Gerrard says sorry for Everton jibes

"It wasn't my intention to disrespect Everton or Stoke for that matter and I certainly didn't intend any disrespect to their manager or players," said Steven Gerrard. (Reuters Photo)

LONDON: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has apologised for dismissing rivals Everton as a long-ball team in the aftermath of a stormy Merseyside derby.

Gerrard described Everton as playing like Stoke, a team notorious for their direct approach and aggressive tactics, following Sunday's 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

But the England midfielder has moved to make amends for his controversial comments by claiming he was speaking out of frustration after Liverpool striker Luis Suarez had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside in the closing moments.

"Just to clarify I've watched the game again and I've seen some of Everton's matches this season, and what I said in relation to their style of play went too far," Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo newspaper.

"I was frustrated by the disallowed goal from Luis when I spoke and also some of the things (diving allegations) that have been said about Luis in recent weeks which haven't been fair in my opinion.

"As captain I have a duty to stand up for our players when I feel they are unfairly singled out.

"But it wasn't my intention to disrespect Everton or Stoke for that matter and I certainly didn't intend any disrespect to their manager or players.

"I have the utmost respect for David Moyes and Tony Pulis and the job they have done at their respective clubs."

Like Gerrard, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had also angered Everton by revealing he had changed his tactics to cope with a "direct" Everton who "smashed the ball up to two tall strikers".

But Rodgers was quick to make it clear he has respect for Everton manager David Moyes and the way he gets the most out of his players.

"I believe there was two different styles (on Sunday)," Rodgers said. "This is a club which has been brought up in a certain way of playing, its history has been defined by the many great managers who have been here.

"You have to win games but you have to win games playing in a certain style. But it is the beauty of the Premier League that there are so many diverse ways of working and playing.

"Analytically, if you look at Everton and a number of other teams they are more direct and play off the front players. But they (Everton) have players of finesse, players like Leighton Baines and Leon Osman who are terrific footballers."

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Alastair Cook shines in India tour opener

England's Alastair Cook celebrates his century against India A during their practice match in Mumbai on Wednesday. (PTI Photo)

MUMBAI: Alastair Cook began his reign as England's full-time Test captain with an unbeaten century that revived the tourists in their opening match of the Indian tour on Wednesday.

The left-handed opener was on 112 and Samit Patel made 82 not out as England fought back to post 286-4 by stumps on the second day of the three-day match against India 'A' at the Brabourne stadium in Mumbai.

The tourists, preparing for the four-Test series against India which starts in Ahmedabad on November 15, are still 83 behind the 369 made by India 'A' in their first innings.

Jonathan Trott scored 56 during a second-wicket stand of 95 with Cook after rookie opener Nick Compton, grandson of former England batsman Denis Compton, failed to score.

Kevin Pietersen, playing for the first time in an England shirt since August, hit a six and three boundaries before being dismissed for 23.

Yuvraj Singh followed his 59 on Tuesday with the wickets of Pietersen and Ian Bell in successive overs of left-arm spin to reduce the tourists to 133-4 midway through the post-lunch session.

Patel helped Cook rebuild the innings with an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 153 and emerge a strong contender for a middle-order berth in the first Test.

Cook, who led England in two Tests in Bangladesh in 2010, took over as full-time captain in August when Andrew Strauss retired after the series defeat against South Africa at home.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Steven Finn was ruled out of the match due to a thigh strain, making him an uncertain starter for the first Test.

The beanpole 23-year-old pulled up with a thigh strain while chasing a ball in Tuesday's first session and had since been confined to the dressing room.

Scans did not reveal any major damage but Finn was asked to sit it out and undertake a recovery programme set out by team doctors.

The tourists are not calling in a replacement, but Finn may be required to play at least one of the two remaining warm-up matches in order to be considered for the Ahmedabad Test.

The tourists take on Mumbai 'A' in a three-day game from Saturday and play state side Haryana in a four-day match in Ahmedabad from November 8.

Brief scores:

India 'A' 1st innings: 369 (Abhinav Mukund 73, Yuvraj Singh 59, Manoj Tiwary 93, Irfan Pathan 46, Graeme Swann 3-90, Tim Bresnan 3-59)

England 1st innings: 286-4 (Alastair Cook 112 not out, Jonathan Trott 56, Kevin Pietersen 23, Samit Patel 82 not out, Yuvraj Singh 2-52)

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Test team will improve with time: Dhoni

Indian captain MS Dhoni interacts with media during the launch of SportsFit Gym & Fitness Centre in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni says he is satisfied with the team's performance in the shorter formats and, with time, it will translate into Tests as well.

Reacting to Sunil Gavaskar's comments that the Indian Test team looks the most vulnerable in three decades, Dhoni said Wednesday that "on paper it might look the weakest" but he was confident that the team will only improve with time.

"On paper it may look the weakest. It is a different looking team after the retirement of Rahul bhai (Dravid) and VVS Laxman. But we are also a very different side on the field. Slowly we are growing in confidence and I am hopeful that this team will only improve with time," said Dhoni at the launch of his gym Sportsfit.

Dhoni said the team was looking forward to the hectic six months ahead during which India host England, Pakistan and Australia. The four-match Test series against England starts November 15.

"The team has a busy time ahead with the home series against England, Pakistan Australia. We will try our best against England. We will try to do good and focus on the specifics. We need to be fit for the gruelling time ahead. The side is doing well in the one-day format and it will take some time to get back to the top of Test cricket," said Dhoni.

Endorsing the view of his team mates Virat Kohli and Harbhajan Singh on preparing turning tracks at home, Dhoni said he was looking forward to see spinners ruling the roost in the four-match Test series against England.

"It has been a while since I have seen spinners dominating a Test match. I would want to see that against England. We usually take the advice from the curators before a game. He knows the wicket best. We generally put in a requisition on the type of pitch we would prefer for a game. But at the end of the day, the groundsmen know the best.

"If you talk about a sporting pitch, there is no such definition for it. However, when you come to the sub-continent you get turning tracks here. But we want to improve our game by playing on all kinds of surfaces," he said.

As the topic of discussion was fitness, Dhoni shared his thoughts on the fittest player in the team.

"I think Virat Kohli is the fittest at the moment. Manoj (Tiwary) is another guy who is very fit," he said.

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Sachin, Virat, Gavaskar to be honoured

Kohli, who was honoured with the ICC's ODI Cricketer of the Year earlier, will be awarded a trophy and a cheque of Rs 5 lakhs, the BCCI said in a release. (TOI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar will be honoured for completing his 100th international century while Virat Kohli will get the Polly Umrigar Award for being India's top international cricketer of 2011-12 at the BCCI Annual Awards ceremony to be held on November 21 in Mumbai.

Kohli, who was honoured with the ICC's ODI Cricketer of the Year earlier, will be awarded a trophy and a cheque of Rs 5 lakhs, the BCCI said in a release.

Tendulkar (2006-07 and 2009-10), Virender Sehwag (2007-08), Gautam Gambhir (2008-09) and Rahul Dravid (2010-11) were the earlier recipients of the award.

VVS Laxman, who announced his retirement from international cricket in August, will also be felicitated at the function to be held at the Chambers Terrace, Taj Mahal Palace and Tower.

Seven legends of Indian cricket -- Vijay Merchant, Vijay Manjrekar, Dattu Phadkar, Vinoo Mankad, Ghulam Ahmed, ML Jaisimha and Dilip Sardesai, will also be posthumously felicitated.

"The next-of-kin of each of these individuals will receive a trophy and cheque of Rs 15 lakhs," the release said.

The ceremony will also witness former India captain Sunil Gavaskar receiving the prestigious Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. The award comprises a trophy, citation and cheque for Rs 25 lakhs.

The previous winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award are: 1994 - Lala Amarnath, 1995 - Syed Mushtaq Ali, 1996 - Capt Vijay Hazare, 1997 - K N Prabhu, 1998 - P R Umrigar, 1999 - Col Hemachandra Adhikari, 2000 - Subhash Gupte, 2001 - Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, 2002 - Bhausaheb Nimbalkar, 2003 - Chandrakant Borde, 2004 - B S Bedi, B Chandrasekhar, EAS Prasanna, S Venkataraghvan, 2007 - Nariman Contractor, 2008 - Gundappa Viswanath, 2009 - Mohinder Amarnath, 2010 - Salim Durani, 2011 - Ajit Wadekar.

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Yuvi is best judge of his fitness: Dhoni

We have to assess whether Yuvraj is ready to field for two days," MS Dhoni said. (TOI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Yuvraj Singh's brilliant form in domestic matches has made him a serious contender for a slot in the Test team but Indian captain MS Dhoni is still not sure whether the talented left-hander is ready to face the vigours of five-day cricket.

