COLOMBO, Feb 4 (PTI): Having clinched the five-match series by taking an unassailable 3-0 lead, India will try out some of their reserve players when they take on Sri Lanka in an inconsequential fourth one-dayer here tomorrow, seeking to notch up a record-breaking ninth consecutive win.Although the visitors would ideally like to make a clean- sweep of the series, giving an opportunity to the bench players will be their priority in the remaining two matches. Everything has gone well for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men in the series and the team will be keen to keep the winning sequence going for a record ninth consecutive match tomorrow.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Nazira HS advance in school cricket
Correspondent SIVASAGAR, Feb 4 – Nazira HS School beat Moran HS School by 40 runs in the Zangam organised 15th AP Rao-Khireswar Dutta Inter School Cricket Tournament played here at Piyoli Phukan Stadium. Nayan Lahon (23),Gul Mahamad Khan (21) runs, helped Nazira school managed to score 109 all out in 18.5 overs.Lakhya Jyoti Gogoi of Moran has showed all round performance by scoring 22 runs and capturing 6 wickets giving away only 6 runs. But that went in vain as they were all out for 69 runs in 13.5 overs. Gulmahmad and Sayuj Borah took 2 wickets each.Tommorow DPS, Ligiripukhuri will take Gaurisagar HS school.
New Star win cricket match
GUWAHATI, Feb 4 – In today’s match of the GSA A division cricket league, New Star Club defeated Young Blue Atheletic Club by one wicket.In the close match at the Nehru Stadium here, in reply to young Blue’s 148 all out in 34.2 overs, New Star scored 149 for 9 in 33.2 overs.
Symonds targetting Ashes comeback
Melbourne: All rounder Andrew Symonds will tell Cricket Australia officials on Thursday that he is determined to fight on, despite one of the toughest months of his life after being dropped from the squad to South Africa and breaking up with his long-time girlfriend Katie Johnson.
It was feared Symonds would walk away from Australian cricket after being left out of the touring side on Tuesday, but he is not about to give up his dream of playing in this year's Ashes series after the latest setbacks.
He will fly to Melbourne from Cairns, where he attended the funeral of the father of close friend Jimmy Maher, in an effort to rebuild his career by meeting his employers and counsellors, and reaffirming to them his commitment to the Australian team.
His break-up with Johnson could have been the tipping point for Symonds as she played a key role in helping him through his previous axing from the side.
However, sources close to the player are adamant he is as focussed as ever in re-establishing himself in the national team, and Symonds feels he still has another two to three years of his best cricket.
Symonds has already made it clear to CA chief executive James Sutherland in conversations between the pair this week that he will do whatever it takes to come back, although he has also told his boss he is ready for international cricket now.
The purpose of Thursday's meeting is to map out the next phase of his rehabilitation program and chart a way back to the pinnacle of the sport.
The 33-year-old will be accompanied by his manager, Matt Fearon, and the meeting will be attended by officials from CA, Queensland Cricket and the Australian Cricketers' Association, along with the psychologists who have worked with Symonds since he was sent home from Darwin last August for missing a team meeting to go fishing.
Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/symonds-targetting-ashes-comeback/38012-13.html
It was feared Symonds would walk away from Australian cricket after being left out of the touring side on Tuesday, but he is not about to give up his dream of playing in this year's Ashes series after the latest setbacks.
He will fly to Melbourne from Cairns, where he attended the funeral of the father of close friend Jimmy Maher, in an effort to rebuild his career by meeting his employers and counsellors, and reaffirming to them his commitment to the Australian team.
His break-up with Johnson could have been the tipping point for Symonds as she played a key role in helping him through his previous axing from the side.
However, sources close to the player are adamant he is as focussed as ever in re-establishing himself in the national team, and Symonds feels he still has another two to three years of his best cricket.
Symonds has already made it clear to CA chief executive James Sutherland in conversations between the pair this week that he will do whatever it takes to come back, although he has also told his boss he is ready for international cricket now.
The purpose of Thursday's meeting is to map out the next phase of his rehabilitation program and chart a way back to the pinnacle of the sport.
The 33-year-old will be accompanied by his manager, Matt Fearon, and the meeting will be attended by officials from CA, Queensland Cricket and the Australian Cricketers' Association, along with the psychologists who have worked with Symonds since he was sent home from Darwin last August for missing a team meeting to go fishing.
Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/symonds-targetting-ashes-comeback/38012-13.html
Murali scalps Gambhir to top ODI wickets list
Colombo: India rested Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan as captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat in the fourth one-day international at the R Premadasa stadium on Thursday.
India have already clinched the five-match series 3-0 after handing a 147-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the third ODI.
India had already made it clear they would test their reserves in the next two fixtures and Irfan Pathan and Rohit Sharma got a look-in. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, benched Ajantha Mendis after his ordinary showing in the first three games, giving a chance to Angelo Mathews.
Soruce: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/murali-scalps-gambhir-to-top-odi-wickets-list/38006-13.html
India have already clinched the five-match series 3-0 after handing a 147-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the third ODI.
India had already made it clear they would test their reserves in the next two fixtures and Irfan Pathan and Rohit Sharma got a look-in. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, benched Ajantha Mendis after his ordinary showing in the first three games, giving a chance to Angelo Mathews.
Soruce: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/murali-scalps-gambhir-to-top-odi-wickets-list/38006-13.html
India hold Holland in Punjab Gold Cup
CHANDIGARH: India held European champions Holland 2-2 in a hard fought high voltage encounter that marked the first match in the second leg of the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup hockey tournament on Wednesday night.
India, who drew the Dutch 4-4 in the first leg, fell back twice but came back strongly to hold their mighty rivals.
Both India and Holland are on eight points from four matches and with two more ties remaining, have almost assured themselves of a title showdown.
Olympic champions Germany and New Zealand are on two points each after four matches.
The Dutch earned four penalty corners and managed to convert one while India could not come up with any.
The visitors took the lead three minutes before the breather. Jeroen Hertzberger caught the Indian defence napping and his reverse flick found the back of the net.
However, they could not hold on to the lead for long as India equalised within two minutes of resumption.
