Monday, June 14, 1999
today's calendar
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S P O R T | Monday, June 14, 1999 |
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Indians
have no excuse for defeat Azhar
refuses to step down Dungarpur
again to Azharuddin's rescue Gavaskar,
Dungarpur in war of words Gavaskar’s
comments: Ex-cricketers enter fray Azhar,
Gaekwad deny charge Saqlain
upholds art of bowling
Ranatunga
controversy: Minister denies report England
captain may be sacked Warne
suggests 3-match final Botham
backs Fletcher |
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South
Korea hold Pakistan Henman
to clash with Sampras in final Punjab
cops move into final |
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Steve Waugh guides Aussies into semis HEADINGLEY, June 13 (PTI) — Skipper Steve Waugh hit a magnificient unbeaten century to power Australia to a five wicket win over South Africa with just two balls to spare in a dramatic last World Cup Super Six tie, launching his team into the semifinals and throwing Zimbabwe out of contention. The 34-year-old Waugh yet again lived upto his reputation as the "crisis man" by cracking 120 not out off only 110 balls and raised a crucial 126-run fourth wicket stand with young Ricky Ponting (69) before staying on to guide his side from a miserable 48 for 3 to 272 for five wickets in 49.4 overs. Chasing South Africa’s huge 271 for seven piled up on opener Herschelle Gibbs’s fine century (101 - 134 b, 10x4, 1x6) and excellent middle order contributions, Australia faced defeat to be knocked out of a semifinal spot, before ‘man of the match’ Steve Waugh’s heroic knock pulled them through. In the semifinals, Australia take on South Africa in a repeat clash in the second tie on June 17 at Edgbaston. Pakistan, who topped the list, take on fourth place finishers New Zealand in the first semifinal at Old Trafford on June 16. Australia, who completed a winning sweep of their three super six matches finished with six points like South Africa and Pakistan with New Zealand (five points) fourth after they pipped Zimbabwe (five points) on superior net run rate. Pakistan had the best nrr of +0.65, followed by Australia (+0.36) and South Africa (+0.17). Australia, who needed run a ball in the last five overs, needed eight from the final over to win. Moody hit a brace and a four off Shaun Pollock and a single before Steve Waugh deservedly hit the winning run to pump his arms in triumph. Australia were in dire straits when Steve Waugh walked in, but he immediately took charge by launching a superb attack on the strong South African bowling, which however missed the services of all rounder Jacques Kallis who did not play due to a hamstring injury. Steve Waugh and Australia enjoyed a massive chunk of luck when Herschelle Gibbs grassed an easy at midwicket trying to throw up the ball in celebration as Waugh pulled Klusener. But Steve Waugh, who hit some superb drives through the off and flicks through midwicket brought up his century off only 91 balls, studded with 10 fours and two sixes. South Africa seemed have things in control — they would have topped the group in case of victory and taken on Zimbabwe in the first semifinals - before Waugh attacked left-arm spinner Nicky Boje and rival skipper Hansie Cronje’s medium pace to pull Australia back into contention. Opener Adam Gilchrist was bowled cheaply by Steve Elworthy and Mark Waugh was run out to a bad call by Ponting before Damien Martyn, in for injured Darren Lehmann, also fell victim to Elworthy to make it 48 for three. Ponting took on Elworthy by smashing two brilliant sixes over midwicket apart from six fours before falling to his adventurism in the 35th over for a patient 69 off 110 balls. One-day specialist
Michael Bevan (27 off 33 balls) gave his skipper fine
company before veteran all-rounder Tom Moody (15 not out
off 16 balls) completed the job. |
Indians have no excuse for
defeat HEADINGLEY, June 13 — The Indian cricketers do not generally suffer from the foot in the mouth disease. But they may have spoken a bit early when they slammed the World Cup points system only to end up bottom of the heap in the Super Six after they contrived to lose to New Zealand. The Kiwis are journeymen cricketers whose modesty is touching and whose ambitions are limited. And yet they have been in more World Cup semi-finals than those sides that talk a lot more about it and do much less about winning matches and progressing to the higher stages. The Indians may have learnt one lesson and that is not to complain because the whingers generally end up last. Having gone on about the unfairness of the rules of the competition because they believed Zimbabwe got in ahead of them, they lost a second match in the World Cup after setting up a target in excess of 250. In a World Cup in which teams have been struggling to meet targets, this constitutes a unique record. This is probably the clearest case of failure at the captaincy. The team did suffer from the terrible lack of motivation since their fate was sealed before the first ball was bowled at Trent Bridge yesterday. But can such an excuse be trotted out at this level off game ? On the other hand, the Kiwis were fired up by the prospect of playing for