Injured Ponting to miss fifth Ashes Test

SYDNEY: Australian captain Ricky Ponting will miss next week's fifth Ashes Test against England after X-rays revealed further damage to a broken finger suffered earlier in the series, officials said on Thursday.

Vice-captain Michael Clarke is expected to lead Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday, with the team to be announced later Thursday.

England retained the Ashes with a crushing innings and 157-run win in the fourth Melbourne Test on Wednesday, and are chasing their first series win in Australia in 24 years in the Sydney Test.

"Ricky Ponting had a repeat X-ray after the fourth Test which showed evidence that the fracture of his fifth (left) finger has moved during the course of the Melbourne Test," team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a statement.

"As such he needs to commence treatment immediately to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

"The treatment options include surgery or aggressive splinting and immobilisation of the injured finger."

Kountouris said a decision on Ponting's treatment will be made in the next 24 hours, after further consultation with the hand specialist.

"His return to cricket will be based on how quickly the fracture heals and he will hopefully commence training in the later part of the Australian summer," he added.

"He is expected to be fully fit for the ICC Cricket World Cup."

Ponting, who fractured his little finger while attempting a slips catch in the third Perth Test, has been under immense pressure after becoming the only Australian skipper to fail to win the Ashes three times.

There was speculation during the fourth Test that Ponting's time might be up after a run of low scores and disciplinary issues in the twilight of a celebrated playing career.

Ponting, 36, Test cricket's second-greatest run-scorer behind India's Sachin Tendulkar, has had a dire series, making just 113 runs in eight innings at an average of 16, prompting calls for his removal as captain.

Ponting's setback may open to way for Pakistan-born and New South Wales batsman Usman Khawaja to make his Test debut in the Sydney Test, possibly in the demanding number three spot occupied by the injured Australian skipper.

England last won a Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2003 by 225 runs under Michael Vaughan's leadership.

Read more: Injured Ponting to miss fifth Ashes Test - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/ashes-2010-yearn-for-urn/top-stories/Injured-Ponting-to-miss-fifth-Ashes-Test/articleshow/7188609.cms#ixzz19ZCpKD3v

2nd Test: India beat South Africa by 87 runs, level series 1-1

DURBAN: An inspired India made amends for the drubbing at Centurion with a sensational 87-run victory against South Africa in the low-scoring second Test to level the three-match series 1-1 on Wednesday.

After setting a target of 303, the Indian bowlers put up a disciplined show to dismiss the hosts for 215 in 72.3 overs about an hour after the lunch break to record only their second Test triumph on South African soil.

It turned out to be an extraordinary Test with fortune fluctuating from one team to the other but the Indians eventually tilted the balance in their favour on a bouncy Kingsmead track which saw 40 wickets fall in three and half days.

The Indians, who had lost the first Test at Centurion by an innings and 25 runs, showed great character and resilience to demolish the Proteas in their own den and in conditions tailor-made to suit the home team.

The Indians players jumped in joy and hugged each other after last man Lonwabo Tsotsobe was run out to bring about the moment of glory while coach Gary Kirsten and the other support staff stood up at the dressing room to applaud the players.

S Sreesanth (3-45), Zaheer Khan (3-53) and Harbhajan Singh (2-70) were the pick of the bowlers for India while Ashwell Prince was the top scorer for the South Africans with an unbeaten 39.

It was India's second Test triumph in South Africa. The 123-run victory in the first Test at Johannesburg in 2006 was their first Test victory on South African soil.

The two teams will now travel to Cape Town for the third and final Test starting on Sunday.

Both teams had an equal chance of winning the match when play began this morning with South Africa needing 192 runs and India needing to scalp the seven remaining wickets.

With plenty of time at hand, South African batsmen adopted a cautious approach in the morning and were content in playing the waiting game against some disciplined Indian bowling.

Resuming their chase at the overnight score of 111 for three, both de Villiers and Jacques Kallis found the going tough against the Indian attack and scored in ones and twos before a ripper from Sreesanth broke the dangerous-looking 41-run fourth-wicket stand.

The Kerela speedster came up with a blinder of a delivery that bounced sharply on to Kallis from just short of length and the big man had no other option but to fend at it, only to glove it to Virender Sehwag at gully.

Kallis made 17 off 52 deliveries and hit two boundaries in the process.

It seemed Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni came out with a perfect plan as he started the day's proceeding with off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who bowled in tandem alongside Sreesanth and Zaheer Khan.

Dhoni's tactic bore fruit as Harbhajan inflicted the second big blow of the morning to South Africa by dismissing another dangerman de Villiers (33) lbw even though TV replays showed the South African was unlucky.

Bowling from round the wicket, Harbhajan tossed one up on off and middle and got it to bite and straighten which struck de Villiers around the knee in front of the stumps and umpire Asad Rauf had no hestiation in raising the finger but replays later showed the ball was going above the stumps.

Soon after de Villiers wicket, another dubious lbw decision ruined South Africa's morning when Zaheer Khan dismissed Mark Boucher in the 43rd over.

Zaheer too registered his name in the wicket list when he struck Boucher on the pads with a delivery that seemed to be angling away from the off-stump but umpire Steve Davis thought otherwise and adjudged the Protea wicket-keeper lbw much to the dismay of the home fans.

Zaheer then took India closer towards victory dismissing Dale Steyn (10) caught by Cheteshwar Pujara at third slip after the right-hander went for a flashing drive only to get an outside edge.

But a resolute Prince remained a thorn in the flesh for the Indians as he joined hands with Harris to lead South Africa's fightback and frustrated the visitors with their eighth-wicket partnership.

Zaheer broke the 27-run partnership immediately after the lunch break by bowling Harris with a gem of a delivery which moved in to clip the bails.

Morne Morkel, who joined the action after Harris' dismissal, went for his strokes to ease the pressure and the strategy seemed to work as South Africa crossed the 200 mark to give some anxious moments to the Indians.

