S P O R T S

KP, Trott keep England alive
Galle, March 28
Top-order colleagues Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen shared an unbeaten 63-run stand for the third wicket to keep alive England's faint winning chance in the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

Jonathan Trott (R) plays a shot during the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday. England need 229 runs to win, with eight wickets in hand. — Reuters

There has been no middle road: Fletcher
Johannesburg, March 28
Going through a tough phase of late, Indian cricket coach Duncan Fletcher today said "there has been "no middle road" with his team's performances since he took over the job after the World Cup last year.

MS Dhoni (L) and Duncan Fletcher address journalists during a press conference after their arrival in Johannesburg on Wednesday. India will play a one-off Twenty20 game against South Africa on Friday. — AP/PTI

Tendulkar will be available for entire IPL: MI
Mumbai, March 28
Sachin Tendulkar will be available to play the entire duration of the upcoming Indian Premier League after returning from London where he has gone for a medical consultation for a toe injury, the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise team spokesman said here.

Powar confident of top-four finish
Chandigarh, March 28
The large frame is not a deterrent, it never has been. If anything, it adds to the ‘package’ that Ramesh Powar has come to be known as throughout cricketing circles. So it was not all that surprising when Kings XI Punjab bought back the Mumbai off-spinner for the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League.

Australia beat Windies by 8 wickets Gros Islet, March 28 Australia romped to an eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the first Twenty20 cricket international, led by allrounder Shane Watson slamming 69 off 43 balls and taking 1-16 from four overs. Australia’s Brett Lee appeals against a West Indies batsman during their first T20 match in St Lucia on Tuesday. Australia won by 8 wickets. — AFP

Clarke signs for Pune Warriors
New Delhi, March 28
Australia captain Michael Clarke has finally signed on dotted lines for the Sahara Pune Warriors as Yuvraj Singh's replacement. Clarke, who has avoided playing in the cash-rich league during the past four editions, has finally agreed to be a part of the cricketing extravaganza.

Fatigue not a factor, says Dhoni
Johannesburg, March 28
There schedule may be chock-a-block but skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni does not believe fatigue will be a real factor for Indian players who are to play South Africa in a one-off T20 match followed by the seven-week long upcoming IPL.

Comets enter semis Chandigarh, March 28 Chandigarh Comets made the most of playing at home as with packed stands creating a charged up atmosphere, the home team defeated Mumbai Marines 4-3 in their match at hockey stadium of sports complex sector 42 here this evening. Players of Chandigarh Comets (Blue) and Mumbai Marines in action during their match in Chandigarh on Wednesday. Tribune photo: S Chandan

Real Madrid, Chelsea bag wins
London, March 28
Real Madrid gave APOEL Nicosia a reality check in the biggest match of the unheralded Cypriot club's history when they met in the Champions League. Looking to cause one of the greatest shocks in the history of the competition, APOEL came up short against the millionaires from Madrid, losing 3-0 at home to the nine-time European champions in the first leg of the quarterfinals.

Spurs beat Bolton, Everton face Liverpool
London, March 28
Tottenham Hotspur scored three late goals to beat Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday and set up an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, after replaying the game that was abandoned when midfielder Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch.

KP, Trott keep England alive

Galle, March 28
Top-order colleagues Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen shared an unbeaten 63-run stand for the third wicket to keep alive England's faint winning chance in the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Chasing a 340-run victory target, England finished the third day on 111 for two wickets, still 229 runs behind what could be a record successful chase in Galle.

Trott (40) and Pietersen (29) will return on Thursday, hoping to continue the good work and provide the perfect platform for their batsmen to achieve the target.

Earlier, Sri Lanka's second innings folded for 214, riding largely on Prasanna Jayawardene's defiant 61 not out. The hosts could have ended day three on a stronger position as Kumar Sangakkara, at leg slip, missed a sharp chance offered by Pietersen off Suraj Randiv's bowling when the batsman was on 12.

Otherwise, Trott and Pietersen batted comfortably on the slow surface which is expected to give the spinners more assistance on day four. Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, who claimed six English wickets in the first innings, removed both the English openers in their second.

Herath had Alastair Cook (14) caught behind by Prasanna Jayawardene before he captured the wicket of England captain Andrew Strauss (27). Cook was initially ruled not out by the umpire, but Sri Lanka were confident of the catch and asked for a review which went in their favour.

