Sachin Tendulkar has for the first time admitted that the match-fixing episodes in 1999-2000 had initially affected his game and the Indian team had to go through a difficult and painful phase as "spectators looked at us with suspicion".
Tendulkar said he was not in the right frame of mind during India's disastrous tour of Australia where they were thrashed 0-3 in 1999-2000.
"I can tell you that I was never approached by anyone, neither we had any discussions about the same in the team meeting," Tendulkar told former South African Board President Dr Ali Bacher in an interview for Super Sport Channel.
"I remember that there was stage in 1999-2000 when it was very difficult as we were to play Australia. Before the series these things started making rounds. As a cricketer that's the last thing I want.
"You want your beloved game to be as clean as possible. I wanted the spectators to enjoy the contest and not look at us with suspicion. To play well, players need to be in right frame of mind and I can tell you that I was not in that frame of mind," Tendulkar said, recollecting the disastrous series.
The pain in his voice was evident as he gave the interview.
"Every match you play and people pass on loose comments. This was really hurting me and the whole team," said the maestro.
Tendulkar felt that their historic 2-1 series win over Australia at home was the turning point.
"I was sure that we needed to put up a very special performance against Aussies so that cricket lovers forget what has happened in the past and start enjoying the game again and move on. With grace of God we managed to do that.
"We lost the first match at Mumbai. But in the next match at Kolkata we fought back from very bad position and won that match to level the series. Last match was even harder. At Chennai while chasing small total we lost 8 wickets but won that Test match and series too.
"I was happy for the fact we forced cricket lovers to forget about that bad chapter and start following cricket again."
Recollecting the horror days of match fixing, Bacher revealed that the South African Board was indeed approached by bookmakers.
"We were directly approached by bookmakers to take their offer to the players through team meeting. Those were days when in couple of ICC meetings, I had raised this issue. The issue was not properly discussed and I was told to get evidence and proof," said Bacher.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
India bat out final day to draw third Test
Gautam Gambhir hit a patient half-century to help India draw the third and final Test and end the three-match series at 1-1 against South Africa [ Images ], on Day 5 at Newlands in Cape Town, on Thursday.
Chasing 340 for victory, India were 166 for three in 82 overs before the two teams agreed for a draw.
Sachin Tendulkar was unbeaten on 14 from 91 balls, while VVS Laxman was not out on 34 from 67 balls with the help of four boundaries as India managed to bat out the final day for the loss of just three wickets.
Gambhir, struggling with an injury on his left hand, battled hard to score 64 from 184 balls to register his second fifty of the match, before he was caught down the leg side off Dale Steyn The left-hander was involved in two slow partnerships to boost India's chances of drawing the match. He added 79 runs in 221 balls for the second wicket with Rahul Dravid who made 31 from 112 balls and then put on 14 from 82 balls for the third wicket with Tendulkar.
Jacques Kallis shone with the bat for South Africa as he hit two centuries in the match, while Tendulkar came to India's rescue with a fluent innings 146 in the first innings.
Harbhajan Singh shone with the ball, claiming seven wickets for 120 in 38 overs, his 25th five-wicket haul in Tests, but the rest of the bowlers failed to make an impact.
The pacers made most of the conditions early on in the match with Dale Steyn claiming five wickets while S Sreesanth took five for 114 in 29 overs.
Morning session: (53 runs, 28 overs, 1 wicket)
India looked content to play out the opening session with minimum damage and they achieved just that by losing only one wicket.
Gambhir, who was already suffering from an injury in his left hand, got off to a painful start when a sharp rising delivery from Morkel hit him on the elbow and went over the slips for a four.
South Africa tried to unsettle Gambhir by bowling a lot of short deliveries directed at his body, with the new ball, while they pitched it up to Sehwag.
Gambhir got his second boundary when he flicked a full delivery from Steyn through the square leg region, in the fifth over.
Sehwag was very watchful and keen to play out the new ball. He took 25 deliveries to get his first boundary – thumping a short delivery from Steyn through the covers.
After ten overs, India were 22 for no loss, with both openers not willing to take any risks and looking to leave as much as possible outside the off-stump.
Lonwabo Tsotsobe was unlucky not to have picked the wicket of Sehwag in his first over. The Indian opener (11) went after a short, wide delivery but was dropped by substitute fielder J P Duminy at point region, kept slightly deep.
But Sehwag didn't profit from that lifeline. He fell in the very next over when he edged an outgoing delivery from Morkel and was caught by Graeme Smith at first slip after a patient 11 from 40 balls.
The onus now lay on veteran Rahul Dravid, playing his 150th Test; thus far he has scored just 89 runs in five innings in the series.
Gambhir got his third boundary when he clipped a full delivery from Tsotsobe through square leg, in the 15th over.
Left-arm spinner Paul Harris troubled Gambhir right from the start as he pitched on the footmarks and got the ball to turn and bounce a great deal.
Just like was the case with South Africa's second innings, once the ball lost its shine it got a bit difficult for the bowlers to make an impression. And with Dravid and Gambhir intent on defending, South Africa's bowlers were made to toil extra hard to force the batsmen into committing mistakes.
After a quiet spell, Gambhir finally broke the shackles by stepping down the wicket to Harris and driving him through cover for a four, the first boundary after nearly 11 overs.
At lunch, India were 53 for one in 28 overs, still needing another 287 runs for victory.
Despite the injury, Gambhir showed great determination and was unbeaten on 32 from 80 balls, while Dravid, who was content defending, was on eight from 49 balls.
Morkel got the only wicket of the session but bowled a splendid spell, beating the bat on numerous occasions. Similar was the case with Steyn.
Another good session with the bat and India could well be inching towards a hard-earned draw in the final Test.
Post lunch session: (61 runs, 28 overs, 1 wicket)
India continued to defend. Gambhir led the way with a patient half-century. Slowly, but steadily, India were inching towards a draw, having lost just one wicket in the post-lunch session.
Smith continued after the lunch break and gifted Gambhir a full toss that he despatched down the ground for a four. Even Dravid helped himself to another four when he cut a short delivery through point in Smith's next over, forcing him out of the attack.
Gambhir also looked to lift the tempo after the break and hit a boundary each in successive overs off Steyn to move to 48.
The duo continued to frustrate the hosts with some steady batting as they brought up their 50-run partnership for the second wicket off 136 balls.
In the next over, Gambhir brought up his half-century from 103 balls when he cut a short delivery from Steyn through the point region.
With the pacers unable to make an impact and Harris getting plenty of purchase, Smith brought himself back on. But the move backfired as India broke the shackles somewhat with three boundaries in that over. Dravid drove him twice through the covers for two fours, while Gambhir despatched a full toss through mid-on, in the 43rd over.
Dravid, on 27, got a lifeline when he was struck right in front of the stumps by Harris but the umpire turned down the huge appeal.
But he was unable to make the most of that reprieve. He edged an outgoing delivery from Tsotsobe and was caught at third slip after a patient knock of 31 from 112 balls; he added 79 runs in 221 balls for the second wicket with Gambhir.
With 40 overs remaining in the day, South Africa still had time on hand to scalp the remaining eight wickets, while India were just hoping for survival.
