India vs. New Zealand (IND vs. NZ) Live Cricket Score

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium: India vs. New Zealand match is going to begin by 14:30 Indian Standard Time here at Dambulla International Stadium.

This is going to be the first match of the Tri-Series in Sri Lanka, 2010. This one is quite crucial as Team India couldn’t do much better against Sri Lanka in the last series.

New Zealand will be very different from the one that won the Test match, with none among Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman present.

New Zealand too, like India, have brought a fairly youngish, new-look side for the series. Stalwarts like Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum are missing from the squad.

Teams Update

Team India: Dinesh Karthik, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Praveen Kumar, Abhimanyu Mithun, Ashish Nehra.

New Zealand: Peter Ingram, BJ Watling(w), Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor(c), Grant Elliott, Scott Styris, Jacob Oram, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey, Tim Southee.

Cricket Live Score: England vs Pakistan 2nd Test and Highlights

Watch 2nd Test Pakistan vs England Live Cricket Streaming online free and Pak vs Eng Live Score of 2nd npower Test, Edgbaston. The match between will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, Aug 6-10, 2010. The match will be played on the following dates 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 August 2010.

Pakistan lost their way in the series as they already lost the first match in nPower Test Series in large margin defeat against England. England skipper Strauss gives is player a warm welcome to play a best match in the second match of the series.

“Bowlers did a good job where we have to concentrate more in batting” skipper said.

On the other hand Pakistan dropped Kamran Akmal for the price for his poor performance in the first Test against England at Trent Bridge, and has been dropped from Pakistan’s team for the second game at Edgbaston, which gets underway on Friday.

Pakistan in England Test Series 2nd test England vs Pakistan is the 1969 International test match till 2010 season ans this match will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from 6 to 10th August 2010.

England squad: AJ Strauss*, JM Anderson, TT Bresnan, SCJ Broad, PD Collingwood, AN Cook, ST Finn, EJG Morgan, KP Pietersen, MJ Prior†, GP Swann, IJL Trott

Pakistan squad: Salman Butt*, Kamran Akmal†, Azhar Ali, Imran Farhat, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Yousuf, Raza Hasan, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Malik, Tanvir Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Umar Amin, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Hameed, Zulqarnain Haider†

You can watch the live streaming of all the Pakistan tour on England 2010 matches Online free on ESPN3.com, no need to sign-up for any survey it’s all free of cost to watch. Streaming of the match is very excellent with High quality. For USA Users u can watch the live by ESPN 3 Channel.

Ind vs SL Cricket Live Score: Sri Lanka started losing wickets

The 3rd and final test match between India and Sri Lanka has already started and you can watch the live coverage and latest scores on your tv sets. Also the live streaming and cricket live score is also available on a number of sites.

Today, the 4th day was very impotant for both the teams. India wanted to gran as many wickets as it could, that too as qucikly as possible. On the other hand, Sri Lanka after having the 1st test and 2nd ending in the draw, just needed to play safe and score runs without losing too many wickets. However, Team India delivered, when it mattered the most.

Sri Lanka started losing its wickets at regular intervals and till lunch on the 4th day, 8 of its team members were already back into the pavillion(2 wickkets fell yesterday). The latest cricket live score – Sri Lanka have scored 143 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.

In its first innings Sl had scored 425 runs and India scored 11 runs more than SL, ending its innings on 436 runs. India now just needs two wickets to wrap up the Sl innings and then can quickly get on to bat. With Sehwag in such a form, the match may even end today and there could be no play on the 5th and final day.

Cricket-India 282-4 v Sri Lanka 425 - lunch

India were 282 for four wickets at lunch on the third day of the third and final test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Thursday.

Scores: Sri Lanka 425 (K. Sangakkara 75, M. Jayawardene 56, T. Samaraweera 137 not out; P. Ojha 4-115) v India 282-4 (V. Sehwag 109)

Cricket-India 28-0 v Sri Lanka 425

India were 28 for no wicket in reply to Sri Lanka's 425 all out at tea on the second day of the third and final test in Colombo on Wednesday.

Scores: Sri Lanka 425 (K. Sangakkara 75, M. Jayawardene 56, T. Samaraweera 137 not out; P. Ojha 4-115) v India 28-0

Tendulkar's feat will be unmatchable

Milestone man Sachin Tendulkar today became the most-capped Test cricketer in the world and former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds said the champion Indian batsman's feat will remain untouchable for years to come.

Tendulkar, who holds almost every batting record, today overtook former Australian captain Steve Waugh's feat of 168 matches after taking the field in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Symonds, who is one of the commentators for this year's Champions League Twenty20, was of the view that the game will lose its charm without greats like Tendulkar, who is in the twilight of his career, and retired Muttiah Muralitharan.

"I doubt it very much that somebody can match Sachin's feat. Currently, there is probably Ponting, Boucher and Kallis who made played a lot of Test cricket. They are probably the only three who can get nearer but I can't see anyone starting cricket now and playing 160-170 Test matches," the 35-year-old Australian told PTI in an interview.

"The game obviously loses the players people love to pay and watch but the same thing happened with Australia. (Shane) Warne, (Glenn) McGrath and (Matthew) Hayden retired as well but someone comes in and takes their place in the team but, I mean, they can't become what these guys have been to the team," he said.

Symonds' chequered 11-year-old career with the Australian team was marred by off-field controversies, which eventually forced him to turn into a freelance cricketer last year. But the England-born Australian said he has no regrets about his decision as it gave him time to enjoy life.

"Definitely, it gave me a lot more free time to enjoy life and spend time with my family but still play cricket all over the world. So, I am very happy with my decision.

"I don't regret my decision. The rules of the game were changing and I was not involved that much with the team. I was also not happy with environment of the team. At the end of it, I thought it was time. I don't miss the Australian team," he said.

ICC CONFIRM ISAAC NOMINATION

The International Cricket Council this morning confirmed they have received New Zealand and Australia's nomination of Alan Isaac as vice-president from 2010-2012.

Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket chose Isaac after their previous nominee John Howard failed to receive support at ICC board level for a position which means the incumbent will subsequently become president of the international governing body.

NZC chairman Isaac is a successful businessman, and former captain of Wellington's 2nd XI.

His nomination will go to the ICC's executive board for approval.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "It has been a lengthy process, and I am grateful to both Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket for their joint nomination of Mr Isaac as the ICC vice-president.

"The process now requires Mr Isaac's nomination to be formally approved by the ICC board and council, which will be done as quickly as possible through a circular resolution so that he immediately assumes responsibility as ICC vice-president for two years before taking over as the ICC president in 2012."

Cricket-India 707 all out v Sri Lanka 642-4 dec - innings

India were all out for 707 in their first innings on the fifth day of the second test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Friday.

Scores: Sri Lanka 642-4 dec (T. Paranavitana 100, K. Sangakkara 219, M. Jayawardene 174) v India 707 (M. Vijay 58, V. Sehwag 99, S. Tendulkar 203, S. Raina 120, M.S. Dhoni 76)

Dhoni does business the way he plays cricket

As builder flats go, C-158, Sarvodaya Enclave, is a typical construct of New Delhi’s post-partition colonies. The houses are stacked shoulder to shoulder. The big architectural idea is to create five houses in a space meant for three. A grilled gate, away from the main entrance, opens into a flight of stairs, which leads to the basement office of Rhiti Sports Management.

Forget elegance or sophistication, there's nothing to even announce its arrival. It looks nothing like an establishment that has recently committed to generating business of Rs 210 crore over the next three years for its most prized client.

Inside, on every wall of the three-room set, the client is framed: MS Dhoni. He’s there in sawed-off sleeves, with dreadlocks and the World T20 cup. He’s there in a water-colour, in a sherwani, looking like royalty.

When it’s not a picture, it’s a jersey: the back of his old India blue, number 7, with scribbles of fellow Indian players. When it’s not a jersey, it’s a calendar: Mak makes it possible. This time around, it’s the closest we will get to Dhoni to understand the inner workings of Brand Dhoni.

Sri Lanka vs India 2nd Test Day 2 Live Score Updates

Sri Lanka vs India (SL vs Ind)Cricket Live Score Updates:

Sri Lanka score 587/3 at Tea time Day 2- Sri Lanka won the toss yesterday and elected to bat first against India. Sri Lankan Openers gave good start, Dilshan score 54 runs in 42 balls with 10 fours and was out by Ojha, Laxman took a nice catch. NT Paranavitana who score 100 runs was bowled by Sharma. Sri Lanka score 312 runs at the end of day 1.

Today Sri Lanka batsmen look more aggressively than yesterday, KC Sangakkara and Jayawardene done a great job.
KC Sangakkara played captain innings and crossed double century, in 123 over when sehwag bowled to Sangakkara he gave a catch to dravid and return back to pavilion, he score 219 runs.

Fall of wickets1-99 (Dilshan, 18.1 ov), 2-273 (Paranavitana, 71.6 ov), 3-466 (Sangakkara, 122.3 ov).

