Ponting to retire from Test cricket after Perth Test

Perth: Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting today announced that he will retire from Test cricket after playing in the third Test against South Africa which begins here from Friday.

"A few hours ago I let the team know that this upcoming Test will be my last," Ponting said at a hastily-called press conference here.

"It's a decision I thought long and hard about, put in long consideration about the decision, at the end of the day it was about my results and my output in this series so far," Ponting said.

"It hasn't been to the level required for batsmen and players in the Australian team. My level of performance hasn't been good enough."

Following a poor start to the Test series with low scores in Brisbane and Adelaide, Ponting said he was troubled by the "tentative" manner of his dismissals.

In the second Test in Adelaide, he was bowled twice in the same match for only the second time in a career that began in 1995.

Ponting has managed just 20 runs from three innings in two Tests so far against South Africa.

He has scored 13,366 Test runs at an average of 52.21 and scored an Australian record of 41 centuries.

Ponting will retire at his 168th Test match, which would be the same as that of former captain Steve Waugh's record Australian appearance.

Read More

Yadav, rest squad unchanged for 3rd Test

Mumbai: Unfazed by the humiliating defeat in the second Test against England at Mumbai, national selectors on Tuesday persisted with the same squad giving under-fire star players another chance to prove their worth in the third match starting December 5 in Kolkata.



 The selectors refrained from making major changes to the team barring the inclusion of paceman Ashok Dinda for an injured Umesh Yadav. Dinda had been called as a cover for Ishant Sharma in the first Test and Yadav in the second Test though he did not get to play.

The selection panel headed by Sandeep Patil was to announce the team for the remaining two Test matches but did so only for the Kolkata match in a clear perform-or-perish message for some of the under-performing players.

"The teams for the fourth Test and the T20 Intl series, will be picked later," BCCI Secretary Sanjay Jagdale said in a statement.

India lost the Mumbai Test by 10 wickets inside four days and there was intense speculation a leg-spinner would be drafted into the squad to bring more variety in the spin department.

But the selectors reposed faith on the spin trio of R Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha and Harbhajan Singh despite their failure to exploit the pitch in Mumbai which was tailormade to suit India's demands.

Harbhajan retained his place in the squad despite picking up two wickets in the Mumbai Test where he bowled just 23 overs unlike Ashwin and Ojha who sent down nearly 45 overs each.

Also retained was senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who has been going through a prolonged form slump, his last 10 innings yielding just 153 runs at an average of 15.3, the lowest by an Indian top-order batsman in the corresponding period.

In the current series he has scored merely 13, 8 and 8 and has looked clearly out of sorts.

Opener Gautam Gambhir, who has also been out of form, did well in the second innings of the Mumbai match to hang on to his spot in the side.

The third Test will be played at Eden Gardens, which has been the venue of some of India's historic triumph, while Nagpur will stage the fourth and final Test from December 13 to 17.

The two Twenty20 Internationals after the Test series will be played in Pune and Mumbai on December 20 and 22 respectively.

The Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (c), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Cheteshwar Pujara, R Ashwin, Ashok Dinda, Pragyan Ojha, Ajinkya Rahane, Harbhajan Singh, Ishant Sharma, M Vijay, Zaheer Khan.

Read More

Government authorities underestimated my security concerns: Lalit Modi

New Delhi: Former Indian Premier League commissioner Lalit Modi has alleged that the Enforcement Directorate underestimated his security concerns and the government misrepresented facts to manipulate information regarding his motives to leave India.

In a statement published on his official website, Modi claims to have in possession various communiqués, that he got accessed to through RTI, which prove that his decision to leave the country was based on genuine threats to his life and the failure of government to provide the same.

“I present further evidence regarding the attempts by certain sections of the Indian government to besmirch my reputation with mis-information and a suppression of the facts,” Modi said in a statement on his official website.

Modi has been accused of financial irregularities during his tenure as the IPL commissioner and he is evading probe that has forced the Indian government to enforce his return to the country.

“On 25th April, 2010, the third season of the IPL finished against the backdrop of the political events surrounding Mr. Tharoor’s resignation. I was suspended by the BCCI as Chairman of the IPL and the following day, 26th April, 2010, the BCCI issued a Show Cause Notice to me asking me to respond to a range of charges about my conduct whilst I was Chairman of the IPL.”

“On 11th May, 2010 there was a sudden reduction in the level of protection provided to me by the Mumbai Police, with all armed police being withdrawn. I was not given any warning or any reasons for this action.”

“With no armed protection in India, but no reduction in the ongoing level of threats, which the security forces knew were still active, I had no option but to leave India. I left India on 14th May, 2010 and travelled to London,” the statement read.

Read More

Sachin should speak to selectors about future: Kapil

 New Delhi: Saddened by the criticism that Sachin Tendulkar is facing due to his lean run, former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev said the veteran batsman should speak to the selectors about his future.

Tendulkar`s poor run continued in the recently-concluded second Test against England which the visitors won in just four days despite the track being tailormade to India`s demands.

Following the 39-year-old`s most recent failure, ex-captain Sunil Gavaskar said it was time for him to speak to the selectors. And now, Kapil has echoed his former teammate`s view.


"Either selectors should speak to him or Sachin should himself have a word with them. The problem is that Sachin does not speak about it openly and the selectors have also been mum about it till now," Kapil said in an interview.