Shivender Singh collected a long ball from Dilip Tirkey and went past rival goalkeeper Stockmamm before sending the ball into the net.
Holland earned their first penalty corner in the 16th minute of the second half but failed to convert it.
However, they earned another one in the very next minute and Geert Jan Derikx sent the rebound past goalkeeper Baljit Singh to give Holland a 2-1 lead.
Playing before home crowd, the Indians regrouped and levelled the score in the 20th minute of the second half.
Prabhjot Singh sounded the post after receiving a long pass from skipper Sandeep Singh.
Goalkeeper Baljit, who put up an impressive performance against Germany on Tuesday, was in the thick of action today as well as he effected crucial blocks including warding off four penalty corners.
The Dutch earned their third and fourth penalty corners towards the end of the match but an alert Baljit thwarted them.
Holland dominated the first 15 minutes of the first half and had most of the ball possession. Thereafter, India relied on counter attacks that put the opposition under pressure.
Indian forwards Prabhjot, Rajpal, Gurbaj and Shivender led the attacks, but failed to achieve much success.
Shivender missed a golden opportunity in the 30th minute when he failed to trap a pass from Tushar Khandekar near the striking area.
Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_hold_Holland_in_Punjab_Gold_Cup/articleshow/4077158.cms
India, who drew the Dutch 4-4 in the first leg, fell back twice but came back strongly to hold their mighty rivals.
Both India and Holland are on eight points from four matches and with two more ties remaining, have almost assured themselves of a title showdown.
Olympic champions Germany and New Zealand are on two points each after four matches.
The Dutch earned four penalty corners and managed to convert one while India could not come up with any.
The visitors took the lead three minutes before the breather. Jeroen Hertzberger caught the Indian defence napping and his reverse flick found the back of the net.
However, they could not hold on to the lead for long as India equalised within two minutes of resumption.
Shivender Singh collected a long ball from Dilip Tirkey and went past rival goalkeeper Stockmamm before sending the ball into the net.
Holland earned their first penalty corner in the 16th minute of the second half but failed to convert it.
However, they earned another one in the very next minute and Geert Jan Derikx sent the rebound past goalkeeper Baljit Singh to give Holland a 2-1 lead.
Playing before home crowd, the Indians regrouped and levelled the score in the 20th minute of the second half.
Prabhjot Singh sounded the post after receiving a long pass from skipper Sandeep Singh.
Goalkeeper Baljit, who put up an impressive performance against Germany on Tuesday, was in the thick of action today as well as he effected crucial blocks including warding off four penalty corners.
The Dutch earned their third and fourth penalty corners towards the end of the match but an alert Baljit thwarted them.
Holland dominated the first 15 minutes of the first half and had most of the ball possession. Thereafter, India relied on counter attacks that put the opposition under pressure.
Indian forwards Prabhjot, Rajpal, Gurbaj and Shivender led the attacks, but failed to achieve much success.
Shivender missed a golden opportunity in the 30th minute when he failed to trap a pass from Tushar Khandekar near the striking area.
Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_hold_Holland_in_Punjab_Gold_Cup/articleshow/4077158.cms
David Beckham wants to stay with Milan
GLASGOW: David Beckham said he hoped to turn his loan spell with AC Milan into a permanent transfer after playing for the Italian giants in their 2-2 friendly draw with Rangers at Ibrox on Wednesday.
The England midfielder is on loan to Milan from US Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy in a deal that is due to expire on March 9.
But Milan have made no secret of their desire to hang on to Beckham who, after playing the first half against Rangers, said: "At the moment my lawyers are not talking to the Galaxy but I have expressed my desire to stay at AC Milan now and it's just down to Milan and Galaxy to come to an agreement."
"I have enjoyed my time here. I knew I would enjoy it but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I have."
Beckham, 33, has been in fine form since arriving at the San Siro, scoring twice for Milan to help the club into second place in Italy's Serie A.
And he believes continuing to play for Milan will bolster his chances of being included in England's squad for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa should the team managed by Italian Fabio Capello qualify.
"I've expressed my desire to stay here for a while but at the moment I'm still a Galaxy player," Beckham said. "I respect the Galaxy and everything they have done for me. They have always been great to me."
Nevertheless, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid playmaker added: "But I hope they can come to an agreement and it's down to the clubs now. At this point it's out of my hands. I've said what my feelings are to both clubs."
"To be given the chance again to play at this level at my age is pretty incredible and I've enjoyed it so much I would like to continue it. I think people have seen the way I've been since playing at this level again. It's nothing against the MLS and the football over there, because it's a game that will grow but it will take quite a few years."
"I'm still confident that will happen eventually, but I want to have a chance of being involved in 2010 and I believe my best chance of doing so is to remain here."
Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/David_Beckham_wants_to_stay_with_Milan/articleshow/4078408.cms
The England midfielder is on loan to Milan from US Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy in a deal that is due to expire on March 9.
But Milan have made no secret of their desire to hang on to Beckham who, after playing the first half against Rangers, said: "At the moment my lawyers are not talking to the Galaxy but I have expressed my desire to stay at AC Milan now and it's just down to Milan and Galaxy to come to an agreement."
"I have enjoyed my time here. I knew I would enjoy it but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I have."
Beckham, 33, has been in fine form since arriving at the San Siro, scoring twice for Milan to help the club into second place in Italy's Serie A.
And he believes continuing to play for Milan will bolster his chances of being included in England's squad for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa should the team managed by Italian Fabio Capello qualify.
"I've expressed my desire to stay here for a while but at the moment I'm still a Galaxy player," Beckham said. "I respect the Galaxy and everything they have done for me. They have always been great to me."
Nevertheless, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid playmaker added: "But I hope they can come to an agreement and it's down to the clubs now. At this point it's out of my hands. I've said what my feelings are to both clubs."
"To be given the chance again to play at this level at my age is pretty incredible and I've enjoyed it so much I would like to continue it. I think people have seen the way I've been since playing at this level again. It's nothing against the MLS and the football over there, because it's a game that will grow but it will take quite a few years."
"I'm still confident that will happen eventually, but I want to have a chance of being involved in 2010 and I believe my best chance of doing so is to remain here."
Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/David_Beckham_wants_to_stay_with_Milan/articleshow/4078408.cms
Gosling knocks Liverpool out of FA Cup
LONDON: Teenager Dan Gosling was Everton's hero as they knocked city rivals Liverpool out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 extra-time fourth round replay win at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
There were only two minutes of extra-time remaining when Gosling, who only turned 19 on Monday, curled the ball past Pepe Reina to end the interest of Liverpool, currently second in the Premier League, in this season's FA Cup.
A miserable night for Liverpool was made worse by the sight of inspirational captain Steven Gerrard going off in the first-half with what appeared to be a hamstring injury while Lucas was later sent-off for a second bookable offence.
Everton, sixth in the top-flight, will face Aston Villa in the last 16 after the team fourth in the Premier League beat Championship side Doncaster 3-1 in a fourth round replay earlier Wednesday.
South Africa's Benni McCarthy was Blackburn's hero as they on with just two minutes of extra-time remaining in their 2-1 all Premier League replay victory over Sunderland. Blackburn now face 1987 Cup winners Coventry in the fifth round.
In another replay, Derby came from 2-0 down to beat East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest 3-2 and so secure a glamour fifth round tie at home to English, European and world champions Manchester United.
At Goodison, the first-half was notable only for the sight of inspirational Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard limping off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Leon Osman with 20 minutes left in the match, had a chance to win the tie for Everton but his close-range shot hit the near post.
Villa scored twice in the space of four minutes against Championship strugglers Doncaster. Steve Sidwell put them ahead in the 15th minute when he followed up after Neil Sullivan blocked Craig Gardner's initial shot.
Former Wimbledon keeper Suliivan was then left stranded when Norway striker John Carew's 20-yard shot took a deflection and looped into the net. But Doncaster hit back on the stroke of half-time when Jason Price's miscued shot beat Brad Guzan in the Villa goal. However, Nathan Delfouneso settled the hosts' nerves by making it 3-1 with a header from Nicky Shorey's cross.
Sunderland took the lead when David Healy was ruled onside before beating Paul Robinson in the seventh minute. But South Africa defender Aaron Mokoena drew Blackburn level before half-time with a spectacular 25-yard strike before his compatriot McCarthy headed home the decisive goal.
A see-saw match at the City ground saw Forest build an early lead. Chris Cohen put the hosts in front in the second minute with a powerful shot before Nathan Tyson made it 2-0 from the penalty spot 12 minutes later after being brought down by Derby keeper Stephen Bywater, who avoided a red card.
But Derby, managed by former Forest favourite Nigel Clough, got back into the game before the break with a powerful Rob Hulse header.
And Clough, whose late manager father Brian won the English title with both clubs back in the 1970s, saw Paul Green draw Derby level on the hour mark before Kris Commons put the Rams in front against his old club.
The fifth round ties will be played on the weekend of February 14 with Arsenal's delayed fourth round replay at the Emirates against Cardiff taking place on February 16.
Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Gosling_knocks_Liverpool_out_of_FA_Cup/articleshow/4078490.cms
There were only two minutes of extra-time remaining when Gosling, who only turned 19 on Monday, curled the ball past Pepe Reina to end the interest of Liverpool, currently second in the Premier League, in this season's FA Cup.
A miserable night for Liverpool was made worse by the sight of inspirational captain Steven Gerrard going off in the first-half with what appeared to be a hamstring injury while Lucas was later sent-off for a second bookable offence.
Everton, sixth in the top-flight, will face Aston Villa in the last 16 after the team fourth in the Premier League beat Championship side Doncaster 3-1 in a fourth round replay earlier Wednesday.
South Africa's Benni McCarthy was Blackburn's hero as they on with just two minutes of extra-time remaining in their 2-1 all Premier League replay victory over Sunderland. Blackburn now face 1987 Cup winners Coventry in the fifth round.
In another replay, Derby came from 2-0 down to beat East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest 3-2 and so secure a glamour fifth round tie at home to English, European and world champions Manchester United.
At Goodison, the first-half was notable only for the sight of inspirational Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard limping off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Leon Osman with 20 minutes left in the match, had a chance to win the tie for Everton but his close-range shot hit the near post.
Villa scored twice in the space of four minutes against Championship strugglers Doncaster. Steve Sidwell put them ahead in the 15th minute when he followed up after Neil Sullivan blocked Craig Gardner's initial shot.
Former Wimbledon keeper Suliivan was then left stranded when Norway striker John Carew's 20-yard shot took a deflection and looped into the net. But Doncaster hit back on the stroke of half-time when Jason Price's miscued shot beat Brad Guzan in the Villa goal. However, Nathan Delfouneso settled the hosts' nerves by making it 3-1 with a header from Nicky Shorey's cross.
Sunderland took the lead when David Healy was ruled onside before beating Paul Robinson in the seventh minute. But South Africa defender Aaron Mokoena drew Blackburn level before half-time with a spectacular 25-yard strike before his compatriot McCarthy headed home the decisive goal.
A see-saw match at the City ground saw Forest build an early lead. Chris Cohen put the hosts in front in the second minute with a powerful shot before Nathan Tyson made it 2-0 from the penalty spot 12 minutes later after being brought down by Derby keeper Stephen Bywater, who avoided a red card.
But Derby, managed by former Forest favourite Nigel Clough, got back into the game before the break with a powerful Rob Hulse header.
And Clough, whose late manager father Brian won the English title with both clubs back in the 1970s, saw Paul Green draw Derby level on the hour mark before Kris Commons put the Rams in front against his old club.
The fifth round ties will be played on the weekend of February 14 with Arsenal's delayed fourth round replay at the Emirates against Cardiff taking place on February 16.
Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Gosling_knocks_Liverpool_out_of_FA_Cup/articleshow/4078490.cms
Tendulkar, Zaheer rested as India elect to bat
Colombo: India rested Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan as captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat in the fourth one-day international at the SSC stadium on Thursday.
India have already clinched the five-match series 3-0 after handing a 147-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the third ODI.
India had already made it clear they would test their reserves in the next two fixtures and Irfan Pathan and Rohit Sharma got a look-in. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, benched Ajantha Mendis after his ordinary showing in the first three games, giving a chance to Angelo Mathews.