Indian bowlers fail to restrict Sri Lankan Batsmen, at tea time day 2 Sri Lanka score 587/3 (150.0 ov). DPMD Jayawardene with 143 runs and TT Samaraweera with 52 runs are in good touch

Ojha, Sharma and Sehwag took single wicket each.

Cricket-India v Sri Lanka - second test scoreboard

Scoreboard at lunch on the first day of the second test between Sri Lanka and India on Monday.

Sri Lanka first innings 128 for one

T. Paranavitana not out 45

T. Dilshan c Laxman b Ojha 54

K. Sangakkara not out 18

Extras: (b-4, lb-4, nb-3) 11

Total (one wicket, 29 overs) 128

Fall of wicket: 1-99

To bat: M. Jayawardene, T. Samaraweera, A. Mathews, P. Jayawardene, D. Prasad, S. Randiv, D. Fernando, A. Mendis Bowling: Mithun 7-2-30-0, Sharma 6-1-39-0 (1-nb), Ojha 9-1-33-1 (2-nb), Singh 6-0-17-0, Sehwag 1-0-1-0. India: M. Vijay, V. Sehwag, R. Dravid, S. Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, S. Raina, M.S. Dhoni, H. Singh, I. Sharma, P. Ojha, A. Mithun

Flintoff close to cricket return

Andrew Flintoff says he "can't wait to get cracking" as he nears a long-awaited return from injury.

The Lancashire all-rounder has undergone two knee operations since playing his part in England's Ashes success last summer, his last competitive action.

But he hopes finally to force his way back into his county's plans in the coming weeks - and has revealed his rediscovered touch with the bat is offering him most hope.

"It's going well, there's light at the end of the tunnel," the 32-year-old said at the launch of Shell's new FuelSave initiative.

"It's been a long road with the rehab since then but I'm hoping to play again in the next few weeks. I'm back in the nets at Lancashire and from nowhere I've found the ability to bat again which is encouraging, I'm hitting the ball.

"I'm going to have to play in the second team first and force my way back into the first team but with the way I'm batting, I'm hoping to do that with the bat initially and then pick up the bowling from there."

He added: "It's only in the nets but with the break, I've come back playing and rather than worrying about where my feet go, my hands and my head and getting too technical, I've basically gone back to how I used to play when I was younger, just see the ball and hit it as hard as I can, and if I can't do that then I'll defend it.

"That's the way I tend to play, especially in the short form of the game, but I just can't wait to get cracking. It's been so long, and I'm now starting to get excited and chomping at the bit to start."

Muralitharan ends career with 800 test wickets

Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan became the first bowler to take 800 test wickets on the fifth day of the first test against India on Thursday.

The 38-year-old Muralitharan, the leading wicket-taker in tests and one-day internationals, dismissed India's Pragyan Ojha to reach the milestone in his final test match appearance with his family watching from the stands.

Ojha, brilliantly caught by Mahela Jayawardene at first slip, was the final Indian wicket to fall in the second innings as the visitors made 338 in a desperate attempt to avoid defeat.

Muralitharan went into the final day of a 133-match test career needing two wickets to achieve the milestone and took just 15 deliveries to trap Harbhajan Singh lbw for his 799th dismissal.

India 276 all out v Sri Lanka (520-8 dec) - innings

India were dismissed for 276 in their first innings shortly after lunch on the fourth day of the first test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka enforced the follow-on with India trailing by 244 runs.

Scores: Sri Lanka 520-8 dec (T. Paranavitana 111, K. Sangakkara 103, R. Herath 80 not out, L. Malinga 64; A. Mithun 4-105); India 276 all out (V Sehwag 109, Y. Singh 52, M. Muralitharan 5-63)

Afridi questions Test cricket ability of Pakistani players

Sparking off a new debate, former captain Shahid Afridi has stated that they were some players in the Pakistan team who did not deserve to be in the Test side but were still playing five-day cricket despite not having the ability or commitment for it.

Afridi also insisted that he had not quit Test cricket because of problems with fellow players in the team.

"It was my own decision and it was a spur of the moment decision. I didn't consult anyone," he said.

"I would advise all these players who don't feel comfortable or like playing Test matches to not become a burden on the team and just focus on playing one-day and T20 cricket," Afridi said.

Named captain for the entire tour, Afridi suddenly announced his retirement from the longer version of the game after the humiliating 150-run loss to Australia in the first Test at Lord's.

The flamboyant all-rounder reasoned that he decided to quit Tests because he had lost passion for the five-day game and wanted to concentrate on limited overs cricket.

Afridi said it was time for some non-performing players in the Pakistan Test side to ponder their future.

"As captain I tried to advise some players to avoid playing Test cricket and decide on a future but they insisted on playing Tests. They have not done justice to themselves or the team with their performances," he said.

"I think the time has come for us to decide who should be playing in the Test, one-day and T20 teams," he said.

Afridi said the PCB's selection committee would have to make its policy very clear on all the three formats of the game.

The former skipper was of the view that they were some very good young players in the side but they need time to settle down.

"I would advise everyone not to expect too much from this team in Test matches. It will take time. Salman Butt has become captain for the first time and he should seek advice and guidance from the coach and try to keep the team united. England would prove to be a tougher opponent then Australia because at the moment they are playing better cricket," Afridi said.

Sangakkara wants to win it for Murali

The Sri Lankan captain, Kumar Sangakkara, brought Muttiah Muralitharan — the team-man — to the fore here on Saturday.

“He needs eight more wickets to reach 800 but that would be furthest thing from his mind. Knowing him, he would be more keen to win the match for us,” said Sangakkara.

He quickly added, “If Murali gets those eight wickets in the Test, there is a good chance that we would go into the second Test 1-0 up.”

The cricket ground in Galle has geared itself for a fitting farewell to Muralitharan from Test match cricket. Hoardings, banners and paintings will celebrate the off-spinning giant's contribution to the game. And the Sri Lankan Cricket Board has planned a series of felicitations here.

Mental toughness

Sangakkara highlighted Muralitharan's mental toughness. “It would be interesting to see how many other bowlers around the world could go through such rigorous testing, bowling with a cast on their arm, whether they can stand up to that scrutiny and come back from it with a stronger mind.”

The Sri Lankan captain said, “He (Muralitharan) has done so much for the team over the years. I think we can all do our little bit and win the Test for him.”

In the same breath, Sangakkara warned against his team from being distracted by the events surrounding Muralitharan's final Test. “We should focus on the job, not get overwhelmed by the occasion.”

Legendary cricketers go away but they leave the game enriched, Sangakkara said.

Looking ahead, he said Ajantha Mendis would figure in the second Test against India; Mendis had impressed in the tour game against the Indians.

“Bowlers llke Mendis and Malinga add something different to the mix. They have a lot to offer to the side.”

Sangakkara said Malinga had worked hard on his fitness and welcomed the paceman into the Test match scheme of things.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said Muralitharan was not just a great bowler, but a wonderful human being. “Just having him around in the dressing room is great fun. He gets everyone going. He lifts spirits,” said Dhoni who captained Muralitharan in the Chennai Super Kings side during the IPL.

‘Mystery spinner'

Dhoni revealed, “During the first few matches I played against Sri Lanka, he was the mystery spinner. It is so hard to pick him.”

Turning his attention to the Indian attack, Dhoni hoped spin spearhead Harbhajan Singh would recover completely from a viral flu.

Despite their unflattering returns, Dhoni felt pacemen Ishant Sharma and Abhimanyu Mithun had bowled well in the tour game ahead of the first Test. “We had exaggerated fields for most part and they went for runs. But they did bowl in the right areas for most part.”

Dhoni admitted that the side would miss the experience of Zaheer Khan and the swing of S. Sreesanth. In their absence due to injuries, Dhoni also saw an opportunity for the younger pacemen.

“They must learn to use the conditions. There is some assistance early in the morning and in the evening due to the breeze from the sea.”

To pick 20 Sri Lankan wickets in the Test is a big ask for a depleted Indian attack.

Jayasuriya denied central contract

The Sri Lankan Cricket Board has decided not to hand veteran all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya a central contract although off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was included in the 20-man list even after announcing he would retire from Test cricket after the first match against India at Galle in three days time.

The 41-year-old swashbuckler though has no regret at missing the contract. “I have no regrets. Those who perform well, get contracts. I can’t comment on who has taken this decision, but even without a contract, I can play for the country,” he told this paper from Worcestershire on Thursday.

Jayasuriya will not be able to witness Murali’s farewell Test as well. “I am returning (to Sri Lanka) by the end of this month and will miss watching him at the stadium. However, I have already sent him a good luck message for his last Test. He is a great player who has done lot for the country and not only we, as teammates, but the entire nation will miss him,” Jayasuriya added.

Jayasuriya, a veteran of 110 Tests and 444 ODIs, has witnessed an extended slump in form and possesses an average of under three in the last six Twenty20 matches he played for the country. “We had discussions over the last few weeks with senior players, Sri Lanka Cricket, selectors and team management to try and put a value on the national contracts. In that regard we decided we will try and reduce the number of national contracted players to 20 from 30,” chairman of selectors Aravinda de Silva said.

