Second Test between India- Sri Lanka ends in a dull draw

T V Sriram

Colombo, Jul 30 (PTI) The second cricket Test between India and Sri Lanka meandered to a tame high-scoring draw here today with a staggering 1478 runs being scored over five days on a track which proved to be graveyard for bowlers.

With little interest left on a dreary last day, the Indians scored a mammoth 707 all out in the first innings, recording their second-highest total ever largely due to a dogged resistance by the last wicket pair of Ishant Sharma (27) and Pragyan Ojha (17).

The hosts then scored 129 for three in their second innings before both the captains decided to call off play, bringing an end to a dull Test completely dominated by the bastmen with just 17 wickets falling.

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is a great honour: Saina

HYDERABAD: Saina Nehwal's purple patch has just got an extension. Four weeks after the nation celebrated her terrific triple - hat-trick of wins at Indian Open, Singapore Super Series and Indonesia Super Series - the government bestowed upon her the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, the highest sporting honour in the country.

Surprisingly, the champion shuttler is not celebrating, rather she does not have time to celebrate. Her coach Pullela Gopichand insisted that she should not skip evening practice.

Worse still, she'll be doing the 'super circuit' considered the most difficult and energy sapping session of the whole week. "I am ecstatic. It's a great honour, the best I got and one of my long term dreams. But I wish it was not announced on Friday."

"Notwithstanding the hard work, I am enjoying every moment of my career. This award brings more responsibility to me and I'll work hard to bring more honour for the country," Saina said.

After the customary congratulations she expected her coach to give her an off. "He patted me and told me to sleep in the afternoon so that I can do the 'super circuit' session. I can't say no to him. It's a different experience going through the gruelling session even before the excitement of getting the award could sink in," Saina said.

The world number two thanked the government for the honour and said that though she got several honours nothing would match the Khel Ratna. "I know sportspersons die to get this Award. I am no different. I badly wanted to win it. I rate it as one of the biggest achievements of my life. I thank the government for this award. These things give us a lot of motivation and encourages us to work even harder," said Saina.

Incidentally, this is the third major award for her in the last one year. She won the Arjuna last August, Padma Shri this January and now the Khel Ratna.

President Pratibha Patil will present the award to Saina at a ceremony on August 29 in New Delhi. The award comprises a scroll of honour, medal and a cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh.

TOI

Tendulkar's double-ton leads India's run feast

COLOMBO: Star batsman Sachin Tendulkar hit 203 and debutant Suresh Raina made 120 as India bettered Sri Lanka's run-spree in the high-scoring second Test on Thursday.


India, kept on the field for the first two days during Sri Lanka's massive 642/4 declared, responded by piling up 669/9 by stumps on the fourth day at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

With just 13 wickets having fallen on the placid wicket in four days, the batsman-dominated Test is heading for a draw with Sri Lanka enjoying a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Tendulkar and Raina, who came together on the third afternoon with India on 241-4 and struggling to avoid their second successive follow-on, put on 256 runs for the fifth wicket.

Tendulkar compiled his fifth double-century, adding another feather to a glorious 168-Test career marked by more runs (13,742) and hundreds (48) than any other batsman in history.

He is also the leading one-day batsman with 17,598 runs and 46 hundreds, including the only double-century in limited-overs internationals.

The 37-year-old braved the stifling hot and humid weather in the Sri Lankan capital for more than eight hours to play a marathon innings studded with 23 boundaries and a six.

Tendulkar reached the 200-mark, his first in six years, with a flick off Ajantha Mendis for two runs, earning warm applause from team-mates and spectators alike.

Left-hander Raina became the ninth Indian to score a century in his first Test innings, before holing out to short mid-wicket off Mendis shortly after lunch.

Raina, just 23 and already a veteran of 98 one-day internationals, was awarded his Test cap only after Yuvraj Singh reported sick on the opening day of the match.

He hit two sixes and 12 boundaries, reaching his century with a fluent off-drive against seamer Dammika Prasad that raced to the fence.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (76) joined in the run feast after Raina's departure, adding 95 for the sixth wicket with Tendulkar and 51 for the eighth with Abhimanyu Mithun (41).

It was left to part-time spinner Tillakaratne Dilshan to get rid of Tendulkar soon after tea as wicket-keeper Prasanna Jayawardene held a bat-pad catch moving swiftly to the silly point area.

Dilshan also dismissed Harbhajan Singh in the same over and later took a return catch off Dhoni to finish with three wickets.

Sri Lanka missed the wicket-taking abilities of the retired Muttiah Muralitharan and injured fast bowler Lasith Malinga as the young crop of bowlers failed to contain the Indians.

Mendis finished with 4-157 from his 54 overs, while off-spinner Suraj Randiv failed to add to his two wickets on the third day and returned with 2-212 in 64 overs.

Muralitharan and Malinga had claimed 15 of the 20 Indian wickets in the first Test in Galle last week, which Sri Lanka won by 10 wickets.

TOI

Bolt, Gay to race in 4x100 relay at Zurich

Bolt, Gay to race in 4x100 relay at Zurich

ZURICH, July 29: Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay will race when Jamaica and the United States field teams in the 4x100 meter relay at the Diamond League meet in Zurich.

Organizers of the August 19 Weltklasse meet said on Thursday that Olympic and world champion Bolt will anchor a Jamaica team including Mario Forsythe, Yohan Blake, and Marvin Anderson. Gay, the second-fastest man in history behind Bolt's record of 9.58 seconds, heads a US lineup featuring Walter Dix, Wallace Spearmon and Trell Kimmons. Bolt and Gay are skipping the individual 200 at Zurich, which splits the Diamond League finals with Brussels the following week. Bolt, Gay and former world record-holder Asafa Powell of Jamaica will race the 100 at Stockholm's Diamond League meet next week. (Agencies)

Sachin, the artist, deserves Bharat Ratna: Asha Bhonsle

Sachin, the artist, deserves Bharat Ratna: Asha Bhonsle

NEW DELHI, July 29: When Sachin Tendulkar bats, it’s like an artist playing a ‘raga’ and the true legend of the game deserves the Bharat Ratna, legendary singer Asha Bhonsle on Thursday.

Tendulkar on Thursday smashed his fifth Test double hundred and helped India chase a mammoth Sri Lankan total of 642/4 declared in the second match.

“Sachin should get Bharat Ratna. He deserves it. He has been bringing laurels for the country for such a long time. He is not just a batsman but an artist. When he bats it looks as if somebody is playing a ‘raga’,” Bhonsle said.

Kalmadi dubs Mani Shankar Aiyar anti-national

Kalmadi dubs Mani Shankar Aiyar anti-national

New Delhi, July 27: Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi labelled Mani Shankar Aiyar ‘anti national’ for wishing that the Commonwealth Games are ‘spoilt’.

Aiyar, who as a sports minister was a known critic of the Commonwealth Games and even had continuous run-ins with Kalmadi, maintained that the huge amount of money spent on Commonwealth Games could have been better used to train young athletes for international sporting events.

“Personally, I will be unhappy if the Commonwealth Games are successful,” Aiyar, a nominated Rajya Sabha member, told reporters outside parliament on Tuesday.

“I am very happy with the rains, firstly it will ensure a good agriculture for the country and secondly it will ensure that the Commonwealth Games are spoilt,” Aiyar said. “Just imagine, if we would have spent the Rs.35,000 crore ($7 billion) in providing training to the children, we would have won medals at every international sporting event,” Aiyar added.

