Yuvraj, RP Singh doubtful for ODI series, Sachin not to play in Twenty20

India's star batsman Yuvraj Singh and pacer RP Singh remained doubtful for the fist few matches of the tri-series that begins on February 03, 2008. While R P Singh was ruled out for two weeks, Yuvraj's knee injury hasn't been healed yet. Munaf Patel and Manoj Tiwar are set to replace the injured players.

In another interesting development, Sachin Tendulkar has decided not to take part in tomorrow's Twenty20 match against Australia at Melbourne. It is exepcted that Suresh Raina would be picked up in his place.

Justice Hansen speaks out

While delivering the verdict on Harbhajan issue, Justice John Hansen did not forget to rap all parties concerned that included Harbhajan, Symonds, Australian players, ICC and Match Referre Mike Procter.

Firstly, he blamed the ICC goof-up for a lesser punishment to Harbhajan Singh. Hansen said he was under the impression that it was Harbhajan's second mistake. It was told to him by the ICC. However, soon after pronouncing the verdict, he came to know that Harbhajan had been penalized by the ICC at least 4 times in the past and most significantly in November 2001, he and three other Indian players had been fined 75 per cent of their match fees and given a suspended one Test ban for dissent. Hansen also admitted that he tried to figure out if he could change the verdict, but could not do so as he was powerless to do that.

"At the end of the day Mr Singh can feel himself fortunate that he has reaped the benefit of these database and human errors", Hansen said.

Hansen was critical of Symonds' remarks that "a Test match is no place to be friendly with an opposition player". Justice Hansen said "If that is his view I hope it is not shared by all international cricketers. It would be a sad day for cricket if it is". Hansen said Symonds admitted that he provoked Harbhajan Singh. Symonds had claimed that he had gone to the rescue of Bret Lee, with whom Harbhajan had an argument. However, Hansen said Harbhajan had just patted Lee saying 'well-bowled'.

Hansen made it clear that barring Sachin Tendulkar, no other players heard what transpired between Harbhajan and Symonds. Tendulkar admitted that both Harbhajan and Symonds had sworn at each other during which Harbhajan uttered the words "Teri Maa Ki" (a local slang) which sounded like "Monkey" to Symonds. Hansen also said that Symonds had breached the agreement on not abusing each other. He sonsidered the evidences given by Tendulkar as more substantial and reliable than the Australians.

The Australian players contradicted themselves during the hearing process. While Symonds himself admitted that he initiated the exchange and was abusive towards Harbhajan Singh, Michael Clarke said he did not hear Symonds saying anything. Hansen expressed surprise on this.

Justice Hansen was critical of all parties involved in the confrontation at the SCG, saying "their actions do not reflect well on them or the game". Justice Hansen also took an indirect dig on Match Referre Mike Procter by expressing his displeasure on the lack of formality and rigid transcription at the original hearing, recommending that such precautions be taken in future.

Not Harbhajan, Diplomacy won in Australia

Millions of cricket fans celebrate the "victory" of Harbhajan Singh in the racism row. But it's the back-door diplomacy between BCCI and Cricket Australia, which won the day at Adelaide. The Cricket Australia made it clear to its players that it can't afford a pull out from the BCCI.

Earlier, the BCCI had threatened to pull of the series if racism charges against Harbhajan is not dropped. According to Australian media sources, the BCCI had gone up to the extent of booking a chartered plane to fly its players home had the verdict gone against Harbhajan.

The Australian players are fuming the way their board Cricket Australia let them down. They were determined to teach Harbhajan a lesson and damage his morale forever. However, that did not happen. On the contrary, the Aussies had to face humiliation before the world. They secretly admitted that it was the money power shown by Indian cricket board that forced them eat humble pie. Ironically, Symonds had to testify before the Judge that he did not remember what Harbhajan said. He also admitted of provoking Harbhajan to utter foul language.

