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| India snatch thrilling victory MUMBAI, Nov 5: India held their nerves to snatch a nail-biting 13-run victory in the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia and salvage some pride after having lost the series.............more Despite
series By Anil Kumble Even though we had lost the series it was still a great win, keeping in mind that how well we fought in the second half of the third day. ............more Ganguly
credits KOLKATA, Nov 5: Indian captain Sourav Ganguly today attributed India’s victory in the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia to team effort and said it would serve as a "big confidence booster" ahead of the series against South Africa..........more Dravid
completes MUMBAI, Nov 5: Rahul Dravid today became the third Indian batsman and the 24th in the world to complete 7000 Test runs during home team’s second innings on the third day of the fourth and final Test against Australia here today.............more |
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Ian Dev selected in North Zone team *J&K beats Himachal in under-19 one-dayer Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Young cricketer from Jammu Ian Dev Singh has been selected in the North Zone under-19 team one-day side on the basis of his performance in the just concluded Vinoo Mankad..........more Hiteshwar
among 4 skaters Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Hiteshwar Singh, Annaya Khajuria, Siya Khajuria and Brighu Sharma brought laurels to the state and their...........more Indian
troops to take on Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Indian troops posted at the Line of Actual Control at Chushul (Ladakh) in Jammu and Kashmir will......more Sujanpur,
BSF Jammu Excelsior Sports Correspondent KATHUA, Nov 5: Border Security Force (BSF) Jammu and Sujanpur Club today sailed into semi-finals of 5th Young Heros.........more |
India snatch thrilling victory MUMBAI, Nov 5: India held their nerves to snatch a nail-biting 13-run victory in the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia and salvage some pride after having lost the series. After setting Australia a modest target of 107, the Indian spinners led by Harbhajan Singh exploited a viciously turning track at the Wankhede Stadium to bundle out the visitors for a paltry 93, their lowest-ever total in India. Harbhajan Singh made amends for going wicketless in the first innings as he scalped five wickets to give India a face-saving victory and prevent the tourists from winning the their third match in the series. The Aussies were tottering at 58 for seven at one stage before the tailenders very nearly took them to the winning target with some resolute batting on yet another dramatic day which saw as many as 20 wickets fall. The dismissal of last man Glenn McGrath by Harbhajan Singh sent the vociferous home crowd into a frenzy as the low-scoring but thrilling Test ended in just about two days with only 11 overs being possible on a rain-ruined opening day. Earlier, the visitors found an unlikely bowling hero in Michael Clarke who produced a dream spell of 6.2-0-9-6 with his part-time left arm spin to skittle out India for 205 in their second innings. The visitors’ lowest-ever score in India coming into this final Test was 105 made at Kanpur in the 1959-60 series between the two countries. That match was lost by Australia to provide India with their first-ever win over their rivals from the antipodes. Australia, who led the home team in the low-scoring tie by 99 runs on the first innings, were bundled out in only 30.5 overs and in under two and a half hours. Kartik grabbed three for 32, including two in one over, to add to his four claimed in the first innings to make early inroads. Then Harbhajan cut through the middle and bottom order like a hot knife through butter to claim five for 29 on a minefield of a track on which the ball often exploded after pitching. Leg spinner Anil Kumble, who was brought on after the visitors had lost their top seven batsmen with only 58 on the board, picked up one wicket to add to his tally of five in the first innings. The first breakthrough, however, was provided by seamer Zaheer Khan who accounted for Aussie opener Justin Langer cheaply for the second time running in the Test. The three slow bowlers then spun a web and trapped the clueless Australian batsmen on the dusty track where each ball looked as if it was loaded with explosives. Australia were in danger of being bundled out for their worst-ever total in their Test history when their first seven batsmen had all departed with only 58 on board. But their seventh wicket pair of Jason Gillespie (9) and Nathan Huaritz (15) added 20 runs to bring them closer to avoiding that ignominy and then the former, in the company of fellow-fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz (7) not only made sure of crossing that total but also brought them agonisingly close to a victory by adding 15 runs for the ninth wicket. Harbhajan brought the big crowd of 35,000 on its feet in the extended final session by having last man Glenn McGrath caught at slip by Venkatasai Laxman to complete a sensational win for the hosts. Incidentally Australia’s lowest-ever Test score of 83 all out also came against India, at Melbourne during their 1981-82 series, which was drawn. Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar (55) and Laxman (69) strung together an invaluable stand of 91 runs to not only rescue India from a precarious 14 for 2 but also put them on the path to the fabulous victory. India were shot out for 205 in the second innings but then turned the match sensationally around for the great victory. Tendulkar and Laxman rediscovered their form at a crucial time for India with the former cracking a blistering half century while the latter silenced his critics with a fifty of his own. Tendulkar fell for 55 to a running catch by Michael Clarke at backward squareleg but not before the two had repaired the early damage done by the Aussie quicks with a 91-run partnership. The promotion to his favourite number three slot seemed to work wonders to the confidence of Laxman who was on the ball from the moment he arrived at the crease. Glenn McGrath was firing on all cylinders, having accounted for both Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag, but Laxman responded with silken smooth drives on both sides of the wicket. Three fours in an over off McGrath, including a slash above the slips, marked Laxman at his rampaging best. Tendulkar at the other end showed no signs of the elbow trouble that had kept him away from the game for nearly three months before his return in Nagpur last week. If any thing, the star batsman played some of the attacking shots that had not been witnessed in the past few months. After forcing McGrath and Gillespie out of the attack with his trademark wristy on-drives, the 31-year-old Tendulkar turned his attention to the debutant offspinner Nathan Hauritz. Hauritz, who had taken three wickets in the first innings, was welcomed with two fours and a six in the second over by Tendulkar. The champion batsman, however, fell to the same bowler six overs later when he swept him uppishly and Michael Clarke brought off a fine catch by running at backward of square leg. (PTI) SCOREBOARD India 1st innings: 104 Australia 1st innings: 203 India 2nd innings: G Gambhir c Clarke b McGrath 1 V Sehwag lbw b McGrath 5 VVS Laxman c and b Hauritz 69 S Tendulkar c Clarke b Hauritz 55 R Dravid c Gilchrist b Clarke 27 Mohd Kaif lbw b Clarke 25 D Karthik c Ponting b Clarke 4 A Kumble not out 13 Harbahajan c Hayden b Clarke 0 M Kartik b Clarke 2 Zaheer Khan lbw b Clarke 0 Extras (b-4) 4 Total (all out in 68.2 overs) 205 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-14, 3-105, 4-153, 5-182, 6-188, 7-195, 8-195, 9-199. Bowling: Gillespie 15-1-47-0, Hauritz 22-4-87-2, McGrath 12-6-29-2, Kasprowicz 13-5-29-0, Clarke 6.2-0-9-6. Australia 2nd innings: J Langer c Karthik b Zaheer 0 M Hayden b Harbhajan 24 R Ponting c Laxman b Kartik 12 D Martyn lbw b Kartik 0 S Katich c Dravid b Harbhajan 1 M Clarke b Kartik 7 Gilchrist c Tendulkar b Harbhajan 5 J Gillespie not out 9 N Hauritz lbw b Kumble 15 Kasprowicz c Dravid b Harbhajan 7 McGrath c Laxman b Harbhajan 0 Extras (b-8, lb-5) 13 Total (all out in 30.5 overs) 93 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-24, 3-24, 4-33, 5-48, 6-48, 7-58, 8-78, 9-93. Bowling: Zaheer 2-0-14-1, Harbhajan 10.5-2-29-5, Kartik 12-3-32-3, Kumble 6-3-5-1. (PTI) |
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Despite series loss it was great win By Anil Kumble Even though we had lost the series it was still a great win, keeping in mind that how well we fought in the second half of the third day. At the start of the day, we would have settled for letting Australia with a target of 150 to chase in the fourth innings. Anything in excess of 150 on a pitch, which had more than just a bit for the spinners, was going to be a tall task. We started of badly losing both the openers cheaply but were steadied by a good second wicket partnership. Sachin showed once again that why is he regarded to be the best batsmen in the world, and Laxman that why he relishes playing against this opposition. They took us out of danger till we lost wickets in quick succession. Michael Clarke taking a career best of 6 wickets. He kept the ball at the right place and allowed the pitch to do the rest. This is the way one should bowl on a pitch, which is doing quite a bit. At the break, a