The Sport Matrix: Saturday 22 November 2014

Kewell enters the Asian Hall of Fame

Harry Kewell, the former Liverpool and Leeds forward, was among the first 10 players to be inducted into the Asian Football Confederations’ Hall of Fame yesterday.

The former Australia international (right) was joined by the likes of former South Korea defender and coach Hong Myung-bo, and Iran’s former Bayern Munich striker Ali Daei.

Hong, revered as Asia’s best defender, captained the Koreans to a fourth-place finish at their home World Cup in 2002.

Kewell was inducted despite many of his best years coming before the Socceroos were permitted to join the AFC in 2006.

Opener Moeen proves a big hit

Moeen Ali established his credentials as England’s latest opening batsman yesterday, hitting a rapid 56 and claiming three wickets as England won their first warm-up match. His opening partner, captain Alastair Cook, also played well, posting 54. “I have batted in this position for the last four or five years for Worcestershire and I’m very comfortable there,” said Moeen afterwards.

Bellew ready for Cleverly bout

Tony Bellew comes up against Nathan Cleverly in their cruiserweight title fight at the Echo Arena in Liverpool tonight. The pair, who both weighed in at 14st 3lb, met in October, when Cleverly beat Bellew on points in a version of the world light-heavyweight title.

Osman reaches Everton milestone

Leon Osman is poised to make his 400th appearance for Everton when they play West Ham today, a hard-earned feat having waited until the month of his 23rd birthday for his first Everton start. The 33-year-old reflected: “Having come up against a brick wall a couple of times maybe some players would have given up, but if I come up against a brick wall I try to find a way around it.”

Biggar wants to unsettle McCaw

Wales fly-half Dan Biggar has pledged to make Richie McCaw’s century of appearances as All Blacks captain as unhappy an occasion as possible in their meeting today. “He’s the glue that holds that pack together. Given his achievements, it’s a privilege to be on the same pitch as him,” said Biggar. “But we have to put that to one side and make life as uncomfortable for him as possible.”