Harbhajan admitted that he abused Symonds with the words "Teri Maa Ki..." which is considered a slang in Hindi. He denied of using "Monkey" word. Even the Judge had to ask Sachin Tendulkar and others to know the exact meaning of the word. Since the charge was minor under Level 2.8, Harbhajan was fined only 50 per cent of his match fee (Rs. 75,000 only). He walked out with his head on a high, while the Australians who rallied against him, came out
of the court dejected and disgusted.

Australian media have taken strong exception to way the entire issue was handled. Almost all newspapers and TV channels have criticized the Cricket Australia and BCCI for bringing the game into "disrepute". They have termed the day of judgment as "Cricket's day of shame".

Noted sports columnist Peter Roebuke, who turned against the Australian players after Sydney test fiasco, writing in the Sydney Morning Herald , said India's threat to fly its players home if the appeal failed was "amongst the most nakedly aggressive actions taken in the history of a notoriously fractious game." "If this is the way the Indian board intends to conduct its affairs hereafter, then God help cricket," Roebuck added.

Bowing to the pressure of millions of cricket fans in the country, the BCCI stood by its players through thick and thin. However, it's not taking any more chance. According to reports, the board has asked its players, particularly Harbhajan and Sreesanth to cut down their aggression in the upcoming tri-series and control their emotion. The recent crisis was the worst in cricket history after "Bodyline" series. It will be in the interest of the game, if such incidents do not occur again.

Gavaskar not invited to present Gavaskar-Border Trophy

Ever since the Gavaskar-Border Tophy was constituted, it was always presented to the winning team by both Sunil Gavaskar and Alan Border. However, it did not happen this time. Since Gavaskar had taken on the Australians for labelling racism charges against Harbhajan and also cricitized umpires Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson and match referee Mike Procter on the Sydney test fiasco, the Cricket Australia made its displeasure public by not inviting to present the Gavaskar-Border trophy to Ricky Ponting at the presentation ceremony after Adelaide test.

The issue was raised by TV commentator Ravi Shashtri. When Border walked up to present the trophy to Ponting, he expressed surprise and asked Gavaskar why he was not there along with Border although the trophy was named after him. Before Gavaskar could say anything, Harsh Bhogle said that Australians have forgotten the grace after getting involved too much in the issues that were not in the interest of cricket. Gavaskar too expressed surprise and attributed it to the obvious reasons.

Shaun Tait retires from Cricket

In a shocking development, 24 year old Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait decided to quit all forms of cricket indefinitely. He said he needed a physical and mental break. Tait recently returned to the Australian squad after 2 years. But he failed to make any impact on a lively wicket on Perth. He could not even take a single wicket in the match.

According to sources, Tait's decision was based on emotion and he needs a rest from cricket to recover from the trauma he is going through. In his own words, “A break from professional cricket will hopefully give me a clear mind and a chance for my body to rest and recover.”

Breaking News! Ban on Harbhajan Singh lifted, fined 50 percent Match Fee

A victory for Team India and millions of Indian cricket fans across the globe! Justice John Hansen lifted the three-test ban on Harbhajan Singh. The racism charges against Harbhajan were dropped. Since the charges were downgraded to Level 2, he was fined 50 percent of his match fee for using minor offensive language.

Andrew Symonds could not even recall the words uttered by Harbhajan Singh when he was cross-examined by BCCI lawyer VR Manohar. In the absence of any concluding evidence, Justice Hansen dismissed all charges against Harbhajan, but fined him 50 per cent of his match fee for confronting Symonds on the field. Celebrations erupted across India, as the TV channels flashed the news of Harbhajan's remarkable victory against Andrew Symonds and Australians.

New twist to Harbhajan case, "Racism" charges likely to be dropped

Breaking News!!! If the media reports are to be believed, racism charges against India's ace spinner Harbhajan Singh is likely to be dropped, as both Indian and Australian players have reportedly agreed to downgrade the charges to "use of offensive language".

A letter signed by Australian captain Ricky Ponting and India's star batsman Sachin Tendulkar was submitted to ICC Appeals Commissioner Justice John Hansen. The letter has urged the Judge to downgrade charges against Harbhajan Singh from level 3.3 to level 2.8. Level 2.8 is applicable to use of offensive language and it may carry a penalty of 1 test or 2 ODI ban or a stricter fine. But "racism" charges will be completely removed.

