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Super Series kicks off today
There are no weak links in World XI team
Will Ganguly play? |
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Cricket board charged with evasion of service tax
BCCI allowed to open bids
Railways lift Irani Trophy
Anand moves up to joint second
Sania off to winning start
A quiet merger
A view of the Naldehra golf course.
Punjab Games to have 18 events
Punjab cops win
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Super Series kicks off today
Melbourne, October 4 Dravid’s stature as one of the world's leading batsmen in contemporary cricket got a fresh approval as he was given the crucial number three spot in the star-studded World XI line-up in what promises to be a pulsating contest in the inaugural edition of the series. The explosive Sehwag got the nod ahead of West Indian Chris Gayle to open the World's batting in the first of three one-day internationals to be played at the Docklands Stadium here tomorrow. Australia, led by Ricky Ponting, will be under pressure to preserve their reputation as three-time World Champions and the number one Test team following the stunning defeat in England this summer when they lost the Ashes 1-2. The Super Series consists of three ODIs, with the second and third to be played on October 7 and 9, followed by a six-day Super Test from October 14 to 19. The one-dayers would be played at the flood-lit indoor stadium Telstra Dome while the Test will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Series will also witness trial of several innovative concepts, including option for on-field umpires to refer decisions, including those on leg before wicket, to the TV umpire. Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara would partner Sehwag at the top of the star-studded line-up that also includes West Indies' world record holder Brian Lara and followed by all-rounders Jacques Kallis of South Africa and Andrew Flintoff of England. There would also be some cavalier batting on display with Kevin Pietersen and Shahid Afridi also figuring in the 12-man squad led by South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock. Dravid, Lara and Kallis bring to the World team a combined wealth of 25,425 runs through 42 hundreds and 172 half centuries from 735 matches. The bowling will be spearheaded by Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Murlitharan who has taken 381 wickets from 247 one-dayers. With Pollock (321 wickets from 236 matches), 'Rawalpindi Express' Shoaib Akhtar (192, 123), Kallis (197, 217) and Daniel Vettori (146, 154) ready to go for their neck, the Aussies are bound to have to some rough time ahead. Ponting seemed wary of allowing umpires to refer all decisions to technology. “I don’t think anyone is going to really know about how this will go,” he said on the eve of the match. “There are a lot of things the umpires are going to be looking at and trialling, but as far as the players are concerned all we can do is play the game the same way and let the umpires and third umpires look after all those decisions.” Pollock was a bit more optimistic than his counterpart. “There is a time where technology needs to be tried and that's what is going to happen in this series and after this we have a reference point where we can refer back to,” he said. “I think it's important that we take it in that spirit. If there are too many stoppages and hiccups and things don't seem to be running smoothly then I'm sure they will be put aside,” Pollock said. Simon Katich will open the Australian batting with Adam Gilchrist after Matthew Hayden lost his ODI slot, thanks to the Ashes post-mortem. Australia also lost their pace hope Shaun Tait due to an injury as also Brad Hogg. Stuart Clark and Cameron White were the replacements but the former was not in the 12 named by Australia today. Teams:
Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Simon Katich, Damien Martyn, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Andrew Symonds, Cameron White, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath and Nathan Bracken. World XI:
Shaun Pollock (captain), Virender Sehwag, Kumar Sangakkara, Rahul Dravid, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis, Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff, Shahid Afridi, Daniel Vettori, Shoaib Akhtar and Muttiah Muralitharan.
— PTI |
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There are no weak links in World XI team
The Super Series will be a great celebration for cricket, what with some of the world’s best cricketers coming here to take us on in three one-dayers and a Test. There is a huge amount of excitement within our team, because we see this as a chance to make a statement about which team remains the best in the world. The Ashes loss and the comments that followed need to be answered, and my favourite way of doing that is by proving myself on the field.
