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Last chance for India to dent Aussie pride The road to finals not ideal for Indian team The last-over six turned
the wheel for me Wright wants team to stick to game plan Paes-Bhupathi puts India ahead
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India, Japan have even chance Tushar rallies to clinch ITF title India beat Pakistan in kabaddi Maruti Autocross in
city on February 15 Inter-polytechnic cricket meet Faridkot beat Ludhiana North retain hockey crown
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Last chance for India to dent Aussie pride
Sydney, February 7 Failing to come good after a promising start to the ODI series almost a month back, the visitors would be hoping for some miraculous turnaround to beat the Aussies at the SCG. But it would be an uphill task against a rampaging Australian side, who seemed to have overcome the Test blues and have now beaten the visitors in four of the last five one-day matches. Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, however, would not be looking beyond the eleven who did duty at Melbourne to turn the corner against Australia. Ganguly will repose his trust in the same batsmen and bowlers who looked listless and flat in the first final in which the tourists were thrashed by seven wickets yesterday. He would rather back those men who gave his team such a competitive streak through the summer than develop cold feet in this crucial match for the visitors. India have a long line of worry in the batting front where but for V.V.S. Laxman, the rest have largely blown hot-and-cold in the one-day series. India’s brightest days in the tri-series have been when Laxman was at crease. Otherwise, the rest have struggled to live up to their form in the stupendous Test series. Both Tendulkar and Dravid scored their best-ever scores in the Tests but have just not got going in the limited overs format. Ganguly, who set the tenor of the tour with one of the brightest hundreds at the Gabba, has neither raised hopes nor runs on the board subsequently. Virender Sehwag too, in essence, has played only one innings of substance on the tour. Yuvraj Singh smashed a hundred in Sydney which suffered neither in content nor quality against the world champions but has appeared listless since then. Ironically, young Hemang Badani alone has shown the consistency of Laxman, scoring 100, 34 and 60 not out in three of his last four innings. Badani is an elegant batsman who has learnt the art of building his innings even though his running between the wickets could induce a clutter of run-outs. Badani was involved in two mix-ups in Perth and followed it up with two more at the MCG even though he was not always at fault. The only possible flaw in Badani’s presence at the crease has been a few knocks on his helmets as the left-hander has gone against his instinct to essay pulls at short balls. Ganguly wants his batsmen to show the hunger which made the rival bowlers lose their hopes before they marked out their run-ups. Nobody in the Indian camp takes rival skipper Ricky Ponting’s assertion seriously that Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie have been bowling a run-denying line and length to the Indian batsmen. The visitors feel that if their batsmen can establish themselves at the crease, the Aussie bowlers would take a pasting. The odds surely are weighed against the Indians. The hosts have sniffed blood and they are moving in for the kill. They are even willing to be patient as Matthew Hayden showed during his pain-staking innings yesterday. Hours of play (IST): 8.45 to 12.15 pm, 12.55 pm till close of play. —PTI
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The road to finals not ideal for Indian team Road to the finals has not been ideal for Indians. The players were exhausted and there were too many injuries. Zimbabwe’s poor display also didn’t stimulate Indian progress to the finals and the WACA bounce did not do any good in building up the momentum. The Indian openers were predetermined to make a cautious start. The presence of the Sachin and Sehwag was imperative for at least the first 15 overs to soften the new ball. The pace and bounce at the Perth wicket had given Brett Lee a new lease of confidence. The Australians used Lee to get Veeru with the ploy of bodyline short pitch bowling. Though a great timer of the ball, and one who has quite a few shots in his kitty, Veeru aligns instinctively into an awkward position to the ball rising on to his chest. It is widely believed that any deliberate effort to correct this particular flaw might affect the dynamism of his batting. Such dismissals can only make Veeru more attentive to such a ploy. Sachin has put on hold hopes of million, till the SCG. A keen student of the game, I am sure, Sachin will have sleepless night thinking about his game and how to contribute in the all-important match on Sunday. Rahul and Laxman will have to be more cautious and they should try to stick to the wicket till the end of the innings. The team plan always is that Rahul should stay at the wicket and the others accelerate the run flow. It was nice to see Ajit and Badani take the score to 222 despite the top order batsmen failing to score runs. This will leave enough food for thought for other batsmen when they plan their innings for the crucial Sunday match. Too many run outs and Badani being the common factor in all of them is serious, and the southpaw should work on it. I strongly feel it is the calling, which is missing between the wickets. The aggression of Adam Gilchrist is the dominating theme of the Australians. “How to stop the flow of runs from Gilchrist” I am sure, would be the main topic of discussion in the Indian team meeting. It is difficult to bowl to Gilchrist. Even a great bowler like Wasim Akram always dreaded bowling to him. It would not be a bad idea to for our young bowlers to keep changing the guard by coming over and around the wicket while keeping the ball just short of length. Ajit Agarkar, who is a much-improved bowler in this series, is showing signs of tiredness. The long tour has taken its toll on the fragile bowler. A lot depends on his spell in the first 15 overs. Balaji has shown remarkable improvement on every outing. But in the end what matters is the pressure created by all the medium pacers. The Indians had done great in the Test series, but are yet to throw their best in the VB series. Now that the Indian team has been pushed to the wall, and it will be a do-or-die situation for the Blues. The team will certainly regroup again to gain momentum. Loss of form or losing the game can give sleepless nights to some players. It’s a common sight to see the players outside their rooms discussing the game and their own form till the wee hours. They will have to discard the sense of disappointment and stand up to the new challenge. India is the only team in recent past to bring the hosts to their knees. All that is required is another consolidated effort by the tourist. I am confident that they are quite capable of it.