According to some other sources, Andrew Symonds who labelled the charges against Harbhajan, fumbled during the hearing and told the Judge that he did not remember anything. Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Symonds, Harbhajan Singh, Sachin Tendulkar and BCCI lawyer VR Manohar are present at the hearing. The hearing is being held at the Adelaide Federal Court building.

Injustice to Virender Sehwag, Consolation for Sachin Tendulkar

If we ask who should have received the "Player of the Match" for the Adelaide test, everyone would admit that ideal choice was Virender Sehwag. Sehwag scored 63 and 151 in both innings and bagged two important wickets including that of Ricky Ponting.

Sehwag scored a century in the second innings when Indian batting line-up looked fragile with key players getting out and Dravid getting injured. While the entire team scored 269, Sehwag's contribution was 151. But the "Player of the Series" went to Sachin Tendulkar who scored 153 in the first innings. What could be the reason behind such a controversial decision???

Sachin was the highest run-getter in the series. But the panel wanted to award the "Player of the Series" award to Brett Lee who took 24 wickets in 4 test matches. That's why the "Player of the Match" award was given to Tendulkar as a consolation, but at the cost of Virender Sehwag.

Adelaide test ended in a draw, Australia win the series 2-1

As expected, the fourth and final test between India and Australia ended in a tame draw. Both captains decided to stop the game when they were assured that no result was possible in this test. At that stage, India were 269/7. Virender Sehwag made a brilliant 151 to help India reach the safe zone. He had made 63 in the first innings besides taking 2 wickets.

Sachin Tendulkar was adjudged "Man of the Match" and Brett Lee bagged the "Man of the Series" award for his 24 wickets in four matches. Australia won the series 2-1 and retained Gavaskar-Border Trophy.

Hansen to use "New Evidences" in Harbhajan case

Justice John Hansen, who was appointed by the ICC as the Appeals Commissioner to hear racism charges against Harbhajan, has outlined the procedures for the hearing. According to Hansen, the witnesses would attend the hearing in person and they would not be required to give evidence under oath.

"There may also be some additional evidence, such as the transcript available from the stump microphone, which was not available to (ICC match referee Mike) Procter," Justice Hansen said. The latest "evidences" from stump vision microphone has caused concern within Team India and BCCI.

The BCCI has dismissed any such evidences and demanded the immediate removal of "racist" tag from Harbhajan Singh. If the charges against Harbhajan is upheld, India is likely to pull out of the Australian tour without playing the tri-series.

Team India adamant on Harbhajan issue, Australia tour in Doubt

Breaking News! The Indian team management has taken a strong stand on the racism charges labelled against Harbhajan Singh. Just a day before ICC's Appeals Commissioner Justice Hansen hears the case, the team demanded immediate removal of racism charges against Harbhajan.

The BCCI has also thrown full weight behind its players and has refused to bow down to ICC. It was confirmed by BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah. The BCCI dismissed the talk of new evidences found against Harbhajan and made it clear that it would not accept any such evidences.

According to sources, Australian players are unwilling to back down on this issue even if Cricket Australia has decided to go soft. If the verdict on Harbhajan is upheld, then Indian team is likely to pull back from the tri-series and return home. The team will hold an emergency meeting in the evening to discuss their strategy.

Dravid injured in Adelaide Test

Guess what? India is currently playing the Adelaide test with 9 players. Weird, but true. After RP Singh ruled out of action following a hamstring injury, Rahul Dravid injured his finger while batting on Day 5. Latest reports suggest that Dravid will be out of action for two weeks. It could be recalled that Dravid was dropped from the ODI squad. The Commonwealth Bank tri-series will begin on February 3.

Shahid Afridi equalled Jayasuriya's most number of sixes in ODI

Pakistan's all-rounder Shahid Afridi played a blazing knock of 85 to guide Pakistan to a 37 run victory over Zimbabwe in the 3rd ODI at Multan. In this process, he hit 6 sixes and equalled Sri Lankan batsman Sanat Jayasuriya's world record of 25 sixes in one-day cricket.

