 |
Thursday,
May 2, 2002, Chandigarh, India  
|
Wasim Jaffer likely to grab opening slot
Inzamam, Nazir add to Kiwis’ troubles |
|
|
Brazil slowly inching towards form
Meazza: Italy’s greatest? |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debutants China face tough task Behave, watch
World Cup! Anand routs Khalifman Hockey stadium cries for water India to play in 4-nation meets Sports calendar Babita for Asian powerlifting meet
|
|
Wasim Jaffer likely to grab opening slot Bridgetown, May 1 Skipper Saurav Ganguly today said Jaffer was the front- runner for partnering Shiv Sunder Das in the opening slot. “Jaffer is likely to be the opener for the third Test. He batted well in the game against Busta XI, looked secure and we would like to give him a chance,” Ganguly said. Jaffer has twice opened for India against South Africa in a home series in 2000-01 and had a modest showing with 23 as his highest. Picked as a specialist opener for this tour, Jaffer was ignored for the first two Tests before his 62 in the second innings of the three-day match against Busta XI brought him back into contention. Jaffer is being preferred over wicketkeeper batsman Deep Dasgupta, who has had a reasonable success as an opener but his performance behind the stumps has left much to be desired. Dasgupta too struck a half-century against Busta XI but his rival Ajay Ratra’s better wicketkeeping would see him being retained in the team. “Ratra was impressive in his work behind the stumps in the second Test,” Ganguly said. “He needs to get another chance in this Test.” Jaffer’s inclusion in the side would be most probably at the cost of all-rounder Sanjay Bangar, who was asked to open the innings in the second Test at Port of Spain. Bangar has failed with the bat in all the three innings on this tour so far and has not been very impressive as a bowler too. The inclusion of Jaffer is likely to be the only change in the winning combination with the Indians looking all set to keep veteran leg-spinner Anil Kumble out for this match too. The wicket here is very hard and bouncy with a lot of grass on it and the Indians are almost certain to go in with a three-pronged pace attack comprising Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra as they did in the second Test. “It leaves us again to choose between Harbhajan Singh and Kumble and that is not an easy choice,” Ganguly said. Ganguly said a choice between the two spinners would be made only tomorrow morning even though he had been criticised for making such a decision about Kumble at the last minute before the second Test. “What am I expected to do? You don’t decide two days in advance that you are going to rest your proven match-winner,” Ganguly said. Sources in the team had earlier said that it was Kumble who would once again be left out. “Harbhajan bowled well to Brian Lara in the West Indies first innings in Trinidad. Kumble is an asset as he can run through the lower half of any batting line-up,” Ganguly said. Meanwhile, the West Indies fast bowlers were being told to maintain a better line in order to rein in the Indian batsmen. “They should be trying to bowl four or five balls consistently in an over in the corridor of uncertainty,” said captain Carl Hooper. “Six or eight inches outside the off- stump which keeps a batsman on the backfoot and is leaving.” “We know Indian players are very strong square off the wicket on both sides. We have bowled a lot of half-volleys to drive on the onside and on the pads to push away backward of square leg,” he said. Hooper has been blaming his bowlers for giving too many ‘four-balls’ to the Indian batsmen and easing the pressure. “We were able to get to (Rahul) Dravid, (Sachin) Tendulkar and Ganguly before hundred runs were scored. But then we probably did not bowl as well as we could have. If we could do that, we could get to the middle order and hopefully dismiss India for a low score,” Hooper said contemplating on the second Test. Despite including Dinanath Ramnarine in the 13-member squad, Hooper was not sure whether the leg-spinner would play in the match. “Dinanth Ramnarine has as good a chance to play in this Test as 12 others. It just depends on what the selectors think is the best eleven to go into this match. “The good thing is the selectors had a chance to look at him at St Lucia (during the three-day match). I didn’t go there but both (Pedro) Collins and Ramnarine bowled well in that game,” Hooper said. The failure of the opening pair to put up a good score was another worry for the West Indies. Hooper said he expected Chris Gayle and Stuart Williams to give them a better start here. “We are looking for that support from them. For want of a better word, lets say we didn’t have a good start. It is important to get to a big score in the first innings,” he said. “We have been emphasising for players who reach 50 to get to a big score.” Hooper was not ready to read too much into the record of the venue where the West Indies have won 19 of the 37 Tests they have played while losing only two. “We have a very good history here but at the end of the day, you have to look at the process. We should play better cricket than we did in Trinidad and try and pull one back.” India have bitter memories of this venue where they have lost six of their seven matches. The most agonising of them all was on their last tour in 1997 when needing just 120 for a win, India were all out for a paltry 81 in the fourth innings. Teams (from): India: Saurav Ganguly (captain), Shiv Sunder Das, Wasim Jaffer, Deep Dasgupta, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman, Ajay Ratra, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Ashish Nehra, Zaheer Khan, Dinesh Mongia, Sarandeep Singh, Tinu Yohannan, Sanjay Bangar. West Indies: Carl Hooper (captain), Stuart Williams, Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Brian Lara, Shivnaraine Chanderpaul, Ridley Jacobs, Pedro Collins, Mervyn Dillon, Adam Sanford, Cameron Cuffy, Dinananth Ramnaraine, Ryan Hinds.