Strauss failed to get to the pitch of the ball which was tossed up to him and was caught at short mid-wicket by a diving Tillakaratne Dilshan. Sri Lanka owe their advantage to Prasanna Jayawardene who hit an unbeaten half-century to frustrate the England bowlers.

Sri Lanka's last two wickets made it an even more difficult run chase for England, adding 87 runs. England, who needed to get the remaining five Sri Lankan wickets early on Wednesday after conceding a big first-innings lead, were kept on the field till mid-afternoon before they finally dismissed the hosts.

Jayawardene got vital support from tailenders Chanaka Welegedara and Suranga Lakmal, each contributing 13 runs. The pair helped Jayawardene to stitch together partnerships of 40 for the ninth wicket and 47 for the last as England's bowlers toiled hard.

Left-arm spinner Monty Panesar eventually got rid of Welegedara when he had him caught at the gully by Strauss. Lakmal's 29-ball resistance ended with a run out as he attempted a second run to give Jayawardene the strike but failed to beat Pietersen's throw from deep mid-wicket to the bowler. Off-spinner Graeme Swann finished with figures of six for 82 off 30 overs, his 12th five-wicket haul in tests, while Panesar picked up two for 59.

In hot and humid conditions, Swann bowled unchanged for 15 overs in the morning to add two wickets to his overnight tally. Panesar got the first breakthrough of the morning when he dismissed Dinesh Chandimal (31), who went for an inside-out shot but managed only to scoop the ball to Pietersen at mid-off. His dismissal ended a 42-run sixth-wicket stand with Suraj Randiv (18). Swann then got in on the act by trapping Randiv lbw and bowling out Herath (seven) but Jayawardene and Welegedara kept fighting. — Reuters

Scoreboard

There has been no middle road: Fletcher

Johannesburg, March 28
Going through a tough phase of late, Indian cricket coach Duncan Fletcher today said "there has been "no middle road" with his team's performances since he took over the job after the World Cup last year.

While India tasted success against the West Indies and in the one-day series against England at home, their reputation took a beating following two disastrous tours to the Old Blighty and Australia.

"Well, so far there's been no middle road," Fletcher said on arrival here with his players for a one-off Twenty20 match against South Africa on Friday.

"We've played some very good cricket (in West Indies and at home) and then we've gone on to what I would consider two of the toughest tours you can go on within a short period of time.

"I don't know if any other side has done that: gone to England and Australia within four months," Fletcher said.

India's ODI side failed to make it to the finals of the triangular series also involving Sri Lanka during their tour of Australia.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men also failed in the Asia Cup as they couldn't reach the final of the four-nation tournament after losing to Bangladesh in the league stage.

Their Test side had a disastrous tour of Australia where they lost 0-4, just a few months after suffering a similar fate in England.

The idea of travelling to another part of the world for a one-off match ahead of the seven-week long IPL may not be the best way to go about it, but Fletcher seemed at ease.

"We have got quite a lot of young players here. We've been trying to develop a young one-day squad and Twenty20 squad. These blokes have played well on the subcontinent and any game they play out of it must be very good from an experience point of view," he said.

"There are a lot of young players we are trying to groom, and hopefully it will pay dividends in the future. From our point of view there is a lot of talent around, we need to give them the exposure they require," he added.

His South African counterpart Gary Kirsten said he was excited about the match even though it will be difficult for his boys as they would have no rest after returning from their tour of New Zealand.

"Its going to be tough but I am quite excited. We've got a couple of new guys to have a look at there," he said. "It's difficult, it's the end of the season and it's a one-off game, but I think we are going to keep it pretty lighthearted, if we can stay awake." — PTI

Tendulkar will be available for entire IPL: MI

Sachin Tendulkar is in London for a medical consultation for a toe injury

Mumbai, March 28
Sachin Tendulkar will be available to play the entire duration of the upcoming Indian Premier League after returning from London where he has gone for a medical consultation for a toe injury, the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise team spokesman said here.

"I can categorically say Sachin Tendulkar (captain of Mumbai Indians) is available for the entire duration of the IPL. He has gone to London just for consultation (about his toe injury) and is scheduled to be back on March 31. There is no question of any surgery," the spokesperson informed PTI.

"He will also be there for the opening ceremony (on April 2) at Chennai and for the opening encounter (on April 4 against defending champions Chennai Super Kings)," the spokesman added.

The MI clarification came after PTI learnt from a source in the Cricket Board that the return of the champion batsman, after his consultation in London with a specialist, was uncertain as even a surgery might be needed to put a question mark on his participation for the entire duration of the Twenty20 League.