Teams:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Praveen Kumar, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma.
Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillekaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Chamara Kapugedera, Thilina Kandamby, Farveez Maharoof, Nuwan Kulasekera, Angelo Mathews, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Fernando.
Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/tendulkar-zaheer-rested-as-india-elect-to-bat/38006-13.html
India have already clinched the five-match series 3-0 after handing a 147-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the third ODI.
India had already made it clear they would test their reserves in the next two fixtures and Irfan Pathan and Rohit Sharma got a look-in. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, benched Ajantha Mendis after his ordinary showing in the first three games, giving a chance to Angelo Mathews.
Teams:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Praveen Kumar, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma.
Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillekaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Chamara Kapugedera, Thilina Kandamby, Farveez Maharoof, Nuwan Kulasekera, Angelo Mathews, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Fernando.
Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/tendulkar-zaheer-rested-as-india-elect-to-bat/38006-13.html
Michael Clarke pulls out of IPL
Michael Clarke, the Australian vice-captain, has pulled out of this year's Indian Premier League citing a hectic international schedule as his reason. Michael Clarke's base price was set at USD 1 million, the second highest after Kevin Pietersen.
Australia are currently playing New Zealand in a 5-match ODI series following which they will head to South Africa for a 2-month long tour. With an ODI series against Pakistan before the Ashes, Australian players would only have a two-week window to participate in the tournament.
"Speaking with my management, my family, my fiancee and the hierarchy of the IPL and for me this year I won't be going to the IPL," Clarke said.
"There's probably a number of reasons but the most important thing for me is we've only got a couple of weeks off, we've got a really busy schedule and I just think for where I'm at with my body and that time at home it's valuable for me."
"I'd love to take part in it one day. It's just about finding the right time for me to be a part of it."
"There's obviously a lot of great things about the IPL and that's why I say I certainly want to be a part of it at some stage. Every player is in a different position as well but for me - mentally, physically where I am - I just think those two weeks at home will be great for me to come home and see family and friends."
Asked whether he was surprised that so many Australians were taking part in the IPL, Clarke said that the tournament had its positives and it was a matter of personal choice.
"I think it's a wonderful thing for cricket. It's definitely improved Twenty20 cricket, certainly played a part in improving one-day cricket and the lead-up to the Twenty20 World Championship is the IPL, so it's pretty good preparation."
"It doesn't surprise me so many guys are going there. It's just a personal choice at this stage."
Clarke joins teammate Mitchell Johnson and England paceman Stuart Broad, both of whom also opted out of the Twenty20 tournament, keeping in mind the hectic international commitments.
Clarke was not part of the first edition of the IPL either after he wished to spend time with his family and his fiancee's ailing father.
Soruce: http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/Story/10207/michael-clarke-pulls-out-of-ipl/
Australia are currently playing New Zealand in a 5-match ODI series following which they will head to South Africa for a 2-month long tour. With an ODI series against Pakistan before the Ashes, Australian players would only have a two-week window to participate in the tournament.
"Speaking with my management, my family, my fiancee and the hierarchy of the IPL and for me this year I won't be going to the IPL," Clarke said.
"There's probably a number of reasons but the most important thing for me is we've only got a couple of weeks off, we've got a really busy schedule and I just think for where I'm at with my body and that time at home it's valuable for me."
"I'd love to take part in it one day. It's just about finding the right time for me to be a part of it."
"There's obviously a lot of great things about the IPL and that's why I say I certainly want to be a part of it at some stage. Every player is in a different position as well but for me - mentally, physically where I am - I just think those two weeks at home will be great for me to come home and see family and friends."
Asked whether he was surprised that so many Australians were taking part in the IPL, Clarke said that the tournament had its positives and it was a matter of personal choice.
"I think it's a wonderful thing for cricket. It's definitely improved Twenty20 cricket, certainly played a part in improving one-day cricket and the lead-up to the Twenty20 World Championship is the IPL, so it's pretty good preparation."
"It doesn't surprise me so many guys are going there. It's just a personal choice at this stage."
Clarke joins teammate Mitchell Johnson and England paceman Stuart Broad, both of whom also opted out of the Twenty20 tournament, keeping in mind the hectic international commitments.
Clarke was not part of the first edition of the IPL either after he wished to spend time with his family and his fiancee's ailing father.
Soruce: http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/Story/10207/michael-clarke-pulls-out-of-ipl/
Zimbabwe complete 5-0 series annihilation of Kenya
Zimbabwe completed a 5-0 series clean sweep over Kenya on Wednesday, winning the fifth and final match by seven wickets at the Nairobi Gymkhana club.
Zimbabwe, propped up by an unbeaten third-wicket partnership of opener Hamilton Masakadza (84) and Sean Williams (63) easily surpassed their target with 15 overs to spare.
In a match dominated by seamers, Graeme Cremer claimed a career best 4-31 as Kenya were reduced to a paltry 199 after winning the toss.
Raymond Price and Masakadza weighed in with two apiece.
Kenyan all-rounder Collins Obuya was the Kenyan batsman to defy the Zimbabwean seam attack when he posted 75 off 108 balls. But it was all futile as the wickets fell around him.
Kenyan coach Andy Kirsten put a brave face on the series whitewash but he
knows there is growing pressure on his team to perform ahead of the 2011 World Cup qualifiers in South Africa.
"Today's result for us was very disappointing. Right now I am very disappointed. But when I look at the five matches as a whole, Zimbabwe came here as a very good outfit from their tour of Sri Lanka and quite simply outplayed us," said Kirsten.
"However before the start of today's game - after four matches- if things had gone our way a little bit here and there at the early stages of the first two matches, it could have been two each instead of 4-0 down,"he added.
"But I am looking at the positives. There were times in this series where we did compete very well but unfortunately we couldn't put it together at the vital stages."
"We will take a big learning curve out of these matches, and hopeful put those areas where we need to really fix up quite radically in place we get to South Africa."
Kenya will travel to South Africa later this month on an eight-day tour to play four warm-up matches.
Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/Story/10189/zimbabwe-complete-5-0-series-annihilation-of-kenya/
Zimbabwe, propped up by an unbeaten third-wicket partnership of opener Hamilton Masakadza (84) and Sean Williams (63) easily surpassed their target with 15 overs to spare.
