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warm-up game
Australia can beat “under-pressure” India: Warner
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Skipper MS Dhoni skips net session on final day at NCA
Glad to end my career where I was born: Sthalekar
Lisa Sthalekar retired from international cricket after her team won Australia’s sixth World Cup title in Mumbai. — PTI
World League: Indians make mincemeat of Fiji, Kazakhstan
Eight months and a week after his last title,
Battle lines drawn in Pistorius court fight
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Australians trip, recover vs spinners
India A make visitors follow on; Dhruv, Saxena share nine first-innings wickets
Chennai, February 18
Dhruv grabbed 5/51 while Gujarat all-rounder Saxena took 4/61 to dismiss Australia for 235 in first innings in reply to India A's total of 451. With 216-run deficit, India A skipper Gautam Gambhir enforced follow-on and Australian did a shade better in their second essay by finishing on 195 for three at the Guru Nanak College ground. In all, it was a moral victory for the India A side as they exposed the chinks in the Aussie armoury. Against Board President's XI in their first warm-up game, the Aussies were bowled out for 241. In two successive matches, their batsmen failed to post a total in excess of 250. If Parveez Rasool sowed the seeds of doubts in the Aussie minds about their inability to tackle spinners, Dhruv and Saxena's performance will certainly compound their worries and at the same time encourage Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha to go all out against Michael Clarke's men in the first Test. The Aussies started the day at 131 for four and the overnight batsmen Matthew Wade (44) and Moises Henriques (33) took the score to 176 with a 49-run fifth wicket stand. Both were trying to hit their way out of trouble — especially Henriques, who hit two fours and three sixes in his 41-ball knock before he padded an arm ball from the left-arm spinner Dhruve which started the slide. For 31-year-old Dhruv, who is a veteran of 75 first-class matches and is not a contender for the national side, this performance will certainly be the most memorable one of his career. Peter Siddle was run-out after he failed to cover his ground at the non-striker's end with Dhruv backing up beautifully to gather Manpreet Gony's throw and dislodge the bails. While Wade was showing necessary composure during his 103-ball stay hitting four boundaries and two sixes, none of the other batsmen showed enough patience to stay at the crease and grind it out. Mitchell Starc (11) and Nathan Lyon (0) then went for wild slogs off Saxena and were dismissed cheaply. While Starc was holed out in the deep by Ranganath Vinay Kumar, Lyon was clean bowled. At 199 for eight, Xavier Doherty (7) provided a very brief resistance alongside Wade before the left-hander nicked one from Dhruv behind the stumps to glovesman CM Gautam. With both Saxena and Dhruv on four wickets apiece, it was then a race among the duo as to who would get that elusive five-wicket haul. The chubby-faced tall left-armer became lucky when a desperate Wade tried to hit him out only to be caught by Gony in the deep as Australia lost their last six wickets in only 26.3 overs. Being asked to follow-on in a three-day match is nothing sort of humiliation but Australians did get some batting practice with Shane Watson helping himself to a second half-century in the match smashing 60 off only 63 balls with nine fours and a six. Along with opening partner Ed Cowan who scored 53 off 81 balls with nine fours and a six, he added 104 runs for the opening stand. The match was called off after 55 overs with Usman Khawaja batting on 30 in company of Wade who had scored 19. The Australian side would not be very satisfied with their show in the two warm-up games. — PTI Scoreboard Australians 2nd inngs (following on)
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Australia can beat “under-pressure” India: Warner
New Delhi, February 18 Warner said that a series win in India would be a massive achievement for Australia but conceded that the outcome would largely depend on how his side play against the home side spinners. “Definitely, we have the resources to beat India. Dhoni is under pressure after recent results and we have the upperhand in pace bowling and our batsmen are among runs,” Warner said."It will be a massive thing if we beat India, leading to the Ashes series (after the India tour). But basically it would be decided by the challenge we are going to face against Indian spinners," he said. Like his team-mates Shane Watson and Ed Cowan had said, Warner felt the Australians should show the intent to be aggressive against the Indian spinners. "I watched the England Test series in India (on TV). We have to put pressure on the Indian spinners, we have to make them unsettled. The plan is to show the aggressive intent," Warner said. “I have the experience of playing against some of the Indian spinners in India. I was able to play sweep shot and cut. You can't think of just blocking them (spinners). You have to show aggressive