Gambhir (62) also got a reprieve when his leading edge off Harris was dropped by AB de Villiers at silly point, in the 50th over. Harris then saw another catch being spilled, and once again it was de Villiers, who made a valiant attempt at leg slip but failed to hold on as Tendulkar got a thin inside edge.
At tea, India were 114 for two in 56 overs, still needing another 226 runs for victory. It looks unlikely they will push for it in the final session.
Gambhir continued to resist the South African bowlers as he scored 62 from 163 balls, while Tendulkar also adopted a defensive approach for seven from 22 balls.
Post tea session: (52 runs, 26 overs, 1 wicket)
In the end, it turned out to be a boring final session as India held on for a deserved draw.
South Africa started with Steyn and Morkel after the tea break hoping for an early wicket to force the issue, but the Indian batsmen continued to defend.
Steyn provided the important breakthrough when he got the wicket of Gambhir, who was caught down the leg side by Boucher off a short delivery. The left-hander, who was nursing an injured left hand, toiled hard to score 64 from 184 balls and stayed at the crease for 271 minutes.
But that was the only success for the hosts in the session as the Indians continued to defend resolutely.
Left-arm spinner Harris kept toiling from one end and occasionally troubled Tendulkar and VVS Laxman when he pitched on the footmarks, but still another wicket was hard to come.
The left-arm spinner kept bowling maiden over after maiden over as he conceded just 29 runs in 30 overs, inclusive of 19 maiden overs.
Laxman got a loud cheer when he flicked Morkel through the fine leg region for his first four and also the first after a long wait of 22 overs.
While Tendulkar was yet to hit a boundary after facing 75 balls, Laxman provided the Indians fans something to cheer at. The stylish right-hander hit Tsotsobe for two consecutive boundaries through the vacant cover region, in the 75th over.
South Africa made one last effort as they took the second new ball after 80 overs and called on their two best bowlers in Steyn and Morkel. But after a couple of overs with the new ball, the two teams agreed for a draw.
When the match ended, India were 166 for three in 82 overs, having hit just 19 boundaries through the day while scoring at just over two runs per over.
The three-match series ended in a 1-1 draw and India proved they were the deserved No. 1 team in the world.
ource: Rediff.com
Chasing 340 for victory, India were 166 for three in 82 overs before the two teams agreed for a draw.
Sachin Tendulkar was unbeaten on 14 from 91 balls, while VVS Laxman was not out on 34 from 67 balls with the help of four boundaries as India managed to bat out the final day for the loss of just three wickets.
Gambhir, struggling with an injury on his left hand, battled hard to score 64 from 184 balls to register his second fifty of the match, before he was caught down the leg side off Dale Steyn The left-hander was involved in two slow partnerships to boost India's chances of drawing the match. He added 79 runs in 221 balls for the second wicket with Rahul Dravid who made 31 from 112 balls and then put on 14 from 82 balls for the third wicket with Tendulkar.
Jacques Kallis shone with the bat for South Africa as he hit two centuries in the match, while Tendulkar came to India's rescue with a fluent innings 146 in the first innings.
Harbhajan Singh shone with the ball, claiming seven wickets for 120 in 38 overs, his 25th five-wicket haul in Tests, but the rest of the bowlers failed to make an impact.
The pacers made most of the conditions early on in the match with Dale Steyn claiming five wickets while S Sreesanth took five for 114 in 29 overs.
Morning session: (53 runs, 28 overs, 1 wicket)
India looked content to play out the opening session with minimum damage and they achieved just that by losing only one wicket.
Gambhir, who was already suffering from an injury in his left hand, got off to a painful start when a sharp rising delivery from Morkel hit him on the elbow and went over the slips for a four.
South Africa tried to unsettle Gambhir by bowling a lot of short deliveries directed at his body, with the new ball, while they pitched it up to Sehwag.
Gambhir got his second boundary when he flicked a full delivery from Steyn through the square leg region, in the fifth over.
Sehwag was very watchful and keen to play out the new ball. He took 25 deliveries to get his first boundary – thumping a short delivery from Steyn through the covers.
After ten overs, India were 22 for no loss, with both openers not willing to take any risks and looking to leave as much as possible outside the off-stump.
Lonwabo Tsotsobe was unlucky not to have picked the wicket of Sehwag in his first over. The Indian opener (11) went after a short, wide delivery but was dropped by substitute fielder J P Duminy at point region, kept slightly deep.
But Sehwag didn't profit from that lifeline. He fell in the very next over when he edged an outgoing delivery from Morkel and was caught by Graeme Smith at first slip after a patient 11 from 40 balls.
The onus now lay on veteran Rahul Dravid, playing his 150th Test; thus far he has scored just 89 runs in five innings in the series.
Gambhir got his third boundary when he clipped a full delivery from Tsotsobe through square leg, in the 15th over.
Left-arm spinner Paul Harris troubled Gambhir right from the start as he pitched on the footmarks and got the ball to turn and bounce a great deal.
Just like was the case with South Africa's second innings, once the ball lost its shine it got a bit difficult for the bowlers to make an impression. And with Dravid and Gambhir intent on defending, South Africa's bowlers were made to toil extra hard to force the batsmen into committing mistakes.
After a quiet spell, Gambhir finally broke the shackles by stepping down the wicket to Harris and driving him through cover for a four, the first boundary after nearly 11 overs.
At lunch, India were 53 for one in 28 overs, still needing another 287 runs for victory.
Despite the injury, Gambhir showed great determination and was unbeaten on 32 from 80 balls, while Dravid, who was content defending, was on eight from 49 balls.
Morkel got the only wicket of the session but bowled a splendid spell, beating the bat on numerous occasions. Similar was the case with Steyn.
Another good session with the bat and India could well be inching towards a hard-earned draw in the final Test.
Post lunch session: (61 runs, 28 overs, 1 wicket)
India continued to defend. Gambhir led the way with a patient half-century. Slowly, but steadily, India were inching towards a draw, having lost just one wicket in the post-lunch session.
Smith continued after the lunch break and gifted Gambhir a full toss that he despatched down the ground for a four. Even Dravid helped himself to another four when he cut a short delivery through point in Smith's next over, forcing him out of the attack.
Gambhir also looked to lift the tempo after the break and hit a boundary each in successive overs off Steyn to move to 48.
The duo continued to frustrate the hosts with some steady batting as they brought up their 50-run partnership for the second wicket off 136 balls.
In the next over, Gambhir brought up his half-century from 103 balls when he cut a short delivery from Steyn through the point region.
With the pacers unable to make an impact and Harris getting plenty of purchase, Smith brought himself back on. But the move backfired as India broke the shackles somewhat with three boundaries in that over. Dravid drove him twice through the covers for two fours, while Gambhir despatched a full toss through mid-on, in the 43rd over.
Dravid, on 27, got a lifeline when he was struck right in front of the stumps by Harris but the umpire turned down the huge appeal.
But he was unable to make the most of that reprieve. He edged an outgoing delivery from Tsotsobe and was caught at third slip after a patient knock of 31 from 112 balls; he added 79 runs in 221 balls for the second wicket with Gambhir.
With 40 overs remaining in the day, South Africa still had time on hand to scalp the remaining eight wickets, while India were just hoping for survival.
Gambhir (62) also got a reprieve when his leading edge off Harris was dropped by AB de Villiers at silly point, in the 50th over. Harris then saw another catch being spilled, and once again it was de Villiers, who made a valiant attempt at leg slip but failed to hold on as Tendulkar got a thin inside edge.