It is an exciting time for the Australians because we will be seeing some new faces and combinations right through this series. Simon Katich will be opening and Shane Watson will be coming in as the all-rounder. The last-minute withdrawal of Shaun Tait and Brad Hogg means that Stuart Clark and Cameron White will be part of the one-day squad. These are new untried faces, but they also bring with them a freshness, energy and eagerness that seems to have injected some pep in the whole team. Our practice sessions over the last week have been the best I have been involved in for a long time. If we can take this energy onto the centre stage, it will be very hard to beat us. The opposition is however, really formidable. There are simply no weak links in sight. The batting order reads like a Who’s Who, and we will have to be at the top of our game to take on such a quality batting line-up. The player everybody is talking about right now is Andrew Flintoff. His Ashes exploits have made him a popular figure here, and I am sure he will want to show us that he can compete with us in our backyard as well. I would think it is presumptuous of me to say we are the best side when we are taking on the talent of the rest of the world combined. However, I spoke to my players and told them that most of them make it to fantasy elevens and if you go player to player, there is really very little separating the two sides. The fact that the match is being played at the Telstra Dome will take some getting used to. Indoor stadiums have lower lights, and the outfield can get slippery as well. This might give us a little edge at the start since many of us have played indoors. Personally, the last three weeks have been pretty relaxed, but I have spent a lot of the time shutting out the unwarranted criticism being heaped on the team and of course my captaincy. I always appreciate criticism, especially when it is constructive. Unfortunately, much of what has been said and written since we returned has been basically rubbish, and since I can’t control it I have decided to get on with the game. The Super Series will give me an opportunity to do just that. We would like to prove that we are still a quality side, and that we can compete and win against the best in the world.
— Gameplan |
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Will Ganguly play?
Kolkata, October 4 Ganguly’s participation in the tournament had come under a cloud after he met an orthopaeadic surgeon in the city yesterday and got an MRI scan done on his right elbow. “I am not going to say anything on the Challenger now,” he said at the Cricket Association of Bengal headquarters. Cricket board officials did not give any clue about the position on Ganguly’s problem.
— PTI |
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Cricket board charged with evasion of service tax
Chennai, October 4 Meanwhile, the International Merchandise Corporation Limited, a worldwide television production firm, has claimed
Rs 26.20 crore from the board for alleged breach of contract on television
production. The Deputy Commissioner of Service Tax has raised a demand of Rs 11,19,16,602, together with concealment penalty of Rs 22,39,000 and interest on tax thereof, according to the note on accounts for 2004-05, signed by BCCI President Ranbir Singh Mahendra, Secretary S.K. Nair and Treasurer Jyoti Bajpai. The board’s report has stated that it proposes to file an appeal to the Appellate Tribunal of Central Excise.
— UNI |
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BCCI allowed to open bids
New Delhi, October 4 |
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Railways lift Irani Trophy
New Delhi, October 4 The Ranji Trophy champions needed only an hour on the fourth morning to knock off the required 50 runs in the second innings to bag the trophy for the second time in four seasons. Amit Pagnis gave no chance to the Rest bowlers as he stroked seven fours on his way to 33 before being run out. It was a bit of an anti-climax for Pagnis as the umpires pulled out the stumps and the players congratulated each other quite prematurely as they went by the scoreboard which turned out to be wrong. Immediately on resumption, with two more runs still needed, Pagnis failed to beat Rudra Pratap Singh's throw. Railways, who had won the title in 2002, were richer by Rs 2 lakh. Coach Vinod Sharma said the team owed its triumph to the strong tail that pulled them out of trouble in the first innings. “It always happens with us. Our tail is very strong and has come to our rescue on many occasions. It happened in the Ranji Trophy final also,” Sharma said. He also praised Murali Kartik who hit a career best 96 and shared a 151-run stand with Yere Goud for the seventh wicket which enabled the hosts take a 88-run first innings lead after they had been reduced to 104 for six at one stage. “Kartik, whenever he gets a chance, he proves. He always delivers,” coach Sharma said. While Railways celebrated, it was a sombre atmosphere in the Rest dressing room. The players quietly distributed the prize money among themselves and dispersed in no time. At least Ramesh Powar, with figures of 7-116 in the first innings, did not deserve to be in the losing side. The same could said of the other Rest bowlers who toiled hard on a track of uneven bounce. Right arm pacer Sreesanth was diplomatic on his comments about the wicket. “It was tough but manageable,” the 22-year old from Cochin said with a smile. “We tried to bowl a tight line and plug the mid-wicket, the main scoring area on this track,” he said. But couldn't they have done something to stop Kartik and Goud? “That's how it happens, one partnership. We thought it would end but it went on and on.” Sreesanth's helpness maybe a result of not having a good target to defend as the Rest were all out for 223 and 137 in the two innings. Dheeraj Jadhav did not hurt his reputation with a 53 in the first innings and followed it up with an equally good 42 in the second knock. Gautam Gambhir once again failed to capitalise on a good start as he got out for 47 on the first day while Suresh Raina came good in the second innings with an attacking 30 before succumbing to the awkward bounce of Kartik. Scoreboard: Rest of India (1st innings) 223; Railways (1st innings) 311; Rest of India (2nd innings) 137; Railways (2nd innings): Bangar not out 12, Pagnis run out 33, Tejinder not out 2 Extras (b-1, nb-2) 3; Total (for 1 wicket in 15.2 overs) 50; Fall of wickets: 1-48. Bowling: Sreesanth 3-1-18-0, R P Singh 4-0-9-0, Powar 3-0-15-0, Bose 3.2-1-6-0, Raina 2-1-1-0.