"This results in confusion amongst the fans and also invites criticism from everyone, especially when Sachin performs badly. Selectors should talk to him openly. He (Sachin) is a hero and one feels really bad to see fingers being pointed at him," he said.

After the defeat against England in the Mumbai Test, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is also facing the ire of former players. Kapil said Dhoni`s place in the playing XI is in itself questionable.

"It is a big loss, indeed. We never let other teams dominate in our own conditions. But, this loss has raised some serious questions. We all know that Dhoni has performed badly in the last 8-10 Tests and going purely by performance, his place in the playing XI seems a bit doubtful."When you win, a captain takes the entire credit and similarly he will also be blamed when the team loses. He has let himself down and fans are feeling the same," said the 1983 World Cup winning skipper.

Kapil said that the team is going through a transition phase after retirement of legends such as Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman but hoped that it will bounce back in the remaining two Tests against England.

Read More

India vs England 2012: Mumbai Test, Day 1 - As it happened

Cheteshwar Pujara cracked his second consecutive Test century as India recovered from a precarious situation to restore the balance in the second cricket Test against England.

HERE IS HOW THE DAY PANNED OUT:

INDIA Over: 90 II Score: 266/6 ( Pujara 114*, Ashwin 60*)

So, at stumps India will feel happy while England will feel a little let down as the seventh wicket partnership between India Pujara and Ashwin has brought them back into the second Test. On a pitch that was offering turn and bounce right from the word go, Indian batsmen were put to swords as Monty Panesar rocked their top order taking four crucial wickets. Thanks to a brilliant century from Pujara and some strokeful batting from Ashwin, the hosts managed to recover from 169/6. The stand for the seventh wicket is now worth 97 – the highest of the match so far.

INDIA Over: 86 II Score: 258/6 ( Pujara 113*, Ashwin 53*)

R Ashwin has completed his half century. He reached the landmark after attempting to pull a shirt one from Broad that ballooned over Prior’s head after taking the top edge. He has hit eight boundaries. Pujara has faced 264 deliveries and has 10 boundaries while Ashwin has played 69 balls and has 9 boundaries.

INDIA Over: 83 II Score: 246/6 ( Pujara 106*, Ashwin 48*)

R Ashwin has collected three boundaries from Anderson’s 14th over. The first one was guided behind point; the second was played fine while the third was pulled over square leg for four. 12 runs from the over. He is nearing a Test fifty.

INDIA Over: 81 II Score: 232/6 ( Pujara 105*, Ashwin 35*)

Another century from the new ‘Wall’. This should bring him more satisfaction than any of his previous knocks. It has come under pressure and in some probing conditions. He reached the milestone in style with a pull towards deep backward square region off James Anderson.

INDIA Over: 80 II Score: 224/6 ( Pujara 99*, Ashwin 33*)

The current partnership is now worth 55. Pujara is just a single away from his third Test ton.

INDIA Over: 74 II Score: 212/6 ( Pujara 94*, Ashwin 26*)

Pujara and the thin crowd present at the Wankhede stadium heaved a collective sigh of relief as the third umpire signalled him not out. Pujara went for a pull off Swann in the 74th over and the ball looked to have hit Cook at short leg and then being caught at midwicket. The dismissal was referred to the third umpire and it turned out that the ball actually bounced off the ground before being caught. Would have been an unfortunate dismissal!

INDIA Over: 68 II Score: 198/6 ( Pujara 88*, Ashwin 18*)

R Ashwin has played some beautiful strokes here after coming in to bat following the departure of Dhoni. He struck back-to-back boundaries off pacer Stuart Broad. Three boundaries have come off his bat so far. Do remember that he has a Test century to his name.

INDIA Over: 62 II Score: 169/6 ( Pujara 77*, Ashwin 0*)

Monty Panesar struck immediately after tea as he picked up India skipper MS Dhoni for 29. The ball jumpped again and took the outside edge of Dhoni's bat which was brilliantly caught by Graeme Swann standing at gully.

INDIA (AT TEA) Over: 60 II Score: 167/5 ( Pujara 77*, Dhoni 27*)

The second session has seen India making some recovery with captain MS Dhoni and Cheteshwar Pujara adding 48 runs for the sixth wicket. 80 runs have been scored in 32 overs after lunch with India losing the wickets of Yuvraj and Kohli.

INDIA Over: 55 II Score: 156/5 ( Pujara 70*, Dhoni 23*)

James Anderson is now back into the attack. Monty Panesar has been given a breather after firing in 23 overs. The score has moved beyond 150-run mark.

INDIA Over: 50 II Score: 143/5 ( Pujara 63*, Dhoni 18*)

Two boundaries have been scored in the last five overs, both coming from the bat of MS Dhoni. Monty is bowling tight and building pressure. He almost had his fourth wicket in Pujara when Anderson dropped him after diving from second slip. The ball turned and bounced while taking an edge that could have resulted in India losing their sixth wicket. It was a difficult chance though.

INDIA Over: 45 II Score: 128/5 ( Pujara 59*, Dhoni 7*)

It will be interesting to see what approach will MS Dhoni adopt to advance the Indian innings on a pitch that is offering turn and bounce on the opening day (just as Dhoni had asked for!). Will he attack or defend? Meanwhile, Pujara is making the pitch look comfortable for batting everytime he has been on the strike.