The SLC, however, included two newcomers — off spinner Suraj Randiv and batsman Dinesh Chandimal — in the contract list and have placed the duo in Category Six.

We are beginning a new era in Pakistan cricket: Aamer

Pakistan's young pace sensation Mohammad Aamer feels the back-to-back wins in the Twenty20 Internationals against Australia will give his side an edge over Ricky Ponting's men in the two-Test series which began at Lord's on Wednesday.

In the run up to the Test series, Pakistan defeated Australia in two Twenty20 matches at Birmingham last week and Aamer was instrumental in both the victories, scalping six wickets.

"The T20s went well for the team and me personally. However, as we all know Test cricket is a completely different game. Of course, the confidence we were able to gain from the T20s will be an advantage for us," Aamer said.

He also believes that the Test series against Australia will mark the dawn of a new era for the team, especially after the recent changes in Pakistan cricket.

"We are beginning a new era in Pakistan cricket which I am really excited about," said the 18-year-old left-arm pacer.

Aamer took 21 wickets in the first eight Test matches of his career, including eight wickets in the two games against Australia.

England cricket coach has faith in Kieswetter

Andy Flower still believes Craig Kieswetter can be England's answer to Adam Gilchrist despite his recent run of low scores in one-day internationals.

Australia great Gilchrist, who retired from international cricket two years ago, was both a dashing opener in the one-day format, capable of big scores as well as a sound gloveman, and increased the pressure on his fellow keepers to match his runs in the Test arena too.

Many countries have tried and failed to find an equivalent to Gilchrist but England think they may be onto something with the South Africa born Kieswetter.

The 22-year-old, who plays for Somerset, struck a hundred in only his third one-day international and made his name globally with a man-of-the-match winning 63 in England's World Twenty20 final win against Australia in Barbados in May.

But given a chance to open in the one-day, as well as Twenty20 format, in England this season, the Somerset batsman has struggled for runs.

He could only manage 69 in five one-day innings against Australia, whose quicks repeatedly burst through his defences while in three matches against the somewhat less intimidating Bangladesh attack he was out for for 32, 20 and nought in a series England wrapped up 2-1 at Edgbaston on Monday.

But England coach Flower intends to keep faith with Kieswetter, who is set to feature in September's home one-day series against Pakistan and is still on course to be in the squad for next year's World Cup in Asia.

"He's had an interesting time of it recently, scoring a hundred in his third ODI, getting man of the match in the World Twenty20 final, being a World Cup winner," said Flower, himself once a wicketkeeper/batsman with Zimbabwe.

"A lot of English players haven't had that, so he's up there doing that and achieving things but then he's had a bit of a hard one-day series.

"I think international cricket can do that to you. It can teach you some lessons and perhaps expose a few doubts.

"I think in the long run for Craig it might be a very healthy thing to have happened, in that by the time he plays for England again, he'll need to make his package stronger.

Kieswetter has said he sees his role as scoring quickly at the start of the innings and Flower added he saw similarities with both dynamic Sri Lanka opener Sanath Jayasuriya and Gilchrist.

"I don't really use the word pinch-hitter myself, but he's an aggressive opening batsman for us, pretty much in the mould of Jayasuriya or Gilchrist," Flower explained.

"He's very, very talented and he hits the ball beautifully, as well as I've ever seen anyone hit the ball.

"But he's got to work out how to score runs.

"He's got a good coach at Somerset in Andy Hurry, and some good people to work with like Marcus Trescothick and, in our set-up, Graham Gooch (both former England openers). They might help, but it's up to Craig to find his method."

Someone who has taken his chance recently is Ravi Bopara.

Dropped for the climax of England's Ashes series win against Australia last year and omitted from subsequent tour squads, the Essex all-rounder took himself off to New Zealand provincial side Auckland and was later picked for the Kings Punjab XI in the Indian Premier League.

Monday saw Bopara mark his recall to England duty with 45 not out off just 16 balls and four wickets in a 144-run thrashing of Bangladesh.

He's a very classy player and we think a lot of Ravi," said Flower.

"Ravi hasn't played international cricket for a little while but got a little sniff of a chance and did really well."

Flower added: "I think it's a very healthy thing he got off his butt and went to New Zealand and wasn't pushed to do that.

"That shows the right independent mindset."

Dhoni and Sangakkara hope for result-oriented series

With both sides weak in their respective fast bowling departments, Indian captain MS Dhoni and Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara have pledged to make the Test series more interesting and enterprising by aiming for results. The three-Test series beginning in Galle on July 18 is expected to be a very high-scoring one due to the imbalance between the batting and bowling strengths for both sides.

India, currently the No.1 team in Tests, have been hit by injuries to opening bowlers Zaheer Khan and Sreesanth, both of whom have been ruled out of the series. Even their key spinner Harbhajan Singh is also struggling for fitness, battling with a bacterial viral infection which ruled him out of the ongoing three-day practice match against a Sri Lanka Board President's XI.

"Most of the teams playing today want a result in a five-day game. That intent is more than enough to make the game interesting. We are hoping we can get results in all the games," said Dhoni. "It's not about targeting just one bowler, we have to think about the whole bowling department of the opposition.

"They've got experienced campaigners who are playing Test cricket for the past ten years or so. Our preparation level is quite good. When you are playing in the subcontinent and playing a side that has got a batting order that is really experienced and knows the conditions really well it always better to have fast bowlers who have played Test cricket under the circumstances and who have got plenty of experience under them and who know how to bowl in those conditions.

"That experience always comes when you play more and more games. It's a bit of concern that we are missing fast bowlers quite regularly in important series. The good thing is we have somehow been able to do well in all the series we have played. Hopefully we'll have a bench strength of a minimum of five to six bowlers who are always available and who are at the top of their form."

Although Sri Lanka are not affected by injuries, their fast bowling line-up for the Galle Test doesn't have much experience with Dilhara Fernando and Lasith Malinga, who is making a comeback to Test cricket after two-and-a-half years, being the most experienced pair with 33 and 28 Test appearances respectively. Another seamer who has performed well in recent home Tests, Nuwan Kulasekara, has been dropped. From the Indian side, Ishant Sharma, with 23 Test caps is the most experienced.

"As a team we are going to play as hard as we can on the field to make sure that we come out on top. India will be doing the same so if that is not going to make it an interesting tug of war I don't what is," said Sangakkara. "We are looking forward to an interesting Test match and a result at the end of five days or even before."

The Galle Test marks the end of world's leading Test and one-day wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan's illustrious career who will be retiring after the match.

Simmons backs Ireland to beat Bangladesh

National coach Phil Simmons was today still trying to confirm a replacement for Andrew Poynter for the two one-day internationals against Bangladesh at Stormont on Thursday and Friday.

Poynter travelled home from Ireland’s successful World League Division One campaign yesterday with his arm in a sling after falling on his shoulder when fielding during their six wicket victory over Scotland in Saturday’s final in Amstelveen.

He is not only ruled out of contention for Ireland’s most important games of the summer, but also the last two games of the European Championships which start tomorrow in Jersey. Poynter was due to captain the Ireland A team at the tournament

“We have a lot of selection problems, but while Bangladesh will expect to beat us at home, we have the edge over here. We play well at home and we look forward to that,” said Simmons, who was delighted with the response of his understrength team as they swept through the tournament with a 100% record.

“We knew we needed the big players to perform and they consistently came up at the right time, so we ended up successful. The pressure was on the batters to come to the fore because the bowlers didn’t bowl as well as they have been, but the batsmen did it two or three times in the tournament.”

Poynter, who scored 77 in the victory over Afghanistan in the round-robin stage, wasn’t missed in the final because of a superb fourth wicket stand of 162 between Kevin O’Brien and Andrew White. Only the retired Kyle McCallan has played more Ireland games than White and only the injured Andre Botha and Trent Johnston more than O’Brien’s 124 and their experience stood them in good stead as they rescued Ireland from 51 for three, in pursuit of Scotland’s 232.

It needed a stunning one-handed catch by Richie Berrington to dismiss White for 79 — his best in an ODI — but O’Brien went on to finish 98 not out. The fact he scored only seven boundaries — three of them sixes — underscored his disciplined innings while White, 10 years after his debut, continues to prove why he should be one of the first names on any Ireland teamsheet.

And Ireland didn’t need John Mooney either. Surely, the best No 7 in associate cricket, Mooney had a wonderful tournament, even performing with the ball when required and although a big call to put the 28-year-old on a full-time contract, Simmons has again been proven right.

Of the other contracted players, Paul Stirling ended up as Ireland’s leading run-scorer with 230 but, frustratingly he was out four times in the 30s and thanks to his five-for against the Afghans, Cusack ended up as Ireland’s joint leading wicket taker, with 10, the same as George Dockrell who continues to perform on the big stage.

Ireland A’s first game is against Italy tomorrow.

