Cricket Buzz

ODI Squad for Sri Lanka: Sachin, Zaheer retun; Parthiv, Virat get nod

2008-08-07T13:19:00.004+05:30

Breaking News! Indian selectors announced a 16-member squad for the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Dhoni has been retained as the skipper of the team. Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan returned to the team, while Parthiv Patel and Munaf Patel have been recalled. India's U-19 captain, Virat Kohli is the only new face in the team. The team was announced by BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah. Mr. Niranjan Shah also announced a 15-member team for the Champions Trophy.

Ishant Sharma has been rested for Sri Lanka series so that he can replace Munaf Patel in the Champions Trophy. Parthiv Patel has been dropped out of the 15-member Champions Trophy squad. S Sreesanth, who has not yet recovered from an injury, will miss both Sri Lanka series and Champions Trophy.

The Team for ODI Series in Sri Lanka:

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Yuvraj Singh (VC), Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Parthiv Patel, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Zaheer Khan, Virat Kohli, Pragyan Ojha, Praveen Kumar, RP Singh and Munaf Patel.

The Team for Champions Trophy in Pakistan:

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Yuvraj Singh (VC), Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Ishant Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Zaheer Khan, Virat Kohli, Pragyan Ojha, Praveen Kumar, RP Singh.

MS Dhoni gets Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award

2008-08-04T18:36:00.003+05:30

India's ODI and Twenty20 skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been chosen for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. which is considered as the country's highest sports award. Dhoni is the second cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar to receive Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.

The committee headed by legendary sportsperson Milkha Singh, chose Dhoni out of a set of nominations. The BCCI has welcomed the decision after Rahul Dravid missed out on the award on a previous occasion, although he was a deserving candidate to win it.

India win Galle Test by 170 runs, level Test Series

2008-08-03T16:41:00.002+05:30

Breaking News! India avenged their defeat at Colombo by winning the Galle Test by a comprehensive margin of 170 runs. Chasing a victory target of 307, Sri Lanka bowled out for a paltry 136 in the second innings.

At one stage, they were 130/5, but lost five remaining wickets in just 6 runs. Samaraweera remained unbeaten on 68, while Dilashan made 38. Harbhajan Singh took 4 wickets, while Ishant Sharma took 3 wickets. Anil Kumble too took 2 wickets. Harbhajan took 10 wickets in the match.

With this win, India levelled the three-test match series 1-1 with one match to go. India, high on confidence, can expect to turn it on Sri Lanka again and win the series 2-1. Virender Sehwag, who scored 201* and 50 in the Galle test, was declared "Man of the Match". The third test match will be played at Colombo.

Galle Test: India bowls out for 269, Sri Lanka needs 307 to win

2008-08-03T11:26:00.003+05:30

India resumed their second innings at 200/4 and could manage only 69 runs this morning. The Indian team bowled out for 269, setting a victory target of 307 for Sri Lanka. For Sri Lanka, Mendis took 4 wickets, while Murali bagged 3 wickets. It was Mendis' first 10-wicket haul in a test match. He had taken 6 wickets in the first innings.

Since the Galle wicket is slowing down with massive turn, it would not be easy for the Sri Lankan batsmen to win by scoring in excess of 307. History favours India, as no team has scored more than 250 in the fourth innings to win the match here. The average fourth innings total at Galle remains 160. Only a miracle can help Sri Lanka win the test match here. There is no doubt that India has an upper hand in this test.

According to latest reports, Sri Lanka lost three quick wickets with only 10 runs on board. Ishant Sharma dealt a lethal blow to Sri Lanka by claiming two wickets, while Zaheer bagged one wicket. Sri Lanka were 16/3 when reports last came in.

Team India raise questions on Umpires' Referral System

2008-08-02T19:31:00.002+05:30

The newly introduced Umpires' Referral System or "Review" has gone into controversy, as Team India raised strong questions on its effectiveness. Ironically, India, which became the first country to use the review system, has been the worst sufferer with too many bad decision went against them.

Rahul Dravid was unlucky to given out through referral system in the both innings of the second test at Galle. In the second innings, the TV Umpire ruled him out after 3 minutes 56 seconds, even though there was no conclusive evidence to suggest that he was out. Team India has raised objections on the time taken by the TV umpire to take a decision and urged the match referee to fix a time limit for the review.

