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Inspired England take charge Off spinner Graeme Swann celebrates the wicket of Gautam Gambhir. Swann became only the second bowler in the history of Test cricket to pick two wickets in first over of his debut match. Swann next dismissed Rahul Dravid. — AFP
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Gill’s firm no to Pak tour
A real chance to win Test: Swann
Yuvraj Singh takes off his helmet while walking back to the pavilion after getting out. — AFP
T20 Champions League in October 2009
Boxers up against Cubans, Russians
Air India edge past Vasco 1-0
Hyderabad 246 for 7 against Punjab
Himachal 218 all out
Release pension to those who joined ICL: Kapil
Former captain Kapil Dev (L) walks with his lawyer as he exits the Delhi High Court in New Delhi on Friday. Tribune Photo: Mukesh Aggarwal
U-21 hockey ‘Test’
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Inspired England take charge
Chennai, December 12 The 29-year-old Swann dismissed opener Gautam Gambhir (19) with his third delivery and number three Rahul Dravid (3) with his sixth to reduce India to 37 for three. Left-arm spinner Monty Panesar and medium-pacer Andrew Flintoff then struck in quick succession to dismiss Vangipurappu Laxman (24) and Sachin Tendulkar (37), respectively, after the pair had raised 61 for the fourth wicket. Fast bowler Steve Harmison had birthday boy Yuvraj Singh caught at second slip by Flintoff for 14, to leave India in tatters at 155 for six in reply to England's first-innings 316. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (24) was at the crease at stumps with Harbhajan Singh on 13. Wicketkeeper Matt Prior struck his fifth Test fifty to guide the visitors past the 300-mark before England were all out 40 minutes after lunch. Andrew Strauss hit 123 and shared a century partnership with fellow opener Alastair Cook (52) on the opening day. New-ball bowler James Anderson struck the first blow when he forced opener Virender Sehwag to play on to the stumps for nine runs. Flintoff was explosive in his first spell, but it was Swann who left India in deep trouble. The in-form Gambhir, who missed last month's final test against Australia due to a one-match ban, hit Swann's first delivery for four through point, but fell leg before two balls later in the final over before tea. England tightened their grip on the match when Dravid, with his place under question following extended poor form, was trapped leg before. Panesar, replacing Swann in the attack, dismissed in-form Laxman caught and bowled. In the next over a fired-up Flintoff had Tendulkar caught and bowled with the very first ball of his second spell after the record-breaking batsman had looked in majestic touch, hitting four boundaries and a six. Prior, batting at number eight, hit an unbeaten 53 after nightwatchman James Anderson made a useful 19 to rally England before Indian spinners helped end the innings. Prior raised 42 runs for the seventh wicket with Anderson and 27 more with Steve Harmison (6) for the ninth wicket, guiding the England to 294 for eight at lunch. A cautious Prior faced 102 balls and hit off spinner Harbhajan for his only four. Anderson frustrated India for almost 90 minutes after Flintoff (18) fell without adding to the overnight score of 229. Flintoff was caught smartly by Gambhir at short leg off leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who later had Anderson caught at deep midwicket to claim his third wicket. Harbhajan dismissed Swann, caught at first slip by Dravid, who is one short of equalling Australian Mark Waugh's world record of 181 catches. England resumed their aborted tour after tight security was promised for the two tests following safety concerns in the wake of last month's attacks in Mumbai that killed 179 people. The stands were mostly empty for the second consecutive day. — Reuters Scoreboard England (1st Innings): Overnight 229-5 Strauss c and b Mishra 123 Cook c Khan b Harbhajan 52 Bell lbw b Zaheer 17 Pietersen c and b Zaheer 4 C’gwood c Gambhir b Harbhajan 9 Flintoff c Gambhir b Mishra 18 Anderson c Yuvraj b Mishra 19 Prior not out 53 Swann c Dravid b Harbhajan 1 Harmison c Dhoni b Yuvraj 6 Panesar lbw b Sharma 6 Extras: (lb-7, nb-1): 8 Total (all out in 128.4 overs): 316 FoWs: 1-118, 2-164, 3-180, 4-195, 5-221, 6-229, 7-271, 8-277, 9-304, 10-316. Bowling: Zaheer 21-9-41-2, Ishant 19.4-4-32-1, Harbhajan 38-2-96-3, Mishra 34-6-99-3, Yuvraj 15-2-33-1, Sehwag 1-0-8-0. India (1st innings): Gambhir lbw b Swann 19 Sehwag b Anderson 9 Dravid lbw b Swann 3 Tendulkar c and b Flintoff 37 Laxman c and b Panesar 24 Yuvraj c Flintoff b Harmison 14 Dhoni batting 24 Harbhajan batting 13 Extras: (b-2, lb-7, nb-3): 12 Total (for 6 wkts in 45 overs): 155 FoWs: 1-16, 2-34, 3-37, 4-98, 5-102, 6-137 Bowling: Harmison 8-1-29-1, Anderson 10-3-26-1, Flintoff 12-2-26-1, Swann 7-0-35-2, Panesar 8-2-30-1. — PTI