In a match dominated by seamers, Graeme Cremer claimed a career best 4-31 as Kenya were reduced to a paltry 199 after winning the toss.
Raymond Price and Masakadza weighed in with two apiece.
Kenyan all-rounder Collins Obuya was the Kenyan batsman to defy the Zimbabwean seam attack when he posted 75 off 108 balls. But it was all futile as the wickets fell around him.
Kenyan coach Andy Kirsten put a brave face on the series whitewash but he
knows there is growing pressure on his team to perform ahead of the 2011 World Cup qualifiers in South Africa.
"Today's result for us was very disappointing. Right now I am very disappointed. But when I look at the five matches as a whole, Zimbabwe came here as a very good outfit from their tour of Sri Lanka and quite simply outplayed us," said Kirsten.
"However before the start of today's game - after four matches- if things had gone our way a little bit here and there at the early stages of the first two matches, it could have been two each instead of 4-0 down,"he added.
"But I am looking at the positives. There were times in this series where we did compete very well but unfortunately we couldn't put it together at the vital stages."
"We will take a big learning curve out of these matches, and hopeful put those areas where we need to really fix up quite radically in place we get to South Africa."
Kenya will travel to South Africa later this month on an eight-day tour to play four warm-up matches.
Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/Story/10189/zimbabwe-complete-5-0-series-annihilation-of-kenya/
Pietersen saves England on Strauss's first day
KINGSTON (Reuters) - There was every side of Kevin Pietersen in his innings of 97 on the first day of the first test against West Indies at Sabina Park on Wednesday.
There was talent and desire, there was application, skill and patience, and in the end there was a burst of spectacular hitting leading to a rash dismissal.
Pietersen has been in the headlines over the past month as a result of his bitter dispute with the former coach Peter Moores -- which led to his resignation and Moores' sacking -- and he was glad to be back to talking about runs rather than rows.
"I love scoring runs and I love playing for England," he said. "If someone had said to me a month ago when everything was kicking off in England that I'd get 97 today I would have said 'thank you very much'."
On the first day of Andrew Strauss's captaincy, Pietersen rescued England from a poor start of 94-4, built a classy innings and then threw away the chance of a century when he tried to hit Sulieman Benn for six having taken him for 14 in the previous three balls.
"It's the way I play, I got to 97 playing that way so it just wasn't meant to be. No drama," Pietersen said after England closed at 236-5.
In truth, though, Pietersen had played with an uncharacteristic caution on a slow track.
"On that wicket you have to play situations and I think that's what I've done over the last few years instead of going out there and being dominant," he said.
"I tried to be, but I wasn't as forceful as dominant as I could have been on that wicket. I don't like to block all day."
The days when West Indian wickets were rock hard and dangerous for batsmen facing a wave of short-pitched pace bowling have long since gone, but it was still an unusual sight to have two spinners in operation on the first day of a test.
"It was tricky, it's a tricky situation but then you come to the West Indies expecting a barrage so to be facing spin from both ends is not a bad thing," said Pietersen.
In Monty Panesar, England have a spin-bowling threat of their own and Pietersen expects him to have an influential role in the outcome of the test.
"Monty is going to play a huge role in the game," he said. "The way he has been bowling in the last couple weeks, the new Monty Panesar, it's all good signs.
"Monty is bowling fantastically well, in the last few weeks he has impressed me.
"He was under pressure in India and maybe over the last six months he hasn't bowled as well as he could do. But I've had some long chats with Monty and he's in a real good place which is great".
Soruce: http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/
There was talent and desire, there was application, skill and patience, and in the end there was a burst of spectacular hitting leading to a rash dismissal.
Pietersen has been in the headlines over the past month as a result of his bitter dispute with the former coach Peter Moores -- which led to his resignation and Moores' sacking -- and he was glad to be back to talking about runs rather than rows.
"I love scoring runs and I love playing for England," he said. "If someone had said to me a month ago when everything was kicking off in England that I'd get 97 today I would have said 'thank you very much'."
On the first day of Andrew Strauss's captaincy, Pietersen rescued England from a poor start of 94-4, built a classy innings and then threw away the chance of a century when he tried to hit Sulieman Benn for six having taken him for 14 in the previous three balls.
"It's the way I play, I got to 97 playing that way so it just wasn't meant to be. No drama," Pietersen said after England closed at 236-5.
In truth, though, Pietersen had played with an uncharacteristic caution on a slow track.
"On that wicket you have to play situations and I think that's what I've done over the last few years instead of going out there and being dominant," he said.
"I tried to be, but I wasn't as forceful as dominant as I could have been on that wicket. I don't like to block all day."
The days when West Indian wickets were rock hard and dangerous for batsmen facing a wave of short-pitched pace bowling have long since gone, but it was still an unusual sight to have two spinners in operation on the first day of a test.
"It was tricky, it's a tricky situation but then you come to the West Indies expecting a barrage so to be facing spin from both ends is not a bad thing," said Pietersen.
In Monty Panesar, England have a spin-bowling threat of their own and Pietersen expects him to have an influential role in the outcome of the test.
"Monty is going to play a huge role in the game," he said. "The way he has been bowling in the last couple weeks, the new Monty Panesar, it's all good signs.
"Monty is bowling fantastically well, in the last few weeks he has impressed me.
"He was under pressure in India and maybe over the last six months he hasn't bowled as well as he could do. But I've had some long chats with Monty and he's in a real good place which is great".