Pakistani Cricket Betting now on Muhammed Yousuf

But one thing is for certain, Former Pakistan Captain, Muhammad Yousuf will be returning to international cricket in October and November, during the tour of the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan will face cricket betting opponents South Africa for two Tests, five ODI’s and a Twenty20.

Yousuf wishes to feature in domestic tournaments, and stated that he will play as long as he is fit. According to an official statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Yousuf was prematurely retired March 10th 2010, and the Board decided he would not be chosen again based on his initiation of disputes amongst team members.

Yousuf holds the cricket betting record of top scored during the 2002 and the 2003 seasons, worldwide for ODI matches and he has scored over 9000 One Day International runs and has the record for scoring the most runs without being dismissed in a One Day International match.

Named CNN-IBN’s Cricketer of the Year for 2006 Yousuf was also selected as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in the 2007 edition and also became the fourth recipient of the ICC ‘Test Cricketer of the Year’. Yousuf, along with teammate Mohammed Asif, was named in the 2007 Test Team of the Year and in the same year Yousuf broke two more world records. In 10 Test matches, he also achieved 1788 cricket scores with twelve centuries which became his second world record.

Yousuf’s technique is a hard hit and quick between the wickets, and occasionally is prone to running out. He has an ability to score runs and cricket scores at an incredible rate. His fielding is also exceptional and was ranked 9th in the world.

In 2007, Yousuf was planning to join the Indian Cricket League, but if he did, he wouldn’t be allowed to play for the Pakistani team. In light of this he changed his mind at the last cricket betting second, and signed up with the Pakistan Cricket Board. A few months later, he joined the IPL, who was in an ongoing battle with the ICL. This led to him being banned in November of 2008 by the Pakistan Cricket Board. He then quit the ICL, and was allowed back to the PCB for the 2009 Test series in Sri Lanka.

Said Yousuf in a statement back in March, regarding his involvement with the Lahore Premier League, “I plan to play domestic cricket this season but right now international cricket is not on my mind. If I do plan to return I will target the Test and one-day series against South Africa later this year in the UAE.”

I guess now that he has been accepted back into the PCB, his domestic game will be put on the back burner, but who can say what this great of a cricketer will do after November.

Hussey not keen on 40-over matches

Mike Hussey says he is no fan of 40-over cricket, confirming player concerns about Cricket Australia's (CA) mooted change of the domestic limited overs format for next summer.

The CA board of directors met in Melbourne on Friday to discuss the prospect of radically altering the domestic limited overs format to four 20-over innings, or possibly two 40-over innings as is the case in England and South Africa.

But players and coaches appear united in their concern about such drastic change so close to the 2011 World Cup - in 50-over format - to be held on the Indian subcontinent.

Hussey, having played the 40-over format in England, says it is no substitute for 50-over matches.

"I know in England they play a 40-over competition," Hussey told the radio station SEN.

"I'm personally not a fan of it.

"In international cricket you play 50 overs and with the World Cup it's 50-over cricket and in Australia we're hosting a World Cup in 2015.

"I'm really keen to stick with the 50-over format. It is a lot different.

"That extra 10 overs is a lot different in the way you go about the game and I'd like to see us stick to the 50-over format."

Backing up Hussey was Tasmania captain and Australia squad member George Bailey.

"I'd like to think that six or seven months out from a World Cup, they wouldn't tinker with one-day cricket too much," Bailey said.

"I think while there's a World Cup still to be played for we'd better keep practicing that."

Australian Cricketers' Association chairman Darren Lehmann has said there would need to be much discussion of the issue before anything new is put in place.

"We're certainly concerned about that, there will need to be some thorough discussion, obviously quite quickly since we're talking about next season," Lehmann said this week.

"We're happy they're talking about reviewing the game and improving it, as far as how far they go, that has got to be discussed at length.

"Maybe reducing the overs to 40 per side is not a bad start, whether we can do two 20 over innings is something we need to discuss.

"My personal preference is to go to 40 overs per side, but I'm open to all ideas to improve the game."

World Cup to sell football in cricket-mad India

Football is slowly taking off in cricket-mad India and the World Cup is set to give the game another lift in the country of a billion-plus people.

Global football bosses view the South Asian giant as a new frontier; the game is popular in a few pockets in the south and east, but in most of the country is eclipsed by the national obsession with batting and bowling.

There are signs that football is growing in popularity, however, and not just in city parks and the countryside, where kick-arounds can often be glimpsed alongside ubiquitous cricket.

Bill Adams, a former community coach in England, started a training centre in New Delhi 12 years ago with just eight children and now counts about 200 enthusiastic wannabees in his Super Soccer Academy at weekends.

"We never expected the kind of response that we got from children across various age groups," he says. "There is huge interest among the kids and most of them aspire to be professionals when they grow up."

Adams is also a regular at various city schools, which have started taking a special interest in the game, viewing it as a more physically demanding activity for students and one involving little or no extra cost.

Football's growing popularity is reflected in TV viewing figures which have risen steadily in the past few years, according to a recent report by TAM Media Research.

"Among non-cricket sports, football is at number one in India," says the report. "There are 83 million football viewers in the country and 55 percent of them watch domestic leagues.

"The game has attracted 60 percent more audiences in the last five years and three times the number of advertisers since 2005."

The numbers are encouraging considering India's national team is placed a lowly 133 in the international rankings, sandwiched between Fiji and Bermuda.

The team has at least mounted a string of promising performances of late and qualified to play in the Asian Cup in Qatar in 2011 after a gap of 24 years.

The news media report on the national team in major tournaments and follow the English Premier League with interest, although nothing compares to cricket and its biggest stars -- revered as celebrities and demi-gods.

The recent signing of attacker Sunil Chhetri by the Kansas City Wizards in the US Major League Soccer (MLS) has also raised hopes that other players will break through internationally.

"People outside are taking Indian players seriously now," says Abhishek Yadav, who plays for Mumbai FC in the I-League, India's top-tier professional league, which was launched in 2007.

"The Indian team has been performing well in the last two to three years. Most of our players have the requisite qualities. It is just that we lack international exposure."

Asia is a key market for the world's biggest clubs, with English Premier League sides regularly undertaking summer promotional tours to the far-eastern nations of China, Japan and Singapore.

India also had a taste of European football when Kolkata hosted top German side Bayern Munich in 2008 for a farewell match for former German international goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.

In another sign of the potential, Manchester United has opened a branded sports bar in Mumbai.

The game's bosses at FIFA have repeatedly stressed that football's future is in the east.

"The time to start is now," FIFA chief Sepp Blatter said on his first official visit to India in 2008. "I want to wake the sleeping giant."

A growing economy, burgeoning middle classes with disposable income and leisure time, and increasing numbers of households with televisions all add up to making the underdeveloped Indian market highly promising.

"FIFA and AFC (Asian Football Confederation) are very keen to bring India in the Asian mainstream," Jaydeep Basu, a noted football critic, told AFP.

"India are placed 19 in Asia and sidelined at the moment. But if they can manage to be among the top-10, they can start playing against countries like Japan and South Korea.

"Once this happens, it will bring a lot of revenue for everyone. More big-pocket sponsors will be willing to pump in money into the game in the form of club, title and FIFA sponsorship."

Cricket Australia considers new 40-over format

Cricket Australia is considering introducing a completely new limited-overs format as soon as next season, in what could be another nail in the coffin of the 50-over game. The Australian has reported that the CA board will this week discuss a domestic tournament of 40-over games, with each team to bat for two innings of 20 overs.

In effect, the format would resemble two Twenty20 matches played back to back, although wickets lost and runs scored would accumulate over the full 40 overs. The existing 50-over FR Cup is likely to be played at the start of the upcoming Australian summer with the new competition, if approved, set to take place in the new year.

Such a move would raise questions over the future of the World Cup, with England and South Africa already having reduced their domestic limited-overs tournaments to 40 overs. Making the change so close to next year's World Cup could also rob some players of practice in the 50-over format, although Australia's ODI team will continue playing the longer games.

"We're certainly concerned about that, there will need to be some thorough discussion, obviously quite quickly since we're talking about next season," Darren Lehmann, the president of the Australian Cricketers' Association, told AAP. "We're happy they're talking about reviewing the game and improving it, as far as how far they go, that has got to be discussed at length.

"Maybe reducing the overs to 40 per side is not a bad start, whether we can do two 20 over innings is something we need to discuss. My personal preference is to go to 40 overs per side, but I'm open to all ideas to improve the game."

While Cricket Australia are reluctant to discuss the idea in detail, a CA spokesman said there was no reason to be concerned ahead of Australia's World Cup defence. "Our view is that you can change the domestic format without affecting preparations for the World Cup," the spokesman said.

Sehwag continues to be number one Test batsman

Flamboyant Virender Sehwag maintained his number one position in the ICC rankings for Test batsmen and India also held on to its top spot in the latest chart.

Sehwag is leading the list with 863 points and is followed by South Africa's Hashim Amla (842) and Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene (836).

