DANIEL TOWN, March 6: Marlon Samuels may be at the centre of an ICC and police investigation into alleged links with an Indian bookmaker, but his main aim right now is to become a match-winner for West Indies. Samuels revealed that West Indies captain Brian Lara has called for some of the other players to put their hands up and become match winners, and he is intent on grabbing his chance. "I am aware of it, the captain spoke to me, and he said he is looking for match winners, and I told him I have no problem doing that," Samuels said. "The captain asked for match winners and he is giving me the chance, and I'm relishing the opportunity. I see this as hard work plus opportunity now paying off for me." Samuels has had some success in the last three limited-overs internationals West Indies have won. His scores have been 100 not out against Pakistan, 98 against India, and 100 against Kenya on Monday at the Trelawny Multi Purpose Stadium. "Batting early, it gives me a chance to assess the conditions and the pitch and pace myself," he said. "It's difficult to score a lot of runs batting at number seven and eight. I love batting early. You get to express yourself and set up your team. "In the last World Cup I went in late and played only one game against Kenya, so this World Cup I am hoping I can get the opportunities to do well for my team, and put my best foot forward and ensure that my team wins. "I am not going in over-confident. I am going in as myself, backing myself, and staying positive." Samuels says he is filled with a level of pride when he does well and West Indies win. "You really can't ask for more than this, and it's a good feeling to score a hundred coming from a lot of distractions," he said in obvious reference to his recent troubles. "I've had a lot of distractions in my career, and I know how to take the negatives and turn them into positives. "The greatest thing was the support I have received from the people - both in Kingston and in the countryside. It was delightful." Samuels has another chance to be a West Indies match-winner, when they face India in their second warm-up match on Friday at the Trelawny Stadium.
courtesy:timesofindia
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground
Location: St. Augustine Trinidad & Tobago
Matches: warm up matches
Profile
The Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground is the premier cricket stadium in Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
The stadium is situated at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine Campus in Trinidad replaced the Brian Lara Stadium as a warm-up venue for World Cup.
This ground, along with Guaracara Park in Pointe-a-Pierre, were the two settings thought-out in place of the Brian Lara Stadium at Tarouba. The ground was chosen mainly because of the remarkable condition of the pitch and outfield.
A sum of $1.5 million had been requested from the government budget and was authorised for the refurbishment of the Sir Frank Worrell Ground.
Matches: warm up matches
Profile
The Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground is the premier cricket stadium in Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
The stadium is situated at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine Campus in Trinidad replaced the Brian Lara Stadium as a warm-up venue for World Cup.
This ground, along with Guaracara Park in Pointe-a-Pierre, were the two settings thought-out in place of the Brian Lara Stadium at Tarouba. The ground was chosen mainly because of the remarkable condition of the pitch and outfield.
A sum of $1.5 million had been requested from the government budget and was authorised for the refurbishment of the Sir Frank Worrell Ground.
| Date (March 2007) | Match | Between |
| Monday 5 | Warm-up matches | Ireland v South Africa |
| Tuesday 6 | Warm-up matches | Canada v Pakistan |
| Thursday 8 | Warm-up matches | Canada v Ireland |
| Friday 9 | Warm-up matches | Pakistan v South Africa |
Three Ws Oval
Seating Capacity: 3500
Matches : Warm up matches.
Location: Bridgetown ,Barbados
Profile
Named in memory of three great West Indies players - Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes- the 3Ws Oval is located on the grounds of the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies and will host four warm up matches of the 2007 World Cup.
A monument with the busts of the magnificent trio is found bordered by tropical flora in the park opposite the University campus.
Each of the three great players of the game were born within a couple of miles of each other and Kensington Oval and were knighted for their contributions to the game of cricket.
The 3Ws Oval is the latest addition to Barbados' cricket grounds and usually hosts local and regional matches, together with warm up matches for touring teams. The ground can seat 3,500 spectators and even has an indoor cricket school with practice nets and a small gymnasium.
Matches : Warm up matches.
Location: Bridgetown ,Barbados
Profile
Named in memory of three great West Indies players - Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes- the 3Ws Oval is located on the grounds of the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies and will host four warm up matches of the 2007 World Cup.
A monument with the busts of the magnificent trio is found bordered by tropical flora in the park opposite the University campus.
Each of the three great players of the game were born within a couple of miles of each other and Kensington Oval and were knighted for their contributions to the game of cricket.
The 3Ws Oval is the latest addition to Barbados' cricket grounds and usually hosts local and regional matches, together with warm up matches for touring teams. The ground can seat 3,500 spectators and even has an indoor cricket school with practice nets and a small gymnasium.
| Date (March 2007) | Match | Between |
| Monday 5 | Warm-up Matches | Scotland v Sri Lanka |
| Tuesday 6 | Warm-up Matches | Bangladesh v New Zealand |
| Thursday 8 | Warm-up Matches | Bangladesh v Scotland |
| Friday 9 | Warm-up Matches | New Zealand v Sri Lanka |
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
Established: 2007
Seating Capacity: 20000 (including 10,000 temporary seats)
Matches: Super-8
Location: North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda
Profile
Sir Vivian Richards stadium will have a total seating capacity for around 20,000 of which 10,000 will be permanent seats.
The venue cost an estimated $60 million to build with the construction being financed by the People's Republic of China.The stadium is strategically built on a site half-way between the capital St. John's and the VC Bird International Airport and is about 10-20 minutes drive from the capital city depending on traffic.The stadium is made up of two main stands, the North stand and the South stand, as well as other minor stands which could be permanent or temporary.The stadium is among the top four cricketing venues in the world with facilities like an underground passage ways for the cricket teams to move about, training infrastructures and media center.
Seating Capacity: 20000 (including 10,000 temporary seats)
Matches: Super-8
Location: North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda
Profile
Sir Vivian Richards stadium will have a total seating capacity for around 20,000 of which 10,000 will be permanent seats.
The venue cost an estimated $60 million to build with the construction being financed by the People's Republic of China.The stadium is strategically built on a site half-way between the capital St. John's and the VC Bird International Airport and is about 10-20 minutes drive from the capital city depending on traffic.The stadium is made up of two main stands, the North stand and the South stand, as well as other minor stands which could be permanent or temporary.The stadium is among the top four cricketing venues in the world with facilities like an underground passage ways for the cricket teams to move about, training infrastructures and media center.
| Date | Match | Between |
| March 2007 | ||
| Tuesday 27 | 25th Match | Super Eights - TBC v TBC, D2 v A1 |
| Thursday 29 | 27th Match | Super Eights - TBC v TBC, D2 v C1 |
| Saturday 31 | 29th Match | Super Eights - TBC v TBC, A1 v B2 |
| April 2007 | ||
| Monday 2 | 31st Match | Super Eights - TBC v TBC, B2 v C1 |
| Wednesday 4 | 33rd Match | Super Eights - TBC v TBC, C2 v B1 |
| Sunday 8 | 35th Match | Super Eights - TBC v TBC, A1 v C2 |
We're peaking at the right time: Yuvraj Singh
NEW DELHI, Feb 20: India's middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh was injured during the Champions Trophy campaign last year, playing a game of kho-kho at a practice session. The freak knee injury gave rise to fears that the stylish southpaw could miss the World Cup. But Yuvi was determined to get back to peak fitness before the World Cup and get some matches under his belt. He returned during the West Indies series at home, and took his time to settle down. But his unbeaten 95 against Sri Lanka in last match of the series at Visakhapatnam showed that he is back to his best. When TOI spoke to Yuvraj, he sounded optimistic about India's chances in the World Cup. Excerpts from the interview:
How does it feel to get runs after recovering from the knee injury?
It feels great. After recovering from the injury, I needed some time in the middle. In fact, both Greg (Chappell) and Rahul (Dravid) spoke to me about how I needed to bat up the order. They had suggested that No.4 would be the ideal slot for me. I am glad that I could make some runs for my team in the last match before the World Cup.
What exactly went through your mind when you went to bat in the last game against Sri Lanka?
As I said, I needed sometime in the middle and the initial target was to make 30. It was something I tried doing in the Goa match as well. Somehow, it didn't work out. But I was not too worried. In the next match, when I again got the opportunity, I didn't want to miss it. In fact, when on 29, I was a bit hesitant and consumed 5 deliveries to reach 30 and once I was in the thirties, I got back my confidence and started timing the ball well. Thereafter, I enjoyed every bit of it at the crease.
Do you have any injury worries now?
Honestly, not at all. Earlier, I was a little concerned... didn't know how I would feel when stretching for a catch or stopping a ball. Even though I played a couple of club level matches, I could only test my fitness level in my first comeback game for India. Then again, in Kolkata, I had a slight niggle in my back and I went for a routine check-up. Fortunately, the scan report was okay. Now, I am completely fit.
How is Team India shaping up for the World Cup?
We all are very excited that we have started to peak at the right time. To start with, most of our top batsmen are among runs and almost every one in the team is hungry for big scores. From the bowlers perspective, Zaheer (Khan), Ajit (Agarkar), Munaf (Patel), Sreesanth and Harbhajan (Singh) are in tremendous form and have bowled according to the field. So, the balance between batting and bowling is our main strength.
What about the fielding standards?
We are working very hard on our fielding these days. We may not be the best fielding side in the world but we have improved a lot in last couple of months. We hope to set a good standard in the World Cup.
How do you rate the other teams in the World Cup?
When you are playing such a big event, you cannot take any side for granted. The Australians may have lost a few matches but you cannot really underestimate them. South Africa, of course, is in remarkable shape and so are New Zealand and England. Even Pakistanis are a capable team. But the dark horse of the tournament will be West Indies.
What was the impact of Ganguly's return?
It boosted the morale of the team. Sourav is a top cricketer for India. Now, of course, he has worked hard on his fitness level and like always, he is hungry for runs. The most striking aspect about his comeback is the way he is batting now. At the same time, he is bowling well in matches and giving 100 per cent on the field.
In the last over of the match at Vizag, did Ganguly tell you to round off the match in that over because he was suffering from cramps?
No. Sourav didn't say anything to me. It was a moment when I really started hitting the ball well and I enjoyed myself.
You have been a great finisher for India in the past. What are your plans for the World Cup?
The main plan is to work on the job given to me by the team management, which has always kept faith in me. Mind it, cricket is not an individual sport. If I am able to finish a match today, there has to be someone on the other side of the wicket. It's nice to talk about it and say you are a great finisher but there are other members in the team like Dhoni, who have done it quite often. In then end, when you are a middle-order batsman, one should ideally stay till the end to win a match for the team. In West Indies, my role will not be different. The good thing is that we there last year and we know the conditions well. Once we reach there, the focus will be on acclimatisation. In fact, the home series against West Indies and Sri Lanka have helped us tremendously to get our rhythm back.
courtesy:timesofindia
How does it feel to get runs after recovering from the knee injury?
It feels great. After recovering from the injury, I needed some time in the middle. In fact, both Greg (Chappell) and Rahul (Dravid) spoke to me about how I needed to bat up the order. They had suggested that No.4 would be the ideal slot for me. I am glad that I could make some runs for my team in the last match before the World Cup.
What exactly went through your mind when you went to bat in the last game against Sri Lanka?
As I said, I needed sometime in the middle and the initial target was to make 30. It was something I tried doing in the Goa match as well. Somehow, it didn't work out. But I was not too worried. In the next match, when I again got the opportunity, I didn't want to miss it. In fact, when on 29, I was a bit hesitant and consumed 5 deliveries to reach 30 and once I was in the thirties, I got back my confidence and started timing the ball well. Thereafter, I enjoyed every bit of it at the crease.
Do you have any injury worries now?
Honestly, not at all. Earlier, I was a little concerned... didn't know how I would feel when stretching for a catch or stopping a ball. Even though I played a couple of club level matches, I could only test my fitness level in my first comeback game for India. Then again, in Kolkata, I had a slight niggle in my back and I went for a routine check-up. Fortunately, the scan report was okay. Now, I am completely fit.
How is Team India shaping up for the World Cup?
We all are very excited that we have started to peak at the right time. To start with, most of our top batsmen are among runs and almost every one in the team is hungry for big scores. From the bowlers perspective, Zaheer (Khan), Ajit (Agarkar), Munaf (Patel), Sreesanth and Harbhajan (Singh) are in tremendous form and have bowled according to the field. So, the balance between batting and bowling is our main strength.