But Ishant came to his team's rescue by evicting Morkel (20) and bring India within sniffing distance of victory.

Last man Lonwabo Tsotsobe did not survive long as he was run out, thanks to some smart fielding by Cheteswar Pujara at short leg.

Read more: 2nd Test: India beat South Africa by 87 runs, level series 1-1 - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/india-in-south-africa/top-stories/2nd-Test-India-beat-South-Africa-by-87-runs-level-series-1-1/articleshow/7185196.cms#ixzz19ZCZOu92

2nd Test: India beat South Africa by 87 runs, level series 1-1

DURBAN: An inspired India made amends for the drubbing at Centurion with a sensational 87-run victory against South Africa in the low-scoring second Test to level the three-match series 1-1 on Wednesday.

After setting a target of 303, the Indian bowlers put up a disciplined show to dismiss the hosts for 215 in 72.3 overs about an hour after the lunch break to record only their second Test triumph on South African soil.

It turned out to be an extraordinary Test with fortune fluctuating from one team to the other but the Indians eventually tilted the balance in their favour on a bouncy Kingsmead track which saw 40 wickets fall in three and half days.

The Indians, who had lost the first Test at Centurion by an innings and 25 runs, showed great character and resilience to demolish the Proteas in their own den and in conditions tailor-made to suit the home team.

The Indians players jumped in joy and hugged each other after last man Lonwabo Tsotsobe was run out to bring about the moment of glory while coach Gary Kirsten and the other support staff stood up at the dressing room to applaud the players.

S Sreesanth (3-45), Zaheer Khan (3-53) and Harbhajan Singh (2-70) were the pick of the bowlers for India while Ashwell Prince was the top scorer for the South Africans with an unbeaten 39.

It was India's second Test triumph in South Africa. The 123-run victory in the first Test at Johannesburg in 2006 was their first Test victory on South African soil.

The two teams will now travel to Cape Town for the third and final Test starting on Sunday.

Both teams had an equal chance of winning the match when play began this morning with South Africa needing 192 runs and India needing to scalp the seven remaining wickets.

With plenty of time at hand, South African batsmen adopted a cautious approach in the morning and were content in playing the waiting game against some disciplined Indian bowling.

Resuming their chase at the overnight score of 111 for three, both de Villiers and Jacques Kallis found the going tough against the Indian attack and scored in ones and twos before a ripper from Sreesanth broke the dangerous-looking 41-run fourth-wicket stand.

The Kerela speedster came up with a blinder of a delivery that bounced sharply on to Kallis from just short of length and the big man had no other option but to fend at it, only to glove it to Virender Sehwag at gully.

Kallis made 17 off 52 deliveries and hit two boundaries in the process.

It seemed Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni came out with a perfect plan as he started the day's proceeding with off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who bowled in tandem alongside Sreesanth and Zaheer Khan.

Dhoni's tactic bore fruit as Harbhajan inflicted the second big blow of the morning to South Africa by dismissing another dangerman de Villiers (33) lbw even though TV replays showed the South African was unlucky.

Bowling from round the wicket, Harbhajan tossed one up on off and middle and got it to bite and straighten which struck de Villiers around the knee in front of the stumps and umpire Asad Rauf had no hestiation in raising the finger but replays later showed the ball was going above the stumps.

Soon after de Villiers wicket, another dubious lbw decision ruined South Africa's morning when Zaheer Khan dismissed Mark Boucher in the 43rd over.

Zaheer too registered his name in the wicket list when he struck Boucher on the pads with a delivery that seemed to be angling away from the off-stump but umpire Steve Davis thought otherwise and adjudged the Protea wicket-keeper lbw much to the dismay of the home fans.

Zaheer then took India closer towards victory dismissing Dale Steyn (10) caught by Cheteshwar Pujara at third slip after the right-hander went for a flashing drive only to get an outside edge.

But a resolute Prince remained a thorn in the flesh for the Indians as he joined hands with Harris to lead South Africa's fightback and frustrated the visitors with their eighth-wicket partnership.

Zaheer broke the 27-run partnership immediately after the lunch break by bowling Harris with a gem of a delivery which moved in to clip the bails.

Morne Morkel, who joined the action after Harris' dismissal, went for his strokes to ease the pressure and the strategy seemed to work as South Africa crossed the 200 mark to give some anxious moments to the Indians.

But Ishant came to his team's rescue by evicting Morkel (20) and bring India within sniffing distance of victory.

Last man Lonwabo Tsotsobe did not survive long as he was run out, thanks to some smart fielding by Cheteswar Pujara at short leg.

Read more: 2nd Test: India beat South Africa by 87 runs, level series 1-1 - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/india-in-south-africa/top-stories/2nd-Test-India-beat-South-Africa-by-87-runs-level-series-1-1/articleshow/7185196.cms#ixzz19ZCZOu92

I will hang up my gloves after the Olympics: Mary Kom Read more: I will hang up my gloves after the Olympics: Mary Kom

Boxer M C Mary Kom looks back on 2010 and voices her game plan for 2011.

This year saw you creating history, but you also had to settle for bronze at the Asiad...

That's right. I am happy with the bronze but not satisfied with myself.

What went wrong? Did the change of weight (from 46-48 to 51) cause the loss?

No, the change in weight is not to be blamed. I think I played the bout with utmost sincerity which I always do.

And that cost you the gold?

Yes, it did. My opponent was committing fouls and that too very tactfully, something that would escape the referee's eyes. I always try and win on points and that was exactly what I was doing but my opponent was holding me too tight and went on hitting me with her shoulder. So, I tried to do the same but the referee would declare it a foul. I also think since Ren Cancan was a Chinese, she had crowd support. I have taken a lesson from this loss. I am now going to learn how to commit fouls without being caught and go on to win bouts.

What about the sincerity with which you have been playing then?