At tea, India were 114 for two in 56 overs, still needing another 226 runs for victory. It looks unlikely they will push for it in the final session.
Gambhir continued to resist the South African bowlers as he scored 62 from 163 balls, while Tendulkar also adopted a defensive approach for seven from 22 balls.
Post tea session: (52 runs, 26 overs, 1 wicket)
In the end, it turned out to be a boring final session as India held on for a deserved draw.
South Africa started with Steyn and Morkel after the tea break hoping for an early wicket to force the issue, but the Indian batsmen continued to defend.
Steyn provided the important breakthrough when he got the wicket of Gambhir, who was caught down the leg side by Boucher off a short delivery. The left-hander, who was nursing an injured left hand, toiled hard to score 64 from 184 balls and stayed at the crease for 271 minutes.
But that was the only success for the hosts in the session as the Indians continued to defend resolutely.
Left-arm spinner Harris kept toiling from one end and occasionally troubled Tendulkar and VVS Laxman when he pitched on the footmarks, but still another wicket was hard to come.
The left-arm spinner kept bowling maiden over after maiden over as he conceded just 29 runs in 30 overs, inclusive of 19 maiden overs.
Laxman got a loud cheer when he flicked Morkel through the fine leg region for his first four and also the first after a long wait of 22 overs.
While Tendulkar was yet to hit a boundary after facing 75 balls, Laxman provided the Indians fans something to cheer at. The stylish right-hander hit Tsotsobe for two consecutive boundaries through the vacant cover region, in the 75th over.
South Africa made one last effort as they took the second new ball after 80 overs and called on their two best bowlers in Steyn and Morkel. But after a couple of overs with the new ball, the two teams agreed for a draw.
When the match ended, India were 166 for three in 82 overs, having hit just 19 boundaries through the day while scoring at just over two runs per over.
The three-match series ended in a 1-1 draw and India proved they were the deserved No. 1 team in the world.
ource: Rediff.com
Ashes: England seal famous triumph with Sydney win
England won the fifth Ashes Test by an innings and 83 runs on Friday to claim a first series triumph in Australia in nearly a quarter of a century.
The tourists, who had already ensured they would retain the famous urn, needed a little more than 17 overs to remove Australia's last three batsmen on day five of the final Test to win the series 3-1.
"We came over here desperately wanting to win the series. Obviously in Melbourne we retained the Ashes but we really wanted to finish with a bang over here in Sydney ," an ecstatic Andrew Strauss said on the podium.
"All credit to the guys, they've been outstanding again, the way the bowlers bowled on day one, the batsmen dipped their bread in it again and we got another victory.
"So we're delighted with what we've done and we're certainly going to enjoy this evening, that's for sure."
Australia have lost series by bigger margins but in more than 130 years of Test cricket they had never conceded three defeats by an innings or more in a series against any country.
Stand-in skipper Michael Clarke had been handed the unenviable task of leading a demoralised Australia side into the final Test after Ricky Ponting was ruled out with a broken finger.
"It's been a tough couple of months to be honest, we've been outplayed in all facets of the game," said Clarke, who like Ponting failed to inspire his team with the bat throughout the series.
"I think England have shown us what execution and discipline does with the ball and they've managed to go and make some big scores with the bat as well.
"Obviously I'm very disappointed like all the boys. We didn't perform as well as we'd have liked."
'AMAZING SERIES'
Free entry had ensured a half full house as the tourists performed the final rites but it was dominated by England fans with the Barmy Army's songs and chants echoing around the famous ground.
They celebrated wildly as England, just four years after suffering a first Ashes clean sweep in 86 years, matched the achievement of Mike Gatting's touring party of 1986-87.
Alastair Cook was named Man of the Match and won the Compton-Miller medal as Man of the Series.
The England opener made 189 in Sydney and 766 runs at an average of 127.66 over the fives Tests, the second highest by an Englishman in an Ashes series.
"Amazing, just that feeling when Chris Tremlett got that wicket will live long in the memory," said the 26-year-old.
"It's been an amazing series for me, I couldn't imagine this happening seven weeks ago."
Resuming their second innings on 213 for seven, still 151 runs behind England's gargantuan first knock of 644, Australia needed to bat out the last day if they were to claim an unlikely draw.
Morning rain showers looked like being their best hope but once they cleared after a delay of 40 minutes in the first hour, England's march to victory was only a matter of time.
Peter Siddle was the first to go, but not before he had notched his highest Test score of 43.
The seamer was furious with himself after spinner Graeme Swann tempted him into a sweep which James Anderson caught at the boundary in front of the massed ranks of England fans.
England took the new ball two overs later and Anderson soon made the second breakthrough with a fizzing ball that Ben Hilfenhaus , who had made seven runs in 14 minutes, got an edge on to be caught behind.
Debutant Michael Beer was the final wicket to fall, bowled by Chris Tremlett for two to leave Australia all out for 281 to add to their first innings 280.
Steve Smith had reached his second Test half century and was unbeaten on 54.
After a drawn first Test in Brisbane, England won the second in Adelaide by an innings and 71 runs before Australia fought back to claim the third in Perth by 267 runs.
England again dominated the fourth Test in Melbourne with an even more comprehensive victory, an innings and 157 runs, to ensure they would retain the urn they won back from Australia last year in England.
Source: Rediff.com
The tourists, who had already ensured they would retain the famous urn, needed a little more than 17 overs to remove Australia's last three batsmen on day five of the final Test to win the series 3-1.
"We came over here desperately wanting to win the series. Obviously in Melbourne we retained the Ashes but we really wanted to finish with a bang over here in Sydney ," an ecstatic Andrew Strauss said on the podium.
"All credit to the guys, they've been outstanding again, the way the bowlers bowled on day one, the batsmen dipped their bread in it again and we got another victory.
"So we're delighted with what we've done and we're certainly going to enjoy this evening, that's for sure."
Australia have lost series by bigger margins but in more than 130 years of Test cricket they had never conceded three defeats by an innings or more in a series against any country.
Stand-in skipper Michael Clarke had been handed the unenviable task of leading a demoralised Australia side into the final Test after Ricky Ponting was ruled out with a broken finger.
"It's been a tough couple of months to be honest, we've been outplayed in all facets of the game," said Clarke, who like Ponting failed to inspire his team with the bat throughout the series.
"I think England have shown us what execution and discipline does with the ball and they've managed to go and make some big scores with the bat as well.
"Obviously I'm very disappointed like all the boys. We didn't perform as well as we'd have liked."
'AMAZING SERIES'
Free entry had ensured a half full house as the tourists performed the final rites but it was dominated by England fans with the Barmy Army's songs and chants echoing around the famous ground.
They celebrated wildly as England, just four years after suffering a first Ashes clean sweep in 86 years, matched the achievement of Mike Gatting's touring party of 1986-87.
Alastair Cook was named Man of the Match and won the Compton-Miller medal as Man of the Series.
The England opener made 189 in Sydney and 766 runs at an average of 127.66 over the fives Tests, the second highest by an Englishman in an Ashes series.
"Amazing, just that feeling when Chris Tremlett got that wicket will live long in the memory," said the 26-year-old.
"It's been an amazing series for me, I couldn't imagine this happening seven weeks ago."