PTI |
|
Inzamam, Nazir add to Kiwis’ troubles Lahore, May 1 The duo was involved in a pulsating stand of 204 for the third wicket as Pakistan seized the initiative after a lacklustre start, reaching 355 for four at the close. Winning the toss and electing to bat on a flat track in Lahore, the Pakistanis took the attack to the New Zealand bowlers following the loss of two early wickets. At close Haq was unbeaten on 159 off 254 balls with Yousuf Youhana falling in the last over for 29. Multan-born Haq went about dismantling the New Zealand bowlers in characteristically blunt fashion, hammering 25 boundaries and a six during his 309-minute stay at the crease. Nazir, the 20-year-old from Muridke, hit 18 boundaries and three sixes for his 127 runs, in a four-hour innings which more than justified his inclusion in the side after a lapse of two years. Pakistan’s opening problems continued when they lost the enigmatic Shahid Afridi for a duck with the third ball of the match, when Daryl Tuffey’s perfectly pitched outswinger caught the edge. The wicket was 27-year-old debutant keeper Robbie Hart’s first in Test cricket. Pakistan has tried nine different opening combinations in the past year but Nazir seems to be the only contender with solid temperament and technique. “I am delighted and Haq helped me get the needed confidence when he arrived at the crease with Pakistan having lost two wickets,” Nazir said. “I hope I get a permanent place after this knock”. Younis Khan and Nazir took the total to 57 when Khan was adjudged caught bat-pad in the slip for 27 off left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori, who was rested in the one-day series. Pakistan went to lunch at 125 for two, with both Nazir and Haq looking confident. South African match referee Mike Procter allowed two water breaks instead of the regulatory one per session to allow players to adjust to the heat, which soared to 38°C in the afternoon as the match swung Pakistan’s way. A ball before the tea interval, Nazir hit veteran spinner Chris Harris over long-on for his third six to complete his second Test hundred off 171 balls with 13 fours. His previous century came against the West Indies at Barbados two years ago. But with the score at 261, Nazir fell to an outstanding catch at deep mid-off by a diving Mark Richardson off Craig Mcmillan. Haq reached his milestone in typical style, belting Vettori over mid-wicket for his 14th boundary and his 16th Test hundred. He took 239 minutes and 191 balls. Vettori’s chance for revenge came soon after, but Richardson put down a difficult chance and Haq remained not out on 111. The visitors took the second new ball as soon as it was due but failed to dislodge Haq and Youhana. Vettori, McMillan, Martin and Tuffey shared wickets with leg-spinner Brooke Walker conceding 48 in his eight overs. SCOREBOARD Pakistan (Ist innings): Nazir c Richardson b McMillan 127 Afridi c Hart b Tuffey 0 Khan c Fleming b Vettori 27 Haq batting 159 Youhana c Fleming b Martin 29 Extras: (lb-5, w-1, nb-7) 13 Total: (for 4 wkts, 89.5 overs) 355 FoW: 1-1, 2-57, 3-261, 4-355 Bowling: Tuffey 17-2-83-1, Martin 21.5-11-64-1, Vettori 24-2-98-1, Walker 8-2-48-0, Harris 13-1-50-0, McMillan 6-1-7-1.