What about the fielding standards?
We are working very hard on our fielding these days. We may not be the best fielding side in the world but we have improved a lot in last couple of months. We hope to set a good standard in the World Cup.
How do you rate the other teams in the World Cup?
When you are playing such a big event, you cannot take any side for granted. The Australians may have lost a few matches but you cannot really underestimate them. South Africa, of course, is in remarkable shape and so are New Zealand and England. Even Pakistanis are a capable team. But the dark horse of the tournament will be West Indies.
What was the impact of Ganguly's return?
It boosted the morale of the team. Sourav is a top cricketer for India. Now, of course, he has worked hard on his fitness level and like always, he is hungry for runs. The most striking aspect about his comeback is the way he is batting now. At the same time, he is bowling well in matches and giving 100 per cent on the field.
In the last over of the match at Vizag, did Ganguly tell you to round off the match in that over because he was suffering from cramps?
No. Sourav didn't say anything to me. It was a moment when I really started hitting the ball well and I enjoyed myself.
You have been a great finisher for India in the past. What are your plans for the World Cup?
The main plan is to work on the job given to me by the team management, which has always kept faith in me. Mind it, cricket is not an individual sport. If I am able to finish a match today, there has to be someone on the other side of the wicket. It's nice to talk about it and say you are a great finisher but there are other members in the team like Dhoni, who have done it quite often. In then end, when you are a middle-order batsman, one should ideally stay till the end to win a match for the team. In West Indies, my role will not be different. The good thing is that we there last year and we know the conditions well. Once we reach there, the focus will be on acclimatisation. In fact, the home series against West Indies and Sri Lanka have helped us tremendously to get our rhythm back.
courtesy:timesofindia
I'm naturally aggressive: Sreesanth
MUMBAI, Feb 21: Sreesanth is living a dream of representing India in World Cup. "It is more like a reality now," he says. In his fledgling cricket career, the Kerala paceman, who turned 24 a fortnight ago, has grabbed the headlines not only for his impressive bowling but also his antics on the field. Be it the dance after smacking South African pacer Andre Nel for a six or glaring at Sachin Tendulkar during a Challenger Trophy match or the seam position, Sreesanth is entertainment personified. He was in his elements during a freewheeling chat with TOI soon after unveiling the team's Nike World Cup uniform on Tuesday.
Excerpts:
Your record in One-dayers has not been that good as in Tests...
I have been hitting the right areas and been in good rhythm. As long as I am able to do that, I don't have any problems. You've got to accept that there will be good days and bad days. Which doesn't mean Sreesanth is a super cricketer one day and a bad player in the next. I've got to take it in my stride and work on the positives. I am still learning.
How important is aggression for you?
For a fast bowler it is important. Aggression comes naturally to me. Maybe, it was because I used to play cricket with my brother — who is 12 years older to me — and his friends. I celebrated every dismissal and it stayed with me throughout. Look, I play for myself. And I give my best in every game. I may lie to everybody else, but not to myself .
You look very animated while returning to you bowling run-up ...
Well, that is my routine. I've been doing it since my under-19 days. I say various things, 'I'm the best', 'relax', 'I can get him out'... I never walk back to my run-up with my head down. I always keep my spine straight.
But does it work?
It gives me joy and success follows joy.
Isn't it a batsman's game?
It is a cricketer's game.
That's how you look at it?
That's how you should look at it.
Did you watch the video of your dance after hitting Andre Nel for a six at the Wanderers?
I saw it on Google and laughed at myself. I normally don't hit sixes. Actually, I was enacting a horse ride, saying, 'I want to ride you'. All I wanted to tell him was 'I'm not scared of you' .
Take us through the incident involving Sachin Tendulkar in a Challenger match last year when you glared at him on you follow through?
Cricket is a legend and Tendulkar is God. But even if my dad comes to bat against me, I'll be Sreesanth, the fast bowler. All respect will be outside the field not inside it. I"ll never regret the incident (involving Tendulkar). I even talked to Sachin paaji about it. Besides, I didn't use any abusive language.
Have you been working on your batting?
Yes. I have been trying to improve my defence. The objective is to stay put and rotate the strike.
Excerpts:
Your record in One-dayers has not been that good as in Tests...
I have been hitting the right areas and been in good rhythm. As long as I am able to do that, I don't have any problems. You've got to accept that there will be good days and bad days. Which doesn't mean Sreesanth is a super cricketer one day and a bad player in the next. I've got to take it in my stride and work on the positives. I am still learning.
How important is aggression for you?
For a fast bowler it is important. Aggression comes naturally to me. Maybe, it was because I used to play cricket with my brother — who is 12 years older to me — and his friends. I celebrated every dismissal and it stayed with me throughout. Look, I play for myself. And I give my best in every game. I may lie to everybody else, but not to myself .
You look very animated while returning to you bowling run-up ...
Well, that is my routine. I've been doing it since my under-19 days. I say various things, 'I'm the best', 'relax', 'I can get him out'... I never walk back to my run-up with my head down. I always keep my spine straight.
But does it work?
It gives me joy and success follows joy.
Isn't it a batsman's game?
It is a cricketer's game.
That's how you look at it?
That's how you should look at it.
Did you watch the video of your dance after hitting Andre Nel for a six at the Wanderers?
I saw it on Google and laughed at myself. I normally don't hit sixes. Actually, I was enacting a horse ride, saying, 'I want to ride you'. All I wanted to tell him was 'I'm not scared of you' .
Take us through the incident involving Sachin Tendulkar in a Challenger match last year when you glared at him on you follow through?
Cricket is a legend and Tendulkar is God. But even if my dad comes to bat against me, I'll be Sreesanth, the fast bowler. All respect will be outside the field not inside it. I"ll never regret the incident (involving Tendulkar). I even talked to Sachin paaji about it. Besides, I didn't use any abusive language.
Have you been working on your batting?
Yes. I have been trying to improve my defence. The objective is to stay put and rotate the strike.
I was confident of WC berth after Cuttack knock: Karthik
MUMBAI, Feb 20: Young middle order batsman Dinesh Karthik said his match-winning half-century that helped India beat the West Indies at Cuttack was crucial in winning him a berth in the World Cup squad. "Definitely my chances increased after I got runs (top-score of 63) in the Cuttack game (on January 24). I really started believing then that I will make the team. But if one year ago anyone had said so (that he would make the team), I would have called it a big joke," said Kaarthick. The 21-year-old, who has been chosen as a specialist middle order batsman who can keep wickets, had rescued the team from a sorry-reading 66 for six by joining forces with Ajit Agarkar (40) to help India recover and win the second tie of the four-match series. The Chennai-born player, talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function to unveil the new team clothing for the World Cup, however, said the Twenty20 game in South Africa was the turning point as it provided him confidence about his batting ability. "In some respect that was the turning point. I realised that I could turn a game around after that. It gave me a lot of confidence," said the youngster about his crucial knock of 31 which helped India score their first win on the tour after four straight losses in the ODIs. Kaarthick, who was sent in as number three from his usual number six or seven in India's fourth and final one-day international against Sri Lanka at Visakhapatnam and flopped, said he would definitely deliver the goods if given another chance to bat in that slot. "I am looking forward to the challenge (of batting at number three). I got out to a good ball (off Dilhara Fernando). That happens in cricket. You do get a good ball that's uncomfortable. But I will definitely try and make sure there's no chink in my armour the next time I go in to bat at no three," he said. Kaarthick said at number six or seven a batsman should be aware and mentally prepared to encounter three types of situations.
"Either the side is under pressure at say 110 for five, or you go out needing to get 120 runs or so in the last twenty overs or you come in to bat in the 40th over and have to try and get as many runs as possible. You have to be mentally prepared to face these kinds of situations. Then anything else you encounter should be easy (to negotiate)", he said. The Tamil Nadu youngster said that he was enjoying fielding in front of the wicket after having stood behind the stumps all through his career so far. "It feels different from standing behind the wickets which I have done right through my career. But I am enjoying it and as long as you enjoy doing something you tend to find it that much easier to do," Kaarthick said. The Chennai player credited India coach Greg Chappell of encouraging him to take fielding in front of the wicket very seriously during the South African tour. "In South Africa Chappell told me 'if you work harder on your fielding abilities you can make the (one-day) team as a batsman.' That's what I have been doing," he said. Kaarthick said he enjoyed a very healthy relationship with first choice 'keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. "I enjoy a very healthy relationship with Dhoni. Like Dhoni has said there are four wicketkeepers in the side - Rahul Dravid, Robin Uthappa, myself and Dhoni. Between me and Dhoni the relationship is as good as it can be. He's a very friendly guy and I go to him for help with my batting or 'keeping," he said. Kaarthick said the seniors in the team have been advising him to keep his batting simple and not complicate things. "I have been talking to seniors like Sachin (Tendulkar) and Rahul (Dravid), people who I look up to and who have played the game for a long time and undergone such situations. "They give advice to keep my batting simple and not do things which are complicated for myself. That itself is of great help. They also have advised me to play my natural game," he added.
courtesy:timesofindia
"Either the side is under pressure at say 110 for five, or you go out needing to get 120 runs or so in the last twenty overs or you come in to bat in the 40th over and have to try and get as many runs as possible. You have to be mentally prepared to face these kinds of situations. Then anything else you encounter should be easy (to negotiate)", he said. The Tamil Nadu youngster said that he was enjoying fielding in front of the wicket after having stood behind the stumps all through his career so far. "It feels different from standing behind the wickets which I have done right through my career. But I am enjoying it and as long as you enjoy doing something you tend to find it that much easier to do," Kaarthick said. The Chennai player credited India coach Greg Chappell of encouraging him to take fielding in front of the wicket very seriously during the South African tour. "In South Africa Chappell told me 'if you work harder on your fielding abilities you can make the (one-day) team as a batsman.' That's what I have been doing," he said. Kaarthick said he enjoyed a very healthy relationship with first choice 'keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. "I enjoy a very healthy relationship with Dhoni. Like Dhoni has said there are four wicketkeepers in the side - Rahul Dravid, Robin Uthappa, myself and Dhoni. Between me and Dhoni the relationship is as good as it can be. He's a very friendly guy and I go to him for help with my batting or 'keeping," he said. Kaarthick said the seniors in the team have been advising him to keep his batting simple and not complicate things. "I have been talking to seniors like Sachin (Tendulkar) and Rahul (Dravid), people who I look up to and who have played the game for a long time and undergone such situations. "They give advice to keep my batting simple and not do things which are complicated for myself. That itself is of great help. They also have advised me to play my natural game," he added.
courtesy:timesofindia
My role has changed a lot: Dhoni
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who holds the record of the highest score by a wicketkeeper (183 not out) in ODIs, will be a crucial cog in India's wheel at the World Cup. Much is expected from this flamboyant dasher, and the milk-guzzling man from Jharkhand says he's ready for the big event. In a free-wheeling interview with TOI, he spelt out his Caribbean plans.
Excerpts...
Q: Are you happy with your form going into the World Cup? Are you keen, excited or nervous?
A: I'm not really nervous. I'm very happy with my current form. If you see, my role has changed a lot. The things I was supposed to do or what I was doing in the past, if you leave the last eight months or so, has completely changed. Now I have the responsibility of finishing the game rather than coming in at No 3 or 4 and accelerating. It's fine with me and I'm happy with the way I'm batting and also my wicket-keeping.
Q: Does the World Cup put you under any kind of pressure?
A: I'd rather not think of it as a World Cup. I consider it as a very special tournament, else it brings added pressure onto you.
Experience can't be bought off the shelf: Vengsarkar
Q: Over time, how much has MS Dhoni changed or matured?
A: I have accepted the responsibility that has been given to me. The way I used to play and the way I approach the game now has changed a lot. I think I have adapted well. Of course, it depends on match conditions and situations, but on the whole I have matured at the international level. My shot selection is improving and I am trying to add a few more to my range of strokes. But it's a gradual process and hopefully I'll get better.
Q: With Dinesh Karthik in the side, is there pressure on you?
