Kotla Test: Australia reach 338/4 at Stumps, Kumble injured

Breaking News! Australia replied strongly to India's first innings total of 613/7, as they reached 338/4 at stumps on third day of the Kotla test. Australian batsmen did not have difficulties to handle the bowling attack on a flat batting track that offered little help to the bowlers. To add India's woes, skipper Anil Kumble, who always have a great outing at Kotla, injured his finger and could not bowl in the afternoon.

Matthew Hayden and Simon Katich added 123 runs for the first wicket. Hayden scored 83, while Katich made 64. Ricky Ponting too found his form and scored 87. Hussey made 54. Interestingly, part-time bowler Virender Sehwag took 3 wickets, while Amit Mishra claimed 1 wicket. At stumps, Clarke and Watson were batting on 21 and 4 respectively.

Gambhir's ban may be justified, but Watson let off with mild penalty

--By Rohit Raj

Irrespective of the allegations and racism charges levelled against match referee Chris Broad, one would definitely admit that Gautam Gambhir committed a serious blunder by elbowing Shane Watson in Kotla test. People can claim that Gambhir was provoked. But they must know that this is the kind of cricket Australians have been playing for long and that's why they have emerged as champs.

Kangaroos always target the players who are in best form. Remember, how they targeted Harbhajan Singh in last series. Now they have targeted Gautam Gambhir, who tormented them in this series. Aussies knew that Gambhir would fall prey to their trap because of short temper and that happened too. Gambhir should have known that any physical contact against the rival players would leave him in deep trouble. This is not at all permissible as per the ICC Code of Conduct.

Gambhir was once fined for an on-field spat with Shahid Afridi. One test match ban on Gautam Gambhir may be justified, but Shane Watson should not have been left with such a mild punishment (just 10% of his match fee). It will send a wrong message to the cricket community and will boost the morale of cunning Aussies. They know where to hit and how to get away with it. The Australians deserve "kudos" for fooling the world including rival players, umpires and match referees. They know what they are doing. They always have the last laugh.

Gautam Gambhir banned for One Test Match

Breaking News! Match referee Chris Broad (England) favoured Kangaroos while hearing the on-field spat between Gautam Gambhir and Shane Watson. While Chris Broad imposed a fine of 10% of his match fee on Shane Watson, he went on to ban in-form Gautam Gambhir for one test match, who has been tormenting the Australians in the series by his brilliant batting display. The one test match ban means Gambhir won't be playing in the fourth test match in Nagpur.

Gambhir has already scored one double century, one century and two half centuries in this series. It is shocking that Watson was let off with a mild punishment, even though he started the fight and provoked Gambhir to get into the brawl. It could be an "error of judgement" on the part of Chris Broad or "intentional". It's an irony that Indian and Pakistani players are always punished harder than Australians and English players. The Australian players always start the fight, but get away with mild punishment because of these umpires and referees who are always biased in favour of Australians.

It is not immediately known what course of action BCCI will take on this matter. The public sentiment has turned against the Australians and white match officials. Leading Indian cricketers have condemned the ban on Gambhir and ridiculed the 10% match fee fine on Shane Watson. Ironically, Zaheer Khan was fined 50% of his match fee during the Mohali Test for the same offence.

The issue is likely to be snowballed into a major controversy, thanks to irresponsible and biased hearing of a match referee. While nobody gives Gambhir a clean chit, there is no doubt that punishment meted out to him is harsh as compared to that of Shane Watson. In addition, the match referee should have pulled up the Kangaroos for provoking Indian players without any reason. Dear Aussies, play well to win. Sledging and dirty tactics of provocation won't help you to win against the formidable Indian side. You are no longer World Champion, admit it or not....

