Thursday, December 30, 2010

Khawaja ready for Test debut but not to replace Ponting

SYDNEY: Usman Khawaja will have some very big boots to fill when he makes his debut for Australia in the fifth Ashes test next week but the 24-year-old is more concerned about making the most of his call up to the national side.

The free-scoring, fast-quipping, guitar-playing, blog-savvy lefthander was named in Australia's 12-man squad for the Sydney Test on Thursday and is almost certain to replace injured captain Ricky Ponting in the top order.

Ponting, the second most prolific batsman in test history, is being rested to allow his fractured finger to recuperate and Khawaja was not thinking any further than the five days next week when Australia hope to level the Ashes series at 2-2.

"I'm not really here to fill Ricky Ponting's shoes, I'm there to go out and do as well as possible and put my team in the best place possible and that means score runs," he told reporters on Thursday.

"Other than that, there's not really much more that I can do than just enjoy my cricket. To replace 12,000 runs, that's a big feat and I still haven't scored any so I'd better go out and score my first one first."

"Ricky's a legendary cricketer and a legend of a bloke ... he's the kind of guy, if he told me to jump off a bridge, I probably would," Khawaja, who is normally an opener, added.

"Me taking over Ricky's place? I highly doubt that. I'm just happy to get the opportunity while he's unfortunately injured and hopefully we can get out there and level the series."

Born in Pakistan to a cricket-enthusiast father who subsequently took his family to Australia, Khawaja has been accumulating runs since making his debut for New South Wales two years ago and boasts a first class average of 51.7.

He was called up to the Test squad for the series against Pakistan in England earlier this year, and again when Michael Clarke was an injury worry before the first Ashes Test, but failed to get a game.

FIRST NAME

Khawaja was still always the first name bandied about when replacements were being considered for injured or failing batsmen and has long said he was ready.

"I guess you need that confidence, I've played first class cricket for a long time but I guess you're never really gonna know until you go out there and do your thing," he said.

"There's been times when I've thought I wasn't good enough for club cricket, that's the great thing about cricket, everyone experiences highs and lows."

Khawaja said he celebrated his elevation to the squad with a thrash on the guitar and a spell on the Playstation but had no time to consider the significance of becoming the first Muslim to represent Australia.

"That's the first time I've thought about that all day," he said when asked about it.

"It's been a childhood dream for me. Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to play for Australia.

"The dream was a long way away when I was younger and it's a lot closer now and I'm just jumping out of my boots and hoping I get the opportunity.

"That's all I can really think about right now, my mind's in 40 places and I just want to get out there."

With Ponting vacating the number three spot in the batting line-up, Khawaja is likely to come in after the first wicket falls but he said it really did not matter to him where he batted.

"I'd take anywhere in the top 11 to be honest," he quipped.

Read more: Ashes: Khawaja ready for Test debut but not to replace Ponting - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/ashes-2010-yearn-for-urn/top-stories/Ashes-Khawaja-ready-for-Test-debut-but-not-to-replace-Ponting/articleshow/7190564.cms#ixzz19alYStSi

Laxman, Zaheer achieve career-best rankings after Durban win

DUBAI: The match-winning 96-run knock in the Durban Test on Thursday catapulted VVS Laxman to a career-best ninth in the batting chart while paceman Zaheer Khan's good show also helped him touch his career-best mark of number four in the bowling list of latest ICC rankings.

Laxman's effort in the second innings played a pivotal role in India's 87-run win, which helped India level the three-match series 1-1, and also pushed him six places up.

It is for the first time that Laxman has entered into the top-10 zone.

The wristy Hyderabadi is now the third Indian batsman inside the top-10 with Sachin Tendulkar sitting in the second position and Virender Sehwag occupying the fourth spot.

Zaheer Khan recorded figures of 3/36 and 3/57 in India's win at Durban and has been rewarded with a jump of three places which puts him along side James Anderson of England.

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has also improved his ranking by two places and is now in eighth position after match figures of 6/80.