target was 107; we thought that we are with a chance. Obviously we knew that it is not "Safe" total, but definitely a fighting one. Zaheer gave us a perfect start by picking up a wicket in the very first over. Then after that it was spinners all the day. Murali and Bhajji bowled a brilliant spell taking the top batsmen. Murali in particular kept the ball at the right place and derived maximum mileage from the wicket in the first half of the Australian second innings. He deservingly got the man of the match wicker as he got crucial wickets at the crucial times. It has not been easy for this talented bowler, he has not got too many opportunities at the international level, making most of the ones he has. There is lot of talk going around about the kind of wicket that one should have. I feel that it is not possible to categorize any wicket as a "sporting wicket". A wicket should be one that should allow all the three- seamers. Spinners and Batsmen to have a look in, that is to me is an ideal wicket. Saying this I would like to add that wickets in India should favour the home team as they do the world over. Even when we go to Australia ,we also do not get a "turner" of a wicket, even at Sydney , so why should we allow any visiting to team to benefit in "foreign" conditions. (TCM) |
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Ganguly credits win to team effort KOLKATA, Nov 5: Indian captain Sourav Ganguly today attributed India’s victory in the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia to team effort and said it would serve as a "big confidence booster" ahead of the series against South Africa. "I am happy we won the last Test against the Australians. It will be a big confidence booster and will hold us in good stead for future matches," he said. "It was a combined team effort. But I should also give a lot of credit to Laxman and Tendulkar who batted very well in difficult conditions," said the skipper who watched the action on TV after being sidelined due to a groin injury. "When you win, the credit goes to the entire team but I think Laxman and Tendulkar set up the match by batting well and then the spinners bowled very well." India pulled off a thrilling 13-run victory in Mumbai to reduce the margin to 1-2 in the four-match series. (PTI) |
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Dravid completes 7000 runs in Tests MUMBAI, Nov 5: Rahul Dravid today became the third Indian batsman and the 24th in the world to complete 7000 Test runs during home team’s second innings on the third day of the fourth and final Test against Australia here today. Playing in his 82nd match, the 31-year-old Bangalore stalwart needed five runs to reach the milestone when he replaced Sachin Tendulkar at the crease. He reached the record in style, glancing Glenn McGrath off the second ball after lunch (he was not out at 3 at the interval) for a four to stand just ahead of Sir Donald Bradman of Australia (6996 runs) in the test run-getters’ list. Only two other Indians — Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar — have crossed the 7000-run mark in Tests. Earlier in the match, Dravid also became the leading catcher from the country other than a wicketkeeper. His tally, at the end of the Australian first innings, stood at 109, one better than Gavaskar’s previous record aggregate of 108 catches in 125 Tests. (PTI) |
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Ian Dev selected in North Zone
team Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Young cricketer from Jammu Ian Dev Singh has been selected in the North Zone under-19 team one-day side on the basis of his performance in the just concluded Vinoo Mankad (North Zone) under-19 one-day cricket tournament. Skipper of the present J&K under-19 team, Abid Navi, who was last year among the playing members of the North Zone team, has been named in standbys. It is pertinent to mention here that during this tournament, Ian scored highest 163 runs for J&K with an average of 54.3. He also took one wicket with economic bowling 32 in 10 overs he bowledin four one-dayers. Prior to this achievement, Ian was selected in the Asia Cup (under-15) team stand-byes and later played in India under-19 team against Bangladesh, South Africa and West Indies in India. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir defeated Himachal Pradesh in their fourth and last one-day match in the North Zone Vinoo Mankad tournament by five wickets. In this match, Himachal won the toss and decided to bat first. They set a target of 214 runs in the allotted 50 overs losing six wickets. In reply, J&K chased the total in 45th over with five wicket in hand. Muddasar was top scorer with 54 runs while Ian Dev contributed valuable 40 off 52 balls. Abid Nari and Rohit Bhat added 20 and 19 runs respectively. |