INDIA Over: 40 II Score: 119/5 ( Pujara 57*, Dhoni 0*)

Another Indian wicket goes down!!! This time Graeme Swann castles Yuvraj Singh. The ball doesn’t turned quite as much as it Swann angled one to Yuvi. The ball missed the outside edge and crashed on the off stump. He went for a duck. India have lost half of their side as captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni walks in.

INDIA Over: 39 II Score: 118/4 ( Pujara 56*, Yuvraj 0*)

And Monty gets his third wicket. His inclusion into the English side has done a world of good to them it seems. Tossed up and Virat Kohli attempts a drive. The ball goes towards extra cover as Nick Compton takes a good catch. Kohli is livid with himself. He scored 19 (55b, 4X3). India are four wickets down.

INDIA Over: 35 II Score: 103/3 ( Pujara 51*, Kohli 9*)

He just loves scoring runs!!! Doesn’t he? Cheteshwar Pujara has completed yet another Test half-century with a boundary towards midwicket region. He has hit five boundaries so far in the innings and is yet to be dismissed in this series.

INDIA Over: 29 II Score: 90/3 ( Pujara 40*, Kohli 7*)

The post lunch session is underway and it’s Monty Panesar who has begun the proceedings. Gives away three runs off his first three deliveries. Manages to keep Kohli quiet in his next three.

INDIA (AT LUNCH) Over: 28 II Score: 87/3 ( Pujara 38*, Kohli 6*)

So after the end of first session of play, England have managed to stay ahead of India. They have got three crucial wickets that include Gambhir, Sehwag and Tendulkar.

Monty Panesar has two wickets to his name – Tendulkar and Sehwag – and clearly has been the top bowler for England at lunch. The responsibility to steer Indian innings now rests on the young shoulders of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli.

Alastair Cook looked dissappointed after losing the toss in the morning but should now be satisfied with the performance of his bowlers.

INDIA Over: 24 II Score: 81/3 ( Pujara 34*, Kohli 6*)

Grame Swann has been introduced into the attack. Kohli drives his third delivery for a boundary through covers. Spin in operation for the first time in this Test from both the ends.

INDIA Over: 18.6 II Score: 60/3 ( Pujara 17*, Sachin 8)

And that’s the big fish!!! After Sehwag it’s Sachin Tendulkar who has been castled by Monty Panesar. The first ball that spun has got the better of the Master. The ball was pitched on the middle, Tendulkar looked to flick it but it went past him to hit the stumps. He scored 8 (12b, 4X1). In walks the new poster boy of Indian cricket Virat Kohli.

INDIA Over: 16.2 II Score: 52/2 (Sehwag 30, Pujara 17*)

And Sehwag has been bowled!!! Monty Panesar has given England the breakthrough by castling Sehwag. It was a half volley that Sehwag tried to play across. He missed it and the ball sneaked past his bat to hit the off stump. He scored 30 (43b, 4X4).

Sachin Tendulkar is the new man in.

INDIA Over: 15 II Score: 52/1 (Sehwag 30*, Pujara 17*)

15 overs have been bowled and still Alastair Cook hasn’t thrown the ball to Graeme Swann who took five wickets in the first innings of the Ahmedabad Test. Meanwhile, India have completed 50 runs after losing their opening batsman Gautam Gambhir off the second ball of the morning.

INDIA Over: 10 II Score: 36/1 (Sehwag 17*, Pujara 14*)

So 10 overs have been bowled in the Indian innings and the pitch is offering something for the seamers. Sehwag who is playing in his 100th Test would be eyeing a double – a century in his 100th match. Partnering him in the middle is Pujara who has been watchful in this first session so far. Monty Panesar, who has been included into the side as another specialist spinner, gave nine runs in his first over. Sehwag and Pujara scored a boundary each from the over.

INDIA Over: 2 II Score: 11/2

Virender Sehwag gets off the mark with a boundary by playing on the up and sending the ball between extra cover and mid-off for a boundary.

INDIA Over: 1.2 II Score: 4/1

What a dramatic start to the second Test!!! James Anderson got the new ball and bowled the first one on Gautam Gambhir’s leg. The southpaw puts that away for a boundary. The next ball hits Gambhir on the pads. Anderson asks the question and to his delight, umpire Tony Hill raises his finger. In walks first match double centurion Cheteshwar Pujara.

TOSS: Indian captain MS Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first.

In Virender Sehwag’s 100th Test, India will look to tighten their grip over the four-match series to taken an unassailable lead when they take field in Mumbai on Friday.

Already 1-0 up in what has been touted as the `revenge series`, another victory for Mahendra Singh Dhoni`s men will ensure that England`s quest for their first series win on Indian soil in 27 years will continue. It will also keep Indian on track for a whitewash and avenge the 4-0 defeat they suffered during their last tour to England.


Teams:

India: Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Cheteshwar Pujara, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Pragyan Ojha

England: Alastair Cook(c), Nick Compton, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Bairstow, Samit Patel, Matt Prior(w), Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Monty Panes.

SCORECARD

Read More

Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test: Skipper Smith slams ton after Morkel takes five-for on day 2

SOUTH AFRICA Over: 67 II Score: 217/2 (Smith 111*, Rudolph 25*)

Led by captain Graeme Smith, who scored a century, South Africa have begun well in response to Australia’s first innings total of 550/10. The day belonged to the visiting team as they first picked the remaining six Oz wicket for just 68 runs. Morne Morkel took 5/146. By the end of the third day’s play, South Africa had lost two wickets (Peterson and Amla) with Smith and Rudolph still batting.

