|
|
|
|
|
‘Don’t want to waste chances like last time’
India has experienced players: Wade
Hughes confident about withstanding Indian spin attack
|
|
|
MCA chief asks U-19 team to make Jaffer their role model
Australian batsmen eyeing quality practice against BP XI
Punjab rifle association, NRAI lock horns
To deal with AITA, tennis players form association
Hot Chile shock for Nadal in singles final
Punjabi varsity archers win title for fifth time in a row
Man City loss led Ferguson to play stronger team against Everton
Champions League: United praying Ronaldo does not emulate namesake
|
|
‘Don’t want to waste chances like last time’
New Delhi, February 11 “I can't blame anyone for not being able to cement my place in the India squad when I was touring West Indies last year. I wasn't consistent enough and that's why couldn't play more than five ODIs. I guess, it's all in the mind and I am not going to let this opportunity go,” the 27-year-old said. Dhawan has played five ODIs scoring 69 runs with a half-century that came in the West Indies. “No excuses for not delivering but pitches in West Indies were extremely slow and the ball wasn't coming onto the bat. I should have scored more runs,” Dhawan, who has scored 5679 runs in 81 first-class matches, said. However, he said that he was expecting a call-up having scored four first-class centuries in his 833 runs this season. “While going into the Irani Cup, I didn't want to think about selection as I had done in some earlier occasions while playing these kind of games before selection. “I batted freely and should have got a century. But the key to my success this season is my consistency. I have not thrown away after getting into the 30's and 40's.” Dhawan feels that his unbeaten century (110 not out) against England in a practice game also helped his case. “If you score runs against an international attack, the self-belief automatically increases. I didn't face problems facing Steven Finn, Jade Dernbach, Stuart Meaker or James Tredwell. That innings also boosted my confidence a great deal.” During the 2010-11 season, Dhawan had played an irresponsible shot as Delhi were chasing a meagre 136 against Railways at Roshnara Club ground and the hosts lost that match. “I had never faced such criticism as I did after that game. But that dismissal did change my approach towards batting. Therefore it was very satisfying when I anchored the 270-run chase against Maharashtra. I know my game better,” the Delhi captain said. A lot of Dhawan's contemporaries like Suresh Raina have established themselves in one form of the game but the left-hander doesn't have any regrets. “I have been playing for India 'A' for the past six-seven years but I knew that the senior team was performing brilliantly. If your main team is doing well, you need to learn to wait and I was precisely doing that.” Dhawan, who got married a couple of months back to half Bengali-half-British Esha Mukherjee, said. — PTI
|
|
India has experienced players: Wade
Chennai, February 11 “They (Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman) are class players and champion players for India. We do not have to get them out twice in every test,” Wade said when asked about absence of the two greats from the Indian squad. “However, the guys in the present Indian team are very good batters. They are very experienced especially playing at home conditions. We need to work hard in the next ten or fifteen days and really get ready to go for the first test match,” he added. The 25-year-old believes that their pace attack could spring up suprises for the home side on tracks that are not suited for such bowling. “I saw a little bit of England's matches when they toured here last. Especially in their last match the quick bowlers took lot of wickets. We have a great fast bowling attack going along with a couple of spinners. I am sure the quick bowlers have a great job to do in India as well,” the lone wicketkeeper in the Australian squad, said. Wade hoped that his side will have a good outing in the two practice games to get used to the humidity before the opening Test begins on February 22. “To bat for a long time would be better for our batters on such tough conditions like the humidity, the heat and the wickets. Peter Siddle and James Pattinson have not bowled much in the last few months. So to get some overs under the games scenario would be good for us,” Wade said. Verbal duels have always been a part of a India-Australia series over the years and Wade feels sparks could fly during the upcoming series as the contest would be evenly matched and both side will give their best. “A few of our fast bowlers have got white-line fever so they don't plan too much for these things. They just walk out on the ground. India compete hard and so do we. I think that's why over the years there have been so many tough contests. Both teams will go as hard as they can on the field but I'm sure after the game everything will be fine,” Wade said. On keeping wickets in India, Wade said: “It is going to be tough keeping wickets in India. I have been working hard during the last four weeks. I have two games before the first test match. No doubt it is tough place to keep wickets but I will get used to the conditions from the two practice games. I have been told lot of stories and I am looking forward to take the challenge.” — PTI
|
|
Hughes confident about withstanding Indian spin attack
Sydney, February 11 The young top-order batsman has said that he has high hopes about the upcoming India Tests because of their recent 5-0 win against the Caribbeans, and also due to India's recent home Test series loss against England and its poor form in Australia last summer, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Hughes said that observing India's recent home series against England had made him prepare to face a lot of spin, even against the new ball, and added that he was comfortable with the prospects of facing Indian spin bowlers Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha and Ravindra Jadeja, which he said would be challenging. Looking forward to playing in India, Hughes said that although he had been to India many times, he had never played Test cricket on the subcontinent before, and added that he needed more practice at the nets to prepare for the challenges there. Hughes said he had also taken advice from captain Michael Clarke, who is renowned for his skill against spin, and expressed confidence at being able to overpower spin with sweep shots if needed, depending on the conditions at the subcontinent. Hughes also said that he was eager for the opportunity to bat for long periods in India that offered little for bowlers. — PTI Hughes, Shane Watson, Mitch Johnson and Xavier Doherty flew out of Melbourne on Monday morning after finishing their home summer.
