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India again fight to MELBOURNE, Dec 29: India were once again fighting to stave off defeat after Australia...more
Azhar may be recalled MUMBAI, Dec 29: Out-of-favour Mohammed Azharuddin may stage a dramatic....more
Kiwis easily knock WELLINGTON, Dec 29: New Zealand polished off the last five West Indies....more |
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Flood lights at Astroturf Hockey stadium soon: Kamal Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: The Minister for Industries, Dr Mustafa Kamal has declared that food lights to be provided at the K K Hakhu Stadium soon......more Ramandeep
Singh talking to EXCESLIOR at Jammu. By Sanjeev Sharma Double
title for Kamal Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Kamal Rohmetra won double title in Billiards and Snooker in the 9th State Billiards and Snooker Championship, the final of which played at Amar Singh Club, here.....more Aussie debutant hailed MELBOURNE, Dec 29: Australian fast bowler Brett Lee’s stunning test debut against India has rekindled memories of the hell-raising years of the mid-1970s when Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee ruled the cricket world. The 23-year-old Lee tore the heart out of India’s batsmen with a intimidating performance of pace bowling to finish with five for 47 on debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday.....more |
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India again fight to stave off defeat MELBOURNE, Dec 29: India were once again fighting to stave off defeat after Australia build upon their huge first innings lead into a potentially match-winning one before declaring their second innings on the rain-hit penultimate day of the second cricket test here today. India were 40 for one in their second innings, still 335 runs behind and more importantly under pressure to save the match with a full day left, after Australia hit up 208 for 5 before declaring one hour after the tea break at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Indian first innings, which had survived yesterday thanks to skipper Sachin Tendulkar’s majestic century, lasted just seven balls today for the addition of three runs before it folded up for 238 to concede a 167-run lead. The Indian second innings began disastrously when opener V V S Laxman (1) fell cheaply for the second time, to pace spearhead Damien Fleming, but left-hander S Ramesh (batting 26) and Rahul Dravid (batting 10) ensured there was no further casualty by patiently handling the formidable Aussie attack. Wiry paceman Ajit Agarkar produced another splendid bowling display as the Indian attack denied the hosts any quick runs in the severely rain-hit morning session and soon after the lunch break. But Adam Gilchrist struck yet another typically aggressive 55 and Mark Waugh hit up an unbeaten 51 to enable Australia, who had claimed a first innings lead of 167, to terminate their innings one hour after tea in their push for a series-clinching 2-0 victory. India, who suffered an embarrassing 285-run defeat in the first test at Adelaide, began their match-saving effort on a disastrous note when Laxman awkwardly hooked a lifting ball from Fleming to Glenn McGrath at backward squareleg. But Ramesh and Dravid withstood the tremendous pressure faced from the Australian attack, the former lucky to be dropped by wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist off leg spinner Shane Warne and then enduring a stunning blow to helmet by a nasty lifting delivery from debutant pace sensation Brett Lee. India will have to come up with a far more determined fourth innings batting performance than in Adelaide, where they were shot out for 110 to crash to defeat. The Ramesh-Dravid effort gave them some confidence with further rain forecast on the final day. Earlier, India, resuming at their overnight 235 for nine, lasted just five minutes before McGrath removed last man Venkatesh Prasad for 10. Anil Kumble, who played a fine role in enabling India avert the follow on, was unbeaten after making a valuable 28. Having conceded a 167-run lead, India restricted the hosts to 25 for one at lunch, after about 80 minutes of play was lost in the morning session due to showers. Agarkar, who bowled a tight line to frustrate Aussie hopes for quick runs, trapped first innings centurion Michael Slater leg before for 3 and had left-hander Justin Langer caught behind for just 9 to make it 31 for two. Agarkar, who finished with a haul of 3 for 51, was supported by leg-spinner Kumble who forced the other opener Greg Blewett to edge to Saurav Ganguly in the slips for 31 and then ended left-hander Gilchrist’s tenure when Javagal Srinath took a good catch at long on. But Gilchrist, promoted to number four, provided the right momentum for the hosts as he struck his second fifty of the test which enabled Australia reach 147 for four at tea. The Australian wicketkeeper, who has smoothly eased into the slot vacated by veteran Ian Healy, lasted 103 minutes and faced 73 balls and his innings contained four fours. Australia got some quick runs after tea as Mark Waugh, showing all signs of regaining form to remain unbeaten on 51, and brother Steve (32) added 58 runs for the fifth wicket. Mark Waugh, on 11, was lucky when an edge off Venkatesh Prasad did not carry to Laxman in the slips. Agarkar trapped the Australian captain leg before but Ricky Ponting contributed an unbeaten 21 before the Aussies declared the innings an hour into the final session. Kumble, who came in for some harsh treatment in the final stages, finished with two for 72 from 18 overs. The Indian fight for survival began on a wrong note once again when Laxman, always a reluctant opener, looked uncomfortable and made a quick exit awkwardly hooking Fleming down McGrath’s throat. But Ramesh and Dravid held firm as Australia, who sent down 21 overs in the Indian second knock, could gain no more success. (PTI) |