intent,” he said. Expectations from Indian spinners will high: Khwaja Australian batsman Usman Khwaja resorted to playing mind games ahead of the first Test, stating that the expectations to deliver the goods on rank turners could put the Indian spinners under pressure in the series. “We've had enough practice and we are as ready as we are ever going to be. The Indian spinners have a lot of pressure on them too because if it is a turning wicket, they will be expected to take wickets, so there will be a bit of pressure on them. We're in India where the ball turns, you get reverse swing — the guys are really looking forward to the challenge,” Khwaja said. Conceding that spin plays a big part in in India, Khwaja said,“We've actually said that spin plays a big part but it's not the only thing. They've got some good pace bowlers too, who can use the new ball and use the old reversing ball really well too.” — Agencies
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Skipper MS Dhoni skips net session on final day at NCA
Bangalore, February 18 While all the top Indian batsmen and bowlers gave their best shot on the final day of the camp at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Dhoni neither batted nor kept wickets during the net session, which was focussed mainly on batting and bowling. Dhoni was seen having conversation with other team members, while the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh and Cheteshwar Pujara all laboured during the session. In contrast to the first two days, the Indian team solely focussed on batting and bowling. In the first two days, the team had two hectic sessions in a day, but on Monday they had only one in the afternoon. The players arrived at the NCA around 3 pm and straightaway they headed for the nets.By watching all the top batsmen like Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Murali Vijay, Virender Sehwag and Pujara bat at the nets, it looked like the Indian support staff laid emphasis on playing straight in the 'V'. Even if there were shots to be played, they hammered it with the straight bat. At a time, three batsmen played at three nets having different wickets, facing a mix of fast and spin bowlers like Ashok Dinda, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Pragyan Ojha and R Ashwin. Interestingly, Tendulkar batted for 45 minutes with three different bats and facing these bowlers at different nets. Harbhajan batted for nearly one hour and rolled his arms only at the fag end of session. Dhoni bunks classes for cricket
MS Dhoni may have had tremendous success on the cricket pitch but his academic resume will miss a graduation degree. This after the India skipper failed to appear for his exams at Ranchi's St. Xaviers College. Registered as a student of commerce (vocational) in the college, the World Cup winning captain has been unable to pass even a single of six semesters due to his professional assignments as an international cricketer. Dhoni chose office administration and secretarial practices (OMSP) as subjects but his registration will expire later this year. The principal says that the 31-year-old was provided assistance so that he could study and pass his exams despite his busy schedule. “This is an easy course and he could have cleared it. Dhoni was supplied with books and study materials for the first semester. The college was prepared to consider his absence as he is an outstanding cricketer who's leading the national team. We could have even considered exams at venues and dates of his convenience, if he had wanted," said Father Nicholas Tele. — Agencies Proteas to retain ICC Test mace
South Africa has been guaranteed the number-one position on the ICC Test Championship table at the April 1 cut-off date after victory in the Cape Town Test. It means their place cannot be overtaken by closest rivals — England, Australia and India. The victory in the Cape Town Test means even if they lose the third Test at Centurion, the Proteas will still gain one ratings point which will be sufficient to give them top spot. — Agencies |
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Glad to end my career where I was born: Sthalekar
Mumbai, February 18
That moment I will never forget," she added. The 33-year-old claimed two for 20 and also took a catch in Australia's impressive 114-run win over the West Indies in the summit clash, yesterday. The Pune-born player said she had decided to call it quits before coming to the tournament but had guarded the information from her team-mates. "I had already planned it before coming into this series. I hadn't told anyone. Obviously I told my family and some close friends and my friends actually came over to celebrate my last tour together, which was nice. "It is always emotional. Its been a massive part of my life. Since I was 10, I have played cricket every summer so that's 20 odd years. Its going to be strange not playing and not training but I think I am going to enjoy the extra free time that I have," she said. "I guess for me, I think the World Cup is very special and they don't come around very often. I think it was time to go in a sense that I