Soruce: http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Sachin yet again
Colombo, Feb 3: For the third time in a row, Sachin Tendulkar was today done in by poor umpiring in the current one-day cricket series against Sri Lanka, being declared leg before wicket in yet another dubious decision.Tendulkar was declared leg-before in the first ODI in Dambulla when the ball was clearly pitched outside the leg stump, he fell LBW against in the second ODI when the ball was missing the leg stump and was again ruled leg-before by Sri Lankan umpire Gamini Silva today when the ball was going down the leg side by an even wider margin. The three umpiring errors have meant that Tendulkar has made scores of 5, 6 and 7 in the series so far.True to his character, Tendulkar has not shown any dissent although his disappointment was palpable.India’s coach Gary Kirsten was seen shaking his head in disbelief after watching television replays of Tendulkar’s dismissal in the dressing room. The champion batsman, who had been in excellent form in the recent series against Australia and England, suddenly finds himself going through a lean patch for no fault of his. (PTI)
Singh, Indu Bhagat winners in amateur golf
Singh, Indu Bhagat winners in amateur golf: The 31st All Assam Amateur Golf Championship from January 30- February 1 in the picturesque Digboi Golf Course was well attended by more than 180 golfers from Asom and neighbouring States. The overall winner was 19 year old Surya Vijay Singh with a final score of 4 under par. The overall lady winner was Indu Bhagat.In the ladies category the winners were Indu Bhagat, Ritamoni Hazarika, Dr Jyoti Bora, Pronita Sarmah and Rukshana Khan. The winners in the 19-30 category were Lt Col J Dhiya, Jishu Rakshit, Master A Kholi, Sumit Singh Bhamprah, H Bhattacharjee, HN Shah, Dr Mukul Dutta, and D Nicholus. In the 13-18 category the winners were Akid Zaman, Nipon Kachari, Pankaj Deka, Col N S Chawhan, K J Baruah, Satya S Saikia, D P Prasad, R Badoni, Manash Baruah, RV Singh, TU Ahmed, A Talukdar, S Agarwal, and M Takuldar. The winners in the 0-12 category were SV Singh, Utpal Deka, VK Singh, Anurag Neog, GK Goyari, Surajit Goswami, Haseem Ahmed, S M Hussain, Mridul Shyam, Roop Chakraborty, Sunil Phukan, Sq Ldr N Rana, Arvind Daga, Puna Borgohain, S N Chowdhary, and Sq Ldr N Bhandari. (Staff Correspondent, Dibrugarh)
India stun Germany in Punjab Gold Cup hockey
CHANDIGARH: After the 4-4 draw against the Netherlands on Sunday, India coach in-charge Harendra Singh had said that not earning a single penalty corner had cost them a win. On Tuesday, he was a happy man following India's 2-0 triumph over world and Olympic champions Germany in their final match of the first leg of the four-nation Punjab Gold Cup.
Reason: India earned two penalty corners in the match and scored in both.
However, the person whose stellar performance ensured that India go into the second leg with their morale high was man of the match Baljit Singh, who pulled off five stunning saves to fashion India's first victory over Germany after 2004.
The match started on a wrong note for India, as in-form striker Shivender Singh had to be stretchered off the field in the very first minute following a nasty collision with a German midfielder. However, the jolt didn't bog down the Indians, as they earned a penalty corner two minutes later.
After Rajpal Singh's push wasn't stopped cleanly, the ball went to an unmarked Dilip Tirkey — the highest capped player in the world — who hit a sizzling shot that beat German goalie Max Weinhold all ends up.
After conceding an early goal, the German squad pressed hard to restore parity and earned as many as seven penalty corners (7th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 34th). However, the man who rose to the occasion and denied the Germans from equalizing was India custodian Baljit Singh. The local lad came up with stunning saves to ensure India went into the breather keeping the lead intact.
With each of Baljit's saves cheered by a vociferous crowd, the Indians also staged couple of counter-attacks, but were denied by an alert German defence.
If Germany dominated the first half, it was the home side which took control of the proceedings after the breather. They came tantalizingly close to increasing the lead in the 49th minute when Vikram Pillay's rasping shot from the top of the striking zone missed the goal by a whisker. However, the orchestrated build-ups by Rajpal, Arjun Halppa and Vikram did yield result in the 53rd minute when India earned their second short corner.
After Weinhold blocked skipper Sandeep Singh's drag flick, an alert Prabhjot Singh sent home the rebound with a splendid reverse flick.
After having an ordinary first half, Vikram pulled up his socks and played superbly in the second. Besides playing a key role in the midfield, he also thwarted quite a few German attacks around the Indian striking zone.
Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_stun_Germany_in_Punjab_Gold_Cup_hockey/articleshow/4071451.cms
Reason: India earned two penalty corners in the match and scored in both.
However, the person whose stellar performance ensured that India go into the second leg with their morale high was man of the match Baljit Singh, who pulled off five stunning saves to fashion India's first victory over Germany after 2004.
The match started on a wrong note for India, as in-form striker Shivender Singh had to be stretchered off the field in the very first minute following a nasty collision with a German midfielder. However, the jolt didn't bog down the Indians, as they earned a penalty corner two minutes later.
After Rajpal Singh's push wasn't stopped cleanly, the ball went to an unmarked Dilip Tirkey — the highest capped player in the world — who hit a sizzling shot that beat German goalie Max Weinhold all ends up.
After conceding an early goal, the German squad pressed hard to restore parity and earned as many as seven penalty corners (7th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 34th). However, the man who rose to the occasion and denied the Germans from equalizing was India custodian Baljit Singh. The local lad came up with stunning saves to ensure India went into the breather keeping the lead intact.
With each of Baljit's saves cheered by a vociferous crowd, the Indians also staged couple of counter-attacks, but were denied by an alert German defence.
If Germany dominated the first half, it was the home side which took control of the proceedings after the breather. They came tantalizingly close to increasing the lead in the 49th minute when Vikram Pillay's rasping shot from the top of the striking zone missed the goal by a whisker. However, the orchestrated build-ups by Rajpal, Arjun Halppa and Vikram did yield result in the 53rd minute when India earned their second short corner.
After Weinhold blocked skipper Sandeep Singh's drag flick, an alert Prabhjot Singh sent home the rebound with a splendid reverse flick.
After having an ordinary first half, Vikram pulled up his socks and played superbly in the second. Besides playing a key role in the midfield, he also thwarted quite a few German attacks around the Indian striking zone.
Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_stun_Germany_in_Punjab_Gold_Cup_hockey/articleshow/4071451.cms
Trust in Me" says Arsenal recruit Arshavin
LONDON: Arsenal's new signing Andrei Arshavin had a message for the Gunners' fans as he set off on his new career at the Emirates Stadium: "Trust in me and Arsenal."