Kalmadi retorted saying that had Aiyar continued as the sports minister, India could never have hosted the Games. “The Games are possible only because MS Gill is the sports minister. Had Mani Shankar Aiyar continued to be sports minister, the Games would not have happened at all. Gill has done a remarkable job since he has taken over,” Kalmadi said during the inauguration of the remodelled Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Later, talking to reporters, Kalmadi said: “He (Aiyar) is anti-national. When everyone is looking forward to the Commonwealth Games, he is going around wishing the Games are spoilt.” (IANS)

Sangakkara, Jaywardene frustrate India

Sangakkara, Jaywardene frustrate India

Colombo, July 27: Skipper Kumar Sangakkara smashed his seventh double ton and Mahela Jayawardene notched up his 28th century as Sri Lanka ended the second day’s play with a massive first innings lead of 547 runs against India in the second cricket Test here on Tuesday. Sangakkara (219) and Jayawardene (174) stitched a 193-run third-wicket stand to enable Sri Lanka declare their first innings at 624 for four shortly after tea at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground. Thilan Samaraweera made an unbeaten 76.

India also made a strong start with openers Virender Sehwag (64) and Murali Vijay (22) seeing the last 18 overs of the day by scoring 95 runs. For Sangakkara it was his seventh double ton, and he surpassed Marvan Atapattu’s six and now has the most double hundreds in his country. Sangakkara’s double-century put him at par with Wally Hammond of England. Only Australian legend Don Bradman (12) and West Indian Brian Lara (9) have more scores of 200 or more.

Sangakkara and Paranavitana slam tons as Lanka take control

COLOMBO: Captain Kumar Sangakkara and Tharanga Paranavitana struck their second successive centuries as Sri Lanka took firm control of the second Test against India by laying the foundation for a massive first innings on Monday.

Sangakkara (130 not out) notched up his 23rd Test century while Paranavitana (100) scored his second ton as the Lankan batsmen piled up the agony on a listless India by reaching a commanding 312 for two at close on the opening day.

The Indians, who desperately need to win the match to level the three-match series and retain their number one position, put up a rather pathetic bowling display to allow the hosts to get off to a flying start.

Mahela Jayawardene (13) was giving Sangakkara company at stumps as the hosts dominated on a very good batting track at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground.

Electing to bat, the two Lankan openers Tillakaratne Dilshan (54) and Paranavitana provided a rollicking start to the innings, capitalising on some wayward and insipid bowling by the Indians.

The depleted Indian bowling attack, badly missing the services of pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, just did not ball in the right areas to pose much problems for the hosts who scored at a brisk pace right through the day.

If the inexperienced pace duo of Ishant Sharma and Abhimanyu Mithun failed to make much of an impact, the two spinners Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha also lacked penetration to compound the problems for the visitors.

The Indians were pushed on the backfoot almost immediately after play began this morning with Dilshan and Paranavitana unleashing a flurry of strokes.

The opening pair put on a brisk 99 runs for the first wicket before Ojha provided the breakthrough by evicting the hard-hitting Dilshan with VVS Laxman latching on to a brilliant catch at short extra cover.

Dilshan struck ten boundaries during his 42-ball knock which allowed the home team to take the initiative from the word go.

Paranavitana and Sangakkara then served a painful reminder of the opening day's play at Galle as they tormented the Indians with a fine exhibition of batting.

The duo were in no discomfort at all as they scored at a quick pace, forcing Dhoni to opt for a completely defensive field.

Both Paranavitana and Sangakkara completed their centuries in the same over off Virender Sehwag, getting a standing ovation from the sparse home crowd.

The pair stitched 174 runs for the second wicket before Paranavitana fell to Ishant Sharma immediately after completing his century much to the relief of the Indians.

Earlier, continuing from where he left in the second innings at Galle, Dilshan scored at will hammering several boundaries on a batting-friendly track.

The right-hander was particularly severe on Ishant Sharma whom he hit with impunity.

Though accelerating in pace, Sharma hardly troubled Dilshan and the Lankan leaned forward to a 138 kmph delivery from the lanky bowler, thumping it between the mid-off and extra cover.

The very next delivery was dispatched to the mid-wicket, another short in length bowl in the same over was punched to the extra cover.

In the morning, Paranavitana was fortunate when an edge off Mithun fell short of the Indian captain and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Paranavitana then clobbered Pragyan Ojha for two consecutive boundaries after the drinks break.

Sangakkara got his half century after he whipped Ishant Sharma through the midwicket boundary.

Paranavitana then completed his fifty when he pressed back to punch a Sehwag turner to the sweeper cover. The two left handers put the hosts on course for a huge first innings lead.

The wicket, despite offering slight turn to the spinners, never seemed to trouble the two batsmen much.

Sri Lanka raced to 200 in a mere 285 balls and Paranavitana and Sangakkara also got to their 100 runs partnership in 174 balls and 108 minutes.

Earlier, Gautam Gambhir was ruled out due to a niggle in his knee while Yuvraj Singh made way to Suresh Raina owing to fever.

There was overhaul of the Sri Lankan bowling attack with Ajantha Mendis, Dilhara Fernando, Suraj Randiv and Dhamika Prasad making it to the final eleven.

TOI

Low key appearance for Sunil Chhetri against Man United

Low key appearance for Sunil Chhetri against Man United

NEW DELHI, July 26: Indian striker Sunil Chhetri made a low-key 21-minute appearance in the second half in Kansas City Wizard’s surprise 2-1 win over English Premier League giants Manchester United in an international friendly in Kansas City, United States.

Chhetri, who is yet to make his Major League Soccer debut, came in for Teal Bunbury in the 69th minute and had a couple of shots which however did not trouble Manchester United goalkeeper Benjamin Amos at the newly remodelled Arrowhead Stadium.

He was lively throughout his outing as he kept running and tried to pile pressure on the Manchester United defence in an open and free-flowing game that was played at a breakneck pace in front of more than 50,000 spectators last night.

‘We’ll look to add another 250 runs’

‘We’ll look to add another 250 runs’

COLOMBO, July 26: In a commanding position after scoring 312 for just two wickets on the opening day itself, Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara said his team would aim to add another 200 to 250 runs on Tuesday and bat India out of the second cricket Test.

Sangakkara (130 batting) and opener Tharanga Paranavitana (100) were in fine form against a toothless Indian attack which was also exposed early on by the explosive Tillakaratne Dilshan (54).

“We have to capitalise and bat long tomorrow. We need to get between 200 to 250 more runs tomorrow to put pressure on India. Anything above 250 would be a bonus,” Sangakkara said after the opening day’s play.

‘We’ll look to add another 250 runs’

‘We’ll look to add another 250 runs’

COLOMBO, July 26: In a commanding position after scoring 312 for just two wickets on the opening day itself, Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara said his team would aim to add another 200 to 250 runs on Tuesday and bat India out of the second cricket Test.

Sangakkara (130 batting) and opener Tharanga Paranavitana (100) were in fine form against a toothless Indian attack which was also exposed early on by the explosive Tillakaratne Dilshan (54).

“We have to capitalise and bat long tomorrow. We need to get between 200 to 250 more runs tomorrow to put pressure on India. Anything above 250 would be a bonus,” Sangakkara said after the opening day’s play.

Gambhir, Yuvraj out of second Test against Sri Lank

NEW DELHI: India dealt a big blow ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka as Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir were ruled out at the eleventh hour.

Yuvraj has been ruled out due to high fever while Gambhir is out because of his injured knee.

Suresh Raina comes in for Yuvraj to make his Test debut. Murali Vijay will open the innings with Virender Sehwag.

On the other hand, home team Sri Lanka may face bowling woes after the retirement of Muttiah Muralitharan and the absence of Lasith Malinga.