If I just keep playing on points and eventually lose bouts, then what's the use! If the top names use fouls as a tactic to win, I will have to learn to accept and adopt it. I want to keep winning as long as I am here and I am ready to play up with fouls at the National Games in February next.

You have just got promoted as the Additional Superintendent of Police...

Yes, I am an ASP who does not even know what she is supposed to be doing. I have never been to a police station nor have I worn a uniform. The government has been very sweet and given me the ASP rank. However, having said that, I am happy I can call myself an ASP.

Coming back to boxing, you must be training for the Olympics?

I really want to win gold at the Olympics. It's been my dream. I am training hard and focusing on becoming technically sound to perform well at the London Olympics. Once I have achieved this, I am going to devote my life to bringing up my children and looking after them.

Are you talking about retirement?

Yes, I will hang up my gloves after the Olympics. My kids are three years and four months old now. They have started their playschool from September. But I missed their first day at school as I was in a camp. My husband has been filling up my absence in their lives. I can look upon it as a sacrifice for two more years, but not after that. Soon my children will wear their first school uniforms and I don't want to miss it. Post Olympics, I will devote all my time to my family. I want to see my children grow. Also, I have an academy in Manipur where I train young boys and girls. I want to see some good boxers coming out of my academy and making me proud.

Read more: I will hang up my gloves after the Olympics: Mary Kom - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/boxing/I-will-hang-up-my-gloves-after-the-Olympics-Mary-Kom/articleshow/7177084.cms#ixzz19OpPIDJM

Rajasthan to meet TN, Baroda vs Karnataka in Ranji semis

Giant slayers Rajasthan will meet Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy semifinals at home in Jaipur while last year's runners-up Karnataka will clash with Baroda in the latter's backyard, according to the Cricket Board.

Both the semi finals would be held from January 3-6, 2011.

Rajasthan, in fact, made it to the last four as one of the two qualifiers from the plate division and knocked out 39-time champions and holders Mumbai by virtue of their first innings lead in the quarter-final that ended in a draw on Monday at Jaipur.

If Rajasthan have reached where they are today, credit should go to the three outstation pros -- Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Aakash Chopra and Rashmi Ranjan Parida -- who have guided a young team and instilled self-belief in them that they can beat the best in the business.

Not to forget the kind of defining performances they put up in crunch games. Like Chopra's triple hundred in the Plate Group semi-finals against Maharashtra or Kanitkar's timely century against Mumbai-- they have risen to the occasion.

The bowlers led by Pankaj Singh also performed well within their limitations. The emergence of a fine swing bowler in Deepak Chahar whose unbelievable debut of eight for 10 against Hyderabad will definitely be one of the highlights of this edition.

Tamil Nadu edged out Haryana on net-run-rate after the inconclusive weather-hit quarter-final in which even the first innings of both teams could not be completed at Rohtak.

Karnataka got the better of Madhya Pradesh by five wickets at Indore to book a berth in the semifinals.

In Baroda, Railways fought their heart out but the hosts qualified for the semifinals on the basis of their first innings lead as their quarter-final clash ended in a draw.

The average first innings effort, both in batting and bowling, cost Railways dear as they were always doing the catch up job after that, though their performance improved as the match progressed.

Brief scores:

Madhya Pradesh: 200 and 337 lost to Karnataka: 361 and 180/5 (Amit Verma not out 68, Robin Uthappa 37; TP Sudhindra 2/34).

Railways: 248 & 366/8 dec. drew with Baroda: 416 & 136/3 in 60 overs (C Williams 52*, K Devdhar 55; J P Yadav 1/15).

Mumbai: 252 & 290-1 (AM Rahane 102*, SO Kukreja 100*) drew with Rajasthan: 589 (VA Saxena 143, AL Menaria 121, H Kanitkar 113, A Nayar 7-131).

Haryana: 379/6 dec. in 116 overs (N Saini 150, Sunny Singh 102, S Sam 2-56, R Ashwin 2-76) drew with Tamil Nadu 285/6 in 79 overs (R Sathish 106, Dinesh Karthik 57, S Budhwar 3-70, Joginder Sharma 2-41).
© PTI

England close in on Ashes series victory

England were on the verge of retaining the Ashes after feeble Australian batting left the fourth Melbourne Test at their mercy on Tuesday.

The tourists left the Australians with the huge task of either scoring 415 runs to make England bat again or lasting out eight sessions to secure a draw but the home team showed little fight after their opponents had amassed 513 at the MCG.

Australia were facing probable defeat some time on Wednesday's fourth day with no rain forecast over the last two scheduled days of the match.

At the close, Australia were trailing England by 246 runs at 169 for six with Brad Haddin on 11 and Mitchell Johnson on six.

Tim Bresnan prised open the Australian top order in a mesmerising spell of 3-22 off 14 overs to trigger the slide.

Ricky Ponting's grim struggle for runs ended after 101 minutes when he was bowled by Bresnan for 20.

The Australian skipper got an inside edge onto his stumps to continue a wretched series, having now scored just 113 runs at 16.14 and putting his distinguished 152-Test career in peril ahead of next week's final Test in Sydney.

It has been a fraught match for Ponting. He lost a crucial toss, his side were routed for a first-day 98, he was fined and censured by the match referee for a prolonged argument with the umpires over a disputed referral, and the runs have dried up.

Australia's hopes of saving the Melbourne Test plunged with Ponting's exit and it got worse when their series leading scorer Mike Hussey perished for a duck in Bresnan's next over, snapped up by Ian Bell at short extra cover.

Vice-captain Michael Clarke capped a poor series when he fell to spinner Graeme Swann for 13, playing forward and edging to Andrew Strauss.

Young Steven Smith resisted for 91 minutes before he attempted a pull and was bowled by James Anderson for 38.

Shane Watson, who ran out his opening partner Phillip Hughes, yet again failed to build on a half-century and was out lbw for 54 after not offering a shot to Bresnan.