AFP |
|
Brazil slowly inching towards form Rio de Janeiro, May 1 Having survived a rollercoaster qualifying campaign where they came perilously close to making an embarrassing exit, Luiz Felipe Scolari’s squad has shown signs of a steady return to form. Since his appointment last year, the combative Scolari has faced howls of criticism, with accusations that he has wantonly cast aside Brazil’s attacking heritage in favour of a more physical style. The critics point to the qualifying match against Argentina in Buenos Aires last September, when the Brazilians went 1-0 up and then sought to protect the lead with a series of brutal tackles in midfield. Argentina eventually won 2-1, in the process painfully exposing Scolari and Brazil’s lack of a ‘plan B’. Brazil eventually stumbled through the remainder of the qualifying tournament, booking their ticket in third place. After a year which included humiliating defeats against Honduras, Australia and South Korea, few in Brazil were looking ahead to the World Cup with confidence, even with a kind first round draw which sees them face Turkey, China and Costa Rica. Yet since the turn of the year Brazil’s results have indicated Scolari’s side could mount a strong challenge if things suddenly click during the tournament — always a possibility when the likes of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos and Denilson remain in the squad. The key to Brazilian hopes will be the fitness of their two biggest stars, Barcelona’s Rivaldo and Inter Milan’s Ronaldo. Most interest will surround the form of Ronaldo, who has become a regular in Inter’s side during the run-in to the Italian title-chase and now happily seems on the mend from his horrendous series of injuries. Rivaldo has been dogged by a persistent knee problem at Barcelona, but is expected to be fit for the finals — even if he hasn’t always impressed Scolari during the fiery coach’s reign. Rivaldo and Ronaldo were joined by Paris Saint Germain striker Ronaldinho in an attacking partnership nicknamed ‘The Triple R’ for Brazil’s most recent match, a 1-1 draw with Portugal in Lisbon. Brazil’s display in that game — and the impressive way Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo blended up front — has renewed hope for the World Cup. “It gives me a good idea for the World Cup,” said Scolari, whose preferred playing formation remains something of a mystery, although a variation on 3-5-2 looks the likeliest bet. If Ronaldo starts as the centre-forward, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho are expected to slot in behind him as attacking midfielders. In the heart of the midfield is Scolari’s captain and loyal lieutenant Emerson Ferreira. An uncompromising tackler, Emerson is a player in Scolari’s image. Some of the Roma player’s challenges during qualifying were collectors’ items of brutality, and he is clearly the enforcer of the Brazilian side. Elsewhere in central midfield, Emerson is likely to be supported by Atletico Mineiro’s Gilberto Silva, who has impressed in the Brazilian championship this season. While Scolari is an unashamed admirer of midfield hardmen, the coach also has some handy attacking options in reserve in the unlikely event of him opting for a more flamboyant approach. The diminutive Juninho Paulista — back to something like his best after spells in Europe with Middlesbrough and Atletico Madrid — and Real Betis’ Denilson could both come into the fray at some point. With Roma’s veteran fullback Cafu likely to patrol the right flank, the left-hand side of midfield will be the domain of Roberto Carlos, who has been an ever-present for most of his 80-plus caps.
AFP |
|
Meazza: Italy’s greatest? Milan, May 1 A key figure in Italy’s 1934 and 1938 World Cup triumphs, Meazza was Italy’s most prolific goalscorer throughout the 1930s and probably would have scored more had World War II not intervened. Born in Milan in 1910, Meazza signed for Internazionale in 1927, and quickly forged a reputation as a ruthless finisher per excellence. His trademark was a twinkle-toed shuffle in one-on-one situations that often left opposition goalkeepers groping at thin air. In his second season at Inter he scored 33 goals, and in 1929/30, the first time Italian football had a fully-fledged, nationwide Serie A, he finished topscorer with 31 goals in 33 appearances. In 1930 he was also given his first start for Italy, scoring twice on his debut as Switzerland were swept aside 4-2. More goals followed in a hat-trick against Hungary later that year. Though enjoying great success as an orthodox centre-forward, it was as an old-fashioned inside forward that Meazza was to enjoy his greatest successes as a player, both scoring goals and creating opportunities for others. In France, Meazza was back as captain. Again his goalscoring achievements were limited, netting just once in the tournament, but his contribution to Italy’s successful defence was massive. His only goal was a nerveless winning penalty in the semifinal over Brazil, and in the final he set up two of Italy’s efforts in the 4-2 win over Hungary. Meazza’s goalscoring record for Italy — 33 in 53 international appearances — remained unchallenged until it was beaten by Luigi Riva. When he died in 1979, both Inter and AC Milan accepted that the famous San Siro should be renamed the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in his honour.
AFP |
|
Debutants China face tough task Beijing, May 1 China ended years of heartbreak in September by clinching an automatic qualifying spot for the finals, sending the football-mad nation into a frenzy of celebration. Optimists now point eagerly to the fact that wily Serb coach Bora Milutinovic will be guiding a record fifth team to the tournament - and that the other four all made the competition’s second round. The country’s flotilla of sports newspapers have spent weeks calculating possible permutations of wins and draws against group C opponents Brazil, Costa Rica and Turkey, which could see their men clinch the status of heroes. But others note more soberly that while the man known throughout China as “Milu” has forged a solid, well-drilled team in which every player knows their role and follows it to the letter, the side remains unproven against quality opposition. China avoided Asia-region football powerhouses Iran and Saudi Arabia in qualifying, while the other two continental forces, South Korea and Japan, went straight through as hosts. “If we had played all those teams and qualified I might be hopeful. But the way things stand we’ve not really proved a thing,” said one veteran Chinese football writer, asking not to be identified in expressing such unpatriotic thoughts. Sceptics also point to unconvincing wins against minnows Cambodia and the Maldives in the first qualifying stage and a deeply embarrassing loss on penalties to Hong Kong in February. China certainly possess few players who could be readily identified as stars outside of their home country. Perhaps the best-known internationally is veteran defender Fan Zhiyi, now 32, who carved out a solid career at English First Division side Crystal Palace.
