Tendulkar, playing his first competitive match since the Test series in Sri Lanka in August due to a shoulder injury, was greeted by an ear-splitting roar from some 35,000 home fans.
He opened his account by slashing Lee to the point boundary, but was lucky to survive the next over when he was stranded down the wicket as Clarke's throw narrowly missed the stumps.
Tendulkar had another escape before he had reached double figures, pushing a short ball from Johnson just out of the reach of debutant Cameron White at short point.
Johnson, however, had the final say as Tendulkar patted a slower delivery straight to White in the same position to leave India on 94-3.
Venkatsai Laxman, another veteran fighting to retain his place in the Test side, failed to score as he edged Johnson to wicket-keeper Brad Haddin.
Scoreboard
Australia 1st innings 430
(S. Katich, 66, R. Ponting 123, M. Hussey 146, Zaheer Khan 5-91, I. Sharma 4-77)
India 1st innings (overnight 68-0)
G. Gambhir lbw b Lee 21
V. Sehwag c Hayden b Johnson 45
R. Dravid lbw b Watson 51
S. Tendulkar c White b Johnson 13
V. Laxman c Haddin b Johnson 0
S. Ganguly lbw b Johnson 47
M. Dhoni b Clarke 9
H. Singh c Haddin b Watson 54
Zaheer Khan not out 35
A. Kumble not out 0
Extras (b24, lb9, nb5) 38
Total (for eight wickets) 313
Fall of wkts 1-70, 2-76, 3-94, 4-106, 5-155, 6-195, 7-232, 8-312
Bowling
Lee 21-5-49-1 (nb1), Clark 17-3-58-0, Johnson 20-4-62-4, Watson 15-3-37-2 (nb3), White 13-2-39-0, Clarke 15-2-35-1
Overs 101
Tailender Harbhajan Singh proved India's unlikely batting hero after Mitchell Johnson put Australia in charge of the first cricket Test here on Saturday.
Harbhajan smashed 54 as India, replying to Australia's first innings total of 430, recovered from 155-5 to 313-8 by stumps on the third day at the Chinnaswamy stadium.
Zaheer Khan chipped in with an unbeaten 35 during an eighth-wicket stand of 80 with Harbhajan as the last three Indian wickets plundered 158 runs after the famed top order had been decimated by Johnson.
The tall 26-year-old from Queensland claimed three wickets for 19 runs in the morning session to reduce India to 106-4 and left the hosts in danger of being asked to follow-on.
Harbhajan hit five boundaries before he was caught behind off Shane Watson just before stumps.
The four-pronged Australian pace attack of Johnson, Brett Lee, Stuart Clark and Watson prospered in their first Test appearance on Indian soil with sustained hostile spells.
The bowlers won a fascinating contest against India's veteran batsmen on a dual-paced wicket where deliveries rose alarmingly or keep low at times.
Rahul 'the Wall' Dravid, who had a brick wall unveiled in his honour by the local cricket association before the match, made 51 and retiring former captain Sourav Ganguly scored 47.
Sachin Tendulkar, needing 77 runs to overtake retired West Indian Brian Lara as Test cricket's highest run-scorer, was dismissed for just 13.
Dravid fell two balls after recording his 53rd Test half-century, trapped leg-before by Watson.
Left-handed Ganguly, who will retire from international cricket after the series, held fort for three hours before Johnson had him leg-before soon after tea for his fourth wicket.
India lost openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag in the first five overs after the hosts resumed at the overnight score of 68 without loss.
Gambhir was leg-before to Lee for 20, while Sehwag edged a wide ball from Johnson to lone slip Matthew Hayden after making 45.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
India start well after Hussey's stubborn century
India made a spirited reply to Australia's 430 in the first Test here on Friday, reaching 68 without loss in their first innings by the close of the second day's play.
Openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir negotiated a tricky 18.1 overs before heavy rain brought an early end to the day's play that was marked by a solid century from the ever-reliable Michael Hussey.
The consistent left-hander shored up Australia's first innings with a gritty 146 before he was last man out soon after tea.
Sehwag began in his typical aggressive style, smashing seven boundaries against the four-man Australian pace attack on the way to 43 not out. His Delhi teammate Gambhir was unbeaten on 20.
India will resume on Saturday looking to build a sizeable total of their own on a wicket that is still batsman-friendly but could keep low later in the match.
Hussey, who averages an astonishing 70.60 in 26 matches after making his Test debut three years ago aged 30, has already scored nine hundreds and as many half-centuries in his remarkable career.
Entering the fray just before tea on the first day, Hussey batted for seven hours, hitting 15 boundaries and a six to frustrate India's hopes of terminating the innings early.
Hussey said the team's total had given the tourists a chance to put the Indians under pressure.
"I think it will definitely be harder to bat on as the Test match wears on," the 33-year-old said.
"It is already very dry and there are a lot of cracks in it. One can never really feel 'in' on it.
"You feel there is just enough variable bounce there to keep all the bowlers interested, particularly our fast bowlers."
Indian left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan, who bowled Hussey, finished with five for 91, while new-ball partner Ishant Sharma had figures of four for 77.
There was no joy, however, for the spinners. Indian captain Anil Kumble had unflattering figures of 0-129 from 43 overs while Harbhajan Singh went for 1-103 from 41.
Australia, who resumed on their overnight score of 254-4, lost all-rounder Shane Watson in the third over of the day, bowled off-stump by a sharp inswinger from Sharma.
Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin put on 91 for the sixth wicket with Hussey, contributing 33.
Sharma removed Haddin and debutant Cameron White in the space of three overs after lunch but Brett Lee (27) helped Hussey along by adding 59 for the eighth wicket.
Sharma had Haddin and White caught in the cover region off deliveries that came off the barren pitch slowly, an indication that batting may become difficult as the Test progresses.
Hussey, who was on 49 when Watson was out, took charge with three boundaries off Zaheer, two of them exquisite cover drives and the third a ferocious pull to square-leg.
Zaheer claimed the last three Australian wickets in the space of 14 runs after tea, shattering the stumps of Lee, Mitchell Johnson and finally Hussey.
Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Thursday notched his 36th career Test century, just three behind record holder Sachin Tendulkar's tally of 39.
The visitors were helped along towards their big total by shabby Indian fielding, highlighted by retiring former captain Sourav Ganguly letting the ball pass through his legs at mid-off.
Ganguly, 36, said on Tuesday he will retire from international cricket after the four-Test series ends.
Scoreboard
Australia 1st innings
M. Hayden c Dhoni b Zaheer 0
S. Katich c Dhoni b Sharma 66
R. Ponting lbw b Harbhajan 123
M. Hussey b Zaheer 146
M. Clarke lbw b Zaheer 11
S. Watson b Sharma 2
B. Haddin c Laxman b Sharma 33
C. White c Harbhajan b Sharma 6
B. Lee b Zaheer 27
M. Johnson b Zaheer 1
S. Clark not out 0
Extras b1, lb10, nb3, w1 15
Total for all out 430
Fall of wkts 1-0, 2-166, 3-226, 4-254, 5-259, 6-350, 7-362, 8-421, 9-429
Bowling
Zaheer 29.5-4-91-5 (nb1, w1), Sharma 30-7-77-4, Harbhajan 41-8-103-1, Kumble 43-6-129-0 (nb1), Sehwag 6-0-19-0 (nb1)
India 1st innings
G. Gambhir not out 20
V. Sehwag not out 43
Extras b4, nb1 5
Total for no loss 68
Bowling
Lee 5-1-12-0 (nb1), Clark 7-1-28-0, Johnson 4.1-0-23-0, Watson 2-1-1-0
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir negotiated a tricky 18.1 overs before heavy rain brought an early end to the day's play that was marked by a solid century from the ever-reliable Michael Hussey.
The consistent left-hander shored up Australia's first innings with a gritty 146 before he was last man out soon after tea.
Sehwag began in his typical aggressive style, smashing seven boundaries against the four-man Australian pace attack on the way to 43 not out. His Delhi teammate Gambhir was unbeaten on 20.
India will resume on Saturday looking to build a sizeable total of their own on a wicket that is still batsman-friendly but could keep low later in the match.
Hussey, who averages an astonishing 70.60 in 26 matches after making his Test debut three years ago aged 30, has already scored nine hundreds and as many half-centuries in his remarkable career.
Entering the fray just before tea on the first day, Hussey batted for seven hours, hitting 15 boundaries and a six to frustrate India's hopes of terminating the innings early.
Hussey said the team's total had given the tourists a chance to put the Indians under pressure.
"I think it will definitely be harder to bat on as the Test match wears on," the 33-year-old said.
"It is already very dry and there are a lot of cracks in it. One can never really feel 'in' on it.
"You feel there is just enough variable bounce there to keep all the bowlers interested, particularly our fast bowlers."
Indian left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan, who bowled Hussey, finished with five for 91, while new-ball partner Ishant Sharma had figures of four for 77.
There was no joy, however, for the spinners. Indian captain Anil Kumble had unflattering figures of 0-129 from 43 overs while Harbhajan Singh went for 1-103 from 41.
Australia, who resumed on their overnight score of 254-4, lost all-rounder Shane Watson in the third over of the day, bowled off-stump by a sharp inswinger from Sharma.
Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin put on 91 for the sixth wicket with Hussey, contributing 33.
Sharma removed Haddin and debutant Cameron White in the space of three overs after lunch but Brett Lee (27) helped Hussey along by adding 59 for the eighth wicket.
Sharma had Haddin and White caught in the cover region off deliveries that came off the barren pitch slowly, an indication that batting may become difficult as the Test progresses.
Hussey, who was on 49 when Watson was out, took charge with three boundaries off Zaheer, two of them exquisite cover drives and the third a ferocious pull to square-leg.
Zaheer claimed the last three Australian wickets in the space of 14 runs after tea, shattering the stumps of Lee, Mitchell Johnson and finally Hussey.
Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Thursday notched his 36th career Test century, just three behind record holder Sachin Tendulkar's tally of 39.
The visitors were helped along towards their big total by shabby Indian fielding, highlighted by retiring former captain Sourav Ganguly letting the ball pass through his legs at mid-off.
Ganguly, 36, said on Tuesday he will retire from international cricket after the four-Test series ends.
Scoreboard
Australia 1st innings
M. Hayden c Dhoni b Zaheer 0
S. Katich c Dhoni b Sharma 66
R. Ponting lbw b Harbhajan 123
M. Hussey b Zaheer 146
M. Clarke lbw b Zaheer 11
S. Watson b Sharma 2
B. Haddin c Laxman b Sharma 33
C. White c Harbhajan b Sharma 6
B. Lee b Zaheer 27
M. Johnson b Zaheer 1
S. Clark not out 0
Extras b1, lb10, nb3, w1 15
Total for all out 430
Fall of wkts 1-0, 2-166, 3-226, 4-254, 5-259, 6-350, 7-362, 8-421, 9-429
Bowling
Zaheer 29.5-4-91-5 (nb1, w1), Sharma 30-7-77-4, Harbhajan 41-8-103-1, Kumble 43-6-129-0 (nb1), Sehwag 6-0-19-0 (nb1)
India 1st innings
G. Gambhir not out 20
V. Sehwag not out 43
Extras b4, nb1 5
Total for no loss 68
Bowling
Lee 5-1-12-0 (nb1), Clark 7-1-28-0, Johnson 4.1-0-23-0, Watson 2-1-1-0
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Shoaib enjoys winning Pakistan return
Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar marked his return to international cricket by taking two wickets to help Pakistan to a 35-run win over Canada in the four-nation Twenty 20 tournament here on Friday.
