MUMABI, Nov 4: India clawed back after a miserable batting display to restrict Australia’s first innings lead to 99 runs and keep themselves afloat in the fourth and final cricket Test here today............more

‘Disappointed
at missing series’

By Shane Warne

It cannot get more disappointing than this, missing the final test of a test of the series due to an injury, that also comes at a time when i was probably bowling close to my best. I am very disappointed at missing the ongoing series, where I was playing my role in the team pretty well............more

‘Even a target of
160-170 runs would
be tough to chase’

MUMBAI, Nov 4: A target of 160-170 runs will be very difficult to chase on a vicious Wankhede Stadium track, according to Indian left-arm spinner.........more

Army goes down fighting
East Bengal in soccer

NEW DELHI, Nov 4: Qualifiers Army XI went down 1-3 to East Bengal after giving the National Football League champions a stiff challenge in a Durand Cup............more

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: Sohail Khalid today halted top cueist Kamal Rohmetra’s journey to a record seventh consecutive double..........more

Inter-college competitions
Sumit shines in Commerce College’s 67-run win

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: Mier Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET) today suffered a 67-run defeat in the hands of Government..............more

Air Marshal Subroto
Mukherjee memorial
year celebrations begin

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

 Udhampur, Nov 4: Station Commander, Air Force Station Udhampur Group Captain Manavendra Singh......more

Ranji campers unhappy
with facilities at Kashmir

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Players Association (JKCPA) has expressed concern over ill-treatment mated.........more

Kachi Chawni wins by 56 runs in Kawa sports meet.......

Sujanpur, BSF Jammu, J&K Police win in Hiranagar hockey.....

India claw their way back after batting collapse

MUMABI, Nov 4: India clawed back after a miserable batting display to restrict Australia’s first innings lead to 99 runs and keep themselves afloat in the fourth and final cricket Test here today.

After being bundled out for a paltry 104, the Indian spinners led by Anil Kumble hit back on a viciously turning track at the Wankhede Stadium to dismiss the visitors for 203 in their first innings.

The seasoned Kumble wrecked the Australian innings with his 27th five-wicket haul in Tests while left-arm spinner Murali Kartik chipped in with four wickets on a dramatic day which saw as many as 18 wickets fall.

India were five for no loss in their second innings at stumps on the second day with Virender Sehwag (4) and Gautam Gambhir (1), managing to fend off three fiery overs to reduce the lead to 94.

Barring the in-form Damien Martyn who again came to the rescue of the team with a defiant 55, none of the other Australian batsmen could come to terms with the spin-friendly pitch.

The home team now needs to put up a more disciplined batting show in the second innings if they hope to prevent the all-conquering Australians from winning the series with a 3-0 margin.

Resuming at the overnight score of 22-2, the hosts were shot out for 104 in just 41.3 overs, their lowest-ever total against the Australians at home, to blow away the advantage of winning their first toss in the series.

It was the hosts’ lowest-ever score against their rivals at home, the previous worst being 135 all out made in the first innings of the 1959-60 series between the two countries at Delhi.

The total was also worse than the 113 India had been bowled out for by South Africa in the first Test of the two-Test series held in 1999-2000 season.

But the hosts, who were dismissed ten minutes before the scheduled lunch interval, later fought back in splendid style by utilising the vagaries of the pitch to the full.

But for Damien Martyn’s superbly played 55, after being lucky to have been let off when on 11 by silly point fielder and debutant Gautam Gambhir off Murali Kartik, and the three other dropped catches, things could have been much better for the hosts.

Chances were offered to Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke and Martyn, and luckily for the home team only Martyn made good advantage of the lapses.

All the Australian batsmen were tormented by the difficult pitch, but the most composed among them was Martyn who once again showed his enormous progress as a batsman in the sub-continent conditions by rescuing Australia and placing them with a slight advantage.

Hayden made 35 with three huge sixes before perishing by trying to give the charge to Kartik who also accounted for the prize wicket of Martyn with a superbly bowled arm ball. More

Kumble’s five for 90 was his third five-wicket haul of the series and also helped him move past Kapil Dev as the highest wicket taker at the Wankhede.

Kartik at the other end provided ample support to the leg spinner and returned with figures of four for 44.

The left arm spinner’s success made up for Harbhajan Singh’s disappointing show.

It was a curious case as the offie, who had been the tormentor of the visitors and whose bowling suited the rank turner most, opened the bowling with Zaheer Khan but yet failed to take a wicket, although he was unlucky to see two catches dropped off him in the deep by Virender Sehwag.

Zaheer of course was immaculate once again in his opening spell when he dismissed Justin Langer but his services were not required as the spinners had a field day.

India could have restricted Australia’s lead to a greater extent if only those dropped catches had been held.

The Indians got an early breakthrough when Justin Langer nicked Zaheer Khan to dravid at slip for 12.

Hayden, who had failed to strike it big in the series, made a cautious start before clubbing a six each off the three spinners — Harbhajan, Anil Kumble and Murali Kartik.

