Sharma falls after solid opening stand

NEW DELHI: Aaron Finch gave Australia first breakthrough in the 30th over by getting Rohit Sharma (79) caught by James Faulkner at deep mid-wicket after a solid 178-run stand for the first wicket in India's chase of a massive 351.

Scorecard

It was the fifth occasion when Sharma and Dhawan got engaged in a 100-run partnership.

Sharma's 79 run knock was studded with three sixes and seven boundaries. Both openers had kept Australia after they posted an imposing 350/6.

Earlier, Shane Watson and George Bailey hit century each to power Australia to a big total.

Big and burly Watson struck 13 fours and three sixes in making 102 off 94 balls while the in-form Bailey was equally impressive in scoring a career-best 156, his second ODI ton, in 115 balls. His brilliant innings contained half a dozen sixes and 13 fours.

These two batsmen also compiled the second-highest third wicket stand of 168 in ODIs against India to help the visitors record their fourth 300-plus total in the series in which the sixth ODI at Cuttack was totally washed out.

The home team, which needs to win this game to stay alive in the series in which they trail 1-2, started off well by sending back openers Phil Hughes (13) and Aaron Finch (20) before the score had crossed 50 but were pushed into the backseat as Watson and Bailey launched a superb counter-attack.

The duo simply tore apart the clueless Indian bowling attack that fielded three frontline spinners for the first time in the seven-match series after the hosts decided to go in with Amit Mishra to partner R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Later, after the dismissal of Watson and Glen Maxwell (9), Adam Voges (44 not out) helped his captain add another 120 runs in only 80 balls for the fifth wicket to complete India's misery on a good batting track.

While the 32-year-old Watson was all power, Bailey, who has been the team's most consistent batsman in the series, once again dominated the home team attack to notch up his fourth 50-plus score in five innings.

India had the visitors under check in the first 20 overs by restricting Australia to 83/2 but the middle overs were totally dominated by Watson and Bailey who compiled the second-best-ever third wicket stand for their country against the hosts.

The 168-run partnership, that came off just 142 balls, was only the second-highest after Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn's unfinished 234 in the 2003 World Cup final at Johannesburg and the eighth 150-plus stand for all wickets against India.

Watson, who compiled his maiden hundred against India and ninth in ODIs overall from 170 games, looked assured in his footwork against the trio of home team spinners, who bowled the middle overs.

Bailey was as solid as he has been in the series so far and showed his supreme touch quite early by hitting Mohd Shami for three successive boundaries in the bowler's opening spell.

India, who started well after Mahendra Singh Dhoni had asked the visitors to take first strike on winning the toss, were pushed on the backfoot by the aggression shown by this duo of batsmen.

All the bowlers were punished mercilessly with Ashwin emerging as the most successful with a haul of two for 64 in his 10-over quota along with Jadeja, who took two wickets in the innings' last over after conceding 68 runs.

Mishra, who was treated with absolute disdain after a watchful start by Watson and Bailey, conceded 78 runs respectively. Jadeja grabbed two wickets in his and the innings' last over.

Mohd Shami, who made an impressive beginning when he was given a chance in the rained-out Ranchi ODI, was very expensive and finished with 1 for 66 while Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, back in the squad after missing out the Ranchi ODI, had final figures of one for 42, the most economical among all bowlers.

Watson was lucky to have been caught off a no-ball from Jadeja as he mistimed a heave to leg but otherwise looked totally in control and in terrific form.

He was harsh on the three spinners and lofted Mishra who began impressively before being carted around for two leg side sixes out of the three he hit along with 13 fours in his punitive innings.

Watson reached his hundred in great style by hitting the expensive Shami for three successive fours before the bowler got his revenge off the fourth by clean bowling him through the gate.

Australia lost Glen Maxwell immediately afterwards when Ashwin, who was again guilty of bowling a number of hittable balls, had him caught just inside the boundary line by Bhuvaneshwar Kumar for his second wicket.

But none could stop Bailey from marching on to score the second hundred of his 34-match ODI career after missing out the landmark earlier in the series. Australia added 137 runs in the last 15 overs, including 54 in the last five.

22.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sharma falls after solid opening stand

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli kept India's hopes alive after the loss of both openers as he reached his half-ton in 31 balls to take India past 250 in 38th over in their chase of 351 in the sixth ODI in Nagpur.

Scorecard

Shikhar Dhawan was bowled out by James Faulkner just after he reached his fourth ODI century.

Dhawan's dismissal reduced India to 234/2 in 36th over over. The southpaw earlier, shared 178-run opening stand with Rohit Sharma to keep India in hunt in the big chase.

Aaron Finch gave Australia first breakthrough in the 30th over by getting Rohit Sharma (79) caught by James Faulkner at deep mid-wicket.

It was the fifth occasion when Sharma and Dhawan got engaged in a 100-run partnership. Sharma's 79 run knock was studded with three sixes and seven boundaries.

Earlier, Shane Watson and George Bailey hit century each to power Australia to a big total.

Big and burly Watson struck 13 fours and three sixes in making 102 off 94 balls while the in-form Bailey was equally impressive in scoring a career-best 156, his second ODI ton, in 115 balls. His brilliant innings contained half a dozen sixes and 13 fours.

These two batsmen also compiled the second-highest third wicket stand of 168 in ODIs against India to help the visitors record their fourth 300-plus total in the series in which the sixth ODI at Cuttack was totally washed out.

The home team, which needs to win this game to stay alive in the series in which they trail 1-2, started off well by sending back openers Phil Hughes (13) and Aaron Finch (20) before the score had crossed 50 but were pushed into the backseat as Watson and Bailey launched a superb counter-attack.

The duo simply tore apart the clueless Indian bowling attack that fielded three frontline spinners for the first time in the seven-match series after the hosts decided to go in with Amit Mishra to partner R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Later, after the dismissal of Watson and Glen Maxwell (9), Adam Voges (44 not out) helped his captain add another 120 runs in only 80 balls for the fifth wicket to complete India's misery on a good batting track.

While the 32-year-old Watson was all power, Bailey, who has been the team's most consistent batsman in the series, once again dominated the home team attack to notch up his fourth 50-plus score in five innings.

India had the visitors under check in the first 20 overs by restricting Australia to 83/2 but the middle overs were totally dominated by Watson and Bailey who compiled the second-best-ever third wicket stand for their country against the hosts.

The 168-run partnership, that came off just 142 balls, was only the second-highest after Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn's unfinished 234 in the 2003 World Cup final at Johannesburg and the eighth 150-plus stand for all wickets against India.

Watson, who compiled his maiden hundred against India and ninth in ODIs overall from 170 games, looked assured in his footwork against the trio of home team spinners, who bowled the middle overs.

Bailey was as solid as he has been in the series so far and showed his supreme touch quite early by hitting Mohd Shami for three successive boundaries in the bowler's opening spell.

India, who started well after Mahendra Singh Dhoni had asked the visitors to take first strike on winning the toss, were pushed on the backfoot by the aggression shown by this duo of batsmen.

All the bowlers were punished mercilessly with Ashwin emerging as the most successful with a haul of two for 64 in his 10-over quota along with Jadeja, who took two wickets in the innings' last over after conceding 68 runs.

Mishra, who was treated with absolute disdain after a watchful start by Watson and Bailey, conceded 78 runs respectively. Jadeja grabbed two wickets in his and the innings' last over.

Mohd Shami, who made an impressive beginning when he was given a chance in the rained-out Ranchi ODI, was very expensive and finished with 1 for 66 while Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, back in the squad after missing out the Ranchi ODI, had final figures of one for 42, the most economical among all bowlers.

Watson was lucky to have been caught off a no-ball from Jadeja as he mistimed a heave to leg but otherwise looked totally in control and in terrific form.

He was harsh on the three spinners and lofted Mishra who began impressively before being carted around for two leg side sixes out of the three he hit along with 13 fours in his punitive innings.

Watson reached his hundred in great style by hitting the expensive Shami for three successive fours before the bowler got his revenge off the fourth by clean bowling him through the gate.

Australia lost Glen Maxwell immediately afterwards when Ashwin, who was again guilty of bowling a number of hittable balls, had him caught just inside the boundary line by Bhuvaneshwar Kumar for his second wicket.

But none could stop Bailey from marching on to score the second hundred of his 34-match ODI career after missing out the landmark earlier in the series. Australia added 137 runs in the last 15 overs, including 54 in the last five.

22.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

6th ODI: Kohli keeps India's hopes alive

NEW DELHI: Pacer Mitchell Johnson dismissed Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh in the same over to hurt India's chase, reducing the hosts to 290/4 in the sixth ODI at Nagpur.

Scorecard

Virat Kohli, however, has kept India's hopes alive. The right-handed batsman reached his half-ton in 31 balls and was close to another ODI century.

In the 43rd over, Johnson first broke the dangerous looking third wicket partnership by getting Raina caught behind and then bowled out Yuvraj to bring Australia back in the game.

Raina (16) shared 56-run stand for the third wicket.

Shikhar Dhawan was bowled out by James Faulkner just after he reached his fourth ODI century.

Dhawan's dismissal reduced India to 234/2 in 36th over over. The southpaw earlier, shared 178-run opening stand with Rohit Sharma to keep India in hunt in the big chase.

Aaron Finch gave Australia first breakthrough in the 30th over by getting Rohit Sharma (79) caught by James Faulkner at deep mid-wicket.

It was the fifth occasion when Sharma and Dhawan got engaged in a 100-run partnership. Sharma's 79 run knock was studded with three sixes and seven boundaries.

Earlier, Shane Watson and George Bailey hit century each to power Australia to a big total.

Big and burly Watson struck 13 fours and three sixes in making 102 off 94 balls while the in-form Bailey was equally impressive in scoring a career-best 156, his second ODI ton, in 115 balls. His brilliant innings contained half a dozen sixes and 13 fours.

These two batsmen also compiled the second-highest third wicket stand of 168 in ODIs against India to help the visitors record their fourth 300-plus total in the series in which the sixth ODI at Cuttack was totally washed out.

The home team, which needs to win this game to stay alive in the series in which they trail 1-2, started off well by sending back openers Phil Hughes (13) and Aaron Finch (20) before the score had crossed 50 but were pushed into the backseat as Watson and Bailey launched a superb counter-attack.