Shoaib, who last played for the national team against India last December before a spectacular fallout with the Pakistan Cricket Board, struck in his first over when he removed Abdool Samad and Mohammad Iqbal.
The 33-year-old finished with 2-11 although he suffered the indignity of being pulled for six by Rizwan Cheema.
Pakistan opener Salman Butt was man of the match for his 74 off 56 balls as the Asian giants made a modest 137-7 before Canada were restricted to 102 for 9.
Cheema and Manoj David added 52 for the third wicket to give Canada hope but once David was removed by Umar Gul, the home side lost their next six wickets for just 37 runs.
Pakistan were made to work for their runs and when skipper Shoaib Malik (9) was dismissed, they were 63 for 3 following the losses of debutant Shoaib Khan (9) and Younis Khan (13).
Butt's contribution was decisive with Misbah-ul-Haq (17) the next highest scorer.
Sri Lanka's latest spin sensation Ajantha Mendis took three wickets and was named man of the match as his side clinched a five-wicket win over Zimbabwe.
Mendis finished with 3-15 from three overs after ripping the heart out of the Zimbabwe middle order including dismissing Prosper Utseya with his 'carrom ball', which turns away from the right-handers.
Tatenda Taibu, the former captain, finished on 45 to push Zimbabwe to 106-8 off 17 overs in match shortened by the damp outfield at the King's City venue.
Sri Lanka openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Udawatte put on 36 in four overs, before Udawatte was caught behind.
Left-arm spinner Ray Price bowled an economical spell which yielded two wickets including debutant Jeevantha Kulatunga and Dilshan.
Thilina Kandamby and skipper Mahela Jayawardene were both run out as Zimbabwe reduced the Asian side to 77-5 before Chamara Kapugedera and Farveez Maharoof saw their side home.
On Saturday, Canada face Zimbabwe while Sri Lanka tackle Pakistan.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Shoaib, who last played for the national team against India last December before a spectacular fallout with the Pakistan Cricket Board, struck in his first over when he removed Abdool Samad and Mohammad Iqbal.
The 33-year-old finished with 2-11 although he suffered the indignity of being pulled for six by Rizwan Cheema.
Pakistan opener Salman Butt was man of the match for his 74 off 56 balls as the Asian giants made a modest 137-7 before Canada were restricted to 102 for 9.
Cheema and Manoj David added 52 for the third wicket to give Canada hope but once David was removed by Umar Gul, the home side lost their next six wickets for just 37 runs.
Pakistan were made to work for their runs and when skipper Shoaib Malik (9) was dismissed, they were 63 for 3 following the losses of debutant Shoaib Khan (9) and Younis Khan (13).
Butt's contribution was decisive with Misbah-ul-Haq (17) the next highest scorer.
Sri Lanka's latest spin sensation Ajantha Mendis took three wickets and was named man of the match as his side clinched a five-wicket win over Zimbabwe.
Mendis finished with 3-15 from three overs after ripping the heart out of the Zimbabwe middle order including dismissing Prosper Utseya with his 'carrom ball', which turns away from the right-handers.
Tatenda Taibu, the former captain, finished on 45 to push Zimbabwe to 106-8 off 17 overs in match shortened by the damp outfield at the King's City venue.
Sri Lanka openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Udawatte put on 36 in four overs, before Udawatte was caught behind.
Left-arm spinner Ray Price bowled an economical spell which yielded two wickets including debutant Jeevantha Kulatunga and Dilshan.
Thilina Kandamby and skipper Mahela Jayawardene were both run out as Zimbabwe reduced the Asian side to 77-5 before Chamara Kapugedera and Farveez Maharoof saw their side home.
On Saturday, Canada face Zimbabwe while Sri Lanka tackle Pakistan.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Stanford 20/20 goldrush gets go-ahead
The 20-million-dollar Stanford 20/20, the world's richest cricket match which had been in danger because of a bitter row over commercial rights, will go-ahead as planned, organisers said on Thursday.
The match, between the Stanford Supertars and England, had been thrown into doubt after a High Court hearing had backed objections made by West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) sponsors Digicel.
The telecommunications company argued that the WICB had entered an agreement with Stanford that "wholly compromises the exclusive rights granted to Digicel as principal sponsors of West Indies cricket".
That legal decision meant that either the match would have to be called off or that the Stanford Superstars side would be weakened by the withdrawal of most of the leading West Indian players.
But the match, the highlight of the week-long Stanford Super Series, will now take place as scheduled on November 1 after talks between the two sides proved successful.
Sir Allen Stanford, the man behind the cricket revolution in the Caribbean, said: "I am pleased with both parties' solution-oriented approach and most importantly that this matter has been finally resolved.
"We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to the Stanford Cricket Ground to enjoy a fantastic week of cricket."
Reports in the Caribbean media earlier Thursday claimed a "commercial agreement" had been reached after a trans-Atlantic telephone conversation between Stanford and Digicel's Irish boss Denis O'Brien.
"Digicel is delighted to confirm that negotiations have been successful and that arrangements have been put in place to allow for the Series to continue for at least the next three years," said a statement.
"As such, the match scheduled between the West Indies and England on November 1 will now proceed.
"Digicel has at all times supported the Stanford initiative and from the outset sought a negotiated compromise with the relevant parties."
England all-rounder Paul Collingwood said he was looking forward to the match.
"It's going to be interesting, it's going to be certainly a good spectacle," said Collingwood.
"I'm sure there will be a lot of pressure on the day."
The row over the match began when the WICB originally agreed to make all their players available to play for Texan billionaire Stanford's select side.
But Digicel went to the High Court in a bid to establish that, as the contracted official sponsor of the WICB until 2012, it enjoyed commercial rights associated with a game that was, in effect, a West Indies XI v England.
The High Court upheld that argument and ruled that the Board would be in breach of its contract with Digicel if it sanctioned the match without granting commercial rights to its sponsor.
Source:www.cricbuzz.com
The match, between the Stanford Supertars and England, had been thrown into doubt after a High Court hearing had backed objections made by West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) sponsors Digicel.
The telecommunications company argued that the WICB had entered an agreement with Stanford that "wholly compromises the exclusive rights granted to Digicel as principal sponsors of West Indies cricket".
That legal decision meant that either the match would have to be called off or that the Stanford Superstars side would be weakened by the withdrawal of most of the leading West Indian players.
But the match, the highlight of the week-long Stanford Super Series, will now take place as scheduled on November 1 after talks between the two sides proved successful.
Sir Allen Stanford, the man behind the cricket revolution in the Caribbean, said: "I am pleased with both parties' solution-oriented approach and most importantly that this matter has been finally resolved.
"We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to the Stanford Cricket Ground to enjoy a fantastic week of cricket."
Reports in the Caribbean media earlier Thursday claimed a "commercial agreement" had been reached after a trans-Atlantic telephone conversation between Stanford and Digicel's Irish boss Denis O'Brien.
"Digicel is delighted to confirm that negotiations have been successful and that arrangements have been put in place to allow for the Series to continue for at least the next three years," said a statement.
"As such, the match scheduled between the West Indies and England on November 1 will now proceed.
"Digicel has at all times supported the Stanford initiative and from the outset sought a negotiated compromise with the relevant parties."
England all-rounder Paul Collingwood said he was looking forward to the match.
"It's going to be interesting, it's going to be certainly a good spectacle," said Collingwood.
"I'm sure there will be a lot of pressure on the day."
The row over the match began when the WICB originally agreed to make all their players available to play for Texan billionaire Stanford's select side.
But Digicel went to the High Court in a bid to establish that, as the contracted official sponsor of the WICB until 2012, it enjoyed commercial rights associated with a game that was, in effect, a West Indies XI v England.
The High Court upheld that argument and ruled that the Board would be in breach of its contract with Digicel if it sanctioned the match without granting commercial rights to its sponsor.
Source:www.cricbuzz.com
I didn't like the way I was dropped - Ganguly
day after announcing his retirement from international cricket, Sourav Ganguly has spilled the beans on his reasons for retiring."I didn't like the way I was dropped from Irani Trophy and that is when I decided to quit. To be honest, I felt I'd two outstanding years except the Sri Lanka series. It took me around 2 weeks to come to this decision," he said.Ganguly also said his family has been supportive of his decision. "I didn't want to create a big fuss over this. I know my family will be disappointed but I had to do this sooner or later," he said.When asked why he was subject to the most scrutiny of all the senior players, he responded, "Probably people didn't like my face." He dismissed any rumours about him intending to carry on for two more years. "I've not said anywhere that I wanted to play for two years. It was picked from an interview a year ago after I played against Pakistan," Ganguly said. Ganguly also said that he wanted to keep the announcement low-key with the series as a priority. "I didn't want to make much of a fuss and that's why I announced it at the end of the press meet because the series is more important," Ganguly said.He recalled his favourite moment as his debut test. "That has to be my first Test at Lords," he told reporters.
Soruce: www.cricbuzz.com
Ponting ends India lean trot with crafty century
Skipper Ricky Ponting ended his run drought on Indian soil with a superb century as Australia came back strongly after a shock start in the first Test on Thursday.
Ponting hit 123 to steer the tourists away from the first-over dismissal of Matthew Hayden to a more comfortable 254-4 by stumps on the opening day at the Chinnaswamy stadium here.
Ponting, who won the toss and elected to take first strike in good batting conditions, put on 166 for the second wicket with Simon Katich after Hayden was caught behind off the third ball of the match by Zaheer Khan.
Left-handed Katich justified his selection ahead of Phil Jaques by following up back-to-back centuries on the preceding tour of the West Indies earlier this year with a dour 66.
Ponting added 60 for the third wicket with Michael Hussey (46 not out) before he was trapped leg-before by Harbhajan Singh in the final session, the ninth time the Australian captain has fallen to the off-spinner.
Zaheer trapped Michael Clarke leg-before with the second new ball in the day's last over, at which time the umpires called off play.
Ponting set aside a disappointing average of 12.27 in eight previous Tests in India to compile his 36th career Test century, just three behind record holder Sachin Tendulkar's tally of 39.
"It was nice to get some runs today," said the skipper, whose 200th Test innings made him only the fourth Australian after Allan Border and the Waugh brothers, Steve and Mark, to achieve the feat.
"As I have said since I have been here, I have been working really hard and I have made no secret of it that my record here has been poor, and I want to rectify that.
"Today is one step in the right direction and it was nice get the team into a good position, but one innings does not make a tour. I have got a few more yet to play.
"At no stage today did I put any extra pressure on myself to play different shots or combat anything the bowlers were doing.
"It was all about watching the ball and playing it on its merits and trusting my defensive technique more than anything."
Ponting's 16th century as captain enabled him to stamp his authority at the start of his team's defence of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the four-Test series.
The only time Ponting looked in trouble was when India appealed for a return catch as the batsman, then on 110, drove a half-volley back to bowler Anil Kumble, the Indian captain.
With no TV review system in place for the series, umpire Rudi Koertzen consulted his colleague Asad Rauf before turning down the appeal, indicating Ponting had played the ball down into the ground.
Indian seamer Ishant Sharma applauded Ponting's knock, saying "all good batsmen go through a rough patch, but they come out of it because they are so good.
"But the fourth wicket in the last over has evened up things a bit. It was a very good effort on our part to concede just 254 runs in the entire day on a good batting wicket."
Sharma ended Katich's vigil just before tea when the batsman poked at a ball outside the off-stump and the edge was easily taken by wicket-keeper Mahendra Dhoni.
