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Strauss upbeat over chances

Author: Rose Young
Date: 20/08/2009
Cricket betting

Captain Andrew Strauss believes England have learned lessons from their heavy fourth Test defeat and are full of confidence ahead of the Ashes series decider.

England must win the fifth and final Test at The Oval to reclaim the little urn after Australia levelled the series following an innings and 80 run victory over a hapless home side at Headingley two weeks ago.

But Strauss believes his players have learned lessons and are ready to respond in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

"We have got on top of them twice and we need to do it once more," he declared.

"Confidence is excellent in the squad. The week off came at a good time for us. The guys have gone away, some have played cricket and everyone feels pretty refreshed."

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Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council has confirmed it is investigating claims of suspicious bookmaking activity linked to the Ashes series.

The ICC has launched its probe following claims that an unnamed Australian player was approached after last month's second Test against England by a person known to have links to illegal bookmaking.

In football, Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal against complacency after Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League play-off first leg victory over Celtic in Glasgow.

The Gunners are massive favourites with the sportsbooks to qualify for the group stages after a Cesc Fabregas free-kick deflected off William Gallas for the opener and Gary Caldwell's own goal doubled their advantage with a 71st minute.

"We have a good advantage, but it is 180 minutes and we are in front after 90," warned Wenger.

Blackburn Rovers have completed the signing of veteran former Real Madrid full-back Michel Salgado.

Salgado, 33, has joined Rovers on a free transfer after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has told Fernando Torres to toughen up and let his football do the talking.

Benitez is increasingly concerned that his star striker is becoming embroiled in on-pitch arguments with opposing defenders over perceived rough treatment.

Nemanja Vidic's agent has denied suggesting that the Manchester United defender is hoping to join Barcelona.

Paolo Fabbri was quoted in the Spanish media claiming the Serbia international 'dreams' of playing for the Catalan club and would like to join the European champions this summer.

However, he has now moved to clarify the situation after claiming that Vidic is happy at Old Trafford.

In rugby league, Six Celtic Crusaders players are to be deported from the United Kingdom after breaching immigration regulations.

The UK Border Agency has confirmed that visas for six of the Bridgend-based club's players were residing in the country were insufficient.

Renault have replaced Nelson Piquet Jr with Romain Grosjean for Sunday's European Grand Prix in Valencia.

Piquet Jr has been axed for his failure to win a single point in 10 races this season in favour of the 23-year-old Frenchman for the rest of the season.

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