Sydney, Dec 8 : South African pace spearhead Dale Steyn, who is carrying a hamstring strain, will miss Thursday’s opening tour game against Western Australia at Perth’s WACA Ground.

Captain Graeme Smith told reporters on Monday that Steyn, who has taken a world-leading 60 Test wickets in 2008, picked up a minor hamstring injury during the recent Bangladesh tour.

Los Angeles  - Sharpshooting Ray Allen was on fire and the Boston Celtics remained red hot.

Allen scored seven of his season-high 35 points in overtime, and the surging Celtics extended their winning streak to 12 games, with a 122-117 come-from-behind road victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night.

"Ray's just on fire," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "He had a great game and a great overtime. He hit all the shots when we needed him to."

Perth, Dec. 8 : South African cricket team coach Mickey Arthur has said that his team is aiming to become the first team to defeat Australia on home soil after 16 years.

The West Indians were the last team to inflict such a defeat in 1992-93.

The Proteas, who arrived in Australia on Sunday for a Test Series against Australia, appear well equipped to challenge the hosts.

Speaking to reporters at Perth Airport yesterday, Arthur spoke of the growing confidence within his squad ahead of the first Test at the WACA Ground on December 17.

Sydney  - Australian double Commonwealth Games gold medallist Kerryn McCann has died from cancer aged 41, her family announced Monday.

London, Dec.

London, Dec. 8 : Manchester United and Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo has said that by getting his hands on the Ballon d’Or award, he is living the dream.

Ronaldo was named as Kaka’s successor last Tuesday and was presented with the trophy on Sunday.

“I’m very, very happy. It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a youngster — I’ve always dreamed about winning it one day. I’m very moved, very happy and I’d like to take this opportunity to dedicate this trophy to my family, they’ve helped me get here,” The Sun quoted him, as saying.

“I thank my mother, my father, my close friends. The trophy is splendid, marvellous, beautiful. I’ve waited for this,” he added.