MS Dhoni's approach negative for cricket: Steve Waugh

New Delhi: Former Australian captain Steve Waugh on Tuesday criticised Mahendra Singh Dhoni for asking the curators to "doctor the pitches" and pointed out that if a side wants to be the best it should be able to negotiate all conditions. "Dhoni's comments this morning were really negative to the game, when he said Indian curators to doctor the pitches, which I can't understand," Waugh said during the India- Australia Innovative Forum here.

The Indian skipper, after winning the first Test against England at Ahmedabad on Monday, expressed his displeasure at the Motera wicket and said that "we wanted the curators to prepare the pitches that will turn from day one"

"You want to be aggressive and be the best in the world, you got to take all the conditions and not always ask for the conditions that suits your style of play. I was a bit surprised with that. I think if you are looking to be the best in the world you got to learn to play in all conditions."

The former great said that during his tenure as the head of the Australian team he was never bothered about what sort of wicket they were playing on. "I captained the side for 57 games and never once had a word with the curator about what sort of pitch we are going to play," Waugh said.

However, the veteran of 168 Tests said that India were the favourites to win the four-match rubber against England. "India are a strong side, always hard to beat in India and some of the young players are coming through, which is great sign for Indian cricket. (Cheteshwar) Pujara getting a double century, Virat Kohli, (Pragyan) Ojha taking wickets, it is great for Indian cricket.

"You got to have to turn out of this, no players are bigger than the game, someone will always step up. Sometimes you get too carried away that experienced players are irreplaceable but the natural thing will happen, someone will step up to play and take that role. India will will win this series, I think they will win it 3-0 because the pitches will suit their team," the 47-year-old said.

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Broad slams Botham for criticising players following Ahmedabad Test rout

London: England fast bowler Stuart Broad took to Twitter to aplogise to fans for their nine-wickets thrashing at the hands of India in the Ahmedabad Test, but the vice-captain also slammed former player Sir Ian Botham for his negative analysis of the players during the match.

Broad told his fans to ignore the comments from former players who are now working in the media.

“India outplayed us. A few positives but on the whole poor so sorry for that. Onwards and upwards,” the Telegraph quoted Broad’s tweet, as saying.

“And before u listen to too many ex playing ‘experts’ being negative, ask them if they ever won a Test series in India...#28years” he further tweeted.

Botham was one to question the selection of the team, suggesting the dressing room had become ‘too matey, matey’ before saying Broad should be left out as one of four changes to the side for the second Test.

Botham responded to Broad’s comments by sending him a message on Twitter stating “Didn’t average 40+ with the ball overseas...! Not sure what I scored against India with the bat..?”

It was not difficult to work out the point Botham was making, as he scored two centuries and averaged 61 in India.

Earlier this year Kevin Pietersen was fined by England for criticising Nick Knight, a Sky commentator, on Twitter but Broad is unlikely to face disciplinary action.

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BBL side Sydney Sixers terminates Akmal’s contract

Sydney: Australian Big Bash League (BBL) team Sydney Sixers has terminated Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal’s contract after it was revealed he would only be allowed to play in the team`s opening match.

A day after fellow Pakistan star Shahid Afridi pulled out of his deal with cross-town rivals Sydney Thunder, Akmal`s BBL hopes were dashed by the Sixers.

After initially ruling Akmal, Afridi and Adelaide Strikers signing Saeed Ajmal ineligible to play in Australia`s Twenty20 tournament due to domestic playing obligations back home, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) softened its stance to allow the trio to play the early stages of the competition.

However, due to scheduling Akmal would have been available for just one game for the Sixers and that wasn`t enough for Sixers general manager Stuart Clark.

“While it would have been great to have Umar here for the start of the BBL season, the short time frame offered is not in the club`s best interest and we have decided to see if a suitable replacement is available rather than continue down this path,” a leading Australian daily quoted Clark, as saying.

The Sixers have been linked with England batsman Kevin Pietersen and Clark said he would not sign an import just for the sake of having one.

“We are confident our strong roster will be able to cover the loss of Umar should we not find a suitable replacement,” Clark said.

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Cricket : Updates and Fun: Ranji Trophy Live Scores: Round 3, Day 4

Cricket : Updates and Fun: Ranji Trophy Live Scores: Round 3, Day 4: Live updates from the fourth and final day of the Ranji Trophy Round 3 matches Uttar Pradesh vs Karnataka: Karnataka 236/6 (2nd innings)...

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