|
|
MCA chief asks U-19 team to make Jaffer their role model
Mumbai, February 11 “You need to be consistent in your performance and not be satisfied with one or two good shows. See Wasim Jaffer and the way he has batted consistently. He should be your role model,” said Savant to a handful of under-19 Mumbai cricketers at the prize distribution function of Sportstar Trophy tournament. Jaffer notched over 800 runs for Mumbai in seven games during their 40th Ranji Trophy title-winning campaign, including a Man of the Match winning hundred in the final against Saurashtra, and then scored 80 and 101 not out against Rest of India in the Irani Cup game that ended yesterday. However, the 34-year-old batsman, who lost his Test spot in 2009, failed to convince the selectors that he was the man they were looking out for to solve the opening problems faced by India at Test level in recent times despite scoring over 1,000 runs at the first class level this season. Praveen mum about suspension A “sad and hassled” Praveen Kumar refused to speak about the BCCI’s suspension imposed on him, which bars the pacer from playing the inter-state Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Uttar Pradesh. “I do not want to talk to media about this ban. I am sad and hassled. Please do not disturb me. My silence would answer all the queries," Praveen said. “I will remain silent,” the pacer responded when asked whether he actually abused the opposition team batsman as well as the umpires in a Corporate Trophy recently. — PTI
|
|
Australian batsmen eyeing quality practice against BP XI
Chennai, February 11 In the absence of regular skipper Michael Clarke and his deputy Shane Watson, who will be arriving in the next couple of days, wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade will be leading the side. Since the full Australian squad is yet to assemble, the Aussies have exactly 11 players available right now and it will be the local association that will be providing them with substitute fielders. “I did half a Shield game or whatever for the Vics (Victoria). Apart from that, that's it,” Wade said. “The bigger guns aren't here as yet, so we've only got 11 to pick for.” Since the match is a two-day affair, it is unlikely to get first-class status. The youngsters in the Board President's XI squad, led by opener Abhinav Mukund, which has in-form Ambati Rayudu, talented Punjab batsman Mandeep Singh, all-rounder Parveez Rasool along with latest pace sensation Shami Ahmed, will get quality exposure against a top international side. Practically, this is the third string Indian side as the second string India 'A' side, led by Gautam Gambhir, will be playing against Australia in the official first-class game from February 16. While Rayudu, who is fresh from his hundred in the Irani Cup, will like to get a good score against quality fast bowlers like James Pattinson and Peter Siddle, the Aussie batsmen would pray that the likes of Cowan, Khawaja, Maxwell, Henriques get a chance to practice against spinners like offies Kamlesh and Rasool along with leg-spinner Sarabjit Ladda. Maxwell, Henriques and Steve Smith will be competing for the all-rounder's slot and this match might give a fair idea about what combination they would like to go with. The match will be played at the Guru Nanak College ground. Squads (Australia): Matthew Wade (capt), Ed Cowan, Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell, Moises Henriques, Steve Smith, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird, Ashton Agar; (BP XI): Abhinav Mukund (capt), Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Mandeep Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Parthiv Patel, Stuart Binny, Sarabjit Ladda, Parvez Rasool, Shami Ahmed, Parvinder Awana, Kamlesh Makwana. — PTI
|
|
West Indies thrash Kiwis by 48 runs
Mumbai, February 11 New Zealand, who had opted to bat second, started their run chase of 208 with a stutter, as they lost opener Frances Mackay (4), Sarah McGlashan (18) and Sophie Devine (9) within 10 overs for only 47 runs. Pacer Tremanye Smartt's devastating first spell of 7-0-26-3 was the main reason behind Kiwis' poor start. Smartt provided her side with the initial breakthroughs as she trapped Mackay leg-before wicket and then castled McGlashan with a yorker. Smartt would have also dismissed McGlashan, but for a no-ball. The 27-year old also got rid of Devine, though the batter was unlucky to be have been given leg before. The New Zealand middle-order, which didn't have enough role to play in the tournament so far, struggled against the spin attack and things nosedived for the last edition's runners-up, when they lost their in-form player, captain Suzie Bates, to be reduced to 83/6. Bates managed to score 30 off 44 balls with three fours, before she was caught and bowled by Trinidadian spinner Anisa Mohammed. The White Ferns' misery could be gauged from the fact that they took 31 overs to post 100 runs on board. Rachel Priest (36), who batted at number seven, tried to make a fightback, but it was