However, the Indians may not take a sigh of relief as mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis comes in to the squad.

India cannot afford another slip-up because a 2-0 or 3-0 series scoreline in Sri Lanka's favour will remove Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men from the perch and lift the hosts to the top spot.

TOI

Malinga rested, Mendis likely to replace Muralitharan

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who helped bowl his side to a 10-wicket victory over India in the first Test on Thursday, has been rested on medical advice for the second Test that starts from Monday.

Malinga was rested on the advice of team physiotherapist Tommy Simsek after the bowler complained of stiffness in his right knee, chairman of selectors Aravinda de Silva said.

The 26-year-old, who only returned to the Test arena at Galle after having last played a test match in December 2007 because of an injury to the knee, took five for 50 in India's second innings that helped his side to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

"We have to be cautious with Malinga. He was not feeling quite fit to go through a five-day Test. He complained of stiffness in his knee," said De Silva.

Malinga will be replaced by Dilhara Fernando. Ajantha Mendis who took six for 67 in a three-day game against India but was overlooked for the first Test, was named in the 16-man squad and is likely to take the now retired Muttiah Muralitharan's position.

Muralitharan retired after he took his 800th Test wicket with his final delivery at Galle.

Former captain Mahela Jayawardene was named as Kumar Sangakkara's vice-captain to replace Muralitharan.

"We want Mahela who has a good cricket brain to be part of the decision-making in the middle," said De Silva.

Sri Lanka squad: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tharanga Paranavitana, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Prasanna Jayawardene, Ajantha Mendis, Dilhara Fernando, Chanaka Welegedara, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath, Thilina Kandamby, Dammika Prasad, Lahiru Thirimanne, Nuwan Pradeep.

Sehwag retains No.1 spot in ICC Test rankings

DUBAI: India may have flopped in the opening Test against Sri Lanka but opener Virender Sehwag held on to the number one spot, while Sachin Tendulkar gained a place to be seventh in the latest ICC rankings for batsmen issued on Friday.


Sehwag, who scored 109 and 31 in the Test which India lost by 10 wickets, has opened up a 14-point gap over second-placed Kumar Sangakkara.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's iconic off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who spent a record 214 Tests and 1,711 days in the number-one spot, retired from Test cricket at the third spot in the bowling chart.

The 38-year-old, who finished with 800 wickets from 133 Tests, bowed out in third position behind Dale Steyn of South Africa and Pakistan's Mohammad Asif after climbing two spots in the latest rankings following figures of 5-63 and 3-128 which set-up a 10-wicket victory for Sri Lanka in the first Test of the three-match series in Galle.

The bowlers dropping in the latest rankings include off-colour Indian pacer Ishant Sharma, who was down one spot to 22nd, Rangana Herath (31st, down six places) and Pragyan Ojha (58th, down by nine places).

In the Rankings for Test batsmen, Indian opener Gautam Gambhir, middle-order batsmen Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni have failed to retain their places.

Gambhir has slipped six places to 10th position, Laxman has fallen two places to 15th position, Dravid has dropped one place to 18th place while Dhoni has fallen four places to the 40th spot.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has swapped places with his predecessor Mahela Jayawardene.

TOI

Inquiry panel submits report to HI, does not draw conclusions

Inquiry panel submits report to HI, does not draw conclusions

Hockey sex scandal

New Delhi, July 23: The inquiry panel probing the sex scandal that has rocked Indian hockey submitted its report to Hockey India today amid indications that the committee had only given a factual account and refrained from drawing any conclusions on coach M K Kaushik’s conduct. HI, on its part, will submit the report of the five-member inquiry committee to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) tomorrow.

“We have received the report from the committee. We will study and discuss the report thoroughly and accordingly give our recommendations and submit it to SAI tomorrow,” HI secretary general Narinder Batra said.

Chairman of the inquiry panel, Rajiv Mehta said the committee received testimonies from both the parties — coach M K Kaushik and complainant Ranjita Devi — and no other evidences were required for the probe. “We have had lots of testimonies from both the parties as well some other players and manager of the team Madhu Yadav and we don’t need to talk to any individual further.

We have given our report,” he said. It is learnt that the panel, comprising Rajiv Mehta (chairman), Zafar Iqbal, Ajitpal Singh, Sudarshan Pathak and Anupam Ghulati, refrained from drawing any conclusion and only presented facts in their report to HI. According to HI sources, the federation is also expected to refrain from giving any conclusion in their recommendation to SAI and will leave the entire matter on the government body as Kaushik was appointed by SAI. Indian hockey plunged into a deep crisis last Tuesday when fringe player Ranjita, in a written complaint to HI, accused chief coach Kaushik of sexually harassing her.

HI then sprung into action and formed a five-member committee to investigate the matter. Even though Kaushik tendered his resignation to HI president Vidya Stokes, which was accepted yesterday, he pleaded innocence and said the allegations were baseless and he was a victim of ‘big-time conspiracy’.

HI also sacked videographer Basavraj whose photographs with prostitutes in compromising situations during the recent Canada and China tour were also sent to the national body through an anonymous e-mail. (PTI)

Sangakkara feels ICC ranking system not ‘fair’

Sangakkara feels ICC ranking system not ‘fair’

Galle (Sri Lanka), July 23: Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has criticized the ICC ranking system as ‘unfair’ even though the island nation was in the sight of becoming the top Test side after they spanked India in the first match here. Asked whether the players take seriously a system that has India at number one despite not having won a series in Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka since 1993, Sangakkara said, “You should have asked that question to Haroon Lorgat (ICC chief executive) who was here.

“If rankings can’t be understood by the public, the players, or the administrators, what’s the use of having rankings? If you want rankings, they should count towards playing a Test championship,” he said. Sangakkara said for the ICC ranking system to be acceptable, the FTP should be ‘fair’ with each side playing each other at least once, home or away.

“Rankings need to be fairly done. A fair FTP is the first step towards having proper rankings.

Olonga wants Zimbabwe return to Tests

Former Zimbabwe fast bowler Henry Olonga believes it is time for his country to be allowed back into Test cricket.

Olonga, Zimbabwe's first black player, has been a high-profile opponent of Robert Mugabe's regime and, alongside current England coach Andy Flower, made a public show of dissent against the President when the 2003 World Cup came to Zimbabwe.

The pair famously wore black armbands to "mourn the death of democracy" during the tournament, an action which brought about Olonga's retirement at 26.

Olonga received death threats and was charged with treason and, after travelling with the team for a World Cup match in South Africa, he never returned to Zimbabwe.

The 34-year-old, who played 30 Tests and 50 ODIs, eventually settled in England, where he petitioned international teams not to tour his country as a stand against Mugabe's human rights record.

Zimbabwe last played a Test match in 2005 after the majority of the team's first-choice players went on strike following a dispute with the national board.

But discussions are under way to restore them to the five-day game as early as next year and Olonga believes now is the time for reintegration.

"I think on the whole it is right for Zimbabwe to move forward," Olonga said at the launch of his new book on Thursday.

"It is a difficult decision for me to say that because on the one hand I have protested against countries playing in Zimbabwe and been very up front about that.

"But I think what Zimbabwe needs now is a slow and steady reintroduction to Test cricket. It's not as though whenever Mugabe is out of power, we can start talking about it the next day. By then it is too late.

"We are starting to play well in one-day cricket now so let's use this momentum and get to the stage where they are a competitive Test side in three or four years.

"The way forward is for Zimbabwe to play some of the lesser teams first and if we don't get beaten in two days then we are heading in the right direction."

Olonga admits he remains uneasy about Mugabe's role in Zimbabwe public life but he knows a return to Test action is essential to give cricket in the country a chance to prosper.