Watson has passed 50 a total of 17 times in Tests, but only converted two of them into centuries.

Hughes, fighting for his Test career, was the victim of a poorly-judged run by batting partner Watson.

The openers had comfortably taken the score to 53 but inexplicably Watson scurried off for a risky single to cover only for Jonathan Trott to swoop in and effect the run out.

Hughes looked a disconsolate figure as he trudged from the ground after scoring 23 off 30 balls.

Watson has been involved in six run outs in 26 Test innings and has been run out just once.

England were dismissed at lunch with Trott remaining unbeaten on 168 as the team's marathon innings, stretching over 700 minutes and 159.1 overs, finally came to an end.

Trott batted for 468 minutes, faced 345 balls and hit 13 fours in an innings that fortified England's impregnable position.

England, resuming at 444 for five, lost their remaining five wickets in the morning session.

Matt Prior, who was caught off a no-ball when he was on five, chipped a catch to Ponting at mid-on off Peter Siddle for 85.

Siddle then had Bresnan caught behind for four and Ben Hilfenhaus picked up his first wicket with Swann caught behind for 22.

Hilfenhaus bowled Chris Tremlett for four and Siddle wrapped up a big-hearted bowling performance with the wicket of Anderson for one.

Siddle finished with 6-75 off 33.1 overs but Australia lost paceman Ryan Harris with an ankle stress fracture while bowling in the morning session.

Australia will now need to find a bowling replacement for Harris for the Sydney Test.
© AFP

Anand backs Bharat Ratna demand for Tendulkar

World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand on Thursday joined the growing list of top athletes supporting the demand that iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar be conferred the Bharat Ratna -- the highest civilian honour in India.

When asked whether Tendulkar, who recently hit his 50th Test century, deserves to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, Anand said, "Sure, he has done a great job."

"Especially the form our guys are showing should be great for the World Cup. It is not even that the team is depending on one guy, three-four guys are doing well, and hopefully we will pick the World Cup next year. He (Sachin) has been doing a great job," Anand told PTI.

Tendulkar had slammed his 50th Test century in the second innings against South Africa in the first cricket Test in Centurion last Sunday.

Celebrities from different fields have backed the demand for the top honour for the 37-year-old batsman.

The high-profile backers include ace shuttler Saina Nehwal and singing legends Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle.

Even some politicians, including BJP MP and Archery Association of India V.K. Malhotra have also said that Tendulkar should be conferred the honour for his achievements.
© AFP

Volkswagen new official partner of IPL 4, 5

Europe's leading automobile manufacturer, Volkswagen has been named as the official partner for the fourth and fifth season of the high-profile Indian Premier League tournament.

Volkswagen became the first German car manufacturer to become IPL's official partner after BCCI and the Twenty20 league's governing council had floated tenders for the same, BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement.

"We are extremely happy to commence what will certainly be a fruitful association with Volkswagen. It is appropriate that two organisations that epitomize dynamism, enterprise and excellence have joined hands," IPL chairman Chirayu Amin said.

Commenting on the alliance, Neeraj Garg, member of the board and director of Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt Ltd said, "IPL stands for the people's game in India and what better way to associate our brand which literally means people's car."

Head of Marketing & PR, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt Ltd, Lutz Kothe added: "It is a great honour and huge pleasure to become part of the Indian Premier League. Being the official automotive partner will be an enormous asset as it will foster Volkswagen's bond with India."
© PTI

Bravo, Prior sign for Victoria in Big Bash

West Indian allrounder Dwayne Bravo and English batsman Matt Prior will play for Victoria in Australia's Twenty20 Big Bash series next month, officials said on Friday.

Bravo has signed with Victoria for their first five matches of the tournament before returning to his own domestic T20 competition in the Caribbean.

Prior will join the team after the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney on January 9, officials said.

Bravo played a pivotal role in Victoria?s successful 2009/10 Big Bash campaign, ending the tournament with 77 runs at a strike rate of 157.14 and four wickets.

Prior, England's Test wicket-keeper, believes the T20 Big Bash is one of the best competitions of its type in the world.

"When I was made aware of the Bushrangers (Victoria) needing a second overseas player a few weeks ago, I was really keen to join the team and be a part of the Big Bash competition," Prior said in a statement.

"The Big Bash looks like one of the best Twenty20 competitions in the world right now, the way it?s promoted and advertised you can tell everyone in Australia is really excited about it."

Prior, 28, will play as a specialist batsman for the Bushrangers and has played 14 T20 matches for English County side Sussex this year, where he hit 443 runs including a high score of 117.

"I won?t be keeping in this competition, so playing as a batsman, hopefully I can bring a lot of runs to the side," he said.

The Bushrangers' opening match of the Big Bash series is against the Queensland Bulls at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 2.

Bangladesh name preliminary World Cup squad

DHAKA: Bangladesh on Friday announced an initial 30-man squad for the World Cup starting in February.

Bangladesh squad: Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Ashraful, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Roqibul Hassan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Nazmul Hossain, Naeem Islam, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Abdur Razzak, Suhrawadi Shuvo, Shahriar Nafees, Mohammad Nazimuddin, Shamsur Rahman, Jahirul Islam, Sahagir Hossain, Syed Rasel, Shahadat Hossain, Mahbubul Alam, Dolar Mahmud, Mithun Ali, Nasir Hossain, Shuvogoto Chowdhury, Shabbir Rahman, Alok Kapali, Enamul Haque.

Read more: Bangladesh name preliminary World Cup squad - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/icc-world-cup-2011/top-stories/Bangladesh-name-preliminary-World-Cup-squad/articleshow/7116112.cms#ixzz18ShBRKzG

No Dravid, Pathan in India's preliminary World Cup squad

MUMBAI: Veteran batsman Rahul Dravid and off-colour pacer Irfan Pathan failed to find a place in India's 30-strong list of probables announced on Saturday for next year's ODI cricket World Cup in the sub-continent.