A: If you look at it that way, then India have four wicketkeepers: Rahul Dravid, who's been one of India's successful 'keepers in ODIs, Dinesh (Karthik) and (Robin) Uthappa, who used to keep wickets at the under-19 level. Still, it's good for us. It's a challenge and brings the best out of you.
Q: Won't you like to bat higher?
A: I have accepted the role given to me. So, in a way, I won't be getting a hundred or a 80 each time I go out as I would get to play say 15 overs or thereabouts. I will need to stay till the end.
Q: How would you maintain your style of play and relate it with the success of the team in the World Cup?
A: The position I'm batting at now is an important one. It's a specialist's slot. We don't have many in the team who can clear the field and get seven runs an over consistently. I have managed to do that. I am now trying to improve my strokes. A batsman at No 7 has to be a specialist in his own way and has an important job to do and, hopefully, I will do it well.
Q: You've been saying that you want a 100% strike rate. Considering that there will be others like Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Flintoff and Shahid Afridi doing the same, your performance will be also compared. Doesn't that worry you?
A: I really don't like comparisons. I will try my best to maintain a cent per cent strike rate. But wickets in West Indies would be slow and I may not get many overs to bat. Hence, I'll have to pace the innings accordingly. Considering that, a strike rate of 80 should be good enough. However, I will try to attain a 100 per cent strike rate.
Q: What does the big stage of the World Cup mean to you? You will be playing alongside and against your heroes like Gilchrist and Sachin Tendulkar. Is it a dream come true?
A: Definitely. Also, I feel that this will be the last World Cup for many stars. Most teams are well-balanced and have plenty of talent. In that sense, this will be one of the best World Cups. Every team has an equal chance and the one that plays consistently will win. It will be a tough World Cup.
Q: You have stated that you did not enjoy the last West Indies tour. So, how will you keep yourself charged up?
A: The World Cup stage is so big. There will be lots of people around and stars playing everywhere, so I am sure things will be different than the last time. Frankly speaking, with the same beaches and slow life around I didn't find the Caribbean really exciting. But yes, the people out there are very warm and loving.
courtesy:timesofindia
Excerpts...
Q: Are you happy with your form going into the World Cup? Are you keen, excited or nervous?
A: I'm not really nervous. I'm very happy with my current form. If you see, my role has changed a lot. The things I was supposed to do or what I was doing in the past, if you leave the last eight months or so, has completely changed. Now I have the responsibility of finishing the game rather than coming in at No 3 or 4 and accelerating. It's fine with me and I'm happy with the way I'm batting and also my wicket-keeping.
Q: Does the World Cup put you under any kind of pressure?
A: I'd rather not think of it as a World Cup. I consider it as a very special tournament, else it brings added pressure onto you.
Experience can't be bought off the shelf: Vengsarkar
Q: Over time, how much has MS Dhoni changed or matured?
A: I have accepted the responsibility that has been given to me. The way I used to play and the way I approach the game now has changed a lot. I think I have adapted well. Of course, it depends on match conditions and situations, but on the whole I have matured at the international level. My shot selection is improving and I am trying to add a few more to my range of strokes. But it's a gradual process and hopefully I'll get better.
Q: With Dinesh Karthik in the side, is there pressure on you?
A: If you look at it that way, then India have four wicketkeepers: Rahul Dravid, who's been one of India's successful 'keepers in ODIs, Dinesh (Karthik) and (Robin) Uthappa, who used to keep wickets at the under-19 level. Still, it's good for us. It's a challenge and brings the best out of you.
Q: Won't you like to bat higher?
A: I have accepted the role given to me. So, in a way, I won't be getting a hundred or a 80 each time I go out as I would get to play say 15 overs or thereabouts. I will need to stay till the end.
Q: How would you maintain your style of play and relate it with the success of the team in the World Cup?
A: The position I'm batting at now is an important one. It's a specialist's slot. We don't have many in the team who can clear the field and get seven runs an over consistently. I have managed to do that. I am now trying to improve my strokes. A batsman at No 7 has to be a specialist in his own way and has an important job to do and, hopefully, I will do it well.
Q: You've been saying that you want a 100% strike rate. Considering that there will be others like Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Flintoff and Shahid Afridi doing the same, your performance will be also compared. Doesn't that worry you?
A: I really don't like comparisons. I will try my best to maintain a cent per cent strike rate. But wickets in West Indies would be slow and I may not get many overs to bat. Hence, I'll have to pace the innings accordingly. Considering that, a strike rate of 80 should be good enough. However, I will try to attain a 100 per cent strike rate.
Q: What does the big stage of the World Cup mean to you? You will be playing alongside and against your heroes like Gilchrist and Sachin Tendulkar. Is it a dream come true?
A: Definitely. Also, I feel that this will be the last World Cup for many stars. Most teams are well-balanced and have plenty of talent. In that sense, this will be one of the best World Cups. Every team has an equal chance and the one that plays consistently will win. It will be a tough World Cup.
Q: You have stated that you did not enjoy the last West Indies tour. So, how will you keep yourself charged up?
A: The World Cup stage is so big. There will be lots of people around and stars playing everywhere, so I am sure things will be different than the last time. Frankly speaking, with the same beaches and slow life around I didn't find the Caribbean really exciting. But yes, the people out there are very warm and loving.
courtesy:timesofindia
We can be a good fielding side: Rahul
MUMBAI, Feb 12: The Indian selectors chose to play it safe on Monday by naming the same 15 that played the first two matches of the four-match series against Sri Lanka.
So the prodigal Virender Sehwag gets yet another chance to come good, the tried and tested elder statesmen Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble, thought no good for One-dayers, just a couple of months ago, book themselves a World Cup ticket, while the unfortunate Ramesh Powar misses out despite consistent performances.
While their tense faces told a different story, both skipper Rahul Dravid and the chairman of the national selection committee, Dilip Vengsarkar, struck the same wavelength, while addressing the media.
Excerpts from their press conference.
Rahul Dravid, on fielding being the weak link with the return of the senior players: We will need to be smart about where we field certain players, we will have to practice those areas.
Once we have got this group of people together, we have been working really hard on our fielding in all the practice sessions. We can still be a very good fielding side. What we lack a little bit in the fielding we will have to make up with individual performances with the bat and ball.
On India's chances: The key is to play well in the Super 8 stage and try to get into the semi-finals. Once you get into the semi-finals it's going to be a different tournament altogether and we can have a distinct shot at the World Cup. A lot of guys in this group do realise that that will be the last shot at the World Cup and I am hoping that those guys in particular stand up and be counted during these two months. On the pitches: Everyone is saying the wickets will be slow, but who knows the wicket might not be slow, especially in places like Barbados, Antigua where wickets are newly laid.
Dilip Vengsarkar
On the two young seamers Munaf and Sreesanth: Munaf did very well in the last two matches. In the last match Sreesanth also bowled extremely well. I am happy with his bowling. He got wickets and bowled a good line and length. On the team: We picked the best combination that was in our mind. We have kept in mind how well they have done in the past too as the World Cup is a crucial tournament.
courtesy:timesofindia
So the prodigal Virender Sehwag gets yet another chance to come good, the tried and tested elder statesmen Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble, thought no good for One-dayers, just a couple of months ago, book themselves a World Cup ticket, while the unfortunate Ramesh Powar misses out despite consistent performances.
While their tense faces told a different story, both skipper Rahul Dravid and the chairman of the national selection committee, Dilip Vengsarkar, struck the same wavelength, while addressing the media.
Excerpts from their press conference.
Rahul Dravid, on fielding being the weak link with the return of the senior players: We will need to be smart about where we field certain players, we will have to practice those areas.
Once we have got this group of people together, we have been working really hard on our fielding in all the practice sessions. We can still be a very good fielding side. What we lack a little bit in the fielding we will have to make up with individual performances with the bat and ball.
On India's chances: The key is to play well in the Super 8 stage and try to get into the semi-finals. Once you get into the semi-finals it's going to be a different tournament altogether and we can have a distinct shot at the World Cup. A lot of guys in this group do realise that that will be the last shot at the World Cup and I am hoping that those guys in particular stand up and be counted during these two months. On the pitches: Everyone is saying the wickets will be slow, but who knows the wicket might not be slow, especially in places like Barbados, Antigua where wickets are newly laid.
Dilip Vengsarkar
On the two young seamers Munaf and Sreesanth: Munaf did very well in the last two matches. In the last match Sreesanth also bowled extremely well. I am happy with his bowling. He got wickets and bowled a good line and length. On the team: We picked the best combination that was in our mind. We have kept in mind how well they have done in the past too as the World Cup is a crucial tournament.
courtesy:timesofindia
I have a big role to play in World Cup: Bhajji
The talk of slow tracks in the Caribbean would make Harbhajan Singh an ace in the bowling pack. But the off-spinner, who played a fine role in India’s run up to the final in in 2003 edition of the World Cup, prefers to keep his fingers crossed. "We don’t know how the wickets would be. We’ll have to wait and see," he says. Riding on the confidence of having done well on the big stage, this bowler from Jalandhar spoke to TOI about his role and expectations.
Excerpts:
Q: Going into the World Cup you are looking much fitter. Are you doing something extra?
A: Not really, I’ve been the same. But yes, we have been training hard as a team and it’s important to be fit for the big event. In a way I have always been fit but the World Cup is a special event and I am working hard and looking forward to it.
Q: You had a good World Cup debut in 2003. Does the experience provide you with an edge?
A: I’m very happy to be there a second time and hopefully a third time as well in 2011, but that’s still very far. Obviously, being there gives you a sense of assurance. A sort of confidence that you have within, in your mind that you have done well in the past and that you can do well in the big games. It helps, but you still need to keep working on your game, keep trying different things and keep visualising yourself in different sort of roles. If you do that, then you should be able to put up some good performances.
Q: Do you think spin will be the weapon to win in West Indies?
A: We don’t know what sort of tracks we get to play as yet. We have to wait and see. But whether spinning, flat or seaming we will still need to play good cricket to win. As far as I am concerned, I will try to adapt and put in my best whether the pitches spin or not. We’ll get the picture once we get there. I have a big role to play in the World Cup and hopefully if I stick to my basics and be patient the good results will come. I’m looking forward to being there.
Q: You seem to be bowling in a good rhythm?
A: It’s not always that when you get wickets you are in good rhythm. The aim is to contribute best for the team. There are times when I’m more worried whether my action is flowing enough or whether my arm is heading in the right direction and if I’m hitting the right length. Sometimes you bowl well yet you don’t get wickets and sometimes you don’t bowl well but still you get five wickets! So, I concentrate on my positives and try to stay focused. It’s all about keeping the thought process simple. I’m very confident that I’m bowling well and the wickets will come. I don’t read much into what people are talking about me. I know what I have to contribute to win matches for the team.
Q: Have you ever thought of yourself as a spinning all-rounder?
A: I know it is important for all of us, who bat down the order after No 7, to try and do really well from the team. I have really worked on my batting, but unfortunately I couldn’t help the side win against Sri Lanka at Rajkot recently and I was very disappointed. I have been trying hard and whenever the situation comes I should be able to deliver. If we guys bat well down the order it’s an extra bonus. It can help the side with those crucial runs.
Q: Do you agree that this team is India’s best ever One-day side?
A: All I can say is that this is a very good team and if we play to our potential we will surely come up with a very good show. The key for us is to stay positive.
Q: There is another sardar grabbing attention. What is your take on him?
A: Well, Monty Panesar has been bowling really well and I wish him all the very best. The more he will play, the more he will learn. It’s great to see one more sardarji doing well and I hope to see him during the World Cup.
courtesy:timesofindia
Excerpts:
Q: Going into the World Cup you are looking much fitter. Are you doing something extra?
A: Not really, I’ve been the same. But yes, we have been training hard as a team and it’s important to be fit for the big event. In a way I have always been fit but the World Cup is a special event and I am working hard and looking forward to it.
Q: You had a good World Cup debut in 2003. Does the experience provide you with an edge?
A: I’m very happy to be there a second time and hopefully a third time as well in 2011, but that’s still very far. Obviously, being there gives you a sense of assurance. A sort of confidence that you have within, in your mind that you have done well in the past and that you can do well in the big games. It helps, but you still need to keep working on your game, keep trying different things and keep visualising yourself in different sort of roles. If you do that, then you should be able to put up some good performances.