"I would whole-heartedly support reintroduction because I want Zimbabwe back playing Test cricket, but we still have the problem of Robert Mugabe," he said.

"How do you deal with a man who has presided over the destruction of his own country through his own flawed policies?

"It's painful compromise but I think Zimbabwe is on the mend. Certainly it is cricket-wise but politically there is still a long way to go.

"Nevertheless, I think positions are softening. Zimbabwe, to their credit, have put in place some reforms and they've got a lot of experienced players back.

"Alistair Campbell is back as convenor of selectors, Heath Streak is doing some work as bowling coach. I understand Grant Flower is thinking of going back as a coach and Dave Houghton is also back doing some work with them.

"That these people are considering going back into the game there helps other countries see that Zimbabwe cricket has a measure of legitimacy now."

© AFP

Ponting joins Tendulkar in 12,000 club

Australia captain Ricky Ponting became only the second batsman after Sachin Tendulkar to score 12,000 Test runs when he reached the landmark against Pakistan on Thursday.

Ponting's edged a four to third man off left-arm quick Mohammad Aamer on the second day of the second Test at Headingley gave him the 40 runs he needed to reach the landmark in what was his 247th innings in his 146th Test.

Tendulkar also reached the 12,000 mark in the same number of innings.

Ponting is one of the outstanding batsmen of his generation and has scored 39 Test hundreds, second only to Tendulkar's record mark of 47.

But the India star made his Test debut aged 16 in 1990 - five years before the 35-year-old Ponting's debut - and has played 21 more matches at this level than the Australia batting great.

Tendulkar, 37, is the only batsman in Test history to have scored more than 13,000 runs. His tally stands at 13,539 runs from 273 innings in 167 matches with 47 hundreds, including a best of 248 not out, at an average of 55.48.

© AFP

FIFA begins inspection for 2018-2022 World Cups

FIFA begins inspection for 2018-2022 World Cups

Tokyo, July 20: A FIFA inspection committee has started a visit to the 12 countries vying to host the World Cup in 2018 and 2022. The visit to Japan on Monday marks the start of a long tour to evaluate countries, which will conclude in Qatar in September, after the other seven candidates are visited and evaluated, Prensa Latina reported. Each city will be visited for at least for four days and the work of the FIFA commission is to see if they are really ready, and evaluate the conditions of their sites, facilities, infrastructure and other aspects. The commission is headed by Chilean Soccer Federation president Harold Mayne Nicholls. A new stadium will be built in Osaka - provisionally called Osaka Ecology Stadium - with a capacity for 83,000 people, and it could be the site of the 2022 World Cup’s opening and final matches if Japan is finally elected as the host. Australia, South Korea, Qatar, the US and Japan are the candidates for the 2022 World Cup, while Britain, the US, Russia, Australia, Belgium/Holland (dual candidature) and Spain/Portugal are bidding for 2018. Spain/Portugal will be evaluated Aug 30-Sep 2, the US Sep 6-9, and Qatar September 13-17. The final decision will be made Dec 2 in Zurich, Switzerland. (IANS)

India pushed to the wall as Lanka pile up mammoth total

India pushed to the wall as Lanka pile up mammoth total

GALLE, July 20: India were left with an arduous task of batting their way to safety after losing three key wickets in the rain-hit first Test against Sri Lanka who took firm control of the game by scoring an imposing first innings total of 520/8 declared on Tuesday.

The hosts relied on the heroics of their tailenders Rangana Herath (80 not out) and Lasith Malinga (64) to rattle up a mammoth total before declaring their innings at tea and shut a struggling India out of the game.

Herath and Malinga turned out to be the unlikely batting heroes as the islanders recovered from a few early jolts and had the visitors in trouble by the end of the day by dismissing Gautam Gambhir (2), Rahul Dravid (18) and Sachin Tendulkar (8).

Virender Sehwag (85), who payed with his usual flamboyance, and VVS Laxman (18) ensured that there were no more setbacks as they took the score to 140/3 at close on the third day with the hosts still trailing by 380 runs.

Rain washes out second day’s play

Rain washes out second day’s play

GALLE, July 19: Unrelenting rain played spoilsport as the second day of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka was called off without a single ball being bowled on Monday.

Sri Lanka remained on their overnight score of 256/2 and the washout has now greatly diminished the prospects of a result in Muttiah Muralitharan’s swansong Test.

The outfield was already wet due to overnight showers and things only got worse due to more rain this morning.

The brief appearance made by the sun in the afternoon, which prompted the ground staff to take off the covers, turned out to be a false dawn as it started pouring soon after, leaving the match officials with no choice but to call off the day’s proceedings at about 1500 hrs (local Time).

Somdev at career-best 103 in rankings

Somdev at career-best 103 in rankings

NEW DELHI, July 19: A semifinal appearance at the Aptos Challenger tournament helped India’s ace tennis player Somdev Devvarman rise back to his career-best singles ranking of 103 in the ATP charts.

Somdev lost to Donald Young in the last four stage but the effort was enough to jump two places up. Yuki Bhambri, who has resumed practice after nursing a broken ankle, has lost 14 positions to slip to 489th spot. In the doubles chart, veterans Leander Paes (6) and Mahesh Bhupati (7) kept their places in the top-10 while Rohan Bopanna rose a rung to career-best 38. Meanwhile, a struggling Sania Mirza gained a position to be at 131 in the WTA singles chart. (PTI)

Ojha scalps three, Indian bowlers put up better show

Ojha scalps three, Indian bowlers put up better show

COLOMBO, July 15: Indian bowlers put up an improved performance to restrict Sri Lanka Board President’s XI to 260 for six in their second innings in the three-day warm up game which ended in a tame draw on Friday.

After disappointing with both ball and bat for the last two days, the Indian bowlers gave a better account of themselves with left arm spinner Pragyan Ojha being the notable performer with three for 85 in his 22 overs.

The Hyderabad spinner was assisted by leg-spinner Amit Mishra, Virender Sehwag and pacer Ishant Sharma — all taking one wicket each.

For the hosts, opener Lahiru Thirimanne scored 102 and top order batsman Dinesh Chandimal (69) chipped in with a useful contribution but the rest of the batting line-up failed to impress.

Sunil Chhetri closing in for MLS debut

Sunil Chhetri closing in for MLS debut

NEW DELHI, July 15: Indian striker Sunil Chhetri’s Major League Soccer debut may not be too far away as his club Kansas City Wizards on Thursday said he will be soon included in the 18-man match-day squad. Chhetri signed for KC Wizards in late March and has made his debut for the Kansas-based side in the Lamar Hunt US Open match against Colorado Rapids in April. He is yet to make his debut in MLS, which is halfway through this season. “Hopefully he will be able to make the 18-man active roster sometime in the coming weeks,” KC Wizards Public Relations Officer Dave Borchardt said. Chhetri has also a chance to play against the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Dimitar Berbatov and Edwin Van der Sar in KC Wizards friendly match against Manchester United on July 25. “The teams (KC Wizards and Manchester United) are still finalising how many players will be available for the game day roster as well as how many substitutions will be allowed,” he said. (PTI)

Mendis blows away strong India batting

Mendis blows away strong India batting

COLOMBO, July 14: Yuvraj Singh marked his return to form with a sparkling century but a batting disaster left India on their knees at close on an eventful second day of their warm-up game against Sri Lanka Board President’s XI on Wednesday.

Replying to the home team’s mammoth first innings total of 514 for nine declared, the Indians were bundled out for 291 at the fag end of the day with mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis scalping six wickets at the Colts Cricket Club.