Resuming their second innings on 213 for seven, still 151 runs behind England's gargantuan first knock of 644, Australia needed to bat out the last day if they were to claim an unlikely draw.
Morning rain showers looked like being their best hope but once they cleared after a delay of 40 minutes in the first hour, England's march to victory was only a matter of time.
Peter Siddle was the first to go, but not before he had notched his highest Test score of 43.
The seamer was furious with himself after spinner Graeme Swann tempted him into a sweep which James Anderson caught at the boundary in front of the massed ranks of England fans.
England took the new ball two overs later and Anderson soon made the second breakthrough with a fizzing ball that Ben Hilfenhaus , who had made seven runs in 14 minutes, got an edge on to be caught behind.
Debutant Michael Beer was the final wicket to fall, bowled by Chris Tremlett for two to leave Australia all out for 281 to add to their first innings 280.
Steve Smith had reached his second Test half century and was unbeaten on 54.
After a drawn first Test in Brisbane, England won the second in Adelaide by an innings and 71 runs before Australia fought back to claim the third in Perth by 267 runs.
England again dominated the fourth Test in Melbourne with an even more comprehensive victory, an innings and 157 runs, to ensure they would retain the urn they won back from Australia last year in England.
Source: Rediff.com
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
India outclass SA to win Durban Test
India outclassed South Africa by 87 runs to win the second Test and level the three-match series at 1-1, on Day 4 at Kingsmead, Durban, on Wednesday.
South Africa were bowled out for 215 in 72.3 overs in their second innings with pacers Zaheer Khan (three for 57) and S Sreesanth (three for 54) claiming three wickets each.
Ashwell Prince was left stranded on 39 from 108 balls after Lonwabo Tsotsobe was run out by Cheteshwar Pujara for a duck.
S Sreesanth continued his impressive showing with the ball, claiming three for 45 in 14 overs and Zaheer took three for 46, while Harbhajan Singh (2 for 55) was the other wicket-taker.
Jacques Kallis (17) was the first to fall on day four; he was surprised by an express delivery from Sreesanth that bounced steeply and could only fend it to Virender Sehwag at gully.
AB de Villiers was trapped leg before wicket by Harbhajan for 33, struck on his pads right in front of the stumps.
Zaheer then claimed two quick wickets, trapping Mark Boucher leg before wicket for one, before having Dale Steyn caught at third slip for 10. He added another wicket after the tea break when he bowled Paul Harris for seven.
On day three, VVS Laxman fell short of a deserved century to help India post 228 in their second innings. The veteran batsman hit a fluent 96 from 171 balls, inclusive of 12 fours, before he was the last wicket to fall, caught behind off pacer Dale Steyn.
S SreesanthThe Indian bowlers had earlier put the team in control as South Africa were dismissed for a paltry 131 in 37.2 overs in their first innings, after India had folded for 205 in 65.1 overs with as many as 18 wickets falling on day two.
Zaheer showed the way with a remarkable spell of three for 29, while Harbhajan ran through the middle and lower order for wonderful figures of four for 10 in 7.2 overs.
India's fielding also rose to the occasion, some unbelievable catches being taken.
Hashim Amla was South Africa's top-scorer with 33 and Alviro Petersen made 24; no other batsman could cross the 20-run mark.
Morning session: (71 runs, 32 overs, 4 wickets)
Resuming on 111 for three in 27 overs, South Africa looked to negotiate the early overs as Kallis and de Villiers played it safe.
Sreesanth settled on a good line and length while Harbhajan continued probing the batsmen as both built pressure by stopping the flow of runs.
Sreesanth's perseverance was finally rewarded with the big wicket of Kallis, for 17. The Kerala pacer got one to bounce sharply off a good length and Kallis could only fend it to Virender Sehwag at gully.
Sreesanth bowled a wonderful spell of five overs in the morning, taking one wicket for seven runs; he didn't offer the batsmen anything, while resorting to a good line and length.
Harbhajan struck a few overs later with the wicket of AB de Villiers. The right-hander, who made 33 from 76 balls, was struck on the pads right in front of the stumps by a straighter delivery from the off-spinner, bowling round the wicket.
Although replays showed that the ball could have bounced over the stumps, it looked plumb to the naked eye.
Zaheer also got among the wickets when he trapped Mark Boucher (1) leg before wicket with one that came in sharply.
Dale Steyn was lucky when his edge off Harbhajan flew just past a diving Rahul Dravid at first slip for a boundary, in the 44th over. This was the first boundary for the hosts on day four after a long wait of nearly 17 hours.
He got another boundary through thirdman off Zaheer as he once again got a thick edge. But his charmed life ended soon after.
Zaheer showed his experience as he bowled him a few bouncers before delivering a wide one that Steyn (10) edged and was caught by the third slip fielder.
Ashwell Prince struggled at the start of his innings and took 51 deliveries to hit his first boundary, driving Ishant Sharma through the covers.
Prince (28 from 77 balls) and Paul Harris (7 from 26 balls) survived a testing spell from the Indians pacers before lunch. At the break, South Africa were 182 for seven in 59 overs, still needing 121 runs for victory.
Sreesanth once again rose to the occasion with a fantastic bowling display, claiming three for 45 in 14 overs. Zaheer continued to torment the Proteas as he took two for 45, while Harbhajan got two for 55.
Source: rediff.com
South Africa were bowled out for 215 in 72.3 overs in their second innings with pacers Zaheer Khan (three for 57) and S Sreesanth (three for 54) claiming three wickets each.
Ashwell Prince was left stranded on 39 from 108 balls after Lonwabo Tsotsobe was run out by Cheteshwar Pujara for a duck.
S Sreesanth continued his impressive showing with the ball, claiming three for 45 in 14 overs and Zaheer took three for 46, while Harbhajan Singh (2 for 55) was the other wicket-taker.
Jacques Kallis (17) was the first to fall on day four; he was surprised by an express delivery from Sreesanth that bounced steeply and could only fend it to Virender Sehwag at gully.
AB de Villiers was trapped leg before wicket by Harbhajan for 33, struck on his pads right in front of the stumps.
Zaheer then claimed two quick wickets, trapping Mark Boucher leg before wicket for one, before having Dale Steyn caught at third slip for 10. He added another wicket after the tea break when he bowled Paul Harris for seven.
On day three, VVS Laxman fell short of a deserved century to help India post 228 in their second innings. The veteran batsman hit a fluent 96 from 171 balls, inclusive of 12 fours, before he was the last wicket to fall, caught behind off pacer Dale Steyn.
S SreesanthThe Indian bowlers had earlier put the team in control as South Africa were dismissed for a paltry 131 in 37.2 overs in their first innings, after India had folded for 205 in 65.1 overs with as many as 18 wickets falling on day two.
Zaheer showed the way with a remarkable spell of three for 29, while Harbhajan ran through the middle and lower order for wonderful figures of four for 10 in 7.2 overs.
India's fielding also rose to the occasion, some unbelievable catches being taken.
Hashim Amla was South Africa's top-scorer with 33 and Alviro Petersen made 24; no other batsman could cross the 20-run mark.
Morning session: (71 runs, 32 overs, 4 wickets)
Resuming on 111 for three in 27 overs, South Africa looked to negotiate the early overs as Kallis and de Villiers played it safe.