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New Delhi, December 12 The minister said it was not the right time to play cricket with Pakistan when "people from their soil were indulging in mass murder in India". "Is it possible for one team to arrive in Mumbai and indulge in mass murder, and have another team go and play cricket in the winter afternoon sun at Lahore, immediately after," he told PTI. Gill said he was not in favour of the Indian team playing in Pakistan but it was upto the government to take a final decision. The sports minister's categorical comment came on a day when Pakistan Cricket Board's chairman Ejaz Butt is scheduled to meet ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat and BCCI officials at Chennai in a bid to salvage the series. The Indian team is scheduled to play five one-dayers, three Tests and a Twenty20 match during their January 6 to February 19 tour, subject to government clearance. The sports minister said sporting contact meant to enhance friendship and the cricket series was not a commercial drama to go ahead under the surveillance of thousands of security personnel. "I have played cricket. I know the spirit of cricket. Cricket is not commerce," he said, adding "sports contact is for enhancing friendship between human beings, above all neighbours," Gill said. He also felt commercial reasons could not be a factor in deciding the fate of the series. Recently tours of India's junior hockey team, Champions Trophy cricket and Australia's cricket tour of Pakistan were among the prominent sporting events which were cancelled this year. Gill said Pakistan should first promise that it would help the world to stop terrorism. "It requires those in authority in Pakistan to give a clear indication, satisfactory to the world, of doing everything possible to prevent such murderous incursion, and to root out the basis of it all," he said. — PTI
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A real chance to win Test: Swann
Chennai, December 12 "We have not given any chance to the Indians to be in strong position so far. We are very happy," said Swann, who became only the second bowler in the history of Test to pick two wickets in first over of his debut match. "Obviously, it could be the other way when we started the innings. To get this six wickets of the Indian order for less than 200 is a great achievement so far. At the end of the day we are delighted that we got three days to go and try and win the Test match," he told reporters after the second day's play. India were trailing by 161 runs as England posted 316 in their first innings. Swann said there could not have been better start to his career than this. "I could not have started my debut for England any better. It is a great chance to play Test cricket for England. I have enjoyed every minute of my stay at the field," he said. "I was not really nervous. The first delivery went for a four and then I wrapped him (Gautam Gambhir). I was hoping to get my first Test wicket and I achieved it," he said. The 29-year-old bowler, who also wanted to make an impact with bat but could not, said he was still satisfied with his performance. "Even while batting I wanted to make an impact and was not under any pressure until Harbhajan bowled a bit of a snorkel. I am delighted that I collected two wickets and the position we are in now because after giving 316, it could go either way," Swann said. Asked if there was any thought to take wickets of Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag, who has been major player of the innings whenever India has won against England, Swann said there was no special plan. "There wasn't anything special planned. I was only focusing on my bowling at the right areas to take wickets." To a query about his state of mind while bowling to Sachin Tendulkar soon after the double blow to India, the Englishman said: "Again to be honest you do not know really to whom you are bowling at". "We know the batters and Sachin is there. I would like to see him bat but not when I am playing against him. I am happy Andrew Flintoff took that great catch on his follow through," he added. On what target England would like to set as India would be playing the fourth innings, Swann said 350 should be a reasonable target on the pitch. "It is very hard to say because the pitch was really good on the first day. But since then it is difficult to score. I think if we can bowl India for less than 200 tomorrow it will be brilliant for us. If we give a total of 350 or less than that and if the pitch is going to be hard to bat, we have a chance of winning the match," he said. You are in jubilant mood after taking the second wicket and ran away from the team mates chasing you? "My head was reeling. I could not believe that I got two wickets. First one, I was delighted but it did not click as the second one.