Q: Do you think spin will be the weapon to win in West Indies?
A: We don’t know what sort of tracks we get to play as yet. We have to wait and see. But whether spinning, flat or seaming we will still need to play good cricket to win. As far as I am concerned, I will try to adapt and put in my best whether the pitches spin or not. We’ll get the picture once we get there. I have a big role to play in the World Cup and hopefully if I stick to my basics and be patient the good results will come. I’m looking forward to being there.
Q: You seem to be bowling in a good rhythm?
A: It’s not always that when you get wickets you are in good rhythm. The aim is to contribute best for the team. There are times when I’m more worried whether my action is flowing enough or whether my arm is heading in the right direction and if I’m hitting the right length. Sometimes you bowl well yet you don’t get wickets and sometimes you don’t bowl well but still you get five wickets! So, I concentrate on my positives and try to stay focused. It’s all about keeping the thought process simple. I’m very confident that I’m bowling well and the wickets will come. I don’t read much into what people are talking about me. I know what I have to contribute to win matches for the team.
Q: Have you ever thought of yourself as a spinning all-rounder?
A: I know it is important for all of us, who bat down the order after No 7, to try and do really well from the team. I have really worked on my batting, but unfortunately I couldn’t help the side win against Sri Lanka at Rajkot recently and I was very disappointed. I have been trying hard and whenever the situation comes I should be able to deliver. If we guys bat well down the order it’s an extra bonus. It can help the side with those crucial runs.
Q: Do you agree that this team is India’s best ever One-day side?
A: All I can say is that this is a very good team and if we play to our potential we will surely come up with a very good show. The key for us is to stay positive.
Q: There is another sardar grabbing attention. What is your take on him?
A: Well, Monty Panesar has been bowling really well and I wish him all the very best. The more he will play, the more he will learn. It’s great to see one more sardarji doing well and I hope to see him during the World Cup.
courtesy:timesofindia
Over the years, I have learnt things the hard way: Agarkar
MUMBAI, Feb 26: Having made his World Cup debut at the age of 21, Ajit Agarkar is philosophical while talking about his chances in the big tournament. The experience of being there twice, including the bitter one of being made to warm the benches the last time in South Africa, has turned him into a determined man. He is keen to make it count in the Caribbean but the excitement is laced with skepticism. The 29-year-old Mumbai player had no qualms in admitting he was "as nervous as any other guy" during a chat with TOI .
Excerpts...
This would be your third World Cup. How does it feel?
When you play your first World Cup as a 21-year-old you don't even think whether you will get an opportunity to play the next time or not. I was a part of the World Cup squad the last time, but couldn't get to play a single game. That was disappointing though we did so well in the tournament. But I am here again and looking forward. Hopefully, I will get to play some games.
This time round you look a certainty. Let's look at it this way. It's a World Cup, which comes once in four years, so obviously it is special. But at the end of the day I would take it as just another tournament, one where each cricketer wants to leave a mark. I know I may have a role to play and I'm happy about it. It's better that you rather take the responsibility than sit on the sidelines.
Having played in the West Indies earlier should benefit you...
I have had two good tours there. On both occasions I was part of the ODI team and have had good success. That does give me good confidence but all that is in the past. I will need to work hard and bowl well. We had been there recently and that is an advantage. But over the years I've learnt things the hard way.
Will the Mumbai-like weather in the Caribbean help you?
Last time we played there it was in May-June and much later earlier before that. Now, it's March so I don't know how different the conditions would be. But the ball does swing there. In such a tournament you need to bowl the right line and length because the margin for error is so little. Whether you bowl with the new ball or the old, you still have to hit the right spot.
What do you prefer: bowling with — the new ball or the old one?
There is both advantage and disadvantage bowling with the new ball. But whether I bowl with the new or old ball, it doesn't really matter to me.
Unlike some pacers of the team, you seem comfortably placed. No unwanted pressure to trouble you?
I totally disagree. I am not at all comfortable. Try and understand that I was desperate for this chance as I wanted to play another World Cup. I haven't actually done anything in my past World Cups and I am as nervous as any other guy. I am extremely keen to do much better this time and I am sure that my experience will come in handy in tough situations. It's nice to be a part of the World Cup once again.
courtesy:timesofindia
Excerpts...
This would be your third World Cup. How does it feel?
When you play your first World Cup as a 21-year-old you don't even think whether you will get an opportunity to play the next time or not. I was a part of the World Cup squad the last time, but couldn't get to play a single game. That was disappointing though we did so well in the tournament. But I am here again and looking forward. Hopefully, I will get to play some games.
This time round you look a certainty. Let's look at it this way. It's a World Cup, which comes once in four years, so obviously it is special. But at the end of the day I would take it as just another tournament, one where each cricketer wants to leave a mark. I know I may have a role to play and I'm happy about it. It's better that you rather take the responsibility than sit on the sidelines.
Having played in the West Indies earlier should benefit you...
I have had two good tours there. On both occasions I was part of the ODI team and have had good success. That does give me good confidence but all that is in the past. I will need to work hard and bowl well. We had been there recently and that is an advantage. But over the years I've learnt things the hard way.
Will the Mumbai-like weather in the Caribbean help you?
Last time we played there it was in May-June and much later earlier before that. Now, it's March so I don't know how different the conditions would be. But the ball does swing there. In such a tournament you need to bowl the right line and length because the margin for error is so little. Whether you bowl with the new ball or the old, you still have to hit the right spot.
What do you prefer: bowling with — the new ball or the old one?
There is both advantage and disadvantage bowling with the new ball. But whether I bowl with the new or old ball, it doesn't really matter to me.
Unlike some pacers of the team, you seem comfortably placed. No unwanted pressure to trouble you?
I totally disagree. I am not at all comfortable. Try and understand that I was desperate for this chance as I wanted to play another World Cup. I haven't actually done anything in my past World Cups and I am as nervous as any other guy. I am extremely keen to do much better this time and I am sure that my experience will come in handy in tough situations. It's nice to be a part of the World Cup once again.
courtesy:timesofindia
Good chance of making Cup semis: Chappell
What is the recipe to win the Cup?
There is no guaranteed recipe. You cannot say that the team with the best performances before the tournament will win it. Winning depends on so many things. The team with the talent will win, surely. The team that runs well between the wickets, saves more runs in the field, is more flexible with their planning, will win.
Does luck play a part?
Definitely. The toss is a big factor, especially in the important games. Better teams will make their way to the semi-finals. And after that, with a little bit of luck, anything can happen.
Are the Australians favourites to win the World Cup?
Yes, they are one of the favourites, but that cannot guarantee them the title. They have a very good and in-form team, so to say. They have tremendous flexibility. But they can be beaten, definitely.
They will be motivated to win it for the third straight time, something no other team has done. Yes, it is a great motivation, indeed. They have won the World Cup before, and know what they have to do to win it again.
They had taken their fielding to another level. They can excel under pressure, too. Their strength, both mentally and cricket-wise, is the flexibility in their planning. It helps them and they are always motivated to achieve something bigger.
What are India's chances?
We have a very good chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. And once we do so, it is anybody's game. We need to play according to the best of our preparation and talent. I think we have it in us to reach the last four.
India had reached the final of the 2003 World Cup. So Indian fans will look forward to a similar achievement, isn't it?
If you cannot reach the semi-finals, you cannot reach the final. It is as simple as it. Let's be realistic. We are targeting the semi-finals since we are confident enough to be among the best four teams of the world. And in One-day cricket, it depends on how you perform on the given day. If we play well, we will get there. But first, we have to ensure that we reach the semi-finals.
India had toured the West Indies last year. How much will that experience help the team?
It can help. But the World Cup is a different tournament and we need to start afresh. We will have to be careful, as what I saw on the last tour was that the wickets were two-paced. I liked to play on true-paced wickets rather than two-paced ones. For my team too, I would like the wickets to be predictable. The slow-paced wickets in the Caribbean can help the spinners. But you need to have a good team to win matches regularly.
What are the areas you would like to strengthen before the competition?
We have good bowlers and good batsmen. Fielding is our handicap, but it is the key to win a One-day tournament like the World Cup. We have to work harder, select the perfect team and pick up horses for the courses. There is no guarantee that the same XI will appear in every match of the tournament. There can be injuries that can be a major setback to any team. But you have to be ready for everything. That is the key. And there has to be teamwork. The team has to have depth and flexibility.
Do you think the West Indies can win the tournament?
They are playing well at the moment. Hosting the event is an advantage as you are playing before your countrymen and the conditions are familiar. But sometimes, the added pressure of expectation can cause havoc. They have made it to the Champions Trophy final twice in succession, and won once. That will be a confidence-booster. At the same time, I must say that there is no guarantee that you will do well in a World Cup just because you did well in the lead-up events.
courtesy:timesofindia
There is no guaranteed recipe. You cannot say that the team with the best performances before the tournament will win it. Winning depends on so many things. The team with the talent will win, surely. The team that runs well between the wickets, saves more runs in the field, is more flexible with their planning, will win.
Does luck play a part?
Definitely. The toss is a big factor, especially in the important games. Better teams will make their way to the semi-finals. And after that, with a little bit of luck, anything can happen.
Are the Australians favourites to win the World Cup?
Yes, they are one of the favourites, but that cannot guarantee them the title. They have a very good and in-form team, so to say. They have tremendous flexibility. But they can be beaten, definitely.
They will be motivated to win it for the third straight time, something no other team has done. Yes, it is a great motivation, indeed. They have won the World Cup before, and know what they have to do to win it again.
They had taken their fielding to another level. They can excel under pressure, too. Their strength, both mentally and cricket-wise, is the flexibility in their planning. It helps them and they are always motivated to achieve something bigger.
What are India's chances?
We have a very good chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. And once we do so, it is anybody's game. We need to play according to the best of our preparation and talent. I think we have it in us to reach the last four.
India had reached the final of the 2003 World Cup. So Indian fans will look forward to a similar achievement, isn't it?
If you cannot reach the semi-finals, you cannot reach the final. It is as simple as it. Let's be realistic. We are targeting the semi-finals since we are confident enough to be among the best four teams of the world. And in One-day cricket, it depends on how you perform on the given day. If we play well, we will get there. But first, we have to ensure that we reach the semi-finals.
India had toured the West Indies last year. How much will that experience help the team?
It can help. But the World Cup is a different tournament and we need to start afresh. We will have to be careful, as what I saw on the last tour was that the wickets were two-paced. I liked to play on true-paced wickets rather than two-paced ones. For my team too, I would like the wickets to be predictable. The slow-paced wickets in the Caribbean can help the spinners. But you need to have a good team to win matches regularly.
What are the areas you would like to strengthen before the competition?
We have good bowlers and good batsmen. Fielding is our handicap, but it is the key to win a One-day tournament like the World Cup. We have to work harder, select the perfect team and pick up horses for the courses. There is no guarantee that the same XI will appear in every match of the tournament. There can be injuries that can be a major setback to any team. But you have to be ready for everything. That is the key. And there has to be teamwork. The team has to have depth and flexibility.
Do you think the West Indies can win the tournament?
They are playing well at the moment. Hosting the event is an advantage as you are playing before your countrymen and the conditions are familiar. But sometimes, the added pressure of expectation can cause havoc. They have made it to the Champions Trophy final twice in succession, and won once. That will be a confidence-booster. At the same time, I must say that there is no guarantee that you will do well in a World Cup just because you did well in the lead-up events.
courtesy:timesofindia
Dhoni readies himself for stand-up act
MONTEGO BAY, March 6: Mahendra Singh Dhoni is working out a schedule to be able to standing a lot more up to the stumps with an eagle's eye during the World Cup in the Caribbean.