SOUTH AFRICA Over: 60 II Score: 197/2 (Smith 102*, Rudolph 14*)

Graeme Smith has completed his 26th Test century. He reached the milestone with a boundary of Nathan Lyon. South Africa lost their second wicket in Hashim Amla who was stumped by Wade after he charged down the track for a drive but missed it giving ample time to the keeper to dislodge the bails. He scored 11 (26b, 4X2).

SOUTH AFRICA Over: 49 II Score: 163/1 (Smith 83*, Amla 10*)

Australia managed to get a breakthrough after a rookie mistake from Alviro Peterson saw him being run out after a direct hit from Michael Hussey shattered the stumps as he didn’t drag his bat in on time. He scored 54 (112b, 4X7).

SOUTH AFRICA (AT TEA) Over: 35 II Score: 117/0 (Smith 57*, Peterson 47*)

Openers Grame Smith and Alviro Peterson have begun the reply to Australian’s first innings total on a strong note completing a hundred-run partnership for the first wicket. Skipper Smith has completed his half-century while Peterson is just three runs away from the milestone.

Earlier, South Africa wasted no time in wrapping up the Australian tail on the second day of the Adelaide Test on Friday. The hosts, who had a field day on the opening day of the second Test, were posted 550/10 in their first innings as Morne Morkel took five wickets.

The visitors faced four overs before the lunch was taken without any damage.

In a stark contrast to the Oz innings on the first day when they scored 482/5, the Proteas took their remaining five wickets while giving away just 68 runs. 
SCORECARD
 

RSA vs AUS, 2nd test, Adelaide

RSA 217/2 (67.0 Ovs) Graeme Smith* 111 (220) Jacques Rudolph 25 (48) AUS 550 Rob Quiney* 2-1-1-0 Nathan Lyon 24-2-53-0 CRR 3.24 Partnership 48(97) Last Wkt H Amla 11(26) Day 2: Stumps - South Africa trail by 333 runs

• AUS 1st Inn

Batsmen

RSA : 217/2 ( ovrs 67)

R

B

4s

6s

SR

Graeme Smith (c)

batting

111

220

12

0

50.45

Alviro Petersen

run out (M Hussey)

54

112

7

0

48.21

Hashim Amla

st M Wade b D Warner

11

26

2

0

42.31

Jacques Rudolph

batting

25

48

2

0

52.08

Extras:

(b 7, lb 2, w 3, nb 4, p 0)

16

 

 

 

Total:

(2 wkts, 67 ovs)

217

 

RR:

3.24

Did not bat: : Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers (wk), Faf du Plessis, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel, Rory Kleinveldt

Bowling: AUS

O

M

R

W

Nb

Wd

ER

Ben Hilfenhaus

12

4

36

0

0

0

3.00

James Pattinson

8

0

40

0

4

1

5.00

Nathan Lyon

24

2

53

0

0

0

2.20

Peter Siddle

12

3

34

0

0

0

2.80

Michael Clarke

3

0

10

0

0

0

3.30

Michael Hussey

1

0

7

0

0

2

7.00

David Warner

5

0

27

1

0

0

5.40

Rob Quiney

2

1

1

0

0

0

0.50

Fall of Wickets

Read More

Bangladesh vs West Indies: Batsmen make hay as Samuels slams double ton on day 3

WEST INDIES (AT STUMPS) Over: 172 II Score: 564/4 (Chanderpaul 109*, Ramdin 4*)

On a placid track, West Indian batsmen made hay as Marlon Samuels registered his maiden Test double century. Shivnarine Chanderpaul also scored a century and was unbeaten at the close of the day’s play. Samuels made 260 runs before being caught by Sunny off Hossain. Only two wickets fell on the third day – the other being Darren Bravo who also scored a century before departing.

WEST INDIES Over: 171 II Score: 562/4 (Chanderpaul 108*, Ramdin 3*)

Rubel Hossain finally broke the stand between Chanderpaul and Samuels by removing the latter. Samuels was caught at point at the score of 260 (455b, 4X 31, 6X3). Meanwhile, Chadepraul has scored his 27th Test century.

WEST INDIES Over: 164 II Score: 545/3 (Samuels 260*, Chanderpaul 94*)

Chanderpaul and Samuels collected three boundaries from pacer Abul Hasan’s 24th over. The first two were coming from the bat of Chanderpaul through cover and point region. The third hit to the fence came from Samuels towards backward square leg region. West Indies are leading by 158 runs with seven wickets remaining.

WEST INDIES Over: 159 II Score: 516/3 (Samuels 244*, Chanderpaul 82*)

Samuels and Chanderpaul have struck an unbeaten century stand and have added 147 runs so far. Rahim has used seven different bowlers. The only success that the home team had today came in Bravo who was out lbw.

WEST INDIES (AT TEA) Over: 141 II Score: 462/3 (Samuels 220*, Chanderpaul 52*)

30 overs were bowled in the second session of play on the third day in which West Indies scored 93 runs without losing a wicket. Chanderpaul has completed his half century.