Shane Watson fined 10 per cent of match fee, Decision on Gambhir tomorrow

Breaking News! The on-field spat between Gautam Gambhir and Shane Watson, has taken an interesting turn today after the hearing at Kotla. Shane Watson has been fined 10 per cent of his match fee by match referee Chris Broad. The decision on Gautam Gambhir will be taken tomorrow. Both Gambhir and Watson deposed before the match referee in the evening.

According to sources, both players admitted to their mistakes. Since Gautam Gambhir has been charged under Leve 2 offence, he is likely to be handed over a fine 50 - 100 % of his match fee or a one match ban.

Kotla Test: Laxman hits Double Century, India declare at 613/7

Breaking News! India declared their first innings at 613/7 against Australia at Feroz Shah Kotla. Australian bowlers struggled throughout the day, as Indian batsmen piled up 613 by losing just 7 wickets. After Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman scored his second double century of the career and second against Australia. Laxman remained unbeaten on 200. Dhoni made 27, while Zaheer remained unbeaten on 28. Kumble too scored 45. This is for the first time in test history that two Indian batsmen scored double centuries in a single innings.

For Australia, Johnson took 3 wickets, while Watson took two. In reply, Australia made a strong start by finishing the day on 50/0. Katich remained unbeaten on 29, while Hayden was batting on 16. Australia needs 414 runs to avoid a follow-on.

Gautam Gambhir scores maiden Double Century

Breaking News! Gautam Gambir scored his maiden double century at the Firoz Shah Kotla ground. Gambhir achieved the milestone during the third test match between India and Australia. Gambhir later fell to Watson on 206. India were 450/5 when reports last received. Laxman was batting on 138.

Laxman scores Century, as India torment Australia in Kotla

Breaking News! VVS Laxman scored a brilliant century in Kotla to put India on top. Both Gambhir and Laxman resumed the day in style and remained unbeaten at lunch, adding to the trauma of Kangaroos. Laxman scored his 13th test century, which was sixth against the Australians. Gambhir is too nearing his maiden double century. He is unbeaten on 191. At lunch, India were 393/3. Laxman was batting on 104.

Gambhir hits Century, India on Top in Kotla Test

A fine unbeaten century by Gautam Gambhir and classy half centuries by Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman put India on top on the first day of the third test match between India and Australia at Feroz Shah Kotla. India finished the day at 296/3 with Gambhir batting on 149 and Laxman on 54. Gambhir faced 285 balls and hit 20 boundaries and a six. It was Gambhir's 3rd century in test cricket and second against Australia. Gambhir had earlier scored a century in Mohali test.

Earlier, Australia struck early by removing Sehwag and Dravid cheaply, but Gambhir and Sachin stalled Australian onslaught with their 130-run partnership. Tendulkar made 67. For Australia, Johnson took 2 wickets, while Brett Lee claimed one. Gambhir was targeted by Australians throughout the day, but they failed to take his wicket. Gambhir was involved in on-field altercations with Shane Watson and Simon Katich. He hit a six off Watson to complete his century.

Kotla Test: India consolidates after Australia strike twice, Tendulkar scores Fifty

Breaking News! After Australia managed to remove Sehwag and Dravid early, Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir helped India consolidate their innings. Sachin Tendulkar, in particular, was classy and brilliant in shot selections. Sachin scored his half century with 8 solid boundaries. India were 106/2 when reports last received. Sachin Tendulkar was batting on 50, while Gambhir was going strong on 38.

India vs Australia - 3rd Test Match in Kotla - Live

Breaking News! The third test match between India and Australia commenced at Feroz Shah Kotla ground in New Delhi. India won the toss and elected to bat. India's campaign received a jolt, as Virender Sehwag could survive only 2 balls and fell to Brett Lee. Sehwag scored just 1 run. Dravid too did not last long and was out for 11. India were 37/2 in 13.1 overs when reports last came in. Gambhir was batting on 19, while Tendulkar was battin on 6.

