my longevity. I'm not saying it's definitely over," he said.

"I will see how the arm pulls up because I can't achieve any aspirations in cricket unless my body is functional."

Australia are managing to succeed without Lee in their one-day team at the moment and they recently defeated West Indies in the fourth ODI to secure victory in a five-match series.

The highlight of the latest win was the 324-7 recorded by Australia, the highest one-day score ever achieved at the Gabba.

Australia are set to face the West Indies again on Friday and the cricket odds suggest the home side should win the final game of the series.

The international cricket betting also indicates Australia should regain the Ashes when England visit next winter.

It's Official. Sanath Jayasuriya Will Enter Politics

In a media briefing held a short while ago, minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene confirmed that Sanath Jayasuriya will contest the upcoming Sri Lanka parliamentary election 2010 from Matara district.

This confirms our earlier reports that Sanath will possibly contest the election.

Sanath Jayasuriya to Contest Sri Lanka Parliamentary Election

Sri Lanka's #1 online newspaper Daily Mirror today reported that Sanath Jayasuriya is officially invited by ruling UPFA (United People's Freedom Alliance) to contest their nomination list for Matara District, in the upcoming Sri Lanka General Election 2010.

Sanath Jayasuriya, who's home town is Matara is a prominent social figure in the small down south urban community. It is said that what Sanath Jayasuriya means for people of Matara is somewhat simmilar to what Sachin Tendulkar is for Mumbai, and what Brian Lara is for Trinidad. There are occassions on which people of Matara switching off their TV's onece Sanath Jayasuriya get out early in cricket matches.

If Sanath contest the nomination from Matara district, that will boost the strengths for UPFA in that district, who have recorded 4th highest majority votes in the recently concluded presidential election.

Sri Lankan Cricketers to Contest Parliamentary Elections?

Cricketers entering politics is not a new thing in South Asia. Arjuna Ranatunga and Imran Khan, two world cup winning captains from the region are the best examples. With the Sri Lanka General Election 2010 is scheduled for 8th April 2010, there are speculations that some of the prominent cricketers will enter politics scene this time around too.

During the presidential election held in January, prominent Sri Lankan cricketers like Sanath Jayasuriya and Muththaia Muralitharan appeared in TV commercials supporting president Mahinda Rajapakshe. Sanath Jayasuriya went on stage in several election rallies in the south of the country, where his home town is located. There were speculations those days that Sanath Jayasuriya will contest the upcoming Parliamentary Election in Sri Lanka. But those were all unconfirmed rumors. Pramodaya Wickramasinghe, who was a fast bowler in his time will most probably contest for the http://general-election-2010.yahaluwo.com/ from the Matara District.

With about two weeks to go for nominations, let's keep our fingers crossed!