The duo simply tore apart the clueless Indian bowling attack that fielded three frontline spinners for the first time in the seven-match series after the hosts decided to go in with Amit Mishra to partner R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Later, after the dismissal of Watson and Glen Maxwell (9), Adam Voges (44 not out) helped his captain add another 120 runs in only 80 balls for the fifth wicket to complete India's misery on a good batting track.

While the 32-year-old Watson was all power, Bailey, who has been the team's most consistent batsman in the series, once again dominated the home team attack to notch up his fourth 50-plus score in five innings.

India had the visitors under check in the first 20 overs by restricting Australia to 83/2 but the middle overs were totally dominated by Watson and Bailey who compiled the second-best-ever third wicket stand for their country against the hosts.

The 168-run partnership, that came off just 142 balls, was only the second-highest after Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn's unfinished 234 in the 2003 World Cup final at Johannesburg and the eighth 150-plus stand for all wickets against India.

Watson, who compiled his maiden hundred against India and ninth in ODIs overall from 170 games, looked assured in his footwork against the trio of home team spinners, who bowled the middle overs.

Bailey was as solid as he has been in the series so far and showed his supreme touch quite early by hitting Mohd Shami for three successive boundaries in the bowler's opening spell.

India, who started well after Mahendra Singh Dhoni had asked the visitors to take first strike on winning the toss, were pushed on the backfoot by the aggression shown by this duo of batsmen.

All the bowlers were punished mercilessly with Ashwin emerging as the most successful with a haul of two for 64 in his 10-over quota along with Jadeja, who took two wickets in the innings' last over after conceding 68 runs.

Mishra, who was treated with absolute disdain after a watchful start by Watson and Bailey, conceded 78 runs respectively. Jadeja grabbed two wickets in his and the innings' last over.

Mohd Shami, who made an impressive beginning when he was given a chance in the rained-out Ranchi ODI, was very expensive and finished with 1 for 66 while Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, back in the squad after missing out the Ranchi ODI, had final figures of one for 42, the most economical among all bowlers.

Watson was lucky to have been caught off a no-ball from Jadeja as he mistimed a heave to leg but otherwise looked totally in control and in terrific form.

He was harsh on the three spinners and lofted Mishra who began impressively before being carted around for two leg side sixes out of the three he hit along with 13 fours in his punitive innings.

Watson reached his hundred in great style by hitting the expensive Shami for three successive fours before the bowler got his revenge off the fourth by clean bowling him through the gate.

Australia lost Glen Maxwell immediately afterwards when Ashwin, who was again guilty of bowling a number of hittable balls, had him caught just inside the boundary line by Bhuvaneshwar Kumar for his second wicket.

But none could stop Bailey from marching on to score the second hundred of his 34-match ODI career after missing out the landmark earlier in the series. Australia added 137 runs in the last 15 overs, including 54 in the last five.

22.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

6th ODI: Kohli keeps India's hopes alive

NEW DELHI: Pacer Mitchell Johnson dismissed Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh in the same over to hurt India's chase, reducing the hosts to 290/4 in the sixth ODI at Nagpur.

Scorecard

Virat Kohli, however, has kept India's hopes alive. The right-handed batsman reached his half-ton in 31 balls and was close to another ODI century.

In the 43rd over, Johnson first broke the dangerous looking third wicket partnership by getting Raina caught behind and then bowled out Yuvraj to bring Australia back in the game.

Raina (16) shared 56-run stand for the third wicket.

Shikhar Dhawan was bowled out by James Faulkner just after he reached his fourth ODI century.

Dhawan's dismissal reduced India to 234/2 in 36th over over. The southpaw earlier, shared 178-run opening stand with Rohit Sharma to keep India in hunt in the big chase.

Aaron Finch gave Australia first breakthrough in the 30th over by getting Rohit Sharma (79) caught by James Faulkner at deep mid-wicket.

It was the fifth occasion when Sharma and Dhawan got engaged in a 100-run partnership. Sharma's 79 run knock was studded with three sixes and seven boundaries.

Earlier, Shane Watson and George Bailey hit century each to power Australia to a big total.

Big and burly Watson struck 13 fours and three sixes in making 102 off 94 balls while the in-form Bailey was equally impressive in scoring a career-best 156, his second ODI ton, in 115 balls. His brilliant innings contained half a dozen sixes and 13 fours.

These two batsmen also compiled the second-highest third wicket stand of 168 in ODIs against India to help the visitors record their fourth 300-plus total in the series in which the sixth ODI at Cuttack was totally washed out.

The home team, which needs to win this game to stay alive in the series in which they trail 1-2, started off well by sending back openers Phil Hughes (13) and Aaron Finch (20) before the score had crossed 50 but were pushed into the backseat as Watson and Bailey launched a superb counter-attack.

The duo simply tore apart the clueless Indian bowling attack that fielded three frontline spinners for the first time in the seven-match series after the hosts decided to go in with Amit Mishra to partner R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Later, after the dismissal of Watson and Glen Maxwell (9), Adam Voges (44 not out) helped his captain add another 120 runs in only 80 balls for the fifth wicket to complete India's misery on a good batting track.

While the 32-year-old Watson was all power, Bailey, who has been the team's most consistent batsman in the series, once again dominated the home team attack to notch up his fourth 50-plus score in five innings.

India had the visitors under check in the first 20 overs by restricting Australia to 83/2 but the middle overs were totally dominated by Watson and Bailey who compiled the second-best-ever third wicket stand for their country against the hosts.

The 168-run partnership, that came off just 142 balls, was only the second-highest after Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn's unfinished 234 in the 2003 World Cup final at Johannesburg and the eighth 150-plus stand for all wickets against India.

Watson, who compiled his maiden hundred against India and ninth in ODIs overall from 170 games, looked assured in his footwork against the trio of home team spinners, who bowled the middle overs.

Bailey was as solid as he has been in the series so far and showed his supreme touch quite early by hitting Mohd Shami for three successive boundaries in the bowler's opening spell.

India, who started well after Mahendra Singh Dhoni had asked the visitors to take first strike on winning the toss, were pushed on the backfoot by the aggression shown by this duo of batsmen.

All the bowlers were punished mercilessly with Ashwin emerging as the most successful with a haul of two for 64 in his 10-over quota along with Jadeja, who took two wickets in the innings' last over after conceding 68 runs.

Mishra, who was treated with absolute disdain after a watchful start by Watson and Bailey, conceded 78 runs respectively. Jadeja grabbed two wickets in his and the innings' last over.

Mohd Shami, who made an impressive beginning when he was given a chance in the rained-out Ranchi ODI, was very expensive and finished with 1 for 66 while Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, back in the squad after missing out the Ranchi ODI, had final figures of one for 42, the most economical among all bowlers.

Watson was lucky to have been caught off a no-ball from Jadeja as he mistimed a heave to leg but otherwise looked totally in control and in terrific form.

He was harsh on the three spinners and lofted Mishra who began impressively before being carted around for two leg side sixes out of the three he hit along with 13 fours in his punitive innings.

Watson reached his hundred in great style by hitting the expensive Shami for three successive fours before the bowler got his revenge off the fourth by clean bowling him through the gate.

Australia lost Glen Maxwell immediately afterwards when Ashwin, who was again guilty of bowling a number of hittable balls, had him caught just inside the boundary line by Bhuvaneshwar Kumar for his second wicket.

But none could stop Bailey from marching on to score the second hundred of his 34-match ODI career after missing out the landmark earlier in the series. Australia added 137 runs in the last 15 overs, including 54 in the last five.

22.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

6th ODI: Kohli keeps India's hopes alive

NEW DELHI: Pacer Mitchell Johnson dismissed Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh in the same over to hurt India's chase, reducing the hosts to 290/4 in the sixth ODI at Nagpur.

Scorecard

Virat Kohli, however, has kept India's hopes alive. The right-handed batsman reached his half-ton in 31 balls and was close to another ODI century.

In the 43rd over, Johnson first broke the dangerous looking third wicket partnership by getting Raina caught behind and then bowled out Yuvraj to bring Australia back in the game.

Raina (16) shared 56-run stand for the third wicket.

Shikhar Dhawan was bowled out by James Faulkner just after he reached his fourth ODI century.

Dhawan's dismissal reduced India to 234/2 in 36th over over. The southpaw earlier, shared 178-run opening stand with Rohit Sharma to keep India in hunt in the big chase.

Aaron Finch gave Australia first breakthrough in the 30th over by getting Rohit Sharma (79) caught by James Faulkner at deep mid-wicket.

It was the fifth occasion when Sharma and Dhawan got engaged in a 100-run partnership. Sharma's 79 run knock was studded with three sixes and seven boundaries.

Earlier, Shane Watson and George Bailey hit century each to power Australia to a big total.

Big and burly Watson struck 13 fours and three sixes in making 102 off 94 balls while the in-form Bailey was equally impressive in scoring a career-best 156, his second ODI ton, in 115 balls. His brilliant innings contained half a dozen sixes and 13 fours.

These two batsmen also compiled the second-highest third wicket stand of 168 in ODIs against India to help the visitors record their fourth 300-plus total in the series in which the sixth ODI at Cuttack was totally washed out.

The home team, which needs to win this game to stay alive in the series in which they trail 1-2, started off well by sending back openers Phil Hughes (13) and Aaron Finch (20) before the score had crossed 50 but were pushed into the backseat as Watson and Bailey launched a superb counter-attack.

The duo simply tore apart the clueless Indian bowling attack that fielded three frontline spinners for the first time in the seven-match series after the hosts decided to go in with Amit Mishra to partner R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Later, after the dismissal of Watson and Glen Maxwell (9), Adam Voges (44 not out) helped his captain add another 120 runs in only 80 balls for the fifth wicket to complete India's misery on a good batting track.

While the 32-year-old Watson was all power, Bailey, who has been the team's most consistent batsman in the series, once again dominated the home team attack to notch up his fourth 50-plus score in five innings.

India had the visitors under check in the first 20 overs by restricting Australia to 83/2 but the middle overs were totally dominated by Watson and Bailey who compiled the second-best-ever third wicket stand for their country against the hosts.