In a squad which didn't offer any major surprises, youngsters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane were included along with established stars such as Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.

The squad would be pruned to half by next month and chairman of selectors Kris Srikkanth said whatever be the final combination, it would do well at the quadrennial mega-event starting February 19 and to be played in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"As you know there are no big surprises. This is a probables team and everyone selects himself. There is one more month to go to select the final team and we will sit down and think calmly before finalising the team," Srikkanth told reporters after a meeting of the selection panel.

"I am confident that the team will do well in the World Cup. They have been doing well in one-day cricket. The World Cup is happening in the sub-continent and I am confident that the team will do well," he added.

Apart from the omission of the 37-year-old Dravid, who has not played an ODI since September last year, and Pathan, on the sidelines since February 2009 in ODIs, there aren't any surprise selections.

The batting list expectedly features Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina. The 22-year-old Pujara along with Virat Kohli are among the youngsters picked at least in the preliminary squad.

The bowling line-up is also on the expected lines with the pace attack led by Zaheer Khan featuring Ashish Nehra, S Sreesanth, Munaf Patel and Ishant Sharma.

The spin department has the experienced Harbhajan Singh along with Amit Mishra, Piyush Chawla, Pragyan Ojha and R Ashwin.

Apart from Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the probables list has three other wicketkeepers in Parthiv Patel, Wriddhiman Saha and Dinesh Karthik.

List of probables for World Cup:

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, S Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, Ishant Sharma, Vinay Kumar, M Vijay, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, Saurabh Tiwary, Yusuf Pathan, Parthiv Patel, R Ashwin, Wriddhimaan Saha, Dinesh Karthik, Shikhar Dhawan, Amit Mishra, Piyush Chawla, Cheteshwar Pujara, Pragyan Ojha, Praveen Kumar.

Read more: No Dravid, Pathan in India's preliminary World Cup squad - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/icc-world-cup-2011/top-stories/No-Dravid-Pathan-in-Indias-preliminary-World-Cup-squad/articleshow/7123014.cms#ixzz18SgjtzZJ

3rd Test: England 81/5 at stumps on Day 3

PERTH: A resurgent Australia looked all set to level the Ashes after a historic century by the reborn Mike Hussey in the third Test against England at the WACA Ground on Saturday.

At stumps on the third day England were in disarray at 81-5 in their second innings having been set 391 to win, with night-watchman James Anderson yet to score.

Scorecard

Up 1-0 in the series, England needed their biggest ever run chase to win the match and their hopes appeared forlorn after their top five -- Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood -- all went cheaply late in the day.

Cook was trapped lbw by Ryan Harris for 13 and Strauss (15) became Mitchell Johnson's seventh victim for the match when he nicked a ball to Australian captain Ricky Ponting in the slips.

Pietersen, dismissed for a duck in the first innings, made just three before being caught by Shane Watson at first slip from the bowling of Ben Hilfenhaus.

Just minutes before stumps, Trott fell to Johnson (2-28) for 31, caught by Brad Haddin on the rebound off the hands of Ponting, who immediately left the field with an injured finger on his left hand.

Then from the last ball of the day and without any addition to the score, Collingwood (11) was brilliantly caught by a diving Steven Smith in slips from the bowling of Harris (2-22).

If England can somehow conjure an unlikely win here they retain the Ashes, while an Australian win levels the series with two Tests to play.

England have only ever successfully chased 300 in the fourth innings three times in Test cricket.

Their biggest ever chase was back in 1928 at the MCG, when they made 332-7 to defeat Australia.

The Australian second innings of 309 was anchored by another brilliant effort from Hussey, who was the last man to fall for 116 and has 517 runs in the series at 103.40.

The left-hander, who was close to being dropped for the first Test at the Gabba, also became the first batsman in Ashes history to pass 50 in six consecutive innings.

He produced a number of classical pull shots during his innings, including one to bring up his 13th Test century and second of the series.

Hussey, who became recalled seamer Chris Tremlett's (5-87) fifth scalp of the innings and eighth for the match, batted for 315 minutes, faced 172 balls and hit 15 boundaries.

He had been given out lbw to Tremlett, from the last ball before lunch, but his challenge was successful after replays showed the ball was going over the stumps.

Opener Watson again fell agonisingly short of a Test century when trapped lbw by the impressive Tremlett for 95.

Watson, who was chasing his third Test century, fell in the 90s for the fourth time at the top level.

Watson challenged the decision and was clearly unhappy when it was upheld as he felt he had edged the delivery into his pad, but replays showed his bat actually made contact with the pad rather than the ball.

He had been at the crease for 241 minutes and 174 balls, hitting 11 boundaries, and combined with Hussey for the only century partnership of the match so far.

Read more: 3rd Test: England 81/5 at stumps on Day 3 - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/ashes-2010-yearn-for-urn/top-stories/3rd-Test-England-81/5-at-stumps-on-Day-3/articleshow/7123097.cms#ixzz18Sg4QkPz

Johnson leads Oz fightback on 2nd day of third test

STAFF WRITER 16:2 HRS IST

Perth, Dec 17 (AFP) The Ashes was delicately poised today after Mitchell Johnson single-handedly lifted Australia back into contention with an inspired display of fast bowling on the second day of the third Test.

Derided in Brisbane and then dropped for Adelaide, Johnson (6-38) evoked memories of local fast bowling legend Dennis Lillee as he sliced through the England top order, with the tourists dismissed for 187.

England were in the box seat at the start of play at the WACA -- the home side had made just 268 on the opening day and England were cruising at 78-0 with openers Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss in command.

Johnson ran in for the first ball of his seventh over today with series figures of 0-187.

SAfrica in strong position at lunch on Day2 of 1st test

STAFF WRITER 16:17 HRS IST

Centurion, Dec 17 (PTI) Captain Graeme Smith perished in the last over before lunch as South Africa reached 111 for one at the break after bundling out India for a paltry 136 on the second day of the first cricket Test here today.