— PTI |
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T20 Champions League in October 2009
New Delhi, December 12 The inaugural edition of the $6 million event, involving eight teams from five countries, will now be staged in October 2009, an official told Reuters. However, league chairman Lalit Modi said various issues, including scheduling, were considered before taking the decision. "The inaugural edition of the Champions League Twenty20 will now be held in India in October 2009," Modi, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president, said in a statement. "The governing council, comprising the founder board members, took this collective decision after taking into account all aspects." The governing council, comprising the Indian, Australian and South African cricket boards, also took into consideration the busy international calendar and domestic schedules of the participating teams, it added. Teams from Australia, England, Pakistan, South Africa and India were due to have played in the event originally scheduled from Dec. 3 to 10 in Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai. — Reuters
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Boxers up against Cubans, Russians
Moscow, December 12 "It's Cuba vs India in the semis but we are confident of doing well. All of us are fully fit and raring to go," Akhil (54kg), who faces Olympic silver medallist Yankiel Leon Alarcon, told PTI. Jitender (51kg) and Lakra (57kg) are also up against Cubans Hernandez Lafita and Idel Torriente, respectively, while Dinesh (81kg) faces Russian Artur Beterbiev. The quartet has already made history at the event by ensuring an unprecedented four bronze medals, besides a prize money of $ 2,500 each. Their sensational performance has put India on the tied third spot in the overall standings behind Russia and Cuba. Akhil, Jitender, Lakra and Dinesh have also combined to match the Cubans in the points-per-boxer-average due to the high scores they have so far managed. Oozing confidence ahead of the big day, the quartet is taking it easy on the rest day to not let pressure build on them. "We can't keep thinking about how big these bouts are. It's all about remaining calm. Our coaches - G S Sandhu and Jaidev Bisht - have worked really hard on us. Let's see how things pan out tomorrow," the 27-year-old Akhil said. The diminutive counter-puncher, would be banking heavily on his speed and experience against the Cuban, who is also a Pan-American Games bronze medallist. If he wins tomorrow, Akhil may just end up in a final showdown with world champion and local favourite Sergey Vodopyanov, whom he beat by a point on countback to reach quarters in Beijing. Vodopyanov is up against Beijing bronze medallist Veceaslav Gojan, the Moldovan who stunned Akhil in the Olympic quarterfinals. Jitender's task is no easier as he too is up against the Olympic silver medallist. Hernandez is also a Pan-American Games gold medallist. "One has to remain focussed. I am not scared by my opponent's reputation. In fact I couldn't care less. You can't let yourself get intimidated by all this," the 22-year-old, who fought with 11 stitches during his Olympic quarterfinal loss, said. Lakra, on the other hand, is yet to set foot inside the ring. A wildcard entrant, he got a walkover in the quarterfinals and will face Pan-American Championship gold medallist Torriente. Torriente has already made quite an impact in the event, beating 2007 World Championship bronze medallist Yang Li in the quarterfinals. The youngest member of the Indian quartet, the 20-year-old Dinesh impressed in his win over Algerian Abdelhafid Benchbala, who beat him in the first round of Beijing Olympics. But next up for him is Beterbiev, the 2007 World Championship silver medallist and a 2006 European champion.
— PTI |
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Air India edge past Vasco 1-0
Barasat, December 12 When it seemed that the match was heading to a goalless draw, an Uttam Singh corner did the trick for the airmen three minutes before the final whistle. Tayo had positioned himself brilliantly to head the corner to Velho, who tapped the ball home from close range. The Mumbai side thus avenged their 0-1 loss to Vasco, when they last met in the 11th round encounter of the I-League on November 30. Bimal Ghosh's boys deserved to go ahead in the first half but for a refereeing error by OP Thakur. Samson Singh sped into the box and unleashed a shot that kissed Vasco defender Vincent Pires' hand before hitting the upright in the 37th minute. However, Thakur turned down the penalty appeal much to Air India's dismay. Vasco had their chance of cornering glory in the first-half but the forward line failed to utilise whatever chances that fell their way.
