Mumbai, February 7
Suresh Raina sent a timely reminder to the selectors for his Test recall with a brilliant century to help Rest of India post a huge first innings total of 526 but the hosts Mumbai replied strongly, reaching 155-2 on Day Two of the Irani Trophy match.

Left-handed Raina, ignored for the entire four-Test rubber against England by the selectors in November-December last year, notched up 134 — his 11th first class century — in eight minutes under five hours.

In-form Mumbai opener Wasim Jaffer, also seeking a return to the Test team after four years, and one-down batsman Ajinkya Rahane led the home team's reply with individual half centuries.

At stumps, the hosts were 371 runs behind Rest of India with Rahane not out on 55 after a stay of 174 minutes and giving him company was night watchman Shardul Thakur (4) with Sachin Tendulkar to bat on the morrow. Jaffer, who mustered over 800 runs this season in Ranji Trophy in seven games, was caught behind for 80 by Ambati Rayudu off S Sreesanth. He put on a partnership of 132 runs for the second wicket with Rahane. Earlier, Raina, who struck 14 fours and 5 sixes in his 169-ball essay, added 153 runs in only 172 balls in a punishing seventh wicket stand with Abhimanyu Mithun, who made 51 with nine fours and a six.

Mumbai secured a wicket early on in the fifth over of the day as their pace leader Dhawal Kulkarni dismissed rival captain Harbhajan Singh (26) through a fine diving catch at short cover. Rest had advanced by 22 runs to 352 when Harbhajan was caught by his Mumbai counterpart Abhishek Nayar, but thereafter the home team's wayward bowling was torn to shreds by Raina, overnight not out on 36, and Mithun as they strung a huge stand of 153 off 172 balls to take the score past 500.

The seventh wicket duo feasted on the appalling bowling by Mumbai in which Shardul Thakur was the main culprit as he conceded 135 runs in 27 overs to help Rest adjourn for lunch at 487/6 after commencing the day at 330/5.

Raina played the spinners with splendid ease and raced from 50 to his 11th first class 100 in just 37 balls. It was the second century of the Rest innings after M Vijay's 116. — PTI

SCOREBOARD
ROI 1st inngs (Overnight 330/5)
Shikhar b Thakur 63
Murali b Nayar 116
Tiwary lbw Nayar 37
Rayudu c Jaffer b Sharma 51
Raina c Thakur b Chavan 134
Wriddhiman lbw Dhawal 17
Bhajji c Nayar b Kulkarni 16
Mithun lbw Chavan 51
Ojha c Kulkarni b Dabholkar 0
Sreesanth not out 1
Ishwar c Rahane b Chavan 13
Extras: 27
Total: (all out; 130.1 ov) 526
Fall of wickets: 1-144, 2-222, 3-231, 4-309, 5-330, 6-352, 7-505, 8-506, 9-512
Bowling: Javed 18-6-45-0, Dhawal 27-5-107-2, Shardul 18-1-82-1, Vishal 26-3-119-1, Abhishek 25-10-70-2, Ankeet 10.1-1-56-3, Rohit 6-2-33-1

Mumbai
Jaffer c Rayudu b Sreesanth 80
Tare c Tiwary by Pandey 6
Rahane not out 55
Shardul not out 4
Extras: 10
Total: (2 wkts; 43 ovs) 155
Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-146
Bowling: Sreesanth 9-3-33-1, Ishwar 11-4-33-1, Mithun 9-1-30-0, Ojha 7-1-29-0, Harbhajan 7-0-21-0

Mumbai, February 7
Suresh Raina insisted that he would make it count if he is recalled to the Indian squad against Australia in the upcoming four-Test series, commencing in Chennai later this month.

“I'm hitting the ball really well. The last four fifties and a hundred have made me tougher. I was disappointed that I didn't get any hundreds in the ODIs (against England), so I had more desire to make a hundred in this game," said Raina.

“Fortunately it was done today and God has been really kind. Hopefully, when I get the chance against Australia, I will prove myself again," said the left handed batsman. The 26-year-old UP batsman, who has figured in 17 Tests so far, wants to make score big tons. “It's very important for me to just look to score 100.

Not just 100 but 150 or 160, then I can be more mentally tough for Test matches. I have done that in the past and have scored two or three double hundreds in first class cricket.

“When you score a lot of big hundreds, it definitely helps your batting," Raina, who has just one hundred from his debut match against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2010, said.