"It is very difficult for me to comment on his fitness sitting over here. We have to understand that five-day format has its own uncertainties unlike ODIs or T20s. In ODIs, you know that you have to field for 50 overs only, while in Test cricket there may be a situation that a team might bat for one-and-a-half to two days.

"We have to assess whether Yuvraj is ready to field for two days," Dhoni replied to a query on whether Yuvraj is fit enough to be selected for the Test series against England.

"Having said that it is Yuvraj who is the best judge about how he is feeling. He has played quite a few domestic games now and it is up to him to reflect on his game," the Indian skipper told the media persons during a promotional event on Wednesday.

Dhoni also spoke on the same lines as his colleagues Harbhajan Singh and Virat Kohli, with his vote going in favour of the turning tracks.

"I still believe that the groundsmen know what really is good for us. Sporting track always doesn't mean that it will only have grass on it. In the sub-continent it has always been turning tracks, which is for the spinners.

"I haven't seen an off break bowler for a long time who is able to hit the rib cage of a batsman with a delivery that has turn and bounce. It's really painful but you enjoy the challenge," said Dhoni.

England Test series is being sought as a revenge series but Dhoni didn't want to predict the outcome.

"I don't believe in predicting results. I know that we need to train hard and also look into specific areas."

Asked about the new look Indian team, which wouldn't have the likes of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman against quality opposition, Dhoni quipped, "It might look new on paper but this side will reflect the confidence in all three formats in the days to come."

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I'm no ball hog, says Lionel Messi

"I have never considered myself a ball hog, even if others thought so," said Messi. (AFP Photo)

MADRID: Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi says he is not a ball hog in an interview published Tuesday, a day after he picked up a Golden Boot award for scoring 50 goals last season.

"I have never considered myself a ball hog, even if others thought so," the 25-year Argentine football wonder said in an interview with Spain's top selling sports daily Marca.

"But I have also taken those opinions into account to try to improve," said Messi, who also heads a 23-strong shortlist for a FIFA/France Football Ballon d'Or award for the world's best footballer of the year.

The Argentine, who has already won the Ballon d'Or three times, is the second-best passer of the ball in the Liga so far this season, with four passes ending in goals, behind only team-mate Cesc Fabregas who made six.

Messi also is the top scorer this season with 13 goals in the Liga, smashing through the 300 goals mark for his career in just 419 matches.

"My playing style has always been the same. I have never looked for it, but it has been like that since I was small," Messi said.

"One thing for sure is that I learned a lot in youth football. Here we work in a different way with the ball and the tactical system. I came from Argentina where we did not do anything like that, everything was about running and not much else."

Messi hailed the recent success of Argentina, who now lead their group in the qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with only one defeat, a 1-0 loss to Venezuela.

"What has changed is the results. Winning gives you a lot of confidence and you work differently."

"Winning the World Cup is the greatest. And if it's in Brazil, even better," he added.

Messi, who will soon be the father of a son, Thiago, had a few words for his offspring's future: "He should be whatever he wants to be.

"When he grows up he will get to know what he wants and what he chooses will be fine for me, for his mother and for everyone."

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Yuvraj Singh hits 50 before Swann strikes

Yuvraj Singh reacts after his dismissal during the first day of a three day practice match between India 'A' and England. (AFP Photo)

MUMBAI: Comeback man Yuvraj Singh notched up an impressive half-century after opener Mukund played an attacking knock of 73 as India 'A' reached 224 for six at tea on day one of their three-day match against the touring England side on Tuesday.

Yuvraj struck seven sweetly timed fours and four well-hit sixes, two each off left-arm spinner Samit Patel and Graeme Swann, in his 80-ball 59. He fell pray to off-spinner Swann, who deceived the southpaw in flight and was stumped by wicket-keeper Matt Prior.

India 'A' added 111 runs in the second session after witnessing an unconvincing start at the Brabourne Stadium.

Manoj Tiwary (21 in 55 balls) and Irfan Pathan (11 in 33 balls) were at the crease when the tea interval was taken.

The home team, who had lost Mukund, Murali Vijay (7) and Ajinkya Rahane (4) in their first session total of 113, surrendered the wickets of skipper Suresh Raina (20), Yuvraj and Wridhiman Saha (20) after lunch.

Yuvraj, eager to bag the number 6 slot in the Test line-up for the upcoming four-Test series against the visitors ahead of Raina, impressed the selectors present with his shot selection before his impetuosity cost him his wicket when he tried to clout Swann, who bowled beautifully, for a second six in the same over.

Unbeaten on 27 at lunch, Yuvraj, after being dropped first ball at square leg, showed good touch when he cover-drove Tim Bresnan for a four in the second over after the break.

But both he and Raina, who had replaced Mukund after lunch, were kept on a tight leash by Swann.

And when Patel was brought on at the other end, the home side captain was eager to punish him like Yuvraj had done earlier, but departed by giving a bat-pad catch to short-leg fielder Ian Bell after being lured out of the crease by the left-arm spinner.

Yuvraj continued to feast on Patel, who had dropped him first ball, with a flick at square leg off Bresnan who he had struck for two fours and a six in the first session.

The Punjab batsman lofted the bowler straight for his second six and then hit Swann for the first of his two sixes to bring up his individual 50 in 74 balls.

The Indian batsman stepped out to cart Swann over mid wicket but the clever off spinner invited Yuvraj with another ball held a little back. The batsman, in his eagerness, tried to hit over mid-wicket again, but missed the connection after having stepped out and was stumped by Prior.

Saha was trapped leg before by Anderson when he offered no shot to a ball that nipped back and struck his pads.

At 190 for six, it looked bad for India 'A' before Tiwary, who batted well against the spinners, and Pathan prevented any further wicket before the interval.

In the morning session, Mukund, who had a streaky start to his innings before settling down to hit some pleasing shots, struck 16 fours in only 83 balls before Swann dismissed him off what proved to be the last ball before the lunch break.

Swann, after luring him in front, pushed the batsman back and induced him to flick which was well caught by short leg fielder Bell to end the blossoming partnership between Mukund and Yuvraj that realised a quick 56 in 58 balls for the third wicket.

The left-handed opener played a few streaky shots, including a boundary through the slip cordon off the first ball of the match from James Anderson, before growing in confidence, once the wicket eased out a bit, to play more authentic-looking shots.

Pacer Steven Finn, who bowled only four overs in the first sesion, is reportedly having a problem in his right thigh and didn't bowl at all in the second session.

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Indo-Pak ties to resume after four years

The five-match cricket series between India and Pakistan will be the first to be held in India after the Mumbai attacks in 2008. (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: The thrill of watching an India-Pakistan cricket series on home ground is back. The BCCI has finalised dates for the Indo-Pakistan one-day cricket series in India, with the first match due to kick off on December 25, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla announced on Tuesday.

The five-match cricket series, including 3 ODIS and 2 T20Is in the two-week-long tour, will be the first to be held in India after the Mumbai attacks in 2008. Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Ahmedabad will host the matches, the last of which will is scheduled to be played on January 7.

Top BCCI officials led by vice-president Rajiv Shukla on Tuesday called on Union home secretary R K Singh to tie up the security arrangements for the matches. The MHA has assured the BCCI of foolproof security to the venues and players. Central forces will be deployed to aid the state police to guard the series.

Though India has played Pakistan in international events in the last few years, no Indo-Pakistan series was held in view of tension between the two neighbours after the 26/11 strikes.

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Eng get Finn scare in India tour opener

Steve Finn bowled four overs within the first hour before being confined to the dressing room for the rest of the day. (AFP Photo)

MUMBAI: Paceman Steven Finn limped off the field with a thigh injury as England's bowlers struggled on the opening day of their Indian tour in Mumbai on Tuesday.

The tourists were kept on the field for the entire first day's play as India 'A', lifted by Manoj Tiwary's impressive 93, scored 369-9 in the three-day practice match at the Brabourne stadium.

The lanky Finn, regarded as a certainty for the four-Test series starting in Ahmedabad on November 15, bowled four overs within the first hour before being confined to the dressing room for the rest of the day.

Finn is expected to have a scan to determine the cause of the discomfort in his right leg, but his absence from the field cost the tourists dearly.

The bowlers wilted under the hot sun as Tiwary and Irfan Pathan (46) put on 110 for the seventh wicket to build on sparkling half-centuries from opener Abhinav Mukund and Yuvraj Singh.

Tiwary, who turns 27 next month, put himself into Test reckoning after eight one-day appearances as he and Pathan helped the hosts recover from 186-6 in the post-lunch session.

Tim Bresnan bowled Tiwary and Ashok Dinda off successive balls, but Vinay Kumar hit an unbeaten 25 to boost the total.

Mukund survived a confident shout for leg-before from James Anderson off the fourth ball of the match to hammer 16 boundaries in an aggressive 73 off 83 balls.