had achieved that I wanted to. I was only going to stay in the game if I was motivated enough to put in the time an effort that is required to represent at this level. I think I have come to the end of that," she added. Being an unknown entity helped me: Ferling Australia's Holly Ferling, who impressed all and sundry with her pace and bounce, today said not having a prior reputation helped her perform better. “I guess the pressure is not on you, when the expectations are not there. No one knows who you are, which was a bit of an asset to come in with no one seeing me bowl before or knowing my stock ball. Bates is the ‘Most Valuable Player’ Kiwi double international Suzie Bates has claimed player-of-the-tournament honours. The White Ferns skipper finished the event as the highest runscorer, tallying 407 at an average of 67.83, also the best of the tournament. “It was tough to be watching the final and not be in it, but from a personal point of view, winning a trophy is really pleasing," said Bates. — Agencies
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World League: Indians make mincemeat of Fiji, Kazakhstan
New Delhi, February 18 The match was a massacre of the innocents as the hosts went on a scoring spree, knocking up seven goals in the first half, converting seven penalty corners. The domination of hosts was evident from the fact that V.R.Raghunath (2) and Rupinder Pal Singh made no mistake with the first three penalty corners to put India 3-0 up with in the first 11 minutes. Thereafter, it was a virtual goal-rush as Nithin Thimmaiah, Gurjinder Singh, Danish Mujtaba, and others struck in goal after goal to subdue the visitors, who were composed mostly players borne of Indian expatriate labours. The men thus did better than the women, who had contend with just eight goals, despite forcing 13 penalty corners, though the men scored six goals off penalty corners. Indian eves got off to a blazing start when they crushed Kazakhstan 8-0 in the Round 2 for women at the National Stadium. India, who led by 4-0 at half time, totally dominated the match rendering the visiting ladies as mere spectators. The Kazakhstan goal fell in regular intervals, as India kept them under tremendous pressure through sustained attacks, which earned them 13 penalty corners and one penalty stroke. Jaspreet Kaur, who scored the first goal, converting a penalty corner in the seventh minute, accounted for three more, with her fourth goal coming off a penalty stroke. Rani Ramphal scored three goals while Soundarya Yendala pulled off the other goal. With their speed, accurate passing and ceaceless attacks, India were all over the visitors’ area, though their first penalty corner came only after seven minutes, and Jaspreet’s powerful sweep brooked no denial. Rani Ramphal struck the second goal with a reverse hit from the top of the dee while Jaspreet was once again on target, off the third penalty corner, to make it 3-0. Rani’s indirect hit off the sixth penalty corner went in for the fourth goal before half time. Five minutes into the second half, Rani made use of a cross from the left to power the ball home while Soudarya found the mark from the ninth penalty corner for the sixth goal. Jaspreet made a lightening field goal strike (7-0), and then after muffing three penalty corners, the hosts fired in the last goal off a penalty stroke, following the 13th penalty corner, with Jaspreet hitting in true and hard. However, Japan pummelled Fiji 14-0 while Malaysia stunned Russia 3-1and China beat Oman 4-0. Afghan board seeks BCCI support Afghanistan Cricket Board officials have sought support from the BCCI for development of the sport in their war-torn country. The officials held a meeting with the BCCI officials and discussed various issues such as coaching, umpiring and scoring. “We had a good meeting with BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale and Ratnakar Shetty. It's in the initial stage. We want to build up good relations with BCCI. We want help to develop technical staff, coaches, umpires, scorers and video analysts," said Shahazadah Masood, advisor minister and chairman of ACB. — Agencies
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Eight months and a week after his last title,
Sao Paulo, February 18
The Spanish world number five, playing only his second tournament following his return from injury, broke twice in the first set and recovered from 0-3 down in the second to win in 78 minutes. The 11-times Grand Slam champion, who said he still suffers pain in his troublesome knees, has chosen to return to action on the clay courts he favours as he tries to work his way back to match fitness. “When the knee hurts I can’t move properly. And if I can’t move properly, I can’t hit the ball cleanly. When my knee gets better, the tennis will get better, the head (will get better), everything will get better,” Nadal told reporters. “Today was the day I felt best on court.” Nadal made his comeback in Chile last week but lost the final to another Argentine, Horacio Zeballos. But there was to be no repeat of that setback this week as the 26-year-old Spaniard overran the hapless Nalbandian. Although he was clearly a long way from his best, Nadal showed the same swashbuckle that took him to the top of the game. In a reference to his first title here in 2005, the year he burst on to the world scene, he said he hoped this win would mark a new beginning for him. “Brazil will always be in my heart, this is the second time I have been here,” he told fans after the game. “In 2005, big things started to happen for me after winning here and I hope this time again it is the start of something good.” The Spaniard is expected to play in the Mexico Open in Acapulco later this month as he prepares to defend his French Open title in May. — Reuters