— PTI |
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Anand moves up to joint second
San Luis (Argentina), October 4 Vaselin Topalov of Bulgaria increased his lead by a commanding 1.5 points when he defeated his nearest rival, Peter Svidler with Black pieces in the fifth round. Continuing from where he left before the rest day, a visibly rejuvenated Topalov played an enterprising game to outwit Svidler in 44 moves from the Black side of a sharp Sicilian Defence. Annihilating the defences of his nearest occupant in the points position, that too with Black pieces, Topalov has very loudly announced his clear ambitions to go full throttle in this prestigious event, conducted to decide the title of World Champion. Topalov has now reached a mammoth score of 4.5 from 5 rounds, pulling away from Anand and Svidler, who are the immediate duo behind the leader on 3 points. In what could be termed as an otherwise uneventful round, Topalov's win proved to be the only decisive result of the round, all the other games ending in draws, probably an influence of yesterday being the first Rest day of the event. The shortest encounter of the round was between the English Grandmaster Michael Adams and the holder of the World Champion title, Rustam Kasimdzhanov, whose game ended in an uneventful draw in 29 moves.
— PTI |
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Sania off to winning start
New Delhi, October 4 Ranked 37th in the world, Sania put her disappointing early exits from Wismilak International and Sunfeast Open behind and was at her aggressive best as she blasted her Puerto Rican opponent. Castellvi failed to put up any resistance against the rampaging Sania who virtually toyed with her opponent in the first set. The Puerto Rican had no answer to the rasping forehands of her much superior rival. The formality was completed as Sania dropped just one game before winning the set 6-1, according to information received here. Castellvi, tried to change the script in the second set but she had the will and not the means to enforce it. She won three games as unforced errors came back to haunt Sania. It was not long before Sania broke the facade of a battle and rocked her opponent. The Indian pocketed the set 6-3 to clinch the match. In the doubles, the Indian and her partner Shahar Peer of Israel beat the American pair of Jill Craybas and Carly Gullickson 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 to move tom the second round.
