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Full stop for Murali’s ‘doosra’
Bowling actions top ICC agenda ZCU: door still open
for rebels Ganguly proposes two-tier system to preserve standards
Irfan, Balaji to train
under Lillee |
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PCB asks Shoaib to undergo bone scan in England IHF-Ministry meeting damp squib
Complex Goran not ready to quit courts yet East Europeans hold sway in Madrid East Bengal finish with victory
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Full stop for Murali’s ‘doosra’
London, May 12 The spin wizard would now have to drop the delivery from his armoury or be prepared to face a ban of one year if he is reported for suspect bowling action again in the next 12 months. ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed, in a statement issued here yesterday, said the governing body supported the Sri Lankan board’s decision to stop the bowler from bowling the ‘doosra’ as it exceeded the degree of tolerance allowed for a bowler. “The report forwarded by Sri Lanka Cricket proves that the degree of straightening is well outside the ICC’s specified levels of tolerance. “In light of this finding, Sri Lanka Cricket has now advised the ICC that it has instructed Muralitharan not to bowl this delivery in international cricket. The ICC supports this action,” he said. Muralitharan, who overtook West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh’s record of 519 Test wickets on Saturday against Zimbabwe, was reported for suspect action by match referee Chris Broad when the bowler bowled the ‘doosra’ during the Test series against Australia in March. He was then sent to Australia to work on his bowling action with a biomechanical expert. Speed said, after being forwarded a copy of the Sri Lankan Cricket report compiled by the University of Western Australia, the ICC was convinced that the ‘doosra’, a delivery that spins away from the right-hander, was against the laws of the game. The report showed an initial straightening of the arm of around 14 degrees which, after some remedial work, was reduced to 10 degrees but under ICC laws the allowable level of tolerance for spinners is five degrees. Speed said he hoped that the action by Sri Lankan board in recognising that the delivery did not comply with the ICC regulations would prevent Muralitharan being reported again for this delivery. The bowler, who is currently within the six-week stage one phase of the ICC’s bowling review process since being reported by Broad, was allowed to continue bowling the delivery so far. But Speed warned that under the ICC regulations Murali could face a 12 month ban if he now persisted with the doosra.
Murali ready to
comply COLOMBO: Test cricket’s bowling record-holder Muttiah Muralitharan today hinted he would drop the controversial ‘doosra’ delivery from his armoury after it was deemed illegal by the sport’s world governing body. “The ‘doosra’ has always been at the back of my mind,” Muralitharan was quoted as saying in the Colombo-based ‘Daily News’ in perhaps his first public statement on the controversial delivery. “People have questioned me about it. I have done all the tests that are required and the reports have gone to the International Cricket Council (ICC). “At the end of the day what matters is what the report, the expert, my cricket board and the ICC says.” Sri Lankan cricket authorities today confirmed they had asked the off-spinner not to bowl the ‘doosra’. “We have advised Muralitharan not to bowl the ‘doosra’. We had also informed the team manager before he played in Zimbabwe,” said a Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official. The spinner, however, did bowl the ‘doosra’ in the opening Test against Zimbabwe at Harare where he took eight wickets to break retired West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh’s world record of 519 Test wickets. But Muralitharan, with 521 wickets in 89 Tests, is unlikely to continue with the controversial delivery in Friday’s second Test at Bulawayo following a ICC statement.
Among the best, says Gilchrist BRISBANE: Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist today said ace spinner Muttiah Muralitharan would remain a world-class bowler despite the star off spinner being banned from bowling his “doosra”. Hit for several years by allegations that he throws rather than bowls the ball, Muralitharan, who has a genetic defect which prevents him from fully straightening his bowling arm, was reported to the International Cricket Council over a suspect action. Gilchrist said Muralitharan would likely bounce back from the ban. “He’s talented enough and shown he’s resilient enough that he may go away and develop something else,” said Gilchrist. “Or maybe refine that particular delivery so that it does meet the standards that are now in place”. “To take that one delivery out of his repertoire doesn’t mean that he becomes an ordinary bowler. He’s still very good at what he does in just bowling regulation off-spinners.”