While Jayasuriya played 403 ODIs to hit 245 sixes, Afridi took just 252 matches to reach the milestone. Pakistan now leads Zimbabwe 3-0 in the five-match series.

Live Cricket from Adelaide (Day 5): Sehwag scores Century

The Adelaide test is heading for an exciting finish, as Australia grabbed 2 wickets in the morning, besides sending Rahul Dravid retired hurt. Sachin Tendulkar was run out for 13, while Ganguly fell to a stunning catch by Hussey. Interestingly, umpires referred the catch to third umpire, who ruled Ganguly out. It was a good decision.

Virender Sehwag found his rhythm back in this test. After scoring 63 in the first innings, Sehwag scored a century in the second innings. Sehwag was on fire, as he scored boundaries and sixes. India were 166/3 when reports last came in. Sehwag was batting on 115. It would be interesting if Australia can pick up a couple of Indian wickets at this stage. That would lead to an exciting finish at Adelaide.

Adam Gilchrist gets a standing ovation at Adelaide

Australia's wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist got a standing ovation at Adelaide when he entered the ground to bat possibly for the last time in his test career. Not only the Australian crowd, but also the entire Indian team gathered in the middle and clapped when Gilchrist took guard.

The crowd cheered for every run Gilchrist scored today. When he was caught by Virender Sehwag off Irfan Pathan, none of the Indian players celebrated. Sehwag took the catch, sat on the ground and clapped while Gilchrist walked back to the pavilion. Other Indian players too gave a farewell to the one of the greatest players in the cricket history. Gilchrist made 14 in his last innings. The cricket fans will always miss Gilchrist.

Update from Adelaide Test (Day 4): Australia bowled out for 563

Australia batsmen gave a fitting reply to Virender Sehwag's mind game, as they scored at a faster pace on the fourth day of the Adelaide test. Australia finally bowled out for 563, thus taking a 37 run lead over India. Matthew Hayden scored 103, while Ricky Ponting played a brilliant innings of 140. Michale Clark too made 118.

For India, Ishant Sharma and Irfan Pathan took 3 wickets each, while Sehwag took 2 wickets. The test match is heading towards a tame draw.

Live Cricket Update from Adelaide: India vs Australia (Day 4) - Cricket Buzz

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting slammed a magnificent century to put Australia on top. On the fourth day of the test match, Australia hasn't yet lost a single wicket. At lunch, Australia were 425/3. Ponting was batting on 124 and Clarke was batting on 91.

Australia added 103 runs in the morning session without losing any wicket. They are all set to post a big score and put India under pressure. If that happens, we can expect to see a result in this boring test match.

Sehwag plays mind game, says, Aussies "scared" of losing

India's star batsman Virender Sehwag has decided to play mind game with the Australian players. At the end of 3rd day's play in the Adelaide test. Sehwag accused the Australian players of adopting defensive tactics to save the match. Sehwag felt that Australians are scared of losing the test match; hence they are playing defensively.

Sehwag said, "They only scored 260 in a day. This is not like Australia. Last time we came here they scored 400 in a day. I think they're scared about defeat." "On a flat track they scored 260 in a day and lost three wickets so there must be something wrong in their batting lineup, or maybe something wrong in their thinking," he added.

On the other hand, Australian opener Matthew Hayden accused Indian bowlers of bowling negative to prevent Australian batsmen from scoring runs.

Adam Gilchrist announces retirement from Test Cricket

In a sensational development, Australian wicket keeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist announced retirement from test cricket. The ongoing test between India and Australia at Adelaide will be the last test match of his career. The latest report suggests that Gilchrist would retire from ODI cricket too after the triangular series involving India, Australia and Sri Lanka. However, we could not establish the veracity of the report.

