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Ill-prepared for 9/11?
India succumb without fight
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India to file complaint against Dar’s decisions
Akhtar faces ‘indefinite’ ban
Ludhiana enter Katoch Shield semis
Indian eves lose to Korea
Jindal shoots gold
Tara outplayed
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Ill-prepared for 9/11?
Chandigarh, September 8 This is the way the Indian team gets ready to face the might of well-prepared teams in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup. Call it thoughtless international scheduling or whatever, the fact remains that playing non-stop international cricket since June-end, the Indians look like the most ill-prepared team to enter the fray. They will hardly be able to recover their breath (last ODI vs England today) before the players take a plunge into the fast and furious brand of cricket tournament which gets under way with the opening match between hosts South Africa and the West Indies at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on September 11. The gruelling two-and-a-half-month tour began with off-shore one-dayers against South Africa, the first on June 26. Now after rounding off the marathon tour today, the team will be left with just two days to do whatever it wants - travel, recover, plan or practice! The build-up for such a premier tournament could not have been worse! Be it preparation or experience, India is at a palpable disadvantage vis-a-vis other teams. Mighty Australia, hosts South Africa and England, the most experienced team in the format, have enough experience and expertise to put it across any team. New Zealand have always been a dangerous customers in the shorter version of the game, while the West Indies, who won the one-day series in England 2-1, cannot be taken lightly. Sri Lankans, the World Cup finalists in the Caribbean this April, fine-tuned their skills under the watchful eyes of coach Trevor Bayliss at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) grounds in Colombo. Even weaker teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe prepared for the mega event in right earnest. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Uganda played Twenty20 warm-up matches in Nairobi. Mohammad Ashraful, Bangladesh captain, talked about repeating team’s World Cup performance, saying that even one upset or two would be enough for them. The least experienced team, India have played only one Twenty20 match which they won against South Africa. Their preparation has been shoddy, to say the least. Only five of the 15-member squad for the Twenty 20 World Cup (skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Karthik, Piyush Chawla and Ajit Agarkar) have been playing regular competitive cricket. Even for those playing for the country in England, the preparation cannot be ideal as the 50-over game is entirely different from the newest and the shortest version of the game. Grey areas
The absence of the Big Three (Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly) will deplete the Indian batting, though the inclusion of Virender Sehwag will compensate for the loss somewhat. Though the slam-bang variety of cricket suits his style, the sudden induction of Sehwag after having been in wilderness for a considerable period of time is baffling. Sehwag was showing signs of returning back to his bolder ways when he was shown the door from Tests as well as one-dayers. The Delhi marauder was the most successful batsman in the World Cup, where the Indian campaign ended without a whimper. Fielding has been a matter of biggest concern with a majority of players lacking the type of agility which generally can make an ordinary team look much better. Though the exclusion of the ageing trio and the induction of younger blood will make the fielding better, to expect marked improvement in the area will be naive. Fielding coach Robin Singh will be under tremendous pressure in this regard. The bowling, in the absence of spearhead Zaheer Khan, rested for such a tournament of this magnitude, is sure to have an impact. It was Zaheer who caused the turnaround in the team’s fortunes after the Lord’s fiasco, though, of course, with the backing of others like RP Singh, Sreesanth and Piyush Chawla. Though he has been taking wickets, continuing generosity by Ajit Agarkar while bowling is not going to be of any help. Silver lining
Yuvraj’s scintillating form (with the bat) and the greater maturity being shown by the Chandigarh swashbuckler provides the silver lining. The left-handed, unlucky to lose out on the captaincy to Dhoni, has been going about the job with the minimum of fuss. Yuvraj, the architect of numerous victories, will be the most crucial factor for India along with, of course, skipper Dhoni and Sehwag. The knowledge that the tournament can open the doors for selection to the Indian team in ODIs and the Tests is sure to have a sobering effect on Sehwag. And if Sehwag is able to rein in his impetuosity and be more prudent in shot selection at least in the initial part of the innings, India would be a side hard to beat. Positive batting by Gautam Gambhir, who at last is sure to get his quota of games in view of the absence of the Big Three, is another plus to emerge. The electric display by Uthappa at the Oval, which was instrumental in India squaring the ODI series 3-3, should be comforting for Dhoni as well as for scores of those watching him. One hopes Uthappa is able to show the same maturity more often and prove that such a performance is not just a flash in the pan. Uthappa, who has been waiting in the wings for so long, could be the spark Team India needs to ignite its campaign in the inaugural edition of the tournament. India could expect an easier passage to the next stage as they are along with Scotland and Pakistan in Group D. India open their campaign against unfancied Scotland at Kingsmead, Durban, on September 13.