AFP |
|
Behave, watch
World Cup! Bangkok, May 1 “Allowing model inmates to watch live broadcasts is one measure to make them relax and decrease stress,” said Mr Arthit Phonthong, Deputy Director General of the Corrections Department. More than 300,00 inmates are being held behind bars, even though the country’s penitentiaries are meant to accomodate only 100,000. Mr Arthit said stress levels increase during summer, which will be at its hottest in tropical Thailand during the World Cup.
AP |
|
Anand routs Khalifman Prague, May 1 Another former World champion Anatoly Karpov of Russia struck form to score his biggest victory in the past few years, defeating Braingames match winner GM Vladimir Kramnik 1.5-0.5 to seal his berth in the quarterfinals. World’s highest rated player Gary Kasparov of Russia had no trouble in tackling a rather adventurous GM Judith Polgar of Hungary as he stormed past her 2-0 in the rapid games itself while Bosnian GM Ivan Sokolov did another David v/s Goliath act to beat highly regarded GM Michael Adams of England.
PTI |
|
Hockey stadium cries for water Jalandhar, May 1 Jalandhar, known for producing nearly two dozen international hockey players for the country during the past five decades, has Olympian Surjeet Hockey Stadium with Astro-Turf facility. However, non- availability of water inside the stadium for watering the Astro-Turf, here started causing damage to the turf. Besides, hockey players are being forced to search for their playgrounds for daily practice. The problem started about a week ago when the water pump installed at the Surjit Hockey Stadium, which was set up at a cost of about Rs 1.25 crores, went out of order. There was reportedly no provision for an alternative water pumping system inside the stadium resulting in some damage to the costly Astro-Turf. Players selected for the Surjit Hockey Academy and the local sports school used to practice at the stadium. “Though we are complaining to the Sports Department about the problem from the day one, it has failed to do anything in this regard so far,” said a hockey player. As many as 13 and 60 players of Sports School and Surjit Hockey Academy respectively, were selected by the Sports Department last month after conducting three-day selection trials. The district sports office, which had sent an estimate for installation of the new water pumping system inside the stadium to the authorities at Chandigarh, is yet to hear from the Punjab Sport Department. The District Sports Officer was not available for comments. |
|
India to play in 4-nation meets Thiruvananthapuram, May 1 The tournament to be held in Australia would commence from May 30. Malaysia, South Korea and Australia will be the other teams. India would also participate in a tournament in Germany along with Spain, Malaysia and Germany, the dates of which were yet to be fixed, Indian Hockey Federation secretary-general K. Jothikumaran told reporters here. The main objective of participation in the tourneys was to gain more experience before the Asian Games at Pusan in South Korea, he said. For modernising and improving infrastructure, India’s first floodlit hockey stadium would come up in Chennai. On Kerala Hockey Association’s request for international standard Astro-Turf, he said the IHF had assured that all possible help would be extended and requested the state government to meet 50 per cent of the expense. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) would bear the rest.
PTI |
|
Sports calendar Chandigarh, May 1 Releasing the calendar of sports activities for 2002-03, Mr M.S. Mann, Director, Sports, Haryana, said the district-level women’s sports festivals would follow from August 15 to 17 at all district headquarters. The state-level women’s sports festival will be organised from October 9 to 11 at Faridabad. The inter-centre yoga competition will be organised at Gurgaon from August 12 to 13 while the inter-centre gymnastics competition will be held from October 14 to 16 at Yamunanagar. The Haryana Sports Department will celebrate the birthday of the hockey wizard, Major Dhyan Chand, as Sports Day on August 29 at Narnaul. Block level rural sports tournaments will be organised from September 2 to 6 while district-level rural sports competitions will be held from September 16 to 18. The state-level rural sport tournament will be organised from September 25 to 27 at Bhiwani. The district-level Akhara and Kumar Kesari wrestling competitions would be held from November 22 to 24 while the state-level Akhara and Kumar Kesari competitions would be organised in December at Rohtak. |
|
Babita for Asian powerlifting meet Bathinda, May 1 While talking to The Tribune, Babita said she had been asked to arrange for Rs 60,000 the expenses for her trip, but she pointed to her inability to do so. The local MLA has assured them of help, her father added. Babita was declared the strongwoman of the country, last year. |
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | In Spotlight | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 122 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