Yuvraj, dropped first ball at square leg by Samit Patel, hit 59 to enhance his claims for a Test comeback after being treated for germ-cell cancer between his lungs earlier this year.

The left-hander smashed seven boundaries and four sixes in front of the national selectors, who will meet on November 5 to pick the squad for Ahmedabad.

Yuvraj played the last of his 37 Tests in November last year and hit a double-century on his return to first-class cricket earlier this month.

Off-spinner Graeme Swann and Bresnan finished with three wickets each, but Patel's 20 overs of left-arm spin cost 95 runs.

Brief scores:

India 'A' 1st innings: 369-9 (Abhinav Mukund 73, Yuvraj Singh 59, Manoj Tiwary 93, Irfan Pathan 46, Graeme Swann 3-90, Tim Bresnan 3-59)

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Tiwary misses ton but makes a point

Manoj Tiwary and Irfan Pathan put 110-run partnership for the seventh wicket ensured that India 'A' had a competitive total to bowl at and end the day at 369-9. (AP Photo)

MUMBAI: Chief selector Sandeep Patil wasn't present at the CCI on Tuesday, the first day of the three-day warm-up tie between India 'A' and England, but he would have been told by colleagues Vikram Rathour, Rajinder Singh Hans, Saba Karim and Roger Binny about how disappointed they were with the effort of some of the boys and how happy they were with the application and fight shown by Manoj Tiwary and Irfan Pathan.

While it was a tale of missed opportunity for M Vijay, Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina, there were others who grabbed the chance to impress the selectors ahead of the November 5 selection meeting for the first Test that begins in Ahmedabad on November 15.

Abhinav Mukund (73, 83 balls, 16x4), Yuvraj Singh 59 (80 balls, 7x4, 4x6), Tiwary 93 (150 balls, 12x4) and Irfan Pathan 46 (83balls, 5x4, 2x6) were the guys with the tick marks. Especially Tiwary and Pathan. They came together with the team precariously placed at 190 for 6 and with the visitors sensing a kill.

Their 110-run seventh wicket alliance ensured that India 'A' had a competitive total to bowl at and end the day at 369-9 to give England plenty of worries as their pace bowlers generally struggled to get any reverse swing in tailor-made conditions even if James Anderson and Tim Bresnan weren't too far off the mark. The visitors will also sweat over the fitness of pacer Steven Finn, who walked off the field after just four overs, with a thigh strain.

The men who matter should be chuffed with the knock of Tiwary though. After Laxman's retirement, here is another batsman who can bat with the tail and also play wristy strokes to hit the gaps. His ability to chip the spinners over the infield was seen only in domestic cricket so far. On Tuesday, he did it against an international side. It was a travesty that he couldn't get his hundred, falling to a beauty by Bresnan seven shy off the mark.

England had their share of good performances too. Graeme Swann, undoubtedly the best off-spinner in the business along with Saeed Ajmal, performed true to reputation and his marathon spell of 15-4-57-2 from the Churchgate end was an exhibition of how a spinner should bowl on a Day 1 track. Swann troubled bunny Raina from round the wicket and the pressure he exerted on the lefty enabled Samit Patel to dismiss him cheaply for 20. It was a soft dismissal as the batsman charged and just offered a dead bat with the ball ballooning to Ian Bell at short leg. It was Bell's second catch, having earlier pouched a blinder to dismiss a well set Mukund.

Mukund seems a reincarnation of former India opener S Ramesh. His feet don't move much, but like Ramesh, he has the heart to play out tough spells. The Tamil Nadu opener endured a nervy start where he played and missed a lot and inside-edged a few. He was also involved in the run out of opening partner Vijay. But he got through and went on to play an innings of style and substance. Some of his cover driving and stroke play through mid-wicket and mid-on was eye-catching.

And what of Yuvraj? Was he still batting in the Duleep Trophy semifinal for North Zone against Central at Hyderabad? Benefiting from a dropped chance off the first ball when Patel grassed a tough one, diving forward at square leg off Bresnan, Yuvraj went on to play an impact innings. He defended solidly and was terrific in the 'V'. Every delivery that was pitched up was driven sans violence, but not without timing and beauty. He hit four sixes too, two each off Patel and Swann.

A problem of plenty is a happy one to have. The Indian selectors have that at the moment.

Scoreboard

India 'A' (I Innings): Abhinav Mukund c Bell b Swann 73, Murali Vijay (run out) 7, Ajinkya Rahane c Pietersen b Bresnan 4, Yuvraj Singh st Prior b Swann 59, Suresh Raina c Bell b Patel 20, Manoj Tiwary b Bresnan 93, Wriddhiman Saha lbw Anderson 20, Irfan Pathan lbw Swann 46, Vinay Kumar (batting) 25, Ashok Dinda b Bresnan 0, Parvinder Awana (batting) 11. Extras (B-1, LB-9, W-1) 11. Total (for 9 wkts in 90 overs) 369.

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Organisers unworried by attendance dip

Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone with the Buddh International Circuit owners Sameer and Manoj Gaur in Noida. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: A significant dip in race-day attendances failed to stop Indian Grand Prix organisers basking in the glory of an otherwise successful second edition.

The Buddh International Circuit on the outskirts of Delhi put behind the teething problems that plagued the inaugural race last year and put up a show without major glitch.

The drivers gave a thumbs-up to the 5.14 kilometre track, teams hailed the clean paddock and the facilities sported a completed look that was not the case last year.

None of these, however, could gloss over the dip in the numbers of fans, the most important constituent of any sport, as 65,000 of them turned up for Sunday's race down from last year's 95,000.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone was not worried. "First races are always high and the second year goes down. If the third year isn't going up, then it's something to worry about," the Briton who celebrated his 82nd birthday at the circuit told reporters.

"We have a competitor here. What's the name of that game? Cricket. That's it," added Formula One's most powerful man.

Indian motorsports federation chief Vicky Chandhok reiterated the same three-year cycle and predicted a bigger turnout in 2013.

"Formula One is like this only. This is the trend everywhere. From third race onwards, you'd see some kind of stability. Overall, it has been a huge improvement from last year," he said.

FANS MAKE RACES SPECIAL

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton said the Indian Grand Prix would not become one of the most sought-after races on Formula One calendar if fans in the cricket-mad country turned their back on it.

"Generally when you have good races, you have good crowds and that's what makes your weekend," he said, referring to races in Singapore, Silverstone, Catalunya and Montreal.

"Those are really special circuits. The city comes alive and the circuit is just alive because of the fans.

"I think the fans are what will make it a real special race...Not just cricket, which is pretty cool but Formula One is quite cool too," said the Mercedes-bound driver.

Force India Team Principal and Managing Director Vijay Mallya attributed the moderate turnout to logistic issues and affordability in the land of glaring social inequality.

"Last year clearly was a novelty, first ever Formula One in India etc," the liquor baron said.

"It is quite a drive from Delhi and people's apprehensions are also about parking. If you don't have a car pass, you could be a long way from the entrance gates.

"The traffic also is a consideration...the third is hotels. If you look around here, there are many new hotels of a very high standard but (need) more for middle class and upper middle class people. For an average person, it's pretty expensive," he said.

According to Mallya, the 100,000-plus capacity track could well be brimming with fans next year, provided the race is promoted in a big way.

"I think that some more marketing and some more road shows will bring more of an audience in here," he said.

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'Want to give some pain back to England'

MUMBAI: After a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of England last year in their backyard, it will be payback time when India take on the English side in the four-Test series starting at Ahmedabad next month, said middle-order batsman Suresh Raina on Monday.

"I was there in England and I feel the pain of losing that series 0-4. I want to give some of that pain back," said the Uttar Pradesh batsman, who would be leading India 'A' against the tourists in a three-day warm-up game at the Cricket Club of India from Tuesday.

Raina was of the opinion that the use of SG Test balls in the forthcoming series would be helpful to Indian seamers.

"There is a big difference in the SG Test and Duke balls. We have the bowlers who know how to get the SG Test ball to reverse swing like Zak ( Zaheer Khan) and Umesh Yadav. It'll be important how to handle the SG Test ball in humid cities like Kolkata and Mumbai.

"We also have (Ravidhandran) Ashwin and (Pragyan) Ojha who have been amazing. The England team has good seamers like (Steve) Finn, (Stuart) Broad, (James) Anderson and it depends on how they can handle the SG Test ball," Raina insisted.

While the retirement of Andrew Strauss was a blow to England, the return of Kevin Pietersen into their ranks after his patch-up with other team members was a big boost to the tourists' hopes, said Raina.

"Yes, that is (Strauss's retirement) a loss, but they have a huge positive in the form of KP's return. He wasn't there earlier, but now he's back and that's a big positive for them."

The 25-year-old left-handed batsman, who is fighting for the lone middle order spot in the Indian Test side with his "role model" Yuvraj Singh, said it was up to the selectors to fill the No. 6 slot.