Scoreboard
Australia 1st innings
M. Hayden c Dhoni b Zaheer 0
S. Katich c Dhoni b Sharma 66
R. Ponting lbw b Harbhajan 123
M. Hussey not out 46
M. Clarke lbw b Zaheer 11
Extras lb5, nb2, w1 8
Total for four wickets 254
Fall of wkts 1-0, 2-166, 3-226, 4-254
Bowling
Zaheer 17.2-4-39-2 (nb1, w1), Sharma 16-3-49-1, Harbhajan 25-6-71-1, Kumble 27-4-84-0, Sehwag 4-0-6-0 (nb1)
Ponting hit 123 to steer the tourists away from the first-over dismissal of Matthew Hayden to a more comfortable 254-4 by stumps on the opening day at the Chinnaswamy stadium here.
Ponting, who won the toss and elected to take first strike in good batting conditions, put on 166 for the second wicket with Simon Katich after Hayden was caught behind off the third ball of the match by Zaheer Khan.
Left-handed Katich justified his selection ahead of Phil Jaques by following up back-to-back centuries on the preceding tour of the West Indies earlier this year with a dour 66.
Ponting added 60 for the third wicket with Michael Hussey (46 not out) before he was trapped leg-before by Harbhajan Singh in the final session, the ninth time the Australian captain has fallen to the off-spinner.
Zaheer trapped Michael Clarke leg-before with the second new ball in the day's last over, at which time the umpires called off play.
Ponting set aside a disappointing average of 12.27 in eight previous Tests in India to compile his 36th career Test century, just three behind record holder Sachin Tendulkar's tally of 39.
"It was nice to get some runs today," said the skipper, whose 200th Test innings made him only the fourth Australian after Allan Border and the Waugh brothers, Steve and Mark, to achieve the feat.
"As I have said since I have been here, I have been working really hard and I have made no secret of it that my record here has been poor, and I want to rectify that.
"Today is one step in the right direction and it was nice get the team into a good position, but one innings does not make a tour. I have got a few more yet to play.
"At no stage today did I put any extra pressure on myself to play different shots or combat anything the bowlers were doing.
"It was all about watching the ball and playing it on its merits and trusting my defensive technique more than anything."
Ponting's 16th century as captain enabled him to stamp his authority at the start of his team's defence of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the four-Test series.
The only time Ponting looked in trouble was when India appealed for a return catch as the batsman, then on 110, drove a half-volley back to bowler Anil Kumble, the Indian captain.
With no TV review system in place for the series, umpire Rudi Koertzen consulted his colleague Asad Rauf before turning down the appeal, indicating Ponting had played the ball down into the ground.
Indian seamer Ishant Sharma applauded Ponting's knock, saying "all good batsmen go through a rough patch, but they come out of it because they are so good.
"But the fourth wicket in the last over has evened up things a bit. It was a very good effort on our part to concede just 254 runs in the entire day on a good batting wicket."
Sharma ended Katich's vigil just before tea when the batsman poked at a ball outside the off-stump and the edge was easily taken by wicket-keeper Mahendra Dhoni.
Scoreboard
Australia 1st innings
M. Hayden c Dhoni b Zaheer 0
S. Katich c Dhoni b Sharma 66
R. Ponting lbw b Harbhajan 123
M. Hussey not out 46
M. Clarke lbw b Zaheer 11
Extras lb5, nb2, w1 8
Total for four wickets 254
Fall of wkts 1-0, 2-166, 3-226, 4-254
Bowling
Zaheer 17.2-4-39-2 (nb1, w1), Sharma 16-3-49-1, Harbhajan 25-6-71-1, Kumble 27-4-84-0, Sehwag 4-0-6-0 (nb1)
Soruce:www.cricbuzz.com
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Sehwag says no to 'catches pact' with Aussies
Aggressive Indian opener Virender Sehwag said Tuesday he was against a "catches pact" with Ricky Ponting's Australia in the upcoming Test series after bitter memories of the last tour Down Under. "We suffered the most in the catches pact during the last series," Sehwag told ESPN-STAR Sports ahead of the four-match series starting in Bangalore on Thursday. "There is no point in having such an arrangement when the Australians are claiming one-bounce catches. We'd have won the Sydney Test if they hadn't claimed catches off half-volleys in that game." The Sydney Test ended the pre-series captains' agreement on taking the fielder's word on disputed catches, but Ponting recently said he was still open to the idea. "I will have a think about it and see if I think it is the right idea to bring it up again," Ponting had said. "Anil was the one who did not want that after the Sydney Test for one reason or the other. We will have a chat (before this series) and it's important to us Australians to play the game in the right spirit and embrace the culture." The Sydney match also almost saw Anil Kumble's Indians pull out of the series after a string of controversial umpiring decisions. The tourists agreed to continue only after the International Cricket Council pacified them by standing down West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor from the subsequent Perth Test. Sehwag said the hosts held an edge in the coming series as they had a balanced bowling attack. "Bangalore, Mohali and Nagpur (venues for Tests) have offered good bounce in the past and we can take advantage of these conditions with tall, fast bowlers," he said. "If we have spinning tracks, we have the spinners to extract advantage. Their spin department is weak and there is a wide possibility we can win the series either 3-0 or 3-1." Australia are hoping to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy they won by an identical 2-1 margin in the last two series in 2004 and earlier this year.
Soruce: www.cricbuzz.com
Ganguly announces retirement
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said Tuesday he would retire from international cricket at the end of the upcoming four-Test series against Australia."This will be my last series," Ganguly, 36, told reporters after a training session ahead of the first Test starting in Bangalore on Thursday."I've decided to quit. These four test matches will be my last. Before coming here, I spoke to my team-mates and hopefully I will go out with a winning knock."More to follow...
Soruce: www.cricinfo.com
Bangladesh name three newcomers
Bangladesh have included three youngsters to boost their depleted squad for an upcoming one-day series against New Zealand, selectors announced here.
Opener Imrul Kayes, middle-order batsman Naeem Islam and paceman Mahbubul Alam Robin were the newcomers in a 14-man squad for the three-match series starting here on Thursday.
The trio, belonging to the country's cricket academy, had consistently done well in domestic leagues and on overseas tours over the past one year, chief selector Rafiqul Alam told AFP.
"Kayes and Naeem are talented young batsmen while Robin has proved his worth as a medium-fast bowler. We have high hopes on them," he said.
The squad contains none of the 13 players who recently defected to the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), including seven current or former internationals.
The selectors also recalled wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim, ignored for a recent one-day series in Australia, and fit-again seamer Syed Rasel.
Alam said the inexperienced squad was capable of causing an upset in the series.
"We hope we can win at least one match in the series," he said.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has banned 13 players, including former captain Habibul Bashar, for 10 years for joining the ICL.
Daniel Vettori's New Zealanders will also play two Tests.
Bangladesh squad: Mohammad Ashraful (capt), Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Junaid Siddique, Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehrab Hossain, Naeem Islam, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmud Ullah Riyad, Abdur Razzak, Syed Rasel, Shahadat Hossain, Mahbubul Alam Robin.
Soruce: www.cricbuzz.com
Opener Imrul Kayes, middle-order batsman Naeem Islam and paceman Mahbubul Alam Robin were the newcomers in a 14-man squad for the three-match series starting here on Thursday.
The trio, belonging to the country's cricket academy, had consistently done well in domestic leagues and on overseas tours over the past one year, chief selector Rafiqul Alam told AFP.
"Kayes and Naeem are talented young batsmen while Robin has proved his worth as a medium-fast bowler. We have high hopes on them," he said.
The squad contains none of the 13 players who recently defected to the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), including seven current or former internationals.
The selectors also recalled wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim, ignored for a recent one-day series in Australia, and fit-again seamer Syed Rasel.
Alam said the inexperienced squad was capable of causing an upset in the series.
"We hope we can win at least one match in the series," he said.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has banned 13 players, including former captain Habibul Bashar, for 10 years for joining the ICL.
Daniel Vettori's New Zealanders will also play two Tests.
Bangladesh squad: Mohammad Ashraful (capt), Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Junaid Siddique, Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehrab Hossain, Naeem Islam, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmud Ullah Riyad, Abdur Razzak, Syed Rasel, Shahadat Hossain, Mahbubul Alam Robin.
Soruce: www.cricbuzz.com
Ntini and Nel dropped from ODI squad
South Africa dropped fast bowlers Makhaya Ntini and Andre Nel from the one-day squad to play Kenya and Bangladesh later this month, with an eye on the 2011 one-day World Cup.
Ntini has been a permanent fixture in both the test and one-day squads for the best part of a decade but, like Nel, is 31-years-old and is deemed unlikely for the next World Cup.
"That has to be our focus now, building a squad for the 2011 World Cup is the priority," national coach Mickey Arthur told Reuters on Tuesday after the squads were named.
Veteran batsman Herschelle Gibbs was included in the one-day team, despite a disappointing performance in the recent tour of England.
"Herschelle still has that X-factor," said Arthur. "He still has the ability to win matches for us. We usually win if Herschelle does well."
The Proteas are due to play two one-day internationals against Kenya and a Twenty20 international, three ODIs and two tests against Bangladesh.
South Africa included uncapped all rounders Ryan McLaren and Rory Kleinveldt, chosen for the Twenty20 game, in the limited overs squads.
Off spinner Johan Botha has been made vice-captain.
"Johan is to be congratulated on his promotion and he will, in all probability, captain the side in the two matches against Kenya as we only expect Graeme Smith to recover from injury in time for the series against Bangladesh," Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola told a news conference.
South Africa's test squad contains 13 of the players who triumphed 2-1 in England in July and August, with Nel and second spinner Robin Peterson missing out.
Test squad: Graeme Smith, (captain), Neil McKenzie, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince, AB de Villiers, Mark Boucher, JP Duminy, Paul Harris, Morne Morkel, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, Monde Zondeki.
One-day squad: Smith (captain), Herschelle Gibbs, Amla, Kallis, Duminy, De Villiers, Justin Ontong, Albie Morkel, Ryan McLaren, Morne Morkel, Johan Botha, Steyn, Zondeki.
Twenty20 squad: Smith (captain), Loots Bosman, De Villiers, Gibbs, Duminy, Ontong, Botha, Rory Kleinveldt, McLaren, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Steyn.
Soruce: www.cricbuzz.com
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Afghanistan and Hong Kong keep perfect records
Afghanistan's push towards a place at the 2011 World Cup continued on Sunday when they thrashed Jersey by 124 runs to make it two wins in two matches in the World Cricket League Division Four.
Batting first, Afghanistan made 203 for 9 in 50 overs and then bowled out Jersey for 79, a performance which delighted their coach, Kabir Khan.
"Everybody is very happy as we have taken one step closer to the final and the team has played very well," he said.
"Bowling wise, I am really happy and our fielding was excellent again today. We do need to work on our batting but I was not worried because I knew 200 runs would be a winning score on this wicket."
The top two sides in the six-nation tournament here will ensure spots in Division Three with the leading two nations there progressing to the final World Cup Qualifier in April 2009.
Left-arm spinner Nadeem Ahmed took 4 for 19 as Hong Kong also maintained their unbeaten record as they defeated hosts Tanzania by 134 runs after the home team were bowled out for 121 chasing 256.
Hong Kong's batsmen rattled up 255 with man of the match Moner Ahmed top scoring with 66 while skipper Tabarak Dar chipped in with 60. Italy's opener Andy Northcote enjoyed an eventful day in his side's 254-run thrashing of Fiji.
Twenty-five year-old Northcote, who shared an opening stand of added 140 with Thushara Kurukulasuriya (73), was five runs short of century when he collapsed with heat exhaustion. He bravely carried on to reach the three figures but retired soon after.