a straightforward win in order to knock off either Zimbabwe or Australia from the semifinals. There was no question of run rates and other mathematical equations. They simply had to win to advance to join South Africa and Pakistan and they did. If there was one side which could blame the elements more than the rules it was New Zealand.Their match against Zimbabwe was washed out. If 10 more overs had been possible in that game, they would been in the running for a place in the last four. They did finally earn that place with a fine win over India as they found an unlikely hero in Adam Parore, whose flurry of strokes against Javagal Srinath settled the issue at Trent Bridge. The Kiwis fought to the end and they found reward in a passage to the semifinals. The Indian failure, despite another fine batting effort from Ajay Jadeja who keeps himself in competition with Micahel Bevan for the title of the greatest finisher in the one-day game, was comprehensive. They were clubbed by ordinary batsmen who displayed an intensity far above what is par for the course. The carnival of cricket with a distinct Indian flavour is over. The Indian spectators at Trent Bridge were so loud there was announcement over the public address system for less noise from the stands at the Radcliffe Road end. The foolishness of such an appeal would have been apparent to anyone save the English. The great Indian commerce that made the World Cup more successful than it would have been will take a back seat in the next one week while the event sprints to its finish. The Pakistani supporters will, however, keep serving a reminder of how Asia lives and dies by the fortunes of its cricket teams. It did not seem to matter to the Indian fans out here whether their team was winning or losing. They were quite happy to come along and cheer and spend an enjoyable day at the carnival. It is a pity such enthusiasm was rarely seen in the national cricket team which seemed to lose motivation for no reason other than a feeling aggrieved over the competition rules. The efficacy of a system that kept the interest alive until the very last match of the Super Six was proved. There was no game in the super cross-league that was not important from the point of view of teams qualifying for the knockout round. The teams that suffered the most agony were India and Australia and they were the only sides that came into the super six with nil points. Why blame the system for non-performance in certain matches in a competition by whose rules every game was significant in its own way? There will be blips in any system, since perfect equitability is not possible in a cricket World Cup in which three qualifiers come in from the ICC trophy and so will create a basic imbalance. The league phase of the 1996 World Cup was virtually meaningless since only one side, Zimbabwe, were knocked out along with the three qualifiers. The current World Cup
got it far more right by making the cricket in the
preliminary league count. Two wild card entries into the
next stage might stop the whingeing but who knows what
will happen since India might then go on to lose more
games. |
Overdose of cricket led to exit: Gaekwad NOTTINGHAM, June 13 (UNI) — Inconsistency, mental fatigue and too much of cricket had led to India’s exit from the World Cup, team coach Anshuman Gaekwad said. "We just weren’t consistent. When we played well, we were exceptionally well. But we failed to keep the momentum’’, he said. The inconsistent display was due to overdose of cricket, especially one-dayers, he averred. "Physically you might get attuned to it but the mental fatigue takes its toll on the performance,’’ he said. "When mental fatigue sets in, the players tend to relax a bit ... That’s what might have happened with the Indian team. "On ability we should have made the semifinals,’’ Gaekwad said. Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin concurred with Gaekwad’s view saying: "We’ve played a lot of one-dayers in the last three years.’’ "The boys came out with some brilliant individual performances, but we lacked overall consistency. These things do happen and there’s little one could do," he added. On India’s elimination despite playing better than Zimbabwe, Azharuddin said he has no complaints. It would not be fair for me to comment on the rules after India’s ouster. We should’ve been better prepared’’. I am not going to use the new format as an excuse for India’s inability to make the semifinals. We knew the rules and should have played accordingly.’’ Azharuddin, whose captaincy is under fire, refused to discuss his future and said the team has two months before its next international fixture. India is due to tour Sri Lanka for a one-day triangular with Australia and hosts Sri Lanka in August. New Zealand skipper
Stephen Fleming said his team’s progress into the
semifinals was littered with road blocks. "Our entry
into the semifinals was anything but smooth’’,
he said and attributed it to "doing the right things
at the right time". |