Galle Test: Twists and Turns continue, Match evenly poised

2008-08-02T18:18:00.002+05:30

Twists and turns continued for the third consecutive day in Galle Test, as nobody looked set to win the match, although India still holds an edge. In reply to India's first innings total of 329, Sri Lanka bowled out for 292. Jayawardene was the top scorer with 86. For India, Harbhajan took 6 wickets, while Kumble took 3.

Sehwag and Gambhir yet again gave a solid start to India in the second innings. Both openers added 90 runs for the first wicket. Sehwag fell for 50, while Gambhir made 74. India were 200/2 towards the end of the play. However, Sri Lankan bowlers struck at the death, by removing well set batsmen Tendulkar (31) and Dravid (44). India were 200/4 at stumps with Laxman and Ganguly batting without opening their accounts.

India now have 237 runs lead over Sri Lanka with 6 wickets remaining. If they manage to add 100 more runs tomorrow, then it will be tough for Sri Lanka to make a come back on this turning and wearing track. However, if they bowl out remaining Indian batsmen cheaply, they will still have a good chance.

Harbhajan strikes, Galle Test evenly poised

2008-08-01T21:15:00.002+05:30

India's ace spinner Harbhajan Singh brought India back into the game at Galle Test, with his triple strike after tea time. In reply to India's first innings total of 329, Sri Lanka finished the day on 215/5. Malinda Warnapura scored 66, while Sangakkara made 68. Skipper Mahela Jayawardene remained unbeaten on 46. Harbhajan took 4 wickets, while Zaheer took 1 wicket.

The Galle test is now evenly poised with India seeking to claim the remaining 5 Lankan wickets as soon as possible and put the pressure back on the Lankans. Sri Lanka would try to surpass India's first innings total and expose the Indian batsmen to Murali and Mendis' spin attack.

Former Test Cricketer Ashok Mankad passes away

2008-08-01T12:41:00.002+05:30

Former Test cricketer Ashok Mankad, died in his sleep at his Worli residence in Mumbai. He was 61. Mankad played 22 Tests and scored 991 runs on an average of 25.41. His career best score was 97 against Australia. Ashok Mankad played his last test match at Sydney on 1978.

Ashok Mankad was survived by his wife and two sons. His wife Nirupama was a national tennis champion. Their son Harsh Mankad is a member of current Indian Tennis team. Ashok Mankad was the son of legendary cricketer Vinoo Mankad.

Sehwag scores Double Century, but Mendis triggers Indian Collapse

2008-08-01T12:36:00.003+05:30

Virender Sehwag scored yet another double century in test cricket, but India failed to capitalize on his great performance. Ajantha Mendis struck again with his maiden 5-wicket haul. Mendis took 6 wickets, as India bowled out for 329. Sehwag remained unbeaten on 201.

It was Sehwag's 5th double century in test cricket - most by any Indian batsman. Laxman made 30. Muralitharan and Vaas took 2 wickets each. It would be interesting to see how the Sri Lankan batsmen negotiate Indian spinners on a slow and turning wicket.

Dravid's Dismissal in Galle Test triggers controversy

2008-07-31T19:17:00.000+05:30

After scoring an aggressive century against Sri Lanka, Virender Sehwag took on Sri Lankan players and questioned their sportsmanship over Rahul Dravid's dismissal. According to TV replay, before landing in the hands of Warnapura, the ball touched his helmet. So, technically, Dravid was not out. But Warnapura appealed and Dravid left the field without a second thought.

Although Sehwag questioned Sri Lankan players' sportsmanship, Dravid himself to blame, as he did not use Referral System and went away. Even Sehwag did not bother to brief on this. Experts will definitely give a clean chit to Sri Lankan players and will blame both Dravid and Sehwag for the mess.

Sehwag scores Century, India lose early advantage

2008-07-31T19:01:00.003+05:30

Rain played a spoilsport to India's plans of getting a big total in the first innings of Galle Test. Openers and Virender Sehwag added 167 runs for the first wicket with Sehwag completing his 15th test century. When they were going great, rain stopped play for more than 4 hours. When play resumed, the wicket and weather conditions changed completely. Gambhir was the first man to go on 56. Mendis claimed his wicket. Dravid did not last long and was out for 2. He yet again fell to Ajantha Mendis.

Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly too disappointed. Sachin was out for 5, while Ganguly was for a duck. Both batsmen fell to Vaas. India lost 4 crucial wickets in the span of just 11 runs. When bad light stopped play, India were 214/4. Sehwag was batting on 128 and Laxman remained unbeaten on 13. Sehwag and Laxman are the last recognising batting pair and India is hoping them to hang on and help the team to get a respectable total.

Sehwag, Gambhir fire, India off to a strong start in Galle Test

2008-07-31T11:54:00.006+05:30

Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir took the shine out of the new ball bowled by Sri Lankan pace bowlers and effectively negotiated the lethal spinners Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis. Sehwag, in particular, was aggressive. He showed no mercy to Ajantha Mendis and Muralitharan. At lunch, India reached 151/0 with both openers completed their half centuries. Sehwag was batting on 91 off 82 balls, while Gambhir remained unbeaten on 50. This is the highest ever total in the first session on Day 1 in Galle.

Indian players look more determined and stubborn after the humiliating defeat in the first test match at Colombo. They are looking forward to avenge the defeat and salvage their lost pride. If India manages to score in excess of 500 runs in the first innings, they would be able to put pressure on Lankan batsmen.

Galle Test: India wins Toss, elects to bat first

2008-07-31T10:27:00.002+05:30

Breaking News! The battle of Galle begins. While Sri Lanka is looking forward to win the series here, India is seeking to avenge the humiliating defeat at Colombo and salvage its lost pride. In a highly turning wicket, India won the toss and elected to bat first. India did not make any changes to the squad that played in the first test. India were 12/0 when reports last came in.

BCCI defies ICC, to hold Champions Twenty20 League in September

2008-07-30T20:43:00.003+05:30

Defying the ICC and its directives, the BCCI formally announced that Champions Twenty20 League will be held in India on September 29 and will run till October 8. According to BCCI sources, four foreign teams and two Indian teams have confirmed participation in the tournament. The two Indian teams that will take part in the tournament are Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. Other teams that have confirmed their participation are Victoria and Western Australia (Australia) and Dolphins and Titans (South Africa).

Pakistan's Sialkot and England's Middlesex have been invited to take part in the Twenty20 Champions League. However, Middlesex may not participate, as ECB is planning to hold its own T20 Champions League. In that case, another team from Pakistan could be invited. The prize money has been increased from US$ 5 million to US$ 6 million. The BCCI has shortlisted three venues - Mohali, Jaipur and Delhi for the tournament.

Shame and Humiliation in Colombo, Muralitharan and Mendis maul India

2008-07-26T17:59:00.003+05:30

Millions of cricket fans in India can chant only "shame" "shame", as Indian cricket team suffered a humiliating innings defeat against Sri Lanka in the first cricket test match. Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajanta Mendis destroyed Indian batting line-up with their spin and shared 19 out of 20 wickets.

Murali took 11 wickets, while debutant Mendis proved his worth by bagging 8 wickets in the match. He claimed the wickets of great batsmen Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman in both innings. Muralitharan, who took 11 wickets in the match won the 19th 'Man of the Match' of his career.

Chasing Sri Lanka's first innings score of 600/6, India could manage only 223 in the first innings and had to follow-on. VVS Laxman was the top scorer with 56. Murali took 5 wickets, while Mendis took 4 wickets. Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jaywardene enforced follow-on and India had to bat again.

India's experienced batsmen, who boasted of taking on Murali and Mendis, were seen dancing like kids on the pitch, as they failed to read these spinners. In the second innings, India bowled out for a meagre 138 and lost the match by an innings and 239 runs. Gambhir was the top scorer with 43, while Laxman made 21. For Sri Lanka, Murali took 6 wickets, while Mendis bagged 4 wickets. Indian batsmen and bowlers failed miserably and proved that they were too old to take up the challenge.

Indian Batsmen collapse in Sri Lanka, Follow-on likely

2008-07-25T22:23:00.002+05:30

If the weather god does not help, India is all set for an embarrassing defeat in the first cricket test match against Sri Lanka. Sri Lankja piled up 600/6 and declared their innings. Dilshan also scored a century. He was the fourth Sri Lankan batsman to score a century in the first innings. Dilshan remained unbeaten on 125.