— UNI |
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A quiet merger
New Delhi, October 4 But the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and the Indian Women's Hockey Federation (IWHF) had resisted the demand for merger mainly on account of difference in the sharing of official posts. Who would head the united body was the bone of contention. But the IHF and the IWHF eventually worked out a nice "working formula", to head the IHC in turn, and not to step on each other's domain. After the so called merger three years ago, IHF president KPS Gill headed the IHC for the first two years, before handing over the baton to IWHF president Mrs Vidya Stokes, who is its current president. Though the IHC has a logo to show that the IHF and the IWHF have "merged", nothing has changed as Mr Gill rules the IHF while Mrs Vidya Stokes calls the shots in the IWHF, and both federations guard their "independence". In fact, the IHF keeps aloof from women's hockey so totally that no top gun of the men's federation has taken the trouble to walk into the VVIP box of the National Stadium, which is just a few steps away from the IHF office, during the first three days of the Indira Gold Cup, even when the Indian girls were playing. |
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Celebrations may prove boon for golf course
Naldehra, October 4 Perched on the Naldehra spur at an altitude of 6,700 feet, the golf course has been known more for its scenic splendour than sporting activity. Surrounded by cedars, the undulating but manicured glade presents the nature at its captivating best. Falling short of international standards, the golf course has been attracting only amateurs. The Shimla-Tattapani road, which passes through the middle of the golf course, has been a major hurdle in its expansion. The local golf captain, Brig B.S. Kanwar (retd), has convinced Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh that a slight realignment of the road can help put the “Queen of Hills” on the international golf map. As per the proposal, the road will be diverted to left from the Jablanda temple, short of Naldehra, and rejoin the road after bypassing the course. Some forest land will have to be acquired from Jablanda to the boundary of the course. The course has been given shape on natural topography, which has remained unchanged. Its upgradation will enable the club to host competitive events recognised by the Professional Golf Association, Brigadier Kanwar says. One of the oldest golf courses in the country, it is a living monument to the British legacy. It retains its scenic grandeur and tranquility. Its springing green turf has remained unspoilt. The “Nal Deo” shrine still stands on the north-western edge of the course. During his tenure (1899-1904), Lord Curzon had taken time off to frequent the spot. His romance with the place led to the development of the golf course in 1905. He had suggested the layout. He had given his youngest daughter Alexandra the middle name of Naldehra. Tournaments involving the British army and civilian teams were a regular feature. Its elite status was maintained after Independence. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation maintained it for about three decades until its management was handed over to the Naldehra golf club last year. The club will organise a 10-day golf carnival to mark the centenary. The celebrations will commence on October 7. The course is being landscaped by planting perennial flowers. The fairways have been improved and two new greens have been added at the fourth and sixth tee. Four new greens have been developed at the ninth, 13th and 15th holes. A double-storey pavilion has been built. A golf driving range has been provided for practice. It is a par-68 course with nine holes. The yardage of the first round is 2,149 and in the repeat nine, there are four additional greens and different tees, which increase the yardage of the second round to 2,370. The yardage will be increased to around 6,500 after upgradation. The club plans to popularise the sport among schoolchildren and commoners. It proposes to set up a golf practice range at the edge of the course near the pavilion. |
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Punjab Games to have 18 events
Wagah, October 4 This was stated by the three-member delegation of the Punjab Government, headed by Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, Chief Mr R.P.S. Pawar, Chief Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports, and Raja K.S. Sidhu, Secretary General, Punjab Olympic Association, went to Pakistan on September 29 to finalise the details and technicalities of the games. Mr Sodhi said the games would comprise 18 events instead of 11. He said international rules and regulations would be adhered to. He added that all participants would have to undergo dope tests and the samples would be sent to Singapore for testing. Mr Sodhi said selection of 350 players had been completed. He added that a delegation of journalists would accompany the players. He announced that the state government would employ 100 sportspersons in the Punjab Police on the basis of their performances in the games. Mr Sidhu said Lahore, Peshawar and Gujarat would host kabaddi matches and handball matches would be held at Faislabad. He said the next edition of the games would be held in Jalandhar. |
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Punjab cops win
Patiala, October 4 Punjab Police Club handed out a comprehensive 79-59 defeat to BSNL, Kerala, while DLW had to work hard to down Indian Youth 69-65. For DLW, P. Sudhir, who scored 24 points, played a stellar role and was the leading rebounder and defender for his team. He was supported by pivot K. Sateesh who scored 19 points. DLW and Indian Youth, for whom Sukhbir Singh (15) and Gurbhej Singh (13) excelled in patches, were evenly placed midway in the last quarter. During the dying minutes, the DLW coach changed tactics, which gave P. Sudhir more space in the attack. A three-pointer in the last minute by S. Raju enabled DLW to emerge victorious. For Punjab Police Club, the star players were Harminder Singh (26) and Talwinder Singh (24). For the losers, Bobby Malhotra (10) controlled most of the attacks. In the women’s section, Chhattisgarh Club lost to Southern Railway, Chennai. For the winners, Shamala and Anita played well and scored 14 and 10 points, respectively. |
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India Junior win
New Delhi, October 4 |
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Melbourne, October 4
San Luis (Argentina), October 4