WEST INDIES Over: 133 II Score: 436/3 (Samuels 214*, Chanderpaul 39*)

Samuels and Chanderpaul have now added 67 runs for the fourth wicket and on a flat track like thism they are facing absolutely no problem. Chanderpaul has hit four boundaries. Samuels has scored 126 runs from fours and sixes in his innings of 214 so far.

WEST INDIES Over: 125 II Score: 385/3 (Samuels 207*, Chanderpaul 10*)

West Indies have completed 400 runs in their first innings in response to Bangladesh’s 385/10. They are in the lead now and are now 13 runs ahead with seven wickets in hand. The current partnership is now worth 31 runs.

WEST INDIES Over: 118 II Score: 385/3 (Samuels 200*, Chanderpaul 6*)

Middle order batsman Marlon Samuels has completed his maiden Test double ton. He has taken 329 deliveries to reach the milestone and has 26 boundaries and three sixes to his name in this innings so far.

WEST INDIES (AT LUNCH) Over: 111 II Score: 369/3 (Samuels 191*, Chanderpaul 0*)

West Indies were going along nicely with both their overnight batsmen Marlon Samuels and Darren Bravo looking solid in the middle. However, at the stroke of lunch, Sohag Gazi trapped Bravo after the batsman went for a cut. He scored 127 (288b, 4X10). Meanwhile, Samuels is nearing his maiden Test double ton.

At stumps on Day 2 West Indies were 241 for the loss of two wickets after Bangladesh were bundled out for 387. Marlon Samuels was batting on 109* and Darren Bravo was batting on 85*. For Bangladesh Sohag Gazi and Rubel Hossain picked up a wicket each. The West Indies were in a bit of trouble when they lost Powell and Gayle in quick succession but Bravo and Samuels have pulled it back for the Windies. 
SCORECARD

WI vs BAN, 2nd Test, Khulna

WI 564/4 (172.0 Ovs) Denesh Ramdin* 4 (22) S Chanderpaul 109 (206) BAN 387 Nasir Hossain* 12-1-29-0 Shakib Al Hasan 41-8-128-0 CRR 3.28 Partnership 18(44) Last Wkt Marlon Samuels 260(455) Day 3: Stumps - West Indies lead by 177 runs

• BAN 1st Inn

Batsmen

WI : 564/4 ( ovrs 172)

R

B

4s

6s

SR

Chris Gayle

c M Rahim b Sohag Gazi

25

47

3

0

53.19

Kieran Powell

c S Hasan b R Hossain

13

22

2

0

59.09

Darren Bravo

lbw b Sohag Gazi

127

288

10

0

44.10

Marlon Samuels

c (sub)E Sunny b R Hossain

260

455

31

3

57.14

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

batting

109

206

10

1

52.91

Denesh Ramdin (wk)

batting

4

22

0

0

18.18

Extras:

(b 10, lb 6, w 2, nb 8, p 0)

26

 

 

 

Total:

(4 wkts, 172 ovs)

564

 

RR:

3.28

Did not bat: : Darren Sammy (c), Sunil Narine, Veerasammy Permaul, Tino Best, Fidel Edwards

Bowling: BAN

O

M

R

W

Nb

Wd

ER

Sohag Gazi

49

4

143

2

0

0

2.90

Abul Hasan

24

0

113

0

4

1

4.70

Rubel Hossain

28

8

75

2

3

0

2.70

Naeem Islam

11

1

35

0

1

0

3.20

Shakib Al Hasan

41

8

128

0

0

1

3.10

Mahmudullah

7

0

25

0

0

0

3.60

Nasir Hossain

12

1

29

0

0

0

2.40

Fall of Wickets

 

Read More

Virender Sehwag completes ton of Test appearances

Mumbai: Opener Virender Sehwag on Friday became the ninth Indian cricketer to complete a century of Test appearances when he took the field here in the second match of the ongoing series against England.

The 34-year-old amassed 8,448 runs at an average of 50.89 and a staggering strike rate of 82.45 before the Test that started on Friday.

The swashbuckling batsman has 23 hundreds under his belt over the last 12 years, including four double and two triple centuries with a highest of 319 against South Africa at Chennai in March 2008.

Apart from Sehwag, India`s 100-Test club includes Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar and Sourav Ganguly.

Read More

Bangladesh vs West Indies 2nd Test: Live Score

West Indies Over: 60 II Score: 172/2 (Darren Bravo: 55*, Samuels: 72*)

Darren Bravo and Marlon Samuels have both scored half centuries and are playing the Bangladesh bowlers around with ease. Bangladesh are slowly but surely losing the plot here. Singles are coming all too easily for the batsmen hence no pressure is being built on them.

West Indies Over: 51 II Score: 146/2 (Darren Bravo: 41*, Samuels: 62*)

Tea has been called for and West Indies are in a comfortable position as they go into tea. They recovered well after the loss of Gayle and Powell to reach 146/2. This session belonged to the West Indies. They will look to build on this partnership even further after tea and achieve a big first innings lead over the hosts.

West Indies Over: 45 II Score: 122/2 (Darren Bravo: 37*, Samuels: 43*)

West Indies are going along very comfortably. A big partnership looks to be in store for the Windies.

West Indies Over: 40 II Score: 113/2 (Darren Bravo: 32*, Samuels: 39*)

West Indies are cruising alomg at the moment. Bangladesh bowlers are looking very ordinary.