Paceman S Sreesanth jumped lifted six places to 27th position after match figures of 4/86. In contrast, South Africa's top four batsmen failed to retain their places.

Jacques Kallis slipped to fifth (down by two places), AB de Villiers to sixth (down by one place), Hashim Amla to 12th (down by three places) and Graeme Smith to 14th (down by three places).

For South Africa, the only consolation is that Dale Steyn has strengthened his number-one ranking by opening up 83 points advantage over his closest rival, Graeme Swann of England.

Steyn is now just three ratings points away from reaching the 900-point mark. Steyn took 6-50 and 2-60, for which he earned 21 ratings points giving him a career-best rating of 897.

If Steyn manages to earn three more ratings points in Cape Town, he will become only the second South Africa bowler after Shaun Pollock (November 1999) and 20th overall to reach the 900-point mark which, in rankings terms, is the benchmark for top bowlers.

Meanwhile England's Jonathan Trott, whose undefeated 168 helped England to take a 415-run first innings lead which eventually resulted in an innings and 157 runs victory over Australia, has climbed seven places to claim third position.

Trott is now just nine ratings points behind Tendulkar. The two can swap places depending on how they perform in the final Tests of the series which start in Sydney and Cape Town, respectively next week.

The other England batsmen moving in the right direction are Alastair Cook in 13th position (up by one place) and Kevin Pietersen in 21st spot (up by four places).

The news is not very good for Australia whose top-order batsmen have taken a dive in the rankings.

Mike Hussey has dropped four places to share 10th position with Sri Lanka's Thilan Samaraweera, Shane Watson has fallen two places to 15th spot. Michael Clarke has slipped three places to 24th position and Ricky Ponting has dropped to 29th place, one behind England captain Andrew Strauss.


Read more: Laxman, Zaheer achieve career-best rankings after Durban win - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Laxman-Zaheer-achieve-career-best-rankings-after-Durban-win/articleshow/7189955.cms#ixzz19akk30Nf

2010: Golden year for Indian sports

NEW DELHI: Individual brilliance shone through in record-breaking medal hauls at Commonwealth and Asian Games while the iconic Sachin Tendulkar raised the bar further on the cricket field in what turned out to be a golden year for Indian sports.

There were moments of pure ecstasy when the country's athletes notched up 101 medals (including 38 gold) in the Commonwealth Games here and 64 (14 gold) in the Asian Games in Guangzhou.

It was the best ever medal haul in both events for a nation which hardly looks beyond cricket on its sporting calendar.

Speaking of India's unofficial national sport, cricket, there were cherishable moments all through 2010 and Tendulkar provided two of the biggest ones by fittingly becoming the first batsman to pull off a double century in one-dayers at the beginning of the year before signing off with another first of recording 50 Test hundreds.

But for a change, cricket and Tendulkar did not matter for at least 14 days in October as India hosted its biggest sporting event after the 1982 Asian Games.

The 19th Commonwealth Games were supposed to showcase India as the next big sporting destination but left fans with mixed feelings after a botched build-up but a historic medal haul.

The athletes were undoubtedly on an unprecedented high at the event in front of home fans but the administrators touched a nadir when they made the country a subject of international mockery with preparations so shoddy that it seemed that top participating nations would give the Games a miss.

In fact, administrators were the only source of embarrassment for Indian sports this year because going by on-field performance, 2010 can easily be counted among the most successful in Indian sporting history.

At the centre of it all was Suresh Kalmadi, the man who has headed the Indian Olympic Association for over a decade and was chairman of the organising committee for the CWG.

The messed build-up to CWG was squarely blamed on him but most importantly he was the focus of an alleged multi-crore scam in CWG deals now being investigated by the CBI.

The veteran administrator claimed innocence but damning evidence, some of it chronicled in national dailies, meant that his houses in Pune and Delhi were raided, adding another low to his chequered career.

The wrangling between the Sports Ministry and National Sports Federations over tenure limitation guidelines was also a messy chapter in Indian sports this year with administrators insisting on unlimited hold on their positions while the government calling for more accountability through time-bound tenures.