Harbhajan unfit, Amit Mishra to play in Kotla Test

Breaking News! Ace spinner Harbhajan Singh has been declared unfit for the third test match between India and Australia to be held in Feroz Shah Kotla today. Leg spinner Amit Mishra will replace him in the playing XI. Skipper Anil Kumble has been declared fit and he will play on his favourite ground.

Anil Kumble fit for Kotla Test, Harbhajan doubtful

Indian skipper Anil Kumble has been declared fit for the third test match to be held between India and Australia at Feroz Shah Kotla, New Delhi on October 29. However, spinner Harbhajan remained doubtful for the match, as he is still recuperating from an injury. If Harbhajan is declared unfit, then Amit Mishra, who took 7 wickets on debut, will get the final nod.

The Kotla pitch is likely to help the spinners and it has been a hunting ground for Anil Kumble. He has taken 55 wickets from 6 test matches here. In the first couple of hours, the pitch may help the seamers. India will go the test with 2 spinners and 2 seamers.

Match-Fixing Row: Dinesh Mongia, Chris Cairns suspended from ICL

The match-fixing scandal is back to haunt Indian cricket. This time, it has targeted BCCI's rival cricket venture ICL (Indian Cricket League). Dinesh Mongia and Chris Cairns have been suspended from the ICL for "under-performance". Both Mongia and Cairns represented Chandigarh Lions. Cairns was the skipper of Chandigarh Lions. South African Andrew Hall was named as the replacement skipper with immediate effect.

While the ICL official maintained silence over this issue, the insider sources revealed about the possible angle of 'match-fixing'. According to sources, the ICL has enough evidence against both players.

India Blue beat India Red to win NKP Salve Challenger Trophy

Breaking News! India Blue beat India Red by 8 wickets to win the NKP Salve Trophy for the second time in a row. In the grand finale held in Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, India Blue dominated India Red in every department of the game. India Red won the toss and elected to bat. But India Blue bowlers did a spectacular job to restrict them to 151 in 43 overs. Badrinath scored 56, while Praveen made 35. For India Blue, Dinda, Ashwin and Irfan took 2 wickets each, while Siddharth Trivedi took 3 wickets.

Chasing a victory target of 152, India Blue had their tasks cut out when openers Uthappa and Rahane added 93 runs for the first wicket. Uthappa was out for 46. He became the top scorer of the tournament with 216 runs. India Blue reached the target in 25.4 overs, losing just 2 wickets. Rahane made 53, while Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 35. Robin Uthappa was declared "Man of the Series".

Adam Gilchrist apologises to Sachin Tendulkar

Under fire from millions of cricket fans across the world, Adam Gilchrist apologised to Sachin Tendulkar over his "liar", "dishonest" and "bad sport" remarks. Gilchrist called up Sachin Tendulkar today and said sorry. Gilchrist also said that his comments were taken out of context.

He assured the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar that he will soon issue a clarification on this issue. Earlier, Gilchrist had called Sachin Tendulkar a "liar", "dishonest", "loser" and a "bad sport" in his soon-to-be published autobiography "True Colors of My Life" over the Harbhajan-Symonds controversy. Gilchrist's remarks created a furore in India and abroad, forcing him to apologise.

Adam Gilchrist calls Sachin Tendulkar "Dishonest" and "Bad Sport"

Breaking News! A sport-loving country of over 1.3 billion people and great cricketers across the world are outraged over the latest remarks made by former Australian wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist. Adam Gilchrist, who was considered as a "saint" in modern day cricket, called legendary Sachin Tendulkar as "dishonest" and "bad sport" in his latest autobiography, "True Colours My Life" which will be released next week.

In his book, "True Colours of My Life", Adam Gilchrist showed his true colours by raking up the racism row between Harbhajan and Symnonds during the Sydney Test. He accused Sachin Tendulkar of lying and being dishonest. According to Adam Gilchrist, Harbhajan Singh had made a racial remark against Andrew Symonds, but was let off with mild punishment only because of Sachin Tendulkar's "false testimony".