India were still trailing by 223 runs when stumps were drawn for the day and the home team has the option to enforce a follow-on when the third and final day begins tomorrow. Mendis gave away just 67 runs in his 17.2 overs and denied India a chance to redeem their pride after having failed terribly while bowling.

India draw 3-3 with Belgium in 1st hockey Test

India draw 3-3 with Belgium in 1st hockey Test

New Delhi, July 14: Drag-flicker Sandeep Singh’s twin strikes went in vain as India were held to a 3-3 draw by Belgium in the first hockey Test match at Temse, Belgium. Sandeep converted two penalty corners for India in the 26th and 28th minute of the match yesterday, while the third goal was scored by Vikas Pillay (58th).

For Belgium Jeff Thys (13th minute), Jerome Truyens (48th) and Thomas Briels (59th) were the goal-getters. The second Test between the two sides will be played at Antwerp tomorrow. In yesterday’’s encounter, Belgium began strongly with an attack by Greg Gucassoff after being set up with an overhead pass from his captain Truyens, but the danger was waived off momentarily by an alert Indian goalkeeper P Sreejesh. Shortly after, Belgium created a fast break through the centre but Cedric Charlier’’s short went wide off the target.

Dhoni signs Rs 200 crore deal

Dhoni signs Rs 200 crore deal

New Delhi, July 13: Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has signed a deal worth nearly Rs.200 crore with Rhiti Sports Management and Mindscapes One, a sports and talent management firm.

The two-year contract makes Dhoni the world's highest-paid cricketer surpassing even Sachin Tendulkar, who had signed a deal worth Rs 180 crore with Iconix, a sports management company in 2006.

The deal has mandated the two companies to manage Dhoni's various endorsements and brand assosiations besides his corporate profile, patents and digital rights.

While Rhiti Sports is headed by Dhoni's business associate Arun Pandey, Mindscape One is run by Pratik Sen, who earlier managed the Indian skipper's endorsements.

Earlier Dhoni was associated with sports management firm Gameplan Sports. He joined Mindscapes Maestros in the year 2009 along with three promoters.

Currently Dhoni is associated with 22 brands including PepsiCo, Aircel and Godrej. (IANS)

Saina confident of extending unbeaten run

Saina confident of extending unbeaten run

New Delhi, July 13: After her three-title winning streak last month, top Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal looks confident of taking her unbeaten run into the World Championships next month.

The 20-year-old from Hyderabad won three titles in three weeks, including two Super Series events, in June and was Tuesday named the captain of the nine-member squad for the World Championships in Paris.

World No. 3 Saina said she is not in awe of facing Chinese players in the Championships and she has comfortably beaten them in the recent past.

“I cannot predict which round I will reach in the World Champioships, but I hope I win the tournament,” said Saina, who was faciliated by Badminton Association of India (BAI) and team sponsors Premier Brands for her achievement here Tuesday.

Why world’s swiftest sprinters are of African origin

Why world’s swiftest sprinters are of African origin

Washington, July 12: Scientists may have uncovered why the world’s fastest sprinters are usually of West African origin. The centre of gravity tends to be located higher on the body of blacks than whites, according to new research.

However, the research team — Adrian Bejan, professor of engineering at Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, Edward Jones, a Ph D candidate at Cornell University currently teaching at Howard University, and Duke graduate Jordan Charles — believes these differences are not racial, but rather biological.

Spin legend Warne backs ‘special’ Smith

Spin legend Warne backs ‘special’ Smith

SYDNEY, July 12: Australia legend Shane Warne said rookie Steve Smith has “all the toys” to become a top leg-spinner ahead of his likely Test debut against Pakistan, but warned against setting expectations too high. Warne told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph newspaper that while the 21-year-old could ultimately become “something special”, his development was far from complete. “He is pretty raw and a work in progress — nowhere near the finished product,” said Warne. “He really has to make sure he keeps his feet on the ground. We shouldn’t be expecting too much of him just yet.” Smith, who has just 13 first-class games to his name, is expected to play in the first Test at Lord’s in London from Tuesday, in a series which was moved from Pakistan over security concerns. Warne said he would have preferred Smith to be given more time to develop and hoped expectations would not be too high.

Spain, Netherlands in ‘classic’ World Cup final

Spain, Netherlands in ‘classic’ World Cup final

JOHANNESBURG, July 8: A new champion will be crowned at the World Cup on Sunday, when Spain meets the Netherlands in a final which has the potential to be a classic.

Well-organized and experienced but blessed with finesse and flair, Spain has the players to outplay any team in the world.

The Dutch have forwards,

No Indo-Pak cricket now: Pawar

No Indo-Pak cricket now: Pawar

MUMBAI, July 8: Newly-appointed ICC president Sharad Pawar on Thursday said that immediate resumption of cricket ties between India and Pakistan is not possible.

“Immediate ties between both countries is not possible. It is not in the hands of the cricket boards. It is a diplomatic issue. This is a decision taken by the Indian government,” Pawar said.

Asked about demands for the introduction of day-night Tests to save the longer format of the game, Pawar said the “issue has not reached his ear”.

“We are only administrators. If needed, I will let the experts take a call (on the issue),” he said.

Spain tame Germany 1-0, book WCup final berth

STAFF WRITER 2:24 HRS IST

Durban, July 7 (PTI) Spain today scripted history by qualifying for their maiden World Cup final since their first appearance 76 years ago with a 1-0 victory over three-time champions Germany to set up a summit clash against the Netherlands here today.

Central defender Carles Puyol scored the winner in the 73rd minute, heading home a corner in an absorbing semifinal which though lacked the spark in terms of goals and scoring chances, at the Mabhida Moses Stadium.

Spain's best show in a World Cup before today had been a fourth-place finish in 1950 but at that time the champion team was decided after a final round league format.

Vicente Del Bosque's 'La Furia Roja' side will now take on the Netherlands at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on July 11 in the grand finale which will saw a new World Cup winner being crowned.

Spaniards set up title clash with Dutch

Spaniards set up title clash with Dutch

DURBAN, July 7: Spain needed a 73rd minute goal from defender Carles Puyol to edge past Germany 1-0 in Durban on Wednesday and set up a World Cup final against Netherlands.

Puyol climbed above the defence to head the winner from a Xavi corner and send Spain to their first World Cup final. The Spaniards dominated most of the match but struggled to finish off a German side that was lacking their usual pace.

European champions Spain dominated possession early on and needed only five minutes to carve out their first chance against a nervous German defence.

Spain forward Pedro, who started ahead of the misfiring Fernando Torres, played the ball for David Villa, who caught Arne Friedrich napping but could not beat keeper Manuel Neuer.

Clarke and Waqar salute ‘amazing’ Murali

Clarke and Waqar salute ‘amazing’ Murali

BIRMINGHAM, July 7: Australia’s Michael Clarke paid tribute to Muttiah Muralitharan after the prolific bowler announced his intention to retire from Test cricket, saying the Sri Lanka off-spinner was an ‘amazing player’.

A Sri Lanka Cricket statement issued on Tuesday said the 38-year-old had decided to quit Tests after the home series opener against India in Galle starting on July 18.

Muralitharan is the most successful bowler in international cricket history with record hauls in both Tests (792 wickets) and one-day formats (515).

Clarke joked Muralitharan’s decision was a reflection of the bowler’s belief in his ability to take the eight Tests wickets he needed for 800 in a single match.

“How many wickets has he got? 792. He’s confident then, one more Test. I think he is an amazing player,” Australia’s Twenty20 captain added.

