Gambhir says he is not taking his place for granted

NEW DELHI, Mar 11: Gautam Gambhir may have been the top run-getter in the tri-series in Australia but the dashing left hander says that past experience has taught him not to take his place in the team for granted.

Since his ODI debut in April 2003, Gambhir has struggled to cement his place in the side but things changed in Australia and he figured prominently in India’s tri-series triumph, scoring 440 runs from 10 innings including two centuries.

Not ready to allow complacency to creep into his game, Gambhir said he was now looking to be consistent.

"I don’t want to be complacent by thinking that I have cemented my place in the team," Gambhir told in an interview.

"Every player will have to earn his place in the team by performing consistently. It is tough competition (to make it to India team). My job is to keep on scoring runs and the rest is the selectors’ call," said the attacking Delhi batsman.

Refusing to bask in the glory of his exploits in Australia, Gambhir said, "I am happy that I did well in Australia. But a few bad games and you can be under pressure. International cricket is tough and it is all about performing consistently."

Gambhir also does not think his one-day form would guarantee a place in the Indian Test squad against South Africa though he had been in fine form in the Ranji super league leading Delhi to title.

"I am keeping my fingers crossed. Making it to the team is not in my hand, it is the selectors’ job and what I can do is keep on performing," he said.

When pressed if he can sneak into the Test opening slot considering that Wasim Jaffer was a flop show in Australia, the flamboyant batsman said, "I am not thinking much about it, who is performing and who is not. If the selectors think I am doing well than I may get selected, otherwise not."

Gambhir said it was highly satisfying to succeed in Australia but he did not think he had answered his critics by scoring heavily.

"I don’t need to answer my critics. I need to prove myself that I am a better player by keeping on scoring. That is my concern, I am not concerned of what others say."

The 26-year-old batsman was also not the one to jump the gun and claim that the MS Dhoni-led young Indian side is on the cusp of becoming world beaters.

"To be honest, it is too early to think of India ODI side becoming number one so soon. We have to beat the top sides like Australia for a period of time. We have to win consistently like the Australians had been doing," he said.

"This team has the potential, no doubt. We have the fighting spirit and we have gelled well, but we have to prove ourselves by beating the best sides consistently," Gambhir said.

Gambhir said the best thing to happen in Australia in the tri-series was that the players backed each other in spite of the controversies around.

"That made us a cohesive unit and it shows in the results," he said.

He also felt that master batsman Sachin Tendulkar’s great form hugely contributed to the tri-series triumph with the youngsters inspired to do well.

"He is a legend. It was a great feeling to play along with him. He was brilliant in the two finals and his performance inspires the youngsters to do well."

Gambhir felt enough had been written and discussed on the controversy involving Harbhajan Singh in Australia and he would not offer any more.

"Australia tour is history, controversy involving Harbhajan is over. We should forget what had happened there and concentrate on our game," he said.

Gambhir, who was bought by Delhi Daredevils for the Indian Premier League for USD 725,000, said the cash-rich Twenty20 event was a great concept and he was looking forward to it. (PTI)

I’m not arrogant but a fighter: Harbhajan

NEW DELHI, Mar 11: The Australians may tend to believe otherwise but volatile Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh insists he is not arrogant but just a fighter.

The colourful off-spinner, who, along with Andrew Symonds figured prominently in the racism saga in Australia, said he was not arrogant but asserted he would not take it lying down if his integrity was questioned.

"I’m not arrogant but I do stand up for my rights (especially) when somebody questions my integrity," the star India player told NDTV.

Though he did not disclose the details, Harbhajan made it clear that there was enough war of words between the players during India’s tour of Australia.

"The stuff they say I can’t even mention on TV you know, the kind of stuff I have heard on ground. I think the best way was to show it on the field... Was to play the best cricket. To win the series was the best way to answer people," he said.

Since the Sydney row, Harbhajan was greeted with boos by the hostile Australian crowd wherever he went but the off-spinner said he took it in his stride.

"I think they (Australian fans) love me because they like fighters and I’m the kind of guy who will fight. Whenever I’m on the field I will definitely fight. I feel so proud whenever I represent my country and don the national colours.

"When representing my country, I’ll fight for the people of India. For them, I’ll definitely fight and I’ll try to win each and every match," he said, hinting there would not be any let up in his aggression. (PTI)

Australia postpones Pak tour

KARACHI, Mar 11: Australia today postponed its cricket tour of Pakistan after twin blasts rocked Lahore killing several people there.

Minutes after the blasts, Cricket Australia (CA) conveyed its decision to its Pakistani counterpart and the boards later said in a joint statement that new dates for the tour would be decided soon.

"The chairmen of the two boards will meet in Dubai next weekend to further discuss possible dates for the deferred tour," the statement said.

"The ICC future tours program is complex and changes require extensive consultation with other member of boards with whom Australia and Pakistan have existing commitments. This process will be undertaken over coming weeks," it added.