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Hiteshwar among 4 skaters shine in CBSE meet Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Hiteshwar Singh, Annaya Khajuria, Siya Khajuria and Brighu Sharma brought laurels to the state and their respective institutions winning two gold, a silver and a bronze medal in the recently held CBSE national skating meet Nagpur. Hiteshwar, under-10, who already has to his credit medals at the national level, this time clinched a gold in rink race II (1,000 mts). Other two skaters, Annaya Khajuria also bagged gold in under-10 year girls rink race II (1,000) while Brighu Sharma, who contested in under-8 section, brought home a bronze medal in one kilometer race. All these skaters are students of Delhi Public School, Jammu. Siya Sharma of Presentation Convent also won a silver medal in under-8 year group in road race of one kilometer. The highlights of this competition was defeat of national champions in the hands of Hiteshwar Singh and Annaya Khajuria. |
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Indian troops to take on Chinese Army today Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Indian troops posted at the Line of Actual Control at Chushul (Ladakh) in Jammu and Kashmir will take on their counterparts from China not on the battle field but on the Volleyball court tomorrow on the Indian side. The friendly volleyball match is the outcome of continued process from both side to develop healthy relations between the Army posted on this difficult terrain of the border. This is also keeping with the Peace and Tranquillity Accord 1993 and Confidence Building Measures 1996. This is the first-ever sports interaction between the two armies at the historic Chushul Airfield. The aim of this informal interaction is to provide avenues for improved relations between the troops. The friendly match will be followed by an entertainment programme depicting Indian culture. |
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Sujanpur, BSF Jammu enter semi-finals of hockey Excelsior Sports Correspondent KATHUA, Nov 5: Border Security Force (BSF) Jammu and Sujanpur Club today sailed into semi-finals of 5th Young Heros memorial inter-state hockey tournament being played at sports stadium, Hiranagar, here. In the first quarterfinal match, Sujanpur Club defeated Samba Club by seven goals to five. The tough contest which ended in a 3-3 draw in the stipulated time was decided in tie-breaker. Earlier, in the first half score tied at 2-2. Salil had converted a penalty corner in the 11th minute while Vijay Singh netted a field goal in the 23rd minute. The lead was equalised by Nishu Singh of Samba hitting two consecutive goals in 33rd and 34th minute. Later, after the break, scored again tied at 3-3. Again Vijay Singh converted a penalty corner into goal for Sujanpur in 63rd minute after Rahul made a goal in the 50th minute. In tie-breaker, Arun, Vishav Singh, Salil and Jagdeep were successful from Sujanpur. For Samba Club, only Mohinder and Nishu could score. In the second quarter-final of the day, BSF Jammu blanked Govind Club 6-0. Rajinder Singh scored three goals in 43rd, 48th and 69th minute. L Topno (34th), D Sharma (50th PC) and Sarabjeet Singh (65th). In another match of the day, J&K Hockey Association defeated Ferozpur Club 2-1. Deepinder Singh and Amandeep Singh made one goal each in 6th and 52nd minute of the match while Lakhwinder Singh scored for Ferozpur Club. Today’s matches were officiated by Narinder Sharma, Kanwar Singh, Jai Pal Singh, Rakesh, Raju, Uttam Singh, Avinesh Sharma and A K Singh. BJCC wins by 45 runs, enters QFs Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: Baba Jitto Cricket Club (BJCC), Akhnoor outplayed United Cricket Club (UCC) Udhampur by a big margin of 45 runs to enter into the quarterfinals of the third leg of qualifying round tournament for Jammu Gold Cup at Science College ground, here today. Batting first, BJCC set a big target of 183 runs for the loss of six wickets in the stipulated 30 overs, which, in reply, UCC Udhampur could not chase and lost all their wickets at 138 in 23.2 overs. Mal Ditta was highest scorer with 68 runs including nine fours while Pritam contributed 46 runs with the help of two sixes and an equal number of boundaries. From UCC, Inder Gupta and Deepu took two wickets each. Later, UCC failed to reach the required target and lost all their wickets for 138 in 23.2 overs. Opener, Satyankar fought lone battle with confident innings of 70 (off 55 balls, 3x6, 9x4) runs while no other batsman could reach the double figure mark. Naveen was most successful bowler from BJCC with three wickets for 16 runs in six overs, followed by Deepak Sharma, who took two. Mal Ditta was later adjudged as man