The ugly developments, however, could not take the sheen off the massive achievements on the field.

Starting with cricket, 2010 will definitely be a year which will be etched in the memories of cricket crazy Indians for two of the most astonishing feats in world cricket.

A new chapter in Indian cricket unfolded in Gwalior when Tendulkar became the first man to score a double hundred in one-dayers -- South Africa being the team at the receiving end.

But the maestro never stops from creating a higher benchmark for himself which elevates him to a different pedestal --- many notches above his peers.

That's what happened when he scored the historic 50th Test century at the Supersport Park -- once again South Africa being the opponents -- earlier this month.

In an eventful year, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his band of bravehearts did well to sustain their top position among the Test playing nations.

The blot that will still remain despite a good year will certainly be the failure to reach the semi-finals of the World Twenty20 Championship in West Indies having failed to achieve the goal in England, the previous year too.

It was also the year that saw the epic downfall of Lalit Modi who was ousted from the BCCI and his brainchild IPL for alleged misappropriation of funds and trying to 'fix' the auction of teams.

If that wasn't enough, two teams that enjoyed Modi's backing -- the Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab -- were barred from competing by the Indian cricket board, a decision that was challenged by both franchises in court and after getting favourable verdict are now likely to compete in the fourth edition of the cash-rich league.

On to the badminton court and Saina Nehwal continued her giant strides, breaking through the 'Great Wall of China' with five international titles to become the world number two in a highly successful 2010.

After a highly promising last year during which she won the Indonesian title, Saina proved once again why she is the brightest star in Indian badminton as she went several steps ahead this year.

The Hyderabadi became the first female Indian shuttler to win three back-to-back titles when she clinched the Indian Open Grand Prix Gold, Singapore Super Series and defended the Indonesian Open in June.

But the icing on the cake came in October when the 20-year-old won the Commonwealth Games gold medal at the Sri Fort Complex.

She didn't stop there and her insatiable hunger for success guided her to a third Super Series title when she won the Hong Kong Open last month to wipe out the disappointment of losing in the quarterfinals of the Asian Games.

Twin honours at the national level added to her aura as she was conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Padma Shri awards.

History was also scripted in the swimming pool when a 19-year-old Virdhawal Khade produced a performance to remember by ending Indian swimming's 24-year-old medal drought in the Asian Games, holding out promise for a better future.

The strapping six-footer from Kolhapur clinched a bronze in the 50m butterfly event of the Asian Games in Guangzhou, the India's second swimming medal at the event after Khazan Singh's 200m butterfly.

However, there was disappointment for the Indians in the other multi-discipline sporting extravaganza in Commonwealth Games. The Indian contingent had to bow to Australian, English and Canadian might, even as they advanced to finals in some events.

But even there, para-swimmer Prasanta Karmakar became the first Indian swimmer to fetch a medal by winning a bronze in the 50m freestyle event.

In the boxing ring, the year started with an unprecedented gold rush and ended pretty much the same way as new heights were scaled with Olympic hero Vijender Singh once again leading the charge by clinching two gold medals and a bronze.

The season began with three gold medals in the South Asian Games in Dhaka in February.

Just a month later, the boxers landed half a dozen gold medals with a cracker of a performance in front of adoring home fans in the Commonwealth Championships.

Trading punches in front of crowds that generally don't turn up for non-cricket sporting events in India, Vijender (75kg), South Asian Games gold medallist Amandeep (49kg), Suranjoy (52kg), Asian silver medallist Jai Bhagwan (60kg), Olympian Dinesh Kumar (81kg) and Paramjeet Samota (+91kg) fetched gold to further enhance the sport's rising profile in the country.

The championship, in fact, was just a prelude to a fantastic performance in the Commonwealth Games that were to follow six months later, again in the capital.

It turned out to be a bitter-sweet campaign in the end with Vijender settling for bronze after a controversial loss in the semifinals and defending champion Akhil Kumar (56kg) signing off without a medal following a quarterfinal defeat.

But Suranjoy, Manoj Kumar (64kg) and Paramjit Samota (+91kg) ensured that Indian boxing pulled off its best-ever performance in the Games history by notching up gold medals.