Adam Gilchrist, who retired from test cricket recently, not only questioned Sachin Tendulkar's honesty, but also criticised Harbhajan, Indian tea, Indian Board (BCCI) and Australian Board (Cricket Australia) over this issue. Gilchrist's latest tirade against Sachin Tendulkar has upset millions of cricket fans across the globe. Since Gilchrist is the skipper of Hyderabad Deccan Chargers in the IPL, it would be interesting to see, what price he will have to pay for his "irresponsible" and "condemnable" outburst against a legend, who has nothing to prove in cricket.

Challenger Trophy: Uthappa, Irfan guide India Blues to victory over India Red

Robin Uthappa and Irfan Pathan guided defending Champion India Blue to register a 49-runs victory over India Red in the opening match of the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy at the Barabati Stadium, Cuttack. India Blue won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 235/9 in 50 overs, as Uthappa made 94 and Irfan 43. For India Red, Praveen, Balaji and Parmar took 2 wickets each.

Chasing a victory target of 236, India Red bowled out for 186 in 45.3 overs, despite a valiant knock of 89 by M. Vijay. Manoj Tiwari scored 45. Spinner Ashwin took 3 wickets. India Red will meet India Green in the next match today.

Zaheer Khan fined 80% of match fee for violating ICC Code of Conduct

Breaking News! India's fast bowler Zaheer Khan was fined 80 percent of his match fee for violating ICC code of conduct during the second match against Australia in Mohali. Zaheer was charged with the Level 2 offence.

According to the charges, he resorted to a wild and unsporting celebration during Matthew Hayden's dismissal in the second innings. Zaheer allegedly shouted at Hayden in an aggressive manner. Match referee Chris Broad had summoned Zaheer Khan, who pleaded guilty to the charges and apologized.

India win Mohali Test by 320 runs, as Kangaroos surrender without a fight

Breaking News! India won the second test match against Australia in Mohali by 320 runs. Chasing a victory target of 516, Australia surrendered without a fight and bundled out for just 195 runs. Michael Clarke was the top scorer with 69. Haddin scored 37, while M Johnson contributed 26.

For India, Zaheer and Harbhajan took 3 wickets each, while Ishant and Amit Mishra took 2 wickets each. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was declared "Man of the Match". India now lead the four-test match series 1-0.

Scores: India 469 & 314/3 declared, Australia 268 & 195

Mohali Test: Clarke, Haddin lead Aussies Fightback

At one stage it looked like if Australia is making a determined effort to chase the victory target of 516 set by India. Hayden and Katich added 49 runs from the first seven overs. Both Zaheer and Ishant were punished. Then came the Turbanator - Harbhajan Singh. He yet again proved to be Australia's tormentor and removed Hayden and Katich in the very first over he bowled. Australia went to tea on 50/2.

After the tea break, Harbhajan struck again. This time, Hussey became his victim. Australia 52/3. Then came Ishant Sharma. He claimed his bonny - Ricky Ponting. Australia 52/4. Five overs later, Ishant struck again by removing Watson. Australia were tottering at 58/5. But it was not end of the road for the Kangaroos, who are known for their fighting spirit.

M Clarke and Brad Haddin denied Indian bowlers any more wicket and helped Australia close at 141/5. The duo added an unbeaten 83 runs for the 6th wicket. Clarke remained unbeaten on 42, while Haddin remained not out on 37. Hayden made 29. For India, Harbhajan bagged 3 wickets, while Ishant Sharma claimed 2 wickets.

Mohali Test: India set a Victory Target of 516 for Australia

Breaking News! Only a miracle can save Australia in Mohali Test! Resuming from 230/2 at lunch, India declared their second innings at 314/3 just one hour after lunch. Dhoni remained unbeaten on 68, while Ganguly made 27. Sachin Tendulkar remained not out on 10. For Australia, Lee, Siddle and White took 1 wicket each. Chasing a victory target of 516, Australia were 17/0 in 3 overs when reports last came in.