— Agencies |
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Bowling actions top ICC agenda London, May 12 The cricket committee, which is an advisory body, will review the existing two-stage process for dealing with illegal bowling action and assess if it is the most appropriate way to address the issue and make recommendations accordingly, an International Cricket Council press note said here. The committee will also address the issues of technology trials conducted last year, referee performance in 2003-04 and a review of rules and playing conditions. “Plans for future technology trials, following on from the 2003 experiments in South Africa where umpires were given ear-pieces linked to stump microphones to help them rule on thin edges and special white markings in line with the leg stump to assist with lbw decisions, will be considered as well,” it said. The cricket committee, a comprehensive body of members nominated by the players as well as board members, is chaired by former Indian skipper and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar.
— PTI |
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ZCU: door still open
for rebels Harare, May 12 He said the players could do this individually or as a group. They would also be allowed to play on contract or be paid for matches they choose to play in against Australia, who arrive tomorrow for a tour of two Tests and three one-day internationals. He said the “door is still open” for the players if they showed commitment to Zimbabwe cricket. “Naturally they will have to show commitment, form and fitness to get back into the national side.” “I really hope they return because what has happened these last two weeks is very saddening,” Hogg added. “But it can be repaired.” The row began a month ago when Heath Streak was removed as team captain after he demanded changes to the national selection panel. Hogg said contrary to reports, Streak told him he would retire from all forms of cricket if his demands were not met. When they were rejected, union chairman Peter Chingoka announced a decision to remove Streak “by accepting his resignation.” Streak insists he has not resigned. The players have boycotted the national team since then, and Zimbabwe have lost all five one-day matches and the first Test to the touring Sri Lankans. The 15 dissident players continued making threats to quit, and the union sacked them on Monday, notifying the players while they were meeting to prepare a letter accepting mediation.
— AP |
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Ganguly proposes
two-tier system New Delhi, May 12 “The ICC has said it is going to give six more countries Test status. But if the standard of the game has to be preserved, it would be better to have a two-tier system,” said Ganguly, who was here for a promotional visit. The two-tier system would ensure that the world’s strongest teams do not have to play against greenhorns. ICC Chairman Ehsan Mani had said during an Asian Cricket Council seminar at Lahore last week that the world governing body expected six more affiliated member countries to gain full membership by the year 2007. At present there are 10 Test playing nations. The skipper also said a good performance by India in the home series against Australia later this year would help them “close the gap” with the world champions, but added that in order to become the top-most side, his team would have to match the consistency of the Aussies. “We have to match Australia in consistency. Australia have played good cricket over a period of time to become the No 1 team. We have played well and done well against them in Tests but in one-day cricket they have had the better of us. (But) doing well in the coming series will definitely close the gap.”
— PTI |
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Irfan, Balaji
to train under Lillee Chennai, May 12 The trio, who have confirmed their travel plans and training schedule to Foundation Director T A Sekar, would train for a month starting from May 28. “It has been the practice for Indian cricketers to visit the foundation for short and long duration training since late 80’s and these three bowlers were here before they went to Australia and Pakistan to learn more on the art of fast bowling from Dennis,” Sekar told PTI. Lillee will arrive here on June 14 for his stint with the Indian pacers. He said besides the trio, bowlers from the BCCI-run National Cricket Academy, three Sri Lankan bowlers and two from Bangladesh would also arrive here during Lillee’s visit.