Left-handed opener Gautam Gambhir (824) and batting great Sachin Tendulkar (805) are the other two Indian batsmen in top-10 at number six and seven positions respectively.

VVS Laxman (14) and Rahul Dravid (16) also had their rankings unchanged.

In the bowlers list, India have two players in the top-10 with paceman Zaheer Khan placed at number six followed by spinner Harbhajan Singh.

In the teams' list, India are at the top with 124 points followed by South Africa (120) and Australia (119).

Cricket an easy target for match-fixers: Gilchrist

Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has claimed cricket to be an easy target for match-fixers.

Even though Gilchrist denied coming across such an incident in his career, he said it would be “naive” to assume that match-fixing is not taking place in cricket.

The Australian is in England to play for Middlesex in the Friends Provident Twenty20.

“It’s been discussed among players in the IPL (Indian Premier League) — more wondering whether it goes on,” Gilchrist was quoted as saying in Daily Telegraph.

“There’s a strong thought that we’d be naive to think it’s not happening, because it’s a pretty easy target. There’s a lot of accessibility to players and it’s early in its governance.

“We all hope that it’s not there, but there’s a wide range of players who are exposed to those games. We’ve got to try and police it.”

Gilchrist, however, said there is no evidence that match-fixing or spot-fixing, where players are paid to influence a small aspect of the game, takes place. Last month Essex’s bowlers Danish Kaneria and Mervyn Westfield were arrested over alleged irregularities during a Pro40 game last season, and have been bailed out until September.

“I’d be concerned if it was happening, but I haven’t seen anything concrete to say it is,” he said.

“You need evidence, and I’ve not seen any. I hear suggestions and whispers, and this stuff that’s come out — police coming and arresting players — is pretty hardcore. But unless you get evidence and have something to back it up, it all means nothing. So all the speculation is not good for the game, either.”

Sri Lanka acclimatise to a new venue

A relaxed and refreshed Sri Lanka are looking forward to the new experience of playing in the United States this weekend, according to the batsman Mahela Jayawardene. It's a week since they lost their World Twenty20 semi-final to the eventual champions England, and while the time off wasn't exactly part of their plan it has given them time to focus on this weekend's Twenty20s against New Zealand in Florida.

"We wouldn't have wanted to have that much downtime, obviously we would have wanted to go all the way in the tournament," Jayawardene said. "After a long season it's been good time off for some of the guys to recuperate and get their rehab and strengthening done before we start all over again.

"Miami is a new place for all of us. Most of the guys haven't been to the States. We've had a look around, went to a baseball game. I'm looking forward to it. It looks like a very decent venue. It's something different, going out of your routine of playing against top nations in venues you're quite familiar with. It will be good fun."

The matches on Saturday and Sunday will be the first internationals held in the United States. The venue, Central Broward Park in Lauderhill, is an impressive looking stadium and Ross Taylor, the New Zealand batsman, said the conditions at the ground were a mystery to the players.

"The wicket is under cover at the moment," Taylor said. "There's a New Zealand groundsman here looking after it and preparing it. To be honest, we don't really know what to expect but I'm sure it will be a decent Twenty20 wicket."

The stadium was opened in November 2007 and it has taken a strategic partnership between New Zealand Cricket and the USA Cricket Association for top-level teams to finally make the trip to Florida. Don Lockerbie, the chief executive of the USACA, hopes this series will be the first of many to be held in the US.

"We've been waiting a long time for this," Lockerbie said. "This is part of what we've been calling Destination USA. We took, with the board's help, a view to try and bring in the best teams in the world and show that the United States is open for business as far as cricket is concerned.

"We have the stadiums, the only full- fledged cricket stadium in North America. With other temporary improvements it could one day hold up to 20,000 people. We're hoping we can get a good crowd this weekend and fill it up to 5000 to 8000 seats a game and show that down the road we want to see more teams come and play and get the whole US experience and the cricket experience can grow in the US."

England celebrate emphatic Twenty20 triumph

England, still the spiritual home of cricket, had not won a limited overs world title till Sunday evening. Since then, this island's cricketing fraternity has not stopped celebrating Paul Collingwood-led team's most emphatic triumph in the ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies.

For decades, English cricket lovers have moaned about the marginalisation of the game in Britain's sports media, as football increasingly hogged the headlines. But in a number of UK papers on Monday, cricket was not merely the banner heading in the sports section, but the main photo feature on the front page. "England lift the World Cup!" was the caption in the Guardian, with an apologetic note in brackets saying, "OK, it's only Twenty20".

In its sports segment, the Guardian blared: "England conquer the world." The Daily Telegraph thundered: "England fearless and peerless." In an accompanying tribute to the former Zimbabwean batsman and England's coach Andy Flower, it declared: "Flower power fuels England rise."

It's a patently heady moment even for a country tied to tradition, where Test cricket still matters most, without ignoring the entertainment value of shorter varieties. With the Gillette Cup in the 1960s, England introduced one-day cricket. Earlier this decade, they launched Twenty20. Then came WT20 in 2007.

All these years it rankled at Lord's, property of cricket's founders, the Marylebone Cricket Club, which also houses the offices of the England Cricket Board, that half a century of innovation had been to no avail. Three times - in 1979, 1987 and 1992 - England qualified for World Cup final, but without success. In the past decade, they seemed to simply lack the aptitude for the instant stuff.

Flower, a brilliant wielder of the willow, has been in-charge for a little over a year. The results are beginning to show. Last summer, England regained the Ashes, over the winter it drew a Test series in South Africa and in the corresponding period began demonstrating greater purpose in over-limit cricket. These were no mean achievements, for they coincided with the infrequent availability and then retirement of Andrew Flintoff and a relative lack of form and long absences of Kevin Pietersen, both talismanic as well as invaluable components in the squad.

Adjudged the player of the World T20, Pietersen ominously remarked: "This team is hungry for success, we want to win."

Clinical England thrash Aussies to win T20 crown

A clinical England thrashed favourites Australia by seven wickets yesterday to clinch the World Twenty20 title and end their 35-year wait for a global cricket trophy.

After winning the toss and opting to field first, their bowlers sent Australia crashing to eight for three in the third over of the Championship final before they recovered to make 147 for six off their 20 overs.

Chasing a moderate target, England's batsmen then dominated, making light work of the run-chase to reach 148 for three with three overs to spare at Kensington Oval.

They were led by the aggressive opener Craig Kieswetter, who smashed 63 from 49 balls to earn himself Man-of-the-Match honours, and Kevin Pietersen, who carved out a carefree 47 from 31 balls.

The duo staged a dashing 111-run stand for the second wicket off just 68 balls, which erased any chance Australia had of winning after they claimed Michael Lumb for two with the score on seven in the second over of the run-chase.

Earlier, Australia's recovery was made possible by David Hussey, who cracked 59 from 54 balls with two fours and two sixes, and Cameron White, whose 30 came from 19 balls and included four fours and a six.

They posted 50 for the fourth wicket before David Hussey was joined by his elder brother, Michael, in a partnership that yielded 47 runs for the sixth wicket. Mike Hussey finished on 17 not out from 10 balls.

The loss was Australia's first of the tournament after they played unbeaten throughout the preliminary phase and the Super Eights, second round.

Australia started disastrously when the prolific Shane Watson (2) was caught at slip off the third ball of the innings with the score on two. The right-hander top-edged a slash off left-armer Ryan Sidebottom to wicketkeeper Kieswetter, who parried the catch to Graeme Swann at slips.

In the next over, a costly misjudgement cost David Warner (2) his wicket as captain Michael Clarke called for a sharp single to cover, only for Michael Lumb's throw to find Warner short of his ground at the striker's end.

India's T20 performance report submitted

Indian cricket team tour manager Ranjib Biswal on Saturday submitted his report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the team's performance at the T20 World Cup in West Indies, NDTV reported.

According to the report, the report focuses on the team's cricketing failures.

The report states that players failed to implement coach Gary Kirsten's inputs on facing short-pitch bowling.

It also says that the Indian cricketers need to play on bouncy wickets before big tournaments in order to acclimatize, the report added.

The resut of the meeting between Biswal and BCCI remains to be seen.

Indian cricket team returns home

The Indian cricket team, seven of whose members were declared "unfit" by coach Garry Kirsten, returned from its disastrous World Twenty20 campaign on Friday.

The team landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here after a 28-hour flight.


India, which had won the inaugural World T20 tournament in 2007, failed to win three of its Super Eight matches in this year's tournament.

The performance has led to many questions being asked of skipper M S Dhoni and his teammates.

On Thursday, Kirsten, reportedly slammed his players for their poor fitness levels and lack of commitment.

He pointed out that even he was fitter than some of the players and gave the players a month's time to shape up.

Kirsten also said the team was content to be number one in Tests and number two in ODIs, but had not shown enough commitment to scale the summit at the World T20.

Kirsten who has been coach of Team India since March 2008, would submit a report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the T20 World Cup performance.

Deepika comments on Dhoni Video

The Indian Premiere League's (IPL's) Pandora's Box just refuses to close.