In reply, Indian batsmen batted disastrously and surrendered to Muralidharan's spin bowling. Most batsmen started well, but perished when they looked set. Gambhir made 39, while Sehwag scored 25. Tendulkar and Ganguly scored 27 and 23 respectively. India were 159/6 when bad light stopped play. Laxman was batting on 19.

For Sri Lanka, Muralidharan took 4 wickets, while Mendis and Kulasekara took 1 wicket each. India is all set to suffer a follow-on in the first innings and then lose the match by an innings margin. Only a miracle can save India.

Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan, ICC Task Force to evaluate Security

2008-07-24T18:53:00.002+05:30

Putting all speculations and rumours into rest, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided that ICC Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan as per the schedule. The decision was taken after the PCB assured the ICC about safety and security of the players.

The ICC has formed a Task Force, which will evaluate security in Pakistan before the tournament and a decision will be taken as per their findings. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) thanked India for its unequivocal support on hosting the Champions Trophy, even as many countries turned against it due to security concerns.

Sri Lanka in Command in First Test,Three Batsmen score Centuries

2008-07-24T18:25:00.003+05:30

Riding on three centuries, Sri Lanka reached a commanding position at the end of the second day's play during the first cricket test match between India and Sri Lanka. Malinda Warnapura scored his maiden test century (115), while skipper Mahela Jayawardene made 136. Thilan Samaraweera remained unbeaten on 111. Sri Lanka finished the day at 422/4. Only two wickets fell during the day, which were shared by Ishant Sharma and Harbhajan Singh. None of the Indian bowlers could make any impact, as Sri Lankan batsmen made merry.

Indian Skipper Anil Kumble created history by becoming the first cricketer to use the Umpires' Referral System. Kumble appealed against the decision of umpire Mark Benson, who turned down a leg-before appeal against Malinda Warnapura off Harbhajan Singh. However, Kumble's appeal was unsuccessful, as the TV umpire Rudi Koertzen upheld Benson's decision.

India later appealed against another decision, but it was too turned down by the TV umpire. For Sri Lanka, Dilshan appealed against a caught-behind decision and won the decision in his favour. That decision was controversial and it raised questions on the efficiency of the Umpires' Referral System.

Ajantha Mendis makes Test Debut, Sri Lanka 85/2 at Stumps

2008-07-24T00:22:00.002+05:30

Rain and bad weather played a spoilsport in the much-awaited first cricket test match between India and Sri Lanka. Play was possible for only 22 overs. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Ajantha Mendis made his test debut.

Sri Lanka lost its first wicket with only 7 runs on board. Ishant Sharma bagged MG Vandort's wicket. Zaheer claimed the prize wicket of Kumara Sangakkara. At that stage, Sri Lanka were 57/2. Sri Lanka finally finished the day at 85/2. BSM Warnapura remained unbeaten on 50. Jayawardene was batting on 16.

Rain delays Test Match between India and Sri Lanka

2008-07-23T15:05:00.002+05:30

Heavy rain and overcast conditions delayed the first cricket test match between India and Sri Lanka to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground, Colombo. It is expected that match would start at 3.30 PM, but no official words have been received in this regard.

The test series has become significant, as it would be played under the new law, which will allow the players to refer umpires' decisions if they are not satisfied. The fielding and batting sides will be allowed three unsuccessful appeals to the umpire per innings. These appeals can be made only by the batsman or the captain of the fielding side.

The players would make a "T" sign with both forearms at shoulder height to indicate that they want to appeal against the decision. The on-field umpire then consult with the TV umpire before taking a final decision. The new Umpires' Referral System will apply only to the Test series.

Breaking News! Mohammad Asif failed dope test during IPL

2008-07-14T18:49:00.003+05:30

Breaking News! Pakistani pace bowler Mohammad Asif found himself in fresh controversy, after it was confirmed that he failed the dope test conducted by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) during the recently concluded IPL. The news was confirmed by IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi.

Asif was earlier banned for using banned substance Nanderlone in 2006, but later he was let off by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Last month, Asif was caught at Dubai Airport for keeping opium. He was later released after PCB used its diplomatic channels to ensure his release. Asif had to spend 19 days in Dubai Police custody. The Pakistan Cricket Board is accused of shielding Asif time and again although he was found guilty on more than one occasion. It now needs to take a tough stand on the controversial pace bowler.

