Australia inflicts humiliating defeat on India

India crashed to a humiliating defeat against Australia in the first test match in Melbourne. Chasing a victory target of 499, Indian team surrendered meekly before mighty Australia and bundled out for 161. Australia won the test match by 337 runs. For India, only VVS Laxman and Saurav Ganguly offered some resistance by scoring 42 and 40 respectively. Matthew Hayden was declared "Man of the Match".

India needs 499 to win the Boxing Day Test

Australia is all set to win the Melbourne test, as it has set a target of 499 for India to win the test match and lead the series 1-0. Australia declared their second innings at 351/7. Jaques scored 51, while Hayden made 47. Clarke was the top scorer with 73. Symonds contributed 44. Chasing a victory target of 499, India finished the day at 6 for no loss.

Australia in Command in First Test

Indian batsmen failed to counter the Australian bowling attack, as the entire team bowled out for 196. Sachin Tendulkar scored 62, while Ganguly scored 43, playing his 100th test. For Australia, Clarke and Lee took 4 wickets each. Australia were 32 for no loss at stumps.

Australia scored 343, India loses early wickets

Even after a fine start by the openers, Australia managed to score only 343 in the first innings of the Boxing Day test match in Melbourne. Matthew Hayden scored 124. For India, Kumble took 5 wickets, while Zaheer bagged 4 wickets. In reply, India lost quick wickets. Jaffer, Dravid and Laxman got out cheaply. At tea, India were 74/3, with Sachin batting on 29.

Hayden scores ton, India fights back

Matthew Hayden and PA Jaques put Australia in command in the Boxing Day test match against India in Melbourne. Australia won the toss and elected to bat. Hayden and Jaques added 135 runs for the first wicket. Jaques scored 66, while Hayden scored the 28th hundred of his career. However, later India fought back by getting 3 quick wickets. Kumble took 2 wickets, while Zaheer took one. Australia were 205/3 when reports last came in. Hayden was batting on 115.

Indian Cricketers to pay tax in Australia

Indian team manager for the Australian tour, Chetan Chauhan confirmed that Indian cricketers will adhere to Australia's tax laws and would pay all taxes. According to reports, Indian players were taken aback by the sudden change in Australia's tax laws that require them to pay heavy taxes. They were initially reluctant to pay taxes. However, later the BCCI persuaded them to adhere to the existing laws in the visiting country.

The Indian cricketers could have to pay up to $1.5 million in tax this Australian summer. The BCCI has taken up the matter with Cricket Australia. It is expected that mater will be sorted out soon.

Rain played spoilsport in India's tour match in Australia

India's tour match against Victoria, turned out to be dampener, as rain played spoilsport. In two days, India could bat only for 48 hours and scored 133/4. Saurabh Ganguly scored 59, while Dravid remained unbeaten on 38. For Victoria, medium-pacer Allan Wise claimed all four wickets.

More showers are predicted for the 3rd day too. That means, India will go into the Boxing Day test match in Melbourne, unprepared.

Team India leaves for Australia

The tough tour began on a high note. No, Team India hasn't played any matches yet. They just began their journey to Down Under. The team under Anil Kumble left the Indian soil in the morning. They took the Singapore en-route to Melbourne.

It will be a tough challenge for the Indian team to play in Australia, as bouncy pitches are awaiting to welcome them. Still, the players looked in good spirit. The Team India has recently won both the test and ODI series against Pakistan. However, its opening pair puzzle and bowlers' fitness still remain a mystery.

BCCI announces hike in Selectors' allowances

The BCCI has announced a hike in the allowances for selectors after a conflict with Chief Selector Dilip Vengsarkar for few weeks. The selectors' dearness allowance (DA) have been increased from Rs 5000 to Rs 10,000 and their travel allowance (TA) have been increased from Rs 7000 to Rs 10,000. The BCCI also appointed former test cricketer W V Raman as the coach of U-19 cricket team.

Chennai Superstars win the ICL T20 Touranment

Riding on a hattrick by Pakistan pacer Shabeer Ahmed, the Chennai Superstar won the inaugural ICL Twenty30 tournament. They beat Chandigarh Lions by 12 runs in the final at Panchkula. chasing a victory target of 156, the Chandigarh Lions managed to score only 143/8 in 20 overs. The winning team got Rs 3.9 crore, while the runners-up team got Rs 1.9 crore.