The 168-run partnership, that came off just 142 balls, was only the second-highest after Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn's unfinished 234 in the 2003 World Cup final at Johannesburg and the eighth 150-plus stand for all wickets against India.

Watson, who compiled his maiden hundred against India and ninth in ODIs overall from 170 games, looked assured in his footwork against the trio of home team spinners, who bowled the middle overs.

Bailey was as solid as he has been in the series so far and showed his supreme touch quite early by hitting Mohd Shami for three successive boundaries in the bowler's opening spell.

India, who started well after Mahendra Singh Dhoni had asked the visitors to take first strike on winning the toss, were pushed on the backfoot by the aggression shown by this duo of batsmen.

All the bowlers were punished mercilessly with Ashwin emerging as the most successful with a haul of two for 64 in his 10-over quota along with Jadeja, who took two wickets in the innings' last over after conceding 68 runs.

Mishra, who was treated with absolute disdain after a watchful start by Watson and Bailey, conceded 78 runs respectively. Jadeja grabbed two wickets in his and the innings' last over.

Mohd Shami, who made an impressive beginning when he was given a chance in the rained-out Ranchi ODI, was very expensive and finished with 1 for 66 while Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, back in the squad after missing out the Ranchi ODI, had final figures of one for 42, the most economical among all bowlers.

Watson was lucky to have been caught off a no-ball from Jadeja as he mistimed a heave to leg but otherwise looked totally in control and in terrific form.

He was harsh on the three spinners and lofted Mishra who began impressively before being carted around for two leg side sixes out of the three he hit along with 13 fours in his punitive innings.

Watson reached his hundred in great style by hitting the expensive Shami for three successive fours before the bowler got his revenge off the fourth by clean bowling him through the gate.

Australia lost Glen Maxwell immediately afterwards when Ashwin, who was again guilty of bowling a number of hittable balls, had him caught just inside the boundary line by Bhuvaneshwar Kumar for his second wicket.

But none could stop Bailey from marching on to score the second hundred of his 34-match ODI career after missing out the landmark earlier in the series. Australia added 137 runs in the last 15 overs, including 54 in the last five.

22.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

Australia in upheaval ahead of Ashes bid

SYDNEY: Australia are bracing for a battle to regain the Ashes for the first time in six years but injuries, selection woes and a questionable build-up give every sign of a team in upheaval.

The signs are not promising in the home camp as Michael Clarke's men try to stop old rivals England winning a fourth successive Ashes series, after their 3-0 victory in July and August.

England have not savoured four straight Test series wins against Australia since 1890, but they will be sniffing blood against a team under pressure.

The last time England made the long trip to Australia, in 2010-2011, the series ended in humiliation for the hosts who lost three Tests by an innings to capitulate 3-1.

Injuries have already put the Australians on the back foot with front-line pace bowlers Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson and Jackson Bird all out with back problems.

Skipper Clarke is battling a chronic disc injury, placing a question-mark over the ability of Australia's only genuine world-class batsman to last the series.

In the recent Tests in England, Australia's top six were changed so frequently that ex-skipper Ricky Ponting urged selectors to "pick and stick" with young batsmen such as Usman Khawaja and Phil Hughes.

"The lack of stability and the lack of confidence that some of our players have been taking, not just into each game but into each innings they play, that doesn't make things any easier," Ponting said.

Coach Darren Lehmann, who presided over this year's Ashes defeat after taking over from the sacked Mickey Arthur, even convened a forum of former Test stars to brainstorm the batting woes.

And in a move that highlights the hosts' edginess, Cricket Australia said it will not reveal any injuries -- unless a player has been ruled out of a Test -- to avoid giving a possible advantage to England.

As difficulties abound, criticism has been flowing freely and former selector Merv Hughes this week hit out at Australia's pre-Ashes schedule.

While England are preparing on Australian pitches in Perth, the hosts -- albeit minus several key players -- are in the middle of a seven-game one-day series in India.

"I am just dumbfounded with England being in town and preparing for an Ashes that starts in about a month's time and Australia has got a team playing in India, playing in subcontinent conditions preparing for the Ashes," said the former Test fast bowler.

"So who's going to be better prepared come the first Test match? England appears to be doing everything right at the moment."

Ponting raised questions over Clarke's captaincy in his recently released autobiography, adding to the pressure on the 32-year-old New South Welshman.

And Ponting also endorsed all-rounder Shane Watson, who is said to have an edgy relationship with the captain, as a potential future skipper.

Meanwhile, discarded coach Arthur warned that Clarke and key figures at Cricket Australia, including CEO James Sutherland, could be axed if England win again.

Lehmann and Clarke will be hoping to use the difficulties as motivation for their players as they set about building a steady team capable of stopping the rot.

Australia's 2010 victory in Perth was the last time they have won an Ashes Test, and they last held the trophy in 2006-2007, when Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist were still playing.

22.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

We are under no pressure, says Ashwin

NAGPUR: It may be a do-or-die encounter for India but off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Tuesday insisted that the home team was under no added pressure despite trailing Australia 1-2 ahead of the sixth and penultimate game of the ODI series on Wednesday.

"There is no pressure as such we are just going out and enjoying ourselves. This game is going to be crucial, so we just want to enjoy ourselves and see where we can take it. It has been a good and tight series so far," said Ashwin ahead of the game at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha.

India lost the first and third ODIs in Pune and Mohali, chased a huge score of 359 successfully in the second game at Jaipur, before the fourth and fifth matches in Ranchi and Cuttack respectively were washed out.

The Indian bowling attack has been regularly carted around by the Australian batsmen, with captain George Bailey and opener Aaron Finch in an especially punishing mood.

Ashwin, who too has been a disappointment so far, said every bowler has been trying to improve.

"We are constantly looking to improve as such. There are always areas that you can work on, constantly looking to improve on. I have been trying to work on bowling more and more because that's the only way that you can get better. There is nothing as such to worry. The name of the game is to keep improving," said the Chennai off-spinner.

Asked about the way the visitors have upped the tempo in the middle and final overs, Ashwin said the Aussie batsmen had played some high risk shots and succeeded and it was a challenge for him and others to counter.

"It is the trend of the series. We have been chasing down big scores. We have chased down 360. The score has predominately been around 300. Any team that has batted first has predominately got around 300-run mark.

"It's definitely challenging in terms of what the batsmen are doing. They are going for their shots. They are playing the high risk shots, the credit needs to be given. But as I said we keep trying to devise different strategies and see what we can do."

When questioned about the impact the ODI rule changes on field restrictions was having on the bowlers, the off-spinner said his focus was on trying to find ways to cope up with them as best as he could.

"As I have already said, the demands of the game are such that you need to keep evolving as a cricketer. As long as the decision is not in my court, I cannot do anything about it. Whatever decision is being made I will have to try and cope with it. I am sure all cricketers are doing the same thing," he said.

Asked about the drop in fielding standards of the home team when compared to the triumphant run in the ICC Champions Trophy in England, Ashwin brushed it aside saying it was all part of the game.

"These things do happen. Batsmen do nick the first ball and it does happen in a game. As long as you are putting in the hard yards then you just have to be okay with it."

He said he was not a good reader of a cricket track when asked whether he expected the wicket to turn a bit, as predicted by rival spinner Xavier Doherty on Monday.

"Unless the game begins I will not be able to say what is on offer...hope it just spins a bit and stays low a bit. But that's not what we are looking at. We are looking at another good game."

Asked about his extended stint of bowling to a single stump on the track adjacent to the wicket prepared for the track along with medium pacers Mohammed Shami and R Vinay Kumar, with bowling coach Joe Dawes in attendance, Ashwin said they wanted to try out things a bit differently.

"It is not about any special session. It is just that we needed to do something specific for our own self rather than just go in there and keep bowling to the batter. We thought that we needed a bit of a break, needed a change in the way we are practicing."

"So we just thought that we will try and do some spot bowling, try and take the onus away from what the batsman is doing. We were trying to work on more mental space, a good space to be in before a game," Ashwin said.

"We had a long session yesterday so we wanted to make it as short as possible today so that we can have as much as energy as possible in the game. It is quite hot," he added.

Ashwin said he enjoyed soaking the extra pressure by bowling at the death or in powerplays.

"Personally I feel that if an additional burden is given to me, I am going to enjoy it. When you are representing the nation you and if the person next to you is not having a great day it is your responsibility to stand up.

"I feel it is a really exciting prospect to do something that is not in your zone probably like bowling at the death, bowling in the powerplay (overs). Honestly everybody is not going to have the best of days and we have got to really stand up for each other."

22.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tendulkar keeps Mumbai hopes alive

LAHLI: Sachin Tendulkar warmed up for his farewell series against the West Indies next month with a gritty unbeaten half-century to keep Mumbai's chances alive in their Ranji Trophy match against a spirited Haryana on Tuesday.

Ranji Tracker

Featuring in his last Ranji Trophy innings, Tendulkar played the lone-ranger as he remained not out on a patient 55 at stumps on the third day, with Mumbai, set a target of 240, needing another 39 runs to win with four wickets in hand.

The 40-time defending champions were 201 for six at close of day, with Dhawal Kulkarni giving Tendulkar company on six.

Resuming at 224 for nine, Haryana were all bowled out for 241 earlier in the day.

After that Tendulkar held centrestage by showing signs of regaining his form, much to the delight of the packed crowd who had been awaiting his arrival at the crease with bated breath.

The champion batsman, who will walk into sunset after playing his landmark 200th Test against the West Indies next month, decorated his innings with four hits to the fence while facing 122 balls.

One shot that brought back the days of yore was the cracker of a cover drive Tendulkar produced off pacer Ashish Hooda, attracting huge cheers from the packed crowd.

Chants of 'Sachin, Sachin' was heard almost all day long and he obliged his fans in this sleepy village by recording his 115th first-class fifty.

Tendulkar, who was dismissed for five in the first innings, got to his 50 when he flicked Joginder Sharma for two through the vacant square leg region, bringing the crowd to its feet.

The 40-year-old Tendulkar was concentration personified as he looked to bail Mumbai out of a difficult situation by bringing into play all his experience.

He was far from being his aggressive best, but on this tricky track at the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Stadium, patience was the order of the day and Tendulkar showed that in abundance.