Mohali Test: Gambhir scores Cenntury, Sehwag made 90

The Indian onslaught continued in the Mohali Test. Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag made a mockery of Australian bowling attack, by adding 182 runs for the first wicket. Sehwag failed to score a well-deserved century and perished at 90. Gambhir went on to score a fine century and was out for 104.

India went to lunch at 230/2. Dhoni remained unbeaten on 26, while Ganguly was batting on 3. India extended their lead to 431 and is expected to declare the innings after setting a victory target of 500+ for Australia.

Amit Mishra - The Future of Indian Spin Attack?

After Sourav Ganguly's retirement from test cricket, there is a talk about the possible retirement of other senior players like Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Anil Kumble has already lost his form and fitness and if we believe the sources, he may step down soon after the ongoing test series against Australia.

The big question was who will fill into Anil Kumble's shoes and take Indian spin tradition ahead. The second test between India and Australia in Mohali provided a definite answer to this question. Amit Mishra, the leg spinner from Haryana has emerged as the strong contender to carry on Kumble's legacy ahead. Amit Mishra impressed all on his debut match against mighty Australia and bagged five wickets in the first innings. He even looked more lethal than seasoned spinner Harbhajan Singh.

Amit Mihsra, who was supposed to make his debut against the West Indies in 2002, finally got his chance in Mohali after Kumble sat out of injury. Kumble's injury came as a blessing in disguise for Amit Mishra, who took up the challenge and proved his mettle.

Amit Mishra, born on November 24, 1982 in Delhi, has been an integral part of Haryana cricket team even though played for Delhi in the beginning. He also played for Delhi DareDevils in the last IPL tournament and bagged a hattrick. Amit played only 3 ODIs so far and has taken just two wickets. He always struggled to win an Indian cap in the presence of Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla and Pragyan Ojha.

Amit Mishra has an impressive Twenty20 record, as he has taken 26 wickets from 15 matches with a career-best of 5/17. Amit Mishra's journey to Indian team was full of hurdles. Even though he has performed above expectations in Mohali test and may play havoc in the second innings too, it is not sure whether he will get a chance to play in the 3rd test match in Delhi.

Skipper Anil Kumble, who is recovering from injury, is expected to be fit for the Delhi test. In that case, Amit Mishra may have to sit out to make way for Kumble. The selectors may not show courage to drop Harbhajan Singh against Australia. This is the biggest irony of Indian cricket. Whether Amit Mishra gets a chance to play in Delhi test or not, there is little doubt that he would be a force to reckon with in near future. It seems India finally got a replacement of Anil Kumble.

Mohali Test, Day 3: India extends lead to 301, Sehwag, Gambhir shine

The results of the second test match between India and Australia in Mohali is going to be a foregone conclusion. After taking a lead of 201 runs over Australia in the first innings, India continued their onslaught by ending the day 3 on 100/0.

India now has a lead of 301 with all 10 wickets remaining intact. Virender Sehwag remained unbeaten on 53 off 71 balls, while Gambhir remained not out on 46 off 68 balls. India is expected to score runs at a faster pace tomorrow and declare the innings after extending the lead to 470 - 500 runs.

Australia bowled out for 268, Amit Mishra bags 5 Wickets on debut

Breaking News! Debutant Amit Mishra bagged 5 wickets, as Australia failed to save follow-on by just 2 runs. Australia bowled out for 268. However, India did not enforce the follow-on and decided to bat again. Australia batsmen struggled throughout the innings and could not handle the Indian spin attack.

Watson was the top scorer with 78, while Hussey made 54. Brett Lee contributed 35. For India, Amit Mishra took 5 wickets, while Ishant and Harbhajan took 2 wickets each. Zaheer claimed the prized wicket of Matthew Hayden. India now has a first-innings lead of 201 runs.