After India faced just three balls in the morning session before Morne Morkel brought an end to the innings, the two South African opener Smith and Alviro Petersen seemed to be in no discomfort at all against the Indian seamers who failed to extract any movement on the Super Sports Park track.

The pair put on 111 runs for the first wicket before off spinner Harbhajan Singh provided the breakthrough by evicting the dangerous Smith in the last over before lunch, much to the relief of the Indians.

Yusuf, Ashwin expected to be in World Cup probables

STAFF WRITER 15:31 HRS IST

Mumbai, Dec 17 (PTI) Hard-hitting batsman Yusuf Pathan and off-spinner R Ashwin are expected to be included in India's 30-member strong World Cup probables list by the selectors, here tomorrow.

While Baroda's Pathan pummelled his way to 123 not out off 98 balls with 7 sixes and as many fours in the fourth ODI at Bangalore against New Zealand on December 7, apart from grabbing crucial wickets with his off breaks in the series, Tamil Nadu's Ashwin captured the highest number of wickets (nine) in the bilateral rubber.

Also expected to be named in the World Cup squad is southpaw Parthiv Patel, who grabbed his chances with both hands after he was given an opportunity to prove his worth in the last two matches of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand.

In both the ODIs, Parthiv came up with impressive knocks as an opener.

Tiger Woods saga voted AP sports story of year in US

NEW YORK: Tiger Woods' humbling return to the public eye, from his televised confession to a winless season on the golf course, was voted the sports story of the year in the United States by members of The Associated Press.

The fallout from Woods' admission of infidelity edged a very different sort of story: The New Orleans Saints winning their first Super Bowl championship, giving an emotional boost to their hurricane-ravaged city. The World Cup was fourth.

It was late 2009 when Woods' pristine image unraveled after he crashed his SUV into a tree outside his home, unleashing salacious revelations of extramarital affairs. The story was a late addition to last year's voting and wound up fifth.

But the twists and turns weren't over for Woods. Many more developments were still to unfold in 2010.

There were 176 ballots submitted from US news organizations that make up the AP's membership. The voters were asked to rank the top 10 sports stories of the year, with the first-place story getting 10 points, the second-place story receiving nine points, and so on.

The Woods saga received 1,316 points, with the Saints' title getting 1,215 and the NBA free agency frenzy coming in third with 1,085.

Major League Baseball's ongoing travails with performance-enhancing drugs was the top story last year.

Here are 2010's top 10 stories:

1. TIGER WOODS: Woods returned to public view with a 13{-minute statement in February, then came back to golf at the Masters in April with a fourth-place finish. That would be one of his few highlights on the course - Woods went winless on the PGA Tour for the first time in his career and lost his No. 1 ranking for the first time in years. In August, he and Elin Nordegren divorced.

2. SAINTS WIN: New Orleans residents loved their Saints for not abandoning the city after Hurricane Katrina, but it was hard to imagine the team bringing much joy on the field after 42 mostly losing seasons. Then Drew Brees and Co. upset the mighty Indianapolis Colts in their first Super Bowl, to the delight of French Quarter revelers and fans nationwide who adopted the Saints.

3. FREE AGENCY FRENZY: NBA fans were captivated by the mystery of where MVP LeBron James and other marquee free agents would land. Few would have guessed that three of them would sign with the same team: the Miami Heat, who became basketball's Evil Empire by adding James from Cleveland and Chris Bosh from Toronto to Dwyane Wade.

4. WORLD CUP: A World Cup of firsts ended gloriously for Spain and for Africa. South Africa hosted the continent's first World Cup without the pitfalls many predicted. And the Spaniards brought home the first World Cup title to the football-mad country with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in extra time.

5. GIANTS WIN: The Giants hadn't won the World Series since they moved to San Francisco in 1958 - and since 1954 overall. This didn't seem to be the year to end the drought when they barely squeaked into the playoffs. But with dominant pitching and clutch hitting, they beat the Texas Rangers in five games.

6. NFL CONCUSSIONS: New posters distributed to teams before the season warned of concussions' dangers in much harsher language than before. Another sign of how big the issue had become: increased reporting of concussions by players. Midseason, the NFL cracked down on helmet hits with huge fines and threatened suspensions.

7. JIMMIE JOHNSON: The NASCAR driver extended his record with his fifth straight Sprint Cup title. Perhaps most impressively, he did it despite not being in top form all season. Johnson became the first driver in the Chase's seven-year history to overcome a points deficit in the finale.

8. BRETT FAVRE: This comeback was nothing like last year's magical run to the NFC title game for the 41-year-old quarterback. His Minnesota Vikings struggled badly, and the NFL launched an investigation into whether he sent lewd photos of himself to a Jets employee. After voting began, his record streak of 297 starts ended.

9. UCONN WINS: The Huskies' women's basketball team extended their record winning streak to 78 games with a second straight national championship in April, becoming the first team to post consecutive unbeaten seasons. And Connecticut is a powerhouse again this season.

10. WOODEN DIES: The Wizard of Westwood died June 4 at the age of 99. John Wooden coached UCLA's men's basketball team to 10 NCAA championships, including seven in a row from 1967-73 and an 88-game winning streak.

Read more: Tiger Woods saga voted AP sports story of year in US - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/2010-the-year-of-mega-events/Tiger-Woods-saga-voted-AP-sports-story-of-year-in-US/articleshow/7117703.cms#ixzz18N5r0TWr

Ministry may take 'India' out of BCCI

New Delhi: If in the near future the government withdraws the word 'India' from the Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI), don't be surprised.

Yes, that's possible as there are strong indications from the sports ministry, which is determined to ensure that the cashrich board adheres to the guidelines meant for all national sports federations ( NSFs).

And if the issue reaches a flashpoint, the BCCI would not be able to field a 'national' team. It could also mean that Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Co. would possibly no more represent their country. If the richest sports body of the country remains adamant, it could lead to a legal battle with the government.