22.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Looking to spoil Sachin's farewell party'

KOLKATA: West Indies' destructive opener Chris Gayle on Tuesday said while he wished a great farewell for legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar, his side will be out there to "spoil the fun and parade" when they take on India in the Two-Test series next month.

"Sachin's a legend and we wish him a great farewell and we want him to walk away happily, but not victorious," said Gayle.

"That Test in Mumbai (Sachin's 200th Test) will be fantastic. The atmosphere will be great as they always have been a lively crowd. Indian crowd always come out to support cricket and with Sachin, it's going to be even bigger. The West Indies will put on a good show but we're eyeing the series so we may be spoiling the fun and parade," Gayle told a cricket website.

West Indies will play two Tests and three ODIs during their tour of India, commencing in Kolkata with first Test from November 6-10. The second Test -- Tendulkar's farewell match -- will be played in Mumbai from November 14-18.

Gayle noted that the series against India will finally settle the question on where the West Indies stand in Tests.

West Indies are currently ranked sixth among Test-playing nations and Gayle said his team would be more than keen to move up the ICC rankings.

"The big occasion for West Indies is a chance to gain points to move to No. 5 on the ICC rankings.

"That's our mission. I personally have never made a hundred versus India, so I will be looking to rectify that, given my IPL experience also. But you can't discount their talent in players like Sachin (Tendulkar), MS Dhoni and so many more. A few of us are familiar with venues like Kolkata and Mumbai, which host the Tests, and these conditions and pitches usually stay the same," said the Jamaican.

The Windies have not played a Test match for almost a year now and the team trained hard at a fitness and medical camp in Bridgetown before coming here to ensure players stay fit as they will be on the road for a long time.

Gayle said a good show in the series could well be the turning point in his career, considering India are a formidable opponents to beat at home.

"We want to start the first Test with a bang and we know what's required to win in India. I hope this series will be a turning point in my career as I get back to the red-ball as opposed to the short-format white ball. India are looking to consolidate their Test spot (3rd position) in the rankings so it will be a very engaging contest," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to the Tests because I haven't played one in a while. It's always tough in India, no matter the format, and this is crucial to test ourselves against top-five opposition. It will be difficult to beat India at home for sure," Gayle signed off.

22.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

Is Vettel getting as monotonous as Bolt?

GREATER NOIDA: Sebastian Vettel winning around Formula 1 circuits is getting as monotonous as Usain Bolt scorching the tracks around the world, or so it would seem. The German driver has dominated the adrenalin sport much like the Jamaican sprinter. Even their critics grudgingly accept that they are truly great.

Vettel is in a hurry. He is the youngest to win four consecutive world championships. His triumph at the Indian Grand Prix Sunday was his sixth successive win and tenth overall in 16 races of the unfinished season and the German's name is taken in the same breath as iconic Michael Schumacher (seven titles), Juan Manuel Fangio (five) and Alain Prost (four).

However, some have started saying that his uncompromising domination of the sport for so long is making it a bit boring.

But these pundits also say that Vettel can't be blamed for the predictable trend. They accept that the 26-year-old is simply unbeatable and others need to find ways to challenge him more intently to make racing more competitive and interesting.

"I think Sebastian is simply outstanding. Today, I can say he is probably the best we have had. I would put him right alongside greats like Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. If someone is that good, you can only congratulate him. The others have to speed up. Vettel is the best at the moment and others are not good enough," former three-time drivers' world champion Niki Lauda said.

Vettel did not face trouble winning the 2011 crown but he had to work hard in 2010 and 2012 when he clinched the championship by a narrow margin of three-four points. He felt the heat in the first half this year but six wins in a row in the second, put him in command.

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn refused to believe that Vettel made the sport boring. The Indian-origin team chief, who first gave Vettel a chance to compete in F1 in 2007, said the others should take it as a challenge to catch up.

"Sebastian's performance over the last four years has been very impressive. I don't think it is boring. I think it is simply one team dominating. It is actually a push for all the other teams to try to improve and catch the team in front," the Dehradun born Kaltenborn said.

Vettel's mastery reminds us of the first half of the last decade when Ferrari's Michael Schumacher won five consecutive world titles, forcing F1's governing body, the FIA, to change the rules to make the championship more competitive.

Former F1 driver and now a media expert Martin Brundle agreed that Vettel winning everything is not ideal for the sport, but the true fan will appreciate the history the Red Bull driver is creating.

"It is not ideal because in sport you don't want to know the result before the match. We have to appreciate the excellence and it is not his fault. It's the others who need to rise to the occasion. You can't complain about him winning," said Brundle, now a commentator.

"You watch Usain Bolt winning 100 metres. We want him to win because he is amazing and I think Vettel is amazing behind the wheel of a racing car. The true F1 fans are appreciating the excellence while hoping for some surprises. If people just walk away from F1 just because Vettel is winning then they are just casual fans. Things may change next year but you can't criticise him for doing a great job," added Brundle, who raced in the 1980-90s against the likes of Schumacher, Prost and Senna.

22.59 | 0 komentar | Read More

I offered to step aside: Haroon Lorgat

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO Haroon Lorgat has said that stepping aside from dealing with the BCCI was his decision as he didn't want to create any hurdle in the way of upcoming bilateral series between the two countries.

A week ago, the BCCI had given its consent to the long-awaited tour of South Africa after CSA withdrew Lorgat from dealings with India and ICC, until an investigation into the controversial comments made by the ICC's former legal head David Becker, and Lorgat's alleged role in it, was over.

However, Lorgat told 'Eyewitness News' on Sunday that it was solely his own decision to step aside.

"I offered the board to step aside until the Indian tour was confirmed and until the allegation against me was cleared," Lorgat said after his return from Dubai.

"I've got nothing to fear and I didn't want to be the person to hold up or have the tour cancelled. I was happy to step aside so the tour could continue as no one is bigger than the tour," he added.

Despite his wings being clipped, Lorgat said there were many areas where he could make a difference and he was looking forward to those responsibilities.

"I don't believe my position is untenable because it's a workable solution as there is plenty to be done at CSA. There is a development programme that must be revisited and transformation issues to be dealt with. I look forward to getting my focus on areas I know I can make a difference in."

The Indian Board had earlier rejected the original itinerary for the tour, released by CSA, that had three Tests, seven ODIs and two T20s.

There was uncertainty about the future of the tour as relation between the two boards was put to test. However, following a series of meetings, the tour was eventually announced after reducing it to two Tests and three ODIs.

"I feel for my staff because they've endured tough times and they don't deserve this. It's unfortunate the board had little choice in this. From a personal perspective it wasn't easy, but I know the truth always prevails."

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lahli, a good practice before SA tour

LAHLI: Hypothetical it may sound at the moment but it would not be a bad idea to let the Indian batsmen use the green top at the Chaudhari Bansi Lal Stadium here before leaving for tough overseas tours such as Australia and South Africa, felt BCCI treasurer Anirudh Chaudhary.

Asked if international matches could be organised at this venue in order to help Indian batsmen prepare better for foreign tours, Chaudhary, who is also the secretary of Haryana Cricket Association (HCA) said, "This is hypothetical right now...may be camps could be arranged in the future."

While the cricket infrastructure is quite impressive, what is holding the place back most is the lack of accommodation necessary for hosting international players in the vicinity.

"Five star hotels are needed and they are expected to come up around this place," Chaudhary, son of former BCCI president Ranbir Singh Mahendra said.

This could, indeed, be a realistic possibility as it is the constituency of Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

Owing to the high water level beneath the lively surface here that adds moisture to it, it has become a norm to see teams getting out for small totals. The seemingly slow outfield and the wintry conditions only add to the batsmen's woes.

A total of 15 wickets fell by the wayside on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy match between Haryana and Mumbai while seven batsmen made their way back to the respective dressing rooms by lunch on day 2.

Even a certain Sachin Tendulkar, who had the whole of Lahli pack the 8000-capacity stadium, could score not more than five runs in Mumbai's first innings yesterday. He lasted just seven balls before being dismissed by Mohit Sharma.

While Haryana were all out for 134 in their first innings, Mumbai's famed batting line-up could not score more than 136 when their turn to bat came.

Last year Haryana were bundled out for 55 and 66 in their opening Ranji fixture.

Batting is not really the most difficult thing on this sporting pitch, but it surely tests the batsmen's technique and, more so, their temperament. And considering that they often tend to struggle on the traditionally fast and bouncy pitches of WACA and Kingsmead, a few outings on this wicket before a tough foreign series can certainly do the Indian batsmen a world of good.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Dawood entered Indian dressing room'

NEW DELHI: Former Indian skipper Dilip Vengsarkar on Monday made a startling revelation about underworld don Dawood Ibrahim entering Indian team dressing room during the 1986 Sharjah tournament.

Vengsarkar disclosed that Dawood entered the team's dressing room and was introduced by the famous actor Mehmood as a businessman. However, Dawood was asked by the then India's captain Kapil Dev to get out of the dressing room.

"Dawood offered a car to each player of the team if they beat Pakistan in the match that was to be played the next day," Vengsarkar said at a function in Jalgaon.

"Dawood had said: 'If you guys win the tournament, I will give all of you a Toyota car each. The offer was rejected by the team," Vengsarkar.

"Yes, I remember a gentleman walking into our dressing room in a game in Sharjah and wanting to talk to the players," Kapil Dev told India Today.

Former BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele had also mentioned the incident in his book, 'I was There -- Memoirs of a Cricket Administrator'.

The series is most remembered for the last-ball six by Javed Miandad off Chetan Sharma in the final that helped Pakistan win their first Sharjah trophy.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Dawood entered Indian dressing room'

NEW DELHI: Former skipper Dilip Vengsarkar today made a startling revelation about underworld don Dawood Ibrahim entering the Indian team dressing room and offering the players cars if they beat Pakistan in the final of the Sharjah tournament in 1986.

Vengsarkar disclosed that Dawood entered the team's dressing room and was introduced by the famous actor Mehmood as a businessman. However, Dawood was asked by the then India's captain Kapil Dev to get out of the dressing room.

"Actor Mehmood was in our dressing room. Kapil Dev was not in the dressing room at that time because he had gone out to address the press conference. Dawood was introduced by actor Mehmood," Vengsarkar said at a function in Jalgaon.