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India succumb without fight
London, September 8 Chasing 188 runs for win, England cruised to the target with 82 balls to spare and bulk of the runs came from captain Paul Collingwood (64 not out) and Man-of-the-match Kevin Pietersen (71). Earlier, England bowlers took the upper hand when they skittled out India, albeit with the help of couple of poor decisions from umpire Aleem Dar, for a meagre 187 in 47.3 overs. Skipper Dravid opted to bat but India lost wickets at regular intervals. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (50) top-scored for India, while in-form Sachin Tendulkar returned to a dubious decision after a 46-ball 30. For the hosts, Dimitry Mascarenhas (3/23) and Andrew Flintoff (3/45), coming back from a injury, did most of the damage. England had an easy target but RP Singh's two-wicket burst in the second over jolted them, and they lost one more wicket before Pietersen and Collingwood took them to victory. Defending a paltry total of 187, Indian bowlers knew they stood hardly any chance in the match but RP Singh still injected some life in it with those strikes that left the hosts to 11 for two. Bell and Pietersen then arrested the slide before an almighty mix-up saw bowler Sourav Ganguly collecting a low throw from Tendulkar and whip off the bails with Bell's outstretched bat hanging in the air. Scoreboard England
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India to file complaint against Dar’s decisions
London, September 8 "We'll lodge a complaint with the ICC about the decisions," administrative manager of the side Rajeev Shukla said. Dar did little to enhance his reputation as one of the better umpires around by giving two dubious decisions, which reduced India to 59 for four. Tendulkar was out in the 16th over when Andrew Flintoff induced a loose drive from the batsman and though the ball went past the bat without any contact, Dar upheld England's appeal that had Tendulkar livid. Television replays also showed it was only his bat clipping the pad that made a noise but Dar felt otherwise. That cut short Tendulkar's 46-ball stay in the middle yielding 30 runs in his final ODI appearance on British soil. The Lord's crowd booed Dar for the poor decision. Earlier, Dar erred in his decision and ruled Dravid out for a duck off Flintoff.
— PTI
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Karachi, September 8 Overrulling the recommendation by team manager Talat Ali to ban Shoaib for five one-day international matches, PCB's Chief Operating Officer Shafqat Naghmi said that the bowler will remain banned until the disciplinary committee comes up with its final verdict. ''At the moment I cannot say when we will be able to hold the inquiry but till a final verdict can be reached, Shoaib will remain suspended,'' Naghmi was quoted as saying by the 'Dawn'. The newspaper also added through sources that Shoaib, who appeared before the team manager Talat Ali Malik after hitting Asif, alleged that all-rounder Shahid Afridi had also played a role in the brawl. He also added that Asif had been hurling abuses at him. There are reports that Asif was caught by Shoaib Akhtar when alone in the bathroom of the dressing room, where he was beaten up badly by Shoaib. The incident took place during the team's net session at the Centurion Park where a heated argument between the two pacers ended up Shoaib striking Asif on the thigh with a bat. Acting tough on the maverick bowler, who was recently let off indiscipline charges and a hefty fine with a warning by the PCB, the Pakistan Board has told Shoaib to return home by the first flight available.
— UNI
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Ludhiana enter Katoch Shield semis
Ludhiana, September 8 In the first innings, Minor Districts were all out for 126 runs in 66 overs. Amarinder was the top scorer with 44 runs. For Ludhiana, Karan Goel took five wickets for 35 runs in 18 overs. In reply, Ludhiana declared their first innings at 187 for 5 after 53 overs. Bharat Malhotra scored 40 runs. For the visitors, Sukhdev Bhatti and Arminder claimed two wickets each for 29 and 55 runs, respectively. In the second essay, Minor Districts finished at 39 for 2 after 13 overs. Ludhiana will play Mohali in the semifinal to be held from September 11 to 14 at
Mohali.
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Henin ousts Venus, completes rare sweep
New York, September 8 World number one Henin defeated the reigning Wimbledon champion 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 in a showdown of six-time Grand Slam champions to book a date in tonight's championship match against Russian fourth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova. Kuznetsova, whose only Slam title came at the 2004 US Open, defeated Russian sixth seed Anna Chakvetadze 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 in an error-filled semi-final that only cemented the notion of the Williams-Henin winner as a title favourite. Putting past defeats behind her, Henin took a new-found confidence stemming in part from the breakup of her marriage and a reunion with her family this year and imposed her will upon Venus as she had done with Serena before her. "I didn't believe enough in myself, didn't trust myself enough in the last few years against them. And then this year a lot of things have changed. I trust myself much more," Henin said. "I still have a lot of respect, but I'm not scared any more. It has been really, really important to me in this tournament to play both of them. It was a great challenge and I did it." Williams had won seven of eight prior matches against Henin, losing only their first meeting in 2001 on Berlin clay, but had not faced the Belgian since a 2003 Australian Open semi-final, that before Henin had won a single Slam. "I think I've changed more than what they think about my game now. I've changed my point of view when I play against them," Henin said. "They both have a lot of personality and a lot of character and they are both great champions. I can admit that and it is tough to play against them."