Azhar refuses to step down TRENT BRIDGE, June 13 (PTI) — Despite mounting demands for his removal following India’s disastrous World Cup campaign, Mohd Azharuddin has ruled out relinquishing captaincy. "I am enjoying the game. There is still two months break. I don’t want to look so far ahead," he said after India’s final Super Six match which New Zealand won yesterday. About the match, Azhar said the equation was favourable to the Kiwis at the rain-induced break. "I am not offering any excuse but the ball became wet and fielding became difficult for us." Coach Anshuman Gaekwad blamed the bowlers for the loss and said throughout the tournament inconsistent bowling had been the specific area of concern. "My reaction is when we played well, we played very well. Our batting, bowling and fielding — all clicked. But when the chips were down, we really were inconsistent," he said. Asked whether the bowlers were tired playing too many matches in the recent past, Gaekwad said, "I would say partially yes. It is not the physical aspect of it: indeed sometimes your body can get really tuned. It is more mental." Azhar was more forthcoming in saying the players might have played excessive cricket. "I am not really pinpointing it, but the boys have undergone a relentless pace of cricket in the past two years." He praised his team-mates profusely and said they performed very well throughout the tournament. "We did have one bad game but that’s about all," the Indian skipper said. Azhar declined to complain against the points system that went against India. "There is no point (complaining). I always look ahead. If I say anything (now) it would be seen as a case of sour grapes". "It is not as if we did not know the format. We knew it pretty well," he said. Reacting to Sunil Gavaskar’s demand for a probe to find out who had instructed the batsmen to finish off the match against Zimbabwe in the penultimate over, Azhar retorted, "Why don’t you ask him." Gaekwad also reacted in the same vein, saying "as far as we are concerned, no instruction was passed on by us. I wonder what is his source. Why don’t you ask him. Better still, why don’t you ask the batsmen who were in the middle?" |
Dungarpur again to Azharuddin's rescue NOTTINGHAM, June 13 (UNI) — Despite India's failure in the World Cup, Azharuddin's captaincy does not seem to be in immediate danger. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Raj Singh Dungarpur has once again come forward in support of Azharuddin. "I don't think there is anything wrong with Azhar's captaincy," the BCCI chief said. "Azhar has done great service for the country for so many years. He has always been introvert, why should that go against him." He, however, made it clear that the decision to keep Azharuddin as captain is in the hands of the selectors, not the board. The BCCI chief also ruled out the possibility of hiring a foreign coach saying "we have enough talent at home." In any case India is already using former Australian captain Bob Simpson as team consultant. Dungarpur lavishly praised Simpson calling him a "great thinker of the game. His advice is very valuable to the team" adding that "our real problem is lack of genuine all rounder." However, one casualty from this team for sure is Australian physiotherapist Andrew Kokinos. his contract is not likely to be renewed. "Kokinos is out, he has not been much of help to the players," according to one team official. Kokinos was hired from the Australian Institute of Sports after his name was recommended by former captain Ian Chappell. Also losing the match against New Zealand, here last evening, Azhar said: "It is up to the selectors to decide his captaincy. I enjoy the job and I enjoy the responsibility." He said: "I am disappointed but at the same time we really did our rest in all the matches. "The boys played very well except one game against Zimbabwe," he said adding "they have worked really very hard after we came here 23 to 25 days before to get used to the conditions — but conditions were not in our favour." He said People must understand we have played lots and lots of one day cricket and lots of Test cricket and it has not been easy for the players. "They have had a
lot of fitness problems this year," the captain
added. |
Gavaskar, Dungarpur in war of words TRENT BRIDGE, June 13 (PTI) — A comment on television by Sunil Gavaskar about India’s defeat against Zimbabwe last month has erupted into a controversy between the former India captain and current board president Raj Singh Dungarpur. With India on its way out of the World Cup, Gavaskar triggered off a furore by demanding that an inquiry be held into who asked the Indian batsmen at the crease to finish off the game in the penultimate over (45th) itself while chasing a 250-plus target against Zimbabwe at Leicester last month. Fellow commentator and former England captain Tony Greig queered the pitch by asking who (the guilty person) was, the coach or the captain. Gavaskar said it could even be somebody else. Dungarpur expressed his surprise to hear that and said "you can’t constitute inquiry for everything". "There are instances when people have scored 36 runs off 60 overs and no inquiry was held," he said, in a reference to Gavaskar’s knock in the 1975 world cup. Responding to that, Gavaskar said "I just want to set the record straight that an inquiry was conducted and I did appear before the committee". Referring to his comment
on TV, the champion batsman said: "My remarks were
