Banned former South Africa Test batsman Alviro Petersen said Thursday he hired a bodyguard because he feared for the safety of himself and his family during investigations into cricket match-fixing.

Chelsea's ability to grind out victories will make it very difficult for anyone to catch them in the Premier League, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said.

Pakistan say they have the momentum heading into the Boxing Day Melbourne Test after giving Australia a mighty fright during an epic run-chase in the opening clash of the series.

African Footballer of the Year Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in the running to win the award for a second successive season after being named on Thursday among the three finalists for the 2016 title.

Napoli substitute Manolo Gabbiadini converted a penalty with the last kick of the game to salvage a 3-3 draw at Fiorentina who were inspired by a superb display from Federico Bernardeschi.

The National Sports Council (NSC) yesterday dissolved the executive committee of the Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) and formed a 25-member ad-hoc committee, asking them to take the necessary steps to hold elections within the next three months.

Alviro Petersen, a veteran of 36 Test matches, on Wednesday became the highest-profile South African cricketer to be banned for corruption since former captain Hansie Cronje in 2000.

Pakistan spearhead Mohammad Amir is expected to play the Boxing Day Test against Australia despite stiffness and a bruised thigh, officials said Thursday.

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has won the ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year award. In the period under consideration, Mustafizur played three ODIs and took eight wickets, while he yielded 19 wickets in 10 T20Is.

Liverpool have the strength in depth to cope with Sadio Mane's absence during next month's African Nations Cup, the Senegal striker has said.

Australia's Daniel Ricciardo Wednesday ruled out joining Mercedes next year to replace world champion Nico Rosberg, saying he is happy at Red Bull.

Cricket officials Wednesday banned a black bat used by West Indian Andre Russell in Australia's T20 Big Bash League because its colour marks the ball.

Midfielder Yaya Toure is determined to realise his dream of helping Manchester City eclipse arch rivals Manchester United.

England captain Alastair Cook heads home for Christmas with calls for his resignation ringing in his ears after what turned into an embarrassing subcontinental tour.

Borussia Dortmund missed a bagful of chances to draw 1-1 at home with Augsburg on Tuesday, as they squandered the opportunity to make up ground in the Bundesliga title race heading into the winter break.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi should win the Ballon d'Or award every year, according to club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, after the Argentine was beaten to the prize by Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nice fans are dreaming of seeing their Mario Balotelli-fuelled underdogs do a Leicester and steal the French title from the likes of crisis-stricken Paris Saint-Germain.

England openers Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings survived some nervy moments on the final morning of the fifth Test against India on Tuesday as the tourists look to bat out the day and prevent a 4-0 series defeat.

Australia head to Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan with some festive cheer after winning the series opener in Brisbane but Steve Smith's side will not find many Christmas presents under the tree from local media.

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez hopes teammate Lionel Messi will follow his lead by signing a long-term contract to see out the remainder of his prime years at the Camp Nou.