If Dhoni is opening himself to missing byes and dropped catches, not to speak of looking an absolute idiot to millions on telly, it is with a good reason. Indians are expecting rival batsmen to leave their crease more often in order to unsettle bowlers whose biggest virtue is their nagging length and variety. Indians expect it to happen since wickets in the Caribbean would be generally low and slow and forceful strokes are only possible if batsmen can meet the ball on the full or leave their crease as often as possible. Dhoni's stand-up act would deter batsmen from doing so but he must back up his bravado with skills or it would back-fire big time. It is a tough ask as India has a bowlers' bunch which is as different as chalk is from the cheese--Zaheer Khan has late swing to go with deliveries which could bounce or skid; Munaf Patel can extract lift on even the docilest of surfaces, thanks to his height and high-arm action and Ajit Agarkar can bring in or veer it towards slips on command. And we have not discussed the guile and craft of two of world's finest spinners, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh yet. In the eyes of his mates, his standards in skills would be paramount since Dhoni already is an unconventional in more ways than one. He is tall and more sturdy than wicketkeepers generally are and he also does not sledge or pep-talk the batsmen as glovesmen usually do. Over the years, Indians have had some notable performers behind the stumps: Farookh Engineer was known for his word-bait; Kiran More and Nayan Mongia were not exactly the silent sorts and the likes of Sadanand Viswanath and Parthiv Patel could rattle the likes of Javed Miandad and Steve Waugh. Dhoni, in contrast, is ever smiling and avoids eye-contact with batsmen. The only concession he is apt to do on this gruelling and sapping tour is to cut his famous lock of hair to minimize the overheating in energy-sapping conditions. It also makes sense for with helmet mostly adorning his good-looking face, his hair are unlikely to make any fashion statement on this tour. Dhoni also has to come to terms with some well-meaning criticism from some of the greatest names in the stumpers' hall of fame. While Syed Kirmani does not like Dhoni collecting the balls sideways rather than come behind the line; West Indian legend Jeff Dujon is not exactly pleased with his movement down the legside. If this is not a mighty ask alone, just remember one has not come to discuss his batting yet!
courtesy:timesofindia
If Dhoni is opening himself to missing byes and dropped catches, not to speak of looking an absolute idiot to millions on telly, it is with a good reason. Indians are expecting rival batsmen to leave their crease more often in order to unsettle bowlers whose biggest virtue is their nagging length and variety. Indians expect it to happen since wickets in the Caribbean would be generally low and slow and forceful strokes are only possible if batsmen can meet the ball on the full or leave their crease as often as possible. Dhoni's stand-up act would deter batsmen from doing so but he must back up his bravado with skills or it would back-fire big time. It is a tough ask as India has a bowlers' bunch which is as different as chalk is from the cheese--Zaheer Khan has late swing to go with deliveries which could bounce or skid; Munaf Patel can extract lift on even the docilest of surfaces, thanks to his height and high-arm action and Ajit Agarkar can bring in or veer it towards slips on command. And we have not discussed the guile and craft of two of world's finest spinners, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh yet. In the eyes of his mates, his standards in skills would be paramount since Dhoni already is an unconventional in more ways than one. He is tall and more sturdy than wicketkeepers generally are and he also does not sledge or pep-talk the batsmen as glovesmen usually do. Over the years, Indians have had some notable performers behind the stumps: Farookh Engineer was known for his word-bait; Kiran More and Nayan Mongia were not exactly the silent sorts and the likes of Sadanand Viswanath and Parthiv Patel could rattle the likes of Javed Miandad and Steve Waugh. Dhoni, in contrast, is ever smiling and avoids eye-contact with batsmen. The only concession he is apt to do on this gruelling and sapping tour is to cut his famous lock of hair to minimize the overheating in energy-sapping conditions. It also makes sense for with helmet mostly adorning his good-looking face, his hair are unlikely to make any fashion statement on this tour. Dhoni also has to come to terms with some well-meaning criticism from some of the greatest names in the stumpers' hall of fame. While Syed Kirmani does not like Dhoni collecting the balls sideways rather than come behind the line; West Indian legend Jeff Dujon is not exactly pleased with his movement down the legside. If this is not a mighty ask alone, just remember one has not come to discuss his batting yet!
courtesy:timesofindia
Spinners could turn the WC: Dalrymple
KINGSTOWN, March 7: England off-spinner Jamie Dalrymple believes that slow rather than pace bowlers will be crucial on the dry pitches of the Caribbean during the World Cup. Speaking a day after his 76 off 79 balls helped England score 286-8 to beat Bermuda by 241 runs, Dalrymple expects to make an impact with the ball rather than the bat when the tournament starts next Tuesday. He watched as 270-pound (122-kilogram) left-arm spinner Dwayne Leverock had Kevin Pietersen stumped after dismissing Paul Collingwood in a tidy spell of 2-32 off 10 overs. "It could be very indicative of how spin could be important in this tournament," Dalrymple said. "A lot comes into it for spinners and how much pressure a batsman is under makes a huge difference. But it looked like there was some genuine turn there and that makes the game a lot more interesting for a spinner." Dalrymple agreed that his team's final hit-out on Friday against Australia would hold psychological value, particularly after England won the tri-series finals in Australia last month. "We'll be going into it with all guns blazing," he said. "It's an important game for us to get a little bit more used to the conditions and lots of us will be keen to get time out in the middle." Australia lost five straight One-Day Internationals last month after winning 10 games in a row against England. "If we got another victory against them it would be another boost for us and it would also ask more questions of them and put them under pressure," he said. "Things have moved on pretty smoothly since the One-day series in Australia and there is some real confidence around the squad."
courtesy:timesofindia
courtesy:timesofindia
Expected big scores from top order, says Dravid
TRELAWNY (Jamaica), Mar 7: While expressing satisfaction over the win against the Netherlands in the warm-up game before the Cricket World Cup, Indian captain Rahul Dravid said he expected the top order to notch up big scores in the match. "I expected the top three to go on and get big scores. But this is the early part of the tour and the boys looked good," Dravid said after the match on Tuesday. The Indian skipper said the victory against the Netherlands provided his team the right platform to proceed on their World Cup campaign. "It was a good game, it was a sort of game we had our legs and feet moving. It was a must win game for us. We want to make our presence felt and make an impact," he said. Dravid said the damp wicket made batting slightly difficult early in the innings, but it eased up with time. "It was a bit wet and damp. But as it dried out, it played beautifully in the afternoon," he said. On the next warm-up game against the West Indies on March 9, Dravid said the match would provide a chance to test the skills against one of the best sides. "We have played each other a lot of times recently. But it is a good chance to test each other. And the West Indies are the best team in such conditions," he said. Disappointed with the loss, Dutch captain L van Troost said his bowlers were slightly nervous earlier in the innings. "Bowling-wise we were a bit nervous in the early part. We gave away too many extras. But the job was well done later and we were back in the game," he said. "We always wanted to win. For that we had to bat for 50 overs," he said.
courtesy:timesofindia
courtesy:timesofindia
Windies fails to woo Indian fans
NEW DELHI, March 6: Refusing to part with his hard-earned money for an expensive passage to the West Indies, the average Indian cricket fan has given a firm thumbs down to the World Cup. While tour operators blame it on Men in Blue's late peaking, the average crowd find the packages beyond their reach. Prem Kumar Maurya, a tour counsellor with FCM Travel Solutions, one of the five ICC-approved travel agencies in the country, believes things would have been different had the team peaked earlier. "The hype generally builds around the team's performance and Rahul Dravid and his boys peaked too late. The team was not doing well for the major part of the recent past and it dampened the cricket tourists' spirit," he rued. Reminded that the side did well in the twin home series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka before leaving for the World Cup, Mr Maurya lamented it was too late. People tend to plan their tours well ahead and the damage was already done. Initially we had expected to cover 500-600 people under three packages but the response is very, very disappointing," he informed, refusing to disclose the exact number. Apart from the team's poor show, he blamed the lukewarm response to the high expenses involved. "You have to admit that it's quite expensive. Besides, people also have apprehensions about the accommodation there. You don't have enough big hotels there and I think all these factors combined to put off an average Indian cricket fan," he elaborated. FCM Travel Solutions offered three packages starting from Rs 3.6 lakh per head and the trend is unlikely to change, he said. The Trinidad and Tobago High Commission here, however, put up an optimistic face and said they were not unhappy with the response. "The applications are still coming in," said a spokesman, refusing to disclose the number. Shyam S Sharma, founder-president of the Dada Army, which often sends its members to root for the Indian team abroad, however, begged to differ and said the response was quite timid. "The packages leaves deep hole in your pockets and few can really afford the trip. We at Dada Army are quite upset. We had plans to take 100 people from India and 900 NRIs as well to be a 1000-strong support base for our team. Thanks to the cost involved, we are struggling to make it even 100," he said. "Some had even bought the tickets planning to go but the huge cost has put them on the back foot. Still, we'll have 49 members coming from the USA and UK. Four of us would leave before India's first match there and six others are likely to join us," he said.
Promising to match the opponents decibel-by-decibel in the Caribbean, Mr Sharma, a lawyer by profession, said the motley crew would offer their unconditional support to the side, chanting "Apne Bachche Sabse Achchhe" and assuring the players "Whatever You Do, We Are With You".
courtesy:timesofindia
Promising to match the opponents decibel-by-decibel in the Caribbean, Mr Sharma, a lawyer by profession, said the motley crew would offer their unconditional support to the side, chanting "Apne Bachche Sabse Achchhe" and assuring the players "Whatever You Do, We Are With You".
courtesy:timesofindia
Monday, March 5, 2007
Easy win for West Zone
It is now placed on top of the table with 14 points
GOOD SHOW: Pankaj Dharmani came up with an unbeaten knock on Sunday. — Photo: Vivek Bendre
GOOD SHOW: Pankaj Dharmani came up with an unbeaten knock on Sunday. — Photo: Vivek Bendre
Mumbai: Launching a relentless onslaught on an opponent looking clueless, West Zone raced to a thumping seven-wicket win over North Zone and gained five points in the All Star Series Deodhar Trophy cricket tournament at the Brabourne Stadium here on Sunday. West Zone is now placed on top of the table with 14 points.It was classic batsmanship by Wasim Jaffer and Yusuf Pathan and Ramesh Powar's robust hitting that helped West to its third win in as many matches. Clumsy work in the field in a large way contributed to North's misery.First, Paras Dogra and Bipul Sharma made a mess of a skier offered by Pathan and thereafter Gautam Gambhir was lax while trying to convert catches at square leg and mid-on. Pathan was reprieved on 25, 58, 64 before off-spinner Sarandeep Singh held a full-blooded straight hit.
By the time North effected a first breakthrough, West had already posted 135 and was placed in a commanding situation. Pathan struck eleven fours in his 58-ball 68 after which Powar smashed eight fours and one towering six in his 27-ball 40.
Rousing stand
Earlier, thanks to a rousing 97-run stand for the undefeated seventh wicket between the persevering Pankaj Dharmani and Bipual Sharma, North managed to post a total in excess off 250.Coming at the fall of Jogindeer Sharma, the Punjab allrounder Bipual cut loose to make a a 44-ball 56 with two fours and three sixes, the third one being struck off Rakesh Patel in the last ball of the innings.North skipper Dinesh Mongia, taking guard in the third ball of the match, cut and pulled to compile 41 runs. But once he essayed an ambitious shot off Abhishek Nayar and edged to the keeper, the North middle order came apart with Powar and leg spinner Sairaj Bahutule taking three wickets between them.
The scores: North Zone: K. Goel c P. Patel b R. Patel 0, G. Gambhir c Shah b Trivedi 7, D. Mongia c P. Patel b Nayar 41, S. Dhawan lbw b Powar 20, P. Dharmani (not out) 77, P. Dogra c Trivedi b Powar 1, J. Sharma c Trivedi b Bahutule 36, B. Sharma (not out) 56, Extras (lb-2, w-12) 14, Total (for 6 wkts in 50 overs) 252.
Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-33, 3-62, 4-82, 5-90, 6-155
West bowling: R. Patel 10-0-56-1, Trivedi 10-1-51-1, Powar 10-1-40-2, Nayar 8-0-36-1, Bahutule 7-0-33-1, Y. Pathan 5-0-34-0.
West Zone: W. Jaffer run out (Dogra) 63, Y. Pathan c & B Sarandeep 68, R. Powar c Dogra b V.R.V. Singh 40, A. Muzumdar (not out) 28, R. Sharma (not out) 24, Extras (lb-9, nb-12, w- 9) 30; Total (for 3 wkts in 35.2 overs) 253.
Fall of wickets: 1-135, 2-191, 3-198.