not against anyone in particular. But anybody be he the
coach, captain, manager, consultant, senior player or
anyone else, should be taken to task because an
instruction was given whose consequences have been
grave". |
Gavaskar’s comments MUMBAI, June 13 (PTI) — Former skipper Bishan Singh Bedi raised the spectre of betting and match fixing in Indian cricket once again reacting to his successor Sunil Gavaskar’s controversial remarks regarding India’s loss to Zimbabwe in the preliminary phase of the World Cup. Commenting on the programme "turning point" in Star News after India’s defeat against New Zealand last night, Bedi said Gavaskar’s insinuation pointed to betting and match-fixing. Gavaskar triggered off a furore by demanding an inquiry be held into who asked the Indian batsmen at the crease to finish off the game in the penultimate over (45th) itself while chasing a 250-plus target against Zimbabwe. Cricket board President Raj Singh Dungarpur had expressed his surprise to hear the insinuations by Gavaskar and quipped: "You can’t constitute inquiry for everything." Skipper Azharuddin, after India’s match at Trent Bridge yesterday, reacted to Gavaskar’s demand with a retort: "Why don’t you ask him." Gaekwad also reacted in the same vein, saying "as far as we are concerned, no instruction was passed on by us. I wonder what is his source. Why don’t you ask him. Better still, why don’t you ask the batsmen who were in the middle?" UNI adds: The controversy over Gavaskar’s remarks demanding an inquiry into India’s loss to Zimbabwe in the league phase of the World Cup is still hanging in mid-air. The Chairman of the Selection Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Ajit Wadekar said he could not comment on this issue since he did not know much about it. He was 5000 miles away here in India and therefore, he did not know exactly what was happening over there. When told that a lot of stories have come out in the media about this controversy, Mr Wadekar replied that some of these stories could be "planted ones" too. As for some former cricketers going for Azharuddin’s sack, Wadekar said that we should take this defeat in the right perspective. Meanwhile, former Indian Test player G.S. Ramchand said if Sachin fells he could handle captaincy then he should be given the reins. Ramchand also blamed Azhar for committing quite a few tactical blunders which cost India the chance of advancing to the World Cup. Later, former cricketers Hanumant Singh and Polly Umrigar joined Indian coach Anshuman Gaekwad in attacking the new points system which cost India a semi-final berth. Hanumant Singh said it
was unfair to carry over the points from the league stage
into the Super Six. Due to this teams like India and
Australia were at a clear disadvantage, he said. |
Azhar, Gaekwad deny charge LONDON, June 13 (PTI) — Former skipper Sunil Gavaskar’s charges that someone in the Indian camp was responsible for the way they lost to Zimbabwe has blown into a controversy, but skipper Mohd Azharuddin denied there was anything amiss and said Gavaskar was at liberty to pass on any information he had to the board. Gavaskar’s remarks on air demanding that an enquiry be held into who instructed the Indian tail-enders to throw their bat around in the three-run defeat to Zimbabwe had evoked strong reaction from board president Rajsingh Dungarpur as well as Azhar and coach Anshuman Gaekwad. Gavaskar had created a furore by demanding the enquiry and had said the man who had instructed the batsmen to throw their bat around, to be all out in the penultimate over (45th) itself chasing 253 for victory at Leicester on May 19. India were docked four overs for slow over rate, but had to make only three runs when they lost their last two wickets off successive balls. Azhar denied Gavaskar’s allegations and said "batsmen were under no instruction as suggested," while Gaekwad countered "why doesn’t anyone ask the players if they were under any instruction. I can say this much. There was no instruction from our side". Dungarpur had joined
issue yesterday saying "you can’t constitute an
inquiry for anything and everything." |
Saqlain upholds art of bowling HEADINGLEY, June 13 — Saqlain Mushtaq delivered a big blow on behalf of the spinners. His hat-trick may have come late in the match at the Oval on Friday when the proceedings were virtually meaningless in a Zimbabwean batting surrender. It caused more mirth than the elation of match-winning heroics. The hat-trick did strike a blow for the spinners of the World Cup who have all had a generally bad time. The conditions of early summer were never going to be hospitable for spin bowling, the bat still slides more than spins although the first signs of some purchase being available soon enough were to be seen as Huckle turned one or two of his leggies on the same day. Spinners who had such a great time in 1996 have all been relegated to the background. The hat-tick may have come against batting innocents. It may have sustained a World Cup tradition of hat-tricks since the first one, by Chetan Sharma for India against New Zealand at Nagpur in 1987, had raised many an eyebrow because the bowler’s action was pretty suspect by then. There was this huge suspicion that the deliveries with which