Selectors sprung Surprise, picked Sehwag for Australia Tour

The Indian selectors are always known for giving surprise to the cricket fans. Today, they did the same while picking up the squad for Australian tour. Virender Sehwag, who was not even in the list of 24 probables, has been included to the 16-member team that would tour Australia on December 17.

Indian team has not been able to solve the opening puzzle with both Karthik and Gambhir failed to live up to the expectations. The selectors relented when Kumble recommended Sehwag's name. However, Sehwag's form still remains a mystery for Indian cricket fans. Besides Sehwag, UP all-rounder Pankaj Singh is another surprise inclusion in the team.

The Team for Australian Tour:

Anil Kumble (captain), Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, R P Singh, Ishant Sharma, Irfan Pathan, Wasim Jaffer, Virender Sehwag, Dinesh Karthik and Pankaj Singh.

Pakistan pulled off a draw in Bangalore Test

Although everyone expected a draw from Bangalore test, it became clear that Kumble did a blunder by not declaring the Indian innings 1 hour earlier. Pakistan got only 48 overs to save the test match. In the end, Pakistan were 162/7 in 36 overs when bad light stopped play. Kumble grabbed 5 wickets, while Yuvraj Singh got 2 wickets.

The result would have been otherwise had India declared their second innings a bit earlier. India won the series 1-0. Saurav Ganguly was declared "Man of the Match" and "Man of the Series". It was India's first series win against Pakistan at home since 1979-80.

India declares on 284/6, Pakistan needs 374 to win

India finally declared the second innings on 284/6. Ganguly missed out the century by 9 runs. He scored a brilliant 91. Dravid made 42, while Karthik contributed 52. Pakistan needs 374 runs to win. With just one session to go in the test match, the draw remains only a formality.

India creates World Record in conceding Extras

India achieved a dubious distinction of giving maximum number of extra runs in an innings of a test match. India conceded 76 runs during Pakistan's first innings in Bangalore test. Previous world record was held by West Indies with a tally of 71 extra runs ( bye : 35, leg bye : 26 and no ball : 15).

India's stand-by wicket keeper Dinesh Karthik too achieved a dubious world record by conceding maximum number of bye runs by any Indian wicket keeper. He broke Buddhi Kundaran's record. Karthik's final tally read as 35.

Match heading for a Draw, Ganguly shines again

At the end of fourth day's play in Bangalore Test, India were 132/2 - a lead of 221 runs. The outcome of the match remains a foregone conclusion. It would be sad to see India heading Australia with two successive draw test matched. Ganguly played yet another brilliant innings and is still batting on 63. Rahul dravid was batting on 35. Saurav Ganguly has scored 500 runs in the series so far.

Pakistan bowled out for 537, Ishant bagged 5 wickets

Misbah-ul-Haq sealed the fate of the match and dashed India's hope of winning the series 2-0. Pakistan team was finally bowled out for 537. Miabah-ul-Haq remained unbeaten on 133, while Arafat contributed 44. Ishant Sharma bagged his first five-wicket haul in the test match cricket. India leads Pakistan by 89 runs.

Nicky Boje questioned by Delhi Police

Former South African cricketer Nicky Boje was questioned by Delhi Police in connection with the match-fixing scandal of 2000 that shocked the entire cricket world. Boje reached the Delhi Police Officers' Mess in Darya Ganj. He was accompanied by a senior official of the South African High Commission.

According to sources, Boje refuted all the allegations against him and feigned ignorance about the match-fixing scandal. The interrogation is expected to continue over the next few days.

Pakistan avoids Follow-on, Misbah scores Century

Indian bowlers have no answer to Misbah-ul-Haq. On a flat batting pitch, Pakistan not only saved follow-on, but also is all set to catch up with India's first innings total. No prize for guessing that match is heading towards a tame draw. When reports last came in, Pakistan were 475/6, with Misbah batting on 103. Kamran Akmal made 65.

Is India ready for the challenge Down Under?

A disaster is waiting for Team India when they visit Australia later this month. With the kind of pitches Indian chose to play before the Australian tour clearly reveals our mindset. The flat wickets in Kolkata and Bangalore won't help Indian players to achieve what they want.

Two tame draws (Bangalore test is heading for a draw), injured fast bowlers, exhaustion on the field, then they will drive straight to Australia. Only a fool can bet on an Indian win. I won't. I won't be surprised if India suffers a white wash on the bouncy pitches of Australia. Is the Big Boss (BCCI) watching? Are they really serious about cricket? I don't believe.