Sreesanth settled on a good line and length while Harbhajan continued probing the batsmen as both built pressure by stopping the flow of runs.
Sreesanth's perseverance was finally rewarded with the big wicket of Kallis, for 17. The Kerala pacer got one to bounce sharply off a good length and Kallis could only fend it to Virender Sehwag at gully.
Sreesanth bowled a wonderful spell of five overs in the morning, taking one wicket for seven runs; he didn't offer the batsmen anything, while resorting to a good line and length.
Harbhajan struck a few overs later with the wicket of AB de Villiers. The right-hander, who made 33 from 76 balls, was struck on the pads right in front of the stumps by a straighter delivery from the off-spinner, bowling round the wicket.
Although replays showed that the ball could have bounced over the stumps, it looked plumb to the naked eye.
Zaheer also got among the wickets when he trapped Mark Boucher (1) leg before wicket with one that came in sharply.
Dale Steyn was lucky when his edge off Harbhajan flew just past a diving Rahul Dravid at first slip for a boundary, in the 44th over. This was the first boundary for the hosts on day four after a long wait of nearly 17 hours.
He got another boundary through thirdman off Zaheer as he once again got a thick edge. But his charmed life ended soon after.
Zaheer showed his experience as he bowled him a few bouncers before delivering a wide one that Steyn (10) edged and was caught by the third slip fielder.
Ashwell Prince struggled at the start of his innings and took 51 deliveries to hit his first boundary, driving Ishant Sharma through the covers.
Prince (28 from 77 balls) and Paul Harris (7 from 26 balls) survived a testing spell from the Indians pacers before lunch. At the break, South Africa were 182 for seven in 59 overs, still needing 121 runs for victory.
Sreesanth once again rose to the occasion with a fantastic bowling display, claiming three for 45 in 14 overs. Zaheer continued to torment the Proteas as he took two for 45, while Harbhajan got two for 55.
Source: rediff.com
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tendulkar should get Bharat Ratna, says Vishy Anand
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 said.
- Congratulate Sachin Tendulkar
Tendulkar had slammed his 50th Test century in the second innings against South Africa in the first Test in Centurion.
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.
Source: Rediff
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 said.
- Congratulate Sachin Tendulkar
Tendulkar had slammed his 50th Test century in the second innings against South Africa in the first Test in Centurion.
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.
Source: Rediff
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Heavy rain delays start of India-SA Test
The start of the first Test between India and South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion, on Thursday, has been delayed due to wet outfield caused by heavy rain.
The toss was scheduled to take place at 1400 IST but persistent rain since Wednesday evening meant that the ground had to be covered; a lot of water has also poured on to the uncovered parts of the outfield.
The possibility of play getting underway looks bleak.
The groundstaff has built a temporary tent over the pitch with heaters inside to prevent the track from absorbing extra moisture.
India will be hoping that play is washed out for the day, giving their top bowler Zaheer Khan an extra day to recover from his groin injury.
The toss was scheduled to take place at 1400 IST but persistent rain since Wednesday evening meant that the ground had to be covered; a lot of water has also poured on to the uncovered parts of the outfield.
The possibility of play getting underway looks bleak.
The groundstaff has built a temporary tent over the pitch with heaters inside to prevent the track from absorbing extra moisture.
India will be hoping that play is washed out for the day, giving their top bowler Zaheer Khan an extra day to recover from his groin injury.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Team India get memorable reception in South Africa
With the Rainbow Nation celebrating 150 glorious years of Indian settlement in South Africa , Cricket South Africa (CSA) hosted the biggest ever official reception for the visiting Indian cricket team in Johannesburg.
"The official welcome reception for the Indian team is the biggest ever for any team that had visited South Africa," CSA chief executive Gerald Majola said during the reception on Monday.
The function was attended by players of both the teams, board officials of both the countries, including CSA president Mtutuzeli Nyoka and Indian Consul-General Vikram Doraiswami among others.
During his welcome speech, CSA president Nyoka said that Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men were deserving of their world no 1 tag.
"This is a team (India ) that has over the last two years swept all before them. I think that by all accounts they deserve the number one status in Test cricket," he said.
Nyoka singled out Sachin Tendulkar for praise and saluted the champion batsman for his contribution to the game.
"I want to say thank you to you (Tendulkar) for the many years of wonderful memories that you have given us. You are a true champion, a true hero. You are one of the most decorated cricketers playing today. I salute you as a sportsman, as a cricketer and as a human being," the CSA president said.
Nyoka also lauded the cricketing links between the two countries.
"South Africa is what today because of its relationship with India. CSA is a vibrant, strong organisation not least because of the relationship it has with BCCI, and I hope our mission of friendship and brotherhood continues for a very long time," he added.
In keeping with the jovial spirit at the reception, Indian Consul-General Doraiswami said, "We've always believed our cricket team is the best and rankings are just a matter of devious Western subversions. It's good to have it finally recognised officially."
He also recalled how former South Africa paceman Allan Donald had given troubled times to the Indians during the first tour way back in 1992-93.
"Thank God you don't have White Lightning (Donald's nickname) anymore!," Doraiswami quipped.
Source: Rediff.com
"The official welcome reception for the Indian team is the biggest ever for any team that had visited South Africa," CSA chief executive Gerald Majola said during the reception on Monday.
The function was attended by players of both the teams, board officials of both the countries, including CSA president Mtutuzeli Nyoka and Indian Consul-General Vikram Doraiswami among others.
During his welcome speech, CSA president Nyoka said that Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men were deserving of their world no 1 tag.
"This is a team (India ) that has over the last two years swept all before them. I think that by all accounts they deserve the number one status in Test cricket," he said.
Nyoka singled out Sachin Tendulkar for praise and saluted the champion batsman for his contribution to the game.
"I want to say thank you to you (Tendulkar) for the many years of wonderful memories that you have given us. You are a true champion, a true hero. You are one of the most decorated cricketers playing today. I salute you as a sportsman, as a cricketer and as a human being," the CSA president said.
Nyoka also lauded the cricketing links between the two countries.
"South Africa is what today because of its relationship with India. CSA is a vibrant, strong organisation not least because of the relationship it has with BCCI, and I hope our mission of friendship and brotherhood continues for a very long time," he added.
In keeping with the jovial spirit at the reception, Indian Consul-General Doraiswami said, "We've always believed our cricket team is the best and rankings are just a matter of devious Western subversions. It's good to have it finally recognised officially."
He also recalled how former South Africa paceman Allan Donald had given troubled times to the Indians during the first tour way back in 1992-93.
"Thank God you don't have White Lightning (Donald's nickname) anymore!," Doraiswami quipped.
Source: Rediff.com
Monday, December 13, 2010
Record books don't lie, van Zyl reminds India
Record books don't lie", said South Africa coach Corrie van Zyl while reminding India of their rather unimpressive past performances here as the battle of wits continued between the two sides ahead of the Test series starting on Thursday.
India are the world's number one Test side but van Zyl said they just need to look at the record books to know what an enormous task awaits them here.
Even India coach Gary Kirsten has declared that without a series win in South Africa, the visitors cannot regard themselves as the best Test side in the world.
"We don't pay much attention to what the Indian goals are in the series, but rather concentrate on what is ahead of us," Van Zyl was quoted as saying by 'Sport24.com'.