Adam Gilchrist holds the world record of maximum dismissals in test cricket by a wicketkeeper with 414 (377 catches + 37 stumpings) dismissals. Anil Kumble became his 414th victim in the first innings of Adelaide test. Gilchrist had made his test debut in November 1999. Gilchrist has played 95 tests so far. He has also scored 17 centuries.

Update from Adelaide Test - Day 3

Australia bounced back in a strong manner to finish at 322/3 at the end of third day's play of the Adelaide test. Matthew Hayden led the charge with a fine 103. Jacques scored 60. At stumps, Ponting was batting on 79, while Clarke was batting on 37. Hussey scored 22. For India, Kumble, Ishant Sharma and Irfan Pathan took 1 wicket each. R P Singh could bowl only 4 overs due to hamstring injury.

India loses its key bowler, R P Singh injured

India lost its key bowler R P Singh in the middle of Adelaide test. R P Singh is suffering from a hamstring injury and is expected to miss the rest of the match's play. It is not immediately known if the injury is grave by nature and how many days' rest he needs. Further details are awaited.

Mike Procter's statement on Harbhajan Singh

The three-test match ban on Harbhajan Singh on racism charges sparked a furore in the cricket world. Mike Procter, the man who pronounced the verdict, has been under fire for acting without conclusive evidence. It was alleged that he just believed the words of Australian players. On Friday night, a leaked copy of Procter's statement was splashed across the Internet, which confirmed the allegations.

Procter wrote, "The first issue for me is did Harbhajan Singh say the word "monkey" or "big monkey"? I have heard evidence from Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke and Mathew Hayden that he did say these words. Harbhajan Singh denies saying these words. Both umpires did not hear nor did Ricky Ponting or Sachin Tendulkar. I am satisfied and sure beyond reasonable doubt that Harbhajan Singh did say these words."

You can read the full transcript here.

Live Cricket from Adelaide: India vs Australia, Kangaroos fight back

The Kangaroos fight back in a style. It's almost lunch time on Day 3 and Australia hasn't lost a single wicket yet. Australia were 148/0 when reports last came in. Matthew Hayden and Jacques hit unbeaten half centuries. Hayden is all set to get his century, as he is batting on 82. Jacques is playing on 54. Kumble used all bowlers, but failed to beat the Aussies.

Sachin Tendulkar gets Padma Vibhushan

The master blaster Sachin Tendulkar has been chosen for the coveted "Padma Vibhushan" award for his spectacular performance in cricket and the contribution he has made for Indian cricket. The 34 year old Tendulkar has shown superb form in the ongoing test series against Australia and scored two centuries (more than 150) and two half century so far.

Sachin Tendulkar had received the Arjuna Award in 1994 and the Padma Shri in 1999. He was given the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 1998. He was also chosen as the Wisden cricketer of the year in 1997. In addition, 'Time' magazine named him in November 2006 as one of the Asian heroes.

Live Cricket from Adelaide: India bowled out for 526

Indian batsmen including the tail enders applied themselves yet again and posted a huge total of 526 in the first innings. For India, Sachin Tendulkar scored 153. Sehwag and Harbhajan scored 63 each. Laxman scored 51. Anil Kumble scored a valiant 87.

Kumble added 107 runs with Harbhajan for the 8th wicket and 58 runs with Ishant Sharma for the last wicket. For Australia, Johnson took 4 wickets, while Brett Lee bagged 3 wickets. Australia needs 327 runs to avoid follow-on. Adam Gilchrist surpassed Mark Boucher of South Africa for most number of dismissals in test cricket when he took Kumble's catch. Kumble was Gilchrist's 414th victim.

Australia finished the day at 62/0. Hayden is batting on 36, while Jacques remained unbeaten on 21.

Live Cricket Score from Adelaide - India vs Australia - Day 2

Sachin Tendulkar made his intent clear, when he glanced the very first ball of the morning off Lee to a boundary. With Sachin on fire, India can expect to post a good, competitive total on a wicket that is expected to tumble on the 4th and 5th day.

Remember, India is playing two regular spinners (Kumble and Harbhajan) besides the part-time spinners Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. India were 314/5 when reports last came in. Sachin was batting on 129.

