Race overshadowed by rider’s death

Leon Camier finished ninth in the only race in the latest round of the FIM World Superbike Championships in Moscow but the meeting was marred by the death of Andrea Antonelli in a supporting event. The 25-year-old Italian rider was killed following a crash on the opening lap of the World Supersport race and the organisers cancelled the rest of the meeting as a mark of respect. Camier’s seven points keep him 10th in the overall standings. He was one of only 11 finishers – eight other riders were forced to retire following several crashes as heavy rain affected the closing stages. Overall leader Frenchman Sylvain Guintoli was a casualty but he still managed to finish sixth, despite suffering a dislocated collarbone. A spokesman for Camier’s FIXI Crescent Suzuki team said: “We wish to pay our respects to Andrea Antonelli, who succumbed to the injuries he sustained at the start of race. “Our team and riders send their deepest sympathies to his family, friends and his GoEleven team.”

The world’s No.2-ranked Test bowler did, however, go wicketless in two LV= County Championship, Division 2 games, toiling against Gloucestershire and Hampshire and finishing with figures of 0/170 which took his first class average above 20.00.

He said: “I’m here to take wickets and it was a bit frustrating.

“Unfortunately, the pitches have been slow and low. It’s been frustrating but it’s all part of the game.”

Philander hailed the two young batsmen who made a match-winning contribution on their Friends Life t20 debut at Hampshire on Sunday.

He said: “Two guys who stand out are Daniel Bell-Drummond and Fabian Cowdrey, although Sam Northeast, with the way he goes about things, is one to watch out for. I’ll be keeping my eyes on those three.”