Former Miss India Mehr Jessia, wife of actor Arjun Rampal, whose jointly-owned event management company, Chasing Ganesha, organised the much-hyped IPL nights, has not taken kindly to M S Dhoni laying part of the blame of the team's poor performance on the parties.

Under fire after India's exit in the Super 8s stage of the ongoing World T20, the Indian skipper said on Wednesday that the team's jaded performance could, in part, be attributed to the glitzy IPL post-match parties and the extensive travelling during the league.

"I have been watching television and have heard what is being said about the IPL nights. Dhoni is welcome to blame these nights. I do not need to stand up and defend them," Mehr said, promising that she would talk when the time is right, but added, "Today, this has become a joke. The IPL party nights have been misunderstood. But, well, if people are saying things, let them. I also have enough people patting my back saying it (the IPL nights) was a job well done."

"A lot of foreign players attended these IPL nights and their teams are doing brilliantly in the T20 World Cup. What about them? Even the common man has the same question," Mehr further pointed out.

Rubbishing claims that a clause in the players' IPL contracts forced them to attend the parties, Mehr said, "Nobody can force any sportsman to attend the parties. Some players did not attend the IPL nights. It was not binding on them."

"I think it is very demeaning. Now, it is all about 'let us blame late night matches and parties.' Where was this thought when the players took the cheque for the IPL -- they always knew there were late night matches," she said.

When asked about allegations of womanising and alcohol being served in large quantities at the parties, a fuming Mehr said, "Excuse me? We had a mix of international and Indian models at these parties. Besides, the players brought along their friends and families, the team owners and designers had their invitees, and the playing teams had backup personnel. So it is absolutely ridiculous to say such things. We have had great IPL nights in Ahmedabad, where not a drop of liquor was served."

Mehr also slammed allegations that players did not have time to recover from parties. "I challenge you to show me any itinerary in which a team had a match, attended a late night party and then had to play the next morning. They all had a break in between, so these accusations are absolute rubbish."

The media did not escape the supermodel's ire either. In fact, it came in for rather pointed criticism. "People, including, the press, need to get the facts right. A lot of negativity has crept in about these parties, also because the press was not allowed to attend them. We had done this keeping in mind that the parties would not be the proper forum for the players to be asked questions or interviewed."

When asked about the fashion shows, with leggy models sashaying down the runways at these events, Mehr said, "Yes, we had fashion shows. A lot of players wanted to buy things for their wives and families. It was all done in good spirit. You know, cricket and Bollywood entertainment are on the same platform. The IPL nights were a great success, even if I do say that myself. They were a good way for the players to have a break and chill out."

"What the IPL nights meant to do was to bring the cricket fan closer to the player. We have had some fabulous parties and, when the time is right, I will bring the entire group of people behind the nights' success together to talk about them," Mehr signed off.

India Takes on Sri Lanka Hoping to Set Things Right

India clashes with Sri Lanka in the group F after a ray of hope still exists for their entry into the semifinals of the ICC T20 world cup at the Beausejour stadium. India’s chances had been severelt lowered after successive defeats from Australia and West Indies. They lost tothe Aussies by 49 runs, and to the Caribbeans by 14 runs.

India vs Sri Lanka should see the former win by a high margin, but at the same time, Australia will have to outplay West Indies convincingly for India to boost their chances. This would enable to consider the net run-rate in deciding the fate of three- India, Sri Lanka and theWest Indies for the semi-finals. India’s batsmen had failed to deliver causing their run rate to slump down drastically. They will have to prudently execute their batting skills to get over the sharp attack from the opponent’s bowlers, especially after their failure in managing the short-pitched deliveries. However the less-bouncy pitch is expected to come to their aid.

At the same time leaving their defeat at the back seat, Lanka is hoping to set things right and turn the run rate in their favor. They have high expectations from players like Lasith Malinga, Chanaka Welagedara and Angelo Mathews. They are confident of their win and expect themselves to play against England in the first semifinal. In toto, India vs Sri Lanka encounter is a clash between the desparates.

Swann backing Bopara

England spinner Graeme Swann is backing Ravi Bopara to step up to the mark and fill the void left by Kevin Pietersen.

Bopara is set to replace homeward-bound Pietersen in the line-up to face New Zealand in the final Super Eights game at the ICC World Twenty20.

Pietersen has been in imperious form in the wins over Pakistan and South Africa, however he will miss the clash with the Black Caps as his wife Jessica is due to give birth.

Pietersen is expected to return in time for Thursday's semi-final, should England progress, however Swann believes Bopara is the ideal candidate to come into the side.

Swann said: "It's obviously a loss not to have Kevin for the next game. But after winning these last two, it probably makes it a little bit easier.

"We've got Ravi to come back, who in this form of the game can be as destructive as anyone - even Kev.

"He'll come in and stake a claim to be involved. If we qualify for the semi-final he'll want to get a spot in it.

"It's obviously disappointing to miss Kev. But I think everyone in the squad understands why, and we're 100 per cent behind him."

If Pietersen has provided the impetus with the bat, it is Swann's partnership with Michael Yardy that has been the highlight of England's bowling.

Together, the spin twins ripped out the South African top order in Barbados - and Swann has been full of praise of the Sussex captain.

"We don't talk on the field. It's all done beforehand," added Swann.

"We go out there knowing exactly what we've got to do, who to do it to, and when to do it.

"He certainly doesn't say anything to the batsmen; he gets on with his game. He just runs up and does his job.

"I'm sure he's annoying to a few batsmen at the minute, because he keeps getting them out."

Afghans in search of new horizons after T20 heroics

Barbados — Afghanistan coach Kabir Khan wants professional teams around the world to help his players build on their performances at the World Twenty20.

Afghanistan bowed out of the tournament with a 59-run loss to South Africa after being dismissed for 80 as they collapsed in the face of hostile fast bowling from Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn.

But earlier they held the Proteas to 139 for seven, a decent effort in any terms and one all the more impressive given some Afghanistan players only took up the game a few years ago and that the side were recently competing against the likes of Jersey and Denmark.

Afghanistan fast bowler Hamid Hassan, who took three wickets for 21 runs against South Africa and then struck 22, featuring two huge sixes, has been on the Young Cricketer scheme run by Lord's based Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)

Mean while off-spinning all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has played domestic cricket in Pakistan.

Khan, himself a former Pakistan pace bowler, said: "In Afghanistan the team was already heroes, but it was good to see them on the television and they have been exposed.

"As a coach that's what I'm happy about because we want them to play tough professional cricket in other countries with a contract in South Africa, Australia, England or India.

"If you want to get used to facing the likes of Steyn or Morkel or anyone on top of the world they have to play against them in domestic cricket.

"We haven't got a domestic structure in Afghanistan (the security situation in the country makes matches there a rarity) and preparing for a World Cup for three or four weeks isn't enough.

"We want all the big cricket countries to help us in that. We've got talent, the boys are quite ready and they are quick learners.

"They (other nations) could invite players for training camps, they could invite them into the domestic games as professional or semi-professional we don't mind but they should play cricket."

Meanwhile Afghanistan Nowroz Mangal was proud of the way his played against South Africa.

"We bowled and fielding really well to restrict South Africa to 139 as they have a lot of good players, but they bowled really well.

"They were really quick, bowling at 90mph and there was swing as well so it was very difficult for our batsmen to face them. But it was a good experience for us." I think the whole past two years has been their experience.

"With each stage they are going a step higher.

"As a coach I am quite satisfied with their performance against two top nations in the world.

"Against India (where opener Noor Ali made 50 in a total of 115 in St Lucia last week) there was all sorts of pressure on them, there was television, there were the big stars, there was the crowd and they coped with it very well.

"Today (Wednesday) to restrict a batting line-up like South Africa to 139 is a big achievement so there are all sorts of pluses for them.

"The key is they need to be exposed to that pressure again and again and then they'll get used to it.

"We were talking about practising for the pace bowlers and on a bowling machine you can put it to 90mph but you can?t have Dale Steyn bowling at you and swinging the ball.

"So you have to face those bowlers to get the experience. Because my team are quick learners when they play against South Africa or India again they will do much better."

Twenty20 World Cup: New Zealand enters Super Eight

New Zealand entered the Super 8 stage in T20 World Cup with a victory over Zimbabwe in a rain-hit match tonight. Sri Lanka too reached the Super 8 from Group B.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first. Zimbabwe bowled out for 84 in 15.1 overs. Tatenda Taibu was the top scorer with 21, while Hamilton Masakadza made 20.

For New Zealand, Nathan McCullum and Scott Styris took 3 wickets each, while Daniel Vettori took 2 wickets. Chasing a victory target of 85, New Zealand were 36/1 in 8.1 overs, when rain stopped play.

The match could not be resumed and New Zealand were declared winner by 7 runs as per the D/L method. Nathan McCullum was adjudged "Man of the Match".

West Indies support England's call for Duckworth/Lewis review

West Indies captain Chris Gayle expressed his sympathy for England and supported Paul Collingwood's call for a review of the Duckworth/Lewis system in the Twenty20 game following their eight-wicket win.