A month later at the Asian Games, the Indian boxers managed a brilliant haul of two gold, three silver and four bronze medals without showing any sign of fatigue. The twin golds -- bagged by Vijender and 18-year-old Vikas Krishan (60kg) -- were the first after Dingko Singh clinched the yellow metal in 1998.

The men had a consistently good run but in the women's arena it was only 'The Magnificent' M C Mary Kom who made an impression.

The Manipuri mother of two added an unprecedented fifth world championship title to her kitty but the rest of the women boxers flopped at the September event, fetching just a bronze to go with Mary Kom's gold.

At the shooting range, fortunes ebbed and flowed but Indian shooters, led by the mercurial Gagan Narang, experienced more highs than lows in a year that saw them clinch a record 30 medals in the Commonwealth Games.

A measly haul of eight medals in the Asian Games in Guangzhou following the high at home was the only blip in an otherwise satisfactory year.

Apart from Narang, there were quite a few others such as Hariom Singh, Ronjan Sodhi, Asher Noria and Tejaswani Sawant who also caught the attention with their exploits over the last 12 months.

Narang and Hariom won quota places for the London Olympics in 2012, Sodhi won gold in the ISSF World Cup in Turkey before repeating his feat in Guangzhou, while Sawant and junior world champion Noria were the two world record holders of the year.

Courtesy her gold in the World Championship in Munich, Sawant became the first woman shooter from India to win the yellow metal.

In tennis, emergence of a new men's singles hope in Somdev Devvarman and resurgence of an injury-ravaged Sania Mirza were the highlights of a memorable 2010.

The country can now look upon Somdev to be the sport's torchbearer in men's singles while the doubles scene also brightens up with the estranged pair of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi reuniting next year -- ending a nine-year separation on the ATP circuit.

Being in and out of the top-100 ranking, Somdev reached a career high of 94 this October and justified his growing stature at the international arena.

He ended the year on a perfect note, by becoming the first Indian to win a tennis singles gold medal at the Asian Games.

The victory also made the 25-year-old one of the most celebrated Indian athletes in the Asian Games as he bagged another gold in the men's doubles along with Sanam Singh, besides the team bronze.

Things were not so rosy for the Indian hockey though. Inspite of the medals in CWG and Asian Games, 2010 was rather disappointing finish for Indian hockey as the men's team managed only a third-place finish in the Guangzhou Asian Games -- a tournament which they were banking on heavily to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

Star defender Sardara Singh and teenage sensation Rani Rampal's inclusion in the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) All-Star men's and women's teams at the end of 2010 was the only significant high for Indian hockey in the year, which can be termed as a mixed bag.

Controversies also ruled the roost in the year 2010 -- be it the ongoing power struggle within the game's administrators, players dispute on salaries or the sexual harassment charges against erstwhile women's team coach M K Kaushik.

In track and field, new stars emerged on the horizon as athletes brought unprecedented success to the country with impressive performances in the Commonwealth and Asian Games in a record-breaking 2010.

The year saw Indian athletes bagging a record 12 medals, including two gold, in the Commonwealth Games here while five of the 14 yellow medals at the Asian Games were bagged by country's athletes in Guangzhou.

Krishna Poonia entered her name into India's athletics folklore by becoming the first woman to win an individual gold in the Commonwealth Games which was further made memorable when the country swept the shot-put event by bagging all the medals.

India's 12 medals in CWG's athletics competition were two more than the number it won in all the earlier editions.

One month later in Guangzhou, the athletes bagged five gold, two silver and five bronze with new track sensation Ashwini Akkunji and Joseph Abraham clinching a rare gold double by winning men's and women's 400m hurdles in the Asian Games.

On the golf course, Arjun Atwal's historic title triumph on the PGA Tour was the high point of an otherwise moderate year.

Atwal, a former Asian Tour number one, scripted history by emerging as the first Indian to win on the US PGA Tour at the Wyndham Championship in August.