he bowled Ian Smith and were actually thrown rather than bowled. "Run out" declared the more mischievous ones in the media box. What it did was to save the declining profile of spin in this World Cup in which neither Shane Warne, who helped Australia beat the West Indies in Chandigarh, nor Anil Kumble who has had such roles to play in India’s one-day triumphs had made any impact. Efficiency and economy have been the motifs more than wicket-taking and match winning heroics. Muthiah Muralitharan who is taking wickets by the bucketful in the country championships was a pale shadow of himself in the World Cup as opposed to his dramatic spells in Sri Lanka’s historic triumph in 1996. So complete was the domination of spin and so pathetically ineffective the bowling of the pacemen that Ranatunga had employed 37 overs of spin in the final against Australia at Lahore. In this World Cup, captains have been pleased if the specialised spinners have been getting through their quota of ten overs without too much damage to the match situation. The Shane Warne mystery is deepening. Is he the same leg spinner who created such ripples in his career? It appears batsmen are spotting him somewhat easily with Neil Johnson relishing every moment as he thumped Warne around Lord’s last week. The batsmen reckon Warne is not the same bowler after the surgery to his shoulder. He is more easily read as the seam is visible in flight and so which way the ball is spinning is more easily seen. Warne himself believes that he has not been forced to bowl in a tight match situation in which he would have to perform under the greatest pressure. That day might come soon enough as the semifinals are looming and warmer weather and drier pitches are being promised. The advantage Australia and Pakistan may hold in the semifinals over South Africa is the variety in the bowling. The Proteas have too much of the seam-up stuff and nothing by way of spin. They do not even have Pat Symcox who also lent them the tactical flexibility of being able to open the bowling at times. They may regret that if the pitch in the middle of the week is more spin friendly as it is known to be at Old Trafford. The great tactical innovation of the ’92 World Cup had been Dipal Patel bowling the new ball for New Zealand. Martin Crowe and the coach Warren Lees had put together a great formula of taking on the world with surprising tactics like using bowling as deadly as a woman’s powder puff. Spin and slow medium pace were enhanced by the tactic of not giving any bowler more than three over spells so that batsmen could not get adjusted to their line and hit them to predetermined places in the field. There is just no place for such tactics in a World Cup dominated by the seam bowlers who are using the white Duke ball that has been moving all over the place. The only saving grace for batsmen has been the fact that because the Duke ball has hand-sewn seams that last for a while, the old ball can be hit. The Kookabuura balls used in the previous two World Cups used to go too soft and so timing the ball to hit far in the end overs was a task beyond the best of batsmen. The conditions and the
ball have conspired to deny the art of spin in the fourth
World Cup in England. So when Saqlain comes on to bowl
right at the finish he is striking a blow on behalf of
all his colleagues. And when he bamboozled
Zimbabwe’s last man with his undercutter that goes
the other way, he was actually upholding the beauty of
the art of spin bowling. (UNI) |
World Cup diary Zimbabwe may have been hammered by Australia and Pakistan in their last two outings, but you would never guess if you entered their dressing room afterwards. The Africans have established themselves as the happiest team in the World Cup — and who throw the best parties. Win, lose, or match abandoned — the fun is always flowing in the Zimbabwean camp. "We’re often still in our dressing room two hours after the game," says vice-captain Andy Flower. "We’re always happy to have a drink with the ‘oppo’ but not too many have stayed. So we invite our supporters to come in and have a beer with us instead." Twose put to the test New Zealand’s Roger Twose really put his head down as he prepared for New Zealand’s World Cup clash against India — he sat a three-hour university exam in his hotel room. The English-born opener has been studying for a degree in business management at Massey University back in New Zealand and the date for the exam was set for Friday. New Zealand tour manager John Graham, a former headmaster, was drafted in as the invigilator, sitting in silence at the other end of the room to make sure Twose was not tempted to bend the rules. The next day Twose showed the same application with a match-winning 60 not out against the Indians as New Zealand reached the final four. White ball tactic Opposition captains have infuriated Pakistan by what has become dubbed "the white ball tactic." Australia’s Steve Waugh and South Africa’s Hansie Cronje both found a convenient way of thwarting Pakistan’s famous ‘reverse swing’ late in the innings. After 40 overs, they asked the umpires to change the white ball, claiming it had got dirty and was hard to spot in fading light. The umpires, with a duty to protect the batsmen’s