— Chivach Media |
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The last-over six turned
the wheel for me It has been a dream start in the best-of-three finals, and it was great that we could build on the momentum we built up from the Perth one-dayer last week. We have always known where to bowl to the Indians, but because of injury breakdowns among our quicks, we never had the pace that would make a short of length line truly effective. Right now I feel good when I’m reaching the crease, and it certainly helps to have a bowler like Jason Gillespie at the other end. It was great to repeat our successes at WACA in the more batsman-friendly conditions of the MCG. The games were amazingly similar, but I feel more satisfied with yesterday’s performance since the wicket was good for batting right from the start. For me, the high point was obviously the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar. All bowlers plot and plan for scalping batsmen like Tendulkar. And when the plan succeeds, there is no greater joy for a bowler. I feel proud of the way both Jason and I synchronized our line, and I don’t think I can remember the two of us bowling so well together in a long time. During our team meetings we always said that the first 15 overs of the game would be crucial, and we won the game within the first hour itself. The pressure that Jason and I built up was sustained beautifully by both Brad Williams and Ian Harvey. By the time the lower order did a repair job against the fifth bowler, it was a case of playing catch-up cricket as far as the Indians were concerned. I have maintained my policy of avoiding media reports even though things are looking up for me on the field. However, from whatever is floating around, the blokes who wrote me off a fortnight ago, are hailing my current form as a purple patch. I don’t agree with that either, and hope to improve further tomorrow. I was not happy with the couple of no-balls I bowled in Melbourne, and while there is no time for nets in back-to-back finals, I will work on my run-up tomorrow morning. Contrary to popular perception we fast bowlers are a thinking lot, and we know that the Indians will be working out ways to counter our new line of attack. They are a quality batting side and it would be surprising to see all of them fail in four successive games. We might be tested more at Sydney than at Melbourne, because the SCG has traditionally been a happy hunting ground for the likes of Tendulkar and Laxman. Once again, the first 15 overs will give an accurate forecast of the result of the match. Even if we bat first, the devastating form of Adam Gilchrist could take us to a Wanderers’ like score. Basically, it all depends on how the top three batsmen of both sides fare in the game. At Melbourne our top three were superb, so there’s a good chance that they will repeat their success in Sydney. Cricketers are a superstitious lot and I am no different. Looking back, I feel that the last-over six in Sydney was what turned the wheel for me. Bowling was a thankless job till that moment, but after that shot, everything has fallen into place magically. As a team, we would like to close out the issue in Sydney, so that we can enjoy a week’s break before heading off to Sri Lanka. We would not like to lose the momentum that we have built right through this VB Series. It has been a commanding performance so far since we have lost only one game in the entire tournament. Only the finishing touches are left, and we must ensure that that job is finished tomorrow itself.
— Gameplan |
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Wright wants team to stick to game plan Sydney, February 7 “We have to put our plans in action and if that happens, we would have the result we want,” said Wright ahead of the crucial second tri-series final at the Sydney Cricket Ground tomorrow. Wright dragged the Indians out of the hotel for a shock nets session here this afternoon. There could have been a voice or two of disapproval when he asked the players to get on the bus, because of the tiring schedule, but the general effect of it seemed to have done a world of good for their spirits. With the seven-wicket defeat in the first final still hanging over them heavily, Sourav Ganguly and Co walked in to the ground tired. But they were soon perked up by the sight and sounds of a few die-hard supporters who chanted their names and greeted them with thunderous applause. The players began with a huddle and gave a loud war cry before playing a game of volleyball and rounding it up with stretching and autograph-signing session for the benefit of supporters.