"They are an experienced team with much depth regarding their batting and bowling, but the record books never lie," he added.
Not to be outdone by van Zyl, Kirsten said the Indians have become a different side in the past couple of years. "If you look at our performances and results over the past two years you can understand why we are the number one team," said Kirsten.
But as van Zyl pointed out, the record books indeed don't paint an impressive picture for India.
On four previous tours, the Indians could not win a series and have won only once in 12 Tests -- their only triumph coming in 2006 in Johannesburg.
Read more at: http://cricket.ndtv.com/storypage.aspx?id=SPOEN20100163110&nid=72293&cp
India are the world's number one Test side but van Zyl said they just need to look at the record books to know what an enormous task awaits them here.
Even India coach Gary Kirsten has declared that without a series win in South Africa, the visitors cannot regard themselves as the best Test side in the world.
"We don't pay much attention to what the Indian goals are in the series, but rather concentrate on what is ahead of us," Van Zyl was quoted as saying by 'Sport24.com'.
"They are an experienced team with much depth regarding their batting and bowling, but the record books never lie," he added.
Not to be outdone by van Zyl, Kirsten said the Indians have become a different side in the past couple of years. "If you look at our performances and results over the past two years you can understand why we are the number one team," said Kirsten.
But as van Zyl pointed out, the record books indeed don't paint an impressive picture for India.
On four previous tours, the Indians could not win a series and have won only once in 12 Tests -- their only triumph coming in 2006 in Johannesburg.
Read more at: http://cricket.ndtv.com/storypage.aspx?id=SPOEN20100163110&nid=72293&cp
Saturday, December 11, 2010
We were inconsistent: Vettori
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori on Friday admitted that India were the superior team in the ODI series and his side lacked consistency to challenge a strong and balanced opposition.
"India scored over us because it struck a balance in every department of the game in the Test as well as ODI series," a disappointed Vettori said after New Zealand lost the fifth and final ODI in Chennai by eight wickets to suffer a 0-5 series whitewash.
Vettori, however, did not agree that his position as captain is in danger after the disappointing show. New Zealand under Vettori had lost 0-5 in their ODI series in Bangladesh before coming to India.
"I think I have led the team as well as I can. We understand the result. They change me if they feel there is a need to do it," he said.
Vettori said his team would now concentrate on the forthcoming home series against Pakistan and they need a good show to build confidence before next year's World Cup.
"We are far more comfortable playing at home. We need to perform against Pakistan to regain our confidence ahead of World Cup. Some of the players will have to get back to domestic season. We will try to get back our rhythm. I need to be assertive with the boys to step up and do well in putting their hands up," said the Kiwi captain.
Asked if his team did not give their best and they lacked in confidence, Vettori said, "We can address the issue but addressing the issue is not part of the solution but we have to apply our minds to it too.
"We were not consistent in the series. One day we batted and bowled well but the other day we did not show consistency. In one-day matches you have to show particular type of abilities like what India showed," he said.
"We need to keep trying to our abilities. We need to look into areas where we can show improvement. We should not give up our efforts. Hopefully, as part of the solution we are facing Pakistan back home and we need to play well and regain the confidence ahead of the World Cup," he added.
As for the positives from this tour, Vettori said, "I think James Franklin has been in and out of the team but he had performed well on this tour. There are about three guys looking to be making the world cup team but James has proved himself well to be the squad."
Asked about India's chances in the Test series against South Africa starting next week, Vettori said, "India is the leading team in Test and they have been winning their matches in recent times. It is a experienced side. They have some remarkably talented batsmen and bowlers. I think the cricket fans would be keen that they play some lively cricket and win."
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Pathan powers India to a thrilling win
They said he couldn't perform in international cricket. They said he was good only for IPL and domestic cricket. He proved them wrong tonight. Yusuf Pathan engineered an improbable win for India with a violent hundred, his first in ODIs, and perhaps sealed a World Cup berth for himself. It looked grim for India when they were tottering at 188 for 5 in the 34th over, after the fall of Rohit Sharma, but Pathan pulled off a heist. One game doesn't guarantee a successful future of course but Pathan left his past behind with a potentially career-changing innings on a drizzly Bangalore night. His century overshadowed a superbly-crafted 98 from James Franklin that had allowed New Zealand to reach a daunting total.
Read more at: http://cricket.ndtv.com/nzinind10/news_story.aspx?ID=SPOEN20100162535&keyword=news&cp
Read more at: http://cricket.ndtv.com/nzinind10/news_story.aspx?ID=SPOEN20100162535&keyword=news&cp
Swann bowls England to innings victory
England have one hand on the Ashes after Graeme Swann bowled them to victory with a five-wicket haul in Adelaide, where neither rain nor the lower order could save Australia on the fifth morning. The significance of the win cannot be underestimated, as it gives England a 1-0 advantage heading in to the third Test in Perth, which starts in a week and a half.
The triumph came when Swann turned a ball through the gate to bowl Peter Siddle, completing his five-for and confirming the margin of an innings and 71 runs. It was a devastating morning for Australia, who began the day hopeful that they could survive for a draw with six wickets in hand, but it took England less than 90 minutes to skittle the remaining Australians.
Last time England took a series lead in Australia, it was 1986-87, and they did not give it away. And as the holders of the urn, Andrew Strauss and his men will retain the Ashes unless Australia can win at least two of the remaining three Tests, a monumental task given that they have now gone five Tests without tasting victory, stretching back to the series against Pakistan in England.
There will be changes for both teams at the WACA, with England forced to look to Chris Tremlett or Tim Bresnan, due to a series-ending abdominal injury to Stuart Broad. Australia will have to find a new opener as Simon Katich's Achilles tendon problem has ruled him out of the rest of the series, while Xavier Doherty and Marcus North will also face a nervous wait to see if they keep their places.
North could have saved his position by salvaging a draw for Australia on the final day, but he was one of the wickets to fall cheaply as England wrapped up the contest before lunch. The visitors knew a thunderstorm was expected later in the afternoon, and after they made the initial breakthrough by getting rid of the established Michael Hussey for 52, they tightened the noose on Australia's lower order.
Hussey and North resumed at 4 for 238 after the loss of Michael Clarke from the last ball of play on Monday, and it took only six overs for England to get a sniff of victory. Hussey was dropped by Matt Prior off the bowling of Swann but didn't survive a second chance when he top-edged a pull off Steven Finn and was comfortably taken at midwicket by James Anderson.
There was a roar from Anderson as soon as he had the ball safely in his hands, knowing that the in-form Hussey was the big breakthrough England required. Brad Haddin followed soon afterwards for 12 when he edged behind off Anderson, and England were in to Australia's long tail, with North carrying the home team's slim hopes at the other end.
Anderson quickly found himself on a hat-trick when Ryan Harris made unwanted history by completing a king pair, leaving a ball that swung back in and struck him in line with the stumps. Out of desperation more than belief, Harris asked for a review, but there was no way he was going to be saved, and neither were Australia.
There was no hat-trick for Anderson when he began his next over but he didn't really mind, as in the meantime Swann had removed North, the last of Australia's specialist batsmen, for 22. This time the review system did overturn a decision; Tony Hill gave North not out as he came forward with bat and pad close together, Swann wanted a referral, and the replays showed it was pad first, hitting the stumps, and a potentially career-busting blow for North.