safety, granted their request and introduced a brighter ball. The Pakistanis, however, argue they work hard on the ball throughout the innings, using strictly legal methods to polish and shine it and make one side heavier than the other, enabling their bowlers to find reverse swing in the crucial final overs. Captain Wasim Akram has been caught on television vigorously arguing with the umpires. He will have noticed that Australia and South Africa have only complained about ball visibility while playing against Pakistan. Akhtar’s defence South African paceman Allan Donald has sprung to the defence of young rival Shoaib Akhtar of Pakistan. Akhtar, the sensation of the World Cup after clocking 95mph deliveries, was accused of losing Pakistan their second-round match against South Africa with his wild bowling. But Donald said: "I thought it was really unfair on Shoaib to be blamed for losing the game against us." Donald insists he is not bothered at figures showing that he is five miles per hour slower than Akhtar, arguing speed is not everything. "It’s quite
spectacular for the crowd to see someone like Shoaib
bowling as fast as he can, but ultimately it’s not
how fast you bowl, It’s the results you get. I
don’t even notice the speed read-out." |
Ranatunga controversy COLOMBO, June 13 (Reuters) — Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister has denied reports that he asked Arjuna Ranatunga to step down as captain after the defending champions’ poor showing in the World Cup, ministry officials said today. Minister S.B. Dissanayake has denied calling for Ranatunga’s resignation during an interview on the BBC’s Sandeshaya Sinhala-language programme on Friday, a spokesman for the ministry said. Newspaper reports quoted Dissanayake as telling the BBC that Ranatunga had made several errors of judgement which led to the team’s exit from the World Cup and that he should resign from his post. "He got many things wrong in the tournament. He made very bad decisions, so it is time for him to step down," Dissanayake was quoted as saying. "The minister vehemently denies making any statements against Ranatunga on the BBC programme," the spokesman said. "He has said the issue is wholly unnecessary at this point because the cricketing selectors have not made a decision on Ranatunga’s future, which only then the minister is informed of," the spokesman said. BBC officials in Sri Lanka were not immediately available for comment. Cricket board Chief Executive Dammika Ranatunga declined to comment on the newspaper reports and said the board was awaiting an official statement from the Sports Ministry. Ranatunga has been under increased pressure to step down following his team’s failure to reach the second round. Ranatunga, in an open letter to Sri Lankan cricket fans, expressed regret over his team’s defeats and said his future as captain lay in the hands of the selectors. "What I do wish to say is that it is my firm belief that I do have a few more years of cricket left in me and if my services are wanted I am willing to represent my country in whatever capacity," he said in a letter read at a news conference following the return of some members of the team nine days ago. Ranatunga and vice-captain Aravinda de Silva were among eight players who did not return immediately. Ranatunga is still out of the country. Cricket officials have also said a decision about Ranatunga’s future had been left in the hands of the selectors who have yet to meet. Dissanayake yesterday
decided to appoint an interim body to oversee cricket in
the country after a court renewed a restriction
preventing some of the board officials from carrying out
their duties. |
England captain may be sacked LONDON, June 13 (Reuters) — England will sack captain Alec Stewart next week after his side's World Cup debacle and replace him with Nasser Hussain, the news of the World said. The Sunday newspaper said Stewart, who combined the posts of captain, wicketkeeper and opener in the cup, would be retained in the Test side for the forthcoming series against New Zealand but he had lost the selectors' confidence as a captain. In an interview with the paper, Chairman of Selectors David Graveney did not confirm Stewart's sacking. But he said: "you can't pour all the blame for our early exit on one individual. If we change the England captain. It will be because we think that's the right decision for the future — not because we failed to qualify out (World Cup) and it's all Alec's fault". England finished fourth in Group A after losing to South Africa and India. And were pipped to the third qualifying position by Zimbabwe on run rate. "There has to be collective responsibility for that failure. We all have to hold up our hands". Stewart took over from
Mike Atherton for last year's Test tour by South Africa,
which England won 2-1, but then suffered a reverse when
England went down to a sixth successive ashes defeat in
Australia. |