"Yes, Sachin Tendulkar has gone to London for consultation about his toe injury. He has been playing with this injury for long. It is not sure when he will return as even a surgery may be needed to correct it," the BCCI source said earlier.

The Indian Premier League is all set to commence on April 4 in Chennai, where Tendulkar's Mumbai Indians, last year's runner-up will take on Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings at the M A Chidambaram Stadium. — PTI

Powar confident of top-four finish
Says Kings XI have the most balanced side in IPL
Vaibhav Sharma
Tribune News Service

Romesh Powar is back for his fourth year with Kings XI.

Chandigarh, March 28
The large frame is not a deterrent, it never has been. If anything, it adds to the ‘package’ that Ramesh Powar has come to be known as throughout cricketing circles. So it was not all that surprising when Kings XI Punjab bought back the Mumbai off-spinner for the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League.

Powar, who played for KXIP for the first three editions of the IPL, had moved to Kochi Tuskers for IPL IV.

“I enjoyed my time with Kings XI even earlier. The team had many big names at that time, but now it has a much better balance. I am really looking forward to playing my part as the team looks to challenge for top honours. I really think that this team has a great balance and that will show on the field this time around.”

When quizzed about the prospect of reviving his international career through a good showing in the IPL, Powar said, “I am not thinking too far ahead. I want to firstly concentrate on the job at hand for Kings XI. Making elaborate plans is not high on my list right now.”

Speaking about the chances of the Kings XI team for the forthcoming season, Powar said he was confident that the team would put in a concerted effort and be among the title contenders. “From the looks of it, we have a very good side. There is a good mix of youth and experience and it should help us reach the top-four at least.In fact I think this is the most balanced side in the League. Rest, we all know that this format of the game is the most unpredictable one and much rides on how you perform on any given day.”

Although Kings XI have had their focus largely on building a team around players with all-rounder type abilities, Powar is not ready just yet to commit to his role with the bat as well. “I believe I know my role in the side pretty well, and that is to play as the second spinner. This is a role I am rather comfortable with as well. I don’t want to add any pressure onto myself by saying that I will also be in there as a batsman.

“I have contributed with the bat on some earlier occasions, but as of now the only thing I am focused on is doing what my primary responsibility is.”

Clarke signs for Pune Warriors

Australian captain Michael Clarke comes in as Yuvraj Singh’s replacement for the Pune team.

New Delhi, March 28
Australia captain Michael Clarke has finally signed on dotted lines for the Sahara Pune Warriors as Yuvraj Singh's replacement. Clarke, who has avoided playing in the cash-rich league during the past four editions, has finally agreed to be a part of the cricketing extravaganza. He is certainly the biggest overseas name to have signed for any franchise this season.

His inclusion also means that the franchise will have a back-up captaincy option in case their skipper for the season Sourav Ganguly, who will turn 40, within another three months.

Clarke, who is probably among the best international captains will certainly be the one who stands to be a long-term leader for the franchise as this might well be the former India captain's last season in IPL.

Interestingly, Clarke made his Test debut in India and scored a magnificent 151 during that match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

"We are thrilled to have Michael Clarke on board. The reigning Australian skipper is one of the world's best cricketers. His presence in the side, and cricketing proficiency, will boost the prospects of Pune Warriors India in the DLF IPL 2012," MD of Sahara Adventure Sports, Sushanto Roy was quoted as saying by a press release.

"Clarke was exceptional in the recent Test series against India, as batsman and captain. He is a very popular cricketer in India, and followers of the sport are eagerly looking forward to his participation in the DLF IPL 2012," IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla commented. — PTI

Australia beat Windies by 8 wickets

Gros Islet, March 28
Australia romped to an eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the first Twenty20 cricket international, led by allrounder Shane Watson slamming 69 off 43 balls and taking 1-16 from four overs.

Watson lashed five boundaries and six sixes at Beausejour Stadium to guide Australia to 153-2 from 18.1 overs after West Indies had been restricted to 150-7.

Michael Hussey contributed an unbeaten 59 off 45 deliveries, adding 107 runs with Watson after David Warner went for a duck on the fifth ball of the innings with Australia yet to score.

Earlier, Kieron Pollard cracked five sixes and two fours in an undefeated 54 off 39 balls. Watson's misersly spell with the ball backed up the good work from Daniel Christian (3-27) and Brett Lee (2-30).

