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July 25, 2002, Chandigarh, India   
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Odds stacked in India’s favour Expert comments: Ian
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Chetan Sharma writes Kapil Dev took Indian cricket to its pinnacle
I cannot
ask for more: Azad |
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Wisden selection hailed
Haryana chess from tomorrow
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Odds stacked in India’s favour London, July 24 There will be no Mohammad Kaif or Yuvraj Singh, the new heroes of Indian cricket team, but the dream run in the NatWest Trophy tri-nation series which culminated in the sensational victory in the final, coupled with injuries to some key England players has stacked the odds in the first Test in favour of India. With the team finally performing like a unit, and every player contributing to the cause, the Indians seem best prepared at the moment to end their long overseas drought. It has been 16 years since they recorded their last Test series win outside the sub-continent in this very country in 1986. Though India are looking quite a formidable unit, coach John Wright was not ready to wear the tag of favourites. “I think England will be tough. They fought well in India and we experienced that. And then we have to play well overseas, that’s what we are trying to concentrate upon,” he said. Wright’s assessment is not misplaced considering this is the start of a new series and there is a lot of difference between Tests and one-day cricket. And there is some problem for the Indians right at the top of the batting order. The tourists are most likely to continue their great experiment with the openers, this time leaving out Shiv Sunder Das, who is in a midst of a woeful lack of form, for the dashing Virender Sehwag. Sehwag, who is a regular opener for India in the one-day matches, has played all his five Tests as a middle order batsman and it remains to be seen whether he is able to combine well with the other opener Wasim Jaffer who too is quite inexperienced. The Indians have decided to risk two inexperienced openers keeping in mind their formidable middle order comprising Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, V V S Laxman and skipper Sourav Ganguly but it still is a gamble and Wright was hoping it comes off. “He (Sehwag) is a very positive player who will put pressure on the opposition if he gets the opportunity early,” Wright said. There are some problems in the bowling department too with the Indians not quite sure of whether to play both their spinners or go for a three-pronged pace attack with one spinner. This is also India’s first series after the retirement of speedster Javagal Srinath and an opportunity for the four pacemen in the squad to establish themselves firmly. Sanjay Bangar is almost sure to figure in the final eleven on the strength of his fine all-round performance in the three-day games preceding the Test. England, on the other hand, are
considerably weakened by the absence of some of their star performers. Three frontline bowlers - Darren Gough, Andrew Caddick and Alex Tudor are set to miss the Test due to injuries while opener Marcus Trescothick has been ruled out of the entire series due to a broken thumb. Ganguly was not ready to treat his opponents lightly. “Nasser Hussain’s team has done quite well in the last three Tests and we are taking nothing for granted,” he said. The injuries have forced England to rope in a few veterans in a bid to provide support to two pacemen still on their feet in the squad - Matthew Hoggard and Andrew Flintoff. Hours of play (IST): 3.30 to 5.30 p.m, 6.10 to 8.10 p.m, 8.30 to 10.30 p.m.