"Yuvraj has just come back from a serious illness. He's a big role model for me and others. I would love to see him back in whites. I want that spot too. I want to play these four Tests against England. But I'd rather not dwell on who the spot will go to. Its upto the selectors who they want to pick," Raina said.

Talking about the warm-up game, Raina said: "This game is very important for me. If I score runs here, it'll help me, but if I don't then its upto the selectors. If I do well here, I will play the next four Tests."

Raina, meanwhile, informed that he got tips from former Test batsman Pravin Amre on how to deal with England off spinner Graeme Swann, who has troubled him in the past.

"I asked him about Swann. He troubled me a lot in England and got me out four or five times. He (Amre) told me to keep my shoulder over the ball and my eyes in line with the ball," Raina said when asked about the specifics of his discussion with the former cricketer.

He added that the three-day match against the visitors will be good opportunity for the likes of Yuvraj and Ashok Dinda, apart from his own self, to prepare themselves for a long season ahead.

"It's a long season. We have Tests and then the one-dayers. Its (India 'A' game) a good opportunity for guys like myself, Yuvraj and Dinda. I want to enjoy myself and look to score big runs," he said.

India played two Tests against New Zealand earlier in August-September this year and are set to play four Tests each against England and Australia, who would tour the country in the latter part of the 2012-13 season.

Raina, who has a modest Test record averaging just under 30 from 17 Tests, said he knew where he stood in the longest form of the game.

"Its just the mental aspect. I've given all that I have had to Test cricket, but a lot of people say and write a lot of things, but I know where I stand as far as Test cricket is concerned.

"Batting at No. 6 is not that easy, very often you get stuck with the tail and have to bat around them. I scored fifties in the West Indies and England and I even batted well against Australia in 2010.

"I've played 16 or 17 Tests, but as I play more games, I will understand my game better. I've already played 150 ODIs for India and have played six years of IPL. I know what the coach and selectors expect from me and what they need me to do at no 6. I love to play my natural game and I love to hit the ball," Raina said.

He dismissed suggestions that his lack of success in Tests was because he tried to play too many shots too soon.

"No. If you see all the big players like Virender Sehwag and Kevin Pietersen, they look to dominate the bowling. Sometimes, the risk pays off sometimes it doesn't and you get out. I'm looking to learn as much as I can about my Test match batting so that I can improve my performances," he said.

On the absence of front-line spinners in his team, Raina said there were part-timers like himself, Yuvraj and Manoj Tiwary who would help complete the 90-over quota in a day.

"I, Yuvraj and Manoj Tiwary can bowl spin. I'll manage the over-rate," he reckoned.

He said the track would offer some assistance to the bowlers in the initial couple of hours.

"It's a good wicket. I've played here for Air India in the Times Shield, in under-19 games and in the IPL. It offers good bounce to the bowlers. The first two hours are going to be crucial and that is where the openers come into play," Raina concluded.

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Gilly backs Sachin getting Aussie honour

MUMBAI: Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist on Monday came out in support of Sachin Tendulkar being conferred the Membership of the Order of Australia, saying that the senior Indian batsman has helped in forging relations between the two countries.

Gilchrist's former opening partner Matthew Hayden was upset at Tendulkar getting the award and had said that the honour should be exclusive to his countrymen. But, Gilchrist felt the honour was recognition of the respect Tendulkar receives in Australia also.

"The discussion around his award and the variety of opinion shows the amazing profile that Tendulkar has. Credit to Sachin to have the place he has held in both the countries. He has forged 22-years of relation between the two countries," Gilchrist told reporters at the University of Wollongong conference.

"I was able to send him a quick message and was thrilled to receive one back (from him) saying 'welcome to the club', because it was the same honour that I was very fortunate to receive. It (the award) is a mark of respect to a great man," he added.

Gilchrist also praised Tendulkar for deciding to play in the Ranji Trophy, saying that it showed the senior batsman's commitment to the game.

"I read he is playing a Ranji Trophy match this week, his first one in three or four years. The fact that he wants to go and take that as preparation, with a serious Test series coming up is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to the game," he said.

Asked about Tendulkar's recent form, the retired Australian great said, "A few times in 22 years, there's going to be some trough. I am not saying he is in a trough or not. I am not sure, where he places himself well enough. He has been in that 22 years, we were asked has he reached his peak.

"I am sure he himself doesn't feel he is at the peak of his career. I have got no doubt that his desire and appetite for success remains," said Gilchrist.

On the upcoming India-England series, the 40-year-old left-hander said it will be a closely-contested series between two good teams.

"Most people feel comfortable when they are playing at home in familiar conditions. That will be a huge part. Both the teams stack up well against each other, they are in top four teams in world. Both are pretty evenly-matched and they would like to take a match off the other. It will be hard core and entertaining and I am looking forward to that," he said.

On the mind games between the two sides and the home team opting for turning tracks to assist their spinners, Gilchrist played it down and said it has become the norm of the day to have the conditions that suit the home team.

"It is very sad to have standardised playing conditions, but that is the beauty of the game. You have different pitches every game and the conditions change during the Test match. It is crucial that is kept. I don't think when you are playing in India, you go out and see turning wickets and be surprised by it. And nor should England be. And the same is the case in England (with their pitches). You test your skills with what is on offer and that is why it is called Test cricket," he said.

"It is just cat and mouse that goes before the series, little fun and games. England won't go through a shortage of batting time against spin bowling in their preparation, I am sure. Whether it's in the middle or if that is not available, they will get into the nets and have any number of spin bowlers bowling at them, I have got no doubt about that.

"I don't know the Indian selectors' mindset there. Whether they are resting these guys or keeping them fresh, as the case maybe. I am sure England will be prepared to face some spin bowling and will be practising accordingly at this moment," he said.

Asked if the humiliating whitewash India suffered in England will haunt them, he said, "Both teams tend to be aggressive. I don't think the 4-0 will come into it. It is a different ball game here. For England, it is different leadership and variety of issues they have faced. A lot of water has passed under the bridge and it was in different conditions."

India faced a 4-0 drubbing in England followed by a similar result in Australia last year.

Gilchrist said that the English side will have to sort out their differences in the dressing room, with the inclusion of controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen and need to work towards a common goal.

"I think Kevin Pietersen is one of the best cricketers in the world at the moment. He is one of the top 10 batsmen. Any team that has those skills in their set up will be better off. In a team set up you need that all relations are directed at common interest and goal. Kevin and English team will have to address that and make sure internally their relationships are okay to go and get the best out of each other."

The former wicketkeeper, who led the now defunct Deccan Chargers to victory in the second edition of IPL, called for better governance in the Twenty20 format.

"It is difficult for fans. Obviously, to have teams there and then suddenly disappear. I am sure there will be some confusion that the IPL governing body has to ensure to maintain the trust of the fans, to which at this point maybe hasn't been available for fans.

"I just think it is the pace with which the T20 juggernaut, more with the IPL concept, was conceived and then rolled out and presented. It is just five years old and it is a huge industry," he said.

"Because of the pace, it hasn't allowed a foundation or a base to form and work from and grow from. It has been on the run and on the move the whole time. Obviously with that quick decisions have been made whether it's from franchise or governing bodies, whether its from players," Gilchrist said.

"It's all done in such haste that it hasn't allowed a strong foundation to be developed. I am not saying anyone has to be blamed for that, which is just the nature of the beast. With that there has been some casualties," he said.

He added that the players might feel hesitant to sign contracts if the team ceases to exist or they fail to get their payments on time.

"I think it will start to factor in the decision-making of players. It certainly will become a part of the process. Whether a team is going to be in existence or am I going to get paid and players get paid handsomely there is no denying that. If you provide services to a job and then don't receive payment for that, obviously that is going to turn you off from wanting to come back and put yourself in the position again. Obviously, it needs to be governed well," he said.

Wollongong University announced the Bradman Scholarship here and Bradman Foundation said that they will induct former Indian batsman Rahul Dravid as an honouree.

The foundation had also inducted another former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar as an honouree a couple of years ago.

Gilchrist pointed out that Bradman never played in India, but has his biggest fan-base here.

"I remember it was at this very hotel that the news of Sir Donald Bradman passing away came at 2.30 in the morning. It was an extraordinary reaction from the people. It is a day I will never forget," he said.

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ICC nod for D/N Test with coloured balls

DUBAI: The ICC on Monday gave its seal of approval to the day/night Test matches while leaving the member Boards to decide on the type and colour of the ball to be used, as it announced new playing conditions for Tests, ODIs and T20 internationals ahead of Sri Lanka-New Zealand series beginning Tuesday.

Some countries, including Australia and England, have been experimenting day/night Test matches for some time and with the ICC's decision on Monday, the longest format of the game may be held under lights very soon.