Italy reached 318 for 5 and then dismissed Fiji for 64.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Batting first, Afghanistan made 203 for 9 in 50 overs and then bowled out Jersey for 79, a performance which delighted their coach, Kabir Khan.
"Everybody is very happy as we have taken one step closer to the final and the team has played very well," he said.
"Bowling wise, I am really happy and our fielding was excellent again today. We do need to work on our batting but I was not worried because I knew 200 runs would be a winning score on this wicket."
The top two sides in the six-nation tournament here will ensure spots in Division Three with the leading two nations there progressing to the final World Cup Qualifier in April 2009.
Left-arm spinner Nadeem Ahmed took 4 for 19 as Hong Kong also maintained their unbeaten record as they defeated hosts Tanzania by 134 runs after the home team were bowled out for 121 chasing 256.
Hong Kong's batsmen rattled up 255 with man of the match Moner Ahmed top scoring with 66 while skipper Tabarak Dar chipped in with 60. Italy's opener Andy Northcote enjoyed an eventful day in his side's 254-run thrashing of Fiji.
Twenty-five year-old Northcote, who shared an opening stand of added 140 with Thushara Kurukulasuriya (73), was five runs short of century when he collapsed with heat exhaustion. He bravely carried on to reach the three figures but retired soon after.
Italy reached 318 for 5 and then dismissed Fiji for 64.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Coach tells India to not get distracted
BANGALORE (Reuters) - Coach Gary Kirsten told India's squad to distance themselves from the controversy surrounding five senior players ahead of the start of the test series against Australia next week. The countdown for the four-test series starting in Bangalore on Thursday has been overshadowed by news the Indian board has drawn up retirement plans for five veterans including captain Anil Kumble and record-breaking batsman Sachin Tendulkar. A board official said on Wednesday that Kumble, Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Vangipurappu Laxman, all well into their 30s, had been told to plan their retirements by December. "I think we should move on from that," South African Kirsten told a news conference on Friday. "We need to focus on the team and get on with the test series. "India have got the best record against Australia and we have got a good idea of what we need to do, game-wise as well as mentally." World number ones Australia won a four-test series 2-1 four years ago to record their first series victory on Indian soil in 35 years but are rebuilding after several high-profile retirements. SPIN THREAT
Kirsten expects spin to pose a serious threat to the visitors but said the hosts were capable of winning in all conditions. "It feels good to have two spinners who have got so many wickets in our team and that is certainly something that works in our favour," he said. India named leg-break bowler Amit Mishra as a third specialist spinner in the squad for the first two tests as back up for Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Leg-spinner Kumble is the world's third highest wicket taker and architect of several victories. Off-spinner Harbhajan, who took 32 wickets in the 2-1 victory over Australia in 2001, needs nine more scalps to reach 300 in tests.
Cameron White to replace McGain
Cameron White, the 25-year old all-rounder from Victoria has been named as Bryce McGain's replacement for the India tour after McGain had to fly home for treatment on his shoulder. He will join the squad on October 6 in Bangalore."We feel that Cameron's right-arm legspin and experience in Indian conditions, where he has just returned after captaining the Australia A one-day team to a tournament victory, is the correct option and will provide a good balance to our slow bowling attack," Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said. "Cameron's bowling has continued to improve over the past year at inter-state level and his powerful batting adds extra depth and versatility to the squad.""Cameron has performed well in Australian colours since his return to the one-day international squad earlier this year and he has now been rewarded with inclusion in the Test squad," he added. White is yet to play a test but has played 21 ODIs for Australia. More recently, he led Australia A to a series triumph in a triangular series in India.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Friday, October 3, 2008
Kumble urges media to criticise responsibly
BANGALORE (Reuters) - Test captain Anil Kumble has urged national media to be more responsible in their criticism of senior players following reports that the cricket board has drawn up an exit plan for him and four fellow veterans. "It is just that it needs to be a bit more respectful when people discuss cricketers," Kumble told a news conference on Thursday. "We don't mind the scrutiny but when it is done really rubbishly and the way it has been portrayed, then it hurts." Cricket-mad India is fiercely debating whether it is time for their record-breaking batsmen Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Vangipurappu Laxman, as well as spinner Kumble, all well into their 30s, to quit. Indian media reported that a 'voluntary retirement' plan had been drawn up by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). "As sportsmen we go out there to perform and win for the country and we have been doing that for the last 18 years and you know, when you do that (the scrutiny), you do that with respect and dignity then there is no problems with that," Kumble said. Television channels ran programmes on the advancing age of the five players on Wednesday after they were named in the squad for the first two Australia tests starting next week, belying media predictions that former captain Ganguly could be dropped. Kumble, the third highest test wicket-taker, is the oldest at 37 and is being named captain on a series-by-series basis since Dravid abruptly resigned the job last year. A BCCI official said on Wednesday that the five had been told to plan their retirements by December but Kumble said: "No one has spoken to us on these terms and neither have we, but it's all happening in the media."
Source: www.cricinfo.com
Afghanistan eye step closer to World Cup
Players from war-torn Afghanistan hope to take another step closer to the 2011 World Cup when they tackle five other contenders in the latest qualifying round which starts here on Saturday. Afghanistan will compete against Hong Kong, Jersey, Fiji, Italy and hosts Tanzania for the top two places in the ICC World Cricket League Division Four which will ensure spots in Division Three. The top two sides there will progress to the World Cup Qualifier in April 2009, with the top four sides from that making it to Asia in 2011. "It's our dream to qualify for the 2011 World Cup," said Afghanistan fast bowler Hamid Hassan. "I couldn't explain the feelings of happiness and joy if we get to achieve that. It will be a matter of pride for us to be watched live by the whole world on TV while representing Afghanistan." Afghanistan, who won promotion from the fifth division earlier this year, have a new coach in former Pakistan international Kabir Khan. Despite Afghanistan's optimism, it will be Hong Kong, coached by former England batsman Aftab Habib, who will start as favourites but Italy and Jersey, coached by former South Africa Test batsman Peter Kirsten, are also strong. Fiji will be hopeful of qualification despite missing injured all-rounder Neil Maxwell, a former Australia A player.
Source: www.cricinfo.com
McGain ruled out of India tour
Australia's spin woes deepened in India on Friday when ageing leg-spinner Bryce McGain was ordered to return home because of a shoulder injury. The 36-year-old Victorian, who sustained the injury during last month's Indian tour by the Australian 'A' team, missed the ongoing four-day match against the Board President's XI here. Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said the decision to send McGain home was made after it was confirmed he would not be able to bowl for the majority of the tour. "Bryce suffered a setback at training on Tuesday in an attempt to be available for the four-day match," Kountouris said in a Cricket Australia statement. "As a result, it has been decided that Bryce will not be available for selection for the majority of the tour." A decision on who will replace McGain for the four-Test series, which starts next week, will be taken after Australian chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch arrives here early Saturday. It is expected that left-armer Beau Casson, a surprise exclusion from the original squad after making his Test debut in the Caribbean earlier this year, will be the likely replacement. McGain was widely tipped to make his Test debut as the first choice spinner ahead of fellow newcomer Jason Krejza, who went for 0-123 in the practice match earlier on Friday. The world champions are struggling to throw up a quality spinner following the retirements of legendary Shane Warne and fellow wrist spinner Stuart McGill in quick succession over the last two years. The series for the Border Gavaskar Trophy opens in Bangalore next Thursday, followed by back-to-back Tests in Mohali, New Delhi and Nagpur.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Pakistan to raise Australia stand in ICC meet
KARACHI (Reuters) - Pakistan will raise Cricket Australia's policy not to tour the country over security fears but travel to India at the International Cricket Council (ICC) next month, sports minister Najamuddin Khan said. Khan will attend ICC's executive board meeting as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is without a chairman since August and is being monitored by the sports ministry. "Australia can play in India although even there, unfortunately, there have been bomb blasts but they're refusing to tour Pakistan," he told Geo News channel. Australia have refused to tour Pakistan over safety and security concerns for its players following a spate of suicide bombings. They were among the teams who declined to play in this month's Champions Trophy in Pakistan citing security fears, forcing the tournament to be postponed until late next year. However, Australia are in India to play four tests after accepting security assurances from the Indian board despite a series of bomb attacks in New Delhi, including one on Saturday. "I will raise this issue with the ICC and talk to the Australians also," he said. "I think they are opting double standards and following different policies for Pakistan and India which is unfair to our cricket." Khan said he would try to convince the other boards to give fresh dates for the eight-team Champions Trophy. "We'll try our best to keep Champions Trophy in Pakistan because we are assuring foolproof security to all teams and we want our cricket to flourish."
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Ganguly included for first two tests
The new selection committee, led by Kris Srikkanth has included Sourav Ganguly for the first two tests against Australia.Saurav Ganguly's inclusion has come as a surprise after he was left out of the Rest of India squad for the Irani Trophy.It is understood that the selectors want to give the Bengal left-hander an honourable exit from the game and that Ganguly will retire after the Australia series as part of a transition plan.Another surprise inclusion is Delhi's 25 year-old leg spinner Amit Mishra, who pipped favourites Pragyan Ojha and Murali Karthik to take the third spinner's slot.The last batsman's slot was handed to S. Badrinath, who had a remarkable domestic season, ending as the second highest run getter in the Ranji trophy.Munaf Patel and RP Singh are the other two pacemen in the squad but are likely to play if either of Ishant Sharma or Zaheer Khan gets injured.The selectors chose not to name any back-up openers or wicket-keepers.India squad: Anil Kumble (c), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Saurav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, S Badrinath, Amit Mishra, Munaf Patel, RP Singh.Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Muralitharan to play in Ranji Trophy
World's leading Test wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka will play for Bengal in India's premier first-class domestic competition this season, a newspaper reported Tuesday. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has signed up the off-spinner for the Ranji Trophy matches in the 2008-09 season beginning in November, the Kolkata-based Telegraph newspaper said. "The Lankan board chief executive, Duleep Mendis, has sent across a fax to us, mentioning that Murali will be available for Bengal in the upcoming first-class engagements," said CAB president Jagmohan Dalmiya. "With his experience of 756 Test and 479 one-day international wickets, Bengal cricket will benefit immensely." Muralitharan was expected to play four matches for the state side, which was relegated last season. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is also included in the state side. "The arrangement is clear. His obligations to the Lanka board will always come first," Dalmiya said. Muralitharan was not picked for Sri Lanka's next assignment -- a four-nation Twenty20 tournament in Canada next month. The Sri Lankan team has no international engagements this year, but Muralitharan is likely to turn up for the inaugural Champions Twenty20 League from December 3-10 at three Indian venues. The Indian cricket board last month allowed each state team to select a maximum of four outstation players, including a foreigner.