— AFP
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Asia Cup Hockey
Chennai, September 8 India, who won their sixth straight match in the tournament, now face Asian Games champions South Korea in the final to retain the title and also to gain vital ranking points in their quest for an Olympic berth. Prabhjot Singh (2), Shivendra Singh and Roshan Minz (one each) struck for India, while captain and penalty-corner specialist Yamabori Takahiko scored the lone goal for Japan. The defending champions, who led 2-0 at half-time, put up another sterling performance as they dominated the proceedings throughout, with a near capacity crowd giving them support. Earlier, in the first semifinal, Korea survived some anxious moments before downing Malaysia 2-1. The Asian powerhouse went into the lead through defender Oh Dae Keun, who deflected the ball in following a free hit taken by Korean star player Jang Jong Hyun. Malaysia found the equaliser in the 38th minute through Azlon Misran. The Koreans scored the winner through Yoon Sung Hoon with 10 minutes left before the final whistle.
— PTI
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Indian eves lose to Korea
Hong Kong, September 8 Kim Da Rae struck a brace, while Kim Jong Eun, Cheon Seul Ki, Seo Hye Jin netted a goal each for the Koreans. Captain Mamta Kharab scored twice for India. India will take on Asian Games champions China, who were toppled by Japan 2-1 in the other semifinal, in the playoff for the third place. But the Indians gave in to the relentless pressure. In the 22nd minute, Korean forwards stormed into India’s circle to draw goalkeeper Marita Tirkey and allow Rae to score the first goal. Just three minutes later, Korea went 2-0 up after an Indian defensive mix-up in the goal area allowed Kim Jong Eun to sound the board. Eleven minutes into the second half, Korea struck again when Cheon Seul Ki scored a well-taken field goal to make it 3-0. Indians went on the offensive and forced a penalty corner in the 49th minute which Mamta converted to reduce Korea’s lead. Korea, however, struck back almost immediately to go 4-1 ahead with a field goal through Seo Hye Jin to put the issue beyond doubt. Korea went 5-1 up in the match with just 11 minutes left on the clock when Kim Da Rae converted a penalty corner. Mamta reduced the margin with a somewhat controversial goal in the 63rd minute after deflecting a bouncing cross from outside the circle to make the final score 5-2 in favour of Korea. Meanwhile, Japan rallied to pull off a sensational 2-1 victory over favourites China and book a berth in the final. All three goals of the match came in the first half. Tomomi Komori and Toshie Tsukui scored for the winners, while Chen Zhao Xia found the target for China.
— Agencies
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Mahindra scrape past Sporting
Ludhiana, September 8 The issue was settled through tie-breaker as the two sides were locked one-all at the end of stipulated period and the extra time also could not produce andy result. It were Sporting Clube, who initiated the moves and repeatedly threatened the rivals' citadel. However, forwards Joseph Pereira and Bibiano Fernandes failed to give finishing touch on couple of occasions. Mahindra United retaliated with equal ferocity through forward Mohammad Rafi and medio Krishnan Ajayan who moved like a well-oiled machine. Midway through the first half, Rafi dribbled past two defenders and neatly extended the ball towards Krishnan whose powerful angular footer beat goalie Luis Barretto (1-0). Undeterred by the reverse, Sporting Clube men made two moves, which, however, lacked the speed to over-run the rival defence. Eventually, they neutralised the lead in the 76th minute when Mahindra defenders blocked Olushola Ogundare of Sporting Clube in the striking area and the referee Minangsu Bhattacharya awarded a penalty kick. Bibiano converted it successfully to restore parity. In extra time, both the teams failed to make any worthwhile move and the match went into the tie-breaker. For Mahindra United, Pradeep Nachappa, Dias Steven, Djija Pierre, Manjit Singh and Surajit Bose scored. Bisheshwor Singh, Nicholas Muyoti, Rajesh Meetei and Olushola Ogundare converted the penalty for Sporting Clube, while Bibiano Fernandes' kick was saved by Mahindra goalie which sealed former's fate (6-5). Sunday's fixtures: quarter-finals Viva, Kerala vs Mohun Bagan at 4 pm and JCT vs East Bengal at 7 pm.
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Jindal shoots gold
New Delhi, September 8 The Indian trio shot a total score of 301 to claim the victory ahead of hosts Singapore, who won the silver, and Thailand, who got the bronze. Peoples also claimed the silver and Mairaj won the bronze in the individual event, while Jindal narrowly missed the bronze, finishing fourth in the final.
— PTI
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Tara outplayed
New Delhi, September 8 Tara lost 2-6 2-6 to the local favourite in the $ 100,000
event.— PTI
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Chandigarh, September 8
London, September 8
Asia
Cup Hockey
Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa, though part of the ODI squad in England, have not been regulars in the team. Luckily, Harbhajan Singh has been playing county cricket for Sussex. Irfan Pathan, his brother Yusuf Pathan and promising Mumbai batsman Rohit Sharma were part of the squad that played a tri-series in Nairobi involving Sri Lanka A as the third team. But that was more than a fortnight back. Not much has been heard of S. Sreesanth and Joginder Sharma as to how they are preparing.