— PTI |
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Hyderabad 246 for 7 against Punjab
Hyderabad, December 12 Though his opening partner D B Raviteja returned to the pavilion for just four runs, Suman went to pile up 131 runs, which includes 18 boundaries and four sixes, in 224 balls. Amol Shinde, who scored 57 in 177 balls, was the other batsman to make a significant contribution. Anoop Pai and M P Arjun scored 26 and one run respectively. Hyderabad captain N Arjun Yadav and Abhinav Kumar returned to the pavilion without opening their account. Ahmed Quadri(18) and S M Shoiab (0) were at the crease when the stumps were drawn for the day. For Punjab, Sarabjit Singh claimed the crucial wickets of Suman, S Anoop Pai, Arjun Yadav and M P Arjun giving away just 51 runs. Manpreet Gony and Amanpreet Singh took one wicket each. Scoreboard
Hyderabad (First innings): 246 for seven T Suman c Ravi Inder b Sarabjit Singh 131 DB Ravi Teja c Uday Kaul b Amanpreet 4 S Anoop Pai lbw b Sarabjit Singh 26 N Arjun Yadav c Uday Kaul b Sarabjit Singh 0 Amol Shinde run out 57 Ahinav Kumar lbw b Manpreet Gony 0 Ahmed Quadir batting 18 MP Arjun c Ravi Inder b Sarabjit Singh 1 SM Shoiab batting 0 Extras: (lb-4, nb-5) 9 Total: (for seven wickets in 90 overs) 246 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-77, 3-86, 4-220, 5-221, 6-240 7-246. Bowling: Manpreet Gony 21-5-62-1, Amanpreet Singh 18-5-64-1, Varun Khanna 20-6-63-0, Sarabjit Singh 28-10-51-4, Ankur Kakkar 3-1-2-0.
— PTI |
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Himachal 218 all out
Dharamsala, December 12 Paras Dogra and Ajay Mann were the only two batsmen from Himachal who scored half centuries for Himachal. For Goa, Robin D’Souza took four wickets and Saurabh and Harshad took three wickets each. Goa also lost early wickets and were 40 runs for two at close. Brief scores: Himachal (1st inns): 218 all out (Vinit Indulkar 41, Paras Dogra 53 and Ajay Mann 56 Bowling: Robin D’Souza 4 for 53, Saurabh 3/63 and Harshad 3/58). Goa (1st innings): 40 for 2 wickets (Shagun Kamat 0, Swapnil batting 21, and Rohit batting 9 Aditya Angle 4 Ashok Thakur 2 for 9). |
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Release pension to those who joined ICL: Kapil
New Delhi, December 12 He made the submission while appearing before Registrar of Delhi High Court Pawan Kumar Jain for being cross examined by the BCCI on the allegations levelled by him against the Board for allegedly taking punitive action against him and his ICL colleagues. The former all rounder alleged that the Board was neglecting the former cricketers who served the nation and was taking punitive action by stopping their pension and other post-retirement benefits by the BCCI. Kapil accused the cricketing body of adopting delaying tactics in the legal proceedings after the BCCI sought adjournment in the matter saying that it could not find time to prepare for cross-examination in view terror attack in Mumbai and the then uncertainty over the ongoing series with England.
— PTI |
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Pramod ensures 2-2 draw with Argentina
Buenos Aires, December 12 This was the second drawn encounter in the four-match series after India had won the opener on Monday. India led 1-0 at the breather but failed to score from six penalty corners and messed up their attack with over indulgence in individual play. They were indeed lucky to get away with the draw. Skipper Diwakar Ram was totally off colour and could not strike from his drag-flicks. However, from his fourth attempt, Mandip Antil scored from a rebound by Argentina goalkeeper Ezequiel Olivero to give India the lead in the 32nd minute. Earlier, the Argentine defence held out and foiled the onslaughts from strikers Jay Karan and Pramod Kumar. Two crosses from Danish Mujtaba went abegging as they were too angular. — PTI
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Inspired England took control of the opening Test against India on Friday after debutant off spinner Graeme Swann grabbed two wickets in his first over in test cricket.
The 29-year-old Swann dismissed opener Gautam Gambhir (19) with his third delivery and number three Rahul Dravid (3) with his sixth to reduce India to 37 for three.
England's debutant off-spinner Graeme Swann rejoiced the fact that the visitors have given themselves a real chance to win the Test by reducing India to 155 for 6 in their first inning with three days to spare in the opener.
"We have not given any chance to the Indians to be in strong position so far. We are very happy," said Swann, who became only the second bowler in the history of Test to pick two wickets in first over of his debut match.
"Obviously, it could be the other way when we started the innings. To get this six wickets of the Indian order for less than 200 is a great achievement so far. At the end of the day we are delighted that we got three days to go and try and win the Test match," he told reporters after the second day's play.
New Delhi, December 12