"Participating countries may agree to play day/night Test matches. The home and visiting boards will decide on the hours of play which will be six hours of scheduled play per day while the two boards will also decide on the precise brand, type and colour of ball to be used for the match," the ICC said in a statement.

The world body announced a slew of changes in the playing conditions, including powerplays, fielding restrictions and short-pitched deliveries in the ODIs, Decision Review System (in Tests and ODIs), no-ball, dead ball, over-rates, applicable in all the formats and changes in one over-per-side Eliminator in T20Is.

"The new playing conditions for Tests, ODIs and Twenty20 internationals will come into effect with the series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, which starts in Pallekele on Tuesday 30 October. The amendments have been approved by the ICC Board following proposals made by the ICC Cricket Committee at its meeting in London in May," it said.

"It is important to note that the playing conditions are applicable to international cricket and must be read together with the Laws of Cricket. Whilst a playing condition may affect the Laws of Cricket as they may apply to international cricket, these changes are not amendments to the Laws of Cricket themselves," the statement added.

Under the new playing conditions, there would be two blocks of Powerplays in an ODI, instead of existing three.

"In an uninterrupted innings, the first Powerplay will be restricted to the first 10 overs with only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. The second five-over batting Powerplay (in an uninterrupted innings) will have to be completed by the 40th over and only three fielders will be allowed outside the fielding restriction area at the time of delivery," the ICC statement said.

"In the non-Powerplay overs, no more than four fielders will be permitted outside the 30-yard circle."

On the DRS, applicable to both Tests and ODIs, the ICC said, "Clause 3.3 (ii) of Appendix 2, which deals with LBW protocols, has been amended, margin of uncertainty applicable to the point of impact with the pad has been increased so that it is the same as provided for determining the projected point of impact with the stumps i.e. if the centre of the ball is shown to be impacting in line within an area demarcated by a line drawn down the middle of the outer stumps (and the bottom of the bails), then the decision will always be out.

"If the whole of the ball is shown to be impacting outside the line of the stumps, then the decision will always be not out. If there is anything in between, the original on-field decision will stand.

"As such, this clause will now read as follows: If a 'not out' decision is being reviewed, in order to report that the point of impact is between wicket and wicket (i.e. in line with the stumps), the evidence provided by technology should show that the centre of the ball at the moment of interception is in line within an area demarcated by a line drawn below the lower edge of the bails and down the middle of the outer stumps.

"If an 'out' decision is being reviewed, in order to report that the point of impact is not between wicket and wicket (i.e. outside the line of the stumps), the evidence provided by technology should show that no part of the ball at the moment of interception is between wicket and wicket."

On the no-balls, applicable to Tests, ODIs and T20Is, it said, "A clause in Appendix, which deals with no-balls in the Third Umpire TV Replay System, has been amended. This now reads: Following any mode of dismissal that is not permitted off a no-ball and which is not the subject of an Umpire or Player Review, the third umpire shall, subject to the availability of suitable technology, immediately check the fairness of the delivery (foot-fault only).

"If the delivery was not a fair delivery, the third umpire shall advise the on-field umpire by two-way radio who should recall the dismissed batsman, indicate that the batsman is not out and signal no-ball.

"If suitable technology is not available to third umpire, then if on-field umpire is uncertain as the fairness of the delivery (foot-fault only), he shall be entitled to request the batsman to delay leaving the field and check the fairness of delivery (foot-fault only) with third umpire. Consultation with the third umpire shall be by way of two way radio. If the delivery was not a fair delivery the on-field umpire shall indicate that the batsman is not-out and signal no-ball."

Regarding changes in one over-per-side Eliminator in T20Is, the ICC said, "In both innings of one over per side eliminator, fielding side shall choose from which end to bowl. Only nominated players in main match may participate in OOPSE.

"Should any player (including the batsmen and bowler) be unable to continue to participate in the OOPSE due to (an) injury, illness or other wholly acceptable reasons, the relevant Laws and Playing Conditions as they apply in the main match shall also apply in the OOPSE.

"Any penance time being served in main match shall be carried forward to OOPSE. The fielding captain or his nominee shall select the ball with which he wishes to bowl his over from the box of spare balls provided by the umpires. Such box to include the balls used in the main match, but no new balls.

"The team fielding first in the OOPSE shall have first choice of ball. The team fielding second may choose to use the same ball as chosen by the team bowling first. If the ball needs to be changed, then playing conditions as stated for the main match shall apply."

The ICC said that the two teams can change the duration of intervals of the breaks in a Test match after approval from the world body.

"Although the duration of the lunch and tea intervals remain unchanged i.e. 40 and 20 minutes respectively (as per Clause 15.1), the host team, with the consent of the opposing side, can apply to the ICC for an approval to depart from the standard playing conditions to provide for intervals of 30 minutes each," said the ICC.

On dead balls, applicable in all the three formats, the ICC said, "Clause 23.4, Umpire calling and signalling 'Dead Ball', now reads as: In a match where Spydercam is being used, either umpire shall call and signal 'dead ball', should a ball that has been hit by the batsman make contact, while still in play, with the Spydercam or its cable. The ball shall not count as one of the over and no runs shall be scored."

Regarding over-rates, also applicable in all the three formats, it said, "In the event of any time allowances being granted to the fielding team under 16.2 (d) (time wasting by batting team), then such time shall be deducted from the allowances granted to the batting team in the determination of its over-rate."

In the ODIs, the ICC said that a bowler can have two short-pitched deliveries. "Law 42.6 (a) has been amended as: A bowler shall be limited to two fast short-pitched deliveries per over," the statement said.

In the T20Is, changes have been made in the over-rate time allowances.

"In addition to the available allowances under Clause 16.2 (Minimum Over-Rates), additional allowance of one minute will be given for the fall of each of the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth wickets," the ICC said.

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Indian tour is a huge challenge, says Cook

MUMBAI: England captain Alastair Cook on Monday described the forthcoming four-Test series against India as a huge challenge as no team from his country has won a Test series here for three decades.

"It's a huge challenge as history suggests. It is so hard for an English side to win in the sub-continent. We are just desperate to use the conditions in these three (warm-up) games and change things around," said the left-handed opener at his first post-arrival media conference on Monday.

"Clearly the history shows how hard it is (to win in India). It's been 30 years (since England won a Test series in India). That's the sort of challenge we have ahead of us.

"Nowhere is it going to be easy; there are going to be really tough hurdles on the way. We have to overcome those challenges. As players we put ourselves in that situation as to what we want to do. If we want to be tested against the best in hard conditions then this tour is up there," Cook elaborated.

The 2-1 Test series victory after coming from a match down in 1984-85 under David Gower was the last time England had beaten India in the latter's shores.

The England team, baring Kevin Pietersen, flew in early this morning from Dubai, where they practiced for a few days before reaching the Indian shores.

Pietersen arrived late last night by a separate flight after taking part in the Champions League T20 in South Africa for Delhi Daredevils.

"Both sides have world class players. It's going to be a fantastic series to watch. Whichever team handles the conditions better will win the series," said the England skipper, who had made his Test debut with a half century and an unbeaten ton at Nagpur six years ago.

Cook was not too concerned about the nature of wickets that India would offer.

"We can't control the wickets. We have to adapt to whatever the conditions are. I am sure India will have to do the same job," he said.

Cook said there was no quick fix to play spin bowling, perceived as his team's biggest threat from the Indian ranks, in the sub continent and it has to be learnt gradually.

"(Graham) Gooch (former England captain and team batting coach) sent me here when I was 19. It's never a single fix; it's a gradual process to play spin in the sub-continent. I made my Test debut in India.

"I feel I have the experience to pass my experience to younger players. I have a fairly decent record here as well. If we have to win the series all of us will have to stand up and score runs," he said.

Cook rued the absence of his long-term opening partner Andrew Strauss, who has retired, but said this gave a chance to some one else to put his hand up and deliver.

"That will be one of the big changes; it will be strange to walk out and bat for England without Strauss. It was a pleasure to bat with him and it was great to know such a familiar face at the other end. We are friends off the cricket field and that showed in our relationship when we were batting. It's a shame that will never happen again," he said.

"But it's a great opportunity for someone else to go out and open the batting for England. I made my debut six and half years ago in India and it's a great place to open the batting. It's a great opportunity for someone to stick his hands up and make the opening space his. There's no better place to bat for England than at the opening slot," Cook said.

"India is a great place to play cricket, the enthusiasm India has for cricket and the passion to be involved, we are very lucky to be here. We can't wait for the game to start tomorrow and get ready for the first Test in two and half week's time," added the visiting team skipper, who has 20 Test centuries to his credit.

Cook said his team would try to win the three warm-up games before the start of the Test series on November 13 at Ahmedabad.

"We always try and win these warm up games. The idea is always to get as much game time for our players so that they are ready for the first Test," he said.

