Monday, July 12, 2010

Why world’s swiftest sprinters are of African origin

Why world’s swiftest sprinters are of African origin
Washington, July 12: Scientists may have uncovered why the world’s fastest sprinters are usually of West African origin. The centre of gravity tends to be located higher on the body of blacks than whites, according to new research.

However, the research team — Adrian Bejan, professor of engineering at Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, Edward Jones, a Ph D candidate at Cornell University currently teaching at Howard University, and Duke graduate Jordan Charles — believes these differences are not racial, but rather biological.

Spin legend Warne backs ‘special’ Smith

Spin legend Warne backs ‘special’ Smith

SYDNEY, July 12: Australia legend Shane Warne said rookie Steve Smith has “all the toys” to become a top leg-spinner ahead of his likely Test debut against Pakistan, but warned against setting expectations too high. Warne told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph newspaper that while the 21-year-old could ultimately become “something special”, his development was far from complete. “He is pretty raw and a work in progress — nowhere near the finished product,” said Warne. “He really has to make sure he keeps his feet on the ground. We shouldn’t be expecting too much of him just yet.” Smith, who has just 13 first-class games to his name, is expected to play in the first Test at Lord’s in London from Tuesday, in a series which was moved from Pakistan over security concerns. Warne said he would have preferred Smith to be given more time to develop and hoped expectations would not be too high.