Commenting on the decision, CA Chairman Creagh O’Connor said, "we are very sorry that the tour could not take place at this time. This was a difficult decision based on independent review of the circumstances prevailing in Pakistan at the moment.

"We wish no loss to Pakistan Cricket Board and look forward to undertaking this tour in the near future," he said.

His Pakistani counterpart Nasim Ashraf said, "we are obviously very disappointed at this decision.

"I guess there is not much we could do and sincerely hope that the tour of Australia to Pakistan can materialise at the earliest opportunity," the PCB chief said. (PTI)

Lara ruled out of ICL’s rest of tournament

NEW DELHI, Mar 11: Star batsman Brian Lara has been ruled out of the Indian Cricket League’s Edelweiss 20s Challenge due to a forearm injury which he sustained six weeks ago.

In his absence, former New Zealand opener Nathan Astle will lead the Mumbai Champs in the ongoing Twenty20 tournament.

Lara injured his forearm while playing for Trinidad and Tobago and now has his left forearm in a cast.

Mumbai Champs physiotherapist Danny Redrup has said that Lara sustained a substantial distal ulna fracture which in some cases requires surgery.

"His arm was placed in a cast for five-and-a-half weeks. An X-Ray taken in New Delhi showed slow but aligned healing.

"Due to the extent of the structural damage, Lara is still in significant discomfort when holding his bat. It is predicted that another two to four weeks will be required for appropriate healing to facilitate some batting practice,’’ Redrup said.

Mumbai Champs, which took the field without Lara in yestrday’s match against Delhi Giants were crushed by six wickets. (UNI)

DC Udhampur wins Inter Collegiate Volleyball tourney

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 11: Gover-nment Degree College, Udham-pur overwhelmed PG Depart-ment by 3-1 sets in the final to clinch Inter Collegiate Voll-eyball tournament (men) played at New University Campus today.

Udhampur College started on a positive note by winning the first set 25-17 but PG Department managed to pull one back by 23-25 to make the contest evenly poised.

Udhampur College despite losing the set kept their cool and eventually won the next two sets by 25-20 and 25-17 to seal the issue.

For winner team, Mohd Arshad and Mohd Yaved were the standout performers who unleashed powerful smashes against PG Department blockers. For PG Department, Anil Sharma and Vishal Sharma also played well.

The match was officiated by Shashi Sharma, Rajesh Virdhy and Mulkh Raj.

The tournament was organised by Department of Physical Education, Jammu University.

NCC clinches Nowshera Cricket Cup

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 11: Nowshera Cricket Club (NCC) got the better of Friends Cricket Club (FCC), Bagnoti by three wickets in the final to lift Nowshera Cricket Cup played at Bela Cricket Ground, Nowshera today.

Ravinder Sharma, Advocate, Member AICC was the chief guest on the occasion while DY CEO and SHO Nowshera were the guests of honour.

Sanjeev Khajuria, SP Nowshera presided over the function.

Speaking on the occasion after the prize distribution function, Ravinder Sharma announced to convert the ground into a mini stadium.

Educational tours add to students overall
development: Khoda

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 11: Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda today said that students of remote and far-flung areas of the state should go for educational tours, to enable themselves to enrich their knowledge with cultural ethos of the country.

He was addressing a group of students of valley who reached here after completing a 20-day tour of Maharashtra and other places of the country, organized by an NGO Borderless World Foundation.

While interacting with the students from Kupwara, Budgam and Anantnag districts Khoda advised them to share their experiences gained during the tour with other students.

On the occasion, the DGP distributed gifts among the students.

The function was organized by J&K Armed Headquarters in which various items were presented by the students.

Among others, the function was attended by the Inspectors General of Police P. L. Gupta, Ram Lubhaya, Sheikh Owais Ahmed, Zahoor Hussain Chisti, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Administration)PHQ Faooq Ahmed, AIG (Personal) Riyaz Ahmed, AIG(T&I) Rajesh Kumar and other senior police officers.

Sasikiran emerges sole leader

UDHAGAMANDALAM, Mar 11: India number two K Sasikiran of ongc maintained a perfect score to emerge as sole leader with five points at the end of the fifth round of the 19th Inter-Petroleum Unit individual chess tournament here today. Former national champion Abhijit Kunte of IOCL is half a point behind the leader. Eight players including women world number two Koneru Humpy and national champion Surya Shekhar Ganguly are at the third spot with four points. (PTI)

Federer burns Sampras in New York exhibition

NEW YORK, Mar 11: World number one Roger Federer overcame a stiff challenge from Pete Sampras in an dynamic exhibition match between two of the greatest male tennis players of all time.

The 26-year-old Swiss stylist was tested hard by his 36-year-old American foe before prevailing 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (8/6) before a crowd of 19,000 at Madison Square Garden.

"I thought I had him there for a split second," Sampras said. "That’s why he’s the greatest player."

Sampras, who retired from competitive tennis in September 2002 after winning his 14th Grand Slam title at the US Open, ran into trouble early, dropping his serve in the opening game yesterday.