West Indies Over: 35 II Score: 96/2 (Darren Bravo: 28*, Samuels: 26*)

West Indies are consolidating well after a few quick wickets in the first session. Bravo and Samuels are looking very comfortable in the middle now and look set for a huge partnership. Bangladesh need to do something different.

West Indies Over: 30 II Score: 80/2 (Darren Bravo: 21*, Samuels: 20*)

West Indies are building up a good partnership here. Samuels is looking uncomfortable against the angle created by the left handed Shakib.
West Indies Over: 25 II Score: 71/2 (Darren Bravo: 17*, Samuels: 15*)

West Indies have begun the post lunch session very cautiously. They are not looking to play too many shots. Abul Hasan and Shakib bowling in tandem.

LUNCH REPORT

At Lunch West indies were 62 for the loss of 2 wickets. Bangladesh were folded out early in the 2nd day for a score of 387 all out. West Indies started out very positively with the bat, scoring runs at a very brisk pace. The hosts however pulled it back with the wickets of Powell and Gayle. Rubel Hossain and Sohag Gazi picked up a wicket each. Bangladesh would be a satisfied unit as they go into lunch and will be looking to continue their good performance in the post lunch session as well.

West Indies Over: 20 II Score: 59/2 (Darren Bravo: 10*, Samuels: 10*)

Bangladesh are putting a lot of pressure on the West Indies batsmen. The spinners are inviting them to go over the top and the Windies are hitting a few shots in the air. 

West Indies Over: 15 II Score: 43/2 (Darren Bravo: 4*, Samuels: 0*)

Bangladesh have got the big wicket of Gayle. Marlon Samuels replaces him in the crease. Runs are not coming easily for the Windies.

CH Gayle c Mushfiqur Rahim b Sohag Gazi 25 (47b 3x4 0x6)

West Indies Over: 10 II Score: 37/1 (Gayle: 23*, Darren Bravo: 0*)

Bangladesh have picked up a wicket. Powell pulls a short one from Rubel Hossain straight to the man at deep square leg. Darren Bravo replaces Powell in the middle. Bangladesh have put a hold on the scoring rate and will be looking to keep up the pressure.

KOA Powell c Shakib Al Hasan b Rubel Hossain 13 (22b 2x4 0x6)


West Indies Over: 5 II Score: 28/0 (Gayle: 21*, Powell: 6*)

Chris Gayle and Kieran Powell will open the batting for the West Indies and Sohag Gazi will bowl the first over for the hosts.

The Windies openers are looking good and scoring at a good rate. The Hosts have not put any kind of pressure on the batsmen. They are getting runs at will and at a good rate.
BANGLADESH Over: 91.1 II Score: 387/10

Abul Hasan scored 113 runs with 14 boundaries and 4 sixes to take Bangladesh to a respectable 387 all out. Bangladesh will be satisfied with their performance in the first innings although the lower order provided no resistance at all. Now it is time for the bowlers to put ion a good show and restrict the Windies batsmen from taking a huge first innings lead.


Dhaka: Bowler Abul Hasan hit an unbeaten century on his debut to propel Bangladesh to 365-8 at stumps on Wednesday on the first day of the second test against West Indies.

Bangladesh will be looking to add some more runs to their score so they can put pressure on the Windies batsmen when they come out to bat some time in the second day.

Read More

Sprint legend Usain Bolt may play cricket after Rio Games

London: Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt, who has already conquered the racing track with six Olympic gold medals, may switch to cricket or football after the 2016 Games in Rio de Janerio.

The 26-year-old from Jamaica had held talks with Australian spin legend Shane Warne`s Melbourne Stars in October but his agent Ricky Simms said that he won`t be available for this year`s Big Bash Twenty20 League.

"Usain is currently an athlete focused on his preparations for the 2013 World Championships in Moscow," Simms said.

"He may try his hand at cricket or football when he retires from running but that would be after 2016."

Bolt, who grew up in cricket-mad Jamaica and is the defending champion in 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay events at the London 2012 Olympics, had earlier showed interest in participating in the Australian tournament.

Warne then tried his hand to bring Bolt in the team and had launched a Twitter campaign.

On Friday, former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy once again brought up the issue when he tweeted that a deal between Bolt and the Stars to play in the competition - which runs from 7 December to 9 January - was "hours away".

However, Simms dismissed the claim, saying: "I met with the Melbourne Stars in October and told them Usain is not available to play cricket this year."

In the past, Bolt has appeared in charity cricket matches and even managed to famously clean bowled then West Indies captain Chris Gayle in 2009.

Bolt, who considers football to be his first love, was also the special guest of Manchester United at the 2011 Champions League final in London.

Last October, the Jamaican also expressed his desire to play football professionally in the future.

"I always wanted to try to play soccer," he said in October. "Maybe at the end of my career. It would be something that I would love to try," he had said.

