Sydney, Dec. 11 : South African fast bowler Dale Steyn may be ranked the fastest bowler in the world, but to certify that accolade, he will have to pass the ultimate test against world champions Australia, says former pace great Glenn McGrath.

Steyn has emerged as the world''s top-rated fast bowler in 2008 after a prolific year in which he became the fastest South African to 100 Test scalps and is the globe''s leading wicket-taker this year with 60 wickets.

London, Dec. 11: A new survey of soccer fans around the globe reveals the beautiful game is a regular topic of conversation for more than eight out of ten of them.

Compare that to the number - just a quarter - who would bother discussing love, relationships or family matters and to the one in five who ever talk about the economy, reports The Sun.

More than half of fans also choose football as the perfect ice breaker conversation when talking to a stranger for the first time.

Barclays Premier League carried out the survey that involved interviewing 32,000 fans in 185 countries.

London, Dec. 11 : England striker Wayne Rooney has been accused of stamping midfielder Kasper Risgard during a Champion League match between Manchetsr United and Aalborg.

The incident took place in the 41st minute of the match, reports The Sun.

It quoted Risgard as saying: "I don't know what happened but he was jumping on my chest. I don't know why but I think he was a little frustrated. I can see the marks, big marks.

Sydney, Dec. 11: There is still apprehension among some Australian players about touring India or Pakistan in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Some senior players have told The Australian they are uncertain about future tours.

Australian vice captain Michael Clarke said on Wednesday that security is a key issue he had to weigh up when considering a possible signing with the Indian Premier League in 2009.

"I have a lot of things to consider. Obviously I have to think about the amount of cricket we are playing, I am trying to plan a wedding as well and I have to think about what has happened there recently," Clarke was quoted, as saying.

Melbourne, Dec. 11: Former South African bowling great Allan Donald believes that Morne Morkel will be the new ''White Lightning''of Test cricket, and could become the world''s most devastating fast bowler.

Hailing the "scary'''' potential of the rumbling 201 centimeter tall Proteas'' pacer, Donald said: "It is scary that he is as good as he is after a handful of Tests. If he''s not put under unnecessary pressure and is managed well, he''ll surpass anything I achieved in my career."

Los Angeles - It's only December but the Phoenix Suns are already doing their spring cleaning.

The Suns sent Raja Bell, Boris Diaw and rookie Sean Singletary to the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday, in exchange for shooting guard Jason Richardson, second-year forward Jared Dudley and a 2010 second draft choice.