Raina said he combined well with Abhimanyu Mithun, with whom he put on a 153-run stand for the seventh wicket to push the RoI total beyond the 500 mark. “I had a good partnership with Mithun. Earlier as well, he has batted well. In my debut Test match he scored 50 or 60.

He was batting well and we were communicating well." Raina, who scored his 11th first class hundred, said he knew how to bat with lower order batsmen.

“I have learnt from my seniors like Dhoni, Yuvraj and Hussey (playing for CSK). he added. — PTI

Raipur, Febuary 7
India paceman Praveen Kumar found himself in a fresh controversy after he reportedly abused an opposition player during a match of the BCCI's Corporate Trophy.

The incident happened after Praveen bowled a short-pitched delivery at Ajitesh Argal during the match between ONGC and Income Tax on Monday. When Argal, who represented Income Tax team, checked with the umpire whether it was a no ball an angry Praveen started abusing the batsman prompting the on-field umpires to report the incident to match referee Dhananjay Singh.

It was learnt that the match referee has described Praveen as “mentally unfit” in his report to the BCCI. In an earlier match also, Praveen has a ruckus with the crowd and the local cricket authorities had to ensure tighter security arrangements at the ground. When asked whether any action would be taken against Praveen, BCCI's chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty said it was an internal matter of the board. “It's an internal matter of the board and we cannot divulge anything at this stage,” he said. — PTI

Mumbai, February 7
India are all set to announce their squad for the upcoming four-Test series against Australia when the All-India Senior Selection Committee meets at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai on Sunday.

“The All-India Senior Selection Committee will meet on Sundayat the Cricket Centre, Mumbai, to pick the team. “The team will undergo a preparatory camp at the NCA, Bengaluru, from 15 February 2013 to 18 February 2013,” BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale said. The preparatory camp will also be a huge opportunity for the budding pacers as a selected few will get a chance to bowl to the Indian batsmen as part of Team India's preparation for the Tests.

“The BCCI had conducted Open trials for fast bowlers across the country, last year. The best bowlers were shortlisted and sent to the regional academies at Mumbai, Chennai and Mohali for advanced training,” Jagdale said.

“This list was then trimmed further, on the basis of the feedback of the coaches at the academies. The bowlers in the final list will bowl to the Indian batsmen. — PTI

Melbourne, February 7
The wickets in India might be considered a spinner's paradise but Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle feels his team's chances of winning the upcoming Test series there would depend on how well its pacers perform on the dustbowls.

India were beaten at home by England, who relied on their spinners to wreck the famed the batting line-up of the hosts, but Siddle feels every team has to play to its strengths.

“The best way of attacking India is with whatever your best line-up is. The way we've won Test matches for years now has been with our pace and I think that is going to play a big role," Siddle said.

“But Nathan (Lyon) is going to play a big role at the other end, and his game is going to flourish even more with the pressure we build at our end."

Combined, we'll do well and definitely be able to take 20 wickets. We're strong, we've got a good set of quicks going over and we've got good back-up for Nathan over there with spin," he added.

The last time Australia won a Test series against India was in 2004. Siddle said to repeat that, the Aussie bowlers will have to be very consistent. “Trying to bowl as straight and be as patient as we can be. In India the games go a little bit slower because the wickets are hard to score on so it's about patience, setting the right fields with your captain and bowling to your fields. Our side is disciplined enough now to go about it in that way," he said.

“You look back at the series results we've had over there and it has been hard work for us. It's been a tough stomping ground. “This is a new-look set-up, a new-look team and hopefully we can stamp our authority,” he said.

Siddle is among eight Australian players who left for India. The rest of the nine players will depart on Saturday and Monday after the WIndies series. Siddle said Phil Hughes will have a huge role to play.— PTI

Cuttack, February 7
Skipper Mithali Raj finally came good with an unbeaten century as Indian women beat arch-rivals Pakistan by six wickets in a seventh place play-off encounter in the ICC Women's World Cup on Thursday.