Read More

southafrica in australia live score

AUS vs RSA, 2nd test, Adelaide

AUS 390/4 (69.5 Ovs) Michael Clarke* 168 (188) Michael Hussey 69 (88) RSA Imran Tahir* 14.5-0-117-0 Morne Morkel 20-4-113-2 CRR 5.58 Partnership 180(199) Overs left for the day : 20.1 Last Wkt D Warner 119(112) Day 1: Post Tea Session

• AUS 1st Inn

Batsmen

AUS : 390/4 ( ovrs 69.4)

R

B

4s

6s

SR

David Warner

c Graeme Smith b M Morkel

119

112

16

4

106.25

Ed Cowan

c & b J Kallis

10

29

1

0

34.48

Rob Quiney

c Graeme Smith b M Morkel

0

8

0

0

0.00

Ricky Ponting

b J Kallis

4

3

1

0

133.33

Michael Clarke (c)

batting

168

187

33

0

89.84

Michael Hussey

batting

69

88

8

3

78.41

Extras:

(b 0, lb 10, w 1, nb 9, p 0)

20

 

 

 

Total:

(4 wkts, 69.4 ovs)

390

 

RR:

5.60

Yet To bat: : Matthew Wade (wk), Nathan Lyon, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Ben Hilfenhaus

Bowling: RSA

O

M

R

W

Nb

Wd

ER

Dale Steyn

14.2

1

50

0

0

0

3.50

Morne Morkel

20

4

113

2

0

0

5.60

Jacques Kallis

3.3

1

19

2

0

0

5.40

Rory Kleinveldt

16.1

1

70

0

6

1

4.30

Imran Tahir

14.4

0

117

0

3

0

8.00

Faf du Plessis

1

0

11

0

0

0

11.00

Fall of Wickets

Read More

Umesh Yadav doubtful for 2nd Test, Dinda called up as cover

Mumbai: Indian fast bowler Umesh Yadav was on Wednesday rendered doubtful for the second cricket Test against England, starting Friday, due to a lower back problem.

Yadav, who picked up four wickets in the first match in Ahemedabad, underwent a scan today and did not turn up for the practice session.

Bengal paceman Ashok Dinda has been called as a cover for Yadav. Incidentally, Dinda was called up as cover for Ishant Sharma as well.

Sharma was eventually ruled out of the first Test due to viral fever and Dinda returned back for Ranji duty after being released by the team management on the first day of the Ahmedabad Test.

India are leading the four-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test by nine wickets.

The second Test will be played at Wankhede Stadium here.

Read More

Gavaskar conferred with C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award

Mumbai: Former India captain and legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar was on Wednesday conferred with BCCI`s prestigious Col C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award while Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli were also awarded for their achievements in international arena during past season.

Tendulkar was feted for his incredible achiement of scoring 100 international hundreds in Tests and ODIs combined.

Kohli won the `Polly Umrigar Award` for the being the best Indian cricketer of the 2011-12 season in international cricket.

With it, Kohli had his name added to other stars who have received this honour previously including Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. He was presented with a glittering trophy and a cheque of Rs 5 lakh.

VVS Laxman, who retired before the start of the home rubber against New Zealand in August was also felicitated for his stupendous achievement in international cricket for past decade and half.

The prolific batsman was also adjudged as ICC`s `ODI Cricketer of the Year` earlier.

"I am happy to receive the award in front of so many cricketers whom I have watched and got inspired by. I hope I can continue in the same way this season," said the Delhi batsman after receiving his award.

Earlier, after receiving his award, Tendulkar thanked Gavaskar and called him his inspiration for taking up the game.

"We grew up watching you. Thanks for inspiring me to play cricket. All I wanted to do was to follow your footsteps," said Tendulkar addressing Gavaskar sitting in front.

"I was 12 or so and was disappointed as I did not get the `Best Junior Cricketer` award. I got a letter from Mr Gavaskar saying if you go through that list there is one person who did not get that award and he (Gavaskar) had not done badly in Tests," said Tendulkar.

He also thanked the BCCI for always standing by him, whether he was performing or not performing or when he was injured.

"BCCI has always stood by me. Whether I did well or not or when I was injured, BCCI has always supported me. I also thank John Wright (former India coach). He told me in 2002-03, when we were flying from Johannesburg to Durban that I should complete 100 international hundreds. I asked him, "What are you drinking? Now I am standing in front of you after scoring century of centuries. Thank you John Wright."

Laxman got a bit emotional and said that it has been three months since he called curtains to his career and it has given him a chance to look back on his 16-year old interntional career.

"As a youngster, I wanted to play for India. I realised my dream. Lots of people supported me in fulfilling it, my uncle, the Hyderabad Cricket Association for supporting me in my formative years, my wife Shailaja and my teammates in the Indian team," said Laxman.

Gavaskar described the award as "the biggest in Indian cricket" and that he was honoured to receive it (from Board President N Srinivasan).

"I dedicate this award to the Indian cricket fans without whose support, encouragement and the occasional criticism which is a wake-up call, this would not have been possible," he said.

"Just to see the list of previous recipients of this award and to be in that list is a great honour. It feels humbling to be in that list," he said.

"I have to thank all my friends who had played tennis ball cricket, club cricket, the umpires, the local associations for helping us play so many tournaments. The BCCI president N Srinivasan and his other colleagues, the media for highlighting my scores and bringing it to the attention of the selectors and the public," said Gavaskar.

Gavaskar also recalled the incident he had mentioned in his uatobiography `Sunny Days` about how he wanted to wear a India pullover that was possessed by his maternal uncle Madhav Mantri and was told that "one needs to earn the right to wear the India pullover."
Seven former and late Test cricketers were honoured posthumously when they were conferred with the C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award worth Rs 15 lakh and a Trophy each.

BCCI president N Srinivasan explained the rationale and said it was felt that these cricketers would have got the award for their on-field achievements had they been alive in due course.

