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Matthew Hayden retires from International Cricket

Under pressure from several quarters over his recent poor run in both formats of the game, Australian opener Matthew Hayden announced his retirement from international cricket. Hayden's illustrious 17-year cricket career came to an end. He will be given a farewell at Gabba, Brisbane later.

The 37-year-old Matthew Hayden played 103 test matches and scored 8,625 runs at an average of 50.73. He scored 30 hundreds and 29 half centuries in test cricket. in ODI, Hayden scored 6,133 runs in 161 matches at an average of 43.80. He scored 10 centuries and 36 half centuries.

Hayden took the decision of retirement after being ignored for the ODI and T20 matches against South Africa. In his last 10 test innings, Hayden managed to score just one fifty.

Andrew Strauss appointed as England's Skipper

After the resignation of Kevin Pietersen following his rift with coach Peter Moores (who also resigned), Andrew Statuss has been appointed as the skipper of England cricket team. Strauss, currently playing for Middlesex, has already played 55 test match and has scored at an average of more than 42.

The 31-year-old Andrew Staruss, who is considered as a dependable opener, will lead the England team on their forthcoming tour of the West Indies. The ECB is yet to find a replacement for Peter Moores.

England Cricket in Crisis, Pietersen and Moores resign

The power tussle between England skipper Kevin Pietersen and coach Moores, has taken an ugly turn, as both captain and coach resigned from their posts today. While Pietersen resigned, saying ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) did not act quickly enough over the affair, Moores refused to comment over the issue. The ECB may come up with a formal statement over this issue later today.

Australia win Sydney Test, retains No.1 Slot in ICC Test Rankings

A fighting Australia won the third and final test match at Sydney, to salvage some pride after the series loss against South Africa on its soil for the first time. Australia won the match by 103 runs, but South Africa won the series 2-1. With this win, Australia managed to retain the No. 1 slot for the time being.

The South African team fought hard, but fell short in the absence of "Man of the Series", Graeme Smith, who suffered a fracture in the first innings. The braveheart Smith did return to the field with bandage, but did not last long. Chasing a victory target of 375, South Africa bowled out for 272. Amla scored 58, while De Villers made 56. Siddle took 3 wickets for Australia.

Scores: Australia 445 & 257/4 and South Africa 327 & 272

Security at Dhoni's House beefed up after two Extortion Letters

Breaking News! Security has been beefed up at Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's house, after his family received two threatening letters, which demanded a ransom of Rs. 50 lakh (Rs. 5 million). The letter threatened to blow up his house if the extortion money is not paid.

The threatening letter was signed by gangster Taslim, who claimed to be a close associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Dhoni was provided Z category security after these threat letters. According to Ranchi Police, Taslim has a criminal background, but his whereabouts are not known. The police is investigating the matter.

Mohali Test ends in a Draw, India win Test Series 1-0

Breaking News! The second test match between India and England, ended in a draw. With this, India won the test series 1-0 and became the No. 2 team in ICC test rankings. Chasing a victory target of 403, England finished at 64/1, when both captains agreed to end the play. Strauss and Bell remained unbeaten on 21 and 24 respectively.

Gautam Gambhir, who made 179 and 97 in both innings, was declared "Man of the Match". Zaheer Khan was declared "Man of the Series". England team showed extraordinary courage and strength to return to India after Mumbai terror attacks and play a sporting series. It was a victory for the wonderful game of cricket.

India declare at 251/7, England need 403 to win Mohali Test

The Mohali Test is heading for a tame draw, as India delayed the declaration after a delayed start due to fog. India declared their second innings on 251/7. Gautam Gambhir, who made 179 in the first innings, fell short of another century in the second innings by just 3 runs. He made 97.

Yuvraj Singh made an explosive 86 off 93 balls with 6 boundaries and 4 sixes. Yuvraj was ran out by Ian Bell. Yuvraj and Gambhir added 150 runs for the sixth wicket. England now need 403 to win the match with little time left to declare the match as a draw. England were 31/1 when reports last came in.

Mohali Test heading towards Draw, India end Day 4 at 134/4

Bad light, bad weather and heavy fog - these factors played spoilsport in the second test match between India and England at Mohali. It seems like Mohali test will be ended in a tame draw, unless Dhoni makes a bold declaration and England try to chase it down. At the end of Day 4, India were 134/4 - a lead of 285 runs with 6 wickets in hand.

The final day of the test may witness some good cricket, if weather god helps. Otherwise, there won't be any results in the match and India will win the series 1-0. At stumps, Gambhir was batting on 44, while Yuvraj was batting on 39.

Unlike other Indian batsmen, who just played to save their wickets (but could not), Yuvraj was attacking and aggressive. He hit 39 off just 40 balls with 5 boundaries and one six. Sehwag and Laxman were ran out by English fielders, while Anderson and Broad shared 1 wicket each.

England bowled out for 302 in first innings, India make a shaky start

England team was bowled out for just 302 runs in their first innings of Mohali Test. Resuming from the overnight score of 282/6, England added just 20 runs to their total. The tailenders failed to show any resistance. India got a lead of 151-run first innings lead. The start of 4th day's play was delayed due to heavy fog.

