Cricket Cousin Backs Khan

Amir Khan has vowed to avenge England's Ashes hammering when he fights Gairy St Clair - at the request of cricketing cousin Sajid Mahmood. The fast bowler star was part of the England set-up thrashed 5-0 by the Aussies last winter. And he has urged Khan to get some revenge when he defends his Commonwealth lightweight title against New South Wales-based challenger St Clair on February 2 at the Excel London. "Saj was devastated by what happened last year, and as a huge cricket fan, I was pretty down in the dumps as well and I know he wants me to give the Aussie's payback," said Khan. "But fighting St Clair gives me the chance to fly the flag for England once again. "I know Gairy was born in Guyana, but he's lived in Australia for a few years - and his handlers, especially his mouthy trainer Angelo Hyder, are Aussie through and through. "In general, British sport is seen as a bit of a laughing stock down under but not boxing, and I'm sure there are plenty of Australians who think that all St Clair has to do to win is turn up. "But I'm going to show everyone that I'm one Brit who knows how to win, and win in style. "St Clair is a former world champion, so when I beat him I'll be well on the way to winning a world title this year. "I've already got a high ranking with the WBO, and a good performance next Saturday should see me climb the ratings of the other governing bodies."