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Battle lines drawn in Pistorius court fight
Pretoria, February 18 Even as further unconfirmed gruesome revelations spilled out from the crime scene at the athlete’s home, including that a bloodied cricket bat had been found, the Pistorius family denied that the running star had deliberately shot his girlfriend, the model Reeva Steenkamp. According to reports, scientists are examining blood found on the cricket bat recovered from the star’s bedroom. It was also claimed that post-mortem results indicated Reeva’s injuries included a fractured skull. Police denied leaking information to the media, but not the claims. Tuesday’s bail hearing may last into Wednesday as Pistorius’s lawyers attempt to keep him out of jail and magistrates grapple with overwhelming interest from the media. One of the most recognisable faces in sport, he has so far been held at a Pretoria police station on the grounds of his disability. There may be no further pictures him after images of him weeping at Friday’s appearance were published despite the court ban on cameras. The appointment of a team of high-profile criminal lawyers, a top pathologist and British spin doctor Stuart Higgins — a former editor of The Sun — has stirred comparisons with the OJ Simpson trial and forensic evidence collected from the athlete’s home is expected to be the main battleground at a future trial, at which these are expected to be the key questions: The case for defence... The first hours following the news of Reeva’s death were dominated by speculation that she had been shot in a Valentine’s Day surprise gone wrong. Police have insisted that they were not the source for this suggestion but friends and family who spoke to the athlete in the early hours of Thursday morning continue to insist that is what happened. The runner’s uncle Arnold Pistorius reiterated that the track star had not shot Reeva deliberately: “We have no doubt there is no substance to the allegation and that the state’s own case, including its own forensic evidence, strongly refutes any possibility of a premeditated murder or indeed any murder at all.” ...and the prosecution Footage from security cameras at the gated community of Silver Woods has been handed to police. Sources claim it shows the 29-year-old model arriving at Pistorius’s house mid-way through Wednesday evening. Neighbours said there was shouting during the evening. Shots were heard about 3am. Police and paramedics who arrived at the scene reportedly found Reeva dead in her nightie on the second floor of the house, suggesting she arrived earlier and stayed the night. Any other evidence? Unconfirmed reports suggested that a bloodied cricket bat may have been used in the attack. However, police sources suggested that most items in the bedroom had been spattered with blood. Diminished responsibility? In the hours after the killing, Pistorius was taken to hospital for blood tests. If traces of narcotics are found it remains a possibility that his lawyers may argue diminished responsibility. If successful that would reduce the life sentence that would be a minimum were he convicted of premeditated murder. — The Independent
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Australian batsmen's woes against spinners were exposed once again as India A's unfancied duo of left-arm spinner Rakesh Dhruv and off-spinner Jalaj Saxena excelled with an impressive display, forcing the visitors to follow on before the warm-up match ended in a draw.
Veteran Australian all-rounder Lisa Sthalekar, who retired from international cricket after her team won a sixth World Cup title here, today said there could not have been a better place to call it quits than India — the country where she was born.
“I made my debut in England where my mother was born and I am ending my career in India where I was born and my father was born. It's got a nice symmetry to it, isn't it," Sthalekar said. "I don't think I could have written it any better. To be part of a winning World Cup campaign, to take a couple of wickets and to take the catch at the end, was really special.
“I made my debut in England where my mother was born and I am ending my career in India where I was born and my father was born. It's got a nice symmetry to it, isn't it," Sthalekar said. "I don't think I could have written it any better. To be part of a winning World Cup campaign, to take a couple of wickets and to take the catch at the end, was really special.