For India, Harbhajan Singh claimed 4 wickets, while Zaheer finished with 3 wickets. Amit Mishra took 2 wickets. India began their second innings on a shaky note. Virender Sewhag, who scored 17 off 17 balls with 2 boundaries was run out by Ian Bell. Rahul, Dravid, who silenced his critics with a fine century in the first innings, fell for a duck. India were 36/2 with Gambhir on 18.

Pietersen hits Century, England end at 282/6 on Day 3

Two late strikes by Indian spinners in the last 10 minutes on Day 3, changed the course of Mohali Test. In reply to India's first innings total of 453, England finished at 282/6 at stumps on Day 3. Pietersen scored a magnificent century and was out for 144. Flintoff scored 62, while Cook contributed 50.

Pietersen and Flintoff added 149 runs for the fifth wicket, but could not hold themselves in the dying moments of Day 3. India will now want to claim the remaining wickets as soon as possible and then put pressure on England by scoring a faster pace in the second innings. For India, Zaheer Khan and Amit Mishra took 2 wickets each. Ishant and Harbhajan shared 1 wicket each.

South Africa chase down 414 to win Perth Test against Australia

Breaking News! South African skipper Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers helped South Africa register a historic win over Australia at Perth, the ground where India had humbled Australia earlier this year. South Africa chased down 414 to win the test match - the second highest run chase in the test history. Earlier, West Indies had chased down 418 to win a test match against Australia.

South African successfully chased 414, by losing just 4 wickets and won the test by 6 wickets. Smith scored 108, while Villiers remained unbeaten on 106. Amla and Kallis contributed 53 and 57 respectively. Duminy remained unbeaten on 50.

Final Score:

Australia - 375 and 319
South Africa - 281 and 414/4

Mohali Test: England 57/2 at Lunch

Breaking News! Heavy fog delayed the third day's play in Mohali Test. When play began, England had just 12 over to bat before the lunch. England lost two quick wickets and were 1/2 at one stage. However, Kevin Pietersen and A Cook led the England fight back and prevented further damage. Pietersen was batting on 28, while Cook was on 25. England were 57/2 at lunch.

Last test's hero Andrew Strauss lasted for only three balls and became the victim of Zaheer Khan without opening his account. Ian Bell's stump was uprooted by pacer Ishant Sharma. India had scored 453 in the first innings.

Dhoni Temple to come up in Ranchi

Cricket fans in India hail Mahendra Singh Dhoni as a hero and certainly he deserves this. But, is it worth worshipping a professional sportsperson as a "GOD" and build temples for him? Isn't it ridiculous? By indulging in such sycophancy, we not only damage our culture, but also bring a bad name to the game of cricket and the nation.

What's more shocking is that "We the Dhoni Fans" Club people are raising funds to build a temple on Dhoni's name. They are in the process of building a huge temple in Ranchi for "Dhoni God" and place an idol inside the temple. What an irony! Have we gone mad to do or allow such acts during the time of economic slowdown?

The so-called fans want Dhoni to inaugurate this temple. Will Dhoni approve it? I doubt, given Dhoni's track record as a mature cricketer. He will definitely disapprove this and urge his fans to spend that valuable money in some charity work or donate to the victims of Mumbai terror attacks. The fans should not make a mockery of cricket, Dhoni and above all the state of Jharkhand.

(Content © Breaking News Online)

India bowled out for 453 in first innings of Mohali Test

Breaking News! India bowled out for 453 in the first innings of Mohali Test. Gambhir was the top scorer with 179, while Dravid scored 136. Yuvraj and Dhoni made 27 and 29 respectively. Harbhajan and Amit Mishra contributed 24 and 23 respectively. For England, Swann and Flintoff took 3 wickets each, while Panesar took 2 wickets.

Mohali Test: Swann strikes after Gambhir, Dravid spalsh

Breaking News! India slumped to 345/5 from 320/1, thanks to a late strike by Graeme Swann. Swann removed Gambhir, Dravid and Tendulkr in the span of a few overs to destroy Indian hope of putting up something in excess of 500 on this slow and turning wicket. Gambhir was the top scorer with 179, while Dravid made 136 - his 26th test century. Gambhir and Dravid added 314 runs for the second wicket.

Tendulkar scored just 11. VVS Laxman was the biggest disappointment, as he failed to open his account even after facing 24 balls. Flintoff took Laxman's wicket. For England, Swann has taken 3 wickets, while Broad and Flintoff have shared one wicket each.

Mohali Test: Gambhir hits Century, Dravid strikes Form...Finally

Breaking News! Bad light stopped play on Day 1 in the second test match between India and England at Mohali. India were sitting pretty at 179/1 at stumps. Gautam Gambhir yet again produced superb form and scored a century.

Gambhir is batting on 106. Rahul Dravid, who was under fire for his poor performance, struck form and is batting on 65. Play was possible only for 72 overs in the day. Broad was the lone wicket taker for England.

Mohali Test: India win Toss, elect to bat first

Breaking News! India won the toss and elected to bat in the second test match in Mohali. The hosts got the first shocker this morning, as Virender Sehwag was dismissed for a duck by Stuart Broad, who did not play in the first test.

India were 10/1 in 5 overs when reports last came in. Gambhir and Dravid were at the crease. England replaced Harmsion with Stuart Broad, while India made no changes to the playing XI.