England take on India A from tomorrow and then Mumbai A at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai from November 3-5 before moving on to play their final four-day warm-up game from November 8-11 ahead of the opening Test.

Cook was not bothered that India A did not have any frontline spinner in its ranks.

"We have no right to select the India A team, it's not in out control. There's Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina in the team for spin. We have done a huge amount of work after what happened in the UAE 12 months. We will continue to do that in the next two months," he said.

Cook said his team had chalked out plans for the entire Indian batting line-up.

"We have plans for their entire batting line up. It's a world class batting line up. If we have to win this series we have to bowl well against their full batting line up."

Team director and former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower said his team also focused on playing seam bowling in Dubai apart from spin.

"Seamers can take wickets in these conditions. So that was part of our focus as well," he said.

He also said that Stuart Broad is the team's vice-captain for the tour.

Pietersen, who was chucked out of the team during the lost Test rubber at home against South Africa for sending unflattering messages to the rival camp about then captain Andrew Strauss and other team members, would play in the tourists' opening tour game against India A at the Cricket Club of India, starting on Tuesday.

"Kevin will play tomorrow and go at No. 4. It's been a day of recovery. We have seen Kevin, he's desperate to get going and we are desperate to have him back in the team. It's always great to have a world class player in the team," said Flower.

"We want to play outstanding cricket that we are capable of. He's played a huge amount of cricket and a lot in the sub-continent and in the IPL and that experience will be valuable for us," said Flower.

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Saina Nehwal loses French Open final

Saina Nehwal loses French Open Super Series final to Minatsu Mitani of Japan. (AP Photo)

Saina Nehwal sinks in summit clash of French Open

(PTI)

PARIS: Olympics Bronze medallist shuttler Saina Nehwal failed to clinch back-to-back title as she suffered a shock straight-game defeat to Japanese Minatsu Mitani in the summit clash of the French Open Super Series on Sunday.

Playing her second final in two weeks, world number three Saina could not live upto expectations against 21-year-old Minatsu and lost 19-21, 11-21 in the 39-minute women's singles final.

Saina, who won the Denmark Super Series Premier title last week, was tested only for the second time in the tournament by world number 26 Minatsu, who rode on her superior court coverage and accurate strokes to clinch her first Super Series title.

Minatsu, who jumped a couple of places in world rankings on Thursday, matched Saina with her brilliant net play and smashes and engaged the Indian in long rallies. She was also good in her defense as she retrieved everything thrown at her.

Saina started off well and initially opened up a narrow 6-3 lead but Minatsu slowly built her game and moved from 7-7 to 16-16 to keep breathing down the Indian's neck.

The 22-year-old from Hyderabad picked up a couple of points to move to 18-16 but the Japanese reeled off four straight points from 17-19 to to win the first game.

In the second game, Saina tried to exploit Minatsu's weakness at the fore court and played some angled shots to move to 5-2.

But Minatsu engaged Saina in long rallies and used her drops and cross court smashes to catch up with the Indian, before moving into the break at 11-10 with yet another brilliant smash.

She grabbed four more quick points to move to 15-10. Minatsu made Saina move around the court by mixing her shots, while the Indian faltered with her accuracy and lost a few points hitting wide or due to misjudgement.

In no time, Minatsu zoomed to match point at 20-11 and with Saina finding the net, it was all over for the Indian.

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Saina Nehwal loses French Open final

Saina Nehwal loses French Open Super Series final to Minatsu Mitani of Japan. (AP Photo)

Saina Nehwal sinks in summit clash of French Open

(PTI)

PARIS: Olympics Bronze medallist shuttler Saina Nehwal failed to clinch back-to-back title as she suffered a shock straight-game defeat to Japanese Minatsu Mitani in the summit clash of the French Open Super Series on Sunday.

Playing her second final in two weeks, world number three Saina could not live upto expectations against 21-year-old Minatsu and lost 19-21, 11-21 in the 39-minute women's singles final.

Saina, who won the Denmark Super Series Premier title last week, was tested only for the second time in the tournament by world number 26 Minatsu, who rode on her superior court coverage and accurate strokes to clinch her first Super Series title.

Minatsu, who jumped a couple of places in world rankings on Thursday, matched Saina with her brilliant net play and smashes and engaged the Indian in long rallies. She was also good in her defense as she retrieved everything thrown at her.

Saina started off well and initially opened up a narrow 6-3 lead but Minatsu slowly built her game and moved from 7-7 to 16-16 to keep breathing down the Indian's neck.

The 22-year-old from Hyderabad picked up a couple of points to move to 18-16 but the Japanese reeled off four straight points from 17-19 to to win the first game.

In the second game, Saina tried to exploit Minatsu's weakness at the fore court and played some angled shots to move to 5-2.

But Minatsu engaged Saina in long rallies and used her drops and cross court smashes to catch up with the Indian, before moving into the break at 11-10 with yet another brilliant smash.

She grabbed four more quick points to move to 15-10. Minatsu made Saina move around the court by mixing her shots, while the Indian faltered with her accuracy and lost a few points hitting wide or due to misjudgement.

In no time, Minatsu zoomed to match point at 20-11 and with Saina finding the net, it was all over for the Indian.

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Highveld Lions lose Gulam Bodi early

Invincible so far in the competition, Sydney Sixers are firm favourites for the title but South Africa's enterprising Highveld Lions would look to upset the Australian powerhouse's applecart. (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Highveld Lions got off to disastrous start as they were struggling at 9/4 after being invited to bat in the Champions league T20 final.

Nathan McCullm gave Lions first blow by dismissing Bodi on the fourth delivery of the first over.

Scorecard

Invincible so far in the competition, Sydney Sixers are firm favourites for the title but South Africa's enterprising Highveld Lions would look to upset the Australian powerhouse's applecart.

Sydney won each of their five matches -- including four group stage games -- to be considered by far the best team to take the field in the competition.

Despite losing the services of their match-winner, prolific all-rounder Shane Watson, Sydney were strong enough for the Mumbai Indians in their final Group fixture and their semifinal clash against the Titans even though it was a close shave last night.

Sydney Sixers: AN Petersen, GH Bodi, Q de Kock, ND McKenzie, J Symes, TL Tsolekile, D Pretorius, CH Morris, Sohail Tanvir, DP Nannes, AM Phangiso

Highveld Lions: MJ Lumb, BJ Haddin, NJ Maddinson, SPD Smith, MC Henriques, BJ Rohrer, NL McCullum, SNJ O'Keefe, PJ Cummins, MA Starc, JR Hazlewood

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Everton rally to hold Liverpool in derby

Phil Jagielka (L) vies with Luis Suarez (R) during the EPL match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park. (AFP Photo)

LIVERPOOL: Leon Osman and Steven Naismith scored the goals as Everton fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 in an engaging Merseyside derby with Liverpool on Sunday.

The visitors took an early advantage through a Leighton Baines own goal, which saw Luis Suarez, who had been criticised for diving by David Moyes before the match, run half the length of the pitch to dive on the ground in front of the Everton manager.

Suarez then headed Liverpool 2-0 up but Osman pulled one back just two minutes later before former Rangers forward Naismith pulled the hosts level with his first Everton goal.

The 219th derby produced a pulsating opening period that the second half failed to live up to and left Liverpool six points behind their old rivals, with Suarez's antics sure to dominate the fall-out.

Both managers had called for a strong performance from referee Andre Marriner, and he showed eight yellow cards on a contentious afternoon at Goodison Park.

Liverpool suffered some pre-match problems when Pepe Reina was deemed unready to return from his hamstring problem and Glen Johnson also failed to make the starting line-up due to injury.

Australian Brad Jones, who had filled in for Reina in the previous two matches, looked uncomfortable in dealing with an early Kevin Mirallas corner but Liverpool moved ahead after 13 minutes.

Johnson's replacement, Jose Enrique, made a fine burst down the left flank and although Baines prevented Raheem Sterling from tapping in at the far post, the England defender then turned Suarez's shot into his own net.

Uruguayan Suarez produced a controversial celebration by diving to the ground in front of Moyes.

Seven minutes later the visitors doubled their advantage when Steven Gerrard clipped a free-kick into the area and Suarez glanced a header into the corner of the net.

Everton looked for a quick response and Marouane Fellaini's drive was deflected wide.

And Moyes' side pulled level just two minutes after falling two goals behind when Jones could only produce a poor punch at a Baines corner and Osman found the net from the edge of the area.

Suarez still looked a constant threat and after receiving a throw from Andre Wisdom the Uruguayan thumped a shot past the post.

But 10 minutes before the break, Everton pulled level when Fellaini's cross was allowed to travel across the Liverpool area and Naismith stabbed in from close range.