BCCI, at a special general body meeting on Saturday in Mumbai, decided not to reply to the ministry's letter and decided that it would go for legal opinion if pressurised further.

In its 78-year-old existence, the BCCI has probably never been dependent on the sports ministry.

Even now it's not - BCCI's income in 2009-10 alone was Rs 847 crore - but the ministry says the board can no longer snub it by remaining snooty and unanswerable to the government.

In a letter to the board, the ministry points out that all NSFs have been declared as "public authorities" and, therefore, the BCCI too has to comply with the guidelines.

All federations have to reply by Wednesday.

The ministry also points out that last year, too, the BCCI had not replied to a similar letter.

"But this time we will go the full distance and if the cricket board doesn't fall in line with the age and tenure guidelines, the government would invoke the National Emblem Act as the BCCI uses the word 'India' in its name," a source told MAIL TODAY . "The BCCI can use 'India' only till the time the government permits it, though it's a different issue that successive governments have been lenient with it. If the BCCI doesn't abide by its policies, made from time to time, the government would be compelled to invoke the National Emblem Act," he said.

The 'emblem' means any emblem, seal, flag, insignia coatof - arms, or pictorial representation specified in the 'schedule', which further provides details of what all falls under its purview.

When contacted, Injeti Srinivas, joint secretary in the sports ministry, said that it was mandatory for the BCCI to register itself as it receives government patronage in various forms, like police deployment during matches, entertainment tax concessions and waiver on customs duties for import of sports goods, and other benefits.

"They may be having some apprehension with regard to registration.

But, basically, it is necessary for them also," Srinivas told MAIL TODAY . "Any entity that says it is an NSF will have to have the acceptance of the ministry. It happens worldwide. They have to get the recognition to represent the country. You have to... legally... it is there everywhere in the world.

It doesn't interfere with their [BCCI's] autonomy or anything.

For legitimacy, it is necessary." Asked what the ministry's next move would be if BCCI declines to register itself, Srinivas said: "That is a hypothetical question. But there has been a total change... a total shift... in the sports administration [in India]. Earlier, the Indian Olympic Association and everyone else had declined, but the situation has now changed." Specifically asked if the word 'India' could be withdrawn from the BCCI and whether the corporate affairs ministry too could come into play since the BCCI enjoys exemption under its Competition Commission, Srinivas said: "Everybody will come into the picture." The BCCI has been ignoring the sports ministry on various issues over the years mainly on the pretext that it doesn't take financial help from it. But Srinivas pointed out that the board does enjoy other privileges.

"Funding is a separate matter.

But they [BCCI] enjoy the privileges of an NSF in terms of tax and duty exemptions, [its team] representing the country and special dispensation even from the Competition Commission. Federations have the monopoly by their very nature," he explained.

"To have those privileges, they'll have to have the recognition. Registration under a state act is sufficient to function as a national sports body. It's a process." Srinivas pointed out that several NSFs, which were opposed to the guidelines, are now adhering to them. "A majority of the federations have already amended their constitution. I don't think they [BCCI] have said 'no'. Once they understand that it is a legal requirement they will abide by it.

http://cricket.yahoo.com/

Morkel, Steyn too hot for India

Everything that could go wrong went wrong for India, who were 135-9 on a rain-hit day of the hotly-anticipated first day of the Centurion Test. The wicket was fast, bouncy but India couldn't have bargained for the torrential rain that freshened up the wicket, making batting near impossible against Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn, who exposed every weakness in India's batting line-up.

This match is India's best chance of taking the fight to South Africa in this series. Should they lose here, there may be greater woes in Durban, a venue India have fared poorly at, and Cape Town, where only Australia have tasted victory in the last 17 years. At the moment, with this miserable score, with skipper MS Dhoni (33) at the crease with Jaidev Unadkat, and with Zaheer Khan's absence, India don't stand a chance barring rain or a miracle.

With pools of water forming all over the Supersport Park, the first day's play looked unlikely in the morning. The game thankfully commenced at 3 pm local time. Inserting India on this spongy wicket was a no-brainer. India would have been lucky to not be 50-5 in these conditions. Lucky they were not.

Often Virender Sehwag is excused for rash strokes on account of letting him enjoy his natural game. Today, his shot to Steyn on zero is inexcusable. On a fresh wicket, on a day as important as this, against the world's best new-ball attack, the only reasonable way to bat would have been with caution. Not for Sehwag, though. His keenly awaited battle with Steyn lasted three balls. In the third over, Sehwag chased a wide one outside off-stump, slashing it to Hashim Amla at third-man. Then on, it was an early Christmas for South Africa.

Gautam Gambhir had a torrid time today. He had two lives. First ball of the game, Steyn bent one into him and appealed for LBW. Replays suggested it would have brushed the outside of the off-stump. One run later, he gloved Morkel to Mark Boucher but Steve Davis ruled not out. South Africa offered him and Rahul Dravid nothing to drive in the first hour. Everything was short or behind length, keeping them on the backfoot.

Resultantly, Gambhir batted 43 balls for his five. He was done in by the surprise full delivery. Gambhir was in no position for it, edging it to slip. Dravid outscored Gambhir quickly having himself survived a loud LBW shout first ball. Steyn kept bouncing him outside off-stump but the Indian veteran was prepared for a scrap. He managed to keep the edges down or away from the slips. But he too fell to the unexpected full delivery. Morkel had begun hitting the high 140s on the speed gun, and thudded one into Dravid's pads for a plumb LBW.

Sachin Tendulkar's approach to the innings was most refreshing. With the new ball seen off, he picked Lonwabo Tsotsobe as the bowler to target. A short ball from outside off was pulled for four, followed by a signature cover drive. In Tsotsobe's next over, Tendulkar repeated the dose: a pull through mid-wicket and a guide past third-man for fours.