PTI |
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Expert comments: Ian Botham ALL
eyes were on Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar, the finalists of the Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century. The award finally went to Kapil who had carried the burden of the Indian attack on his shoulders for more than a decade. Add to that the fact that he led India to a World Cup win and you would have very strong reason to pick the great all-rounder. Personally, though, I would have voted for Sunil Gavaskar, but having said that I know it’s a close call and Kapil is an equally deserving winner. Tendulkar will have to wait his turn because current players rarely come out tops in such polls. Perhaps when he has retired his achievement will be greater than any other Indian’s. I am not one for such polls since I think it’s impossible to compare two eras or even two kinds of players. As for as I’m concerned it’s a pursuit of the pundits rather than the purists. On the eve of India’s famous win at Lord’s I had said that I would put my money on India for the one-dayers and on England for the Test series. However, I am sure that England’s chances are sure to be hampered by their ever-increasing injury list. Andrew Caddick was ruled out earlier and now Darren Gough and Alex Tudor are also ruled out. Add to that the non-availability of England’s best batsman Marcus Trescothic and the picture gets even gloomier. The only plus point will be that the Indians will get to see the much-talked-about Simon Jones. He is the quickest English bowler at present and is an exciting prospect for the hosts. This is an opportunity he should grab at and make the most of it. The Indians on the other hand are hampered by an inexperienced bowling attack and some problems with the opening slot. Virender Sehwag will be opening for the first time in Test and it will be interesting to see whether he will be able to keep that spot for the rest of the series. It is always difficult to open the batting in England, more so if you are not a regular at the job. The youngster must be aware that opening the innings is the only way he can find a place in this Indian eleven. However, I think Sehwag will rise to the occasion and if he is even half the player his role model Sachin Tendulkar is, England’s in for a lot of trouble. London is pretty hot right now and the placid conditions will be ideal for Sehwag and the rest of the Indian batsmen. Saurav Ganguly will hope to win the toss and bat first, especially if he decides to play both his spinners. I would always play both Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble against England since they are the best bowlers India have. However, playing two spinners makes the toss extremely vital since you would always want them to bowl in the fourth innings.
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Chetan Sharma writes LORD'S has been a happy hunting ground for the Indians. Remembers we won the 1983 World Cup there and also the historic victory in the NatWest final this month. And yes, who can forget the Test victory in 1986, where yours truly picked up 10 wickets. As Saurav Ganguly leads his bunch out tomorrow, the Indians will once again be chasing history as this is the best opportunity for them to win overseas. Two things will be most important for them: their own form and the injury-ridden English side. It is not easy for a team to go into the first Test of a series without the luxury of having the best available. Any team would miss the services of fast bowlers like Andy Caddick and Darren Gough and honestly, Nasser Hussain would want to be anywhere than being in the captain’s shoes. The England side is also without their in-form opener Marcus Trescothick, so pointers are positive for India. It is not that India’s house is in order. Even after so many years, the openers are struggling. It is shocking really because there have been a few players who have done well at the domestic level but when they get to the international arena, they run like scared. If India is to become a superpower, they would need at least an opening pair who can see the shine off the new hall. Tomorrow, Virender Sehwag will be asked to open the innings. I know Viru since he was a school kid and I am aware of the fact that he likes challenges, but this will not be easy. Though he has been opening in one-dayers. Test cricket is totally different. Moreover in English conditions the ball can move and drift, so Viru will have to tighten his defence. I wish him luck for if he succeeds, he would have solved India’s problem. But, just in case, if he doesn’t then what? I hope the team management gives him a good run and not dump him like Hemang Badani. The Indian middle order looks solid as usual and if they get going, England better watch out. The key to doing well in England is being patient. You have to first get your eye in and have a feel of the conditions before playing strokes. If the Indians could grind the English attack they can pile up a big first innings total so that their seam-spin attack can bowl with attacking fields. Most probably, India would go in with two regular medium pacers plus Sanjay Banga and one spinner. But if the pitch is dry, like the one used in the ODI, Ganguly might decide to play Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble. I would rather say, it will be a good move because the English batsmen panic against quality spinners. On paper, India are favoured but cricket is a funny game and unless you play