After their dreadful start, Everton looked strong and Jones did well to push away a cross from Mirallas, while Seamus Coleman also drove over the bar from just outside the area.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers made two changes at the interval, replacing Suso and Nuri Sahin with Jonjo Shelvey and Sebastian Coates, while the outstanding Mirallas had to be brought off for Magaye Gueye due to injury.

Sterling should have restored the visitors' advantage when he raced past Phil Jagielka to collect Enrique's return pass, but the 17-year-old's shot squirmed wide.

Nikica Jelavic had his first sight of goal when he cut in from the left and had a low shot pushed away at the near post by Jones.

Everton's American goalkeeper Tim Howard pushed away a Gerrard free-kick that skidded off the turf and at the other end, Jelavic glanced a header wide from a Baines free-kick.

The match finished scrappily, but there was drama in added time when Suarez toed the ball into the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

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Highveld Lions top order crumbles

Invincible so far in the competition, Sydney Sixers are firm favourites for the title but South Africa's enterprising Highveld Lions would look to upset the Australian powerhouse's applecart. (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Highveld Lions got off to disastrous start as they were struggling at 9/4 after being invited to bat in the Champions league T20 final.

Nathan McCullm gave Lions first blow by dismissing Bodi on the fourth delivery of the first over.

Scorecard

Invincible so far in the competition, Sydney Sixers are firm favourites for the title but South Africa's enterprising Highveld Lions would look to upset the Australian powerhouse's applecart.

Sydney won each of their five matches -- including four group stage games -- to be considered by far the best team to take the field in the competition.

Despite losing the services of their match-winner, prolific all-rounder Shane Watson, Sydney were strong enough for the Mumbai Indians in their final Group fixture and their semifinal clash against the Titans even though it was a close shave last night.

Sydney Sixers: AN Petersen, GH Bodi, Q de Kock, ND McKenzie, J Symes, TL Tsolekile, D Pretorius, CH Morris, Sohail Tanvir, DP Nannes, AM Phangiso

Highveld Lions: MJ Lumb, BJ Haddin, NJ Maddinson, SPD Smith, MC Henriques, BJ Rohrer, NL McCullum, SNJ O'Keefe, PJ Cummins, MA Starc, JR Hazlewood

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Narain terribly underrated: De la Rosa

"Narain Karthikeyan is a very strong driver and terribly underrated. I think he still has a few more seasons of F1 left in him," says De la Rosa. (PTI Photo)

GREATER NOIDA: Highly-rated veteran Formula 1 driver Pedro de la Rosa says he has been hugely impressed with his Indian HRT teammate Narain Karthikeyan.

De la Rosa, at 41, is the oldest driver on the grid after Michael Schumacher and commands the respect of the entire F1 fraternity. The regard has a lot to do with his eight-year relationship with a top team like McLaren, a place he calls his "second home".

Life has changed for the Spaniard ever since he shifted to a small team like HRT at the start of 2012. After 16 tough races, de la Rosa finds himself in a place he thought would never visit.

"F1 is full of surprises you see. I never thought I would be in India and driving alongside an Indian. The circuit is fantastic and so is your driver," de la Rosa said on the eve of the Indian Grand Prix.

He says the level of drivers is more or less the same barring the likes Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.

"We all are very close if you take these three out of the equation. Narain is a very strong driver and terribly underrated. I think he still has a few more seasons of F1 left in him."

But de la Rosa gets into a spot of bother when you ask him about the Indian's weakness.

"Well to be honest he is quite good. And I was expecting it because he was incredibly fast in the F3. He is extremely fast in the high speed corners and a late braker. He just needs to be more consistent and work on his physical fitness," said the driver with 103 starts.

He, however, has dominated the qualifying sessions over Narain.

On driving a car four-five seconds slower than a McLaren, he says, "You are always on the knife's edge. You have less grip and downforce. And when it rains, it gets even worse.

"A McLaren on the other hand would be more giving. It would be a lot easier to drive in the corners where you gain those four-five seconds. Interestingly, you need to be fitter to drive a faster machine. You have to absorb a lot of G-force which we don't have to."

De la Rosa will be the oldest on the grid next year with Schumacher retiring at the end of 2012. On being asked whether age has caught up, he said, "Age is an important player in your career.

I feel I still have the energy to carry on. The day I feel I am not quick enough, I will quit. More than age, it is about motivation and the aggression."

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Sebastian Vettel storms to pole position

Sebastian Vettel gestures towards photographers on taking the pole position at The Buddh International circuit in Greater Noida. (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Defending world champion Sebastian Vettel completed a third successive Red Bull front row lockout on Saturday when he took pole position for Sunday's Indian Grand Prix ahead of his team-mate Mark Webber.

The 25-year-old German, who is seeking to become the youngest triple champion in F1 history, made an error on his first flying lap in the top-ten shootout but responded with a second effort in one minute 25.283 seconds to grab pole.

It was his fifth pole of the season and the 35th of his remarkable career, but achieved without quite the luxurious advantage that he had appeared to enjoy through his domination of all three free practice sessions beforehand.

He said: "It was a tight session, especially having made a mistake on my first run on Turn Four. All in all it has been a great weekend so far. The boys have been pushing very hard.

"We have to keep pushing - there are a lot of races to go. The best chance to do well is to focus on every single step. We're look forward to the race. I'm happy to be on pole but there's a hard race coming up tomorrow."

His Australian partner Webber did his utmost to match him, but could only deliver 1:25.327 and took second as Red Bull proved they have the overall pace to start as clear favourites.

"It wasn't the smoothest (flying lap) for (Sebastian) and also for me," said Webber.

"On the last corner I got a little on the Astroturf on the exit and didn't have the cleanest run to line, but I'm driving the car.

"It was a pretty tight run thing between Seb and I. The McLarens were doing a very slow out-laps, and I had no grip in the first sector. I was surprised to end up in second."

He added: "So far so good, today it's job done and tomorrow we'll wake up and it'll be a new day."

Rivals McLaren did their best to break the Red Bull monopoly - Vettel has also won the last three races to move six points clear at the top of the drivers' title race - but they ended up third and fourth.

Briton Lewis Hamilton took third late in the session to jump ahead of his team-mate and compatriot Jenson Button on the grid with the two Ferraris of Spaniard Fernando Alonso and Brazilian Felipe Massa taking fifth and sixth places on the third row.

Hamilton said: "I'm happy with third. The team have done a great job this weekend, although we weren't quick enough to be ahead of these guys (Red Bull) today. But our race pace is just as quick as these guys."

Alonso, leader for a long period of the season, is now six points behind Vettel and with four races remaining needs to deliver a strong result in Sunday's race at the Buddh International Circuit, if not a victory, to stay in serious contention.

Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus qualified seventh ahead of Sergio Perez of Sauber, Pastor Maldonado of Williams and Nico Rosberg who was 10th for Mercedes.

On another near-perfect day at the Buddh International Circuit, where the air temperature hovered around 30 degrees Celsius, Q1 saw the usual suspects struggling at the back of the field.

The non-qualifiers were led by Jean-Eric Vergne of Toro Rosso who was 18th ahead of Vitaly Petrov and his Caterham team-mate Heikki Kovalainen, and Timo Glock of Marussia.

Behind them and also out were the two Hispania drivers Pedro de la Rosa and local hero Indian Narain Karthikeyan, whose great effort in front of his home crowd, could not produce any greater pace from his car.

Eliminated in Q2 were Romain Grosjean of Lotus, Nico Hulkenberg of Force, Bruno Senna of Williams, Michael Schumacher in the second Mercedes and Daniel Ricciardo of Toro Rosso, Paul Di Resta and Kamui Kobayashi in the second Sauber.

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'Fair to play England on rank turners'

"If they (England and Australia) wanted to be fair to us, they could have provided us with same kind of tracks for practice matches like what were used in Tests," says Kohli. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Prolific middle order batsman Virat Kohli reckons that it will be "absolutely fair" if India take advantage of home conditions and make the visiting English side play on rank turners during their upcoming tour.

"Why not? We were given flattest of tracks during practice matches in England and Australia and then suddenly presented with a green-top during Tests.

During practice matches, we would face those 120 kmph bowlers," a candid Kohli said during a freewheeling chat after a net session with the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad on Saturday.

"If they (England and Australia) wanted to be fair to us, they could have provided us with same kind of tracks for practice matches like what were used in Tests.

Especially, when they knew that visiting teams get very less time to practice. Now they would be playing on turning tracks and definitely would know where they stand," he said when asked about the fairness of playing on turners.

Kohli also sought to play the mind game ahead of the series by stating that Kevin Pietersen will be "under a lot of pressure to perform well" as he is one of their key players who has a good record against quality spin attacks.

"There will be huge pressure on KP as he has been playing in India for quite some time and considered to be a good batsman against spin.

You may say that the senior England cricketers have an understanding of these conditions but let me tell you, it's not that easy.