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Azhar may be recalled by selectors for one-day series MUMBAI, Dec 29: Out-of-favour Mohammed Azharuddin may stage a dramatic comeback into the national team when the selectors meet here tomorrow to decide on the changes to be made in the side, now in Australia, for the limited overs triseries to be held from January 9 onwards. As per current indications, the wind seems to be blowing in favour of the former skipper, the world’s most-capped one-day cricketer (323 appearances) with over 9,000 runs to his credit, on the eve of the selection committee meeting which is scheduled at 1130 hours. Azhar’s recall, if at all it comes about, would be the 36-year-old Hyderabad stylist’s first foray back into the international arena after India’s super league stage World Cup tie against New Zealand on June 12. The veteran, interestingly, was not even considered when the selectors chose the 16-member squad for the three-test series in Australia. Azhar has bounced back into reckoning not only because of the insipid display by the team down under but also due to the shoulder injury sustained by one-day specialist Ajay Jadeja which, it seems, is yet to heal completely and has almost ruled him out. It would be interesting to know what the selectors’ excuse would be if they bring the veteran back into the squad as they had denied a chance to "keeper Syed Saba Karim when Nayan Mongia was injured by saying they did not wish to turn the clock back. That decision of the selectors to look ahead gave Andhra stumper M S K Prasad a chance to don the gloves and he has cemented his place since then after being chosen for India’s first post World Cup campaign, the tri-series in Sri Lanka. Azhar underwent a shoulder surgery in London soon after India’s dismal show in the mega event and was not available on medical grounds till the team’s home series against New Zealand for which he was ignored. Other middle-order hopefuls such as Vijay Bharadwaj, who is now in Australia, and Jacob Martin got their chance to play in one-day internationals in his absence and also impressed on the tours to Kenya and Toronto respectively. Bharadwaj, however, has not lived up to the expectations in Australia while Martin was not chosen for the tour and, in all likelihood, would be the main alternative for the selectors if they do not want to fall back on Azhar. Since the squad would be pruned from 16 to 15, there would be one berth less in the touring party. With one-day specialists Robin Singh and Nikhil Chopra certainties for the January 9-February 13 series, there would be at least three vacancies to be filled up. Almost certain to be on the flight home at the end of the sydney test are opener Devang Gandhi, Rookie seamer T Kumaran, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and either Bharadwaj or Hrishikesh Kanitkar, as per indications. If the selectors decide to send both Azhar and Martin, then either S Ramesh or V V S Laxman, who have been unimpressive so far in the tests, would also have to take the flight home from Sydney. (PTI) |
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Kiwis easily knock off the West Indies WELLINGTON, Dec 29: New Zealand polished off the last five West Indies wickets in 75 minutes to win the second cricket test by an innings and 105 runs at the Basin Reserve here today. The win also wrapped up the two-test series 2-0 after a nine-wicket win in the first test in Hamilton. The West Indies started the final session on 170 for four in their second innings, still 169 short of making New Zealand bat again. But they lost their last five wickets for 64 runs, with Daren Ganga not being able to bat with a broken finger, and were bowled out for 234. Captain Brian Lara was the last hope for his team, and with Ridley Jacobs being caught in close off Daniel Vettori for 20 and Nehemiah Perry leg before wicket to Nathan Astle, Lara had to hit out. He moved from 32 at tea to 75 off 140 balls before New Zealand umpire Evan Watkin gave the first of two controversial decisions. He adjudged Lara caught behind off Dion Nash, when television replays suggested Lara had missed the ball and his bat had hit the ground instead. Lara was clearly unimpressed, and with his team 225 for seven the game was all but over. Courtney Walsh completed a pair in the match when he was given out lbw by Watkin off Nash although he appeared to have hit the ball. It was his 35th duck in test matches. Then Franklyn Rose, after a few big hits against the new ball, was adjudged leg before wicket by umpire Russell Tiffin for 10 to finish the innings on the first ball of the 85th over, delivered by Chris Cairns. Nash was the best New Zealand bowler with four for 38 off 16 overs, with Cairns taking two for 25 to give him match figures of seven for 69. Vettori bowled 32 overs to take one for 86, with Astle the other wicket-taker with one for 33. (AFP) |