—PTI |
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Paes-Bhupathi puts India ahead
Invercargill (New Zealand) February 7 The former world No 1 doubles pair outclassed New Zealand’s untried combination and continued the trend as all matches have been won in straight sets. New Zealand’s Simon Rea beat Harsh Mankad in the opening singles Friday while Paes beat Nielsen to leave the match balanced after the first day. The slick, almost instinctive combination between Paes and Bhupathi was too much for Nielsen and Prentice, who was making his Davis Cup doubles debut. Bhupathi is ranked No 4 in the world in doubles and Paes is No. 13. Nielsen had a chance to force the match to a fourth set when he served at 4-3 in the tie-breaker but he dropped both points to allow the indians a 5-4 advantage. Paes decided the set with two slick points, including a crisp, unplayable volley at match point. The reverse singles will be played on Sunday. The winner of the match will play either Japan or Indonesia in the second round in April. — AP
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Sloppy
Indians go down to Netherlands Hyderabad, February 7 The hosts, who fielded five new faces in the tie, failed to make the most from the chances that came their way to ruin a superb performance by their midfield and defence. Penalty corner specialist Bram Lomans put the Dutch ahead in the very fourth minute and Taeke Taekema doubled the advantage from another set-piece in the 54th minute. Baljit Singh Dhillon pulled one back just a minute later through a penalty corner conversion but the Indians failed to find an equaliser. India, which drew the first match 1-1, trail the Dutch 0-1 in the series with the final match to be played tomorrow. Despite the defeat, Indian coach Rajinder Singh was satisfied with the performance of his wards and tried to play down the result. "Playing with five new faces, we could put pressure on Holland and I am happy with the result. "We are improving and win or loss does not matter much," he added. India and Netherlands have been looking at this Test series as an apt preparation for the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers to be held in Madrid next month.
— PTI |
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India, Japan have even chance New Delhi, February 7 Japan hold a better record in the Asia Cup, having finished runners-up to Korea and China in the first two editions at Seoul and Hong Kong, respectively, in 1985 and 1989. They were third in the third edition in 1993 at their home turf in Hiroshima but were relegated to the fourth slot in the fourth edition in New Delhi. And they had beaten India to finish third in the Busan Asian Games in 2002. In comparison, India’s record is not very impressive as they were fourth in the second, third in the third and second in the fourth edition. If India complete a logical progression of the cycle, then they should hit the pay dirt tomorrow, and a place in the 2006 World Cup in Spain. The ground reality, however, is slightly different as the Japanese girls have been in devastating form in this championship, knocking in 46 goals in four matches, and conceding just five. It is an awesome record, for they did not spare even three-time champions Korea, whom they beat 4-3 after leading by 4-0, in the last Pool B match, while Asian Games champions China were handed out a 6-2 drubbing in the semi-final. India have scored only 18 goals and conceded three. But India’s 5-0 semi-final victory against Korea has considerably bolstered their morale, to give them the confidence of tackling the Japanese lasses, though chief coach M.K. Kaushik is wary of the visitors’ tight play, which leaves little room for manoeuvring. But the Indian girls’ display against Korea was a revelation as they gave a good account of themselves in defence, midfield and attack. Their ‘blocking tactics’ against the Koreans fetched the desired results but whether the Japanese would fall into this kind of trap is a moot point. Speed, quick and short passing is the forte of the Japanese while the Indian girls, particularly Mamta Kharab, Sanggai Chanu, Jyoti Sunita Kullu and captain Suraj Lata Devi, have shown dazzling speed and stick work. Japan hold an edge in penalty corner conversion as they have made use of 18 penalty corners as against seven by India, out of the 40-odd penalty corners earned by them. Indian goaltender Helen Mary brought off at least five brilliant saves to deny the Koreans sure goals off seven penalty corner hits. Helen Mary’s confident show has solidified the defence, and the new twist in the tale of Suman Bala coming good with penalty corner sweep shots, which fetched two goals against Korea, gives fresh hope and confidence to the hosts. Former champions China and three-time champions Korea will battle it out for the bronze at 11 am. |
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Tushar rallies to clinch ITF title