"No one recognised him but I had seen his photographs. Mehmood introduced him to us as a big businessman from here. Mehmood said he wants to announce a prize for us. He said 'If you beat Pakistan tomorrow, everyone will get a car'. Jayawant Lele was our manager then," he added.

"When Kapil returned from the press conference he asked Dawood to get out," said Vengsarkar.

Former BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele had also mentioned the incident in his book, 'I was There -- Memoirs of a Cricket Administrator'.

The series is most remembered for the last-ball six by Javed Miandad off Chetan Sharma in the final that helped Pakistan win their first Sharjah trophy.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

'We don't want to wait for final game'

NAGPUR: Australia are extremely keen to wrap up the seven-game ODI series on Wednesday itself by winning the penultimate match in Jamtha and take an unassailable lead, left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty said today.

"We have come here to win this game and we're not worried too much about Bangalore (venue of last game on November 2). At the moment we are worried about winning this game and wrapping it up on Wednesday," said Doherty today after the team's training session.

Australia are 2-1 ahead in the rubber and India face a must-win situation here on October 30 to stay alive in the series.

"From our point of view this is the game we want to win. We don't want to save it for the last game on Sunday. We want to wrap up this game. Obviously from their (India's) point of view they need to win to stay alive and from that point, it is pretty crucial for them," said Doherty.

"We would rather be 3-1 up than 2-2 all. Both teams have played some very good cricket and it will be about who is better on Wednesday," he added.

While conceding that bowlers from both teams have found the going tough, especially with the new ODI rule on field restrictions, Doherty averred that it was better to grin and bear it.

"It's been pretty tough going for all bowlers. Conditions have been tough. It's been a rude challenge. Still having 20-20 cricket with five out and bringing them in. That's the way it is suck it up and move on personally I will rather have five fielders," he said.

"(But) from spectators point of view (there have been) more boundaries (hit), more runs scored. There have been 350-run chases and I am pretty sure we will have 400-run chases soon. No doubt that's the way cricket has been going.

"From my point of view, am trying to get my ten overs in as best as I can, build up pressure and get some wickets either from my end or at the other."

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Vettel: Miles to go for the young champ

NEW DELHI: Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel might have become Formula 1's youngest ever quadruple world champion by winning the 2013 Indian Grand Prix, but that record is only one of the numerous records that the German holds.

Besides being the youngest ever driver to win the F1 title, Vettel is also the youngest driver to have taken part in an official practice session, the youngest to have scored championship points, the youngest to lead a race, the youngest to secure pole position, the youngest driver to set the fastest lap time during a race, the youngest to get a podium position and of course the youngest to have won a race.

And even though Vettel showed a more controversial side to his character when he passed Australian teammate Mark Webber to win this year's Malaysian Grand Prix despite being told not to, Vettel's achievements speak for themselves.

Of the last eight races, Vettel has won seven with six of them being on the trot. And despite being booed on the podium, notably at Monza and Singapore, his dominance last year as well as this year on the Asian circuit prove that he is probably one of the greatest F1 drivers ever.

Vettel (26), at present, has four Formula 1 driver's world championships to his name. He has now matched the prestigious record of legends Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio of winning 4 consecutive titles. With age on his side, the German can easily get 3 more titles and equal Schumacher's 7-title haul till the time he is 30.

Not only that, with the kind of predominating form that Vettel is in right now, he can also go on to match Schumacher's stupefying record of winning 5 consecutive titles when he races next year.

"Michael Schumacher came and he had a dominant car. It is incredible that he managed to score more championships than all the true legends. So to finish with people like them is amazing. But I am way too young to understand. Probably, when I will be 60 may be I will realise. It is difficult to realise something than no one can take away from you," Vettel said.

The debate regarding who is the greatest ever Formula 1 driver can rage on till the end of time, but one thing that can be stipulated with certain assurance is the fact that Vettel's caliber and aura speak volumes when it comes to fighting his case of earning respect.

He has the talent, he has the skill, and 'best' of all he has the technology in Red Bull to help him achieve his dream of becoming the greatest of all time.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dominant Vettel seizes historic F1 title

GREATER NOIDA (India): Sebastian Vettel roared into history as Formula One's youngest four-time champion in superlative style as he dominated the Indian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Formula One stats | In Pics: Vettel clinches 4th F1 title | Factbox

Pole-sitter Vettel pitted early to change his soft tyres but then sped through the field to win 30 seconds ahead of Mercedes's Nico Rosberg, with Lotus driver Romain Grosjean third.

The 26-year-old German becomes the youngest man to win four straight titles, with Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher the only other drivers to achieve the feat.

"Unbelievable day," said the jubilant Vettel over the team radio. "We did it! Yes! Yes!"

Vettel celebrated in uproarious fashion by spinning doughnuts in front of the grandstand. He then stood on top of his Red Bull and saluted the crowd before bowing to his car in mock worship.

Despite teammate Mark Webber's retirement with a mechanical problem, Red Bull also sealed their fourth straight constructors' title in what has become an era of dominance.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, who was Vettel's nearest challenger going into the race but 90 points adrift, managed only 11th place.

Vettel's sixth win in a row, 10th in 16 races this season and 36th of his career left him poised to shatter more records in the remaining three races in Abu Dhabi, America and Brazil.

If he wins all three, Vettel will equal Schumacher's record of 13 wins in 2004 and become the only driver to secure nine consecutive victories in a season.

Italian Alberto Ascari drove a Ferrari for nine straight wins, but his run was spread over two seasons in 1952 and 1953.

The German, who won the Indian race in both 2011 and 2012, once again dominated the circuit with record times in all three practice sessions this year and a perfect qualifying round on Saturday.

Vettel, made a quick change to medium tyres after the second lap and dropped to the back of the field, but was he returned to second place by the 21st lap behind Webber.

The German regained the lead in the 30th lap but then saw Webber drop out of the race in the 40th due to gearbox problems.

As Vettel took charge in familiar fashion, his team were taking no chances in the pitlane and at one stage even admonished him for trying to set the fastest lap.

The big turnout at Buddh International Circuit would have pleased the organisers, who hope to return to Formula One in 2015 after being left out of the 2014 calendar.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tendulkar falls cheaply against Haryana

LAHLI: Haryana's Mohit Sharma clean bowled Sachin Tendulkar for 5 runs as the master failed in the first innings for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy clash on Sunday.

Sharma pitched a good length delivery on the off-stump and the extra bounce did the trick as it nipped back in a bit with good amount of bounce. Tendulkar leaned forward to defend but the ball brushed off his elbow and then hit the stumps.

Earlier, never had a Ranji Trophy season started on a note like it did on Sunday, with this sleepy hamlet here being woken up from its slumber by the one and only Tendulkar, a good few hours before the retiring legend was accorded a guard of honour in the area's sole landmark destination.

Tendulkar, who had announced his retirement from international cricket after the Test series against the West Indies next month, is to play in what could be his last Ranji Trophy match for his state side, the opponents being hosts Haryana.

To mark the occasion, players from both the teams lined up on two sides at the start of the match as the champion batsman walked out to a thunderous ovation at the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Stadium, which nearly touched its maximum capacity of 8000 spectators.

Tendulkar, who will walk into international sunset after playing in his landmark 200th Test from November 14-18 in Mumbai, has been the only talking point in the run-up to this game, which is being seen by many as his last in the premier domestic tournament.

At lunch, after Mumbai bowled out Haryana for a paltry 134, Tendulkar received a memento from state chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda with former BCCI president Ranbir Singh Mahendra also in attendance.

The excitement among the locals reached a crescendo when Tendulkar walked out with his most favourite and destructive weapon after Mumbai lost their second wicket in reply to Haryana's first innings total.

The occasion also saw a few players of the Haryana side, which triumphed in the 1991 final over Mumbai under the legendary Kapil Dev's captaincy, reunite.

With Dev attending the event, it seemed the strained relationship he has had with the Haryana Cricket Association, has been buried.

Also present was former India pacer Chetan Sharma, while another surviving member of that 1991 final squad and presently a cricket expert, Ajay Jadeja, led the current Haryana side after having made a comeback to competitive cricket following a hiatus of more than seven years.

The small town had been waiting with bated breath for the match and the excitement was palpable as one made his way through to the stadium via the old town.

The Canal Guest House, where Tendulkar was being put up, was the centre of all the attention as fans tip-toed across the state irrigation department's facility since the crack of dawn.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tendulkar fails but Mumbai in control

LAHLI (Haryana): The hype was around Sachin Tendulkar before young Mohit Sharma cashed in on the moment with an all-round effort, which, however, could not prevent Mumbai from having their nose slightly ahead at the end of the first day of their much-anticipated Ranji Trophy opener against Haryana on Sunday.

At stumps, Mumbai were 100/4, having bowled out Haryana for a paltry 134 after skipper Zaheer Khan opted to field.

Mumbai trailed by 34 runs with three full days to go. The retiring Tendulkar gave the inhabitant of this village a sudden sense of anti-climax as he failed to let his bat do the talking after being bowled for a mere five runs by the 25-year-old Mohit, in what is being seen as the biggest of all matches in Ranji's opening fixtures.

Having top-scored with a invaluable 49 in Haryana's pathetic first-innings display, Mohit emerged as the day's one of the two most impressive performers, the other being Mumbai's Abhishek Nayar, who picked up four wickets.

Ajinkya Rahane and nightwatchman Dhawal Kulkarni were batting on 44 and 1, respectively, when the stumps were drawn.

40-time defending champions Mumbai had earlier kicked off their campaign in earnest as they bundled out Haryana at the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium.

With the red cherry, Nayar was the star of the day for Mumbai as he bowled his accurate medium pacers to good effect, returning impressive figures of four for 38. Nayar contributed with 24 with the bat on a wicket that seemed to have helped the seamers quite a bit.

The cynosure of all eyes, Tendulkar, who is playing in his last Ranji match having already announced retired from international cricket, stunned the packed crowd when he was bowled by Mohit.

It was a good length delivery that pitched on off and nipped back, but the bounce was what did Tendulkar in as he leaned forward to defend before the ball went through touching his elbow on the way.