all too late. Earlier, a late onslaught from Anisa Mohammed coupled with a solid 52-ball 49 from Stafanie Taylor, guided West Indies to 207/9. Spinner Anisa Mohammed, who came into bat at number 10, was aggressive and her 31 runs in 32 balls, with four fours, propelled her side past 200. She forged a 45-run stand with Shanel Daley (37). Incidentally, this was Windies' highest against New Zealand. — pti SCOREBOARD West Indies Kycia lbw Ruck 15 Natasha lbw Ruck 4 Stafanie c Priest b Bates 49 Kyshona c Tahuhu b Nielsen 13 Merissa c Priest b Nielsen 4 Deandra c Ruck b Nielsen 27 Shanel c Browne b Mackay 37 Shemaine run out 11 Shakera b Bates 6 Anisa not out 31 Tremayne not out 1 Extras: 9 Total: (9 wkts in 50 ov) 207 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-38, 3-75, 4-82, 5-104, 6-117, 7-139, 8-159, 9-204 Bowling: Lea 5-1-21-0, Sean 10-0-32-2, Nicola Browne 3-0-15-0, Kate 10-0-54-0, Morna 10-0-27-3, Suzie ates 8-1-36-2, Frances 4-1-21-1 New zealand Frances lbw Smartt 4 Suzie c & b Mohammed 30 Sarah b Smartt 18 Sophie lbw Smartt 9 Katie run out 11 Nicola lbw Taylor 4 Rachel run out 36 Kate lbw Dottin 8 Morna c Aguilleira b Taylor 16 Lea c & b Dottin 7 Sian not out 0 Extras: 16 Total: (all out in 44.3 ov) 159 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-36, 3-47, 4-76, 5-83, 6-83, 7-101, 8-135, 9-158 Bowling: Shanel 9-1-37-0, Tremayne 9-0-39-3, Shakera 4-0-31-0, Stafanie 10-1-26-2, Anisa 8.3-3-13-1, Deandra 4-0-11-2 Kiwis skipper blames battingfor defeat
New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates today blamed her team's lacklustre batting display against the West Indies in the Women's World Cup Super Eight match and said they need to use the willow better to be successful in the tournament. “It is just disappointing that we perhaps haven't managed anywhere near as well as we can in this tournament (with the bat). That is what wins you games, as batters stepping up in the top five and scoring runs,” Bates said at the post-match conference. “So obviously disappointed today that none of the top five stepped up and it we left it to Rachel Priest and it was too much for her to do. If we wanna win the next game or be successful in this tournament, we have to step up with the bat,” she said. “We were well aware that it was a huge game for us today, that probably was the most disappointing thing. It was almost a semifinal. We didn't turn up and play good cricket. So now we have really opened this Super Six stage up, which has given England another sniff and West Indies are now in the hunt. “It's going to come down to the last game and it's going to be about some big matches. I guess that is what World Cups are about and unfortunately today's loss has put us on the back foot. But we will get up, and England, we beat them in warm-up match we will go confidently,” she said. — PTI |
|
Punjab rifle association, NRAI lock horns
Patiala, February 11 But unperturbed by this, some PRSAI officials have called for elections on February 15, refusing to budge under pressure from NRAI. Meanwhile, NRAI has suspended two PRSAI members and have appealed to everyone to stay away from these elections. The NRAI today barred its three officials who occupy key positions in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), from taking part in its elections, scheduled for April 6. They are IOA’s vice-president Anurag Thakur, joint secretary Raja K. Sidhu and executive committee member Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi. “As they are IOA office bearers, we cannot allow them to participate in the elections,” said NRAI Prseident Raninder Singh. Sodhi and Thakur were unavailable for comments. According Raninder, a directive from International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) and IOC laid out in their letter dated 14th January 2013 that “no individual, who has taken part in the illegal and impugned election of the IOA will be allowed to sit and hold office in any capacity on any forum of the NRAI, including its affiliated units or its General Body or Executive”. “We cannot have the wrath of ISSF on our shooters,” he stated. A couple of days ago, some individuals from Punjab announced the association elections, despite their holding posts with the suspended IOA. Following this, the NRAI has asked its Punjab affiliated body to “immediately disassociate” itself from such individuals. PRSAI Secretary Raja Sidhu said that they would hold their elections as planned and would not follow the NRAI directive as the NRAI is not their parent body. “I and Rana Gurmit Sodhi are part of IOA as we are members of Olympic associations of our respective state and UT. Therefore the NRAI cannot debar us when we are not in the IOA as NRAI members,” he stated. Sidhu said that their body is completely justified in holding these elections as it is a registered body under the Societies Act and can hold elections as per rules. The decision would have far reaching consequences as all state 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. Sources in the NRAI confirmed that the decision was taken to ensure that the Indian shooters do not get disqualified from the international events as the ISSF has told the NRAI “not to associate with the individuals who are acting in violation of the IOC decisions and Olympic charter”. Raninder said said that they have recognised only Gurbir Sandhu in Punjab and shooters and office bearers affiliated to NRAI should communicate with him only. “Let them hold the elections, NRAI will keep a distance from all who take part in it,” he stated.