well in all the session, success doesn’t come easy. I know there was a big party in London last night after the Wisden awards ceremony. And there was a small party at my home because my child-hood hero, Kapil Dev, got the biggest award of his career. I can’t express in words how I felt when I heard Kapil Dev choking on TV after getting the award. My memory went back to the late 70s and early 80s when I used to go to the Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh to watch Kapil paaji train under D.P. Azad. Azad Saab then took me under his wings and told Kapil paaji to take special care of me. I owe so much to Kapil Paaji and had the honour of playing alongside him. He was a great motivator and really wanted me to do well. Above all, he was an excellent friend, guide and philospher. If Ganguly’s team was to have even half a Kapil, India would go right at the top. |
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Kapil Dev took Indian cricket to its pinnacle New Delhi, July 24 For a die-hard cricketer who dominated the international cricket scene with his heroics for nearly two decades, Kapil’s natural talent, commitment and his passion for the game propelled him to dizzying heights few have attained in Indian cricket. It was probably his phenomenal success with both the bat and the ball which helped him to pip two batting maestros — Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar — for the coveted award but few will dispute the honour bestowed on him at a time when he kept himself aloof from the cricket world. Regarded as one of the finest all rounders of all time, Kapil Dev captured the imagination of this cricket-crazy nation with his fabulous feats and played a stellar role in many memorable Indian victories, both at home and away. Leading India to an incredible victory against the West Indies to annex the World Cup on the hallowed turf of the Lord’s in 1983 and surpassing Richard Hadlee’s record of 431 wickets in 1994 were the highpoints of a long career which had never been interrupted by injuries — a record in itself. Dubbed the “Haryana Hurricane”, Kapil’s emergence on the firmament of Indian cricket
coincided with the decline of its spin attack in the early 80’s. Kapil showed the world that India could indeed produce a fast bowler. Since making his debut as a strapping 19-year old in Pakistan in 1978, Kapil never looked back as he consolidated his position in the team to ultimately take up the captain’s post. It was virtually baptism by fire as Kapil, who graduated to the national team at a rather young age, faced the Pakistan speedsters like Imran Khan and Sarfaraz Nawaz in his maiden series in Pakistan but a few decent scores and a four-wicket haul established him as an upcoming all rounder. The tour of Pakistan helped him to mature fast and Kapil put up a much better display in the subsequent home series against the West Indies, amassing 379 runs. A fast learner, Kapil realised that bowling fast alone would not make him successful in international cricket and he worked on his deadly out-swingers and yorkers which fetched him most of the wickets. Kapil took 434 wickets in 131 Tests and also scored 5248 runs in his career, but his achievements were all the more creditable considering that he bowled tireless overs on the placid tracks of the sub-continent. He had the distinction of being the youngest cricketer to complete the first double against Pakistan in Kolkata in 1979-80. The second milestone of 2000 runs and 200 wickets was achieved at Port of Spain in 1982-83. But the brightest moment of his career came in the 1983 Prudential World Cup. Underdogs India pulled off one of the biggest upsets in one-day internationals when they humbled the West Indies to lift the coveted Cup. The jubilant Kapil Dev holding aloft the World Cup alongwith his teammates at the Lord’s balcony has now become an immortal picture in Indian cricket focklore. Kapil himself played a key role in the World Cup campaign and his unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe, which pulled India out of a precarious 17 for five, is rated as one of the best one-day knocks ever. The Indian victory at the Lord’s exposed the myth of the Windies invincibility. Despite leading India to the World Cup triumph, Kapil Dev did not have a particularly happy time as a captain in the subsequent series and he was removed one year later with the selectors reinstating Sunil Gavaskar. But the quintessential sportsman that he is, Kapil concentrated on his game and displayed the same commitment and passion as he went about playing one match after another. Known to be one of the fittest players in the team, Kapil’s date with destiny came in February in 1994 when he broke Richard Hardlee’s record of 431 wickets - becoming the
highest wicket taker in World cricket before Courtney Walsh and Shane Warne overtook him. Kapil’s decision to hang up his boots in November, 1994, brought an end to an illustrious career which saw him toil hard to pull Indian cricket out of the depths of mediocrity. Kapil Dev was appointed coach of the Indian team in 1999 but with little success as the team suffered a number of defeats in his tenure at a time when the match fixing controversy rocked International cricket. He was sacked as the coach, rather unceremoniously, within one and half years leaving him a deeply hurt man. Attempts to drag his name in the match fixing controversy by a former teammate prompted him to distance himself from the game which gave him everything in life. But, that’s all past now.