Arshavin, who hopes to help bring silverware to the Arsenal sideboard after some barren years, also said it had been a "dream move" and told Sky television cameras he been a "Gooner," or Arsenal supporter, for some time.
Arsenal confirmed that the Russian playmaker had signed for the Premier League side on a "long-term" contract, believed to be three-and-a-half years.
The London club agreed a deal for the player with his former club, Zenit St Petersburg, just minutes before Monday's transfer deadline and had to wait until Tuesday for the move to be ratified by the Premier League.
Arsenal have not yet released information about Arshavin's fee, but it is believed to be around 15 million pounds.
The club have not won a major competition since they triumphed over Manchester United in the FA Cup final in 2005, one year after they went unbeaten to claim the Premier League title.
The 27-year-old is adamant that he has joined one of the best clubs in the world and is sure he can help add silverware to the Gunners trophy cabinet.
The Russian revealed the prospect of playing under manager Arsene Wenger was one of many reasons why he had his heart set on the move.
Arshavin had been linked with a move to Barcelona after he shot to fame following his outstanding performances during Euro 2008, but the Russian said he was happy to join the Gunners, thanks partly due to Wenger.
Arshavin told Arsenal TV: "I moved because I like the Arsenal style, Wenger as a coach and I like some of their players."
The club are thought to have been locked in negotiations with Zenit over the switch since the transfer window re-opened.
"I followed each game and from the moment when I met Arsene Wenger," he added. "He told me every time I talked to him, he said: 'I want you to come to Arsenal.' He had confidence in me."
When asked if he had a message to the Arsenal fans, the 2006 Russian Footballer of the Year answered: "Trust in me and Arsenal."
Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/eplarticleshow/4073291.cms
Arshavin, who hopes to help bring silverware to the Arsenal sideboard after some barren years, also said it had been a "dream move" and told Sky television cameras he been a "Gooner," or Arsenal supporter, for some time.
Arsenal confirmed that the Russian playmaker had signed for the Premier League side on a "long-term" contract, believed to be three-and-a-half years.
The London club agreed a deal for the player with his former club, Zenit St Petersburg, just minutes before Monday's transfer deadline and had to wait until Tuesday for the move to be ratified by the Premier League.
Arsenal have not yet released information about Arshavin's fee, but it is believed to be around 15 million pounds.
The club have not won a major competition since they triumphed over Manchester United in the FA Cup final in 2005, one year after they went unbeaten to claim the Premier League title.
The 27-year-old is adamant that he has joined one of the best clubs in the world and is sure he can help add silverware to the Gunners trophy cabinet.
The Russian revealed the prospect of playing under manager Arsene Wenger was one of many reasons why he had his heart set on the move.
Arshavin had been linked with a move to Barcelona after he shot to fame following his outstanding performances during Euro 2008, but the Russian said he was happy to join the Gunners, thanks partly due to Wenger.
Arshavin told Arsenal TV: "I moved because I like the Arsenal style, Wenger as a coach and I like some of their players."
The club are thought to have been locked in negotiations with Zenit over the switch since the transfer window re-opened.
"I followed each game and from the moment when I met Arsene Wenger," he added. "He told me every time I talked to him, he said: 'I want you to come to Arsenal.' He had confidence in me."
When asked if he had a message to the Arsenal fans, the 2006 Russian Footballer of the Year answered: "Trust in me and Arsenal."
Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/eplarticleshow/4073291.cms
Phelps could face criminal charges: Report
RALEIGH (North Carolina): Record-breaking Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps could face criminal charges following the publication of a photograph purpor tedly showing him smoking marijuana, The State newspaper of Columbia, South Carolina reported on Tuesday.
A South Carolina law enforcement official said he would charge Phelps if he could prove the US Olympian smoked marijuana in his county.
"This case is no different than any other case," Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott told The State.
Lott's comments come after a British newspaper published a photograph purportedly showing Phelps smoking marijuana at a party being held by students at the University of South Carolina in Columbia in November.
Columbia, the South Carolina state capital, is located in Richland County.
"This one might be a lot easier since we have photographs of someone using drugs and a partial confession. It's a relatively easy case once we can determine where the crime occurred."
Phelps apologised on Sunday after publication of the photograph by the News of the World, calling his behaviour "inappropriate."
Both the University of South Carolina and Columbia police departments have said they would not pursue charges against Phelps, The State said.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it accepted his apology and US officials said the news was disappointing but stressed that smoking marijuana out of competition was not an anti-doping matter.
Possession of marijuana is a misdemeanour in South Carolina, punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $570 fine, plus court costs, The State reported.
Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Phelps_could_face_criminal_charges_Report/articleshow/4074308.cms
A South Carolina law enforcement official said he would charge Phelps if he could prove the US Olympian smoked marijuana in his county.
"This case is no different than any other case," Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott told The State.
Lott's comments come after a British newspaper published a photograph purportedly showing Phelps smoking marijuana at a party being held by students at the University of South Carolina in Columbia in November.
Columbia, the South Carolina state capital, is located in Richland County.
"This one might be a lot easier since we have photographs of someone using drugs and a partial confession. It's a relatively easy case once we can determine where the crime occurred."
Phelps apologised on Sunday after publication of the photograph by the News of the World, calling his behaviour "inappropriate."
Both the University of South Carolina and Columbia police departments have said they would not pursue charges against Phelps, The State said.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it accepted his apology and US officials said the news was disappointing but stressed that smoking marijuana out of competition was not an anti-doping matter.
Possession of marijuana is a misdemeanour in South Carolina, punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $570 fine, plus court costs, The State reported.
Source: http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Phelps_could_face_criminal_charges_Report/articleshow/4074308.cms
Not touring SA in best interest of Symo: CA
Melbourne: Cricket Australia on Wednesday justified its decision of not considering Andrew Symonds for the tour of Australia, saying that it was in the "best interest" of the controversial all-rounder.
"It is a tough stance but an appropriate stance in the circumstances," said CA chief executive James Sutherland.
"It can be looked at as a sanction but I would prefer to look at this as a decision in the best interests of Andrew Symonds as well. He will benefit from some concentrated counselling over this period before he goes on tour again with the Australian cricket team," he was quoted as saying in the local media.