Aussies plan to delay Tendulkar record bid
Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said Tuesday his team will try their best to make Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar struggle for his world record in the upcoming Test series. Tendulkar needs just 77 runs to beat retired West Indies captain Brian Lara's landmark of 11,953 and is expected to reach the milestone in the four-Test series beginning in Bangalore on October 9. "I don't have too many great memories of him because he tends to score heavily against us," Ponting said. "I have the highest regard for him. He is a true champion, one of the all-time greats, and reaching this milestone would be a great reward for him. "But we are here to win and know pretty well that we have to dismiss him early if we are to win here. We have come here with a few plans for him and hope our plans click." Tendulkar, who has averaged 56 against Australia in 25 Tests, already holds three world records -- the highest number of runs in one-day internationals (16,361) and most centuries in Tests (39) and one-dayers (42). Key Australian paceman Brett Lee said he had been looking forward to bowling to one of the great batsmen. "He is a world-class player who has proved himself over more than a decade," said Lee. "You talk about Don Bradman, Lara, Sachin and probably Ricky. It is an honour to bowl to Sachin and getting his wicket is the ultimate prize." Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson said it was always a challenge to bowl to Tendulkar. "I don't want to make any prediction but I can say it is going to be a great challenge (to bowl to him)," said Johnson. Tendulkar said Monday he was not focusing on the world record but on the team's performance. "I just have to go and play my best. Records will come if you keep playing well. My mind is not on the 77 runs and it is not as if I can relax after getting these runs," he said. "For the four Tests against Australia the team has some targets and I am more focused on those." Tendulkar was recently declared fit for the Australia Tests after missing the one-day series in Sri Lanka last month due to an elbow injury. Australia play their only practice game before the series here from October 2. The Bangalore Test will be followed by back-to-back matches in Mohali, New Delhi and Nagpur.
source: www.cricbuzz.com
Aussies 'comfortable' with India security
Australia captain Ricky Ponting said Tuesday his team was satisfied with security arrangements for the upcoming Test series in India following recent blasts in the country.
Fears were raised after 25 people were killed and more than 100 wounded as bombs went off recently across New Delhi, one of the venues for the four-Test series starting in Bangalore on October 9.
"We are keeping an eye on the situation," Ponting told reporters here.
"We are in constant touch with security people to know what they think of the situation. They are comfortable with the security provided to us and we are comfortable too.
"I must say we are happy with the arrangements."
Vice-captain Michael Clarke said they had full faith in the security being provided to the team.
"We have a security expert with us and he is doing his job. The team has full faith in our cricket board and the Australian Cricketers Association. We know they are taking the right decisions," said Clarke.
The Australians will meet an Indian Board President's team in a four-day practice match starting here on Thursday.
The Bangalore Test will be followed by back-to-back matches in Mohali, New Delhi and Nagpur.
Australia cancelled a scheduled Test tour of Pakistan in March due to security concerns and were also one of the teams that forced the Champions Trophy there to be delayed by a year.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Fears were raised after 25 people were killed and more than 100 wounded as bombs went off recently across New Delhi, one of the venues for the four-Test series starting in Bangalore on October 9.
"We are keeping an eye on the situation," Ponting told reporters here.
"We are in constant touch with security people to know what they think of the situation. They are comfortable with the security provided to us and we are comfortable too.
"I must say we are happy with the arrangements."
Vice-captain Michael Clarke said they had full faith in the security being provided to the team.
"We have a security expert with us and he is doing his job. The team has full faith in our cricket board and the Australian Cricketers Association. We know they are taking the right decisions," said Clarke.
The Australians will meet an Indian Board President's team in a four-day practice match starting here on Thursday.
The Bangalore Test will be followed by back-to-back matches in Mohali, New Delhi and Nagpur.
Australia cancelled a scheduled Test tour of Pakistan in March due to security concerns and were also one of the teams that forced the Champions Trophy there to be delayed by a year.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Monday, September 29, 2008
New selection chief embarks on World Cup mission
India's newly-appointed chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth said on Monday he has set his sights on building a winning team for the 2011 World Cup. "We will develop a team towards the World Cup 2011," the former opening batsman, who played a key role in India's only World Cup triumph in 1983, told reporters. "It is a slow process. But every Indian's dream has been to win the World Cup again after 1983. "We have the ability to win the World Cup, but we need to be focused for that." Srikkanth, 48, was appointed chairman of India's first ever paid selection panel on Saturday. Other members of the panel are Narendra Hirwani, Raja Venkat, Yashpal Sharma and Surendra Bhave. Srikkanth's first task as chairman will come on Wednesday when the selectors pick the Indian squad for the first two Tests of the four-match series against Australia starting in Bangalore on October 9. Srikkanth, a free-stroking batsman, needs to rebuild the Indian team after it crashed to a 2-1 defeat on the recent tour of Sri Lanka. Srikkanth, however, refused to join the debate on whether veterans like Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Venkatsai Laxman should call time on their careers. "Younger players like Subramaniam Badrinath, Rohit Sharma and a few others have the talent, but it is not ability alone that makes a player tick at the highest level," he said. "Mental strength is critical and cannot be taught, it has to come from within, and the likes of Tendulkar, Dravid and Kumble have shown the way over a good period of time. "An eye for the future is equally important. Hard decisions might have to be taken in the future. But the current Test team is one of the best India has ever had and it will not be easy replacing them." Srikkanth, who captained the Indian team on the tour of Pakistan in 1989 but was later sacked for demanding better payments for his teammates, said he favoured different teams for the various formats of the game. "Different skill sets are needed to excel in each form," he said. "With Twenty20 also coming into the mix, it is crucial to identify talent for each form and nurture them. "The team has had some good results in the recent past and it's important to keep the good work going." Srikkanth played 43 Tests, scoring 2,062 runs at an average of 29.88. In 146 one-day internationals, he made 4,091 runs at 29.01.
Source: cricbuzz.com
New selection chief embarks on World Cup mission
India's newly-appointed chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth said on Monday he has set his sights on building a winning team for the 2011 World Cup. "We will develop a team towards the World Cup 2011," the former opening batsman, who played a key role in India's only World Cup triumph in 1983, told reporters. "It is a slow process. But every Indian's dream has been to win the World Cup again after 1983. "We have the ability to win the World Cup, but we need to be focused for that." Srikkanth, 48, was appointed chairman of India's first ever paid selection panel on Saturday. Other members of the panel are Narendra Hirwani, Raja Venkat, Yashpal Sharma and Surendra Bhave. Srikkanth's first task as chairman will come on Wednesday when the selectors pick the Indian squad for the first two Tests of the four-match series against Australia starting in Bangalore on October 9. Srikkanth, a free-stroking batsman, needs to rebuild the Indian team after it crashed to a 2-1 defeat on the recent tour of Sri Lanka. Srikkanth, however, refused to join the debate on whether veterans like Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Venkatsai Laxman should call time on their careers. "Younger players like Subramaniam Badrinath, Rohit Sharma and a few others have the talent, but it is not ability alone that makes a player tick at the highest level," he said. "Mental strength is critical and cannot be taught, it has to come from within, and the likes of Tendulkar, Dravid and Kumble have shown the way over a good period of time. "An eye for the future is equally important. Hard decisions might have to be taken in the future. But the current Test team is one of the best India has ever had and it will not be easy replacing them." Srikkanth, who captained the Indian team on the tour of Pakistan in 1989 but was later sacked for demanding better payments for his teammates, said he favoured different teams for the various formats of the game. "Different skill sets are needed to excel in each form," he said. "With Twenty20 also coming into the mix, it is crucial to identify talent for each form and nurture them. "The team has had some good results in the recent past and it's important to keep the good work going." Srikkanth played 43 Tests, scoring 2,062 runs at an average of 29.88. In 146 one-day internationals, he made 4,091 runs at 29.01.
Source: cricbuzz.com
Vengsarkar sticks to principles
DILIP Vengsarkar insisted last evening that he has relinquished his post as chairman of the Mumbai selection panel as a matter of principle amidst talk in the fraternity of him being disappointed at not getting an opportunity to represent the Mumbai Cricket Association at the BCCI's Annual General Meeting held over the weekend. Whether Vengsarkar is hurt or no, it is a fact that the media quoted the MCA as saying that Vengsarkar will represent the association at the meeting only to clarify the next day that he will do so only if Sharad Pawar is unavailable. Leaving cynicism aside, Vengsarkar not wanting to be Mumbai selector is understandable because his term was extended when he became chief of India selectors. Now that he doesn't hold that position, it is only right for him to feel that a new selector be appointed as he mentioned in his letter to the MCA yesterday.Former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi, who was recently inducted in the committee said that Vengsarkar not being there on the committee was sad from a state cricket point of view but expressed confidence that his erstwhile captain would be there for the committee with his inputs. "Dilip has vast experience and would surely be needed by us. Just look at the stature of the man and his experience," said Hattangadi, who was looking forward to sit on the same committee as the former batting great."I would like to thank the MCA Managing Committee as well as the Cricket Improvement Committee for all the support they had extended during my tenure. "Mumbai cricket is as healthy as ever and I am sure by the grace of God will remain so for many years to come," Vengsarkar is believed to have said in his communication with the MCA where he is one of the two vice-presidents.
Source: www.mid-day.com
Gilchrist replaces Laxman
New Delhi: Adam Gilchrist, the former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, has been appointed captain of the Deccan Chargers, replacing VVS Laxman, who led the team during the inaugural season of the IPL. Darren Lehmann, the former Australia batsman, takes charge as coach, replacing former India player Robin Singh.
Gilchrist said it was a "tremendous thrill and honour" and looked forward to working hard and making the team successful. Gilchrist was Deccan's leading run-getter in the league's first edition, scoring 436 runs at 33.53. He led the team in eight of their 14 matches, after Laxman sustained an injury.
"Adam Gilchrist commands respect within the team and right around the cricket world. He has redefined the role of wicketkeeper-batsman in modern cricket," Tim Wright, the Deccan Chargers chief executive, was quoted as saying on Cricinfo website. "I am confident Gilchrist will unite Deccan Chargers' outstanding talent. Four members of our squad were on the India tour of Sri Lanka, more than any other IPL team, and the quality of our overseas players is well known. These players will play for Gilchrist.
"We are delighted to be giving Darren Lehmann his first post as coach and have no doubt he will be a great success," Wright said. "He has already brought considerable energy into the group and has a no-nonsense approach to winning cricket matches. Lehmann is in India this week to run player trials in Hyderabad. We are looking to build a solid talent base for the future."
Deccan finished last in the inaugural edition of the league, winning only two of their 14 matches.
Gilchrist said it was a "tremendous thrill and honour" and looked forward to working hard and making the team successful. Gilchrist was Deccan's leading run-getter in the league's first edition, scoring 436 runs at 33.53. He led the team in eight of their 14 matches, after Laxman sustained an injury.
"Adam Gilchrist commands respect within the team and right around the cricket world. He has redefined the role of wicketkeeper-batsman in modern cricket," Tim Wright, the Deccan Chargers chief executive, was quoted as saying on Cricinfo website. "I am confident Gilchrist will unite Deccan Chargers' outstanding talent. Four members of our squad were on the India tour of Sri Lanka, more than any other IPL team, and the quality of our overseas players is well known. These players will play for Gilchrist.
"We are delighted to be giving Darren Lehmann his first post as coach and have no doubt he will be a great success," Wright said. "He has already brought considerable energy into the group and has a no-nonsense approach to winning cricket matches. Lehmann is in India this week to run player trials in Hyderabad. We are looking to build a solid talent base for the future."
Deccan finished last in the inaugural edition of the league, winning only two of their 14 matches.
Source: www.mid-day.com
McCullam’s career best 6/90 helps NZ restrict India A to 248
CHENNAI, Sept 28 (PTI): All-rounder Nathan McCullam scalped a career best six for 90 as New Zeland A bowled out India A for 248 in their first innings on the opening day of their four-day cricket match here today.
The off-spinner, who had bowled just 11 overs without success in the tri-series also involving Australia, ran through the inconsistent Indian batting lineup, bowling 30.4 overs unchanged from the pavilion end after being pressed into the attack in the 16th over.
M Vijay (45) and in-form Yusuf Pathan (44) were the main scorers. The hosts failed to take advantage after winning the toss on the flat turf and lost wickets at regular intervals to be bowled out for 248 in 75.4 overs in post-tea session.
New Zealand started their reply strongly and were 36 for no loss in 12 overs at close of play with Aaron Redmond (31-41b, 4x4, 1x6) and B J Walting (2) at the crease.