Revolution in Cricket History: IPL Auction winners declared

The bidding process at the high profile Indian Premier League (IPL) received a huge responses from bidders across the country. Industrialists like Mukesh Ambani and Vijay Mallya and film stars Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta were among the winners.

While Mukesh Ambani won the bid for the Mumbai team for $111.9 million, Vijay Mallya won the bid for the Bangalore team for $111.6 million. Bids of the ICICI Bank, Sahara and Futures Group were disqualified.

Here is the final list of winners:

Mumbai Team: Mukesh Ambani - Reliance Industries ($111.9 million or Rs 447.6 crore)

Bangalore Team: Vijay Mallya - UB Group ($111.6 million or Rs 446 crore)

Delhi Team: GMR Holding ($84 million or Rs 336 crore.)

Hyderabad Team: The Deccan Chronicle ($107.01 million or Rs 428 crore)

Kolkata Team: Shahrukh Khan, Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta - Red Chillies Entertainment ($75.09 million or Rs 300.36 crore)

Mohali Team: Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia ($76 million or Rs 304 crore)

Chennai Team: India Cements ($91 million or Rs 364 crore)

Jaipur Team: Emerging Media ($67 million or Rs 268 crore)

Update from Adelaide (Day 1): India 309/5 at stumps

India gained good control of the match by finishing at 309/5 at stumps. Sachin Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 124, while Dhoni is batting on 6. Laxman scored 51. For Australia, Brett Lee and Johnson took 2 wickets each. While Sachin and Dhoni would try to add more to India's total, Australia will go all out to restrict India below 400.

Sachin's day out at Adelaide, scores 39th Test Hundred

Sachin Tendulkar is on a roll. The master blaster got a huge applause when he entered the Adelaide ground. He had scored centuries in all grounds in Australia, but not at Adelaide. Today, he just did it. Sachin scored his 39th test hundred in a style. He hit two consecutive boundaries to reach this milestone. It was Sachin't 9th test hundred against Australia.

Sachin was particularly harsh on Brad Hogg, as he hit him for a few boundaries and a six. India were 275/4 when reports last came in. Sehwag scored 63. Sachin was batting on 105. Laxman too scored a magnificent half century. He was batting on 50.

Adelaide, the Final Frontier: Live Cricket between India and Australia (Fourth Test)

India seeks to conquer the final frontier, Adelaide that it conquered five years ago. The team looks rejuvenated and determined to level the series in style. Australians, smiting under the defeat at Perth, will leave no stone unturned to turn the heat on the Indians.

The coin favors the Indians. Anil Kumble won the toss and elected to bat first. India is playing with two spinners - Kumble and Harbhajan. Pathan, RP Singh and Ishant Sharma are the other bowlers. India left out Jaffer, Karthik, VRV Singh, Pankaj Singh and Yuvraj Singh from the final XI.

In a surprising development, India opened the innings with Sehwag and Irfan Pathan opened the innings. Pathan started well, but lasted for 21 balls only. He made 9 before falling to Johnson. India were 53/1 when reports last came in. Sehwag was batting on 33.

Rift widens within Team India, It's Kumble vs Dhoni

The beleaguered Australian team received a major boost on the eve of Adelaide test, as Team India got divided between two groups. One group is led by Anil Kumble and has seniors VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly. The other group is led by MS Dhoni and is backed by Yuvraj Singh and a few other players. The latest rift is attributed to the exclusion of Ganguly, Dravid and Laxman from the ODI aquad on Dhoni's behest.

Dhoni played a dictator and virtually vetoed Ganguly's inclusion in the team. Ironically, Ganguly was the one who supported Dhoni through thick and thin when he was struggling to find a place in the national team. Another out-of-form batsman who voted against Ganguly was Yuvraj. It was the same Yuvraj whom Ganguly supported when the whole country was baying for his blood.

These two ungrateful cricketers played a dirty game to hit at the seniors who always provided patronage to the team. Ironically, team's physical trainer Gregory King too supported Dhoni and Yuvraj's point of view. Sachin Tendulkar's stand on this issue is not immediately know. But it's certain that he would back the senior pros who were meted out a shabby treatment by some arrogant juniors and "unwise" selectors.