Warne suggests 3-match final LONDON, June 13 (Reuters) — Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne has suggested playing a best of three games World Cup final in order to find the top side of the tournament. "Even the greatest side can have an off-day," Warne wrote in The Times. "A three-match series, played on different grounds in varying conditions, gives us all a more even chance to perform." The World Series Cup played annually in Australia stages the final over three matches. "There is also a way of making one-day cricket in general more attractive," Warne added. "At the moment, two fielders are allowed outside the circle in the first 15 overs. "My idea is for the batting side to be able to call another period of five overs when the same restrictions apply. "The skipper of the
batting side can ‘play the joker’ at any stage
of the innings — maybe by sounding a siren around
the ground to add a touch of drama." |
Botham backs Fletcher LONDON, June 13 (AFP) — Former England great Ian Botham is backing Zimbabwean Duncan Fletcher to succeed David Lloyd as England’s cricket coach in a bid to toughen up the side after their World Cup flop. Botham told BBC radio he believed Fletcher, currently coach of county side Glamorgan, was the perfect person "to give certain people a kick up the backside." Botham, recently appointed cricket "observer" by chairman of selectors David Graveney, reckoned Fletcher has more to offer than the other three leading candidates. Fletcher will be interviewed for the post along with Leicestershire’s Jack Birkenshaw, Australian Dave Whatmore of Lancashire — who led Sri Lanka to the 1996 World Cup title —and outgoing South Africa coach Bob Woolmer. "Fletcher’s the guy I would go for," said Botham. "Duncan would come in with no preconceived ideas of the England camp and with no baggage and he might upset a few people because he is that type of person. "He is tough, he doesn’t given an inch and he doesn’t expect an inch. We need to get tougher in the ranks. "There are those who might not welcome Duncan Fletcher because he might give certain people a kick up the backside and that’s what’s needed." England were knocked out
of the World Cup in the first round. |
India beat Germany after 10 years BONN, June 13 (PTI) — India made a fine comeback after suffering three consecutive defeats to register its first victory against Germany in 10 years by winning 3-2 the fourth and final hockey Test in Mainz today. India last beat Germany in the Champions Trophy in 1989 in Berlin and has lost all matches since then except for two draws during the intervening ten-year period. Centre-forward Gagan Ajit Singh scored two field goals while Kamal Horo successfully converted one of the three penalty corners earned by the visitors in a well fought contest as the Indians came back from 1-2 deficit to force a superb victory. Kristoff and Kopff struck for the hosts. Putting aside the defeats in the first three tests, the Indian team played like a well-oiled machine and quickly went into the lead in the fifth minute through Gagan Ajit Singh. The Germans equalised in the 24th minute when Kristoff converted a penalty corner. The hosts went ahead five minutes later with Kopff finding the target. A few minutes after the break, forward Baljeet Singh Dhillon and his brother Daljeet combined brilliantly to set Gagan Ajit up for his second goal and restore parity. Horo then put the Indians ahead again converting a penalty corner and the visitors defended the lead with gusto till the final whistle. According to Coach Col. Harcharan Singh, India could have got one more goal if a penalty corner in favour of the visitors was not disallowed by the referee for an offence committed by one of the German players. But Harcharan Singh was happy with the team’s performance. "The team has got a psychological boost after today’s well deserved victory," the coach told PTI from Mainz. India lost the first three matches 1-4, 1-2 and 1-2. The Indian team is due
to leave for Brussells tomorrow to play another four-Test
series against Belgium as part of the second leg of their
European tour. |
South Korea hold Pakistan BRISBANE, June 13 (AP) — Host Australia today scored a 2-0 victory over Spain, while Pakistan were held to their third draw in a row at the Champions Trophy Field Hockey Tournament. Pakistan missed a succession of good chances in a 2-2 draw with South Korea. The Koreans held a one-point lead after playing three matches, with Australia second following two wins from two games. Pakistan were third with three points and need a victory over England in their next match. The bad fact is that we are conceding late goals in our games, said Pakistan’s Atif Bashir. We have dropped six points so far and we have to overcome this. Pakistan led 2-1 through Sohail Abbas and Haider Hussain but conceded a 60th minute goal to Kang Keon-Wook after Yeo Woon-kon scored in the first term. Australian teenager Craig Victory scored his second goal of the tournament to open the scoring against Spain. The 19-year-old scored two minutes before the break for a 1-0 halftime lead to continue his dream international tournament debut, following a goal against England in Friday night’s opening match win. Victory, playing only his fourth international game, is among several young players being groomed by coach Terry Walsh in the lead up to next year’s Sydney Olympic Games. The agile and speedy striker was perfectly positioned beside the net after gathering a pass from Queenslander Troy Elder. Elder, 22, notched a