McCullum, older brother of Kiwi batsman Brendon McCullum, took wickets at vital times and his victims included Vijay, Captain Suresh Raina (21), Jayadev Shah (38) and Pathan.
Fast bowlers Michael Mason (1/23) and Trent Boult (1/42) and spinner Watling (2/31) gave McCullum good support.
After a shaky start losing opener Sahil Kukreja (5) in the fifth over, the Indians recovered well through Vijay (66b, 7x4) and Shikar Dhawan (27-85b, 2x4). The two appeared to be settling down for a big score when McCullum struck first.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
ICL initiates cricket clinics in Delhi
As part of the ICL’s Youth Connect Program, Madan Lal – the former India all-rounder and current coach of Delhi Jets visited schools in the capital city to help young kids learn the finer nuances of the game. The overwhelming participation by the students across schools reflects the awareness and popularity of the ICL, the Delhi Giants and its players.
With cricket being the most popular sport in the country there is no dearth of talent. Most kids aspire to be cricketers and it becomes imperative to equip them with right knowledge and coaching from an early age. Keeping this is mind, the ICL arranged a seminar with Madan Lal who not only interacted with young enthusiastic kids but also gave them vital tips.
It was a big opportunity for young students to learn from one of the finest all rounders this country has produced. Madan Lal has been a bowling coach at the NCA and has also coached the senior Indian team. Meeting eager kids was also a new experience for the member of the World Cup winning team. The young kids too made most of the opportunity and sought an opinion on the technical aspect of their game. Madan Lal exhibited the correct way to grip the ball, the delivery stance and posture. The Delhi Jets players weren’t left behind and they obliged their young fans who wanted autographs.
ICL has in the past supported and encouraged various youth ventures like inter-college festivals, workshops, seminars with various education institutions and keeping in line the Dehi students competed in various quiz contests.
| The following is list of winners from Delhi Public School | |||||
| Sr. No. | Student Names | Class | |||
| 1. | Abhinav Bahl | = | VI - A | ||
| 2. | Jugal Malhotra | = | VI - C | ||
| 3. | Himanshu Tiwari | = | VI - C | ||
| 4. | Sarthak Soni | = | VI - D | ||
| 5. | Rohan Khanna | = | VI - A | ||
| Bumper Prize | |||||
| Manik Panwar | = | VII - K | |||
| The Following is list of Winners from Amity International | |||||
| Sr. No. | Student Names | Class | |||
| 1. | Kunal Verma | = | V - Amity Gurgaon | ||
| 2. | Sanchit Sehgal | = | VIII - Amity East Delhi | ||
| 3. | Akash Ahuja | = | VIII - Amity East Delhi | ||
| 4. | Madhav Kaushik | = | V - E - Amity Noida | ||
| 5. | Dishant Goyal | = | VII - A Amity Gurgaon | ||
| Bumper Prize | |||||
| Shivank Chaturvedi | = | X-B Amity International , Noida. | |||
Social Responsibility – Top agenda for ICL players
Chandigarh Lions captain and New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns undertakes 1001kms walk for his organization - the Chris Cairns Foundation. Besides, Mumbai Champs support Jai Hind College’s Monsoon Marathon.
The Indian Cricket League (ICL) fraternity has taken up social causes across the globe as a part of their social responsibility. The enormous support that the sport of cricket receives from the general masses makes it an ideal platform to create awareness and promote social causes.
Chris Cairns, Kiwi cricket stalwart and Chandigarh Lions’ captain, has undertaken a 1001kms walk from Auckland to Christchurch in New Zealand. This is in aid of his institute, Chris Cairns Foundation which has the sole objective of promoting rail safety and education in his country. “I really want the Foundation to make a difference with rail safety in New Zealand. Since Louise died over 100 people have lost their lives at road level crossings and I am committed to ensuring that people understand their responsibilities at level crossings and that this number does not continue to grow”, Chris was quoted as saying in his statement.
Indian domestic players too have displayed active interest in using the platform of cricket for promoting social causes in their respective regions. Mumbai Champs exemplified this initiative by participating and supporting Jai Hind College’s Monsoon Marathon; the run was organised in order to create consciousness about global warming.
The ICL have not only pioneered initiatives in the field of cricket but also have guided sportspersons so that they understand their social responsibility.
http://www.indiancricketleague.in/specials/diary/social-responsibility.htmlICL Stars help Sussex win Pro-40 County Championship
16th September, 2008
The ICL player-pool prowess and its contemporary relevance were proved when two of its players Murray Goodwin (Ahmedabad Rockets) & Mohammad Sami (Lahore Badshahs) were involved in a match-winning partnership to help their team, Sussex, win the Pro40 County Championship.
The high-octane match in it climax stage saw Sussex needing 4 runs of the last ball against Nottinghamshire with the stylish Rockets middle-order batsman, Goodwin on strike.
Chasing 226 for victory, Sussex was in all sorts of trouble at 130 for 8 before Mohammad Sami joined Murray Goodwin at the crease. With Nottinghamshire expecting a victory soon, Goodwin and Sami slowly started taking the game away from the opposition.
Once they settled into momentum, the duo practically had everything going in their favor as even Sami, who came as a tail-ender managed to preserve his wicket till the end scoring an unbeaten 32 from 40 deliveries with the help of 2 boundaries.
Murray Goodwin however was in impeccable form as his unbeaten 87 included six boundaries and three huge sixes. Needing four runs from the final delivery to win the match, Goodwin struck a six to take his side home to a well-deserved victory.
Goodwin, who was later awarded the ‘Player of the Match' award for his heroic efforts, admitted that he himself did not expect to win but he kept telling his ICL teammate, Mohammad Sami, to keep hitting the ball hard and into the gaps.
Sussex ended up wining the Pro40 County Championship by 2 wickets thanks to the match-resuscitating, unbeaten, 99-run partnership between the two ICL stars. This innings will hold both players in good stead for the forthcoming ICL season which begins in less than a month's time.
Sami will be seen in action for the Lahore Badshahs, a team which is considered one of the strongest units at the ICL despite not winning a title last year.
Goodwin will feature at the ICL for the Ahmedabad Rockets and his recent form in the county is a stark reminder for all opposition in the ICL that the Ahmedabad Rockets will be one of the dark-horses in the forthcoming ICL season. The challenge from the Rockets is something every ICL team management will take on priority.
It is best exemplified by the legendary player and coach of the Chennai Superstars, Michael Bevan, who in his recent interview to the ICL website, www.indiancricketleague.in, expected the Rockets to provide stiff competition to his side, Chennai Superstars. By the looks of Goodwin's form and confidence, Bevan's prediction may just come true.
Another big move in favor of the Ahmedabad Rockets is the inception of its home ground in the form of the Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad, as the fourth venue in the forthcoming ICL season. If the Hyderabad Heroes' home-court advantage last season was anything to go by, then the Ahmedabad Rockets may just be ‘the side to watch out for' this season.
The ICL player-pool prowess and its contemporary relevance were proved when two of its players Murray Goodwin (Ahmedabad Rockets) & Mohammad Sami (Lahore Badshahs) were involved in a match-winning partnership to help their team, Sussex, win the Pro40 County Championship.
The high-octane match in it climax stage saw Sussex needing 4 runs of the last ball against Nottinghamshire with the stylish Rockets middle-order batsman, Goodwin on strike.
Chasing 226 for victory, Sussex was in all sorts of trouble at 130 for 8 before Mohammad Sami joined Murray Goodwin at the crease. With Nottinghamshire expecting a victory soon, Goodwin and Sami slowly started taking the game away from the opposition.
Once they settled into momentum, the duo practically had everything going in their favor as even Sami, who came as a tail-ender managed to preserve his wicket till the end scoring an unbeaten 32 from 40 deliveries with the help of 2 boundaries.
Murray Goodwin however was in impeccable form as his unbeaten 87 included six boundaries and three huge sixes. Needing four runs from the final delivery to win the match, Goodwin struck a six to take his side home to a well-deserved victory.
Goodwin, who was later awarded the ‘Player of the Match' award for his heroic efforts, admitted that he himself did not expect to win but he kept telling his ICL teammate, Mohammad Sami, to keep hitting the ball hard and into the gaps.
Sussex ended up wining the Pro40 County Championship by 2 wickets thanks to the match-resuscitating, unbeaten, 99-run partnership between the two ICL stars. This innings will hold both players in good stead for the forthcoming ICL season which begins in less than a month's time.
Sami will be seen in action for the Lahore Badshahs, a team which is considered one of the strongest units at the ICL despite not winning a title last year.
Goodwin will feature at the ICL for the Ahmedabad Rockets and his recent form in the county is a stark reminder for all opposition in the ICL that the Ahmedabad Rockets will be one of the dark-horses in the forthcoming ICL season. The challenge from the Rockets is something every ICL team management will take on priority.
It is best exemplified by the legendary player and coach of the Chennai Superstars, Michael Bevan, who in his recent interview to the ICL website, www.indiancricketleague.in, expected the Rockets to provide stiff competition to his side, Chennai Superstars. By the looks of Goodwin's form and confidence, Bevan's prediction may just come true.
Another big move in favor of the Ahmedabad Rockets is the inception of its home ground in the form of the Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad, as the fourth venue in the forthcoming ICL season. If the Hyderabad Heroes' home-court advantage last season was anything to go by, then the Ahmedabad Rockets may just be ‘the side to watch out for' this season.
Champions T20 League final to be held in Mumbai
Mumbai: Lalit Modi, Chairman of the Champions Twenty20 League today announced that the eight-team tournament, to be held from December 3-10, would be played in Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai with the final to be played in Mumbai.
Eight teams, including the reigning winners and runners-up from the domestic Twenty20 competitions in India (Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings), Australia (Western Australia Warriors and Victoria Bushrangers) and South Africa (Titans and Dolphins), besides reigning Twenty20 champions from Pakistan and England Twenty20 Cup winners Middlesex will contest a US$6 million team prize pool in this edition of the tournament. The tournament will be contested by 12 teams in Year Two between September 25 and October 10, 2009.
The eight teams have been divided into two groups of four each and will initially play each other on a league basis. The top two teams will qualify for the semi-finals, with the Winners of Group A facing off against the Runners-Up of Group B and vice versa, in the last four stage.
The winners will then clash in the Grand Finale to be played in Mumbai on December 10.
"In the Champions League Twenty20, I believe we have a concept that will inspire and motivate the future generations of club, state and county cricketers, while accelerating the development of the game globally," said Lalit Modi.
Eight teams, including the reigning winners and runners-up from the domestic Twenty20 competitions in India (Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings), Australia (Western Australia Warriors and Victoria Bushrangers) and South Africa (Titans and Dolphins), besides reigning Twenty20 champions from Pakistan and England Twenty20 Cup winners Middlesex will contest a US$6 million team prize pool in this edition of the tournament. The tournament will be contested by 12 teams in Year Two between September 25 and October 10, 2009.
The eight teams have been divided into two groups of four each and will initially play each other on a league basis. The top two teams will qualify for the semi-finals, with the Winners of Group A facing off against the Runners-Up of Group B and vice versa, in the last four stage.
The winners will then clash in the Grand Finale to be played in Mumbai on December 10.
"In the Champions League Twenty20, I believe we have a concept that will inspire and motivate the future generations of club, state and county cricketers, while accelerating the development of the game globally," said Lalit Modi.