The seven late cricketers were: Vijay Merchant, Vinoo Mankad, Dattu Phadkar, Ghulam Ahmad, Vijay Manjrekar, M L Jaisimha and Dilip Sardesai.

Full list of award winners:
Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime achievement award: Sunil Gavaskar - Rs 25 lakh
100 int`l centuries: Sachin Tendulkar
Polly Umrigar award: Virat Kohli; Rs 5 lakh
Lala Amarnath award (Best all-rounder in the Ranji Trophy): Stuart Binny (KSCA); Rs 2.5 lakh
Best all-rounder Limited overs: Laxmi Ratan Shukla (CAB); Rs 2.5 lakh.
Madhavrao Scindia Trophy (Highest Run getter in ranji Trophy): Robin Bist; Rs. 2.5 lakh
Highest wicket-taker in the Ranji trophy: Ashoke Dinda (CAB); Rs. 2.5 lakh.
M.A. Chidambaram trophy, Best U-16 cricketer of 2011-12: Mohd Saif (UPCA); Rs. 50,000.
M.A. Chidambaram trophy, Best under-19 cricketer: Vijay Zol (Maharashtra CA); Rs. 50,000.
M.A. Chidambaram trophy, Best under-22 cricketer: Satyam Choudhary (MPCA); Rs. 50,000
M.A. Chidambaram trophy, Best woman cricketer (Sr): Anagha Deshpande (Maharashtra CA); Rs. 50,000
Best umpire in domestic cricket: S Ravi; Trophy and cheque for Rs. 50,000.

Read More

Sidhu takes dig at Waugh for criticising Dhoni

New Delhi: Former India cricketer turned commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu on Wednesday came down heavily on ex-Australia skipper Steve Waugh, who criticised India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for demanding tracks that turn from the very first day.

"Ask Steve Waugh whether the Indian team gets a turning track when we visit Perth?," asked Sidhu.

"Does Waugh wants that we gift the Test series to England? The track will be same for both teams," he added.

Sidhu also said that the hosts, in order to win the Test series 4-0, should go for the turning tracks.

"We are not here to give comfort to the English side. We would like to win this series. When we go to England, do they make tracks that offer turn? It is important for India to win this series," Sidhu said.

Dhoni, after winning the first Test against England at Ahmedabad, expressed his displeasure at the Motera wicket and said that "We wanted the curators to prepare the pitches that will turn from day one."

The second Test in Mumbai is scheduled to start from Friday where ball is expected to turn a lot and Sidhu suggested the Indian team go to with an extra spinner in Harbhajan Singh, in addition to Ravichandran Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha.

"I have been saying since Day I that their strength is swing and ours is spin. More the number of spinners, better it is. If we play Harbhajan in Mumbai, then England will feel psychologically bogged down," he concluded.

Read More

2-0 Test win against England can put India in third place

New Delhi : India can jump two places to the third spot in Test rankings if they beat England 2-0 in the four-match Test series starting Nov 15 in Ahmedabad.

England are also in their pursuit of first Test series win in India since 1984-85. But besides aiming to end the 27-year wait for success in India, England are also targeting at getting back the number one spot in the Reliance ICC Test Championship table, just a few months after losing the top spot to South Africa.
England have to beat the hosts by 3-0 or even bigger margin in the series starting Thursday at Ahemedabad.
However, England’s return to the top will be dependent on some help from rival Australia, who take on South Africa in a series that began Friday in Brisbane.
If Australia win against South Africa by a margin of 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1, then it would become the No. 1 team. But England could displace Australia from the top if it were then to beat India by a margin of 3-0 or 4-0.
Similarly, if the Australia-South Africa series is drawn level at 0-0 or 1-1, it would see Graeme Smith’s side retaining the number-one spot. If this were to happen, England could displace South Africa if it were then to beat India by a margin of 3-0 or 4-0.

Read More

Home > Sports > Cricket > Pujara makes crucial No.3 position his with double-ton Pujara makes crucial No.3 position his with double-ton

Ahmedabad : Cheteshwar Pujara Friday ticked another box in the process of filling the key No. 3 position in India’s batting order, vacated by the great Rahul Dravid. Playing in only his sixth Test, Pujara hit his maiden double century (206 not out) against England in the first Test at Ahmedabad.

The 24-year-old has thus cemented his place at the highest level of the game, the big knock coming soon after his first hundred against New Zealand in August.
His next big test will be to perform overseas. He has already played two Tests in South Africa but not with much success, scoring 19, 10 and 2 in three innings.
The Rajkot-born cricketer has only played Test cricket and showed his brilliance in his debut game against Australia in 2010 when he scored 72 in the fourth innings chasing a successful victory target.
The Saurashtra batsman forced the selectors to take note of his heaps of runs on the domestic circuit. He has made 4,954 runs in 68 first-class appearances at 53.84. Pujara has an enviable record in List A with 2,735 runs in 61 games at 56.97.
He was one of the top run-getters for Saurashtra in the 2007-08 Ranji Trophy season, prompting Kolkata Knight Riders to sign him for the inaugural Indian Premier League edition.
The following year he smashed two triple hundreds for Saurashtra in an under-22 tournament and replicated the feat in the Ranji Trophy to make it three in a row in a month.
In his short career, he has already been sidelined by a serious knee injury, but he recovered well to stage an impressive comeback.

Read More

photo gallery

Read More