North bowling: Nehra 8-0-52-0, V. R. V. Singh 8-0-58-1, Mongia 2-0-9-0, Bipul Sharma 9.2-0-68-0, Joginder 1-0-11-0, Sarandeep 7-0-46-1.
courtesy:timesofindia
BCCI irked by Vengsarkar's remark
NEW DELHI, Mar 3: The Indian cricket board on Saturday took strong exception to Dilip Vengsarkar's remark on Virender Sehwag's inclusion in India's World Cup squad, saying it was not proper for the Chief Selector to make such statements. The BCCI also said that such remarks could only lead to fresh controversies ahead of India's campaign in the mega event in the Caribbean.
Dravid wanted Sehwag: Vengsarkar
"The Chairman of the selection Committee should not make such a remark. It creates unnecessary controversy before the World Cup. He should restrain from making such statements", BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla said. In an interview to CNN-IBN, Vengsarkar disclosed that out-of-form Sehwag was selected in India's World Cup squad only because captain Rahul Dravid insisted on his inclusion. The selectors had initially decided to leave out Sehwag but Dravid insisted on having the hard-hitting batsman in the ranks and they eventually agreed, Vengsarkar said. "The team is selected by the five selectors in consultation with the captain and coach. Selection issues should not come out in the open", Shukla said. Asked whether the BCCI would seek an explanation from Vengsarkar, he said "we have to study what he has said in the interview and then we will see".
courtesy:timesofindia
Dravid wanted Sehwag: Vengsarkar
"The Chairman of the selection Committee should not make such a remark. It creates unnecessary controversy before the World Cup. He should restrain from making such statements", BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla said. In an interview to CNN-IBN, Vengsarkar disclosed that out-of-form Sehwag was selected in India's World Cup squad only because captain Rahul Dravid insisted on his inclusion. The selectors had initially decided to leave out Sehwag but Dravid insisted on having the hard-hitting batsman in the ranks and they eventually agreed, Vengsarkar said. "The team is selected by the five selectors in consultation with the captain and coach. Selection issues should not come out in the open", Shukla said. Asked whether the BCCI would seek an explanation from Vengsarkar, he said "we have to study what he has said in the interview and then we will see".
courtesy:timesofindia
Dravid wanted Sehwag: Vengsarkar
NEW DELHI, Mar 3: An out of form Virender Sehwag was selected in India's World Cup cricket squad only because captain Rahul Dravid insisted on his inclusion, chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar has disclosed. Vengsarkar said the selectors had initially decided to leave out Sehwag but Dravid insisted on having the hard-hitting batsman in the ranks and they eventually agreed. India should win the World Cup: Ranatunga Ganguly best captain of recent past: Dravid "I would always back the captain. When I was leading India, I never got the team I wanted and I didn't want Rahul to go through the same. He insisted on having Sehwag and that made the difference", he said to a private news channel. Vengsarkar admitted Sehwag did not feature in the initial scheme of things for his prolonged run-drought but enjoyed backing from some quarters in the team. "It was a bit of gamble (to have him in the side)...But I think he has done extremely well in the past. Besides, he has won a lot of matches for India. We are hoping that he would do well in the World Cup," he added. Since taking over from Kiran More, Vengsarkar's tenure so far has seen return of the old guards and the former India captain insisted experience could not be done away with. "It's important to have fresh legs in the field but the fact of the matter is that you need to win also. And for that you need experience," he explained. Also shedding light on Irfan Pathan's selection, Vengsarkar said, "Both Irfan and Sehwag have fantastic records and they have done extremely well in the past. But again form is important as well. But they have experience, which makes a lot of difference. If there are tight games, experience can win you matches." He also justified the decision to appoint Sachin Tendulkar as the vice captain of the side. "Rahul is an experienced player, so is Sachin. If something happens to Dravid, God forbid, Sachin can lead," he reasoned. The issue was not discussed with Dravid, he said. On Greg Chappell, Vengsarkar said the Team India coach has done "reasonably" well and felt the Australian should continue with the team even after the World Cup. "He has been around for two years and I think he has done reasonably well. We won quite a few matches under him. It's upto the BCCI to decide but I would like to see him continue even after the World Cup," he said. He also reposed full faith in the Men in Blue and said they should reach the semi-finals first and take it from there. "We have the best batting order in the world and if they can go to the last four stage, it's anybody's game. I would be very, very disappointed if they don't reach the semi-finals. They just have to believe in themselves and think that they are the best in the world. I hope... I'm sure they will do well," he added. Vengsarkar admitted off-spinner Ramesh Powar was unfortunate to miss a berth but felt Mohammad Kaif did not score enough to demand a place in the side. "In fact he was unfortunate. Harbhajan (Singh) is doing well and (Anil) Kumble is a very experienced spinner... We could pick only two spinners. It's really bad luck. However, There are lot of matches after the World Cup and I'm sure he will get back," he said. On Kaif, Vengsarkar said, "If you see his form, he has not scored too many runs. Just good fielding is not enough, you have to bat well too." courtesy:timesofindia |
Sunday, March 4, 2007
ICC names World Cup umpires
DUBAI, March 3: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday named the 16 umpires who will officiate at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean. The list is made up of nine officials from the elite panel and seven members of the international panel. Of the eight members of the elite panel of ICC match referees, seven have been selected to officiate with the only man missing Clive Lloyd, who is occupying a role as team manager for hosts the West Indies.
The umpiring team is full of vastly experienced officials including five men - Rudi Koertzen, Steve Bucknor, Daryl Harper, Simon Taufel and Brent Bowden - who have stood in more than 100 ODIs each. The three group matches Koertzen is due to stand in will take him to 166 matches, just six short of David Shepherd's mark for most ODIs umpired. With Shepherd retiring in 2005, one thing that is certain is that at least one umpire will stand in his first World Cup final as Shepherd and Bucknor have stood together in the past three finals, 1996, 1999 and 2003. Umpires: Mark Benson, Brent Bowden, Steve Bucknor, Aleem Dar, Steve Davis, Billy Doctrove, Ian Gould, Daryl Harper, Tony Hill, Ian Howell, Brian Jerling, Rudi Koertzen, Peter Parker, Asad Rauf, Asoka de Silva, Simon Taufel Referees: Chris Broad, Jeff Crowe, Alan Hurst, Ranjan Madugalle, Roshan Mahanama, Javagal Srinath, Mike Procter.
courtesy:timesofindia
The umpiring team is full of vastly experienced officials including five men - Rudi Koertzen, Steve Bucknor, Daryl Harper, Simon Taufel and Brent Bowden - who have stood in more than 100 ODIs each. The three group matches Koertzen is due to stand in will take him to 166 matches, just six short of David Shepherd's mark for most ODIs umpired. With Shepherd retiring in 2005, one thing that is certain is that at least one umpire will stand in his first World Cup final as Shepherd and Bucknor have stood together in the past three finals, 1996, 1999 and 2003. Umpires: Mark Benson, Brent Bowden, Steve Bucknor, Aleem Dar, Steve Davis, Billy Doctrove, Ian Gould, Daryl Harper, Tony Hill, Ian Howell, Brian Jerling, Rudi Koertzen, Peter Parker, Asad Rauf, Asoka de Silva, Simon Taufel Referees: Chris Broad, Jeff Crowe, Alan Hurst, Ranjan Madugalle, Roshan Mahanama, Javagal Srinath, Mike Procter.
courtesy:timesofindia
Ganguly best captain of recent past: Dravid
NEW DELHI, March 3: Sourav Ganguly was the best captain of the Indian cricket team in the recent past, skipper Rahul Dravid has said of his predecessor as Team India reached the West Indies Friday for the World Cup. "Yes, he (Ganguly) was, if you look at the numbers that were produced during the past five years and the games we played during his captaincy. In that sense he was the best captain, and we had the best team," Dravid told NDTV in an interview. Ganguly not quitting after World Cup Speaking with Prannoy Roy on "India Questions" programme, to be telecast March 11, Dravid said: "We are happy that he's come back and that he is playing well... At the end of the day, the team wants players who are playing well and performing well." When asked what his contribution to Ganguly's come back has been, Dravid was categorical. "The credit for going through it (his exclusion from the team) and coming out of it goes to him... He's worked hard... he's leaner, meaner and fitter... he's playing well. He's been fielding well... and we hope he can repeat that performance in the World Cup...." Dravid said that defending champions Australia would be the favourites to win the title again. "I think there will be eight teams that will be looking to be in that final. I think Australia will start as favourites but not by much... that gap is closing. It's going to be a tough World Cup," he averred. Dravid was confident that India would also attempt to win the World Cup, beginning March 11, and that India's performance in the recent matches bore ample testimony to the team's form. The Indian team, which reached Montego Bay, Jamaica, Friday morning, will play their first match against Bangladesh March 17. The final is on April 28 at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. courtesy:timesofindia |
India should win the World Cup: Ranatunga
India should win the World Cup. I have never seen a stronger Indian One-day side: it's well-represented in batting and its bowling crop is very, very impressive. It's so good, I guess, that raising the issue of fielding appears a bit improper. I see a lot of similarity in this side to the one I captained in the World Cup triumph of 1996. It starts at the top and Robin Uthappa showcases the feel-good factor. I was really charmed by his strokeplay in recent weeks. Uthappa and Virender Sehwag are team's openers in my book. Rahul Dravid should occupy the position I did in the 1996 campaign: hence his slot is between Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Only a player of his quality can shift the gears so effortlessly. True, a lot other things go into making a champion side. You need to be an extremely smart fielding side; in a long campaign such as this the longest everconsistency will be critical as well as the number of injuries you can avoid. India, it is in my estimation, who would take some beating. Rahul Dravid is a fine captain and he must let his match-winners, Tendulkars and Sehwags, Gangulys and Yuvrajs, perform with freedom. They must be unfettered for their creativity to take the centrestage. As a captain, Dravid needs to get the maximum out of his men, even a per cent's loss of their ability wouldn't reflect well on him. It should be true not just of 11 but all 15 members of the squad. Luck is no small issue either: even in our campaign in 1996, we were very lucky to lose the toss in Kolkata in the semi-finals. I would have surely fielded had we won the toss. Fortunately, it was the lot of Indians to bat second on a crumbling pitch on that fateful evening. As I see it, India, Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand will be the semi-finalists in this edition. Sri Lanka, because it's bowling attack is better than it was in 1996. Chaminda Vaas and Muthiah Muralitharan need no introduction and Lasith Malinga could be the flavour of the team's campaign. I still feel they should have had Upul Chandana and Nuwan Zoysa in the squad for in a campaign of this order, you need members who can fulfill more than one role: an all-round side and that's one invariable the best sides of different eras have shown. Australia you can never discount. They didn't have 5-6 of their best players in New Zealand and I sometimes wonder if it was pure bluff or real fatigue and other issues which kept them away. But now all of them, except Brett Lee, will be back and they would be a force to reckon with. Australia has it in them to win four of five of their Super Eight games, an essential to qualify for the semi-finals. I would have had South Africa as the fourth semi-finalist but for a disturbing trait they show in big tournaments. They crumble in big matches. I am also not convinced about their bowlers as match-winners. Shaun Pollock on average tracks is no longer a force: I see only Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs as their true match-winners. New Zealand on the other hand are blessed with that essential quality of all-round ability: their batting runs deep and there is really no tail-ender. They also though suffer from the big-match syndrome and hopefully their recent run of successes would take care of such inconsistencies. Pakistan's has been a curious and sad case. They have a very strong middle order and there was a good mix of all-round cricketers, but bowling has taken a beating in the absence of Abdul Razzaq and now Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif. If the word about the absence of the last two from the squad is true then they alone are to be blamed for it. It has hurt their team badly. West Indies will be the dark horse who can upset the applecart of the best sides. They are a top-notch fielding side and have a good mix of youth and experience. Chris Gayle and Brian Lara will hold key to their fortunes. They too suffer from inconsistency as we all know and it can stop them in their tracks. If they were to start well, and in this context their opening game against Pakistan on March 13 would be the key, they could be unstoppable. England, despite their impressive wins against Australia this year, don't appear to be cup contenders yet. But it was very impressive to see the spirit of the side in the final weeks of One-day series in Australia after the mauling they had in the Ashes. Spirit can do wonders and if they were to remember the lesson, they would be alright. courtesy:timesofindia |
Life ban for drug cheats: Vaughan
LONDON, March 3: England captain Michael Vaughan put behind his weight in the campaign against drug offenders, saying he wanted life ban for cricketers found guilty of doping.