Pakistan fights back in Bangalore Test

India failed to resolve the Misbah-ul-Haq puzzle yet again, as Pakistan fought back in Bangalore test. Pakistani batsmen batted patiently throughout the day to avoid the follow-on. At stumps, Pakistan reached 369/5 with Misbah batting on 54 and Akmal on 32. Younis Khan scored 80, while Salman Butt made 68. Pakistan needs 58 runs more to avoid the follow-on.

Pakistan struggles to save Follow-on

In reply to India's first innings total of 626, Pakistan were 86/1 at stumps on the second day of Bangalore test. Salman Butt was batting on 50. Kumble took the lone wicket of Yasir Hameed. Pakistan needs 427 runs to avoid follow-on.

Pathan makes merry with his maiden Century

Saurav Ganguly departed after playing a brilliant innings of 239. However, Irfan Pathan continued to play like a top order batsman and scored his first test century. He was the last wicket to go on 102. India were bowled out for a mammoth total of 626. Debutant Yasir Arafat took 5 wickets for Pakistan. Pakistan now needs 427 to avoid the follow-on.

Saurav Ganguly scores maiden Double Century

Bengal tiger Saurav Ganguly scored the maiden double century of his test career in the third test match against Pakistan in Bangalore. Ganguly started from his overnight score of 125 and achieved the milestone after lunch beak.

It has been a special effort from Saurav, as he had missed out on a double ton several times in the past. When reports last came in, India were 518/6 with Saurav Ganguly batting on 200 and Irfan Pathan on 44.

Bangalore Test: India in Command at the end of Day 1

India not only recovered from a disastrous position, they almost took control of the test match at the end of Day 1. Yuvraj played a majestic innings and got out for 169 just before close of the play. At stumps, India were 365/5 with Ganguly still batting on 125.

For the first time on Indian soil, any team scored 365 on the first day of a test match. And, Indian team did it in style despite being pushed to the wall with 61/4. Yuvraj and Ganguly added 300 runs for the fifth wicket. Pakistan got another bad news that Shoaib Akhtar has been advised 2 days' rest by the doctors because of back pain. The second day of the test match will decide which direction the game will take.

Ganguly too joined Century Party in Bangalore Test

After Yuvraj Singh, it was Ganguly's turn to join the party. Saurav Ganguly scored his second successive century in the tour. He not only teamed with Yuvraj to life India from a precarious condition in the Bangalore test, but also scored a brilliant century, which is the 15th of his career. He was batting on 103 when last reports came in.

Yuvraj Singh scored Century

Despite bagging the "Player of the Series" award against Pakistan in recently concluded ODI series, Yuvraj Singh had to sit out of the first two test matches because of a faulty selection policy. He got a chance to play in the third test match only when Sachin Tendulkar and M S Dhoni got injured.

He gave a fitting reply to his detractors by scoring a century at a time when India needed him the most. Yuvraj reached his third test hundred in style. He was batting on 124 when reports last came in.

Shoaib complains of Back Pain, taken to Hospital

Pakistan received a massive jolt with its speedster Shoaib took off the field with a back pain. He was immediately rushed to the hospital for further check-up. Pakistani bowlers had Indian batsmen at their mercy with India tottering on 61/4 at one stage. However, the situation took a complete turnaround after lunch and Pakistani bowlers and fielders were seen struggling to find the rhythm. At tea, India were 192/4 with Yuvraj and Ganguly at the crease.

Yuvraj, Ganguly lead charge in Bangalore Test

After a shaky start, India is on the way to rebuild its innings, thanks to solid batting performance by Yuvraj Singh and Saurav Ganguly. At one stage, India were 61/4 with Yaseer Arafat bagging 3 important wickets. However, Yuvraj and Ganguly led the charge with unbeaten half centuries. India were 173/4 when last reports came in. Yuvraj was on 61, while Ganguly was batting on 52.

Australia ropes in Mclean to counter Indian Aggression

Australian team is well-known for their on-field aggression. However, they were taken by surprise with India's young-blood aggression when they visited India a couple of months back. That forced them to rethink on their strategy. Australia has hired a leadership guru, Ray Mclean, who will give lessons to young Australian cricketers on how to counter aggression.

According to sources, McLean has made it clear to the players that they had to look at themselves as the leaders of the Australian cricketing fraternity. Mclean is working on setting team goals and standards. He also strengthened leadership values.