Already out of contention after being hammered by Sri Lanka, the 'Women in Blue' came up with a much improved performance as they first restricted Pakistan to 192/7 in 50 overs and then reached the target in 46 overs at the Barabati Stadium. Mithali, who had been in woefully out of form, helped herself back into form with an unbeaten 103 off 141 balls with the help of 13 boundaries and a six. The only regret she would have is that her best came when it mattered the least. Mithali added 87 runs for the unbroken fifth-wicket stand with Reema Malhotra, who remained undefeated on 25. The Indian women were in a spot of bother at 108 for four but the Indian captain found an able ally in Malhotra as they won their last game of the tournament with consummate ease. Mithali also enjoyed couple of useful stands of 43 and 49 with opener Thirush Kamini (26) and Harmanpreet Kaur (16). Earlier, the decision to bat first after winning the toss didn't quite work for Pakistan, who were saved due to half-centuries from Nain Abidi (58), Nida Dar (68). — PTI

SCOREBOARD
Pakistan
Nahida c Naik b Goswami 2
Sidra run out 12
Nain c Kamini b Goswami 58
Bismah c Sultana b Niranjana 15
Asmavia c Naik b Niranjana 0
Nida Dar not out 68
Qanita c Sharma b Bisht 18
Sana b Niranjana 10
Sumaiya not out 1
Extras: 8
Total: (7 wkts; 50 ov) 192
Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-28, 3-60, 4-60, 5-140, 6-170, 7-191
Bowling: Goswami 10-0-17-2, Sharma 10-0-40-0, Niranjana 10-0-35-3, Bisht 9-0-50-1, Sultana 8-0-33-0, Malhotra 3-0-16-0

India
Poonam lbw b Qanita 4
Thirush c Sana b Bismah 26
Mithali not out 103
Harmanp run out (Nahida) 16
Sulakshana b Nida Dar 3
Reema not out 25
Extras: 18
Total: (4 wkts; 46 ovs) 195
Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-51, 3-100, 4-108
Bowling: Qanita 6-2-19-1, Sumaiya 6-0-26-0, Sana 10-1-32-0, Bismah 6-0-32-1, Sadia 9-0-35-0, Asmavia 1-0-14-0, Nida 8-0-34-1

Patiala, February 7
Following a dictat from the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has decided to keep away all those “who were associated with illegal and impugned election of the suspended Indian Olympic Association (IOA)”.

The decision is aimed to help Indian shooters, who otherwise could have faced a possible ban from internationally recognised tournaments of the ISSF. The decision would have far-reaching consequences as all those association officials who participated with Abhay Singh Chautala's faction in the last Indian Olympic Association elections would not be able to represent or hold any office under the affiliation of NRAI.

These would include many top functionaries of many state associations of NRAI, who took part in the elections last year despite the suspension of the IOA by the IOC.

Sources in the NRAI confirmed that the decision was taken to ensure that Indian shooters do not get disqualified from the international events as the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has already made it clear to NRAI “not to associate with the individuals who are acting in violation of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decisions and Olympic charter”. “Everyone knew that the IOA ceased to be the legitimate body representing the IOC after the suspension was announced but despite it, all of these debarred functionaries took part in the elections of a body which was already suspended,” said a source.

In an email communiqué dated January 14 (a copy of which is with The Tribune), ISSF Secretary General Franz Schreiber wrote to the NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia after Franz received a letter from the IOC. “This email is self explanatory and we kindly ask you to secure that the IOC request not to associate with the individuals who are acting in violation of the IOC’s decisions and the Olympic charter,” it reads.

Following this NRAI prseident Raninder Singh informed all the presidents of affiliated state rifle associations and others that elections to elect the office bearers and members of NRAI would be held on April 2013 and all bodies should nominate their representatives. “Please note that while nominating your representatives, you are advised not to nominate individuals who are associated with illegal & impugned election of the IOA and as decided by the Governing Body of NRAI in its meeting held on February 1, 2013,” reads the letter shot last week.

Confirming the decision, Raninder Singh told The Tribune that it was obvious that they had to follow the directive of the ISSF, and if violated Indian shooters could have faced a possible suspension on the pattern of the Indian boxers.

“We are not against any individual, but everyone must follow the norms of the international parent body,” he stated.

Meanwhile, an affected member said that they were not aware that merely participating in the elections would debar them from NRAI affiliated offices. “It is a serious matter and should be reconsidered,” he stated, preferring anonymity.

New Delhi, February 7
Uttar Pradesh Wizards inflicted Delhi Waveriders their only defeat in the league phase when they got into scoring mode late in the match to strike four goals against one in the Hockey India League at the National Stadium here tonight.

UP Wizards, who were one of the two teams to hold Waveriders to a draw in 11 matches, went one step ahead by taking full points off the hosts, though Delhi had already ensured their place in the semifinal with 49 points. The win helped Uttar Pradesh take their points tally to 27 and enter the semifinals. Delhi, Ranchi, Punjab and UP have completed the semifinal line up of the tournament.