“Over a long period of time, statistics don’t lie,” the top-order batsman insisted. “I think a lot of batters around the world will be very happy they don’t have to face him anymore.

“I guess on behalf of all Australia cricketers, and all Australian fans who’ve had the opportunity to watch him, congratulations are well and truly deserved. He’s been an amazing ambassador for Sri Lankan cricket and what a talent, what a career. I really hope he gets those eight wickets.”

Bolt says 2016 Olympics may be his last

LAUSANNE: Jamaican triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt said on Tuesday he may end his record-breaking career after the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

"My aim is to go to two more Olympics." he said. "I probably will retire in Brazil, 2016. I will probably stop then."

The Olympic and world 100 and 200 metres champion and world record holder was speaking during a question-and-answer session with 400 sport and business executives.

They almost filled a business school auditorium to hear the outgoing Jamaican offer light and serious comments for nearly an hour.

Bolt, who turns 24 in August, said he might even try a new event like the long jump or 400 metres for his final act.

"If you continue to break records, then you are pretty much going to get bored after a while," he said. "You can't really accomplish anything else. I want to be a legend in sports."

"After the world championships and the Olympics in London, I probably will try something else."

Both his coach Glen Mills and many fellow-Jamaicans have hoped for several years that the lanky Bolt would try the 400 but he has always resisted.

Bolt said his main goal at the moment was to stay undefeated since there were no world championships or Olympics this year.

He is currently recovering from a strained Achilles tendon and will run a 100 metres at the Lausanne Diamond League meeting on Thursday, stepping down from a previously announced 200.

"The doctor does not want him to risk running the turn," manager Ricky Simms said.
TOI

Holland beat Uruguay to reach World Cup final

CAPE TOWN: Playmaker Wesley Sneijder inspired Netherlands to a 3-2 victory over battling Uruguay on Tuesday that sent them back to the World Cup final after a 32-year wait where they will play in an all-European clash.


Sneijder, scorer of both goals in the 2-1 quarter-final win over Brazil, was on target in the 70th minute to put the Dutch 2-1 ahead before Arjen Robben got a third three minutes later.

Maximiliano Pereira grabbed a second goal for Uruguay in added time but despite a late spell of pressure from the South Americans it was too late to stop the Dutch marching on.

Netherlands progress to their third World Cup final with the win setting up a showdown with either Spain or Germany.

"First final since '74 and '78, that came up in my mind in the second half," said Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk. "It's so very special and as a small country we can be so proud."

"After the second and third we should have scored a fourth. That would have prevented that final phase. But this is a World Cup. It doesn't matter how you do it it's all about the result."

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez told a news conference: "I'm very proud of my players... our opponents were better when it came to scoring goals against us. We went very far, no one expected that, so that helps the sadness of the defeat."

Midfielder Egidio Arevalo added: "We had a good World Cup. A lot of years have passed since we've done so well."

Uruguay last reached the World Cup semifinal in 1970.

The first half at Green Point Stadium ended 1-1 after superb long-range strikes from left back Giovanni van Bronckhorst for Netherlands and forward Diego Forlan for the Uruguayans.

EARLY CHANCE

Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera handed the Dutch an early chance when he failed to hold Robben's cross and the ball fell to Dirk Kuyt but he fired over the bar.

Robben had a shot blocked by his own player before Van Bronckhorst put the Dutch ahead in the 18th minute with a powerful, rising shot which went in off the far post.

The goal sparked the Uruguayans -- missing striker Luis Suarez through suspension and captain Diego Lugano through injury -- into life and they began to attack with more purpose.

They levelled four minutes before halftime when Forlan collected a pass, cut inside his marker and scored with a long-range shot that caught goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg wrongfooted although he did get a touch.

The Dutch had more possession after the break but it was Uruguay who created the better openings.

Alvaro Pereira's chip was headed off the line by Van Bronckhorst and Forlan's curling free kick forced Stekelenburg to turn the ball away at the foot of his near post.

Robben then wasted a golden chance for the Dutch when he fired wide when a rebound landed on his weaker right foot.

But Sneijder put the Dutch back in front with a shot through a forest of legs for his fifth goal of the tournament to become joint top scorer with Spain's David Villa.

Three minutes later, Robben scored with a perfectly placed downward header after Kuyt's cross from the left and although Uruguay got a second goal through Pereira the Dutch triumphed.

European champions Spain play Germany in Durban in the other semifinal on Wednesday with the winners playing Netherlands in Sunday's World Cup final at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

It will be Europe's 10th World Cup win in 19 finals but the first by a European side outside their own continent.

The Dutch lost both their previous finals in 1974 and 1978 to hosts West Germany and Argentina respectively.

Brazil and Argentina are the only teams to have won the trophy on a foreign continent with Brazil successful in Sweden in 1958, Mexico 1970, the United States in 1994 and Japan in 2002, while Argentina won in Mexico in 1986.

A European victory in Sunday's final at Soccer City, Johannesburg, means they will have 10 World Cup successes, one more than South America.

Paes-Black win Wimbledon mixed doubles title

LONDON: Leander Paes notched up his 12th Grand Slam title after he and his Zimbabwean partner Cara Black clinched the Wimbledon mixed doubles championship with a straight set victory on Sunday.

Last year's runners-up and second seeds Paes and Black beat 11th seeds South African-American pair of Wesley Moodie and Lisa Raymond 6-4, 7-6 (5) in the finals.

With this win, Paes now have 12 Grand Slam titles -- six men's doubles and six mixed doubles Grand Slam crowns -- one more than his estranged men's doubles partner and fellow Indian Mahesh Bhupathi.

Paes and Black, who put up an impressive performance coming into the final, broke their rivals thrice and pocketed the first set 6-4 in just 37 minutes.

The first set featured as many as five breaks of serve, including one for every player in the first five games.

The second set, which turned out to be a grueling affair, saw both the parties held their serves, although both Black and Raymond each struggled in one game.

The Indo-Zimbabwean pair had earned a break point in the seventh game but couldn't convert it. In the next game, Wesley and Lisa also failed to covert a break point as the set went into a tie-breaker after a 6-6 stalemate.

In the thrilling tie-breaker, the South African-American pair moved into the 4-2 lead but Paes and Black made a successful comeback with some sharp returns and surged ahead 6-5 before the Indian sealed the resounding victory with a volley at the net.

Paes and Black had each won the title before with different partners.

Paes has lifted the trophy twice previously - with Martina Navratilova in 2003 and Lisa Raymond in 1999 - while Black won it with brother Wayne in 2004.

TOI

Dhoni continues to lead the ICC ODI batsmen ranking

Dhoni continues to lead the ICC ODI batsmen ranking

DUBAI, July 4: India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is set to start a new innings after marrying childhood friend Shakshi Singh Rawat in Dehradun, continued to top the ICC ODI batsmen chart released on Sunday.

With 807 ratting points, Dhoni is just two points ahead of South Africa's AB de Villiers in the list, which also has Sachin Tendulkar in the sixth spot.

Among others, Australia's vice-captain Michael Clarke has climbed 10 places to the 15th position, just ahead of teammate Shane Watson who has improved his ranking by two places.

England's Paul Collingwood has improved his ranking by two places after his series contribution of 209 runs against Australia, while Andrew Strauss has moved to 39th spot after scoring 191 runs in the series.

However, Kevin Pietersen has slipped five places to 33rd spot after managing just 95 runs.

In the rankings for ODI bowlers, Australia fast bowlers Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris and England's off-spinner Graeme Swann have achieved career-best rankings after rocketing into the top 20 bracket.