The hosts then struck a major blow by dismissing the big-hitting and dangerous-looking Hayden after the burly opener seemed to have got the measure of the wicket and the spinners.

Ponting, playing his first match of the series after making a comeback from an injury layoff, was adjudged leg before at 37.

Earlier, Gillespie wrecked the indian top order with a deadly opening spell of 3 for 16 on a seaming Wankhede Stadium track.

Later, Michael Kasprowicz (2-11) and off spinner Hauritz (3-16) cut a swathe through the lower order to send India packing in nearly three hours.

The lone man to stand agape and watch the carnage at the other end was Dravid who remained unconquered on 31, after a vigil of 176 minutes stretching back to yesterday when only 49 minutes of play was possible because of rain and bad light.

Gillespie ripped the heart out of the Indian first innings in the space of just 12 balls during which he sent back Tendulkar (5), Laxman (1) and Kaif (2) at a personal cost of only 4 runs.

He had got rid off debutant opener Gautam Gambhir yesterday and finished the innings with fine figures of 4 for 29. His morning spell read an impressive 7-2-16-3.

India were in danger of being skittled for their lowest ever score at home.

But Anil Kumble struck McGrath, in the latter’s second spell after changing ends, for three fours in quick succession, the first two in one over, to help India avoid the ignominy. Their lowest score at home was 75 against the West Indies in 1987-88. (PTI)

SCOREBOARD

India 1st innings

G Gambhir lbw b Gillespie 3

V Sehwag b McGrath 8

R Dravid not out 31

Tendulkar c Gilchrist b Gillespie 5

Laxman c Gilchrist b Gillespie 1

Mohd Kaif lbw b Gillespie 2

Dinesh Karthick b Kasprowicz 10

A Kumble c Ponting b Hauritz 16

Harbhajan c Katich b Hauritz 14

Murali Kartik c Gilchrist b Hauritz 0

Zaheer Khan b Kasprowicz 0

Extras (b6, lb7, nb1) 14

Total (all out in 41.3 overs) 104

Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-11, 3-29, 4-31, 5-33, 6-46, 7-68, 8-100, 9-102.

Bowling: McGrath 16-0-35-1, Gillespie 12-2-29-4, Kasprowicz 8.3-3-11-2, Hauritz 5-0-16-3.

Australia 1st innings:

J Langer c Dravid b Zaheer 12

M Hayden c Kaif b M Kartik 35

R Ponting lbw b Kumble 11

D Martyn b M Kartik 55

S Katich c Kaif b Kumble 6

Clarke st D Karthik b Kumble 17

A Gilchrist c Kaif b M Kartik 26

J Gillespie c Kaif b Kumble 2

Hauritz c Harbhajan b Kumble 0

Kasprowicz c Kumble b Kartik 19

G McGrath not out 9

Extras (b-2, lb-4, nb-4) 10

Total (all out in 61.3 overs) 203

Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-37, 3-81, 4-101, 5-121, 6-157, 7-167, 8-171, 9-184.

Bowling: Zaheer 6-0-10-1, Harbhajan 21-4-53-0, Kumble 19-0-90-5, Murali Kartik 15.3-1-44-4. (PTI)

India 2nd innings

G Gambhir batting 1

V Sehwag batting 4

Total (for no loss in 3 overs) 5

Bowling: J Gillespie 2-0-5-0, N Hauritz 1-1-0-0. (PTI)

‘Disappointed at missing series’

By Shane Warne

It cannot get more disappointing than this, missing the final test of a test of the series due to an injury, that also comes at a time when i was probably bowling close to my best. I am very disappointed at missing the ongoing series, where I was playing my role in the team pretty well.

This was probably my last tour to India, not because I am going to retire soon (Batsmen beware!!!) but because the next tour as of now is planned in 2010, and now that is quite a distant away for a 35 year old bloke like me. I have enjoyed every minute of my stay in India, whether on the field or off it.

On field this has without doubt been the most successful tour. As a team we planned well and more importantly executed those plans in the best way possible. Personally, I have bowled the best of the three times I toured; this is also because of the fact that this is the only time I have been fully fit. After this series win, I can say with pride that I have won against every international team - home and away (barring Bangladesh).

Off field, India is probably the best place to be in terms of fan following and crowd support. We could have not asked for a better reception that the one which we received, all over the country. People have been kind enough to us even though we have belted their team in every department.

I may not come to India as a player again but I would like to get my “Shane Warne Foundation”; which is an organization designed to aid the development of under privileged children. We plan to organize a charity golf event and dinner to raise funds; proceeds from which will go to development purposes in India as well as in Australia.

Without an iota of doubt unleashing of Michael Clarke has been one positive aspect that has stood head and shoulders above others. He is a future champ and in many ways is similar to the more stylish of Waugh brothers - Mark.