Now UP, with 32 points, are placed third while Jaypee Punjab Warriors were relegated to the fourth slot on 29 points. Punjab meet Delhi in the semifinal while Ranchi and UP will calsh in the second semifinal. Both the semifinals will be held in Ranchi on February 9.

UP were determined to garner full points and they spared no effort to win. UP were virtually all over Delhi from the beginning. But for Delhi custodian Nicholas Jacobi's fine saves, with UP muffing two penalty corners, they had to wait till the begining of the third quarter to score their first goal through Jeroen Hertzberger.

Ten minutes later, S Uttappa consolidated the lead and six minutes later P Somanna added the third goal. Delhi pulled one back through Andrew Hayward who converted a penalty corner while Gunasekar Malayan made it 4-1 for UP. 

London, February 7
England beat Brazil 2-1 on Wednesday to end a 23-year wait for victory over the five-time world champions and consign Luiz Felipe Scolari to defeat in the first game of his second spell as Brazil coach.

On a chilly Wembley night that saw Ashley Cole win his 100th England cap, home goalkeeper Joe Hart saved an early penalty from the recalled Ronaldinho, before Wayne Rooney put Roy Hodgson's side ahead.

An error from Gary Cahill allowed half-time substitute Fred to equalise for Brazil early in the second half, but Cahill's Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard gave England victory with a smartly taken goal on the hour.

The friendly game was being played to mark the start of the Football Association's 150th anniversary celebrations, and in Scolari's disjointed Brazil, England found unexpectedly generous opponents.

Hodgson's men will now approach March's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro in good heart, while Scolari must revisit his plans to craft a side capable of winning a sixth world title on home soil in 2014.

Jack Wilshere started alongside England captain Steven Gerrard in midfield for the first time and the Arsenal man was quick to assert himself with an enterprising forward burst that drew applause from the home fans.

However, the 21-year-old gifted Brazil an opportunity to take the lead in the 19th minute when he allowed Ronaldinho's cross to strike him on the arm.

Back in the side after an absence of a year, Ronaldinho stepped forward to take the penalty himself, but his weak shot was saved by Hart, who then reacted sharply to claw the ball away as the thwarted taker closed in for the kill.

England reacted positively to their close shave, with the excellent Wilshere immediately slipping a pass through to Danny Welbeck, who poked over.

Cole and Glen Johnson both had shots from distance, before the hosts made the breakthrough with a goal that will have greatly pleased Hodgson.

Wilshere was again the creator, threading a fine pass between centre-back and full-back for Theo Walcott, and when the Arsenal winger's shot was blocked by Julio Cesar, Rooney steered the loose ball home to claim his 33rd England goal.

Neymar then spurned a glorious chance to level when he put the ball over from close range as he slid in to meet a low cross from the lively Oscar.

Cole's big night ended at half-time, with Leighton Baines coming on in his place, while Scolari elected to withdraw both Ronaldinho and the ineffective Luis Fabiano.

Fabiano's replacement, Fred, needed just three minutes to find the target, but the goal was presented to him on a plate by the blundering Cahill.

Imperious until then, the Chelsea centre-back over-ran the ball in a dangerous position and after Ramires darted in, Fred capitalised to flash a left-foot shot past Hart from the edge of the area.

Similar shaky England defending almost yielded a second Brazil goal moments later, but after Hart's hurried clearance struck Cahill and bounced away, Fred saw his attempted curler hit the angle of post and bar. Eager to atone, Cahill forced Cesar into a superb finger-tip save with a powerful header from a corner. — Reuters

BRIEFLY

Won’t turn pro as golfer: Jayawardene
Sri Lankan cricketer and owner of Colombo 6's franchise in the Golf Premier League, Mahela Jayawardene has no ambition of turning pro in the future, but would not mind getting a tip or two from established golfers such as Darren Clarke and Angel Cabrera. “No, not at all...golf is just a leisure activity for me, I enjoy walking through the greens," Jayawardene said. "Darren Clarke and Michael Cabrera are really established names. (I hope to) get a few tips from them," said the Lankan run-machine. The cricketer, who has not yet “thought about” retirement, said he has always been fascinated by golf. — PTI

Govt report says doping widespread in Australia
Canberra: The use of performance enhancing drugs is "widespread" among professional and amateur athletes in Australia, a government report which rocked the sports-mad country said on Thursday. The report was the result of a one-year probe by Australia's leading criminal intelligence organisation into the use of drugs, both performance enhancing and recreational, as well as the association of organised crime with the trade. "The findings are shocking," Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said.