Flintoff named deputy

LONDON: Michael Vaughan confirmed on Thursday that Andrew Flintoff will take over as England captain during the Cricket World Cup if he is sidelined by injury. Vaughan has played only three of England’s last 35 one-day internationals after his long-awaited comeback from knee surgery was curtailed when he tore a hamstring in the recent Commonwealth Bank Series in Australia. But he insisted he is still expecting to play a full part in England’s campaign, starting with their tournament opener against New Zealand on March 16. — AFP

Police threaten strike

KINGSTON: Police officers in Trinidad and Tobago have threatened to go on strike during the tournament in a pay dispute. Cedric Neptune, president of the Police Social and Welfare Association, hinted that T&T police officers may withdraw from the unified Caribbean force formed to beef-up security during the World Cup. “Our police officers are saying it has always been that we are paid for extra duty and don’t come now and tell us we are not being paid for extra duty.” — AFP

Sobers to open WC

KINGSTON: West Indies legendary all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers will officially open the 2007 World Cup, organisers said. The 70-year-old Sobers will open the event in Jamaica on March 11. “It’s a great honour to declare the Cricket World Cup open. I’m taking it in my stride and I’m looking forward to the occasion,” said Sobers. The former West Indies skipper said he was excited that cricket’s showpiece event was coming to the region for the first time. “It will be phenomenal for the Caribbean, especially for those people who haven’t had the chance to see a World Cup.” — AFP