It was a resurgence of sorts for the Orlando-based golfer, who had struggled with injuries over the past couple of years and had lost his PGA card going into the tournament.

He was also the first Monday qualifier in 24 years to win a tournament on the PGA Tour.

Some less talked about sports also made a mark. Indian archers had some hits as well as misses as they became a force to reckon with, ahead of the London Olympics in two years time.

The emergence of 16-year-old Deepika Kumari and the stunning comeback by 2004 Olympian Tarundeep Rai after being in the sidelines for about two years were some high points of 2010.

Daughter of an autorickshaw driver in Ranchi, Deepika was the best performer in the Commonwealth Games when she clinched the gold in individual section and helped the team win another yellow metal.

Asian Games was though a heart-breaking experience for Deepika who faltered to finish fourth in individual section, but the Army archer Tarundeep scripted history by bagging the first ever silver in individual recurve as India also won a bronze medal each in men's and women's team events.

However, the archers bagged just eight medals -- three gold, one silver and four bronze -- of the 24 up for grabs in the CWG.

In cue sports, Pankaj Advani was yet again cynosure of all eyes with his gold medal win at the Guangzhou Asian Games.

But there were disappointments as well. Dope menace ebbed a bit in weightlifting but the country's lifters produced below-par performances in the two multi-sporting events of the year -- Commonwealth Games and Asian Games -- in which they were allowed to take part only after paying a hefty fine to the international parent body.

The lifters could win just eight medals, including two gold, in the CWG, a far cry from the 27 -- 11 gold, nine silver and seven bronze -- in 2002 Manchester Games and less than the three gold, five silver and a bronze the country won in Melbourne in 2006.

On the football field, It was not smooth sailing on the field but off it there have been many positives for Indian football, especially the AIFF's Rs 700 crore commercial deal with IMG-Reliance that is expected to pave the way for a better future for the sport in the country.

The national team continued with its exposure trips to prepare for the Asian Cup next year, touring Portugal where the players got opportunities to train in world class facilities and play against the second and third division clubs in the Iberian country.

In final analysis, year 2010 was a rollercoaster ride for Indian sports in which highs clearly outnumbered the lows.

Read more: 2010: Golden year for Indian sports - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/2010-the-year-of-mega-events/2010-Golden-year-for-Indian-sports/articleshow/7190040.cms#ixzz19akKbedx

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

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

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

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

Thursday, December 23, 2010

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.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

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

Friday, December 17, 2010

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

Thursday, December 16, 2010

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

3rd Test: Johnson on song at Perth

PERTH: After England got to a solid start, Mitchell Johnson took four wickets to put the visitors on the back foot on day two of the third Test on Friday.

Johnson made a strong comeback in the Perth Test, after he was dropped in the second Test at Adelaide.

On day one, England tightened their grip on the Ashes by restricting Australia to a first innings total of 268 after a feisty rearguard fightback.

England's seamers blasted through Australia's first four batsmen for only 36 runs during a fiery morning session but were plundered for another 232 by the last six as the greentop pitch flattened out under a baking hot sun at the WACA ground.

Andrew Strauss, on 12, and Alastair Cook (17) survived 12 overs in the last session to see the tourists to 29 for no loss at stumps on day one.

Tail-end cameos by pacemen Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle delighted home fans, but served to underline a missed opportunity by Australia's top order to weather the early attack and build a big total.

After resuming on 179/6, England quick Anderson struck in the fourth over after tea when wicketkeeper Brad Haddin nicked a thick edge to Graeme Swann at slip to go for 53.

Anderson then bowled paceman Ryan Harris for three in his next over before Johnson celebrated a brave half century in a solid return to the side after being dropped following the first Test in Brisbane.

Johnson's heroics were ended by Steve Finn, however, who dismissed the paceman for a top-scoring 62 after enticing him into a poorly hit pull shot straight to Anderson at square leg.

Spinner Graeme Swann then had Ben Hilfenhaus out for 13, caught by Cook at short leg to leave Siddle stranded on 35 not out.