England captain Collingwood called for urgent attention to be turned on the D/L method in the game after his team suffered an undeserved defeat to the West Indies in their World Twenty20 group opener.

It left England needing to beat Ireland today to ensure their place in the Super Eights.

West Indies faced a difficult chase of 192 on a slow pitch which was eventually cut to 60 from six overs because of heavy rain.

With the hosts restarting after the rain on 30 for no loss, they needed only 30 more off 22 balls with 10 wickets in hand. A target they met with only ball to spare.

"I'm happy, but it's just unfortunate for England," Gayle said following their victory which booked them a spot in the Super Eights.

"I would support what Collingwood said. I could have been in the same position as well.

"It's something that can be addressed, so it can be 'even Stevens' for both teams in the future."

One of Duckworth-Lewis's advantages is that when a game is being threatened by rain the system is flexible enough for the target to change depending upon the number of wickets lost, rewarding the fielding side for dismissing opposition batsmen.

Now though the problem seems to be when play resumes after a rain break and the team batting second is left with a fixed target in a compressed number of overs that bears little relation to the first innings total.

Indian Cricket Team Goes to West Indies for ICC T20 World Cup

The Indian Cricket Team has left for West Indies to play the ICC T20 World Cup which kicks off on April 30. The Indian Skipper, Mahindra Singh Dhoni has expressed confidence in his side to put up a good show at the tournament.

With Virender Sehwag injured and out of the side, doubts have been raised about the recently concluded IPL season affecting the team’s performance in the World Cup. However the captain believes that the side is equipped enough with talent to lift the World Cup this year.

On the IPL front, skeletons just keep tumbling out of the closet. The newly appointed IPL interim chief Chirayu Amin has said that the BCCI made a mistake by placing too much confidence in Lalit Modi. He added that the Governing Council should have been more vigilant.

Moving away from cricket, Shahabad Academy and Madhya Pradesh hockey academy have entered the semi-finals of the All-India Women’s hockey tournament being played at the Aishbagh Stadium in Bhopal. Shahabad Academy defeated Orissa XI 3-2 in a closely contested match.

Murli Vijay replaces Sehwag for T20 World Cup

Team India opening batsman Virender Sehwag has been forced out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2010 due to a shoulder injury and he has been replaced by Tamil Nadu batsman Murali Vijay in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup tournament that will start from April 30.

TEAM INDIA opening batsman Virender Sehwag has been forced out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2010 due to a shoulder injury and he has been replaced by Tamil Nadu batsman Murali Vijay in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup tournament that will start from April 30.

Sehwag was injured during a match of the Indian Premier League, while playing for the Delhi Daredevils. The ace cricketer has been asked to take rest for 3 to 4 weeks, thus ruling him out of the T20 world cup tournament.

ICC selectors have picked up Tamil Nadu and and Chennai Super Kings batsman Murali Vijay to replace Sehwag. Gautam Gambhir has been the vice captain of the team.

This is a shocking news for Team India because Virender Sehwag is a crucial member of team and he was also an important player in the Indian victory in T20 world Cup in South Africa.

A similar injury to Sehwag had rocked India's campaign in the previous edition of the Twenty20 world cup in England. Although he travelled along with the team, he did not play a game there.
The T20 World Cup will start from April 30 in the West Indies.

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IPL 2010 has been brilliant

The buffeting the IPL impresario, Lalit Modi, is encountering off the field replicates the harsh treatment most of the competition's bowlers have been experiencing on it.

Run rates are climbing ever higher and the distances some of the tournament's 573 sixes have travelled almost beggar belief.

During a spectacular run chase in the foothills of the Himalayas a week ago, Chennai Super Kings captain, MS Dhoni, deposited one ball 108 metres. The same hit at Lord's would have comfortably cleared the pavilion (or the media centre), dwarfing the shot made by AE Trott there in 1899 which is still denoted in Wisden as the record hit in an official match.

Inside the grounds, and on television too, the all-hitting all-dancing IPL has again been a phenomenon. Viewing figures have been impressive and stadiums have been packed with excited fans, drawn by the IPL's seductive combination of pop, sport and Bollywood.

The melodrama of the matches, fortunes lurching one way then the other, has often mirrored the plot of a Bollywood movie. That is the IPL's winning formula – every match has the real sense of an event – and there is nothing else in the sub-continent to compete with it. It delivers what the burgeoning Indian middle-class crave – western-style entertainment. For that simple reason the IPL will continue to thrive, in spite of all the off-field machinations.

The 60-match tournament is too long and the relentless schedule is draining for the participants relentlessly criss-crossing India, but there were few uncompetitive games and new stars were unearthed. India now has a new generation of destructive batsmen. Lots more will be heard of the audacious Murali Vijay, the frisky Suresh Raina and the elegant Rohit Sharma. One or two interesting bowlers emerged too, notably off-spinner Ravichandra Ashwin.

Chennai had the best indigenous young players and that is the secret of success in the IPL, never mind all the lavish spending on foreign players.

Despite energy-sapping conditions, the cricket has been intense, making it hard for 'retired' great players such as Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and Shane Warne to prosper. Warne is weighing up his options and may well call it a day. Rattling along at breakneck speed, the IPL is no country for old men.

To a man the players seem energised by the IPL, making light of the demands, even though there are vast discrepancies in salaries. While many of the foreign players are earning at least £30,000 a week, some of the Indians are being exploited. But, no matter, every dressing room is abuzz with ideas and ambitions. Paul Collingwood reports that his Delhi Daredevils training sessions are the best he has ever experienced.

Now that rival international teams rarely socialise with each other, the IPL has been invaluable in re-establishing the global cricketing brotherhood. With coaches and trainers recruited from far and wide it is a cricketing crucible. Whatever fate befalls the originators, it has fast-tracked the sport to remarkable new heights.

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Heroes of IPL 2010: Chennai Super Kings

CHENNAI SUPER Kings, now the kings of India, bagged the IPL trophy in the final against Mumbai Indians on their own ground among there own supporters.

With nearly forty thousand people of crowd on the galleries shouting Sachin… Sachin, it was a tough fight given by the CSK to beat the Mumbai Indians.

The main highlights of CSK

CSK did not have major star players.

There is no Bollywood stars and biggies like Amabani, Vijay Mallya , Shahrukh Khan, Preeti Zinta, Shilpa Shetty and others to stand on the boundary line and to shout- ‘come on boys come on’. But still CSK made it!

Even though there were ups and downs in the competition, the spirit of the game has been maintained entirely throughout the tournament by the CSK team. Player like Suresh Raina have helped in an exceptionally great way to maintain the spirit of the team.

The captain’s duty is not only to make victories, but most importantly he needs to make his team believe that we can make victories and that is how Dhoni is differentiated from other captains.

Cheers! Chennai Super Kings.

IPL: Lalit Modi out, Chirayu Amin takes over

Two hours, 12 men - that's what it took to formally endorse the decision to suspend Lalit Modi as Chairman and Commissioner of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The interim chief of the IPL is Chirayu Amin.

The Governing Council of the IPL met this morning in Mumbai to discuss the 22 charges of impropriety that were served last night, via email, to Modi, seconds after the Chennai Super-Kings won IPL3. (Read: 22 charges of financial crimes against Modi)

Modi stands accused, in a 34-page notice, of allegedly consistent venality - including accepting a multi-million dollar kickback while assigning the telecast rights for IPL matches, and attempting to rig the bids for the two new IPL teams that were auctioned last month. (Watch: IPL saga - Rise and fall of Lalit Modi)

By suspending Modi last night, the BCCI ensured that he would not be able to attend this morning's meeting. The decision came after Modi added yet another twist to the high-drama IPL tale, stating, on twitter, that he would chair the Governing Council meeting. Modi had earlier said he would not attend the meeting. (Read: BCCI president explains Modi's suspension)

The only members of the governing council who were not at Monday's meeting were Modi, politician Farooq Abdullah, who said he needs to be in Parliament.

Speaking to NDTV immediately after his suspension last night, Modi said, "Are they so scared of me attending the meeting? Are they so scared of the truth?" Modi has 15 days to respond to the 34-page chargesheet. At the closing ceremony for IPL 3 last night, Modi channeled his quintessential bravado to assert that he is the undisputed leader of the IPL and that no financial misdeeds were committed. Referring to himself as "Captain of the team", he said that all deals had included the approval of the Governing Council. (Modi to NDTV: Are they afraid of the truth?) | (Read: Text of Modi's speech after IPL final)

The members of that governing council don't quite see it that way. Its world view suggests that Modi functioned as a lone ranger, striking deals that benefited largely himself. For example, the council says it was not privy to Modi's complicated negotiation of the telecast rights for IPL matches for which an 80 million dollar "facilitation fee" or commission was paid by Multi-Screen Media (MSM) to World Sports Group (WSG), which held the global broadcast rights. Mod, who brokered that deal, is accused by the BCCI of siphoning off a part of this money. (Both MSM and WSG have emphasized that the commission was a part of their official contract, and that no financial rules were broken. Income tax officials investigating the deal believe that at the very least, 140 crores in tax is due for that giant commission).