End of Day 2, India on command in Mohali Test

It seems that Australians have lost the spirit to fight. This is not the Australian team we have eulogized for years. The Day 2 of Mohali test belonged to India, as Australia was forced into defensive. Earlier in the day, India bowled out for 469, riding on Sourav Ganguly's 102 and Dhoni's explosive 92 (includes 8 boundaries and 4 sixes). For Australia, Johnson and Siddle took 3 wickets each, while White took 2 wickets.

Australia made a disastrous start in their first innings, as Matthew Hayden became Zaheer Khan's victim for the third time in a row. Hayden lasted only three balls and could not open his account. It was his second duck in three innings. Ricky Ponting made only 5, as he fell to Ishant Sharma. Debutant Amit Mishra bagged the prized wickets of Simon Katich (33) and M Clarke (22). Hussey remained unbeaten on 37. Australia finished the day on 102/4. The Kangaroos need 270 runs to avoid a follow-on.

Sourav Ganguly scores 16th Test Century in Mohali

India finds themselves in a commanding position against Australia in the Mohali Test, thanks to timely knocks from Sourav Ganguly and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Sourav Ganguly scored his 16th test century and answered his critics by his consistent performance in this series. Resuming from the overnight score of 311/5, India lost night watchman Ishant early, but Ganguly and Dhoni batted superbly and added an unbeaten 100-runs for the seventh wicket.

Ganguly went on to complete his 16th century with a boundary off Cameroon White, while Dhoni, who batted explosively, scored his 10th test fifty. He did not last long after scoring the century and fell at 102. White took the wicket. India were 435 /7 when reports last came in. Dhoni was batting on 62.

Sachin becomes first Cricketer to complete 12,000 runs in Test Cricket

Sachin Tendulkar achieved yet another milestone by becoming the first cricketer to complete 12,000 runs in test cricket. He made 88 in the first innings of Mohali test against Australia. Sachin was looking all set to score his 40th test century, but he fell towards the end of day's play. Debutant Siddle took his wicket. Sourav Ganguly too completed 7,000 runs in test cricket. He still remains unbeaten on 54, as India finished the day on 311/5.

Earlier, India was on verge of a batting collapse and slumped to 163/4 from 146/1. Gambhir made 67, while Sehwag and Dravid scored 35 and 39 respectively. Laxman managed to score just 12. Sachin and Sourav added 142 runs for the fifth wicket. For Australia, Johnson claimed 3 wickets. India is in command now and will be looking forward to score 500 in the first innings so that they could put pressure on the Aussies.

Sachin Tendulkar becomes leading Scorer in Test Cricket

Breaking News! Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar created history in Mohali test, when he surpassed Brian Lara's 11,953 runs to become the highest run-getter in test cricket. Sachin Tendulkar achieved this milestone in his 152nd test match. Brian Lara had taken only 131 tests to score his 11,953 runs. Read more here...

Kumble unfit, Dhoni takes charge in Mohali Test, Amit Mishra makes debut

As expected, India's test skipper Anil Kumble was declared unfit for the second test between India and Australia in Mohali. ODI skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni became the captain of India in Mohali test. Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first. Leg spinner Amit Mishra made his debut for India. For Australia, fast bowler PM Siddle replaced injured Stuart Clark.

Gambhir and Sehwag added 70 runs for the first wicket. Sehwag was out for 35. Gambhir went on to score a half century. He is still batting on 53 off 90 balls. India were 104/1 just after lunch. Dravid was batting on 11. All eyes are on Sachin Tendulkar, who needs just 15 runs to become the highest run scorer in Test Cricket. He is just 14 runs short of Brian Lara, who has scored 11,953 runs. Sachin has scored 11,939 runs so far.

India played it safe, Bangalore Test ends in a Draw

Breaking News! The first cricket test match between India and Australia in Bangalore ended in a tame draw, as Indian batsmen played it safe in the second innings. They did not try to win the match; rather they played to salvage a draw.