Source: www.mid-day.com
$9 million agreement with Dubai sports city
KARACHI (Reuters) - Pakistan has signed a three-year, $9 million agreement to play its one-day internationals and Twenty20 matches in Dubai, the country's cricket board said on Thursday. The deal with Dubai sports city comes after failed attempts by Pakistan to convince teams to tour the country after a slew of bombings in recent months. Pakistan had sought new opponents after the postponement of a test tour by Australia and the ICC Champions Trophy, both because of security concerns. "We have signed the deal with Dubai sports city," Shafqat Naghmi, chief operating officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) told Reuters. "It gives us option of playing international cricket and also improves our financial health." He said the agreement will feature a tri-series in 2009 after construction of the cricket stadium in the Dubai sports city is completed. Informed sources said the PCB will be paid $1.5 million for each event, as well as a $100,000 appearance fee to each player for every tournament played in the emirate. In 2002, Pakistan played West Indies and Australia at neutral venues after the teams refused to tour the South Asian country in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. The West Indies has been invited to go to Pakistan to play two tests immediately after the two teams finish a one-day series in Dubai from Nov. 12-16. However, Naghmi said its players had also expressed security concerns about touring Pakistan.
Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Bradman bat fetches record price
Donald Bradman's first Test cricket bat sold at auction here late Wednesday for a record 145,000 dollars (121,938 US), the auction house said. An Australian bidder acquired the bat, which was signed by the country's greatest cricketer and the entire 1928-29 Test team and their English rivals. "This is a record price for a cricket bat and there were several bidders, all of them within Australia, hoping to win the auction," a spokeswoman for Leski Auctions told national news agency AAP. Bradman, who died in 2001 aged 92, is Australia's greatest sporting legend and maintains an unbeaten Test batting average of 99.94 some 60 years after his last match. The bat sold at auction was used on Bradman's Test debut, during which he scored just 18 and 1 as Australia were thrashed by England. The English won the series 4-1. Bradman, who was dropped after the match, donated the bat to a competition run by a Sydney newspaper to help raise funds for a children's hospital.
source: www.cricbuzz.com
Akhtar allowed to play domestic event
Pakistan cricket authorities said Tuesday that controversial paceman Shoaib Akhtar can play in a domestic cricket tournament -- just one week after barring him from the same event. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Akhtar can play in a Twenty20 event without paying a 90,000-dollar fine that he owes from an earlier disciplinary breach, contradicting an earlier statement from a PCB legal adviser. The 33-year-old paceman was banned for five years in April for criticising the PCB's failure to award him a central contract. It was later reduced by an appeals commission to 18 months but the commission also imposed the fine. Lahore High court suspended the ban in July but upheld the fine. "We never barred him from playing the domestic event," PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi told AFP. Akhtar was not initially included in any of the 13 teams due to compete for the national T20 title from October 4-8 after PCB legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi said last Tuesday that Akthar could not play. But his name was included recently in the Islamabad team for the event, which will serve as selection test for a four-nation event in Canada. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Canada are competing in the event, which will be held in Toronto from October 10-13. The PCB last month included Akhtar in a 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy, but two days later the PCB changed its stance and said Akhtar could only play if he paid the fine. The trophy was, however, postponed for 12 months over security fears. Akhtar returned home early Tuesday after playing two first-class matches for Surrey in the English county season. He managed just one wicket in two matches and failed to help Surrey avoid relegation to Division Two. Akhtar said he will play in the domestic event. "I am disappointed on not getting the number of wickets I wished but I have just returned from fitness problems so it will take some time to gain full rhythm," he said. "I will play in the domestic T20 event to prove my fitness and want to play for Pakistan as soon as possible," said Akhtar, whose last match for Pakistan was the third Test against India at Bangalore in December last year.Source: www.cricbuzz.com
Greg is no threat...
India: If the Indian players start losing sleep because Greg Chappell is in bed with the enemy then they need a sharp wake-up call. What can Greg tell the Australians they don't already know about this Indian batting line-up?If the Australian captain doesn't know how he wants his bowlers to attack Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman after playing against them for a decade, then Greg isn't going to be of much help. If the Australian batsmen don't already have their own plan to cope with Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan then Greg would be better off taking in the sights of Agra.And despite Ricky Ponting's struggles with the bat in India he's still played eight more Tests in the country than Greg. That's right, Greg didn't play a Test in India and even though he's watched a lot of cricket under those conditions there's nothing like actually having been out in the middle.Make no mistake, in his time there was no better mentally organised batsman than Greg and I can vouch for his determination all the way back to his eighth birthday. It would be in the Australian batsmen's best interest to listen when Greg talks about mental preparation because he has a diploma in the subject. And it wouldn't hurt a few of the catching cordon to ask him about fielding in the slips because that's an area of concern for Australia.However, the Indians shouldn't be worrying about what Greg might pass on to the Australians in regard to weaknesses and foibles. It's more important they concentrate on making sure their game is in order. There's no doubt Greg is a valuable addition to Australia's Centre of Excellence; he can make a real difference to young players on the verge of international cricket. And travelling with the touring side in India for a few weeks will help him get a feel for the way the modern Australian player approaches the game. However, if the Indian players worry so much about Greg's presence in the opposition dressing room it puts them off their game then they are in big trouble before a ball is even bowled. If it reaches the point where it leads to India's defeat in the series then the home players will only have themselves to blame.
source: www.mid-day.com
ICC may control T20 Tournaments
London: As popularity of the Twenty20 format of the game seems going through the roof, the International Cricket Council (ICC) are considering regulating the spree of T20 tournaments to protect the attraction of international cricket.
"All these tournaments are springing up and what we are trying to do is regulate them in a more effective way. A private businessman might have different ambitions but we have to protect the game of cricket," ICC Chief Executive Officer Haroon Lorgat was quoted as saying.
"Twenty20 is an opportunity that people have spotted they can take advantage of, but that doesn't detract from what has been agreed by all members that we will not sacrifice nation-v-nation cricket. Everyone recognises its importance. People are not disregarding it," he said.
Interestingly, Lorgat's comment came days after 6 Bangladesh cricketers, including former captain Habibul Bashar, resigned from the national team in an apparent move to join the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).
"If there wasn't an interest in the sport there wouldn't be so many challenges. I would rather come into a scenario where things are moving at great speed, with new forms of cricket and a new audience," the South African added.
The Champions League Twenty20 tournament will also be held here in December, and the rebel ICL will also start its third session from October 10.
"All these tournaments are springing up and what we are trying to do is regulate them in a more effective way. A private businessman might have different ambitions but we have to protect the game of cricket," ICC Chief Executive Officer Haroon Lorgat was quoted as saying.
"Twenty20 is an opportunity that people have spotted they can take advantage of, but that doesn't detract from what has been agreed by all members that we will not sacrifice nation-v-nation cricket. Everyone recognises its importance. People are not disregarding it," he said.
Interestingly, Lorgat's comment came days after 6 Bangladesh cricketers, including former captain Habibul Bashar, resigned from the national team in an apparent move to join the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).
"If there wasn't an interest in the sport there wouldn't be so many challenges. I would rather come into a scenario where things are moving at great speed, with new forms of cricket and a new audience," the South African added.
The Champions League Twenty20 tournament will also be held here in December, and the rebel ICL will also start its third session from October 10.
source: www.mid-day.com
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Tough task ahead
SYDNEY: Unfavourable stats stare at Ricky Ponting when he sits down to plan his strategy for the four-Test series against India. The Australian captain knows that it would take some doing to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy this time around.Ponting is leading a side with only four players of his 14-member squad having played Test cricket in India. But he has the best record of all Australian captains. In 44 Tests he has lost only four Tests, importantly two of them have been against India. One of these was the only match he played on the previous Test tour four years ago, reports The Australian.Ponting missed the first three matches on the 2004 tour through injury and Adam Gilchrist led the Australia side to cross what Steve Waugh said was the 'Final Frontier' by winning the first Test series in India for 35 years. Ponting led in the last Test only to lose narrowly on a dreadful pitch.The other loss against India under Ponting came during the third Test last summer in Perth before Australia drew the final Test in Adelaide to seal a difficult 2-1 series victory. source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/?in_leftnav
Friday, September 19, 2008
Harbhajan and co. aim to bowl over girls with dance
Showbusiness and cricket have long been passions in India. Now the two are joining forces in a new television show that pairs well-known stars with their sporting counterparts in a dance contest. "Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena", loosely translated as A Cricketer and A Maiden, follows a similar format to the popular British variety show "Strictly Come Dancing", where celebrities team up with ballroom dancing professionals. Former England opening batsman Mark Ramprakash and fast bowler Darren Gough have both won that series, showing nifty footwork and a previously hidden talent for the Tango, Foxtrot and Cha Cha Cha. Attempting to do something similar are fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, spinner Harbhajan Singh, swing bowler Irfan Pathan, wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, former slow bowler Nikhil Chopra and former batsman Vinod Kambli. Their partners will be stars of the large and small screen Surveen Chawla, Mona Singh, Ashima Bhalla, Nigar Khan, Barkha Bisht and Shama Sikander. But instead of ballroom, they will be swinging to popular tracks in an hour-long show from next Friday and Saturday on the cable-satellite channel Colors, in the hope of winning a 54,000-dollar top prize. Casting a careful eye over their efforts will be former Pakistan all-rounder Wasim Akram, who with the former Miss Universe-turned-Bollywood star Sushmita Sen and the studio audience will vote on the couples' efforts. Television advertisements for the show have already begun running, with the cricketers, dressed in maroon silk shirts, throwing shapes with their partners. Colors head of programmes Ashvini Yardi said in a statement: "We've all grown up idolising our cricketing heroes. I am sure that after 'Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena', we'll be practising their steps as well." England's Gough won "Strictly Come Dancing" after being left out of the national side in 2005. But there is no danger of Harbhajan being double-booked for the upcoming three-Test series against Australia starting early next month: the dance show is recorded.
Source: www.circbuzz.com
Tendulkar says Australia now India's major rivals
Batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar said that India's rivalry with Australia was now even more intense than with long-time arch-enemy Pakistan. Ahead of Australia's four-Test tour to India, which opens on October 9 in Bangalore, Tendulkar said he expected a fiercely competitive series between two teams who have battled for superiority over recent years. "I think it (India v Australia) has become bigger largely because of the competitiveness," Tendulkar said. "All the series between us from 2001 onwards have been very keenly fought and have been very close ones." In the ill-tempered 2007-2008 series in Australia, India lost the first two Tests but recorded a prized victory over the home team in the third Test in Perth. "We have gone to Australia and beaten them," Tendulkar stressed. "We have been able to surprise the Australian team and that's what the Australian public likes: competition and high standards of play. They love to see challenges and competitiveness. "The fan following for the India-Australia series has definitely increased as compared to say 15 years ago," he added. The "little master", now aged 35, is closing in on Brian Lara's record for the most runs ever scored in a Test career, but said statistics were not his priority. "I don't think much about records. I want to enjoy my game. If players focus on their performance, records automatically fall into place," said Tendulkar, speaking to reporters in New Delhi. "I focus on playing the game well. If it (the record) comes in doing so I will be happy," added the ace batsman, who is only 76 runs short of overtaking Lara's mark of 11,953 runs. India's last tour of Australia was marked by personal insults between teams, and allegations of racial abuse and bad sportsmanship. But Tendulkar said he did not expect a repeat of such problems during the upcoming series. "Talking on behalf of the Indian team, I can say we will play hard but fair and I feel the Australians also will do so," he said. Source: www.circbuzz.com
SL lifts domestic ban on 'rebel' ICL players
Sri Lanka will re-admit players aligned with the unauthorised Indian Cricket League into domestic cricket, officials said on Friday, in a move that defies the world cricket establishment. "Players will be allowed to play for their respective clubs and share their expertise, but cannot represent the country," Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) media manager Shane Fernando told AFP. The SLC had last year banned its five ICL players -- Marvan Atapattu, Russel Arnold, Upul Chandana, Avishka Gunawardena and Saman Jayantha -- from playing any official cricket matches. The decision comes two days after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) joined its counterparts from other countries in banning 13 players, including former captain Habibur Bashar, who has signed up with the ICL. The ICL, bankrolled by India's largest listed media company Zee Telefilms, was launched last year in a direct conflict with the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI not only barred any ICL player or official from taking part in official cricket, but also convinced other boards to take similar action against their 'rebel' players. The Indian board also started its own lucrative Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition, featuring the world's top stars, to counter the ICL. Not surprisingly, ICL officials welcomed Sri Lanka's decision. "This is a step in the right direction," ICL business head Himanshu Mody told the Cricinfo website. "We hope that this decision will pave the way for Sri Lankan cricketers to play both for the ICL and their country in the near future." The ICL's first season last year comprised Twenty20 and 50-overs-a-side matches between eight teams that included a mix of international players and domestic Indian cricketers. Among the top stars aligned with the ICL are retired former Test captains Brian Lara of the West Indies and Inzamam-ul Haq of Pakistan, besides fiery New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond and veteran Chris Cairns. The Dhaka Warriors will be added as the ninth team in the second season starting on October 10.
source: www.circbuzz.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Right decision to tour India:Ponting
Melbourne: Captain Ricky Ponting has defended Cricket Australia's decision to go ahead with India tour despite recent bomb blasts in New Delhi, saying the the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and independent security experts have given them green signal.