"If there's drugs been taken that have hugely affected your performance in a positive way I'd go for a ban for life. "You don't want cheats in the game. You want people who are playing to (show) their talents, mental strength and the work they've done," said Vaughan.
England chairman of selectors David Graveney concurred with Vaughan, even though he was not sure life ban should be handed out to the drug cheats. "I don't know whether it should be a life ban, I don't know whether that stands up legally," he said.
"I agree with him in principle that people who are prepared to cut corners illegally to give themselves an advantage must face a very heavy penalty," Graveney added.
The ICC's drive against drug offenders gained momentum this week after the World Cup organisers chalked out a plan to target-test players suspected of taking illegal substances.
courtesy:timesofindia
"If there's drugs been taken that have hugely affected your performance in a positive way I'd go for a ban for life. "You don't want cheats in the game. You want people who are playing to (show) their talents, mental strength and the work they've done," said Vaughan.
England chairman of selectors David Graveney concurred with Vaughan, even though he was not sure life ban should be handed out to the drug cheats. "I don't know whether it should be a life ban, I don't know whether that stands up legally," he said.
"I agree with him in principle that people who are prepared to cut corners illegally to give themselves an advantage must face a very heavy penalty," Graveney added.
The ICC's drive against drug offenders gained momentum this week after the World Cup organisers chalked out a plan to target-test players suspected of taking illegal substances.
courtesy:timesofindia
It was World Cup or bust for Sourav
LONDON, March 3: Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, who has made a dramatic return to international cricket, has revealed that he set himself a World Cup deadline in order to salvage his career. "I would have tried for a certain period of time," Ganguly said when asked if he'd ever thought of quitting during his time away from the Indian team. "I would have tried till the World Cup. If after that it (a recall) wouldn't have happened, probably I would have taken other decisions." Ganguly best captain of recent past: Dravid Ganguly not quitting after World Cup The 34-year-old left-hander lost his place after an acrimonious fall-out with coach Greg Chappell but regained his place in January and has not looked back. He hammered a robust 98 against the West Indies at Nagpur and was the top Indian scorer with 214 runs in a three-Test series in South Africa. Ganguly's triumphant return also solved India's major problem of finding effective openers in both forms of the game, especially after Virender Sehwag's slump. He then played a major role in his team winning the One-day home series against the West Indies, scoring 179 runs in three matches. He continued his form with knocks of 62, 48 and 58 in the series win over Sri Lanka. However, Ganguly, who skippered India to the runners-up spot at the last World Cup in 2003, played down his fairytale comeback. "I have changed my technique, a bit with my stance, a bit with my initial movement. I use a slightly lighter bat compared to my earlier days," he said in an interview to a magazine. Ganguly also insists that the prospect captaining the team again, one of the most demanding jobs in world cricket, does not interest him. He was briefly in charge when skipper Rahul Dravid and deputy Sachin Tendulkar were off the field in the recent series against the West Indies in Baroda. "I knew it would be for only 4-5 overs. So I was just trying to do a job that Rahul would have done. (But) it doesn't excite me anymore." Ganguly also said that his relationship with Chappell has improved. "A lot of things happened. But time heals everything. I've come back to the team and am performing, helping the team to win," he said. courtesy:timesofindia |
Big four fire opening World Cup shots
BRIDGETOWN (Barbados) March 4: Hosts West Indies, England, South Africa and Sri Lanka will fire the opening shots in their World Cup campaigns on Monday at the start of series of warm-up matches. West Indies, bidding to become the first host nation to win the title, face Kenya in Jamaica, England will look to pile up the runs against debutants Bermuda at St Vincent while the world's leading team South Africa clash with Ireland in Trinidad. Sri Lanka, the 1996 champions, will play Scotland in Barbados. West Indies captain Brian Lara believes his team have the ability to reach at least the semi-finals as they bid to win the title for a third time but first since 1979. "We are looking to get to the semi-finals and then take it from there," said Lara. "We have a very good record at home, and the players are really looking forward to this major event. We have a fit team that is ready to go. We have the ingredients to do well." At Kingstown, England skipper Michael Vaughan will test his fitness after a combination of knee and hamstring injuries meant he has played in just three of his team's 35 One-dayers. He sat out the tri-nations win over Australia when Andrew Flintoff took over the captaincy duties but plans to feature in some of the warm-ups before assessing his chances of playing in England's opening game of the tournament against New Zealand on March 16. "I will play a part against Bermuda and more so against Australia (in the second warm-up on March 9). It is a gradual process." Influential batsman Kevin Pietersen will also test his recovery from the rib injury sustained in Australia. South Africa coach Mickey Arthur insists the team have prepared well for a tournament which has brought them nothing but heartache in the past. "It is all about peaking at the right time and I think, for us, things have been going nicely this season. We have shown an upward curve so hopefully our planning is coming to fruition," said Arthur. South Africa defeated Australia at home last year and have also won seven of their last eight matches. But they were knocked out in the World Cup first round on home soil in 2003 when they misunderstood the rain rules. Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody believes the 2007 World Cup will be the most open yet. "This World Cup is really open. I know that's kind of a cliche that has been thrown around for a while now, but actually it's quite true," said Moody, who was in the winning Australian team under Steve Waugh in 1999. "I believe Sri Lanka has as good a chance as any other team. We just have to knuckle down and take our chances and prove our worth." Sri Lanka will also play New Zealand in a warm-up on March 9 before heading to Trinidad for their first round matches against India, Bangladesh and Bermuda. Monday's warm-up matches: At Jamaica West Indies v Kenya At St Vincent England v Bermuda At Trinidad South Africa v Ireland At Barbados Sri Lanka v Scotland. courtesy:timesofindia |
Inzamam confident Pakistan will do well
| PORT OF SPAIN, March 4: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has expressed confidence that his team will do well in the ICC World Cup despite the loss of pace duo Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Inzamam admitted that the loss of Akhtar, Asif and Razzaq definitely dimmed the team's chances but added that the team drew inspiration from their replacements - Mohammad Sami, Yasir Arafat and Azhar Mahmood. While Akhtar and Asif, who had earlier come under the dope scanner, were ruled out at the last moment, officially for failing to recover from knee and elbow injuries, Razzaq was dropped because of a knee injury. Inzamam, who was a member of the 1992 World Cup winning Pakistan team, said that the players must believe in themselves and the team would try to do well in the cricket's biggest event. "In One-Day Internationals, every team is tough but one man can change the outcome of a game and one good game can change the whole scenario," the Pakistani skipper said. Asked about his own form, he said: "I am not worried about it, I am confident and I have worked hard in the nets and I am looking forward to the World Cup and I will do my best at this level." He also added that this might well be his last World Cup along with other great players like Brian Lara. Pakistan are placed in Group D along with the West Indies, Zimbabwe and Ireland. They will play a couple of warm-up games at the University of West Indies ground in Trinidad prior to leaving for the inaugural ceremony in Jamaica March 11 where they will also play their preliminary group matches. courtesy:timesofindia |
Plane crash near Austrialian cricket practice in St. Vincent
KINGSTOWN, Mar 4: A small plane crashed on Saturday as it approached a runway near a field where Australian cricketers were training for the upcoming World Cup. There were no serious injuries. The pilot, co-pilot and two passengers from St. Vincent sustained minor bruises in the crash and were able to walk away from the overturned plane, witnesses said. The single-engine Cessna 172, which Airport Director Cordel Robinson said was a private plane registered in Barbados, was attempting to touch down at E. T. Joshua Airport in Kingstown when it crashed into a fence and came to rest in a stream. It was traveling from Barbados. The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority will investigate the incident. Phillip Hope, spokesman for the Australian cricket squad, said players were unfazed by the crash a few hundred yards (meters) from Arnos Vale Playing Field, where the team was training for the cricket World Cup. "I do not think this is really going to create any panic among the players," Hope said. St. Vincent and the Grenadines will host warm-up matches for the March 11-April 28 cricket tournament starting on Monday. courtesy:timesofindia |
Give Sehwag some more time: Dravid
MARGAO, Feb 15: Skipper Rahul Dravid defended the under-performing Virender Sehwag and pleaded with the media to give the Delhi batsman some more time to come good. "We would like to see him scoring more runs and I am sure he will make it. Give him some time," Dravid said after India's five-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the third and penultimate One-Day International. Sehwag, back to his familiar role as opener, flopped by making only 12 runs after a promising start when he slammed three fours. Dravid credited his three pace bowlers, especially Zaheer Khan, for playing a crucial role in the win. "Zaheer put up a brilliant effort and was given good support by Munaf Patel and (Ajit) Agarkar. The first three wickets by Zaheer put the pressure on the Sri Lankans," he said. "I would love to win the series before the World Cup and it will be a morale-booster for us," he added. Dravid said having developed into a versatile batsman gave him more satisfaction than reaching the personal landmark of 10,000 runs. "I am glad that I put up a good partnership (133 runs in 139 balls) with (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni that helped us to win the match. I am glad to play in different positions for the Indian team. That has given me good satisfaction, more than the 10,000 runs," he said. Zaheer took a career-best 5-42, his first-ever five-wicket haul in his 116th ODI, and his victims included the visitors' top three - Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga and Kumar Sangakkara - in his first three overs. The left-arm pacer credited his fine comeback from virtual oblivion in the earlier part of the season to his superior physical fitness. "I have played lot of cricket this season in England which has helped me to bowl well. I am now focusing on my physical fitness," he said. Zaheer said missing out on the Caribbean tour last year would not hamper him when goes there for the World Cup next month. "I have played there before and I know the conditions there. It's important to start well there and pick up early wickets. That will help me to put pressure on the other teams," he said. Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene also praised Zaheer's bowling. "Zaheer's three early wickets put the pressure on our team. But we recovered from 93 for four and had a good chance to win. But the partnership between Rahul and Dhoni took the match away," he said. "The wicket kept a bit low and that's why we could not score more runs", he said after opting to bat first. Jayawardene also urged his team-mates to go ahead and win the series, locked 1-1 after today's win by India, at Visakhapatnam. "It will help us to go to the World Cup with our heads high," he said. "Now that both the teams are on level terms it will be a big challenge for us in the next game," he added. courtesy:timesofindia |
'Ganguly's has given solidity in batting
VISAKHAPATNAM, Feb 17: Skipper Rahul Dravid on Saturday said the successful return of Sourav Ganguly has given the Indian top order much needed "experience and solidity", and hoped the former captain would sustain his good form into the World Cup. "We have got a good opening today. Sourav has come back and the manner in which he played in the whole series was noteworthy," Dravid said after India's series-clinching 7-wickets win against Sri Lanka.