|
||
|
To deal with AITA, tennis players form association
New Delhi, February 11 has been formed on the premise that the existing structure of tennis administration in the country “does not represent or adequately address contemporary issues faced by the players”. The players who have joined ITPA “strongly believe in the principle of self-governance and consultative dialogue in arriving at key decisions impacting professional tennis in the country”. Mukherjea will act as interim president until the General Council and the general body of the ITPA formally meet. All members will have equal voting rights and will participate in a democratic process to elect the general body that will be responsible for the operations of the ITPA. The membership to the ITPA will be open to Indian players have participated in international, national or state-level tournaments. ITPA has been modeled on the pattern of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), “that encourages and allows players to make decisions for the benefit of sport”. The founding members of the ITPA include Mukherjea, Mahesh Bhupathi, Enrico Piperno, Manisha Malhotra, Prahalad Srinath, Somdev Devarman, Rohan Bopanna, Aditya Sachdeva and Mustafa Ghouse. AITA vice-president Karti Chidambaram is another key member. Rebel leader Somdev Devvarman believes that the “ITPA will provide the players a voice that will stand united in our concerns and suggestions for the improvement of the sport in the country”. Karti Chidambaram said the ITPA will be funded by membership fees, but will eventually seek the support from corporate and private individuals to carry on its activities.
|
||
|
Hot Chile shock for Nadal in singles final
Vina del Mar, February 11 World number 73 Zeballos held his nerve in the final set, breaking Nadal when he was serving to stay in the match to seal victory after almost three hours in the Pacific coast city of Vina del Mar. “I’m shocked. I’ve beaten one of the best players of tennis history. It’s an incredible sensation,” an emotional Zeballos said. “I still think I’m dreaming. It’s an honour playing against him. I enjoyed being with him at the locker room, eating with him. He’s a great guy, I would like to ask him if he’s from this planet,” the Argentine added with a big smile. Nadal was playing his first tournament since suffering a shock defeat to the unfancied Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon last June, having been sidelined by a troublesome knee injury and his comeback delayed by illness. He will continue continue playing on his favorite clay surface at two other Latin American events this month. The French Open champion heads to the Brazil Open in Sao Paulo next week and the Mexico Open in Acapulco from Feb. 25. “Although I didn’t make it (to win the tournament), for me it is a huge achievement playing all the week,” Nadal said when he received his runnerup trophy. The 27-year-old Zeballos was competitive from the outset, but failed to exploit two break-points in the first set to allow Nadal a tiebreak, which the Spaniard comfortably wrapped up 7-2. Zeballos hit back to win the second set tiebreak 8-6 and showed great poise to level at 1-1 in the decider after being broken in the first game. Nadal struggled with his serve and was a shadow of the fired-up, fist-pumping competitor that has clinched 11 grand slam titles as he tired late in the match and lost key points without showing much emotion. Local fans were won over by the Spaniard, who was gracious in defeat, however, and thanked the crowd for the support. “This is one of the best weeks of the last months. I want to thank you all,” he said. — Reuters
|
||
|
Punjabi varsity archers win title for fifth time in a row
Patiala, February 11 Tarika Sharma was the team’s star with four gold medals followed by Parveena, Kanwalpreet Singh and Trisha, who won two gold each. Other medal winners are Manpreet Kaur, Gagandeep Kaur, Nisha, Mandeep Kaur, Malkeet Singh, Mohit, Mohan Lal, Devender Sagar, Lovedeep Singh, Somvarth, Deepak, Amandeep Kaur, Priyanka, Preeti, Sukhpreet Singh, Angrez, Ankush, Ramandeep Kaur and Bala Kumari. In individual events, Punjabi University won nine gold, four silver medals and six bronze medals, whereas in the team events, they bagged three gold, four silver and one bronze medal. Dr Rajkumar Sharma, Director Sports of the university, felicitated the team and coaches and Jiwanjot Singh and Surinder Singh. Jiwanjot would be given the Best Coach of the Year award for the year 2012-13.