For the young Mohit, he would never like to forget this moment as the pacer got the wicket of modern cricket's greatest batsman amid huge expectations from the veteran.

The characteristic straight driven four to get off the mark from Tendulkar did excite the crowd, but the joy was short-lived.

All of a sudden the crowd went silent and it was back to a normal competitive cricket match in the country's premier domestic tournament.

Mumbai though, went about the task in a quiet manner with Rahane and Nayar stitching together a handy 56-run partnership for the fourth wicket before the left-hander was sent back by Mohit.

On a wicket that saw 15 wickets tumble on the opening day itself, Rahane showed composure during his stay at the crease, finding the fence eight times in between running the ones and twos.

On their part, the Haryana bowlers especially Mohit, did well to give Mumbai a bit of a jolt initially after being bowled out for a small total themselves.

The hosts' innings started on an inauspicious note with wicketkeeper-batsman Nitin Saini going back to dressing room after a run-out.

Mumbai chipped in with Haryana's wickets at regular intervals with Nayar doing the bulk of damage. The most sought-after wicket, if not the most important, was however snared by medium pacer Javed Khan when he dismissed comeback man and former India opener Ajay Jadeja.

Zaheer, seeking to return to the Indian team, bowled 10 overs for the lone wicket of Sunny Singh.

Brief scores:

Haryana 1st innings: 134 all out in 35.3 overs (Mohit Sharma 49, Abhimanyu Khod 27; Abhishek Nayar 4/38).

Mumbai 1st innings: 100 for four in 44 overs (Ajinkya Rahane batting 44; Mohit Sharma 2/27).

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Winning world title in India special'

GREATER NOIDA: It is hard to stop an emotional Sebastian Vettel from speaking his heart out and the German did just that after zooming to his fourth straight world title at the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix on Sunday.

"It (India) is a pretty special place to the win the championship," said Vettel at the media interaction after taking a deep pause.

The 26-year-old leaned towards the champagne and quenched his thirst before reflecting further on his stupendous achievement of becoming the youngest four-time world champion and the only one to be crowned four times in a row after Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher.

"Winning the title in Brazil last year was special too. It was a crazy race. But to win in a place like this will stay with me forever. The place teaches you so much," said Vettel, who enjoyed his success with Indian fans, doing a 'doughnut' after crossing the chequered flag before bowing to his Red Bull.

The Heppenheim-born driver could not stop raving about India when he won the inaugural race in 2011 and this time too it was no different.

"It is human nature to complain and especially as a German you tend to do that a lot. It would be frightening to see the problems faced by the people of this country and yet they don't seem to complain. They are all happy. I know it is a huge country but I hope I get the time to explore it," he said.

With Vettel's domination in the last four seasons, he has already been compared to the likes of Schumacher, Fangio and Alain Prost. The same question was asked yet again.

"Well I don't know. I think I am way too young to think about what I have done. May be when I retire and I am 60, I will think about that. People might not remember me till then but I will surely reflect on these days.

"But in the recent times, racing against Fernando (Alonso), Mark (Webber) and Lewis (Hamilton). They all are exceptionally fast. I remember watching Fernando win championships and now he has been my fiercest competitor."

Asked who he was talking to before stepping into the room, Vettel said: "I was talking to my parents. I really have to thank them. For the support I have got from them ever since I started doing karting."

What about the boos he had to endure despite being the fastest driver?

"It was not an easy season, even though people from the outside had the idea we had it in our hands. It was a difficult one all in all. It was very difficult for me personally to receive boos even though I hadn't done anything wrong. To overcome that, and give my answers on the track, makes me very proud," summed up Vettel.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pressure now on India: Aaron Finch

CUTTACK: With rain reducing the bilateral series to a five-match affair and India trailing, Australian opener Aaron Finch feels that the pressure will be on the home side to win the remaining two one-dayers.

"India have to win two to clinch the series, we have to win one to win the series. So that's a position we obviously are happy being. It's a case of two games to go. It's like a mini-final series. It's definitely positive being 2-1 up, better than being 1-2 down. We can't control the weather," Finch told reporters after the match between the two sides was called off due to wet outfield without a single ball being bowled, here today.

This was a second successive wash out in the series after Ranchi where the match was called off with India on 27 for no loss in 4.1 overs, chasing Australia's 296.

The destructive opener said Australia will seek to clinch the series by taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the sixth match in Nagpur.

"We've still two games left. We're very confident that we're playing good cricket at the moment and I'm sure India as well. They were in a good position the other night (in Ranchi) when the game was called off unfortunately."

Such wash-outs mean the days are long for the team members as Finch said: "Yesterday we had a big table tennis tournament as a squad. It was just a bit of fun. There is not a lot you can do around the hotel, with a pool table, a table tennis table."

"A lot of coffee was drunk. They are quite long days, and very boring days sometimes when you're sitting around not knowing what's happening the following day, whether you're going to play or not, whether it's going to be a short game. So it's just very boring, really."

High scoring totals have been the norm of the series and Finch attributed it to the batsmen-friendly new rules.

"I think one-day cricket has become very entertaining now. There was probably a chance that Twenty20 could overtake it as the entertaining game, so to speak. But I think the way the game has changed now. The new rules have made it extremely exciting," he said.

"The scores that we are seeing all around the world now are exceptional. 300 is almost becoming a par score. We'll get to the point where 400 will be chased, I mean India chased 360 in 44 overs or something against us. We're seeing teams get 120-130 off the last 10 overs consistently and that's phenomenal. That just goes on to show how much the game has changed over the last 20 years.

"In the years gone by when there was only one new ball, there was a bit more reverse swing. The ball was softer, and so it was harder to hit a six. So I think the game has definitely changed in the favour of the batsmen now, no doubts. As a batsman, I think it's a great rule," he said.

But, the new rules at the same time, had made the bowlers smarter, Finch added.

"Bowlers have become unbelievably skilled over the last few years, to be able to keep adapting with the times. Changing and improving all the times, trying to stay ahead of the batsmen."

Asked whether they had any special training to practice big hitting shots, Finch said it's about trying to get a feel of the ground.

"We go out there and try and hit a few sixes and just get a feel for how far you're hitting the ball. It's something we do a fair bit of now, just to practice hitting them over the fence. We obviously have our main net session where we just work on our technique and a bit of bat versus ball kind of stuff, but the six-hitting is a fun bit. It makes you feel good at the end of a session."

The Aussies had some indoor training after arriving here in the afternoon, even as the Team India members did not travel to the stadium.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lahli in frenzy as Sachin touches down

LAHLI: It will be a precursor to the final bow as the retiring Sachin Tendulkar pads up one last time for Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy match against Haryana amid heightened excitement that has turned this sleepy village of wrestlers into a cricket-crazy arena.

The defending champions' match against the hosts assumes significance as this will be the champion batsman's final competitive outing ahead of next month's Test series against the West Indies, which will culminate with the second game in Mumbai, where Tendulkar will bring the curtain down on a glorious 24-year tryst with international cricket.

Tendulkar had, earlier this month, announced that he would call it a day after playing in his landmark 200th Test, against the West Indies from November 14-18.

Incidentally, in a Ranji final against Haryana in 1991, an 18-year-old Tendulkar bludgeoned his way to a smashing knock and threatened to take the game away from Kapil Dev's side.

Twenty-two years later, Tendulkar, now 40, is the lone surviving member apart from Ajay Jadeja that played the five-day final at the Wankhede Stadium.

Cut to October, 2013, locals here are as geared up as the players themselves to be part of the match, scheduled to take place at the Chaudhury Bansi Lal Stadium in Lahli, around 15km from Rohtak.

Tendulkar had trained with the team for the last four days at the Wankhede Stadium and was learnt to be in great shape.

Normally a quiet town, the place went into a state of frenzy after it emerged that Tendulkar would be playing here to warm up for the two Test matches in Kolkata and at his beloved home ground at the Wankhede.

The match will also be a 'reunion' of sorts as Tendulkar will play against former Team India opener Ajay Jadeja.

The 42-year-old Jadeja is making a domestic comeback for Haryana, and had led the state side to the Buchi Babu title earlier this year.

Tendulkar has played 37 Ranji matches for Mumbai after making his debut against Gujarat in December 1988. His last Ranji appearance was the final at the Wankhede Stadium against Saurashtra in January this year.

Last season also, Tendulkar had turned up for Mumbai before playing the Test series against England at home.

Coming back to tomorrow's match, it will see quite a few top stars including Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan and Ajinkya Rahane, to name a few, turning out for Mumbai.

Seeking to make a comeback to the Indian team, Zaheer recently underwent intensive training sessions in France and South Africa, and was reported to have given fitness tips to Rahane during the team's last training session at the Wankhede.

The opportunity to watch Tendulkar bat from close quarters knocking on their door, locals here are excited and the mad rush for tickets can be attributed to that.

In-form Rohit Sharma, who was named captain of Mumbai for the Ranji season, will not be available for the match as he is doing national duty in the ongoing One-day series against Australia.

Zaheer will be leading the side in Rohit's absence.

Teams (from):

Mumbai: Zaheer Khan (Capt.), Abhishek Nayar (vice-Capt.), Sachin Tendulkar, Wasim Jaffer, Ajinkya Rahane, Dhaval Kulkarni, Iqbal Abdullah, Vishal Dabholkar, Sufiyan Shaikh, Kaustubh Pawar, Siddhesh Lad, Javed Khan, Hiken Shah, Balwinder Singh Sandhu (Jr), Aditya Tare.

Haryana: Ajay Jadeja (Capt./coach), Avi Barot, Sanjay Budhwar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Rahul Dalal, Rahul Dewan, Ashish Hooda, Joginder Sharma, Abhimanyu Khod, Harshal Patel, Sachin Rana, Nitin Saini, Sandeep Singh, Mohit Sharma, Sunny Singh, Jayant Yadav.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

F1: Vettel on pole for Indian Grand Prix

GREATER NOIDA (India): Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel put himself on pole position for a fourth successive Formula One title after lapping the Indian Grand Prix circuit faster than any driver ever before on Saturday.

The German, whose lightning lap of one minute 24.119 seconds maintained his record of being on pole in every Indian race since the first in 2011, will have compatriot Nico Rosberg alongside for Mercedes on the front row.