New Delhi, February 7 In the girls section, third seed I-Hsuang Hwang of Chinese Taipei warded off a stiff challenge as she came from behind to defeat seventh seed Thai girl Pichittra Thongdach in three sets to win the crown. Interestingly, it was the repeat of last week’s final in which Hwang had beaten Pichittra. Tushar, who had beaten champion of the last two events Rupesh Roy in the semi- finals, started off tentatively in the final losing the first set without any point. However, Divij Sharan could not hold on to the advantage as he fumbled and committed unforced errors at the crucial moments while Tushar held his nerves. The Chandigarh boy fought well in the next two sets as Divij let go of the advantage. Tushar emerged winner 0-6, 7-5, 7-5. The girls final also ran on the lines of the boys’ clash. Pichittra won the first set but then could not press home the advantage against a determined rival from Chinese Taipei. Hwang came back strongly in the next two sets to emerge 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 winner. — UNI
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India beat Pakistan in kabaddi Ludhiana, February 7 Pakistan players fought vailinatly against their rivals but ultimately found wanting as the hosts proved their mettle and came out triumphant 38-26 after establishing a comfortable lead of seven points 22-15 at the breather. For India, the star performer was their raider Manga Mithapuria who was in his true colours as nobody was able to stop him and he went on to add points to his teams’ tally. The other outstanding contributor was stopper, Shindi Phullanwal who, except for once was successful in his attempts to tackle the Pak raiders. Another raider, Gamma Natwala, too was at the centre stage, making notable contributions in India’s triumph. For the visitors, Tariq Randhawa, Musharraf Janjua and Yasser Javed Gujjar fought well and were able to dodge their rivals and were well assisted by Qasim Khan, Akram and Zia-Ur-Rehman Ranja but that was not enough to match with the India’s performance. A match in the women’s section between the teams from Punjab and Haryana was also conducted in which the former managed to scrape past 27-22. In the hockey final (men), Namdhari XI outstroked out BSF, Jalandhar 4-2 to win the 19th Mata Sahib Kaur Gold Cup. The match was decided through penalty strokes as the issue remained unresolved during the stipulated period. In the women’s section, Haryana defeated Delhi 5-2. Ramneet Kaur of Haryana put her side ahead in the 15th minute and Kamalpreet Kaur of Delhi restored parity in the 23rd minute. The issue was resolved through tie-breaker as the two sides were tied one-all at the end of the regular period. |
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Maruti Autocross in
city on February 15 Chandigarh, February 7 In all there would be five categories — 800cc, 1000cc, 1300cc or local class, Gypsy and the ladies. Amateurs would also be able to take part in the rally. The entries would be restricted to 75. The top 12 seeds would get a direct entry while for others it would be on a first-come-first-serve basis. The lap times would be taken individually while two cars would run simultaneously on the track for the first time in Chandigarh. For this an overhead bridge is being built. Top rallyists are likely to compete in the event. They include Sunny Sidhu, winner of the Raid de Himalaya and the last three Autocross events, Sanjay Sikand, Anil Wadia, Vijayant Chaudhary, Sandeep Sharma and his wife Maninder Sharma and Sarika, all of whom are seeded. The seedings have been decided according to the points earned by the drivers in the past one year. Chandigarh drivers Sunny Sidhu is the top seed while Vijayant Chaudhary is the second seed followed by Sandeep Sharma. Many upcoming drivers would also be seen in action, including local lads Gursimrat Jawanda, who has been seeded fourth, and Bharatveer Kapoor. The event is recognised by the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India. The winners will earn 20 points, the runners-up will get 17 points while the third-placed driver would get 15 points. It seems that Chandigarh Motorsports Association's efforts to promote the sport in the region are bearing fruit. The Chandigarh Administration is a major sponsor of the event and is helping the organisers in a big way. The stands of the cricket stadium will be put up in the Circus Ground for the spectators. Entry for the spectators would be free. Along with the Chandigarh Administration, MRF Tyres, CMC and Coke are the other sponsors while the association is still trying to rope in auto manufacturers. |
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Inter-polytechnic
cricket meet Rohtak, February 7 The winners, batting first, compiled 149 runs for 8 wickets in stipulated 40 overs. Bhupinder contributed 37. In reply, their opponents could score 113 runs in 34.4 overs. Harvinder captured four wickets. In the second semifinal, H.I.T. Sonipat defeated Government Polytechnic Ambala by two runs. Ambala boys scored 135 in reply to HIT Sonipat’s 137 runs scored off 34.2 overs.
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Faridkot beat Ludhiana Amritsar, February 7 Faridkot’s Ravinder Kumar opened the score through a field goal in the beginning of the second half. Baldeep Singh scored the second and the last goal through a penalty corner in the 41st minute of the game. The semifinals will be played between Amritsar and Faridkot ad Jalandhar against Ropar tomorrow. |
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North retain hockey crown
Mumbai, February 7 North, who struck form late in the tournament after a subdued start, were handed victory by striker Navbir Singh, who fired in both the goals in the second half of an eventful championship clash. North’s goals were delayed by the woodwork as well as outstanding goalkeeping by West custodian Anthony.
— PTI |
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