goal of his own in the first minute of the second half,
with a paint-shaking blow to the back of the net. |
Henman to clash with Sampras in final LONDON, June 13 (AFP) — Britain’s Tim Henman was a man in a hurry this morning as he booked a final showdown with Pete Sampras in the Queen’s Club ATP Tour event. The British number one, seeded third, resumed his rain-delayed semi-final leading 3-2 in the second set against Armenia’s Sargis Sargsian. The first three games of the second set went to serve and then, at 5-3 up, Henman broke his opponent to complete a 6-1, 6-3 victory. Henman now faces the recently-restored world number one in the final later today. Henman has never previously reached the final of a grass court tournament. American Sampras has beaten the Briton all four times they have played, including twice at Wimbledon. BIRMINGHAM, (England) (AP): Defending champion and runner-up a year ago at Wimbledon, Nathalie Tauziat reached the finals in the DFS Classic with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 win over Spain’s Magui Serna yesterday. The 31-year-old French woman hasn’t lost a match on grass here since 1996 and is gearing up for another run at Wimbledon. In a late semifinal, No 5 Julie Halard-Decugis led No 8 Cara Black of Zimbabwe 6-4, 1-0 when play was suspended. Tauziat, still looking for her first Grand-Slam title, said her grass game is Wimbledon-ready. "Earlier in the week, I thought I needed to improve my game by about 25 per cent for Wimbledon," she said. "Now it’s probably 10 per cent." It’s nice to be in the final and it’s another game on grass for me. I’ve already won this tournament (before) and I am concentrating on success at Wimbledon." Tauziat won here in 1997 and beat Steffi Graf in the semifinals last year before the final was rained out. Serna is also looking for another good run at Wimbledon after reaching the fourth round a year ago. Unlike most Spaniards, she prefers grass to clay. "I feel confident," she said. "Getting to three sets with Tauziat on grass was very important. Of course, it would have been better to win. At the start of the match, I really believed I could win but I believed it more after winning the second set." My dream has always been
to win Wimbledon. That’s the big one." |
Punjab cops move into final MANDI, June 13 — Punjab Police had to wait till extra time to beat the Panjab University by a solitary goal and enter the final of the 30th All India Hot Weather Football Tournament here yesterday. The golden goal came in the third minute of extra period when Devinder trapped a floater from the right flank and shot home. Punjab Police could have emerged winner during the regulation time itself but missed chances prevented them from scoring. On a couple of other occasions the university goalkeeper, Subhash Chander, thwarted them. In fact, his goalkeeping was one of the features of this semi-final. In the all-Punjab final the policemen will take on Rail Coach Factory from Kapurthala. The proceedings were far from fascinating as more stress was on speed and power rather than precision. Of course, Punjab Police enjoyed territorial supremacy. It was only midway through the first half that the first threat to the goal appeared and veteran striker Narinder Kumar was to initiate the move. He provided a through pass to Kushwant but defender Harinder tackled in time to come to the university team's rescue. Bachittar Singh then had another chance but he angled his shot wide. Another raid carried out saw Narinder rolling the ball for Khushwant whose shot was deflected away much to the relief of the Chandigarh side. On resumption the Panjab University posed a threat but a free kick passed through the goalmouth unconnected. There was a danger at the other end as well but Bachittar was again found wanting in striking accurately. The police stopper Rajesh advanced for a long range attempt only to miss the mark. The best scoring attempt
was then made by Narinder after a neat dribble but
Subhash brought about a plucky save. Narinder later gave
way to Kamaljit. The last scoring chance for Punjab
Police late in the match was lost as Ravinder blasted the
ball over instead of placing past a helpless goalkeeper.
A goal did come eventually three minutes into extra time
and helped the police make their second successive entry
into the final. |
H
Anup, Neha steal
the show Neha Singh, the daughter of tennis coach Baldev Singh, easily drubbed her sister in both the events, under 16 and under 18 by 6-1, 6-1 and 6-3, 6-1, respectively. The boys doubles title in the under 18 went to the duo of Harneet and Aviral who made the short work of Chatwinder and Gursewak at 6-1, 6-3. The boys under 10 title was claimed by Kinshuk Sharma who downed spirited Lakshit Sood in two straight games. Ludhiana well
placed Batting first, Mohali were bundled out for a paltry 71 runs. Bharti Vij and Bharat Bhushan ripped through Mohali's batting line-up. Only Deepak Thakur and Kailash Chander reached double figures. Brief scores: Mohali 71 all out (Deepak Thakur 22, Kailash Chander 12, Bharat Bhushan 2 for 17. Bharti Vij 5 for 17, Manav Dhuppar 3 for 22). Ludhiana 78 for 1
(Devinder 6, Ankur Kakkar 36 n.o., Amanav Dhuppar 34
n.o., Raj 1 for 11). |
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