The BCCI also makes the equally damaging accusation that Modi tried to rig the bids for the two franchises that were sold last month. He was stopped, they say, by BCCI members.

The BCCI is now conducting an internal inquiry against Modi.

What remains a gray area is why the BCCI has waited so long to pin Modi down, if it was aware all along of at least some of the grotesqueries he was committing. Trying to rig an auction of teams is, by any standards, a colossal no-no. So why did the BCCI wait to out him?

IPL 2 hit by match-fixing, betting allegations

Serious concerns that matches were fixed during the second season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) add to the growing belief that it s truly Apocalypse Now for Indian cricket.

Sources confirm to NDTV that 27 cricketers are being investigated for match-fixing during IPL 2. In a report submitted to the Finance Ministry, income tax officials discuss allegations of betting involving IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi.

The owners of different IPL teams have expressed their unhappiness with reports of match-fixing; they want clarifications as soon as possible.

The IPL, earlier celebrated as an infusion of cricket, fans, and Bollywood has been passing through its darkest hour, ever since IPL Chairman unloaded on twitter revelations that forced Shashi Tharoor to resign as minister, PUT Modi s own job on the line, and forced Parliament to confront the very real possibility of senior politicians holding dangerously vested interest in a sport that is bursting at the seams with crores (the Indian cricket board is the richest in the world).

The government has ordered a wide inquiry involving the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate. Among the charges are foreign exchange violations, tax evasions, proxy ownership of different teams, and sweet deals for relatives and friends of politicians and cricket organizers and administrators.

In an interview to NDTV, IPL Governing Council member Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi said that of the many problems that the IPL is riddled with, it s the prospect of match-fixing that worries him the most.

Mumbai Indians storms into the final

Mumbai Indians stormed into the final of the DLF-IPL III defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 35 runs at the D.Y. Patil Stadium here on Wednesday.

Ross Taylor (31 not out, 30 balls) staged a lone battle as the visitor, chasing 185 for a place in the final, crumbled to 149 for nine in 20 overs. Kieron Pollard was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match.

Sachin Tendulkar was absent owing to injury to fingers from the fourth over onwards in RCB's innings.

Zaheer Khan stepped in to fill the breach. The skipper walked out at the finish to greet each teammate with a bear hug.

Rayudu's efficiency behind the stumps, three wickets by Kieron Pollard apart from a run-out, timely strikes by Harbhajan and J.P. Duminy's well-judged catch on the ropes were the highlights of Mumbai Indians's work on the field. A berth in the Champions League is the first reward.

RCB's batting response was entrusted to Dravid the opener, orthodox yet effective in using the pace generated by Zaheer Khan. He had the presence of mind to wait for the umpire's verdict when Tendulkar celebrated a catch at first slip. The Mumbai Indians captain walked off for treatment on injured fingers as the television umpire negated the catch.

Harbhajan's knack of making things happen, complemented by Rayudu's reflexes behind the stumps, resulted in Pietersen's exit. The off-spinner saw the batsman stepping out, bowled down the leg-side and the wicket-keeper finished the task with a flourish, diving sideways to take the bails off.

Uthappa left after a short burst, sweeping sixes off Harbhajan. Mumbai Indians appeared to have turned the tide when a fine piece of fielding by Pollard ran out Dravid (23 runs, 22 balls), collecting a throw from R. Sathish and flinging his body forward to effect a diving run-out, leaving RCB still to get a grip on the chase at the half-way mark (83 for two in 10 overs). Rayudu then latched on to an edge by Kohli.

Rayudu and Saurabh Tiwary, busy as bees earlier at the crease, put on 67 runs off 49 balls in a fifth-wicket stand when the RCB bowlers were on top.

Rayudu started with an imperious drive over the bowler's head, then scored 40 off 38 balls creating the launchpad for the big-hitters to follow. Tiwary cleared the ball with huge swings, using the bat like a sledgehammer for four sixes.

Mumbai Indians scored 184 for five thanks to a five-over blast from Tiwary and some clean-hitting by Pollard (33 not out off 13 balls). The West Indian smashed three sixes.

Mumbai Indians got a reality check about life without Tendulkar. The captain stretched outside the offstump to drive a Dale Steyn ball swinging away, scooped towards cover for Taylor to stun the home crowd into silence with a low, rolling catch. Kohli's sharp reaction cut short Shikhar Dhawan's short stint as five overs resulted in 39 runs and loss of both the openers.

Duminy's apprehensions against spin came true, startled by bounce from Kumble, angled across the left-hander. Pietersen kept plugging away at the other end, bowling flat and denying the batsmen pace off the track. Rayudu and Tiwary were patient, working the ball around for singles to rotate strike.

Tendulkar opted to bat after winning the toss, but Mumbai Indians gained momentum in the 14th over bowled by Kohli.

Tiwary cleared mid-wicket with a huge swing across for the first six as the home team crossed the 100-run milestone. He stepped out for his second six, a huge swing over long-on off Kallis in the 16th over.

The scores:

Mumbai Indians: S. Dhawan (run out) 12 (9b, 2x4), S. Tendulkar c Taylor b Steyn 9 (9b, 2x4), A. Nayar c Praveen b Pietersen 22 (18b, 2x4), A. Rayudu c Kallis b Steyn 40 (38b, 4x4), J-P. Duminy c Pietersen b Kumble 3 (4b), S. Tiwary (not out) 52 (31b, 3x4, 4x6), K. Pollard (not out) 33 (13b, 1x4, 3x6), Extras (lb-2, nb-2, w-9) 13; Total (for five wickets in 20 overs) 184.

Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-29, 3-68, 4-77, 5-144.

Royal Challengers Bangalore bowling: Praveen 3-0-29-0, Steyn 4-0-43-2, Vinay 2-0-25-0, Kallis 2-0-25-0, Kumble 4-0-30-1, Pietersen 4-0-20-1, Kohli 1-0-10-0.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: J. Kallis c Rayudu b Malinga 11 (9b, 2x4), R. Dravid (run out) 23 (22b, 3x4), K. Pietersen st. Rayudu b Harbhajan 19 (14b, 2x4), R. Uthappa c Dhawan b Pollard 26 (13b, 2x4, 2x6), R. Taylor (not out) 31 (30b, 1x4, 1x6), V. Kohli c Rayudu b Pollard 9 (7b, 1x4), M. Pandey c Duminy b Pollard 5 (9b), Praveen b Harbhajan 1 (2b), Vinay b Malinga 8 (8b), D. Steyn b Fernando 5 (5b, 1x4), A. Kumble (not out) 1 (2b), Extras (nb-1, w-7, lb-2) 10; Total (for nine wickets in 20 overs) 149.

Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-47, 3-81, 4-81, 5-97, 6-108, 7-118, 8-134, 9-146.

Mumbai Indians bowling: Zaheer 4-0-34-0, Fernando 4-0-28-1, Malinga 4-0-24-2, Harbhajan 4-0-44-2, Pollard 4-0-17-3.

SRK's kids bat for Kolkata

Poor Shah Rukh Khan. His valiant Kolkata team began firing at the wrong moment. It is all over for Saurav Ganguly and his merry men, the thumping victories against Shilpa Shetty’s Rajasthan team on Saturday and Nita Ambani’s Mumbai team on Monday, notwithstanding. Both victories were gained at the Eden.

Which, it seems, is SRK’s happy hunting ground suddenly. But the Bollywood Badshah need not worry about future IPLs because new blood is already being introduced in the Twenty20 tournament. SRK and Gauri’s kids Aryan and Suhana are showing a turn for cricket that should do the Kolkata team proud years ahead. Aryan already excels in football, but Suhana came as a revelation. If cricket is taken care of, who’s going to get into King Khan’s Bollywood shoes is what the actor should worry about next.

Shifting of IPL semi-finals venue comforting

Australian Cricketers' Association boss Paul Marsh has said that the shifting of the IPL semi-finals venue was really comforting in the wake of two crude bomb blasts outside Bangalore's Chinnawamy Stadium on Saturday.

Marsh believes Australian players will be given adequate protection during the final week of the Indian Premier League.

"We're still scratching our heads, given all the concerns leading in to this event, how what happened could happen. We flagged our concerns before the tournament started. We had our security consultant, Reg Dickason, review [the IPL plans] and they were solid plans," Marsh said.

"The question was always going to be around the implementation of the plans. That's still the issue as we head to the last part of the tournament. You've just got to hope they follow through on everything they said they'll follow through on from here on in," The Age quoted him, as saying.

Marsh said the ACA was not fully satisfied by the explanations about the security breach in Bangalore, but supported the decision prompted by a report from IPL security group, Nicholls-Steyn, to move the matches to the DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Adam Gilchrist, Ryan Harris, Matthew Hayden and Cameron White are among the Australians who will take part in the semi-finals of the IPL.