For his nine wickets in the series, Bollinger has been rewarded with a jump of 10 places which puts him along side Kyle Mills of New Zealand in fifth position, while Harris has vaulted 21 places to claim 15th spot following his series haul of 10 wickets.

Swann, who grabbed eight wickets in the series, has leaped 15 places to sit in 17th position. He is the third England bowler inside the top 20 behind Stuart Broad (eighth) and James Anderson (13th).

With England winning the five-ODI series 3-2 which concluded at Lord's on Saturday, Strauss's side gained one place in the ICC ODI Championship to reach the fourth position just behind India, while Australia retained its position at the top of the table.

Daniel Vettori of New Zealand leads the bowling table from Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan while Nuwan Kulasekara of Sri Lanka is third. (PTI)

Netherlands stun Brazil to enter semifinals

PORT ELIZABETH: If this was the game Johan Cruyff would not pay to go and watch, he has a bleak future on Wall Street. Little Wesley Sneijder, the shortest man on the field, soared over Brazil's tall, hulking defenders to turn an encounter that seemed to be headed Brazil's way into that classic we had all put our money on.

In a second half that was whizzing past like a blur, two goals within a quarter of an hour by the intelligent, peppy Dutch No. 10 derailed the Brazilian freight-train that had threatened to mow down everything in its path at the World Cup here. The Brazilians are now headed home, while coach Dunga, who controversially substituted beauty for efficiency and snubbed Ronaldinho, has almost certainly reached the end of his tenure. Asked about his future, he tersely told reporters, "We knew when I started that I would be here for four years."

Dunga had taken over after Brazil crashed out in the quarterfinals of the 2006 World Cup, and surely expected to improve on that showing here. But Sneijder had other plans. Fifty minutes into the game, a goal down and the Brazilians all over the Dutchmen, the Inter Milan playmaker showed great intuition - schooled no doubt from the Milan club training sessions - when he floated a harmless ball long into a crowded Brazilian area.

It was not the Jabulani that wobbled in the air this time, it was Brazil's cocky-looking Julio Cesar, the least busy man in all of the southern hemisphere these past three weeks. Sneijder's club colleague panicked, came off his line early and was blinded by an equally enthusiastic Felipe Melo, who came in his path, and the ball nestled into the net. One-all. Game on! The Dutch had seized the initiative, and never gave it back.

A quarter of an hour after he had provided Sneijder with the opportunity, Arjen Robben again emerged from under the skin of the Brazilians for a brief instant. His record-high irritability index intact, this time he saw his corner flicked on by the head of the tireless, but that most un-Oranje of Dutchmen, Dirk Kuyt. The ball flew past the raised heads of Juan, Lucio and Maicon, who were so tutored in the game of the plain pattern that they marked Van Bommel and Andre Ooijer, the tall Dutchmen, and forgot to mark this little ferret running around their legs. A neat header in and suddenly, it was such an uphill battle for Dunga's Brazilians.

Had he prepared his team for such a situation in which they were down and fighting their way up, the Brazilian coach was asked later. "We never prepare our teams to lose," was his terse reply. But the truth was that in going forward all the time, it is possible that Dunga's Brazil did not know how to come back. And football at the highest level demands that of you. Their famed composure suddenly looked so fragile when Sneijder led the assault upon Mt Brazil here. Their misery was compounded when, with 10 minutes to go, Felipe Melo, him of the wafer-thin temperament, stomped on Robben's leg after the ball had passed them by.

Did Robben ask for it? His endless needling of the Brazilians was going to reach flashpoint, but like guile in football does to you, it was Brazil that fell for it. "Go and see what Felipe Melo has done to Robben's leg," the Netherlands' normally unflappable coach Bert Van Marwijk told a journalist later. "Brazil should be ashamed of it," he added. How different the story was only 45 minutes ago. Van Marwijk himself admitted that a mere 1-0 at the culmination of a 45-minute Brazilian onslaught gave them hope. Else, the story could have been so different.

Brazil, in their away Blue, donned also the attacking idea of their famed rivals, surprising many. Outraged at this impostor-act, the Orange-men led by Sneijder set about teaching the South Americans a lesson and wrested the game away from them. In this see-saw battle, Robin van Persie and Robben were profligate, an extravagance the Brazilians would certainly punish.

They did, though a goal was a result of a strange Dutch disjointedness, and a defensive error by John Heitinga who stopped chasing Robinho when he watched Robben was on his heels. When his ball tore through the Dutch fabric and found Robinho, it was the last contribution by Melo in the clash. The Dutch reply was credited to him and then came the card against Robben.

But, it could have been so different.

Kaka showed he had the muscle and the stomach for a fight, when he fought off the advances off Nigel De Jong and Mark van Bommel. Once he had the lumbering Dutchmen out of the way, he grew in strength, taking control of the midfield and the onus of creativity from Sneijder, his opposite No 10, to put up a show of their vintage game. Just before the break, Dani Alves almost did a Pele from 1970 when he set up the locomotive-like Maicon without looking up. The thunderous shot by the Brazilian right back was narrowly out.

But it was the flying save by Maarten Stekelenburg half an hour in the game to a Kaka lob that was to prove the turning point as far as the Dutch were concerned.

TOI

Uruguay in WCup semifinals for 1st time since '70

STAFF WRITER 9:8 HRS IST

Johannesburg, Jul 3 (AP) Uruguay reached the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1970, beating Ghana 4-2 on penalties after the last African team in the tournament was denied victory by a cynical handball and a missed penalty in the last seconds of extra time.

The two-time champion Uruguayans advanced to face the Netherlands in the semifinals after Sebastian Abreu casually chipped the last penalty straight down the middle to secure the win, after a 1-1 draw following 120 minutes of play last night.

Asamoah Gyan had a chance to secure Africa's first ever World Cup semifinal spot for Ghana, but he hit the crossbar with a penalty after Uruguay forward Luis Suarez was sent off for handling the ball on the line.

"I think I made the best save of the World Cup," Suarez said, labeling it "the hand of Suarez.

ICC to reduce number of teams in 50-over World Cup

SINGAPORE: The International Cricket Council said it may consider increasing the number of participating teams in the World Twenty20 while reducing the number in the 50-over World Cup.

The working groups of the Chief Executive Committee and the Governance Review Committee, which met during the two-day ICC Executive Board meeting, have discussed many a measures to revamp international cricket and have been asked to submit a final proposal in this regard in September.

"Although we have made good progress, this exercise requires more work. We know there are exciting opportunities to protect and promote all three formats but we must exercise patience as we consider all aspects in introducing context and content in international cricket," ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in an ICC statement.

"There is clearly an appetite from all quarters to examine the make-up of the ICC Cricket World Cup and the ICC World Twenty20 and seek the best balance between excellence and development. In terms of the number of participating teams, it is possible that the World Cup could be reduced and the World Twenty20 expanded," he said.

The ICC also announced that the next Twenty20 World Cup will be held in Sri Lanka in 2012 while the 2014 edition of the event will be hosted by Bangladesh.

The ICC also awarded the 2013 Women's World Cup and the Champions Trophy the same year to India and England respectively, apart from naming Australia and New Zealand as the joint hosts for the 50-over World Cup in 2015.

Among other decisions, the game's governing body also exonerated Australian umpire Daryl Harper for the faults he committed while officiating a South Africa-England Test at the Wanderers in January this year.

"The preliminary findings of Advocate Brent Lockie and ICC Cricket Committee chairman Clive Lloyd acknowledge that the technology failure at the time adversely impacted on the information received by the third umpire Daryl Harper while making his decision.

"The ICC and the England and Wales Cricket Board agreed that the third umpire in the match, Daryl Harper, was entirely blameless due to this technical failure," the statement said.