Sutherland said the 33-year-old Symonds, who is undergoing rehabilitation, was in fact thankful to have escaped the sack, after his latest remarks to New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum.
Symonds was fined $4000 for describing McCullum as "a lump of sh.." during a radio interview with comedians Roy and HG, during which the cricketer sounded as if he had been drinking.
"Whilst he is disappointed that he is not able to be selected for the South Africa tour, he is at the same time grateful that he is still a contracted Cricket Australia player," Sutherland said.
The CA Chief Executive hinted that Symonds's career will go on the line again before the ODI series against Pakistan in April, around the time the next round of CA contracts is announced.
Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/not-touring-sa-in-best-interest-of-symo-ca/37972-13.html
"It is a tough stance but an appropriate stance in the circumstances," said CA chief executive James Sutherland.
"It can be looked at as a sanction but I would prefer to look at this as a decision in the best interests of Andrew Symonds as well. He will benefit from some concentrated counselling over this period before he goes on tour again with the Australian cricket team," he was quoted as saying in the local media.
Sutherland said the 33-year-old Symonds, who is undergoing rehabilitation, was in fact thankful to have escaped the sack, after his latest remarks to New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum.
Symonds was fined $4000 for describing McCullum as "a lump of sh.." during a radio interview with comedians Roy and HG, during which the cricketer sounded as if he had been drinking.
"Whilst he is disappointed that he is not able to be selected for the South Africa tour, he is at the same time grateful that he is still a contracted Cricket Australia player," Sutherland said.
The CA Chief Executive hinted that Symonds's career will go on the line again before the ODI series against Pakistan in April, around the time the next round of CA contracts is announced.
Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/not-touring-sa-in-best-interest-of-symo-ca/37972-13.html
Dhoni to be bestowed with Youth Icon award
Ranchi: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's alma mater St Xavier's College will confer its famous student with its first 'Youth Icon' award during the institute's three-day carnival begining on February 5.
"This will be the first-ever award being conferred to any student in the college's 49-year-old history to encourage all the students to show their prowess," college dean Jayant Sinha said here on Tuesday.
"We are trying to contact Dhoni's family to receive the award on his behalf," he said.
Dhoni is presently leading Team India against Sri Lanka in the one-day series.
Dhoni had last year enrolled himself in the college to complete his degree course in office management.
Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/dhoni-to-be-bestowed-with-youth-icon-award/37963-13.html
"This will be the first-ever award being conferred to any student in the college's 49-year-old history to encourage all the students to show their prowess," college dean Jayant Sinha said here on Tuesday.
"We are trying to contact Dhoni's family to receive the award on his behalf," he said.
Dhoni is presently leading Team India against Sri Lanka in the one-day series.
Dhoni had last year enrolled himself in the college to complete his degree course in office management.
Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/dhoni-to-be-bestowed-with-youth-icon-award/37963-13.html
India to field reserves in search of record win
Colombo: Having clinched the five-match series by taking an unassailable 3-0 lead, India will try out some of their reserve players when they take on Sri Lanka in an inconsequential fourth one-dayer here on Thursday, seeking to notch up a record-breaking ninth consecutive win.
Although the visitors would ideally like to make a clean sweep of the series, giving an opportunity to the bench players will be their priority in the remaining two games.
Everything has gone well for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men in the series and the team will be keen to keep the winning sequence going.
The Indian batting has been far superior than the home team and the bowling has also been quite disciplined to bring about the desired results.
Dhoni made it clear after Tuesday's win that giving reserve players a chance to prove themselves was more important than retaining the winning squad in pursuit of their record ninth straight ODI win.
"We are not looking at the record. Rather, we will give chance to players who didn't get a chance to play in the series so far," Dhoni said.
"We are 3-0 up and have already won the series. It gives us an opportunity to play those players. For us, this is the priority. The team is not looking at the record but giving chance to those players," he said.
India humiliated Sri Lanka with a 147-run win under floodlights at the R Premadasa stadium on Tuesday to seal the series. Sri Lanka, however, have only pride to play for in the remaining matches which are of mere academic interest now.
The home side, who are playing non-stop cricket for last five months, will be under pressure to regroup and rediscover their winning form.
Captain Mahela Jayawardene will have to ensure that his team executed the game plan well to win the next two matches and reclaim their confidence ahead of the busy season.
Jayawardene admitted his team was not up to the standard of Dhoni's India and there were some grey areas to be fixed, especially the bowling which was absolutely off the mark on Tuesday.
"There are certain areas we need to tighten up. Against a good opposition like India, certain things were not up to the standard," he said.
Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/india-to-field-reserves-in-search-of-record-win/37978-13.html
Although the visitors would ideally like to make a clean sweep of the series, giving an opportunity to the bench players will be their priority in the remaining two games.
Everything has gone well for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men in the series and the team will be keen to keep the winning sequence going.
The Indian batting has been far superior than the home team and the bowling has also been quite disciplined to bring about the desired results.
Dhoni made it clear after Tuesday's win that giving reserve players a chance to prove themselves was more important than retaining the winning squad in pursuit of their record ninth straight ODI win.
"We are not looking at the record. Rather, we will give chance to players who didn't get a chance to play in the series so far," Dhoni said.
"We are 3-0 up and have already won the series. It gives us an opportunity to play those players. For us, this is the priority. The team is not looking at the record but giving chance to those players," he said.
India humiliated Sri Lanka with a 147-run win under floodlights at the R Premadasa stadium on Tuesday to seal the series. Sri Lanka, however, have only pride to play for in the remaining matches which are of mere academic interest now.
The home side, who are playing non-stop cricket for last five months, will be under pressure to regroup and rediscover their winning form.
Captain Mahela Jayawardene will have to ensure that his team executed the game plan well to win the next two matches and reclaim their confidence ahead of the busy season.
Jayawardene admitted his team was not up to the standard of Dhoni's India and there were some grey areas to be fixed, especially the bowling which was absolutely off the mark on Tuesday.
"There are certain areas we need to tighten up. Against a good opposition like India, certain things were not up to the standard," he said.
Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/india-to-field-reserves-in-search-of-record-win/37978-13.html
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