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Kapil ready to embrace cricket again London, July 24 “I am greatly happy to reach such heights having come from such a small town (Chandigarh) and going through the leanest of patches.... now I think cricket is around me once again,” the legendary cricketer told PTI here today. A disillusioned man just a couple of years ago after he was sacked unceremoniously as the national team’s coach and subsequently mired in the match-fixing controversy, Kapil Dev had vowed to part ways with the game that he himself says gave him everything in his life. But the honour bestowed on him last night has given way to a radiantly happy Kapil who seemed keen to come back into the fold of the game once again. “God has given me 100 times more strength than others to face life. God helped me come out of it (my lean patch).. I think my innings with cricket is not yet over,” he said. And just as a great man would - he was humble in his hour of glory. “Besides happiness and pride I feel a sense of humility. The other nominees for this award are my heroes and being chosen among my heroes is a great honour”. “This has touched my heart and I am overwhelmed”. Kapil Dev said it was very difficult for him to credit any one person for his achievements. “Everybody, who has been associated with me has made some contribution or the other.” “But I would like to thank my parents, cricket board, coaches and colleagues for their contributions,” he said. Arguably the greatest all-rounder ever, Kapil Dev knows the folly of resting on one’s laurels and predicted Sachin Tendulkar would outdo every other cricketer soon. “This little young master (Tendulkar) would one day cross us all over,” he said.
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Laxman’s mother thrilled Hyderabad, July 24 She told UNI today that her happiness knew no bounds and she congratulated her son, now in London as part of Indian squad, on his achievement on phone. “I told him to continue to play with devotion to scale greater heights”, she added. Dr Satyabhama, who is a medical practitioner, said that she was sure that by the grace of God and blessings of elders, Laxman would win more laurels for himself and the country. National selector and former Test cricketer Shivlal Yadav, who is also the secretary of the Hyderabad Cricket Association, said Laxman played a superb innings against Australia pace bowlers. Laxman’s 281 in Kolkata, which halted the victory streak of Australia would be impossible to erase in many years to come, he added.
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I cannot ask for
more: Azad Chandigarh, July 24 “The moment he won the award he called me up and asked me whether I was happy and I did not know how to express my feeling at that moment,” Azad said. No all-rounder in the country can match Kapil’s talent and I think he is the best all-rounder the country has ever produced. “I cannot ask for more as Kapil has given me what I never expected. Now I do not want anything from God,” he added. “Kapil’s award has also made me the best coach of the century.” Players like him are born once in centuries, he said. |
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Wisden selection hailed New Delhi, July 24 Chosen from among an impressive line-up of nominees, which included Sunil Gavaskar, Gundappa Viswanath, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Bishan Singh Bedi and Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev is recognised for leading India to victory in the 1983 World Cup in England. He was also India’s ace strike bowler for almost 15 years, before signing off his international career with a record Test-wicket haul of 434 wickets. “This award is a recognition of Kapil’s fantastic performance throughout his career and is symbolic of the iconic status that he has achieved since he began his career in 1978”, observed Mr Kunal Dasgupta, Chief Executive Officer of Sony Television. “I have no words to describe how I feel. Besides happiness and pride, I feel a sense of humility to have received this award. The other nominees for this award are my heroes and being chosen from among my heroes is a great honour. This has touched my heart and I am overwhelmed. I have had a great career as a cricketer, having played the game to the best of my ability. My innings with cricket is not over-it is just taking another form with my association with Max and the ICC tournaments”, said Kapil Dev in a statement, released through Max and Sony Entertainment Television (SET). Kapil said his association with the World Cup Network “has extended my active involvement with cricket and I am excited to be a part of the World Cup cricket magic. I am working closely with the World Cup Network to develop some unique programming that will appeal to viewers beyond the cricket fans. We plan to take the passion and excitement of cricket across India and show viewers cricket like they’ve never seen before-beginning with the Champions Trophy in September”, Kapil added. Haryana Olympic Association president and senior vice-president of the Indian Olympic Association Abhey Singh Chautala also congratulated “haryana Hurricane” Kapil Dev for winning the Wisden award. |