— PTI |
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PCB asks Shoaib to undergo bone scan in England Lahore, May 12 ‘’The medical commission constituted by us was not able to confirm if his injury was a new one, old one or whether it was something more serious which is why they recommended he undergo another bone scan to clear the picture,’’ a PCB official said yesterday. The first bone scan on the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ had revealed that there was a stress on his 11th rib in his lower left back. The PCB official said Shoaib was a valuable member of the Pakistan team and he would only be undergoing the second bone scan in England since he had to fulfil his commitment with Durham. ‘’But we want to be sure it is nothing serious as we have a hectic international season ahead of us,’’ he said and added that the medical commission had made some valuable recommendations and suggestions in their report, which would be implemented. Meanwhile, PCB Chief Executive Rameez Raja has asserted that there was ‘’no foul play’’ in the sale of tickets during the recent series against India. Reacting to recent reports that the PCB was yet to receive Rs 18.6 million from sale of tickets that were taken by its top officials during the series, Raja said: ‘’Apart from the tickets given to the teams and match officials and under the contractual obligations to sponsors, not a single ticket had been given free of cost.’’ He said all the tickets taken by the board in the series were accounted for and a final reconcilement was in process. ‘’The reconcilement is not an easy process it is a long one. Because our accountants and auditors are getting final figures from different sources like the consultants, banks, booths etc,’’ he was quoted as saying by The News. It had been recently reported in the media that the board had received about Rs 65 million from ticket sales in the five-match one-day series alone and was now waiting for top PCB officials, including chairman Shaharyar Khan and Raja, to pay the remaining Rs 18.6 million. Ultimatum to PCB ISLAMABAD: Slamming the “cruel” policies of PCB Chief Executive Rameez Raja, six local cricket associations have given an ultimatum to Pakistan Cricket Board to begin negotiations for redressal of their grievances by May 21 or face an agitation. At a joint press conference here yesterday, the representatives of the associations came down heavily on Raja and demanded restoration of general body and the rights they enjoyed three years ago, including selecting teams on their own. The representatives, who claimed support of 90 per cent of associations, said they were all fed up with the “cruel” policies of PCB Chief Executive Raja. “Rameez’s policies have reduced the associations to mere dummies by depriving them of organising international matches and selecting teams for domestic cricket. “If the PCB does not settle our issues, we would meet the President of Pakistan and stage a sit-in in front of PCB headquarter besides moving the courts,” local daily ‘The Dawn’ quoted them as saying.
— UNI, PTI |
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IHF-Ministry meeting damp squib
New Delhi, May 12 “There was no discussion on selection of the team or on any individual player. As such we should not give directions on team selection. This is IHF’s work. Today this was not the issue,” the Sports Minister told reporters here after the hour-long meeting. The ministry had earlier asked the IHF for a status report on its selection policy after the controversy over the exclusion of Dhanraj Pillay broke out. Given the rap IHF got from the ministry, it was speculated that the federation could be asked to explain its selection policy in the all-important Olympic year. But Verma denied that the meeting had anything to do with the controversy surrounding the exclusion and subsequent call-up of Pillay to pre-Olympic camps. “No it was not for that. The meeting was scheduled much earlier. Only because of the elections we could not do it. We had time today so we decided to meet,” he said. The meeting was also attended by Indian Olympic Association secretary-general Randhir Singh and former Olympians Ashok Kumar and Aslam Sher Khan. “The meeting was just called for suggestions and discussions. It’s not a big thing and no direction has been given to any one,” Verma said. “There was no discussion on selection of team. The talks were on how to prepare the team for Olympics. We spoke about training of the players. We have noted the suggestions and would carry on our discussions in future.” Gill also denied that the IHF received any direction one on its selection process. “We discussed on the preparations and what steps we are taking. We got some very good suggestions from all. We always have discussions with the ministry and will continue it in future.” Randhir Singh said the meeting, which was held in “good spirit”, was not an attempt to interfere with the working of the IHF. “This is not an interference in IHF’s functioning. We can also hold discussions with other federations regarding preparation of athletes in the mega event.” Ashok Kumar, son of legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand, said discussions were also held on organising national championships. — PTI
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Complex Goran not ready to quit courts yet
London, May 12 Nurturing one final dream, the 32-year-old is playing on borrowed time and he knows it. But the lure of Wimbledon is too great.
The 2001 Wimbledon champion unveiled his plans for the English summer yesterday.
That he has chosen to warm up for the grasscourt Grand Slam at an exclusive English country club with a Hollywood pedigree is apt for a player who has always written his own scripts, the more outrageous the better. The James Bond film “Goldfinger”’ was filmed at Stoke Park Club more than 35 years ago. Then it was Sean Connery who took centrestage deep in the Buckinghamshire countryside. In June it will be
Ivanisevic.
