Ken Hough dies QUEENSLAND: Ken Hough, who died at his home in Queensland at the age of 80, was a right-arm pace bowler who played two Tests for New Zealand against England in 1958-59, taking six wickets, after unluckily missing out on a place in the tour party which visited England earlier in the year. In 1959-60, he grabbed 12-146 against Central Districts, and in the same season made a career-best 91 against Otago. Hough also played football for New Zealand as a goalkeeper, making five appearances for them in August and September 1958. His debut came against Australia, who he had already represented in an international. — Agencies Kartik joins Somerset LONDON: Murali Kartik, the Indian left-arm spinner, has signed up with Somerset as their overseas player for the 2010 season. Currently playing for Middlesex, whom he joined them 2007, Kartik has signed a one-year contract with Somerset. Kartik, 33, said it was a fantastic opportunity for him. Brian Rose, Somerset’s director of cricket, said Kartik’s inclusion would bolster their bid to win the Championship. Kartik has picked up 475 first-class wickets at 26.16, including 33 this season. He also has 24 wickets at 34.16 in eight Tests and 37 wickets at 43.56 in 37 ODIs. — Agencies Robson in Thailand BANGKOK: Former England captain Bryan Robson said on Tuesday he was likely to take the job as coach of Thailand’s national team after flying in for talks with the local football association. Robson, who has previously coached at clubs including Middlesbrough and Sheffield United, said he was in Thailand to discuss the terms for replacing Peter Reid as Thailand manager. Asked if he had agreed to take the job yet, the former Manchester United skipper said: “No, but it’s looking pretty good.” — Agencies Lehmann suspended BERLIN: Stuttgart goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has been suspended for Wednesday’s German Cup match against VfB Luebeck because he attended Munich’s beer festival last weekend after his side’s defeat by Cologne. The 39-year-old was suspended for the second-round match at Luebeck, and possibly this weekend’s Bundesliga game at Eintracht Frankfurt. Lehmann seems to have accepted his punishment. “The visit to Oktoberfest was for a charity event which had long since been planned, but had not been agreed with the club,” Lehmann said.” — Agencies