Bangalore Test: India started on a Shaky Note

India took the field in Bangalore test without its star players Sachin Tendulkar, M S Dhoni and Zaheer Khan. Munaf Patel also bowed out because of injury. Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma have been included in the team in place of the injured players.

India won the toss and elected to bat first. India opened with Jaffer and Gambhir. However, Gambhir made an early departure. When reports last came in, India were 24/1 with Jaffer and Dravid at the crease.

Selection for Australia Tour deferred, 24 Probables named

The unprecedented injury problem facing by Indian cricket team forced the selectors to defer the selection process for the forthcoming Australian tour. Currently, Sreesanth, R P Singh, Munaf Patel and Zaheer Khan are struggling to regain fitness. The selectors picked up a 24-member list of probables. Anil Kumble has been retained as the captain for the Australian tour. The final team selection will be made on December 12.

In another interesting development, pacers VRV Singh and Irfan Pathan have been included in the Indian team for the third test match against Pakistan in Bangalore. Ishant Sharma also got a place in the team. They will replace injured Munaf and Zaheer.

The 24 Probables for Australia Tour

Anil Kumble (captain), Wasim Jaffer, Dinesh Karthik, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly, Vangipurappu Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma, Vikram Singh, Murali Kartik, Zaheer Khan, Rudra Pratap Singh, Munaf Patel, Ranadeb Bose, Pankaj Singh, Piyush Chawla, Ajit Agarkar, Parthiv Patel, and Akash Chopra.

Sri Lanka beat England in 1st Test

Sri Lanka finally thwarted the defiance of England lower order batsmen to win the first test match in Kandy by 88 runs. Chasing a victory target of 350 runs, England could manage only 261 runs. Ian Bell scored 74, while Matt Prior made 63. Muralitharan bagged 3 more wickets in the test match to take his tally to 713 in test cricket.

Kumara Sangakkara who became the first player to score in excess of 150 in four consecutive test matches, won the "Player of the Match" award.

It's Official: Kirstens gives consent to be India's Coach

Former South African opener Gary Kirsten gave his consent to be India's next cricket coach. He conveyed the acceptance of the offer to BCCI. The contract would be for two years and would begin from March 1, 2008. However, he would still join the Indian team in the middle of its Australian tour as a consultant.

Kirsten expressed satisfaction with the terms of conditions put forth by the BCCI and said he feels honored to be coach of such a great cricket team.

Vengsarkar relents, to attend Selection Meeting

BCCI President Sharad Pawar's shrewd diplomacy bore fruit, as Chief Selector Dilip Vengsarkar relented and agreed to attend today's selection committee meeting in Bangalore. It seemed that BCCI and Vengsarkar called for truce for the time being. If the reports are to be believed, Vengsarkar would be compensated for the loss he would suffer if he stops writing columns for newspapers.

BCCI held Press Conference on Vengsarkar Issue

BCCI President Sharad Pawar held a Press Conference on Vengsarkar issue that has snowballed into a major controversy in Indian cricket in the past few days. While he hailed Vengsarkar for his contribution to Indian cricket, he made it clear that all rules were meant to be adhered to and apply to all selectors.

According to Pawar, rules cannot be changed to suit any individual. He expressed confidence that Vengsarkar would attend the selection meeting to be held in Bangalore on Dec 5. He also ruled out any move to replace Vengsarkar until the board meeting on December 16. BCCI sources said that board is contemplating plans to offer some sort of compensation to the selectors who used to write columns for newspapers.

Kolkata Test ends in a Tame Draw

A defiant unbeaten century by Younis Khan and a well-made 44 by Mohammad Yousuf denied India an outright victory in the second test match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. As expected, the match ended in a tame draw.

Indian bowlers raised a glimmer of home by reducing Pakistan to 89/4. However, both Younis and Yousuf prevented any further damage and pulled a draw for their team. Younis remained unbeaten on 107. Wasim Jaffer was adjudged "Man of the Match".

Vengsarkar fires at BCCI

Chief Selector Dilip Vengsarkar lashed out at the BCCI for "humiliating" him intentionally. He said that he felt like dirt with the questions hurled at him during the Kolkata meeting. He strongly refuted BCCI charges that he never allowed other selectors to watch International matches.