The ICC also said that it was keen to continue with the Decision Review System and want it to be used in the 2011 World Cup in the sub-continent and also in Test matches.

"I am encouraged by everyone's ongoing willingness to improve the future application of DRS," Lorgat said.

TOI

Flying Dutchmen undaunted by Brazil

Flying Dutchmen undaunted by Brazil

Coach Dunga has a few injury and suspension worries. Ramires is suspended while Elano has been confirmed to be out with an ankle injury.

Felipe Melo is training normally but he may not start on Friday afternoon. Daniel Alves will be the replacement for Elano while Josue or Kleberson will be drafted in as replacement for Ramires.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Bastos; Gilberto Silva, Josue; Alves, Kaka, Robinho; Luis Fabiano

The Dutch have no injury concerns. Arjen Robben will start again and coach Bert van Marwijk is unlikely to chance his lineup. In a 4-2-3-1 formation, Mark van Bommel and Nigel De Jong will be the two central midfielders entrusted with the task of protecting the back four and breaking Brazilian moves while Arjen Robben and Dirk Kuyt will be the two widemen with Wesley Sneijder playing through the middle.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg, Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst; Van Bommel, De Jong; Robben, Sneijder, Kuyt; Van Persie

PORT ELIZABETH, July 1: The impressive Dutch march through the World Cup finals might hit a brick wall on Friday when they meet a Brazil side in startling form and looking everything like becoming champions for a sixth time.

Netherlands have their sights set on lifting the trophy themselves but coach Bert van Marwijk faces a tactical dilemma for a quarterfinal in Port Elizabeth against a team that has mercilessly punished their opponents, whatever their approach.

With three forwards, Chile boldly attacked the Samba Boys in their second round encounter but lost 3-0 after being torn to shreds by a side that looked close to flawless in all areas of the pitch.

Likewise, putting up the shutters in defence does not seem to work much either, with the likes of the brilliant Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano relentlessly chipping away.

Coach Dunga, who was captain when Brazil beat Netherlands in the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, said their opponents were technically strong and his team had to be prepared.

However, accommodation arrangements and an unfamiliar training venue seemed to be more of a concern to Dunga than the threat of Brazil's in-form and confident opponents.

“It interferes with things,” he said. “We will have to share a hotel with more people, there will be more confusion, and we will have to overcome this situation. Now, we are going to move to another reality,” he said.

Elano will be missing on Friday with a bruised ankle sustained during Brazil's game with Ivory Coast and Dani Alvez will likely fill the void, as he did against Chile.

Felipe Melo has an ankle injury and his replacement Ramires is suspended for two yellow cards, meaning Josue will likely get a start against the Dutch.

Netherlands have won all four of their matches and Arjen Robben's early goal on his return from injury in their 2-1 win over Slovakia has given the team a major lift.

They have endured criticism about dull play but winger Ryan Babel insisted the Dutch had so far faced opponents who had used negative tactics and Brazil's attacking flair would bring the best out of them.

“We play our better games against teams that want to play football as well and on Friday, Brazil is not going to wait,” he said.

Van Marwijk believes his team can go all the way having been in control in their group matches. He will be expecting something entirely different against Brazil, however.

“Perhaps we might be the underdogs for the first time in South Africa. We are confident but the Brazilians also convey this confidence. It’s almost like they’re invincible,” he said.

“But we’re here for one reason, to get the big prize. We have to believe in it,” he said. (Agencies)

Pawar new ICC president, world cricket divided over Howard’s rejection

Pawar new ICC president, world cricket divided over Howard’s rejection

Singapore/Melbourne, July 1: Indian Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Thursday took over the reins of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on a day when the game’s governing body stood divided in two blocks following the rejection of former Australian prime minister John Howard's nomination for the vice president's post. Pawar, however, attempted to downplay the brouhaha.

Cricket Australia (CA) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC), which floated Howard's nomination, were left seething in anger as the strong African and Asian block, including the Indian cricket board, opposed Howard’s candidature at the ICC executive board meeting on Wednesday. Only England, Australia and New Zealand supported Howard, thus forcing the ICC to ask CA and NZC to withdraw his nomination.

Howard was adamant, saying he was not withdrawing his nomination. “I won’t be withdrawing,” the Australian media quoted Howard as saying on Thursday.

Pawar, 69, who took over as ICC president from David Morgan Thursday, had openly backed Howard for the job but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) backtracked, rejecting Howard's candidature.

No reason was provided for the rejection of Howard's nomination, though it is understood that his opposition to Robert Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe and his outspoken views on Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan's controversial bowling action were some of the reasons behind his rejection.

Pawar, 69, who became the second Indian after Jagmohan Dalmiya to occupy the top ICC post, sought to downplay the issue.

“What is the political connotation? There is no question of political connotation,” Pawar said at a press conference in Singapore.

“No, I don’t think so at all (that there will be a divide). We have discussed the matter individually and collectively with everybody including Australia, England and New Zealand also. We took a collective decision," Pawar told Indian news channel CNN-IBN in an interview.

“I’m not worried because it's a democratic organisation. According to the ICC constitution if any four members oppose a proposal, it cannot be passed. That's why we have requested Australia and New Zealand to give a second thought and come out with a new proposal," he added.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said the Council is not obliged to spell out the reason for Howard's failed nomination.

“The ICC does not have give those reasons. There were not sufficient number of directors in support of the nomination, (it) did not go to a vote and the outcome was to request Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket to reconsider their nomination," Lorgat said.

The ICC has asked Australia and New Zealand to nominate a new candidate by the end of August.

“We (will) wait for their recommendation," Pawar said.

Had Howard been elected, he would have succeeded Pawar as ICC president in 2012.

Not mincing words, CA chairman Jack Clarke said he felt "gutted and deeply disappointed".

“If you keep having processes that don't work, or are not allowed to work, I am not too sure where they go from there. John wasn't putting his hand up for this job, he was asked by us,” added Clarke.

“You hope it doesn't affect the relationship but it obviously puts a block there for a while and makes you wary."

Although Clarke did not blame India for Howard's rejection, he reasoned the country's financial clout in the ICC had guided the outcome.

“In any business model where a company has 75 per cent of the income, it’s not an ideal model,” he said. “But that is not India’s fault ... it’s a powerful bloc but it’s a reality of life,” Fox Sports quoted Clarke as saying.

New Zealand Cricket chairman Alan Isaac found the rejection of Howard's nomination unacceptable. "We have been unable to get a reason for the lack of support for our nomination and it's just not acceptable," Isaac said.

Pawar's overwhelming support in BCCI has waned after his support of Lalit Modi during the Indian Premier League controversy, and with the latest row over Howard, the veteran politican will have much in hand during his tenure.

Should CA and NZC decide to admit defeat on Howard, it is likely that former NZC and ICC administrator John Anderson would be sought again, having lost out to the former Australian prime minister in a selection process that was hotly-debated by the two countries.

Former ICC CEO Malcolm Speed said Howard was rejected because of his opposition to Robert Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe.

“Rest assured, he (Howard) was not rejected because of his lack of experience as a cricket administrator, his strong opposition to Robert Mugabe's disastrous regime in Zimbabwe or his outspoken views about Muttiah Muralitharan's controversial bowling action. There is more to it than that,” Speed said in his column in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Speed also alleged Pawar knows little about cricket administration.

“The man who is to be the next ICC president, Sharad Pawar, is the Minister for Agriculture in the Indian government - a serious full-time job, feeding 1.2 billion people. He is a good and fair man but he will be working part-time as ICC president and, take it from me, he knows little about cricket administration,” Speed said. (IANS)