The second and final match in the series is in Barbados on Friday. Australia's pursuit made a horrid start when Warner was bowled playing across the line when facing Krishmar Santokie.

But Watson, Australia's one-day international captain, quickly put the pressure back on West Indies with some superb strokes all around the ground. He raced to 50 off 38 balls to silence a big crowd of close to 11,000 people. — AP

Scoreboard

Fatigue not a factor, says Dhoni

Johannesburg, March 28
There schedule may be chock-a-block but skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni does not believe fatigue will be a real factor for Indian players who are to play South Africa in a one-off T20 match followed by the seven-week long upcoming IPL.

Dhoni says he and his team-mates are "happy" to have travelled to South Africa even though its for a one-off match, and coming after their failure to make the Asia Cup final and the disastrous tour of Australia.

"All happy. I don't think fatigue will be a real factor. We all enjoy playing the IPL...that's one format where you are not representing your country, and the span of the tournament is slightly longer so you play quite a few games.” — PTI

Comets enter semis
Deepankar Sharda
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 28
Chandigarh Comets made the most of playing at home as with packed stands creating a charged up atmosphere, the home team defeated Mumbai Marines 4-3 in their match at hockey stadium of sports complex sector 42 here this evening. With this win the Chandigarh team has booked their semifinal berth in the ongoing World Series Hockey.

Taking full advantage of some loose stick work by Marines' half line, Ramandeep Singh put the home team ahead in the 4th minute after dodging a defender and goalkeeper Adrian D'Suouza.

Soon after, penalty corner specialist Gurjinder Singh doubled the lead with his third back-to-back penalty corner attempt. Former international goalkeeper Adrian managed to divert the ball twice but failed to stop the third attempt in the 17th minute.

Later, in the 32nd minute, young Pakistani player Amir Mohd Khan scored the third goal with stopper-back Ajmer Singh unable to stop him.

Amir, aiming at the wooden plank, hit a blinder of a shot and succeeded in his attempt as Adrian failed to react in time to make a save. The third goal suddenly woke the visiting side and after missing two penalty corners, the Marines finally managed to reduce the margin to 3-1 through Banmali Xess in the 34th minute.

After the breather, the third quarter witnessed a see-saw battle with both teams building attacks and missing many chances. But Australian player Troy Sutherland took the score to 3-2 minute, bringing some hope for the team in the 50th minute.

Later, the Mumbai outfit dominated the fourth quarter and leveled the score through an penalty stroke awarded in the 55th minute of the game.

Ajmer Singh successfully managed to make it 3-3 but with two minute left for the game, luck favoured the home team and after two deflections including one from the goal post and another from goalkeeper's pad, Robert Green managed to seal the team's victory by tapping the ball into the goal in the 68th minute.

Real Madrid, Chelsea bag wins

London, March 28
Real Madrid gave APOEL Nicosia a reality check in the biggest match of the unheralded Cypriot club's history when they met in the Champions League. Looking to cause one of the greatest shocks in the history of the competition, APOEL came up short against the millionaires from Madrid, losing 3-0 at home to the nine-time European champions in the first leg of the quarterfinals.

All of Madrid's goals came in the final 16 minutes at a rocking GSP Stadium in Nicosia, with France striker Karim Benzema scoring twice to take his Champions League haul to 25 goals in 41 matches and Brazilian playmaker Kaka scoring the other after coming off the bench. "Real has advanced to the next phase of the Champions League, that's for sure," APOEL coach Ivan Jovanovic said.

Chelsea also took a giant step toward the semifinals, beating Portuguese side Benfica 1-0 away courtesy of Salomon Kalou's 75th-minute goal.

"It's terrific, you couldn't have hoped for a better result," interim Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo said. "Nothing is over and there is still another 90 minutes to play. But we will have home advantage." After producing one of the most diverse quarterfinal lineups in recent memory, the Champions League could easily end up having four of its usual contenders in the semifinals. — Reuters

Spurs beat Bolton, Everton face Liverpool

London, March 28
Tottenham Hotspur scored three late goals to beat Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday and set up an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, after replaying the game that was abandoned when midfielder Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch.

With Bolton's Muamba watching on television from his hospital bed, according to media reports, Spurs triumphed 3-1 to book an April 15 date with Chelsea at Wembley Stadium. Everton will meet local rivals Liverpool in the other semi-final after beating Sunderland 2-0 in their quarter-final replay. — Reuters