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Flood lights at Astroturf Hockey stadium soon: Kamal Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: The Minister for Industries, Dr Mustafa Kamal has declared that food lights to be provided at the K K Hakhu Stadium soon. He was talking to newsmen after he was introduced to the Indian Hockey squad in a simple function organised by the J&K State Sports Council at K K Hakhu Astroturf Stadium, here this evening. Dr Kamal said that finance is no problem as for as the sports is concerned. There are a plenty of special funds with the Union Ministry of Human Resources which the state can avail for creating infrastructure for sports activities. He declared that when the Indian team will be back from their tours they will be invited to play under the flood lights at the K K Hakhu Stadium. Dr Kamal also mentioned that to complete the Stadium in all respects an amount of Rs 1.50 crore is required for the construction of hostel and pavilion. "We will try to complete the stadium within minimum possible time", assured the Minister. Earlier, Mr Bhaskaran, chief coach of the Indian Hockey team briefed the Minister about their stay in Jammu. He said, " the fine fresh turf has suited our boys who have leaned a lot for the task ahead without getting any injury during all these days of their practice". He had highlighted the necessity of flood lights especially during the summers when it is difficult to play during day time. The Indian hockey squad which had a coaching camp prior to their four-national tournament going to be held at Barcelona in Spain from January 6 at Jammu. The camp which was actually started on December 13 was concluded with presenting of gifts as token of love by the special invitee, Dr Mustafa Kamal. On the concluding day today, local players had a chance to play with the Indian team. The friendly match was witnessed by a number of hockey lovers. Yesterday, BSF, Jammu team had played a friendly match. The Sports Council also honoured the other staff members, besides general secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Hockey Association who extended their services for the successful conduct of the camp. Among others, who were present on the occasion, Secretary State Sports Council, Sheikh Fazal Ahmed, Manager MA Stadium, Ajit Singh and liaison officer, Mr Rajan Sharma, who were also honoured on the occasion. |
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Aussie debutant hailed as new "thommo" MELBOURNE, Dec 29: Australian fast bowler Brett Lee’s stunning test debut against India has rekindled memories of the hell-raising years of the mid-1970s when Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee ruled the cricket world. The 23-year-old Lee tore the heart out of India’s batsmen with a intimidating performance of pace bowling to finish with five for 47 on debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday. Australia’s leading cricket commentators predicted that the blond speedster would emerge as the country’s fastest bowler since Thomson terrorised batsmen two decades ago with his 160kph thunderbolts. "To watch Javagal Srinath lean back and fend for dear life in front of his face, to see batsman running with agitation to get off strike, to see them jumpy and rushing routine defensive strokes was to go back to the thommo years," the daily telegraph’s Robert Craddock wrote today. Lee announced his arrival on the test stage in the most dramatic fashion, claiming five wickets for 47 runs and belting 27 with the bat. He became the first Australian bowler in 22 years to take a wicket in his first over at test level when he bowled Sadagopan Ramesh with his fourth delivery, sending the ball crashing into the Indian’s stumps while he was still on his backswing. Lee also claimed the scalp of Rahul Dravid in his first spell before returning to snare three wickets in six balls that effectively ended India’s hopes of posting a big total. He bowled Mannava Prasad for six with an inswinger then trapped Ajit Agarkar leg before wicket first ball for with a toecrushing yorker. Srinath managed to avoid Lee’s hat-trick ball but fell on the final delivery of the over when he gloved a 154 kph bouncer to Mark Waugh at second slip. The Australian newspaper’s respected cricket columnist Mike Coward wrote that Lee had shown enough in that one scintillating afternoon to suggest he had the makings of a genuine test star. "Lee shows signs of being a very special cricketer, someone destined to carry the standard of Australia to the world for years to come," Coward wrote. "For all the happy hype that preceded his selection, there was no guarantee that 23-year-old Lee was going to turn heads in his debut. But turn them he did with an enthralling exhibition of genuine pace bowling that will be talked about for as long as the game is played." Australian captain Steve Waugh has already gone on record to say he regards Lee as the fastest bowler in the world today and actively encouraged the national selectors to pick him after playing alongside him in a recent interstate match. Lee, whose older brother Shane was a member of the Australian limited-overs team that won this year’s World Cup in England, was picked as 12th man for last month’s final test against Pakistan to get a taste of the big time. He was left out of the squad for the opening test against India on the spin-friendly Adelaide oval before being rushed into the starting side on the lively MCG strip. Lee, tall and lightly built, has taken just 14 first-class appearances to win a test place. This was partly because of a stress fracture he suffered in 1997, but also because of a youthful inability to translate pace into wickets — a problem that has been well and truly rectified. Lee no longer relies just on his natural speed, preferring to mix up his deliveries. His main weapons are still his bouncer and his yorker but he can also swing the ball both away and into the batsman. His arrival in the Australian test team completes a line-up that already includes the strike power of Glenn McGrath, the seam bowling of Damien Fleming and the tormenting spin of Shane Warne. (REUTERS) |
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