Federer displayed brilliant court stewardship. He broke his foe one more time in the ninth game to run away with the first set in 29 minutes.

In the second set, Sampras levelled with some solid serving.

Federer grabbed the momentum. The seven-time Wimbledon champion fell 0-2 in the ensuing set but staged a remarkable comeback, reeling off five-straight games to go up 5-2 and 30-all. But Federer regrouped and snatched the victory in the tie-breaker when a Sampras backhand sailed wide.

Federer edged Sampras two times in a three-city Asian exhibition tour last November with the American veteran coming on top in their last meeting in Macau, China. (AGENCIES)

Steyn raring for crack at Indian batsmen

DHAKA, Mar 11: Tearaway South Africa speedster Dale Steyn is smacking his lips in anticipation of a battle royale with India’s batsmen in the upcoming three-Test series.

Steyn, 24, taught Bangladesh a few lessons in fast bowling in the recent two-test series from which he bagged 14 wickets, and is now training his guns on India who have recently returned from their Australia tour.

The last time he played against India in 2006-07, Steyn picked six wickets from two Tests but given his current form, it should come as no surprise if he betters his record.

"I am looking forward to playing against India, especially after their successful tour of Australia. It will be interesting going to India," Steyn told.

"The good thing is we have been playing quite a bit of cricket on the sub-continent lately in Pakistan and Bangladesh. We won both Test series, so this will be an interesting contest between two good teams."

Steyn, who recently went past Allan Donald’s record of the quickest South African to 100 Test wickets, however admits that bowling to Indian batsmen in their own conditions will be a challenge.

"It is going to be tough bowling to any of the batsmen, particularly under conditions that they are used to. They have plenty of depth. The key will be to work on their weaknesses and take it from there."

Steyn will also rely on his slower ball to unravel the mighty Indian batting line-up during the series beginning March 26.

"My slower ball really took off when we went to Sri Lanka a couple of seasons ago. Polly (Shaun Pollock) told me that it was a vital weapon to have in my arsenal, particularly in sub-continent conditions.

"It makes a big difference when you are bowling at 145 (kilometres an hour) and can suddenly change gear to 110 or less," said the bowler who has 105 wickets from 20 Tests.

Steyn added he saw nothing wrong with intimidating batsmen with short balls.

"It is never nice to see somebody get hit on a cricket field but the short ball is part of the game and, if you do hit somebody, it sends shivers down the rest of the batting line-up.

"If a top player can’t handle a short ball, then it is unlikely that those down the order are going to fare any better.

"It is important to show aggression and let the batsman know that you have got the upper hand." (AGENCIES)

After 30 years, Navratilova’s Czech again

TOKYO, Mar 11: Tennis legend Martina Navratilova today said she had regained Czech nationality more than 30 years after fleeing communism in the country of her birth to live in the United States.

"I lost it at the time I defected. I got it back on January 9," Navratilova told reporters on a visit here.

The 51-year-old former world champion said she was maintaining dual nationality and keeping her US passport.

Born in Prague, Navratilova fled to the United States in 1975 at the height of the cold war, angering Communist authorities who stripped her of her nationality. She became a US citizen six years later.

But Navratilova said last year that while she was once ashamed about Czechoslovakia, she was now ashamed of the United States under President George W Bush.

"The thing is that we elected Bush. That is worse! against that, nobody chose a Communist government in Czechoslovakia," she told the Czech daily Lidove Noviny.

Czechoslovakia split in 1993 after the fall of Communism into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Navratilova has said she left home because authorities refused to let her play tennis in the United States, where the vast majority of tournaments were then held.

She went on to become one of the greatest stars that the sport has ever seen, winning 18 Grand Slams — nine at Wimbledon, four at the US Open, three at the Australian Open and two at Roland Garros.

She retired in 1994 but returned to play doubles in 2000, again winning several tournaments. She definitely hung up her racket in December 2006 after winning us open mixed doubles, the 354th tournament of her career. She is planning an academy for young tennis players in the Czech Republic. (AGENCIES)

Ranatunga fears too much money can spoil youngsters

COLOMBO, Mar 11: Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga fears that the huge amount of money offered to players by ventures like Indian Premier League and Indian Cricket League can adversely affect the youngsters.

"I have no problems with cricketers earning money when they get an opportunity, but it’s the young players who can lose focus with money," Ranatunga, currently the Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket, told reporters.

"I hope this (losing focus) will not be the case and cricket will not be a business. The problem will start when money ruins the focus of young players," he added.

While the IPL has attracted leading Lankan players like Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttaiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Nuwan Zoysa, Chamara Silva, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga, the ICL has successfully wooed Marvan Atapattu, Upul Chandana and Russel Arnold.

About Sri Lanka’s recent batting failure in the tri-series in Australia, Ranatunga said there was no need to panic.

In Australia Sri Lanka had failed to qualify for the tri-series finals, while they lost a home one-day series against England 3-2.

The Lankan team should now move on and get ready for the next World Cup to be jointly hosted by India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in 2011, Ranatunga said. (PTI)