I have taken back with me sweet memories from the tour, India is a special place for any cricketer and if not Australia, I wanted my world record wicket to come here, which it did. So, I am going back as a content person looking forward to playing international cricket for at least another two years. (TCM)

‘Even a target of 160-170 runs would be tough to chase’

MUMBAI, Nov 4: A target of 160-170 runs will be very difficult to chase on a vicious Wankhede Stadium track, according to Indian left-arm spinner Murali Kartik.

"I reckon a target of 160-170 would be very difficult to chase. I know we will have to eliminate the lead of 90 odd runs before setting a target. It all depends on how well we bat in the second innings," said Kartik after day two of the fourth cricket Test against Australia.

Asked whether the wicket was ideal for Test cricket, the bowler, who finished with career-best figures of 4 for 44, said he would not like to pass a judgement.

"It is debatable. It is a good wicket for spinners, that’s all I can say," Kartik said adding however that his performance today could not be considered as the best of his short career as he had bowled better at Nagpur on a pitch not conducive to spin bowling.

Kartik said patience was the key to bowling on this track. "All eleven of us need to be patient. We cannot get wickets off every ball," the railways player said.

He said he had dismissed Damien Martyn, who has emerged as Australia’s key batsman on the tour, with an arm ball. "He batted pretty well after some early luck (Martyn was dropped by debutant Gautam Gambhir off Kartiks bowling when on 11)."

Kartik also praised his namesake and debutant wicket keeper Dinesh Karthick’s display behind the stumps.

"He’s kept pretty well. It’s not easy to keep to anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh on this track," he said. (PTI)

Army goes down fighting East Bengal in socce

NEW DELHI, Nov 4: Qualifiers Army XI went down 1-3 to East Bengal after giving the National Football League champions a stiff challenge in a Durand Cup quarterfinal league match here today.

The armymen were leading 1-0 at halftime before the red and yellow men changed gears to bag the full three points in their opening Group B encounter.

After conceding the lead in the 24th minute to a snap lob by defender Angam from near the centre circle, East Bengal equalised in the very first minute of the second half through Brazilian striker Paulo Da Silva.

The second and third goals were scored by captain Chandan Das (63rd minute) and Paulo (70) converting spot kicks. The second penalty also led to the ejection of Angam as army fought and averted further damage with 10-men.

Earlier, the Tata Football Academy boys gave a much improved display but still went down to Dempo Sports Club 1-2 in Group D.

After a goalless first half, Dempo took the lead in the 56th minute through Jhonny D’cruz who bulged the net with a rasping right footer from the top of the box, collecting a pass from Nigerian Ronty Martins.

Dempo then doubled the lead five minutes later when Martins scored after beating his marker with a sharp turn. The move developed through the centre from Lazarus Fernandes who found Martins with an accurate cross. (PTI)

Sohail stops Kamal from making record
* Goswami all praise for young Sumesh Turki

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: Sohail Khalid today halted top cueist Kamal Rohmetra’s journey to a record seventh consecutive double title victory beating latter in the senior billiard final in the 14th Jammu district billiards and snooker championship which came to an end at Billiards Hall, M A Stadium, here today.

Sohail, who had nothing at stake against player like Kamal, made an encouraging start taking early lead. However, experienced Kamal slowly and gradually picked-up the speed and with the passage of time first leveled the score and later managed lead on the score board.

But, Sohail, who had, right from the beginning had decided not to give up, once again went ahead of Kamal that too in the later stage of the two-hour match. In the dying minutes of the game, Sohail had already managed an unbeatable lead of over 70 points, which helped him secure win over Kamal by a good margin 395-312.

Principal Secretary Tourism, Anil Goswami was chief guest in the senior billiards final and valedictory function held today at Billiards Hall, here.

Chief guest had all praise for junior Sumesh Turki, who with his extra-ordinary skills and dedication towards the game, reached three of the four finals. However, he could manage one title beating Nikhil Kapahi in junior billiards.

He assured the J&K Billiards and Snooker Association all help for their proposed billiards and snooker national championships at Srinagar in the year 2006. It may be recalled that the Association had in the year 2001-2002 successfully organised the nationals at Hari Niwas Palace Hotel, here.

Earlier, president of the Association, Siddharth Sharma in his welcome address briefed the chief guest about the fort-night long district championship and other future plans of the state Association. He informed that State Government has offered the Association for hosting the 2006 nationals at Srinagar.

Mr Sharma disclosed that about 20 participants have confirmed their entries from Kashmir for the forthcoming state championship. On the basis of performance in the state competitions, the Association will name the state contingent for the national billiards and snooker championships to be held in Bombay in January next.

Prominent among others present were Chief Sports Officer, Ajit Singh Wazir, member Sports Council, Som Raj Gupta, manager indoor, Rajan Sharma and host of other guests.

Sheetal Gandotra was organising secretary of these championships while Shanker Dass, S S Baloria and Rakesh Kumar were markers.

Final results: Senior group: Kamal Rohmetra beat Sumesh Turki in snooker; Sohail beat Kamal in Billiards. Junior group: Kuldeep Sharma beat Sumesh Turki in snooker; Sumesh beat Nikhil Kapahi in billiards.