|
|
Man City loss led Ferguson to play stronger team against Everton
London, February 11 With the Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho, in the stands before Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 first leg at the Bernabeu, Ferguson said that he had changed his team to take advantage of City’s 3-1 defeat to Southampton on Saturday. He said: “I was going to make seven changes, then, when I got the result, I thought this would be a more important game for us. “It would give us a comfortable lead and we could make changes later on in the season. Realistically, we knew if we got a result it would put us in a fantastic position. We have to win our games anyway – it doesn’t matter what happened to City on Saturday. That is the way we should look at it. I’ve said it for weeks – concentrate on our own game and we’ll be OK.” Not since they were 16 points clear of second-place Arsenal in February 2001, finally going on to win the title that season by 10 points, have United enjoyed such a big lead at the top of the Premier League. Before the game, Mourinho said that Wednesday’s match in Madrid was “the game that the world was waiting for”. Mourinho said: “The world is not waiting for other matches in the Champions League, so I hope we can give the world what they are waiting for. “We already know the position where we will finish [in the league]. Of course I want to win matches. I feel the responsibility of that by managing a club like Real Madrid, but at the same I could think more about the match on Wednesday [when picking his team that beat Seville 4-1 in La Liga on Saturday night]. “I had some boys who played 90 minutes last Wednesday for their national teams and I could give them a rest, but it is such a big match that everyone wants to play, no one will be tired.” Robin van Persie and Ryan Giggs scored for United, with the latter at the age of 39 now having scored in 23 consecutive league seasons for his club. Ferguson said: “I think all the superlatives have been used and he doesn’t need any because his legacy lives on. “He’s just a fantastic human being. In this game again, at 38 years of age, or is he 39? Maybe 40! I don’t know, but he’s up and down that pitch all day and showing fantastic energy for the game. It’s wonderful to see.” Ferguson had warned in his programme notes that if his players were to throw away a lead as they did in the corresponding fixture last season when Everton scored two late goals to snatch a 4-4 draw, they would “feel the full effect of the hairdryer!” He said after the game: “I thought they [Everton] dominated in the first half for 20 minutes in terms of possession and had a couple of near things – they were always a threat from corners and have great delivery from [Leighton] Baines. — The Independent |
|
|
Champions League: United praying Ronaldo does not emulate namesake
London, February 11 The Real forward will not have to be concerned about being overshadowed by arch-rival Lionel Messi because organisers UEFA have again spread the last 16 over a series of dates, meaning the matches will take one month to complete. Messi’s Barcelona will not be in action until February 20 when they visit AC Milan for their first-leg encounter while the Arsenal-Bayern Munich, Galatasaray-Schalke 04 and Porto-Malaga ties also take place next week. Another of the group stage’s outstanding players, Brazilian playmaker Willian, will not be involved at all as he has joined Anzhi Makhachkala from Shakhtar Donetsk who are at home to Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund. Valencia host Paris St Germain and Celtic entertain play Juventus. — Reuters |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Consistency has always been a problem with Shikhar Dhawan since his first-class debut back in 2004 but after his maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad, the Delhi left-hander is determined not to let this chance go
abegging.
Despite the retirement of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman and India's recent Test series defeats, Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade believes the hosts still are a very difficult team to beat at home.
Vina del Mar, February 11
London, February 11