The entire drama took place just ahead of the crucial Adelaide test match, in which India seeks to redeem its pride by levelling the series. But the recent developments have dented the morale of the team and upset the seniors who have made significant contribution to India's historic win at Perth. If India lose the test match at Adelaide due to this intra-team rivalry, will the millions of cricket fans forgive Dhoni, Yuvraj and BCCI selectors?

Jaffer, Yuvraj left out of the team for Adelaide Test

The Indian team management has announced final twelve for the fourth test match at Adelaide, which will begin on Thursday. Opener Wasim Jaffer, middle order batsman Yuvraj Singh and pacers Pankaj Singh and VRV Singh have been left out of the squad. A decision will be taken on Harbhajan and Dinesh Karthik just before the match begins.

Kumble "unhappy" with BCCI Selectors

India's captain Anil Kumble expressed dissatisfaction over the way the selectors chose the ODI team just ahead of crucial Adelaide test. Kumble termed Ganguly's exclusion as 'unjustified' and rejected the arguments made against Ganguly by the selectors and ODI skipper Dhoni.

Kumble admitted that the timing of announcing the one-day side was not "ideal" and it had a negative impact on the morale of the team. He urged the senior cricketers Ganguly, Dravid and Laxman to forget the matter and stay focused for the most important fourth test against Australia, which will begin at Adelaide on Thursday.

ICC takes on Sunil Gavaskar on "Harbhajan" issue

International Cricket Council (ICC) president-elect David Morgan has expressed concerns over cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar's recent comments on Match Referee Mike Procter in the wake of a controversial ban on Harbhajan Singh. Morgan said, Sunil Gavaskar, who holds the post of ICC Cricket Committee Chairman, should not have made such "outspoken comments".

It could be recalled that Gavaskar slammed Procter after the later slapped a three-match ban on Harbhajan Singh on the racism charge made by Andrew Symonds, though there was no conclusive evidences against the Indian. Procter believed what Aussies said, whereas he completely ignored Sachin Tendulkar's statement.

A section of Australian media and some former cricketers such as John Reid (New Zealand) and Barry Richards (South Africa) had flayed Sunil Gavaskar for commeting against Mike Procter despite holding a top post within the ICC. Morgan admitted that there was concern within ICC about Gavaskar's dual role as the Chief of the Cricket Committee and as a commentator.

Ganguly's axing defies logic

When the selectors dropped Sourav Ganguly from the ODI squad, it came as a shocker for not only Ganguly, but also for the millions of cricket fans in the country. Ironically, the news came when the nation was celebrating its team's exceptional performance at Perth, in which they humbled the mighty Australians. Even Ganguly's detractors are upset over the way he was again handed over a shabby treatment.

Since his comeback in January 2007, Sourav has scored 1,240 runs in 32 matches on an average of 44.28. He scored 12 half centuries with the highest score being 98. In terms of average, he was India's most successful batsman in the last 12 months. If we consider the number of runs scored, Ganguly was on fourth position among all players in the world for 2007. It's really shocking and surprising that he was dropped despite delivering the best.

Why Ganguly was dropped? Reports suggest that Chief Selector Dilip Vengsarkar was in favor of Ganguly's selection. But his decision was vetoed by two other selectors and the captain Dhoni. It's really difficult to believe that Dhoni, who always received support from Sourav Ganguly, would do such a condemnable job. But, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) joint secretary Samar Pal sees Dhoni's hand in Ganguly's axing, as Dhoni did not want seniors in his team.

Another reason could be the phasing out of senior players by BCCI selectors. After India's disastrous performance in the World Cup and spectacular performance in the Twenty20 World Cup, there have been demands for replacing the senior players with energetic juniors in the team. It seems that BCCI selectors are doing exactly the same thing. They not only dropped Dravid, Laxman and Murali Kathik, but also an in-form Sourav Ganguly from the team.