Meanwhile, Asif has denied that he had taken any banned substance and raised questions on the timing of the report. He said he is yet to receive any formal communication from the PCB in this regard. If found guilty, Asif may face a two-year ban, as he has been continuously violating the code of conduct of the ICC and brought shame to cricket.

Ajantha Mendis promoted as Second Lieutenant in Sri Lankan Army

2008-07-10T14:06:00.002+05:30

After decimating Indian strong batting line-up in the Asia Cup final at Karachi, Ajantha Mendis is on a new high. He was given a hero's welcome by the Sri Lankan crowd and media. Ajantha Mendis, who was working as a gunner with Sri Lankan Army, has been promoted as a Second Lieutenant. He was promoted five ranks in the army by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse.

Mendis, who has emerged as the most difficult bowler to read, took 17 wickets in the Asia Cup including a career best 6/13 against the Indians in the final. He had also won the "Man of the Series" award.

Ganguly, Dravid left out of Champions Trophy Probables Squad

2008-07-08T23:59:00.002+05:30

Despite the debacle at Asia Cup 2008, Indian selectors yet again ingnored Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly, while announcing the 30-member probables squad for the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan in September 2008. Some new faces like S Badrinath, Manoj Tiwary, Virat Kohli, Pankaj Singh, Abhishek Nayar and Ravindra Jadeja has been included in the squad.

The Probables List:

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan, Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Robin Uthappa, Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla, RP Singh, Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar, Manpreet Singh Gony, Pragyan Ojha, Parthiv Patel, Dinesh Karthik, S Badrinath, Mohammad Kaif, Manoj Tiwary, Abhishek Nayar, Pankaj Singh, Murali Kartik, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, Yusuf Pathan, S Sreesanth.

Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series: Dhoni opts out, Yuvraj, Irfan dropped

2008-07-08T14:26:00.003+05:30

Under fire from several quarters over the declining performance of Team India in recent tournaments, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni opted out of the forthcoming test series against Sri Lanka.

The selectors acted tough by dropping Yuvraj Singh, Wasim Jaffer and Irfan Pathan from the team. Rohit Sharma, Pragyan Ojha are the new faces in the team. Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan, Zaheer and Parthiv Patel got a recall. Sreesanth has been declared unfit.

Here's the team:

Anil Kumble (Captain), Virender Sehwag (Vice Captain), Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, Parthiv Patel, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha, R P Singh, Ishant Sharma and Munaf Patel.

Asia Cup Debacle: Indian ODI team needs Experience

2008-07-08T11:36:00.003+05:30

After the victories in Twenty20 World Cup and Tri-Series in Australia, Mahendra Singh Dhoni boasted about the strength of his young players and even went to the extent of saying that senior cricketers were not needed in the team. However, the loss in the final of Tri-Series in Bangladesh and the debacle in Asia Cup, Indian selectors need to think twice before selecting the ODI squad for the forthcoming series.

Irrespective of what Dhoni says, India needs the experience of senior cricketers to taste success in the crunch games. The juniors easily surrender at the death hours due to lack of experience. But seniors understand the need of the hour and how to handle the pressure. The team won't be complete without the senior players like Sachin, Ganguly, Zaheer and Ajit Agarkar.

The presence of seniors in the team will not only boost the morale of young players, but also it will help the team management to rest their key players on a regular basis. The biggest disappointment of tournament were Robin Uthappa, Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan (bowling), Yusuf Pathan and Piyush Chawla. Be the pressure of big games or the exhaustion carried from IPL, they simply failed to perform at a level expected from them.

While Sehwag and Gambhir continue to lead from the front and in-form Raina and Dhoni giving them full support, India needs Ganguly, Sachin and Yuvraj to make it a formidable batting order. In bowling, RP Singh, Pragyan Ojha and Ishant Sharma have been doing well. We need Zaheer, Harbhajan and Agarkar to back them up with their experience and expertise. The above players may not be able to play in the same match. But they will encourage each other to perform if they stay as a team. This is the need of the hour if India wants to maintain its good form in ODI cricket.