It was the 26-year-old's 43rd career pole and seventh in 16 races so far this season.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, 90 points behind in the standings with four races to go and the only driver who can put Vettel's title celebrations on hold, qualified only eighth on a hazy afternoon.

Lewis Hamilton will line up third for Mercedes, with Vettel's Australian team mate Mark Webber starting in fourth place after he and Vettel had been one-two in every practice session.

However, Webber was the only driver on the front two rows to have set his best lap on the slower but more durable medium tyres with the other three opting for softs and sure to pit earlier.

"Obviously Mark is on a different strategy so we'll see what the race brings tomorrow," said Vettel, who is chasing his sixth successive win as well as an Indian hat-trick at a circuit where he has led every race lap to date.

Alonso, who must finish in the top two to have any hope of staying mathematically in contention after the weekend, also qualified on the medium tyres.

The big loser was Romain Grosjean, who led the previous race in Japan and has finished on the podium in the last two Grands Prix but failed to get his Lotus through the first phase of qualifying.

The Frenchman paid a heavy price for going out on the medium tyre when others were lapping on the softs and will start back in 17th.

"We just missed the cut-off time, everyone went quicker than we thought. Today, for some reason, the mediums were not quick enough. It's a decision we took together, we were confident we could do enough with them but we got it wrong," he said.

Teammate Kimi Raikkonen will start sixth, with Ferrari's Felipe Massa in fifth and Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg a strong seventh for Sauber. The two McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Sergio Perez rounded out the top 10 behind Alonso.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Vettel takes 3rd straight Indian GP pole

GREATER NOIDA (India): Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel put himself on pole position for a fourth successive Formula One title after lapping the Indian Grand Prix circuit faster than any driver ever before on Saturday.

The German, whose lightning lap of one minute 24.119 seconds maintained his record of being on pole in every Indian race since the first in 2011, will have compatriot Nico Rosberg alongside for Mercedes on the front row.

It was the 26-year-old's 43rd career pole and seventh in 16 races so far this season.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, 90 points behind in the standings with four races to go and the only driver who can put Vettel's title celebrations on hold, qualified only eighth on a hazy afternoon.

Lewis Hamilton will line up third for Mercedes, with Vettel's Australian team mate Mark Webber starting in fourth place after he and Vettel had been one-two in every practice session.

However, Webber was the only driver on the front two rows to have set his best lap on the slower but more durable medium tyres with the other three opting for softs and sure to pit earlier.

"Obviously Mark is on a different strategy so we'll see what the race brings tomorrow," said Vettel, who is chasing his sixth successive win as well as an Indian hat-trick at a circuit where he has led every race lap to date.

Alonso, who must finish in the top two to have any hope of staying mathematically in contention after the weekend, also qualified on the medium tyres.

The big loser was Romain Grosjean, who led the previous race in Japan and has finished on the podium in the last two Grands Prix but failed to get his Lotus through the first phase of qualifying.

The Frenchman paid a heavy price for going out on the medium tyre when others were lapping on the softs and will start back in 17th.

"We just missed the cut-off time, everyone went quicker than we thought. Today, for some reason, the mediums were not quick enough. It's a decision we took together, we were confident we could do enough with them but we got it wrong," he said.

Teammate Kimi Raikkonen will start sixth, with Ferrari's Felipe Massa in fifth and Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg a strong seventh for Sauber. The two McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Sergio Perez rounded out the top 10 behind Alonso.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

South Africa thrash Pak to level series

DUBAI: South Africa kept their seven-year unbeaten away record intact with an innings and 92-run win over Pakistan in the second and final Test in Dubai on Saturday, squaring the two-match series 1-1.

Scorecard

It was a thorough and professional comeback by the world number one Test team after going down in last week's first Test by seven wickets, but the Proteas out-batted and out-bowled Pakistan at Dubai stadium.

The win was completed with a day and 9.5 overs to spare when Pakistan were bowled out for 326 in their second innings after they conceded a big 418-run lead in the first innings.

But Pakistan did not go down without a fight as Asad Shafiq (130) notched his fourth Test hundred and, along with skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (88), frustrated the South Africans during a 197-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir finished with 3-98 and took a total of eight wickets in the match, while part-time right-arm offbreak bowler Jean-Paul Duminy took Shafiq's wicket on the way to career best figures of 3-98.

However, South Africa's deserved win was tainted by a ball-tampering row on Friday, when Faf Du Plessis was caught on television cameras scratching the ball on the zip of his trousers.

The on-field umpires Rod Tucker of Australia and Ian Gould of England along with television umpire Paul Reiffel warned South African captain Graeme Smith, changed the ball and gave five penalty runs to Pakistan.

The ICC (International Cricket Council) match referee David Boon of Australia then fined Du Plessis 50 percent of his match fee on Saturday.

Pakistan were left to rue their low score of 99 in the first innings which never allowed them to add to their only series win over South Africa in 2003 and, after their rivals piled up a mammoth 517 runs in reply, the writing was on the wall.

But when it looked like Misbah and Shafiq would guide Pakistan towards safety, the Pakistani skipper fell to a smart move by his counterpart Smith, who brought on part-timer Dean Elgar, and the left-hand slow bowler did not take long to make an impact.

Misbah's miscued drive off Elgar was well caught by Jacques Kallis, ending a 349-minute vigil in which he hit six boundaries and a six off 218 balls.

Shafiq reached his hundred with a superb on-drive off Duminy for his 11th boundary to complete his second hundred against South Africa.

In the morning, Misbah and Shafiq had added injury to South Africa's insult by batting with a resolve to fight hard after they resumed at 132-4.

Shafiq, on 36, got a reprieve early in the day when a leg-before decision by Australian umpire Rod Tucker was overturned on review. The unlucky bowler was paceman Vernon Philander in the fifth over in the day.

Shafiq, who scored 54 in Pakistan's seven-wicket win in last week's first Test in Abu Dhabi, reached his ninth Test fifty when he guided Duminy towards third man.

In all Shafiq batted for seven hours, hit 15 boundaries and a six in a 320-ball knock, improving on his highest score of 111 made against the same opposition in Cape Town earlier this year.

Misbah followed Shafiq, reaching his 22nd half-century at Test level with a single towards third man off paceman Morne Morkel.

The highlight of the match was Smith's epic 234 and AB de Villiers' 164 during their all-time South African Test record stand for the fifth wicket of 338.

The two teams now play a five-match one-day series, the first of which will be in Sharjah on Wednesday. They will also play two Twenty20 internationals.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sachin has inspired generations: Gauti

KOLKATA: Lauding champion batsman Sachin Tendulkar's contribution, opener Gautam Gambhir on Friday said the Mumbaikar's career has encouraged generations of Indians to love the game.

"Sachin's contribution to Indian cricket cannot be expressed in words. He has inspired us and he will be inspiring next generations too," said Gambhir on the sidelines of a programme.

Tendulkar will play his 199th Test match in Eden Gardens before he bids adieu to international cricket at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai after playing his 200th Test.

When asked to share special moments that he shared with Sachin on and off the field, Gambhir said, "There are many such memories and it is really hard to pick up one."

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Surprised why Gopichand is quiet: Jwala

NEW DELHI: Embattled shuttler Jwala Gutta on Friday said she is surprised that India's chief badminton coach Pullela Gopichand is still silent on the proposed life ban on her by BAI for an alleged disciplinary breach.

"I am really surprised why the chief coach is quiet. Why he has nothing to say?," asked Jwala.

"Former coaches like Arif sir and Vimal sir have spoken out. Vimal sir was the coach of Banga Beats, he also came out with his statement. If they can speak out, why can't the chief coach?

"I mean he is not just the coach of his academy but of the whole country. He can tell me that Jwala what you did is wrong but he should take a stand. Why is he not commenting?," she added.

The Delhi high court on Friday declined to grant stay on ongoing inquiry proceedings by a committee set up by the Badminton Association of India (BAI) against ace shuttler Jwala for alleged indiscipline.

The Hyderabadi shuttler, who is currently in Paris playing in the French Open, said the issue is affecting her performance.

"I try that such things don't affect me but I am also a human being and it harasses me. All these are there in the back of my head, things which are happening in India," she said.

Asked if she has the support of her fellow shuttlers, Jwala said they are not openly voicing their support because they are scared of being victimised themselves.

"I understand that my fellow Indian team members cannot voice their support openly because they are scared of themselves getting victimised. I am happy Ashwini (Ponnappa) stood by me," she said.

Following a disciplinary committee's recommendation for a life ban on Jwala on charges of indiscipline, a three-member committee was constituted earlier this month to evaluate the report and submit it within a month.

The committee had issued a show cause notice to Jwala on October 14 and she approached the high court challenging the notice and sought a stay on its proceedings against her.

However, the court said no interim order is required as the court has already granted relief to her by asking BAI to allow her to participate in the national and international tournament. The court granted her two weeks time to respond to the committee's show cause notice.

The court had on October 10 stayed the BAI's decision not allowing her to take part in any international tournament in or outside the country in view of the disciplinary committee's recommendation for life ban on her.

The BAI's disciplinary committee has recommended a life ban on Jwala for allegedly trying to stop some players of her franchise Krrish Delhi Smashers from playing a match against Banga Beats in the Indian Badminton League in August.

A controversy had erupted during the August 25 tie whenDelhi Smashers had allegedly threatened to pull out against Banga Beats over the last-minute replacement of injured singles player Hu Yun of Hong Kong with Denmark's Jan Jorgense.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Vinod Kambli files complaint for racism

MUMBAI: Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli has filed a complaint against a foreign lady for making a racist comment against him over a car parking dispute in the housing society where he lives.

In his complaint, Kambli told Bandra police that at around 8:15 pm on Thursday, he had an argument with a lady residing in the Jewel Co-operative Housing Society building.

Kambli said the argument started over a parking issue. He alleged that during the argument the lady called him a "Bully", which means "Black Indian".

The Bandra police station has accepted Kambli's complaint and has assured that it will carry out an investigation against the foreign lady on Friday.

Kambli later told media: "There was a dispute on a parking issue, but, during the dispute, she (foreign lady) used some racial statement. I asked her to talk to the society chairman. She threatened me that she has contacts in India and abroad. Then, she called me a "Black Indian"."