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Manchester ready for largest-ever event
Manchester, July 24 As the northern English city counts down to Thursday’s opening “We want to show the world what we’ve got, that we could have hosted the Olympics and we have what it takes,” office worker Margaret Chapman (55) told Reuters. Manchester lost out to Sydney and Atlanta in failed bids to host the 1996 and 2000 Summer Games. “We also want to prove, that despite what some might say, there is life up north.” Evidence of the games is inescapable — from the elaborate athlete-shaped topiary bushes in front of one hotel to the big “Quakers Welcome the Friendly Games” sign outside a meeting room of the religious Society of Friends. Manchester City Council leader Richard Leese said a billion pounds ($ 1.6 billion) had been ploughed into the city since 1996, when a massive Irish Republican Army truck bomb ripped the heart out of its centre, injuring 200. But the one thing the city cannot control is the notoriously fickle northern weather — forecast to bring showers, cloud and cool temperatures for at least the first few days of the games. “They might not get warm weather but they will get a warm welcome,” said Stephen Pimblott, 39, who spends his days selling the Big Issue magazine, which raises money for the homeless. Pimblott’s regular slot is beside a squat red postbox which somehow survived the bomb and has become a symbol of the city’s ability to come through the worst. “The city has made a fantastic comeback since then and everyone is very excited by the chance to show off,’’ Pimblott, who said he would be watching the events on TV, told Reuters. The games are expected to attract more than one million visitors from all corners of the Commonwealth, a group of 54-nations which are mostly former colonies of Britain. Zambian student John Kailanga, (20) is one of many citizens of Commonwealth countries who have made the city their home and he said there was a huge buzz about the games. “People here are very friendly,” he said. “So even if the weather is cold and wet, it won’t matter. We don’t want it too hot anyway otherwise the athletes won’t be fresh.” But not everyone is happy about the games. Travel agent Stuart MacLean, 28, said the Commonwealth Games were overrated and irrelevant compared to events like the Olympics and soccer World Cup — and too expensive. “All this money is being spent on the Games when the health and transport systems, which we all rely on, are suffering,” he said. “I’m sick of all the hype, It is all a load of bunkum.” Butcher Steve Castle (43) was born and bred in Manchester and said most people he knew were looking forward to the event — not so much for the prospect of British athletes covering themselves in glory as for the chance to show off the city. When asked how well he thought Britain would do, he laughed. “About as well as the weather I’d say,” he said, casting a doleful eye at the ominously grey sky. Right on cue, it began to bucket down.
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Haryana chess from tomorrow Chandigarh, July 24 Opening ceremony of this championship will take place at Red Bishop Tourist Complex, Panchkula on July 26 at 10.30 a.m. where Mr Subhash Goyal, Minister of State, Urban Development, Haryana will be the Chief Guest. Mr Ajay Singh Chautala, President, table Tennis Federation of India will be the Chief Guest and give away prizes at the time of closing ceremony. The Chess Association of Haryana has made all arrangements regarding board and lodging and local transportation for all the participants. The teams are expected for report latest by in the evening of July 25. According to Mr Vijay Godara, hony secretary-general of the association, Haryana team will be selected as per guidelines of All-India Chess Federation during the championship which will take part in the forthcoming National Chess ‘B’ Championship scheduled to be held at Jalandhar in September. Gold silver or bronze medal winner of the state in the national championship will be given cash award of Rs 31,000, Rs 21000 and Rs 11,000 respectively, as per sports policy of Haryana. The Chess Association of Haryana will bear all the expenses to be incurred at the time of participation in the nationals. |
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Bhutia for Bagan Kolkata, July 24 After his three-year stint ended with F C Bury in London, Bhutia had been bargaining with the green-maroon brigade and East Bengal for the past few months.
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