Whatever may be reason, Ganguly axing cannot be justified. The selectors preferred to do their experiment against top teams like Australia and Sri Lanka on Australian soil. It may prove costly for the morale of the team, which looked rejuvenated after the win at Perth.

Selectors draw flak over ODI Team Selection

Just a day after Indian cricket team brought glory to the country by winning the Perth test, Indian selectors did a 'heinous' job of upsetting the team by dropping Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Saurabh Ganguly from the ODI squad from the upcoming tri-series against Australia and Sri Lanka, which will begin on February 1, 2008. Interestingly, Laxman and Dravid played a crucial role in India's historic win at Perth.

Cricket fans across the globe and former cricketers slammed the selectors for selecting the ODI team just ahead of Adelaide test, where India hope to square the series. With the "Big Three" Dravid, Ganguly and Laxman feeling low over the sudden sacking, Indian team's morale is bound to reach a bottom low ahead of a key test match.

According to sources, Sourav Ganguly was shocked over his omission from the ODI squad, as he has been performing consistently ever since he was recalled to the squad. Dravid also expressed huge disappointment, as he hoped to get another chance after his resilient performance at Perth. The selectors did not even inform Ganguly and Dravid about their exclusion from the team. Ironically, Sourav Ganguly has been India's most successful ODI batsman over the last 12 months.

The selectors have decided to opt for the youth over the experienced players. But analysts question the wisdom of the selectors, as it is always risky to expose the youth before two powerful ODI team - Australia and Sri Lanka that too on the difficult Australian soil. A mixed blend of youth and experiences could have bolster the Indian team. Now Sachin Tendulkar remains the only experienced player in the team.

Delhi wins Ranji Trophy

Despite playing without its key players Virender Sehwag and Ishant Sharma, Delhi registered a remarkable victory in the Ranji Trophy final against Uttar Pradesh at Wankhede Stadium on Saturday. Delhi's Pradeep Sangwan claimed 5 wickets in the second innings, which helped his team to chase a modest target of 230 runs to win the match.

Gautam Gambhir's unbeaten 130 dashed Uttar Pradesh's hope further, as Delhi won the title match by 9 wickets. It was Delhi's 7th Ranji Trophy title.

Scores:

Uttar Pradesh: 342 ad 177
Delhi: 290 and 230/1

No place for Dravid, Ganguly in ODI Squad

In a surprising development, the India selectors dropped Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid from India's ODI squad for the upcoming tri-series against Australia and Sri Lanka. Suresh Raina made a come back. The BCCI has announced a 16-member team for the Twenty20 match and tri-series, which will begin on February 1 and will continue until March 7.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be the captain of Indian team, while Yuvraj Singh will be his deputy. The selectors has named three standby players as replacement for the injured players.

Indian Team:

MS Dhoni (Captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Virendra Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh (Vice Captain), Harbhajan Singh, Robin Uthappa, Gautam Gambhir, Irfan Pathan, Sreesanth, RP Singh, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Piyush Chawla and Pravin Kumar.

Standby: Manoj Tiwary, Yusuf Pathan and Munaf Patel.

Historic win for Team India at Perth, Celebrations across the Country

A rejuvenated Indian cricket team registered a historic win at WACA, Perth, when they beat Australia by 72 runs. Indian team under the leadership of Anil Kumble rose from the dust and humbled the mighty Australians on a wicket, which was considered as a graveyard for Indian batsmen due to its bouncy nature. India's famous win at Perth bring cheers to millions of cricket fans across the country, who were upset at the controversies aftermath Sydney test.

Chasing a victory target of 413, Australia bowled out for 340. Ponting and Hussey scored 45 and 46 respectively. Johnson contributed 50, while Clark made 32. Michael Clarke was the top scorer with 81. For India, Kumble, RP Singh and Sehwag took 2 wickets each. Pathan took 3 wickets. Irfan Pathan was adjudged "Man of the Match".

Australia's dream winning streak came to an end, when they failed to seek a world record of 17 consecutive test wins. Now, Ricky Ponting's team would have to start afresh. From the Day 1, India est