He came down heavily on I S Bindra and Niranjan Shah. He accused Niranjan Shah of changing selection date on whim. According to Vengsarkar, I S Bindra is the man behind all conspiracies against the selectors including him.

India declared at 184/4, Pakistan needs 345 to win Kolkata Test

The Kolkata test took an interesting turn with India declaring its second innings at 184/4 on Day 5. Ganguly scored 46, while Dhoni made 37. Pakistan needs 345 runs to win the test match and level the series. The target looks impossible, but Pakistan started on a positive note by opening with Kamran Akmal and Hameed. When reports last came in, Pakistan were 12/0 in 4 overs.

Kolkata Test heading for a Draw

India wanted to win the test and series at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Everything went well for Team India until Misbah-ul-Haq appeared on the scene. Misbah, supported by Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Sami virtually took the game out of India's control. The Kolkata test is heading towards a draw. Pakistan not only avoided follow-on, but also reduced the first innings lead for India. The team was bowled out for 456. Misbah remained unbeaten on 161. For India, Harbhajan took 5 wickets.

India began their second innings on a strong note with a lead of 160 runs on board. At stumps on 4th day, India reached 141/2. Wasim Jaffer yet again proved his calibre by scoring 56. Karthik made 28. Dhoni and Ganguly were batting on 28 and 24 respectively when the bails were taken off. India now has a lead of 301 runs.

Murali breaks Warne's World Record

Muttiah Muralitharan broke Shane Warne's test record of 708 wickets by claiming Paul Collingwood as his 709th victim. The Sri Lankan team and fans across the world burst into celebrations when Murali bowled Collingwood out in Kandy test. Cricketers including Shane Warne have congratulated Murali for his remarkable achievement.

Pakistan avoided Follow-on

Indian bowlers fail to rein in the Pakistani batsmen Misbah-ul-Haq and M Sami, who successfully avoided the follow-on in Kolkata test. When reports last came in, Pakistan were 418/6 with Misbah batting on 141 and Sami on 24.

Vengsarkar to Quit

The stand-off between BCCI and Chief Selector Dilip Vengsarkar took an ugly turn on Monday with the Colonel offered to resign from his post. The latest conflict occurred on the issue of 7-point guidelines for the selectors that did not go well with Vengsarkar. BCCI sources said that Vengsarkar would be allowed to leave and the final decision may come tomorrow.

Initially, Vengsarkar was told to continue until the selection meeting to be held on Dec 5 to announce the team for Australian tour. However, Vengsarkar remains adamant on his stand. He feels hurt in the way BCCI treated him in the past few weeks. According to BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla, the guidelines are part of the BCCI constitution and they cannot be changed.

Muralitharan equals Shane Warne's Record

Sri Lankan off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan equalled Shane Warne's record of 708 wickets in test cricket. Murali achieved the feat, when he dismissed Rohan Bopara in the Kandy test against England. He is now one short of the glory. Interestingly, Kandy is Murali's birth place.

Pakistan fights back in Kolkata Test

Misbah-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal led Pakistan's fight back in the second test match in Kolkata. At one stage, Pakistan were 150/5, thanks to the early strike by Harbhajan and Kumble. However, things changed drastically after that. Misbah-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal added 207 runs for the 6th wicket that gave Pakistan a slimmer of hope to save the test match. Kamran was out for 119, while Miabah remained unbeaten on 108.

At stumps, Pakistan scored 358/6 and needed 59 runs more to save follow-on. For India, Harbhajan took 3 wickets, while Kumble bagged 2 wickets.

India declared at 616/5

India declared their first innings at 616/5 in the Kolkata test. Saurav Ganguly made 102, while VVS Laxman too scored an unbeaten 112. Mahendra Singh Dhoni remained unbeaten on 50. As Indian batsmen have done their job, now it's the turn of the bowlers to go for a kill.

Ganguly hits ton at Edens

It was long due and it came at a right time. Saurav Ganguly finally hit that elusive test hundred at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This is his 1st at Edens and 14th overall in test cricket. He took 144 runs to reach the hundred. Ganguly silenced his critics with a valiant innings. He showed that he still have some stamina left inside.

Gary Kirsten appointed Indian Coach

Putting all speculations into rest, the BCCI finally appointed Gary Kirsten as the Coach of Indian cricket team. Lalchand Rajput will be the assistant coach. Venkatesh Prasad will continue as the bowling coach.

Kirsten will join the Indian team for the last two test matches in Australia. He will take over full time after the series against Australia.