Terming the decision 'serious', Ponting told the Australian, "Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have obviously been in very close contact with CA over the last few days.
"As we all know and has been outlined already, these are very different circumstances between India and Pakistan right at the moment and the Board has made that very clear."
He added that both as captain and player of the team he is comfortable to visit India on the advice of CA and the Australian Cricketer's Association.
The skipper also welcomed volatile all-rounder Andrew Symonds decision to return to the game as a better person.
"I actually think there were some really positive signs over the last couple of days with Andrew," said Ponting.
"He's fronted the media and admitted that there's some room for improvement in certain parts of his life," he added.
Terming the decision 'serious', Ponting told the Australian, "Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have obviously been in very close contact with CA over the last few days.
"As we all know and has been outlined already, these are very different circumstances between India and Pakistan right at the moment and the Board has made that very clear."
He added that both as captain and player of the team he is comfortable to visit India on the advice of CA and the Australian Cricketer's Association.
The skipper also welcomed volatile all-rounder Andrew Symonds decision to return to the game as a better person.
"I actually think there were some really positive signs over the last couple of days with Andrew," said Ponting.
"He's fronted the media and admitted that there's some room for improvement in certain parts of his life," he added.
Source: www.mid-day.com
B'desh upbeat despite exodus as NZ loom
Bangladesh are confident the exodus of players to the unofficial Indian Cricket League (ICL) would not cripple the national team in next month's home series against New Zealand, a cricket official said on Thursday. Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar and 12 other leading players signed for the Twenty20 league on Tuesday. The board has said it would slap 10-year bans on those playing in unofficial tournaments. "No doubt it is a setback for us," Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) media chief Ahmed Sazzadul Alam told Reuters. "But we are confident that we have enough players in the pipeline to fill the void. Bangladesh, who play three one-dayers and two tests against New Zealand, have only won one of their previous 53 tests (47 defeats) since making their debut in 2000. "The players waiting in the pipeline are equally talented," Alam said. "The only thing we will be missing is the experience of a few players." Among those who have signed up for the ICL, only Alok Kapali, Farhad Reza and Dhiman Ghosh were in the Bangladesh squad which played three one-dayers against Australia this month. Batsmen Shariar Nafees and Aftab Ahmed played in the previous test series, at home against South Africa in February. At least seven contracted players including Bashar, Nafees and Aftab have put in requests for retirement with BCB without giving any reason. Alam said many key players had not joined ICL. "Most of the players like Mohammad Ashraful, Mashrafe Mortaza, Sakib Al Hassan, Tamim Iqbal, Abdur Razzak and Shahadat Hossain who are regulars in the national team, are still with us. "Our bowling department is not at all affected with their departure." New Zealand arrive in Bangladesh on Sept.30 and play two ODIs in Dhaka on Oct. 9 and 11 with the final game in Chittagong on Oct.14. The tests will be played in Chittagong and Dhaka from Oct.17 and 25 respectively. The BCB officials are also hopeful its depleted team and the Australian test tour of India happening around the same period would not affect the interest in the Bangladesh series and its income.
source: www.circbuzz.com
Racism row will not mar tour - Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is confident that the racism row that marred India's tour of Australia in January will not cast a shadow on next month's test series against the world's top-ranked team. "I don't think there is any friction between us," Tendulkar told reporters on Thursday. "As far as the Indian team is concerned, we would want to be competitive but play in the right spirit. I am very sure that the Australians would want to do the same thing." India threatened to pull out of the series in Australia after spinner Harbhajan Singh was initially found guilty of racially abusing all-rounder Andrew Symonds in the acrimonious second test in Sydney. A standoff between the teams ended after the charge was downgraded on appeal to using abusive language and the bowler let off with a fine. Australia won the series 2-1. Symonds was omitted from the touring squad named on Friday after missing a compulsory team meeting to go fishing. "I do agree they don't happen every weekend," Tendulkar said of the row. "But such things have happened in the past as well." Australia arrive this month in India ahead for the four-match series which begins on Oct. 9 with the first test in Bangalore. Tendulkar, who returns from his latest injury layoff in a premier domestic game next week, played down talk that the tourists were a weak unit. SERIOUS FORCE Australia named uncapped leg-spinner Bryce McGain, who could make his test debut at the age of 36, and offspinner Jason Krejza in the squad to replace retired Stuart MacGill. "As we all know it (Australia) is the number one team in the world. They will come here with serious force," Tendulkar said. "They still have a lot of experienced players in the team. It is not that it is a completely transformed side with no senior players in the team," he added. Tendulkar put the rivalry against Australia over the one against neighbours Pakistan. "I think it has become bigger only because of the competitiveness," he said. "All the series we have played in the recent past, taking from 2001, they have all been close ones. "Australians like good standard of play, and they enjoy healthy competition. We were able to surprise them on occasions."
Souce: www.cricbuzz.com
Cricket South Africa president quits
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Cricket South Africa (CSA) president Norman Arendse stood down on Wednesday, a year into a three-year spell at the head of the governing body. Arendse's resignation, which he announced at a news conference, comes with CSA set to merge their professional and amateur arms into one body on Sept. 26. They will hold fresh elections to choose officials and Arendse was being challenged for the presidency by Mtutuzeli Nyoka, head of cricket for the Gauteng province. Announcing his retirement, Arendse blamed a lack of support from CSA chief executive Gerald Majola and the 11 provincial affiliates and anti-transformation forces for his demise. "Although I was returned unopposed as president of CSA in August 2007 for a three-year term, I never at any stage enjoyed the full trust and confidence of the CEO, and all 11 affiliates," he said. "The CEO is of the view that the president is merely a ceremonial head there to preside over meetings, and to attend matches and functions. "By contrast, I hold the view that the CEO is employed by the Board, and is accountable to it," Arendse added. "As a consequence of these sharply contrasting positions, the relationship between the CEO and I has broken down irretrievably." Majola denied there was any personal enmity between himself and Arendse, in a statement released by CSA later on Wednesday. "The differences between us were of management style, and hardly irretrievable in my view. "We will thus continue our vision of making South African cricket a truly national sport of winners. We face the future with vigour and confidence," Majola said. Arendse added that he believed the affiliates who did not support him were against the transformation of the game to reflect the demographics of the country. MOST UNHEALTHY "Historically, the 6:5 split in South African cricket has bedevilled the administration of the game... and has reared its ugly head again. Currently six of the 11 affiliates appear not to support me as president. "The manipulation of this situation ... is most unhealthy, and detrimental to the game. "Since unity in 1992, those affiliates who continue steadfastly to support me... have traditionally been the affiliates that are supportive of transformation in cricket as they come from the non-racial fold. "The other affiliates have battled to come to terms with transformation and, in some instances, transformation is completely lacking and remains a foreign concept. "The charges against me appear to be my transformation agenda, and my demand of the CEO that he be accountable to me in my representative capacity as the president of the Board. "I plead guilty to both charges, and have nothing to say in mitigation of sentence," Arendse, who is a lawyer, said. Arendse said he will also step down from all his positions with the International Cricket Council, which is the sport's world governing body. Arendse has been involved in three selection disputes with the South African national team that have brought him into conflict with Majola.
soruce: www.circbuzz.com
Bangladesh T20 rebels banned for 10 years
Bangladesh cricket chiefs said on Wednesday that 13 players who opted to compete in the unauthorised Indian Twenty20 league will be banned for 10 years. The Indian Cricket League (ICL) unveiled late Tuesday its new Dhaka Warriors team in New Delhi, which comprises 11 Bangladesh internationals reportedly earning 200,000 dollars each over a three-year period. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) held an emergency meeting Wednesday and decided to ban the players for joining the unapproved league for 10 years, BCB spokesman Rabeed Imam said. "We don't have full reports of who have joined the ICL. But today, the board has decided that whoever has joined the unapproved league would be automatically banned for 10 years," he said. The board was also considering legal action against the 13 for breaching International Cricket Council rules, he added. At least seven of the 13 players informed the BCB they were retiring from Bangladesh cricket, citing personal reasons. The 13 players announced for the Dhaka Warriors include former captain Habibul Bashar and senior team-mates Shahriar Nafis, Dhiman Ghosh, Mohammad Rafique and Alok Kapali. The others are Aftab Ahmed, Farhad Reza, Manjural Islam, Mabud Chowdhury, Mahbubul Karim, Mohammad Sharif, Mosharraf Hossain and Tapash Baisya. Players aligned with the ICL -- bankrolled by India's largest listed media company Zee Telefilms -- are banned from playing official domestic and international cricket. The meeting was held a day after the board announced it would not accept the players' retirements. Earlier Wednesday, Bangladesh's Australia-born coach Jamie Siddons, who joined the cricket minnows a year ago, denied the sport was in crisis. "We can't afford to lose that many players on a regular basis. We'll replace these guys with young players but my biggest concern is that the ICL will come knocking again next year," Siddons told AFP via telephone from Australia. Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful told the leading Bengali language newspaper 'Prothom Alo', in an interview published Tuesday that he was offered a 700,000-dollar contract to play in the ICL, which he declined.
source: www.cricbuzz.com
Thursday, September 11, 2008
ESS pay $1bln for Champions League rights
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - ESPN Star Sports will shell out nearly $1 billion for the commercial and marketing rights for the Twenty20 Champions League. The inaugural tournament will be held Dec. 3-10 with $6 million in prize money. It will feature eight teams, two each from Australia, India and South Africa and the champions from the England and Pakistan domestic leagues. Organisers said on Thursday the broadcaster had bid $900 million for a 10-year deal, plus some $75 million for marketing. "The commercial rights were won by ESPN STAR Sports with a bid of $975 million (including $75 million for marketing the tournament)," they said in a statement. "This makes the Champions League Twenty20 the highest value cricket tournament on a per game basis." The Australian, Indian and South African boards will jointly organise the Champions League, an off-shoot of a lucrative Indian version launched this year. "We are absolutely delighted that after a fair and transparent process, we have what we believe to be the best commercial deal for the inaugural Champions League season and for cricket fans across the world," Lalit Modi, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president said in the release. Organisers plan to expand the field to 12 teams next year.
source: www.cricbuzz.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