Chris Tremlett earlier continued his brilliant return to the test team by removing Steve Smith for seven shortly after lunch for his third wicket to leave Australia reeling for 69/5.

Hussey threw caution to the wind in a defiant stand with wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, however, and brought up his half-century with a boundary off Steve Finn.

It was up to Swann to stop the rot and he duly delivered in his second over after being introduced to relieve the English seamers as the temperature soared above 30 degrees Celsius.

Swann was carted for three boundaries by the enterprising Haddin in his first over but responded by having Hussey caught behind for 61 just before tea.

The breakthrough ended a 68-run partnership between Husssey and Haddin and exposed Australia's long tail with more than a session left to play.

Australia trail the five-Test series 1-0 but already appear in survival mode with England needing victory in Perth to take the Ashes home for the first time in 24 years.


Read more: 3rd Test: Johnson on song at Perth - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/ashes-2010-yearn-for-urn/top-stories/3rd-Test-Johnson-on-song-at-Perth/articleshow/7115769.cms#ixzz18LEcfzOa

Murali, Vaas in SL preliminary WC squad

Sri Lanka announced a preliminary 30-man squad on Monday for the cricket World Cup in February-April 2011:

Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Tharanga Paranavitana, Lahiru Thirimanne, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Thilina Kandamby, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Farveez Maharoof, Jeevan Mendis, Muttiah Muralitharan, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath, Malinga Bandara, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dilhara Fernando, Suranga Lakmal, Dammika Prasad, Chaminda Vaas, Chanaka Welegedara, Nuwan Pradeep, Thilan Thushara.
© AFP

Rudolph in SA's preliminary World Cup squad

Middle-order batsman Jacques Rudolph, who last played an one-day international for South Africa in February 2006, is the surprise package in the Proteas' 30-man preliminary squad for next year's World Cup.

All-rounder Johan van der Wath has also earned a recall after his good performances for English counties Northamptonshire and Sussex.

The squad also includes four uncapped players: batsman Jonathan Vandiar, all-rounders Faf du Plessis and Dean Elgar and bowler Ethy Mbhalati. Wicketkeeper-batsman Morne van Wyk was also recalled by South African selectors.

"We indicated at the start of the season that we would reward players who performed well in domestic cricket," selection convener Andrew Hudson was quoted as saying by news agency Associated Press. "There have been some highly impressive performances in the MTN40 and this has opened the door of opportunity for the likes of Faf du Plessis, Jonathan Vandiar, Ethy Mbhalati and Morne van Wyk."

South Africa's experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher has also been named in the preliminary squad for the World Cup despite being overlooked for the recent ODI series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan.

However, there is no place in the squad for Herschelle Gibbs, who recently cancelled his national contract with Cricket South Africa.

Squad: Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, A.B. de Villiers, Alviro Petersen, Loots Bosman, Jacques Rudolph, Morne van Wyk, Jonathan Vandiar, J.P. Duminy, David Miller, Colin Ingram, Albie Morkel, Robin Peterson, Mark Boucher, Thami Tsolekile, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Heino Kuhn, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Johan Botha, Ryan McLaren, Charl Langeveldt, Rusty Theron, Ethy Mbhalati, Roelof van der Merwe, Johannes van der Wath.
© Cricbuzz

South African bowlers rip through Indians

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.

Morkel, who took four for 20 and bowled with consistent hostility, said it was a disciplined performance by the bowlers.

"We were under pressure after winning the toss and sending them in to bat. We needed to execute well. A lot of times when the ball is nipping around you can get carried away but today we kept calm, kept cool and did the basics right," he said.

Steyn, whose three wickets cost 34 runs, backed up his new ball partner's comments.

"All the wickets today were with good bowling and keeping the ball up to the bat," he said. "It was good planning."

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 the duo fell in successive overs from Steyn, sandwiched by the wicket of Suresh Raina, who lasted only three balls before edging Jacques Kallis to third slip.

The tall Morkel claimed 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 batted 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 recently 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 centimetres.

Harbhajan said the toss was the most crucial factor of the day.

"It's always tough to lose the toss on this sort of wicket," he said.

