Cairo – Archaeologists have discovered a massive sarcophagus, along with mummified remains and golden finger coverings, in the burial chamber of a recently discovered pyramid near Cairo.
According to Egyptian officials, archaeologists used an entrance carved out a thousand years ago by grave robbers to access the 16 square metre burial chamber. The original entrance to the tomb, believed to be that of the mother of Pharaoh Teti (2318-2300 BC), had been sealed shut with huge granite blocks, said chief archeologist Zahi Hawass.
The sarcophagus cover is so heavy that special tools were needed to lift it in a five-hour operation. The collapsed pyramid, which was only unearthed in November, lies near the Teti pyramids, which have also collapsed. (dpa)
Hilditch backs Phillip Hughes as future Aussie opener
Sydney, Jan.8 (ANI): Australian cricket’s chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch has given opener Phillip Hughes a ringing endorsement as Australia looks to replace Matthew Hayden
Hilditch”s comments are a sign the selectors are seriously considering the 20-year-old for higher honours in the not too distant future.
“As far as Phillip Hughes is concerned, he is a very fine player and showing great potential,” the Courier Mail quoted Hilditch, as saying.
“Some players will unfortunately have to play three or four years of first class cricket and put up huge numbers to force their way in the side and others, if the opportunity presents itself will be considered earlier than that,” he added.
“He is quite exciting, he is a young player who obviously has an ability to score big runs in (Sheffield) Shield cricket, he is an exciting player and we are watching him carefully,” he said.
Hilditch”s comments must be highly encouraging as Hughes” youth and relative inexperience even in first class ranks have been highlighted as possible stumbling blocks in his path to a Test berth.
The 20-year-old”s ability to also play as a back-up wicketkeeper could help in squad selections for upcoming tours of South Africa and England this year.
Hughes has posted 1337 runs at 53.48 in 16 first class matches to date and just under 60 in the Sheffield Shield this summer. (ANI)