"She is a tenant over here. Then, I filed an FIR at the Bandra police station after she called me a "Bully", which means "Black Indian". I felt very bad after hearing the word "Black Indian". According to the law, no action can be taken against a woman at night. But, they (the police) assured me that they will take action in the morning. I think this is an abuse to Indians. We welcome our guests here, and, they speak to us like this," he added.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Test discard Harbhajan to lead Punjab

MOHALI: Out-of-favour Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh will lead Punjab in the Ranji Trophy match against Odisha here.

Punjab play their season's opening Group-A league match against Odisha at Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium here from October 27 to 30, a PCA spokesman said on Friday.

Vikram Rathore, National Selector, will watch the match and it will be an opportunity for Harbhajan to prove his capabilities before the selectors to make a comeback in the national squad.

Odisha team had already arrived in the city. Punjab squad had net session under their Coach Bhupinder Singh Sr in the morning while the Odisha outfit had their net session in the afternoon under the watchful eyes of their Coach Debashish Mohanty, the PCA spokesman said.

Harbhajan said he is looking forward to perform well especially after his outing in the Champions League T20.

He said he still had a lot of fire left in him and was eager to make a comeback to the national squad.

He said that it was good for the Indian Cricket that the Team India's bench strength had been increasing each day.

Punjab squad: Harbhajan Singh (Captain), Uday Kaul (wicket keeper), Ravi Inder Singh, Jiwanjot Singh, Mandeep Singh, Mayank Sidana, Amitoze Singh, Sandeep Sharma, Manpreet Gony, Siddharth Kaul, Rajwinder Singh, Sunny Sohal, VRV Singh, Taruwar Kohli and Gurkirat Singh Mann.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

India-Oz fifth ODI likely to be called off

CUTTACK: The fifth one-day international between India and Australia is likely to be called off on Saturday morning after the umpires inspection as there was no let up from rain for the last five days.

"We don't have the right to call the match off officially. But we have already announced the dates for ticket refund which obviously means the match has been officially abandoned," OCA secretary Asirbad Behera said on Friday.

The last one-day in Ranchi was also abandoned after 4.1 overs of India's chase of 296 as Australia continued to hold on to their 2-1 lead in the bilateral series.

Umpires Nigel Llong from ECB and S Ravi of India along with Match Referee Roshan Mahanama from SLC will take the call at 11am on Saturday, Behera added.

"It's likely that the players won't turn up tomorrow and only the officials would come to make the announcement."

The OCA secretary also has spoken to the Board president N Srinivasan to shift the three-day practice match between the touring West Indies and Uttar Pradesh CA from October 31 which now is likely to be moved to Mumbai.

"The team is scheduled to arrive on October 29 and looking at the ground condition, it's impossible to make it ready in time. I spoke to the president and put forward an official request to shift the practice match," Behera said on a disappointing note.

The OCA, which is hosting an International match after two years, is set to lose about Rs 3 crores, Behera said.

"We are hopeful to recover it through the insurance." OCA paid a sum of RS 3 lakh to insure ground and properties of the Barabati Stadium for a whopping sum of Rs 20 crore.

Giving a break-up of the insurance components, Behera said the stadium has been insured for Rs 5 crore for standard fire and peril policy while the spectators and visitors have been covered under public liability insurance policy for Rs 7 crore.

The special contingency insurance policy would cover the remaining Rs 8 crore, he added.

The Barabati Staidum hosted the last ODI on November 29, 2011 when India won against the West Indies by one wicket.

The venue turned out to be jinxed for both the teams as the last match between India and Australia was too abandoned without a single bowl being bowled exactly about 17 years back on October 27, 1996.

Both teams now travel to Nagpur for the sixth and penultimate ODI at Jamtha on October 30.

The series will conclude in Bangalore on November 2.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

SC to hear demand to cancel Indian GP

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court agreed Thursday to hear a petition seeking the cancellation of this weekend's Indian Grand Prix because organisers have allegedly not paid entertainment taxes for the 2012 event.

"We will hear the petition tomorrow," Chief Justice P Sathasivam said in court, announcing a new legal snag for Formula One in India which has been dogged by problems since the inaugural 2011 event.

The Supreme Court has executive powers and ordered organisers two years ago to freeze 25 percent of ticket revenues until they had settled a tax dispute with the state where the racetrack is located.

That ruling came in response to Public Interest Litigation filed by campaigner Amit Kumar, who is also behind Thursday's petition seeking cancellation of the race on Sunday.

Kumar successfully argued in 2011 that Formula One was entertainment and not sport, and should not benefit from tax exemptions granted by the state of Uttar Pradesh which borders the capital New Delhi.

Entertainment tax, applicable for large-scale shows and sponsored festivals, has been levied on tickets this year for the first time.

A spokesman for circuit owner Jaypee Sports International Limited acknowledged previous tax problems in 2011 but refused to comment on the new court case.

"We will wait for the court's directive this time around as well. Whatever the court says, we are ready to follow," Askari Zaidi said.

Asked about the claim that taxes had not been paid last year, he replied: "Why should we comment on somebody's allegation?"

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone had already removed India from the 2014 schedule, leaving the future of the event at the $450 million Buddh International Circuit in doubt.

After initially citing "logistical" problems, the billionaire was quoted in July as saying that "political" reasons caused India to miss out next year -- believed to mean the lack of government support for his private empire.

Indian driver Karun Chandhok expressed frustration at bureaucratic problems overshadowing the contest and said it cast India in a negative light.

"I think brand India is getting affected. People should not underestimate the power of F1 and power of sport," Chandhok told the Press Trust of India news agency.

"For the teams and drivers it is a big headache to reach here... you need to have an extra lawyer for the Indian GP," he added. "The bureaucratic process is so big and it should not be."

He added that he had been inundated by requests for help from foreign journalists who had been unable to get their visas in time.

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel was expected to seal the world title in Sunday's race, with local motorsports enthusiasts hoping that a successful contest could improve the chances of an Indian GP in 2015.

"With venues in other countries also fighting for slots, we can't afford to miss out in 2015," Vicky Chandhok, who heads the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India, said.

"But I am optimistic that the promoters will work out an agreement with Formula One to have two more races. We have a great facility here," added Chandhok, the father of Karun.

The privately-owned Jaypee Sports International Limited, which stands to lose the most if the race does not return, insists that it will be back in 2015.

The lavish F1 roadshow rolled into Greater Noida, a burgeoning satellite of New Delhi, in 2011 and its slick organisation helped to erase some of the memories of the chaotic Commonwealth Games of the previous year.

But while the inaugural race drew 95,000 spectators to the 100,000-capacity circuit, numbers fell to around 65,000 last year. Sluggish ticket sales this year could see figures drop further.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Great opportunity to be with Tendulkar'

MUMBAI: The mood in the camp of 40-time Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai, ahead of their tournament opener in Haryana at Lahli, is poignant with the impending retirement of Sachin Tendulkar.

"It is an emotional mood in the dressing room. We are very much looking forward to that (Ranji opener from October 27 at Lahli). It's a great opportunity for everybody and not just the players, to be with Sachin," said Mumbai coach Sulakshan Kulkarni after the team's practice session on Thursday.

The veteran batsman will be quitting international cricket after playing the two-Test series against the West Indies at Kolkata (November 6-10) and here (November 14-18).

Former Mumbai keeper Sulakshan remembered the times when he and Tendulkar were teammates when the latter made his first class debut against Gujarat at the Wankhede Stadium.

"As far as I am concerned, I was there with him for his first first-class match and (will be there as coach in) this match also," he said.

In the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma due to his commitments with the Indian team, which is currently playing against Australia, Zaheer Khan would lead the side against Haryana.

Kulkarni said the 35-year-old seasoned left-arm pacer has had long bowling stints with good rhythm at the nets.

"He (Zaheer) has played 2-3 games for India A (against the touring West Indies A). He was in good touch and good rhythm. It is a long season ahead. He was very impressive in the nets. He bowled his heart out. He bowled a long spell and looked in good shape," Kulkarni said.

"It is a big match and the season opener. We are looking forward to a good game. Hopefully, we will come out with flying colours against Haryana. We are playing for the first time at Lahli. I don't know where the place is. Definitely, we will put up a good show," the coach added.

Asked if young batsman Siddhesh Lad would make his debut, Kulkarni said, "I don't know. He is very promising. He has done well in local cricket. Last year also he played Deodhar Trophy and against Saurashtra I think, he scored a hundred on his debut. But four-day cricket is different."

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More

Probe panel invites information on Guru

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court-appointed committee probing the IPL spot-fixing scandal has called on people having any information on the allegations of betting against BCCI president N Srinivasan's son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan and other accused to share their inputs with the panel.

The committee headed by former Punjab and Haryana high court chief justice Mukul Mudgal and comprising additional solicitor general L Nageshwar Rao and senior advocate Nilay Dutta, met for the first time on October 11 here.

The committee, after "perusal" of the Supreme Court order, decided on its schedule of meetings. The panel, appointed in the first week of this month.

"The schedule of the sittings of the committee and its functioning and support personnel were finalised and communicated to the BCCI," said Vidushpat Singhania, the secretary to the committee, in a statement issued by the BCCI.

The committee has urged anybody with information on the fixing allegations against Meiyappan and other accused to mail it to them.

"The informants shall not be given hearing unless and until the committee thinks it fit to do so. The identity of the informant shall be kept confidential," the statement read.

The Supreme Court has directed the committee to investigate the allegations of betting and spot-fixing in the IPL matches against Gurunath Meiyappan, allegedly the team principal of Chennai Superkings, the accused players and the team owner of IPL franchisee Rajasthan Royals.

The court appointed the probe committee after the Cricket Association of Bihar filed a petition against the BCCI probe panel, which exonerated Meiyappan and team owners but handed varied bans to the cricketers.

The cricketers who were banned included former Test pacer S Sreesanth.

The two-member BCCI probe panel of Justice T Jayarama Chouta and Justice R Balasubramanian, former judges of the Madras High Court, gave a clean chit to Raj Kundra, co-owner of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL betting scandal.

22.58 | 0 komentar | Read More