“It will allow me to play against excellent players in a very relaxed atmosphere,” he added mysteriously. How relaxed the former wild man of tennis is remains to be seen. Ivanisevic was once forced to retire from a tournament after smashing all his rackets. “It’s me you know — unique,” he smiled at the time. “Once I’ve finished playing tennis, they’re going to remember me for something at least. The guy that never won Wimbledon...the guy who had to retire because he didn’t have any more racquets.” That was in 2000 and Ivanisevic had lost three Wimbledon finals. Not even he dared dream he would claim the coveted crown but just over seven months later he won Wimbledon as a wildcard in arguably the greatest shock in the history of professional tennis. Soon after, however, his shoulder gave way and Ivanisevic has not hit a ball at the All England Club since. That is why he is soldiering on.
“My shoulder is better when I play. Like an engine — when you stop, then it needs time to go on again. Every time I wake up, I don’t know if I can serve or not.” Divine providence may be at work for Ivanisevic famously made a pact with God that fortnight in 2001, praying throughout that he would not care if he never played again if only he could win a Wimbledon crown. “You cannot argue with God,” he said last week. “You ask him one thing, he give me what I want, and I want more. “I know a promise is a promise, but I thought he’s going to let me play. But since then, everything is going downhill.” Since Ivanisevic returned from his latest injury in February, he has yet to make it past the second round in eight tournaments, losing eight of the 10 matches he has played. His official ranking has dropped to 418 and he is reliant on wildcards to get into top events. Last time Wimbledon gave him a wildcard he thanked them by winning the event. This time to simply step on to centre court one more time would be a dream come true.
— Reuters |
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East Europeans hold sway in Madrid
Madrid, May 12 Hungarian teenager Laszlo Cseh claimed his first senior European crown and Russia and Ukraine collected two gold medals apiece before Spain closed yesterday evening on a high with victory in the women’s 4x200 metres freestyle relay. Van den Hoogenband qualified second behind Filippo Magnini for 100 metres freestyle final, clocking 49.49 seconds to the Italian’s 49.19. The Dutchman’s world record is 47.84. The 18-year-old Cseh, who gave American Michael Phelps a run for his money in the 400 metres individual medley at last year’s world championships, gave further proof of his versatility with victory in the 100 metres backstroke. The shaven-headed Hungarian led at the halfway mark and held on to snatch gold in 55.26, beating fast-finishing Austrian Markus Rogan by just 0.01 seconds. Rogan repeated his silver of 2002 and defending champion Stev Theloke of Germany took the bronze. Ukrainian Oleg Lisogor made his experience tell as he retained his 100 metres breaststroke title, storming through to win in one minute 01.13 seconds. Frenchman Hugues Duboscq took the silver in 1:01.25 and Hungary’s Richard Bodor the bronze in 1:01.54. Sergiy Breus was Ukraine’s first winner of the session, scoring an upset victory in the men’s 50 metres butterfly final as defending champion Jere Hard of Finland was squeezed out of the medals. Russia’s Natalia Soutiagina won the women’s 50 butterfly in the absence of Swedish world record holder Anna-Karin Kammerling, and 17-year-old Stanislava Komarova claimed Russia’s second win when she retained her 200 backstroke crown. Spain closed the session with their first pool swimming title of the championships, winning the women’s 4x200 freestyle relay.
— Reuters |
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East Bengal finish with victory Margao, May 12 East Bengal, who dominated the first half, had to wait till the injury time to open their account as Haywards custodian Felix D’Souza came up with three saves — twice off Baichung Bhutia and once off Cristiano junior. Play was stopped for few minutes after a section of crowd from the South Stand tried to invade the ground after referee Rizwan-Al-Haq awarded a penalty for East Bengal after defender Mehrajuddin brought down Bhutia inside the box. Timely intervention by the police saw things under control. The resultant penalty was converted by Cristiano junior beating Felix to his left with a high shot. Junior again scored fifteen minutes after the interval when he tapped across from Malsawmtlunga from the left to score his 15th goal to become the highest scorer this season.
— PTI |
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London, May 12
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