Swann bowled outstandingly on the final day, and deserved his 5 for 91. In the absence of Broad for much of the innings, he sent down 41.1 overs, and collected the final two wickets when he sneaked the ball under the bat of Doherty for 5 and then finished off Siddle.
And it all happened under the most perfect, sunny skies. If Australia were hoping for storms, their prayers were not answered. In truth, they never recovered from the hurricane that struck on the first morning when they were 3 for 2. And now, England need only one more victory to retain the Ashes.
Read more at: http://cricket.ndtv.com/ashes10/news_story.aspx?ID=SPOEN20100162417&keyword=news&nid=71019&cp
The triumph came when Swann turned a ball through the gate to bowl Peter Siddle, completing his five-for and confirming the margin of an innings and 71 runs. It was a devastating morning for Australia, who began the day hopeful that they could survive for a draw with six wickets in hand, but it took England less than 90 minutes to skittle the remaining Australians.
Last time England took a series lead in Australia, it was 1986-87, and they did not give it away. And as the holders of the urn, Andrew Strauss and his men will retain the Ashes unless Australia can win at least two of the remaining three Tests, a monumental task given that they have now gone five Tests without tasting victory, stretching back to the series against Pakistan in England.
There will be changes for both teams at the WACA, with England forced to look to Chris Tremlett or Tim Bresnan, due to a series-ending abdominal injury to Stuart Broad. Australia will have to find a new opener as Simon Katich's Achilles tendon problem has ruled him out of the rest of the series, while Xavier Doherty and Marcus North will also face a nervous wait to see if they keep their places.
North could have saved his position by salvaging a draw for Australia on the final day, but he was one of the wickets to fall cheaply as England wrapped up the contest before lunch. The visitors knew a thunderstorm was expected later in the afternoon, and after they made the initial breakthrough by getting rid of the established Michael Hussey for 52, they tightened the noose on Australia's lower order.
Hussey and North resumed at 4 for 238 after the loss of Michael Clarke from the last ball of play on Monday, and it took only six overs for England to get a sniff of victory. Hussey was dropped by Matt Prior off the bowling of Swann but didn't survive a second chance when he top-edged a pull off Steven Finn and was comfortably taken at midwicket by James Anderson.
There was a roar from Anderson as soon as he had the ball safely in his hands, knowing that the in-form Hussey was the big breakthrough England required. Brad Haddin followed soon afterwards for 12 when he edged behind off Anderson, and England were in to Australia's long tail, with North carrying the home team's slim hopes at the other end.
Anderson quickly found himself on a hat-trick when Ryan Harris made unwanted history by completing a king pair, leaving a ball that swung back in and struck him in line with the stumps. Out of desperation more than belief, Harris asked for a review, but there was no way he was going to be saved, and neither were Australia.
There was no hat-trick for Anderson when he began his next over but he didn't really mind, as in the meantime Swann had removed North, the last of Australia's specialist batsmen, for 22. This time the review system did overturn a decision; Tony Hill gave North not out as he came forward with bat and pad close together, Swann wanted a referral, and the replays showed it was pad first, hitting the stumps, and a potentially career-busting blow for North.
Swann bowled outstandingly on the final day, and deserved his 5 for 91. In the absence of Broad for much of the innings, he sent down 41.1 overs, and collected the final two wickets when he sneaked the ball under the bat of Doherty for 5 and then finished off Siddle.
And it all happened under the most perfect, sunny skies. If Australia were hoping for storms, their prayers were not answered. In truth, they never recovered from the hurricane that struck on the first morning when they were 3 for 2. And now, England need only one more victory to retain the Ashes.
Read more at: http://cricket.ndtv.com/ashes10/news_story.aspx?ID=SPOEN20100162417&keyword=news&nid=71019&cp
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Revealed! History of the Ashes
A tiny, dark-red, terracotta urn containing ashes of indeterminate origin and deemed too fragile to leave the cloistered hush of the Lord's ground museum is the focus of one of the world's great sporting rivalries.
Australia host England at the start of the latest battle for the urn on Thursday in a sport which baffles most of the world outside the Commonwealth.
Through Britain's colonial heritage, cricket has fired the imagination and inspired great deeds in ancient cultures on the Indian sub-continent, among the descendants of slaves in the West Indies and in Australia's immigrant society.
An Ashes series, hosted alternately once every two years, remains the ultimate cricket conTest, however.
WHERE DID THE ASHES COME FROM?
Britain at the peak of its imperial power believed it ruled by right the games it invented or codified in the second half of the 19th century. Australians thought otherwise and victory over England at the Oval in London by seven runs in 1882 inspired a mock obituary in the Sporting Times.
The Ashes urn"In affectionate remembrance of English cricket which died at The Oval, 29th August, 1882. Deeply lamented by a large circle of sorrowing friends and acquaintances, RIP. NB The body will be cremated and the Ashes taken to Australia."
Months later Ivo Bligh, captain of the England team in Australia, announced he intended to recover the Ashes. In response some Melbourne society ladies presented him with an urn on Christmas Eve, generally believed to contain the burnt remains of a bail.
Bligh became Lord Darnley and on his death in 1927 his widow presented the Ashes to the Marylebone Cricket Club, the custodians of Lord's. The Ashes have become the symbol of England-Australian rivalry, gaining an increasing mystique with the years.
WHAT IS THE SPECIAL APPEAL?
For more than a century, England and Australia were routinely the best teams in the world and the Ashes series were followed avidly throughout the Commonwealth via the magic of radio and a stream of evocative commentators whose word pictures turned great players into imperishable giants.
They were also the only teams who played each regularly and other countries measured their progress by their performances against the two accepted world leaders.
The proliferation of international cricket, the emergence of first West Indies and now India as the world number one sides and a series of one-sided contests in Australia's favour during the 1990s has not lessened their attraction.
A tour of England remains the ultimate goal for any overseas cricketer and a Test at Lord's the greatest challenge. It is a measure of the ability of Australia to rise to this challenge that the defeat at Lord's last year was their first since 1934.
Winning a series in Australia remains the defining Test for any cricket side. England have not won there since Mike Gatting's side in 1986-87 and only West Indies and South Africa have subsequently succeeded.
Source: rediff.com
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
3rd Test: India crush New Zealand by an innings and 198 runs, win series 1-0
Spinners Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha wreaked havoc on a turning track as India recorded one of their most convincing Test wins in recent times by thrashing New Zealand by an innings and 198 runs in third and final Test to clinch the three-match series 1-0 on Tuesday.
Scorecard
The spin duo never looked threatening during the entire series but proved to be an altogether different proposition with turn and bounce that was on offer.
Both Harbhajan (3/56) and Ojha (2/67) got appreciable turn and bounce as the Black Caps batsmen literally struggled to stay put on a track that was suddenly looking difficult to bat on. There was sharp turn on offer and some of the balls were also keeping low.
If Harbhajan and Ojha decimated the top-order, Ishant Sharma (3/15) and Suresh Raina (2/1) blasted out the lower order as New Zealand were all out for 175 in only 51.2 overs.
Needing 349 runs to clear the first innings deficit, the visitors needed to show a lot of application but not having encountered appreciable turn and bounce in the previous matches meant that there wasn't a lot of homework done.
