Sports digest

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

South Africa cancel remainder of tour

Ireland’s preparations for next month’s World Twenty20 finals have received a serious setback after South Africa ‘A’ cancelled the remainder of their tour of the country due to the poor weather.

Heavy overnight rain saw the first of four T20 clashes being abandoned at Oakhill yesterday. With the forecast remaining poor for this week, Cricket South Africa then requested the cancellation of the final three games at Oakhill and the new international ground in Malahide to return home to give their players a chance to prepare for the World T20.

However, Ireland coach Phil Simmons believes the decision to leave for Sri Lanka a full two weeks before the opening game against Australia on September 19th will mean his side is not undercooked for their third appearance at the finals.

One bright note for Simmons was Paul Stirling's return to action for Middlesex yesterday following a shoulder injury, as he made 29 off 21 balls and took two wickets in the CB40 victory over Essex at Lord's. EMMET RIORDAN

Athletics official killed by a javelin in horrific accident

An official at an athletics event in Dusseldorf has died after being speared in the throat with a javelin.

The 74-year-old man was rushed to hospital after the accident on Sunday but died of his injuries.

The official, named locally as Dieter Strack, had gone to measure a throw but was hit by a javelin before it hit the ground, according to local media. The competition was called off after the incident.

The 15-year-old competitor who threw the javelin is receiving psychological counselling, police spokesman Andre Hartwig said.

A statement on the website of the local athletics association identified the man as Mr Strack and said he was a “much-loved and experienced” sports judge.

“All of us who were there are horrified and in shock . . . We will always remember Dieter Strack,” the statement said.

Morgan stresses importance of unity

England batsman Eoin Morgan has emphasised the importance of unity in international cricket as question marks remain over Kevin Pietersen’s future.

The England and Wales Cricket Board are keen to remain tight-lipped about their planned discussions with Pietersen, who was dropped from the Test squad earlier this month due to what team director Andy Flower described as issues of “trust and mutual respect”.

Morgan is one of a handful of one-day specialists drafted in for the NatWest Series against South Africa. Speaking ahead of the second ODI, which takes place at the Ageas Bowl today, the Dubliner said: “I think Kevin is a world-class cricketer and any team around the world would want him in their side, but there are issues surrounding him at the moment and it will take time to resolve them.

“Personally I didn’t find him difficult but I’ve not been around the Test team a lot. Obviously the quicker that happens the better I think that it is hugely important because the amount of time we spend together is huge,” he added.

Fitzmaurice confirmed as new Kerry senior football manager 

The county committee meeting of the Kerry County Board in Tralee last night endorsed Eamon Fitzmaurice to succeed Jack O’Connor as senior football manager.

There was no dissenting voice when chairman Patrick O’Sullivan put forward the name of the Finuge clubman who was the county under-21 boss, as well as being a late addition to the Kerry senior set-up this summer, and he has been given a three-year term.

As a player he won three All-Ireland senior medals with Kerry. The chairman asked for the clubs’ permission to allow Fitzmaurice to delay naming his management team. It is believed the latter is anxious to persuade Séamus Moynihan to come on board.

The meeting also endorsed six-time All-Ireland medal winner Darragh Ó Sé to replace Fitzmaurice as Kerry under-21 boss for a two-year term. His management team will consist of former Dr Crokes manager Harry O’Neill, John Shanahan (Valentia) and Noel Kennelly.

l Liam Bradley has resigned as Antrim football manager. He is stepping down after four years.