Earlier in the morning, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting made a brave declaration and set India a victory target of 299 from 82 overs. However, India got themselves on back foot after losing Sehwag and Dravid cheaply. Tendulkar and Laxman played it safe to prevent any further damage. Tendulkar was out for 49, while Laxman made an unbeaten 42.

Sourav Ganguly remained unbeaten on 26. India finished on 177/4 in 73 overs. Zaheer Khan was declared "Man of the Match" for his all-round performance. Although the match ended in a draw, Australia won the heart and India drew flak for failing to live up to the expectations.

Australia's bold declaration puts India on mat in Bangalore Test

Breaking News! Putting all speculations into rest, Australia's skipper Ricky Ponting declared the second innings at 228/6. Watson was out for 41, while Haddin remained unbeaten on 35. For India, Ishant Sharma took 3 wickets, while Harbhajan claimed 2 wickets. Chasing a victory target of 289 to win, India lost Sehwag and Dravid cheaply. India were 25/2 when reports last came in. Gambhir and Tendulkar were batting on 12 and 1 respectively.

Bangalore Test heading for an exciting finish on 5th Day

The first test match between India and Australia in Bangalore is heading for an exciting finish on the fifth day tomorrow, with both teams matching each other ball by ball. India resumed their first innings from 313/8 and bowled out for 360. Zaheer Khan was the man of the moment for India, as he remained unbeaten on 57. Johnson took 4 wickets, while Watson claimed 3 wickets.

With a lead of 70 runs in the first innings, Australia started their second innings, by losing Hayden and Ponting cheaply. Katich and Hussey scored 34 and 31 respectively. At one stage, Australia were 127/5. However, Haddin and Watson steadied the Australian innings. At close, Australia were 192/5. Watson remained unbeaten on 32, while Haddin remained unbeaten on 27. For India, Ishant and Harbhajan took 2 wickets each. Zaheer claimed Hayden's wicket.

The test match is heading for an exciting finish now. India have lost 4 of their last 6 test matches here. They haven't won any test match in Bangalore since 1995. It would be interesting to see how long Australia bat on and when do they declare their innings. They have a lead of 262 runs with 5 wickets in hand. A victory target of 350 for India in just two sessions may put Australia in the driver's seat.

Bangalore Test: Harbhajan, Zaheer fight back after Australian bowlers strikes

The title may force people to believe that Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan struck with their bowling against the Australians. But that was not the case. The Indian tail enders rescued India from a disastrous batting collapse against the visiting Aussies.

In reply to Australia's 430, India began the Day 3 from 68/0 and lost wicksts at regular intervals. Sehwag was out for 45, while Gambhir made 21. Sachin Tendulkar failed yet again and perished at 13. VVS Laxman was the biggest disappointment, as he failed to open his scoring. Dravid and Ganguly batted sensibly to do the damage control. Dravid was out for 51. Ganguly fought hard to score 47.

Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan stopped the Australia onslaught led by MG Johnson and added 80 runs for the eighth wicket. Harbhajan made 54, while Zaheer remained unbeaten on 35. India finished the day on 313/8. Johnson took 4 wickets, while Watson claimed 2 wickets. India still trails 117 runs behind Australia with just two wickets in hand.

Bangalore Test: Hussey scores Century, as Australia piles up 430

Mike Hussey played a brilliant knock of 146 to help Australia reach a commanding total of 430 in the first innings of Bangalore Test. Hussey joined Ponting, who had scored 123 in the first innings. For India, Zaheer Khan took 5 wickets, while Ishant Sharma bagged 4 wickets. Harbhajan Singh claimed 1 wicket.

In reply, India began on a positive note and reached 68/0 at stumps. Virender Sehwag remained unbeaten on 43 off 55 balls. Gautam Gambhir was batting on 20. Australian bowlers bowled 18.1 overs, but failed to make any impact on the Indian openers.