The pressure was immense and Daniel Vettori's men surrendered meekly with the match lasting barely three and half days.
Brendon McCullum (25), the double centurion of the last Test, on whom Vettori must have depended a lot went back in the 14th over as he missed a ball trying to play on the backfoot. It would have hit the leg stump and Simon Taufel made no mistake in ruling the batsman leg before.
Martin Guptill (0) who has had a woeful Test match saw a delivery from Ojha pitched on the leg stump and turn sharply towards the middle stump finding the batsman's pads. Taufel took some time before raising his finger as Ojha was in with a hat-trick chance.
At 38 for three, New Zealand were looking down the barrel. Ross Taylor (29) tried to hit the spinners more out of desperation as the noose got tighter. Wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins - certainly not the best among the wicketkeeper batsman who are playing international cricket was the next man out.
Scratching around for 35 balls having scored only eight, Hopkins tried to drive Harbhajan but the ball turned to find his bat and pad. Gautam Gambhir standing at forward short-leg took a brilliant one-handed reflex catch diving to his right.
While Jesse Ryder (22) did show some stomach for a fight at one end, the other batsmen didn't have good enough technique to play on a turning track. Harbhajan, in fact made good use of the rough patch that was created on side as some of the ball really turned and jumped.
The feisty spinner from Jalandhar got his third victim when Ross Taylor offered a simple bat-pad catch to substitute Cheteshwar Pujara. The television replays however couldn't confirm whether the ball hit the bat or not.
With half the team back in the pavilion for less than 100, the match as a contest was as good as over in the first hour itself.
Kane Williamson (8) was castled by an Ishant Sharma delivery that kept low and moved in after pitching.
Ryder's 53-ball vigil ended when he got out trying to hoick Suresh Raina only to be holed out by Ishant at mid-off. Raina, who is being groomed as a specialist part-timer as Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag don't bowl often these days bowled a straighter one to trap Vettori (13) plumb in front to reduce New Zealand to 124 for eight.
Ishant got his second wicket when Tim Southee (31, 3x6) was bowled through the gate and wrapped it up with another incoming delivery that breached through Chris Martin's defence.
Read more: 3rd Test: India crush New Zealand by an innings and 198 runs, win series 1-0 - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/new-zealand-in-india/top-stories/3rd-Test-India-crush-New-Zealand-by-an-innings-and-198-runs-win-series-1-0/articleshow/6974922.cms#ixzz165zEmd8K
Scorecard
The spin duo never looked threatening during the entire series but proved to be an altogether different proposition with turn and bounce that was on offer.
Both Harbhajan (3/56) and Ojha (2/67) got appreciable turn and bounce as the Black Caps batsmen literally struggled to stay put on a track that was suddenly looking difficult to bat on. There was sharp turn on offer and some of the balls were also keeping low.
If Harbhajan and Ojha decimated the top-order, Ishant Sharma (3/15) and Suresh Raina (2/1) blasted out the lower order as New Zealand were all out for 175 in only 51.2 overs.
Needing 349 runs to clear the first innings deficit, the visitors needed to show a lot of application but not having encountered appreciable turn and bounce in the previous matches meant that there wasn't a lot of homework done.
The pressure was immense and Daniel Vettori's men surrendered meekly with the match lasting barely three and half days.
Brendon McCullum (25), the double centurion of the last Test, on whom Vettori must have depended a lot went back in the 14th over as he missed a ball trying to play on the backfoot. It would have hit the leg stump and Simon Taufel made no mistake in ruling the batsman leg before.
Martin Guptill (0) who has had a woeful Test match saw a delivery from Ojha pitched on the leg stump and turn sharply towards the middle stump finding the batsman's pads. Taufel took some time before raising his finger as Ojha was in with a hat-trick chance.
At 38 for three, New Zealand were looking down the barrel. Ross Taylor (29) tried to hit the spinners more out of desperation as the noose got tighter. Wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins - certainly not the best among the wicketkeeper batsman who are playing international cricket was the next man out.
Scratching around for 35 balls having scored only eight, Hopkins tried to drive Harbhajan but the ball turned to find his bat and pad. Gautam Gambhir standing at forward short-leg took a brilliant one-handed reflex catch diving to his right.
While Jesse Ryder (22) did show some stomach for a fight at one end, the other batsmen didn't have good enough technique to play on a turning track. Harbhajan, in fact made good use of the rough patch that was created on side as some of the ball really turned and jumped.
The feisty spinner from Jalandhar got his third victim when Ross Taylor offered a simple bat-pad catch to substitute Cheteshwar Pujara. The television replays however couldn't confirm whether the ball hit the bat or not.
With half the team back in the pavilion for less than 100, the match as a contest was as good as over in the first hour itself.
Kane Williamson (8) was castled by an Ishant Sharma delivery that kept low and moved in after pitching.
Ryder's 53-ball vigil ended when he got out trying to hoick Suresh Raina only to be holed out by Ishant at mid-off. Raina, who is being groomed as a specialist part-timer as Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag don't bowl often these days bowled a straighter one to trap Vettori (13) plumb in front to reduce New Zealand to 124 for eight.
Ishant got his second wicket when Tim Southee (31, 3x6) was bowled through the gate and wrapped it up with another incoming delivery that breached through Chris Martin's defence.
Read more: 3rd Test: India crush New Zealand by an innings and 198 runs, win series 1-0 - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/new-zealand-in-india/top-stories/3rd-Test-India-crush-New-Zealand-by-an-innings-and-198-runs-win-series-1-0/articleshow/6974922.cms#ixzz165zEmd8K
Monday, November 22, 2010
India beat New Zealand comprehensively, win series 1-0
India beat New Zealand comprehensively, win series 1-0After two drawn Tests, the Indian team won the third Test by an innings and 198 runs in Nagpur
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Preeja, Kavita win gold and silver in 10, 000 m
Top Indian long-distance runner Preeja Sreedharan clocked a personal best of 31:50:47 in the women's 10,000m final to clinch the country's fourth gold medal at the Asian Games here today.
Kavita Raut, who won the bronze in the women's 10000m at the Commonwealth Games last month, walked away with the silver with a personal best timing of 31:51.44.
Sreedharan, who had finished fifth in both the 5000m and the 10,000m in the last edition of the Games in 2006, raised her performance to give India a flying start in track and field competition.
The 28-year-old's previous personal best for the 10,000m was 32:04:41 recorded at Watford in June, 2008.
The 25-year-old Kavita's previous personal best was 32:41.31 in May this year.
Bahrain's Shitaya Eshete Habtegebrel won the bronze with a personal best timing of 31:53:27 at the Aoti Main Stadium.
Read more at: NDTV
Kavita Raut, who won the bronze in the women's 10000m at the Commonwealth Games last month, walked away with the silver with a personal best timing of 31:51.44.
Sreedharan, who had finished fifth in both the 5000m and the 10,000m in the last edition of the Games in 2006, raised her performance to give India a flying start in track and field competition.
The 28-year-old's previous personal best for the 10,000m was 32:04:41 recorded at Watford in June, 2008.
The 25-year-old Kavita's previous personal best was 32:41.31 in May this year.
Bahrain's Shitaya Eshete Habtegebrel won the bronze with a personal best timing of 31:53:27 at the Aoti Main Stadium.
Read more at: NDTV
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