"Some balls were stopping and some were going through."

Harbhajan said India remained confident.

"As a team we like to be challenged," he said. "Now we will look to bowl well and stop them getting too far away from us."

Morkel, though, backed South Africa to gain a worthwhile lead when they get to bat.

"I can't see us not getting the runs on the board," he said.

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.
© AFP

Nine Pak players to register for WADA clause

Nine leading Pakistan players including ODI skipper Shahid Afridi have been shortlisted by the PCB to register for the whereabouts clause of WADA's anti-doping regulations.

Besides Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Umar Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif are among those chosen by the PCB.

A PCB official said that the ICC and WADA had shortlisted the players for the new anti-doping clauses, including the controversial whereabouts clause, which was strongly challenged by the Indian board and its players.

"Under the whereabouts clause the selected players have to keep the ICC anti-doping officials informed about their movements throughout the year," the official said.

The official added that under the clause even if a player is not playing cricket he has to keep the ICC informed about his movements and expected schedules.

"It is mandatory for these players to keep the ICC informed about their movements and activities inside and outside the country," he said.

"If a player is playing a domestic match or if he is on holidays visiting his hometown he has to tell the PCB about it who will in turn inform the ICC."

He said the whereabouts clause was part of a stricter WADA anti-doping regulations to which the ICC and members boards have already complied.

"Under the new regulations WADA officials can carry out random dope tests during a bilateral series or multi-nation tournament," the official stated.
© PTI

ICC extends deadline for Pakistan to name WC squad

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has extended its deadline for Pakistan to name their preliminary squad for next year's 50 overs World Cup until January 5.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source told Reuters on Thursday that the board had asked the ICC to extend its deadline of December 19 while it sought information from three players who are being investigated for alleged spot-fixing.

"The ICC has given until January 5 to announce our squad," a PCB official said.

Former Test captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif have already been suspended during an investigation into newspaper reports that they deliberately arranged for no-balls to be delivered in the fourth Test against England this year.
© Reuters

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

BCCI loses appeal against King XI Punjab

NEW DELHI: Bombay High Court divisional bench has upheld the order of single bench division that stayed the termination of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday.

The BCCI on Monday had filed an appeal against the order of the Bombay high court that stayed the termination of the Mohali franchise agreement after holding that "there was no change in control of the franchisee."

The High Court also slammed the cricket board during the hearing, saying termination of the IPL franchise was flawed.

Meanwhile, the owners of the Kings XI Punjab Ness Wadia and Preity Zinta are happy with the court's verdict.

Actress Preity Zinta said that they would like to work with BCCI to make the IPL 4 stronger and also claimed that their stand has been vindicated.

Cola wars may pit Tendulkar against Dhoni

NEW DELHI: Beverage maker Coca-Cola is in talks to rope in Sachin Tendulkar for an endorsement deal ahead of the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, laying the pitch for a high-profile off-field battle between the star batsman and his captain, MS Dhoni, who will lead PepsiCo's campaign.

"Coke is very keen to have Tendulkar on board," a celebrity management official familiar with the events told ET. This was confirmed by an industry executive, but both clarified that no contract has been signed yet between Coca-Cola and the cricketer.

It could be a short-term deal, they said. Coca-Cola and sports management firm World Sport Group (WSG), which represents Tendulkar, declined to confirm or deny the talks.

"We are always in discussions with any number of leading celebrities with regard to their support of our brands and initiatives, but we only announce formal agreements after they are signed," a Coca-Cola India spokesman said.

Harish Krishnamachar, senior VP ( South Asia) of WSG, said, "We are not in a position to discuss commercial terms for Sachin. Once a sponsor is signed, we will let our client announce it."

The ICC World Cup, which kicks off in February, is a high-stakes event for marketers across sectors, particularly for soft-drink makers coming as it does at the onset of the peak summer season.

India, where cricket and cricketers leave all other sports and athletes miles behind in popularity and celebrity status, is co-hosting the world cup with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

PepsiCo, one of ICC's global sponsors, is planning a high-pitched campaign featuring Dhoni, who has replaced Tendulkar as the most valuable cricketer and commands more endorsement fee than the master batsman, during the event.

It has already roped in ad agency Taproot exclusively for the world cup campaign. Interestingly, Tendulkar was with PepsiCo for close to a decade before the beverages firm dropped him two years ago on grounds that it wanted younger stars for endorsements.

But the Little Master, playing what could be his last world cup, is still immensely popular and is playing near his peak, having scored the first — and so far only — double century in a one day international. He will desperately want to do well in the event and lift his first world cup on April 2.

Coca-Cola can bet on him to ensure PepsiCo does not walk away with all the gains at the world cup — perhaps the largest event for marketers.

But getting him on board may not be easy. According to media reports, Tendulkar recently refused a lucrative offer to endorse a liquor brand, which would have been the highest-ever deal for an Indian sportsperson.

Earlier this month, Dhoni signed the highest endorsement deal for a sportsperson — a three-year deal with Vijay Mallya's United Breweries group for Rs 26 crore. And, within days, he renewed his existing endorsement deal with Maxx Mobile for seven years valued at Rs 29 crore.

Tendulkar endorses close to 14 brands, including ITC's Sunfeast, Adidas, luxury Swiss watch maker Audemars Piguet, Canon, Aviva Life Insurance, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and appliances major Toshiba. He charges about $1 million per year per deal.

Coca-Cola has in-form opening batsman Gautam Gambhir for endorsements and it sponsors IPL team Delhi Daredevils.


Read more: Cola wars may pit Tendulkar against Dhoni - The Times of India http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/advertising/Cola-wars-may-pit-Tendulkar-against-Dhoni/articleshow/7102296.cms#ixzz18BBYdzn7

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

HC upholds arbitrator's stay on Rajasthan Royal's termination

STAFF WRITER 17:20 HRS IST

Mumbai, Dec 14 (PTI) In a major reprieve to Indian Premier League franchisee Rajasthan Royals, the Bombay High Court today upheld the order passed by an independent arbitrator granting stay to the termination of its contract by the BCCI.

Justice S J Vazaifdar today dismissed an appeal filed by BCCI challenging the stay granted by the arbitrator and permitted Rajasthan Royals to participate in the IPL-4 auction that is to be held on January 8 and 9.

The Court, however, imposed a condition on Rajasthan Royals directing them to file an affidavit before it by January 3 specifying full details of its ownership pattern and mode of control.

"It is necessary that the bonafides of the three owners - Emerging Media (IPL) Ltd, Tresco International and Bluewater Estates Ltd - are established. BCCI is entitled to call for full disclosure of ownership under the franchisee agreements," the court observed.

Zaheer Khan's fitness jolts Indian spirits in South Africa

CENTURION: Even as India look to topple South Africa in their den, pace spearhead Zaheer Khan's fitness continues to throw a spanner in their plans. Zaheer, who did not have a great year as far as fitness is concerned, is central to India's plans in what is being billed as the series of the year for both the teams.

The left-arm pacer did not bowl at all on Monday when the team had its first official practice session here at the Super Sport Park. In fact, Indian team's physio Paul Chapman was seen working hard on Zaheer for a long time. This gave rise to concerns that all's not well with Zaheer despite the team management's assurances to the contrary.

On Tuesday, Zaheer did bowl at half tilt for some time as the practice session was winding up. Before that, he sprinted for a while to test his groin which has been causing some concern lately and he looked in some discomfort.

Zaheer had missed the third Test against New Zealand at Nagpur because of the groin niggle. He came back for the final two ODIs but seemed to have hurt his groin again during the fourth ODI. The Indian squad has Umesh Yadav and Jaidev Unadkat to pick from as the third pacer if Zaheer is ruled out of the opener.

Read more: Zaheer Khan's fitness jolts Indian spirits in South Africa - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/india-in-south-africa/top-stories/Zaheer-Khans-fitness-jolts-Indian-spirits-in-South-Africa/articleshow/7102097.cms#ixzz189UN5Ika