"He has done exceedingly well. He came up with solid runs under his belt and gained confidence ahead of the World Cup. "We hope he will keep up the momentum. His experience and solidity at the top is good for the team and he had led the team in the last World Cup will definitely be an advantage to us." Dravid said Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh being among runs was a welcome news ahead of the next month's quadrennial event in the West Indies. "I am pretty happy about it. It will give them confidence and the way they placed is very heartening and good for them and good for the team," he said. The captain sounded upbeat after the series win and said the team would "hit the ground harder" in the Caribbean. "It is a great series win especially to come back from 0-1 and win the last two matches successively. Winning the series has given lot of confidence to the team in total," he said. "One great thing about our team is that we have so much of depth and flexibility. Whichever the 11 out of 15 players we play in a match, we have to win each game. "For this match Sachin Tendulkar was not there and played an eleven today and the team performed to our strategies." Dravid denied injuries were a concern with the mega event less than a month away. "We did not want to risk them (Munaf Patel and Irfan Pathan). Munaf had a stiff back and Pathan this morning bowled couple of overs at the nets and he was bit underdone. "The World Cup is not happening tomorrow and these injuries are not a concern because they are minor in nature." "We will hit the ground harder during the World Cup, which is a different tournament held in different atmosphere and hope these players will be hundred per cent fit by then," he said. The 33-year-old Bangalore batsman said the team should keep its momentum going into the World Cup. "There are many teams in the run as contenders like the West Indies and Sri Lanka besides others. I have faith in my batting and the team's batting and if we keep the momentum going, we should find success in World Cup. "We got to keep bettering our performances. If we win matches like this in the World Cup and perform to our potential and keep consistency in tact it will be better." Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene insisted the series loss would not hamper the team's chances at the World Cup. "The Indian side is a balanced one. Playing at home, they cherished the atmosphere but World Cup is a different aspect and we will sure peak to our abilities there," he said. He admitted that a "lot of things went wrong" for his team on Saturday. "Losing a lot of wickets early on was one of them and we did not capitalize on the situation on a good wicket. "We knew the pitch was very good, and the top order failed miserably. Only pride was Chamara Silva batting well with a couple of other guys chipping in." Right-handed Silva hit a run-a-ball 107 not out to help his side recover from a top order collapse and post a challenging 259 for seven. "We always knew the talent Silva possesses from the way he batted in New Zealand. It is brilliant to see the way he batted and gives us confidence for the World Cup." Jayawardene said his new ball bowlers failed to provide the necessary breakthroughs. "Defending a total like 260 on a pitch like that, it is crucial we get early wickets with the new ball, which we did not do," he said. "We bowled both sides of the wicket and gave too many wide and no balls. We had no momentum from that point on."
On his personal batting form, Jayawadene said, "personally I'm very disappointed with the way I have been batting in the last couple of months. "I have been hitting the ball pretty well in practice, but not spending time out in the middle."
courtesy:timesofindia
"He has done exceedingly well. He came up with solid runs under his belt and gained confidence ahead of the World Cup. "We hope he will keep up the momentum. His experience and solidity at the top is good for the team and he had led the team in the last World Cup will definitely be an advantage to us." Dravid said Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh being among runs was a welcome news ahead of the next month's quadrennial event in the West Indies. "I am pretty happy about it. It will give them confidence and the way they placed is very heartening and good for them and good for the team," he said. The captain sounded upbeat after the series win and said the team would "hit the ground harder" in the Caribbean. "It is a great series win especially to come back from 0-1 and win the last two matches successively. Winning the series has given lot of confidence to the team in total," he said. "One great thing about our team is that we have so much of depth and flexibility. Whichever the 11 out of 15 players we play in a match, we have to win each game. "For this match Sachin Tendulkar was not there and played an eleven today and the team performed to our strategies." Dravid denied injuries were a concern with the mega event less than a month away. "We did not want to risk them (Munaf Patel and Irfan Pathan). Munaf had a stiff back and Pathan this morning bowled couple of overs at the nets and he was bit underdone. "The World Cup is not happening tomorrow and these injuries are not a concern because they are minor in nature." "We will hit the ground harder during the World Cup, which is a different tournament held in different atmosphere and hope these players will be hundred per cent fit by then," he said. The 33-year-old Bangalore batsman said the team should keep its momentum going into the World Cup. "There are many teams in the run as contenders like the West Indies and Sri Lanka besides others. I have faith in my batting and the team's batting and if we keep the momentum going, we should find success in World Cup. "We got to keep bettering our performances. If we win matches like this in the World Cup and perform to our potential and keep consistency in tact it will be better." Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene insisted the series loss would not hamper the team's chances at the World Cup. "The Indian side is a balanced one. Playing at home, they cherished the atmosphere but World Cup is a different aspect and we will sure peak to our abilities there," he said. He admitted that a "lot of things went wrong" for his team on Saturday. "Losing a lot of wickets early on was one of them and we did not capitalize on the situation on a good wicket. "We knew the pitch was very good, and the top order failed miserably. Only pride was Chamara Silva batting well with a couple of other guys chipping in." Right-handed Silva hit a run-a-ball 107 not out to help his side recover from a top order collapse and post a challenging 259 for seven. "We always knew the talent Silva possesses from the way he batted in New Zealand. It is brilliant to see the way he batted and gives us confidence for the World Cup." Jayawardene said his new ball bowlers failed to provide the necessary breakthroughs. "Defending a total like 260 on a pitch like that, it is crucial we get early wickets with the new ball, which we did not do," he said. "We bowled both sides of the wicket and gave too many wide and no balls. We had no momentum from that point on."
On his personal batting form, Jayawadene said, "personally I'm very disappointed with the way I have been batting in the last couple of months. "I have been hitting the ball pretty well in practice, but not spending time out in the middle."
courtesy:timesofindia
Cummins to turn out for Canada
New Delhi: As the cricket World Cup arrives in the West Indies for the first time, the Caribbeans will also get ready to welcome the return of the native — Anderson Cummins.The forgotten paceman of the 1990s will rewrite record books as he will be playing at the World Cup after a gap of more than a decade and for a different team.Cummins, who made his international debut with the West Indies in 1991, shone despite being in the shadow of star seamers such as Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Ian Bishop.
Third appearance
But Cummins, who last played in 1996, will now play in his third World Cup, this time donning Canadian colours.The Barbados-born Cummins played in 63 one-day internationals, capturing 78 wickets including 12 at the 1992 World Cup. He was also a useful lower order batsman.
During his five years of service to West Indies cricket, Cummins also courted controversy.He was not included in the squad for the first Test against South Africa in Barbados in 1992 as Kenneth Benjamin made his debut.The crowd, supporting the local boy Cummins, boycotted the match and protested, "No Cummins, no goings."In 1996, Cummins moved to Canada and 11 years later, he has dramatically emerged from oblivion to play for his adopted country.
Cummins will only be the second player in the history of the game after Kepler Wessels to play for two countries at the World Cup.Wessels turned up for Australia in 1983 and later led South Africa in 1992.Canada is placed in Group C that also has New Zealand, England and Kenya.
courtesy:Hindu
J.P. Yadav stars in Central's win
GOTCHA! Central Zone's Monish Mishra is stumped by South's Thilak Naidu.
Mumbai: Central Zone defeated South Zone by 25 runs in the All Star Series Deodhar Trophy tournament here on Saturday. Central's Jai Prakash Yadav dismissed South's main batsmen. He bagged four wickets for 44 runs.Batting first, Central scored 251 for nine in 50 overs. Shreyas Khanolkar, scored his second half-century in the tournament and Mohammad Kaif made a valuable 58-ball 43.South began the run chase on in earnest with Swapnil Asnodkar facing Rudra Pratap Singh and the nippy Shalabh Srivastava with confidence. But a suicidal attempt for a single removed him from the scene of action when his side was cruising at nine runs an over.
Sweet timing
V.V.S. Laxman was in control of himself and played some delectable shots with sweet timing. But, Yadav's inswinger found a way through Laxman's defence and hit the stumps. Venugopala Rao and S. Badrinath could not resist the temptation and nicked to the keeper and the first slip respectively. To make it a memorable outing on a breezy evening at the Brabourne Stadium, Yadav removed Arjun Yadav to rattle South. Sending down 10 straight overs, Yadav played his part in breaking South's backbone.Khatib Sahabuddin, sent in to make the most of the Power Play phase, lasted only seven balls before Laxman and Rowland put South on course. But Laxman's and Rao's dismissals changed the complexion of the game and swung it in Central's favour. Thilak Naidu and Balchandra Akhil delayed the inevitable with a 57-run stand.
The scores:
Central Zone: S. Joshi c Venugopala b Kalyankrishna 26, F. Fazal c Asnodkar b Sahabuddin 10, S. Khanolkar (run out) 54, M. Mishra st. Naidu b Ojha 12, M. Kaif lbw b Akhil 43, Abbas Ali c Badrinath b Akhil 21, P. Chawla (run out) 17, J. P. Yadav c Naidu b Sahabuddin 15, R. P. Singh c Akhil b Sahabuddin 19, M. Kartik (not out) 21, S. Srivastava (not out) 2; Extras (lb-4, w-7) 11. Total (for nine wkts. in 50 overs) 251.
Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-45, 3-99, 4-127, 5-169, 6-188, 7-192, 8-211, 9-239.
South Zone bowling: Sahabuddin 10-0-39-3, Kalyankrishna 4-0-28-1, Akhil 9-0-52-2, Ojha 10-0-43-1, Rao 7-0-36-0, Laxman 10-0-49-0.
South Zone: B. Rowland b R. P. Singh 70, S. Asnodkar (run out) 10, K. Sahabuddin c Joshi b Srivastava 1, V. V. S. Laxman b Yadav 35, Venugopala c Joshi b Yadav 0, S. Badrinath c Kaif b Yadav 2, A. Yadav c T. P. Singh (sub) b Yadav 10, T. Naidu b R. P. Singh 45, B. Akhil c R. P. Singh b Srivastava 25, D. Kalyankrishna b Chawla 2, P. Ojha (not out) 2; Extras (lb-3, nb-9, w-12) 24. Total (in 45.4 overs) 226.
Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-28, 3-92, 4-92, 5-105, 6-125, 7-147, 8-204, 9-220.
Central Zone bowling: R. P. Singh 8.4-0-41-2, Srivastava 9-0-58-2, J.P. Yadav 10-0-44-4, Kartik 10-0-32-0, Chawla 8-0-48-1.
courtesy:Hindiu
Wadekar applauds Dravid's India
MUMBAI, July 3: Former India skipper Ajit Wadekar, whose feat of leading the team to a Test series victory in the West Indies has been emulated by Rahul Dravid after 35 years, was all praise for the 'The Wall' for leading from the front. "Rahul has always led from the front and has done it again. He knows exactly the difference between batting in one-dayers as compared to doing so in Tests. He knows the latter is a five-day game and one has to bat patiently and that's what he's done so brilliantly," Wadekar said after India's 49-run series-clinching win in the fourth and final Test at Kingston. Wadekar also hailed the spin duo of Harbhajan Singh, who piloted the West Indies downfall in the first innings with career-best away figures of 5 for 13, and veteran leggie Anil Kumble, who used the vagaries of the pitch to claim six wickets in the second innings and stop the hosts well short of the target. "Harbhajan and Anil have always bowled well in tandem. Both bowled brilliantly and played a big part in the victory. In fact, it was a mistake in not playing Harbhajan in the first two Tests. Otherwise, India could have won the series stylishly with a handsomely bigger margin," the former left-handed stylish batsman said. courtesy:timesofindia |
Nothing wrong with wicket: Harbhajan
KINGSTON (Jamaica), July 2: The Sabina Park track had no demons in it, Harbhajan Singh said after picking his second five-wicket haul in the fourth and final Test against West Indies here. The Indian off-spinner said scoring runs on the track, which has already seen 26 wickets fall in two days, was not difficult, provided the batsmen applied themselves. "There is nothing wrong with the wicket. It is a wicket where fast bowlers can hope for wickets, spinners can hope for a bat-pad chance and batsmen too can make runs if they apply themselves," Harbhajan said after the second day's play. "I would say it is the best wicket we have had in the entire series. On other places, you were either going for 2 or 4 runs in an over," he added. Harbhajan said he did not try to do anything different than what he has been doing all these days. "I didn't bowl any special ball. There was no magic ball. It was the same I had bowled in St. Kitts or in my eight years of international career. "This is cricket. Sometimes you toil hard for 50 overs and end up with just one wicket and on other occasions you get five wickets off five overs," he said. The Punjab bowler said India now needed to bat as long as possible to put up a match-winning total on the board. "You can't say any total is safe these days. We know teams have gone on to chase 400 runs. We would need to get more runs to put pressure on them," said the bowler who picked his wickets from just four-odd overs. Harbhajan also gave credit to India's fast bowlers for maintaining pressure on West Indies' batsmen right through the series. "We didn't expect West Indies to fold up so cheaply. But then our fast bowlers have bowled well throughout this series. It's been amazing. They took early wickets, of the likes of Lara and Gayle who have been among the runs in this series." Harbhajan rounded off his comments with a word of praise for his captain Rahul Dravid, who held the innings on both the occasions here. "He is a champion player. Every team would like to have a batter like him. Whenever something special is needed, he is there. Whenever somebody needs to stay at the wicket and get runs, he is there. "I would be happy to finish this tour with a win. But it would not be easy. They too would be up for the challenge." courtesy:timesofindia |
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