of the match for his brilliant batting. Rajeev and Pappu were umpires in this match while Joginder was scorer. Next match: Aryan Cricket Club to take on RCC Satwari at 8 am and Nagrota Cricket Club will meet Challenger Cricket Club at 1 pm. Former JKCA joint secretary bereaved Tawi Sports and Social Club and Roshni Cricket Academy in a joint meeting held here this afternoon condoled the demise of mother of Ashok Singh, a Ranji cricketer and former joint secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. Members attending the condolence meeting, held under the chairmanship of Desh Rattan Dubey, prayed to the Almighty for eternal peace of departed soul and bestow courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss. Besides office bearers of these two organisations, Krishan Sharma, Ravi Sharma, Pritam, Joginder, Rajiv Sharma, Pappu and Amar were also present. Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 5: A grand dangal was organised at Rehal in Bishnah wherein wrestlers from Jammu and neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana took part. A big crowd of over 2,000 people witnessed the interesting fights in this dangal which was inaugurated by Congress leader, Vikas Dutt. Stadium XI blanks local club in district football Excelsior Sports Correspondent KATHUA, Nov 5: Stadium XI today registered a 2-0 win over Kidian Kandial club in the ongoing district football championship at sports stadium, here. Sanjeev Singh and Ranjeet Singh scored one goal each in first and second half of the match respectively. Dravid says team had not fancied its chances MUMBAI, Nov 5: Indians had not fancied their chances of a victory given the paltry 107-run target they set for Australia but backed themselves well to pull off a win in the fourth and final cricket Test, skipper Rahul Dravid said here today. "We did not think 100 odd runs would be enough, a target of some 150 would have been good but the way the guys bowled, fielded and took the catches, it was brilliant," Dravid said after India snatched a 13-run win on the third day of the match. Rival skipper Ricky Ponting, on the other hand, had thought 107 was "definitely gettable". "It was a disappointing end for all of us. After having such a fantastic series, it was really disappointing to end in this way," Ponting said. "107 was definitely gettable. But full credit to the Indians, they batted and bowled well in tough conditions." Dravid gave credit to VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar for putting on a crucial 91-run partnership in tough batting conditions. "It was a crucial partnership. They batted brilliantly in difficult conditions and set up the game for us." Asked if it was one of the toughest Test matches, he said "every Test match is tough. This was special, the support I got in the field was brilliant." On the wicket, Dravid said, "it was an interesting wicket. We competed well." Ponting was more forthcoming and said the fact that the match lasted only two days reflected what kind of a wicket it was. "I am sure the players, crowd and the fans who came out to watch this match — everyone would have been disappointed." Dravid praised man-of-the-match Murali Kartik saying he deserved the success. "He has worked very hard for it. He has always been in the shadows of Kumble and Harbhajan Singh so it’s good to see him have a bit of success," he said adding all the three spinners had combined and worked very well together to help achieve the win. Dravid also gave credit to Australia for winning the series 2-1. "Australia are deserving winners, they played some fantastic cricket. I congratulate them, they pretty much outplayed us." Ponting thanked every member of the team for pulling off the historic Test series triumph. "It has been a fantastic series, even before the series had started I knew it would be an all-time great series, first three Tests were really good. Gilchrist led the team well. "In fact every member of the team contributed in one way or the other. The fast bowlers were outstanding." Kartik was ecstatic at having won his first man-of-the-match award and said it was something he would cherish for the rest of his life. He said it was "most frightening" for him to know that the pitch was a rank turner. "I hate bowling on turners but then I can’t complain," said the left-arm spinner who bagged a seven-wicket match haul. "It was terrifying to start with, but it was an interesting wicket." Kartik said he had been advised by his seniors not to bowl his flighted variations but just concentrate on hitting the deck hard. Man-of-the-series Damien Martyn was happy with his personal effort but expressed his disappointment over not being able to finish on a winning note. (PTI) |
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