This flurry of fours from Tendulkar injected life into the innings which stood shaky at 27-3. Jacques Kallis was flicked for one more four, followed by three off Steyn: a lemon cut, a cover drive and a square cut.

This is where the fun ended for India. Steyn swung a ball past VVS Laxman's feet cemented to the crease, while Suresh Raina guided a straight ball from Kallis to slips. And immediately after a break brought about by repairs to the slippery bowling crease, Tendulkar was conquered by Steyn with straightforward LBW.

To symbolise India's rotten fortunes today, Harbhajan Singh (27) ran himself out when his bat plugged into the ground as he tried to drag it while completing a run. It's even more remarkable that this incident occurred just as Boucher backhanded a brilliant throw between his legs to the stumps, catching Harbhajan just short.

Ishant Sharma and Sreesanth both made ducks while Unadkat has made his first Test run. Dhoni has been on the attack, having hit two sixes. Tomorrow, Morkel will be on the lookout for his fifth wicket. And India would be looking for ways to avoid a massive defeat.

Saina Nehwal regains No.2 spot

HYDERABAD: A week after losing her world No. 2 rank, Saina Nehwal regained it in the latest rankings released by the Badminton World Federation on Thursday.

Saina, who claimed the No. 2 spot for the first time in the 28th week (July 15), lost it in the 35th week before reclaiming it now.

Fresh from her stupendous triumph at the Hong Kong Super Series this Sunday, Saina is not thinking too much about her rankings progression. "My target was to stay in top-five by the end of the year. I am happy about that. But even after the Hong Kong victory I was not thinking about the rankings since we know that I would not reach the top spot. I think I'll slip a few rungs next week," Saina said.

That, however, is unlikely to affect the shuttler's spirits. "Holding the No. 2 rank for so many weeks (nine) is a bit exciting. Though my focus will be to win as many tournaments as possible, staying in the top bracket always feels good," she added.

The Indian ace, who will not be playing any tournament for the next four weeks, is set to lose a few more ranking points she gained last year. Saina has 68811.2637 points and is 2381.138 points behind world No. 1 Xin Wang of China. A strong performance at the Malaysian and Korea Super Series next year may help Saina grab the No. 1 spot. "We were not expecting the No. 2 rank this week. They have not reduced the 5000 points she won from the Syed Modi tournament. Once that is done she may move back to No. 4 spot next week," said Saina's father Harvir Singh Nehwal.

Coach Pullela Gopichand too is least bothered about the rankings. "How does it matter? She's anyway playing like a world No. 1 at the moment," the coach said.

Rankings progression

No. 2: July 15, 2010;

No. 3: June 24, 2010;

No. 5: March 18, 2010;

No. 10: December 2008.

Read more: Saina Nehwal regains No.2 spot - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Saina-Nehwal-regains-No2-spot/articleshow/7114593.cms#ixzz18LF7yM3g

India reduced to 136/9 by South Africa quicks

CENTURION: South Africa's fast bowlers made up for lost time as they ripped through the Indian batting line-up on a rain-shortened first day of the first Test at SuperSport Park on Thursday.

Morne Morkel took four wickets and Dale Steyn three as India crashed to 136 for nine after being sent in on a green, damp pitch.

Only Sachin Tendulkar, who made an elegant 36 off 34 balls, looked at ease as Steyn and Morkel confirmed their credentials as the world's most lethal new ball pair as they scythed through the side ranked number one in Test cricket.

Steyn started the slide early when he had Virender Sehwag caught at third man for nought. He followed up with two superb, full, late-swinging deliveries to get rid of VVS Laxman and Tendulkar after the pair had mounted a mini-recovery after India had slumped to 27 for three.

Laxman and Tendulkar put on 39 before Laxman and Tendulkar fell in successive overs from Steyn, sandwiched by the wicket of Suresh Raini, who lasted only three balls before edging Jacques Kallis to third slip.

The tall Morkel took four for 20 in 12.1 hostile overs, including the wickets of Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid in successive overs. He also dismissed tailenders Ishant Sharma and S Sreesanth before bad light ended play. Dravid was his 100th victim in his 29th Test.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, hitting out as he was forced to bat with the tail, finished the day on 33 not out.

The only other batsman to reach 20 was Harbhajan Singh, who followed his two centuries against New Zealand, with another hard-hitting innings of unusual strokes, making 27 off 25 balls before he was out in a manner as unorthodox as his batting.

After Dhoni hit the ball to deep cover, wicketkeeper Mark Boucher collected a throw from Alviro Petersen and flicked it between his own legs to run out Harbhajan by a few centimeters.

Heavy rain overnight and during the morning delayed the start by four and a half hours and South African captain Graeme Smith had no hesitation about sending India in. Dhoni said he too would have chosen to bowl first.

Sehwag, who scored only 89 runs at an average of 14.83 in three Tests on his previous tour of South Africa four seasons ago, fell to the third ball he faced, slashing at a delivery from Steyn which seamed away from him and presenting Hashim Amla with a comfortable catch at third man.

Gambhir survived a concerted appeal for a catch behind off Morkel when he had one with the South Africans seemingly convinced he had gloved the ball to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher. With India having vetoed the umpire decision review system, the home side could not challenge umpire Steve Davis's decision.

Gambhir made another four runs in an unconvincing performance before falling in Morkel's second spell.

Tendulkar hit eight boundaries in his innings before he played across a ball pitched on leg stump which swung late and would have hit his middle stump.

India went into the match without injured left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan. Fellow left-armer Jaidev Unadkat replaced Khan, winning his first Test cap.

That there was any play seemed unlikely earlier in the day when heavy rain blanketed the ground, flooding nearby roads and causing a river near the ground to overflow.

Read more: India reduced to 136/9 by South Africa quicks - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/india-in-south-africa/top-stories/India-reduced-to-136/9-by-South-Africa-quicks/articleshow/7113869.cms#ixzz18LEvSskG