You might feel they would like to hit spinners but end up doing exactly opposite." The prolific batsman cited the example of England's Test series against Pakistan in UAE.

"Come to think of that particular series, there wasn't much of turn on offer but England couldn't negotiate one quality spinner ( Saeed Ajmal) as they lost the battle in their heads," he said.

For someone who has always played the horizontal bat shot well enough, Kohli doesn't endorse the popular perception that Indians are susceptible against short-pitched stuff.

"I have never really understood this theory. Are people like Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman, Sehwag poor players of short-pitched bowling? Show me how many Indian players were out to short-pitched deliveries in Australia?" he questioned.

"No batsman in world cricket is comfortable against a good bouncer. If you get a good bouncer, give credit to the bowler rather than finding chinks in batsman's armoury.

When someone gets out to cover drive, no one raises questions about your technique but it only happens when you get out to a short ball. A good bouncer will remain a good bouncer."

Although he thinks that it is important "to stay one step ahead" of the opposition, the 23-year-old batsman feels that over-analysis can complicate matters.

"I would like to react to on-field situations rather than do a homework and find that my rivals have changed their gameplan. I believe in doing things my own way and being in that zone," he said.

The talented batsman also doesn't like comparisons between Gary Kirsten and Duncan Fletcher.

"Gary was much more involved in practise sessions but Duncan is also a thorough professional. He would quietly stand in one corner and observe.

If he needs to say something, he would come up and give a suggestion. He believes international cricketers know their jobs. And if we have lost eight Test matches, blame us and not the coach."

Kohli also backed skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni saying that just eight Test defeats doesn't make him a bad captain.

"Under him, we have won the World Cup, been No 1 in Tests. He has also encouraged the juniors."

Talking about the Ranji Trophy game against Uttar Pradesh, Kohli said that it would give him the necessary "game-time" and also help him switch back to "Test mode" from Twenty20.

"Last time against New Zealand at Hyderabad, I was trying to hit every ball and thus missed out on big hundred. The UP match would give me sufficient game time and help me get back to Test match mode," he added.

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Serena enters WTA Championships final

Serena Williams of the US celebrates winning over Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland during the WTA Championships match in Istanbul. (AFP Photo)

ISTANBUL: Serena Williams' bid to crown her sensational comeback year by regaining the WTA Championships title carried her into the final with her fourth straight sets win on Saturday.

Williams' 6-2, 6-1 success against Agnieszka Radwanska, was a sequel to the close-fought Wimbledon final with the in-form Pole, but despite that there was an overwhelming sense of inevitability about it.

While Radwanska had had a record-breaking three-and-a-half hour match against Sara Errani the night before, Williams had had a rest day.

Stats showed that the underdog had already run three times as far as the former champion to get to the semifinals.

Not surprisingly Radwanska had admitted that it would be an achievement "just to get to the court in one piece."

Serena's side to side ground strokes soon made it clear that she would have to cover large areas of court again - and that was something which could not be repeated for long.

Briefly Radwanska made a little progress, breaking back from an early service loss and reaching 2-2. But once Williams had punished her tired opponent's second serve to break it again, and then consolidated by holding with a love game, it was mostly one way traffic.

When Radwanska hung on briefly by holding serve for 1-2 in the second set, it only made Williams prepare a little earlier for each stroke, tighten up her driving, and finish the match quickly with controlled aggression.

Routine though the win was, she seemed thrilled with the outcome. Waving ecstatically and fluffing up her already voluminous hair she announced that all she wanted to do now was finish the season with a win.

That will have special meaning, given that this has been a year in which she showed she has finally recovered from the horrific 12 months out during which a blood clot in her lungs threatened her life.

It has seen her win the Olympic, Wimbledon and Us Open titles, and the WTA Championships title, which she last win three years ago and first won 11 years ago would cap it off excellently.

She was due to play the winner of Victoria Azarenka, the world number one from Belarus, and Maria Sharapova, the French Open champion from Russia. And even as the number three seed, Williams will be clear favourite.

Radwanska meanwhile can still contemplate a season in which she closed up in the top three. She scored two wins, led Sharapova by a set and 4-2, and but for two huge matches lasting more than three hours, might have had a fair chance of taking Williams the full distance, as she did at Wimbledon. her future looks good.

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BCCI rubbishes Modi's IPL allegations

Lalit Modi claimed that BCCI president N Srinivasan was trying to gift the Hyderabad franchise to his friends. (TOI Photo)

NEW DELHI: A senior BCCI official on Saturday rubbished former IPL chairman Lalit Modi's claims that board president N Srinivasan was trying to gift the Hyderabad franchise to his friends, saying the whole process of Sun TV winning the bid was done in a transparent manner.

"The whole process of deciding on the franchise was very clear and transparent. Tender documents were made available and the bidding process was also very proper and there was no scope of any ambiguity," the official said.

Sun TV bought the Deccan Chargers team on Thursday for Rs 85.05 crore per year, prompting Modi to write on twitter that he had "predicted" it would happen this way and that BCCI was trying to "gift" the team to Srinivasan's "pals."

Asked what would be the fate of the Deccan Chargers players, the official informed that most of them will be retained by the Sun TV franchise, while the rest will go under the hammer in the open bidding next year.

Last Thursday, the Guwahati high court also passed a judgement, restraining BCCI from "taking a final decision" on the tender floated on October 14 for selection of new teams for 2013 IPL tourney.

Asked about the decision, the senior official said: "The bidding has been done and the franchise has been decided. This court decision is not going to affect the process.

"BCCI wants to take IPL across India but we have to understand that unfortunately, there is no proper infrastructure in North Eastern states. May be in the future we will have a north eastern team in IPL," he said.

The ongoing Champions League Twenty20 tournament received a lukewarm response with the IPL teams -- Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Daredevils -- failing to perform up to their reputation.

Asked about their disappointing show in South Africa, the BCCI official said: "It is disappointing that the IPL teams could not do well in Champions League but then in sport, it happens. We can't expect our teams to do well all the time."

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Vettel dominates Day 1 in India GP

Sebastian Vettel scorched a fastest lap of one minute and 26.221 seconds in the second session. (AP Photo)

GREATER NOIDA: Defending world champion Sebastian Vettel topped both practice sessions at the Indian Grand Prix Friday as he bids for his fourth win in a row -- and a historic third straight drivers title.

The Red Bull driver, 25, who seized the championship lead at the last race in South Korea and is seeking to become Formula One's youngest triple champion, scorched a fastest lap of one minute and 26.221 seconds in the second session.

He finished ahead of his Australian team-mate Mark Webber with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, the long-time championship leader now supplanted by Vettel, third fastest.

Germany's Nico Rosberg was fourth in the leading Mercedes car ahead of Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus and the two McLarens of Britons Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.

Nico Hulkenberg was eighth for Force India ahead of Frenchman Romain Grosjean in the second Lotus and Brazilian Bruno Senna for Williams.

On a bright, dry day with a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, the conditions were near-perfect as Vettel continued his irresistible form in Asia by topping the first session from Button, and staying ahead of the pack in the second.

Wins in Singapore, Japan and South Korea have lifted Vettel to a narrow, six-point lead in the standings but with strong momentum and growing belief that the German can seal the title over the last four races.

Both Alonso and Hamilton, who will leave McLaren for Mercedes next year, also impressed with heavy fuel loads, but there is widespread sentiment that Red Bull are back in the groove that brought them title doubles in 2010 and 2011.

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Tendulkar gears up for England Tests

Sachin, the world's leading scorer in both Test and one-day cricket, was named Friday in a 13-man Mumbai squad for a four-day Ranji Trophy match against Railways starting in Mumbai on November 2. (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Record-breaking Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar will make a rare appearance in domestic four-day cricket next week to gain match practice ahead of the home Test series against England.

The 39-year-old, the world's leading scorer in both Test and one-day cricket, was named Friday in a 13-man Mumbai squad for a four-day Ranji Trophy match against Railways starting in Mumbai on November 2.

Tendulkar, whose last Ranji appearance was in 2009, struggled in a home Test series against New Zealand in August-September when he scored just 63 runs in three innings.

Legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar even suggested during the second Test against New Zealand in Bangalore that Tendulkar's reflexes were on the slide after the batsman was bowled in all three innings.

Tendulkar has made a record 51 Test centuries but has now gone 25 innings without a hundred in the five-day game since making 146 against South Africa in Cape Town in January 2011.

He has scored a world record Test (15,553) and one-day (18,426) runs and has also compiled an unprecedented 100 international centuries.

The selectors also named India's left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan in the Mumbai side.

England open their tour with a three-day practice match against India 'A' in Mumbai on October 30. It will be followed by two more warm-up games before the four-Test series starts in Ahmedabad on November 15.

The tourists, who also play two Twenty20 internationals on the first leg of their tour, will go home for Christmas and return for a five-match one-day series starting on January 11.

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