Sourav Ganguly: Constant Humiliation forced me to retire

Breaking News! On the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami or Dassehra, India's most successful skipper Sourav Ganguly dropped a bombshell in his interview to Aajkal, a Bangla Daily. Sourav said he was humiliated again and again, which forced him to announce retirement from cricket. He lashed out former selectors who did not even select him for the Irani Trophy. "It hurt me, when I was not chosen for Irani Trophy", said Sourav.

In a surprising development, Sourav Ganguly smammed MS Dhoni saying, some cricketers have changed their hairstyle more than they have scored. "I was tired of the constant humiliation. I was singled out and targeted everytime, even though many players scored less than me", said Ganguly.

"I gave everything to my country. I was India's most successful test captain. But I felt really hurt that I was targeted again and again. I played badly in just one series. There are players who haven't scored in the last three series for India, even for the last one year. But they are still playing in the team. I don't want to play cricket at the mercy of others", said Sourav Ganguly.

Sourav Ganguly hailed the new selection committee led by Krishnamachari Srikkanth, saying, "If this (selection) committee had come three years earlier, the situation would have been slightly better for me".

Bangalore Test: Ponting hits Century, Australia ends the day at 254/4

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting defied the myth that he does not perform well against India. This time, Ponting has a mission and he showed it on the very first day of Bangalore Test. Ricky Pnting hit a century to help Australia reach 254/4 at stumps. Ponting scored 123, while Katich made 66. Mike Hussey remained unbeaten on 46. For India, Zaheer claimed two wickets.

Bangalore Test: Australia fights back after Hayden's Loss

The much-awaited test series between India and Australia finally began in Bangalore. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. Zaheer Khan drew the first blood by removing Matthew Hayden in the very first over. However, Australia fought back with Ponting and Katich striking form. Australia were 153/1 when reports last came in. Ponting was batting on 92 while Katich was batting on 62. Cameroon White makes his debut for Australia.

Sourav Ganguly to retire from Cricket after Australia Series

Breaking News! Proving media speculations right, India's successful test skipper Sourav Ganguly announced his retirement from cricket. Ganguly dropped the bombshell today, by saying he would say good bye to cricket at the end of series against Australia. Ganguly said he has already conveyed his decision to selectors and his team mates. "I want to leave on a winning note", said Sourav. Read more here...

Practice Match between Australia and Board President's XI ends in Draw

The four-day match between visiting Australia and Board President's XI in Hyderabad ended in a draw, but Indian youngsters delivered in every department of the game and proved that they are in reckoning for the future. Australia narrowly avoided the follow-on in the first innings, thanks to Mike Hussey's timely century.

Australia could manage 314 in reply to Board Presdent's XI's 455 in the first innings. The Australian bowling attack looked very weak, as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma slammed centuries in the first innings. Australian batsmen failed to read India's young spinners Piyush Chawla and Pragyan Ojha. Only Mike Hussey was an exception. He ensured that Australia gets a respectable score. Hussey made 126 in Australia's first innings total of 314. Chawla bagged 5 wickets, while Ojha took 3 wickets.

Indian batsmen continued to dominate in the second innings and declared at 292/4. Yuvraj Singh made 113 and punished the Australian bowlers with his explosive shots. He hit 7 boundaries and 7 sixes. Jaffer made 93. Chasing a victory target of 434, Australia finished at 127/2 in 38 overs. Ponting remained unbeaten on 58.

Sourav Ganguly included in Test Squad for Australia Series

Putting all speculations and rumors into rest, the Indian selectors included Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman in the 15-member test squad for the first two matches against Australia. S Badrinath and Amit Mishra also got the nod. Ganguly's inclusion in the team was debated across the country in the past two days. Finally, the selectors showed faith in him and other senior cricketers. Read more here.

Indian Team:

Anil Kumble (c), Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, S Badrinath, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, RP Singh, Munaf Patel, Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra