Michael Clarke strain stability

Australia 333 & 240 (Hussey 89, Ponting 60, Yadav 4-70) beat India 282 & 169 (Pattinson 4-53, Siddle 3-42) by 122 runs

Australia captain Michael Clarke praised his team's inspiring first Test win over India - and then told them he wants more.

Australia clinch a 122-run success after their quick’s again tore throughout a star-studded India batting line-up on day four at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Man-of-the-match James Pattinson led the way, in just his third Test, with second-innings figures of four for 53 as India were bowled out for 169 in two sessions.

It ensured Australia will head to Sydney next week full of self-confidence and Clarke has told his team they must cash in.

Australia has not won back-to-back Test matches since the tour of New Zealand almost two years ago, while they have not won two Tests in any of the six series since.

It is a trend Clarke is strong-minded to end as his side looks to show the potential they have begun to display since he took over as captain earlier this year.

"Consistency is what I've spoken about in the past," Clarke said. "There’s a period all through that game where we didn't carry out as well as we'd like, so we need to look to get better that come Sydney.

"When you're on top you need to make the most of that. I think we did that actually well with the ball, and we fight really hard with the bat on Day 3 and again on Day 4.

"It surely is a time to enjoy this success, this first Test match, but once tonight's gone it is about re-assessing, working out how we can get better and go out all guns blazing in Sydney and try to win another Test match."

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believe his side will react in Sydney, but admitted his batsmen will need to improve if they are to level the four-match series.

"It's a long series which gives you the chance to come back," he said. "We need to score more runs. Otherwise, it would be very hard for us to win. "We need to apply ourselves a lot more. And if we do that I have no uncertainty that we would come back strongly."

Dhoni established plenty of criticism for letting Australia's lower order score easy runs in both innings, particularly on Day 4 when last pair Pattinson and Ben Hilfenhaus shared a 43-run stand that kept the visitors chasing leather for 45 minutes.

Dhoni admit the team needed to improve its strategy when bowling to the tail.
"The bowlers bring us back in to the game. We were short by 50-odd runs in the first innings," he said.

"Their lower order scored some runs, if we had got them earlier, we would have had 50-60 runs less to chase. "We need to find a way to get the lower order out cheaply."

Read more »

Rangana Herath spin Sri Lanka to victory win

Sri Lanka 338 (Samaraweera 102, Chandimal 58, de Lange 7-81) and 279 (Sangakkara 108, Chandimal 54, Steyn 5-73) strike South Africa 168 (Amla 54, Welegedara 5-52, Herath 4-49) and 241 (de Villiers 69, Amla 51, Herath 5-79) by 208 runs

Sri Lanka leveled their series in South Africa with victory by 208 runs on the fourth day of the second Test at Durban.

Set an impressive 450 to win and clinch the three-match series, the hosts were dismiss for 241, with only AB de Villiers (69) and Dale Steyn (43) - who put on 99 for the seventh wicket - offering much resistance.

Rangana Herath took five wickets for 79 runs to seal a first Test win for Sri Lanka since the retirement of legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and set the stage for a exciting decider in Cape Town next week.

The last but one day at Kingsmead started with the tourists taking their overnight total of 256 for seven on to 279, with Steyn taking his innings figures to five for 73.

Thisara Perera edged Steyn to Jacques Kallis at second slip for 12, Chanaka Welegedara hit 10 before dispatching the fourth ball he faced to Hashim Amla, then Dilhara Fernando lob a Morne Morkel delivery to Ashwell Prince at gully to depart for three and end the innings.

Welegedara approximately gave Sri Lanka the perfect start to the second South African innings when he induce an edge from Jacques Rudolph, but Angelo Mathews was unable to claim a one-handed catch diving to his left at slip.

Graeme Smith survive an lbw appeal from Perera in the sixth over before fencing a short delivery from Fernando to Mahela Jayawardene at second slip, succumb for 26 with the scoreboard reading 37.

There were no further scares as Rudolph and Amla led the team to lunch on 86 for one - but the afternoon session saw five wickets fall for 45 runs in 23 overs.

Within four balls of the recommencement Rudolph was on his way for 22, wedged by Jayawardene off Perera.

Kallis followed 19 balls later with no scoring, completing a first Test pair when he top-edged a Herath delivery to short leg, where Tharanga Paranavitana took the catch.

It was 106 for four in the 34th over when Amla was run out for 51, approaching down the ground and calling for a single Prince chose not to take.

Prince followed for seven, when he fended a short Fernando delivery to Paranavitana at first slip - and it was 133 for six when Mark Boucher was attentive lbw by Herath for seven.

De Villiers and Steyn dug in for more than 34 overs before the former was fascinated lbw for a 141-ball 69 by Herath with the scoreboard reading 232.

The end was nigh soon after when Morkel was out lbw to Tillakaratne Dilshan for five, before Steyn's 125-ball giving ended in similar fashion.

The contest was over when Marchant de Lange - who took eight wickets on his Test debut - became the third wicket to fall on 241 when he was bowled second ball by Herath, who ended with match figures of nine for 128.

Read more »

Pakistan to start afresh vs England

Pakistan and England will face-off for the first time since the spot-fixing dishonor took place and temporary coach Mohsin Khan is sure of a new beginning.

Mohsin took over the reins after Waqar Younis decided to relinquish the post for personal reasons in September. The ex-Pakistan player has been retained for next month's Test and one-day series against England in the United Arab Emirates. "We know the two teams will play for the first time since the spot-fixing scandal last year in England," Khan said.

"We have seen the negative commentary in the British media. But we just want to focus on playing a positive and good series."

Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were earlier put into jail for their participation in the spot-fixing case next to England at Lord's in 2010.

In 2006, Pakistan forfeited a Test at the Oval after umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove penalised them for ball-tampering, most important to tension between the two cricket boards. The ICC adjudicator later cleared Pakistan of the ball tamper charges but banned former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq for misconduct.

Khan, who has led Pakistan to series wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in his temporary role, was confident relations between the players would remain cordial even if he believes strong officiate will be necessary. "The roles of the referee and umpire will be significant," he added. "Whatever has happen in the past is history. We are looking in front now. For us it is a fresh start. We want to show ourselves with our performances that is all. The rest is history."

Khan also protected the recall of left arm paceman Wahab Riaz, insist all players careful for selection had been clean to play by the Pakistan board. Wahab, whose name was mention in court during the spot-fixing trial in London but has never been emotional with a fault, had not played international cricket for six months before his recall for the England series.

"We required Wahab because he exploits the old ball well and gets overturn swing," he said. "These will be significant for us on the pitches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi."

Pakistan, who are not capable to host international matches for security reasons, will play three Tests, four one-day internationals and three Twenty/20 matches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from Jan. 17.

Read more »

Welegedara give Sri Lanka huge lead

Sri Lanka 338 (Samaraweera 102, Chandimal 58, de Lange 7-81) and 7 for 1 lead South Africa 168 (Amla 54, Welegedara 5-52, Herath 4-49) by 177 runs

In what has previously been a champagne year for Test cricket, Chanaka Welegedara and Rangana Herath set Sri Lanka up for what could be the biggest Test upset of 2011. There were no signs of Durban's famed Green Mamba - tides which are rumored to make the Kingsmead track juicy - but that didn't put off South Africa from being knocked over for their lowest total against Sri Lanka. While the lower order had to deal with some sharp spin, the expert batsmen didn't have to face any snorters, which make the collapse more baffling.

An assured stand of 76 for the fourth wicket between Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers showed how few gremlins there were in the surface, but collapse on either side of that partnership had South Africa scramble to avert the follow-on. Their tail managed to achieve that, before Welegedara completed his five-for and finished the innings by getting Marchant de Lange to edge to the keeper. De’s 7 for 81 had limited Sri Lanka to 338 in the morning, but instead of a well-earned rest after becoming the eighth debutant to take a five-wicket haul this year, he had to bat in the gloom towards the end of the day.

The considerable lead of 170 did not seem likely even after Thilan Samaraweera became only the second Sri Lanka batsman to make a Test century in South Africa. de Lange had rip out the final three batsmen for three runs, but unhappily for the home fans the wickets sustained to tumble even when South Africa were batting.
Two overs after lunch, Jacques Rudolph sustained the trend of batsmen throw away their wickets, by helping a short ball on leg stump to deep-backward square leg. Graeme Smith followed minutes later, as he fished without footwork at a Chanaka Welegedara delivery to give wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal his first Test catch. It got a lot worse in Welegedara's next over as Jacques Kallis edge to slip to collect a rare Test duck, departure South Africa at 27 for 3.

South Africa still had two of their most bankable batsmen in the middle - Amla and de Villiers - and they revived the home side by comfortably playing out the rest of the session. De Villiers was subdued, but Amla showed his wide range of whiplash shots through the off side. There were several punches throughout cover for four and the point boundary was peppered as he pounced on the wide deliveries offered. Dilhara Fernando, regard as the lead of the Sri Lankan attack, was only bring on as the fourth-change bowler, but even his foreword didn't stop Amla, who lashed three fours in one over to cruise towards another half-century.

If South Africa were breathing easier at tea, when they were 100 for 3, they were left out of breath by what followed after the break. De Villiers chased a half-volley so wide that he ended up on his knees as he edged the ball to second slip. Welegedara had his fourth significant wicket two over’s later when Amla was caught at the back pushing at a delivery angle across.

That put Sri Lanka in charge, and two players whose places in the South Africa side are under inspection were left to launch a save effort. Questions over Mark Boucher's batting aptitude will intensify after his poke to gully off Rangana Herath for 3, but there will be even more pressure on Ashwell Prince after his botched reverse-sweep next to the spin, that too when South Africa were 119 for 6. With Herath proving too good for Morne Morkel, South Africa had lost five for 16.


Dale Steyn didn't get a wicket in a finished Test innings for the first time since 2008, but he still made a crucial contribution as he shepherded South Africa past the follow-on mark. The final two wickets put on 49, again showing that this wasn't a pitch not possible to bat on.

South Africa's submission made Samaraweera's century - only his second outside Asia -even more important. He and Herath defied the home side for more than an hour in complementary style: Samaraweera was 14 short of his hundred overnight and was in no hurry to reach the landmark, while Herath swung at everything, playing some comical yet effective flat-batted swipes next to the hulking fast bowlers.

Samaraweera got to his century soon after drinks, pushing the ball towards cover for two, before energetically celebrating the milestone by pretending to shoot at someone in the dressing room. Herath was also enjoying himself, with consecutive boundaries, both confident steers past cover point as Sri Lanka moved to 335 for 7 before de Lange's burst brought the innings to a quick end.

South Africa had some cheer late in the day, when Tillakaratne Dilshan decomposed for 4, but Sri Lanka is still in pole place to expand the home side's Durban jinx.

Read more »

Umesh Yadav double-blow push Australia

Australia 2 for 68 (Ponting 15*, Cowan 14*, Yadav 2-25) v India

Umesh Yadav strike twice for India, but an assured entrance by Ed Cowan helped Australia avoid fatal batting injure to reach 2 for 68 at lunch on day one of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Though Cowan made only 14 runs in the session, his determined move toward was exactly what the hosts required after batting first in friendly conditions for the closure and swing of Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan. Yadav was fast and dangerous, remove David Warner for a watchable, albeit brief, 37, and follow up by nipping out Shaun Marsh.

Ricky Ponting made the most unsure of starts, struck on the head second ball, but survive in Cowan's company and had played one or two more sure strokes by the time rain bring an early close to the first session.

Opening up after Michael Clarke won a quite unclear toss, Cowan and Warner walked to the middle under cloudy skies, to a surface that offered the promise of early seam to augment the swing obtainable by the atmosphere. First strike was taken by the debutant, and Cowan respond by playing out Zaheer's well-directed opening over with plenty of nerves but just as much good sense. His first run at home in the second over with a tap wide of mid on, before Warner commence with a streaky inside edge to the fine-leg boundary.

From this discouraging beginning Warner was quickly into stride, cuff a handful of boundaries in between reasonable pushes and nudges around the ground's vast expanse. Zaheer enthused the ball and Ishant bounced it, but Australia's openers negotiated their opening spells with as much self-assurance as could be predictable. The introduction of Yadav encouraged Cowan to unfurl one glorious straight drive amid his otherwise abstemious defenses, and Warner followed up in the same over by biffing the bowler through cover then hooking noisily into the crowd.

A brief rain delay broke the rhythm of the stand, and when the players return Warner perished right away, attempting to do again his hook at Yadav and gloving gently behind to MS Dhoni. Yadav had his tail up, firing down his delivery with plenty of speed, and first ball Marsh was struck on the pad. Having played only one Twenty20 innings since his return to fitness after a sore back complaint, Marsh did not look at ease, and to his seventh ball he walked too late into a drive to keep away from slicing it to gully.

Suddenly 0 for 46 had become two for the same score, and Ponting's arrival bring a crowd response that optional both appreciation and trepidation for Australia's former captain. Second ball Ponting swiveled to hook a short ball, but was struck a stunning blow to the jaw. Ponting was still alert sufficient to side-foot the rebound away from his stumps, but it was another reminder of how his command over the bouncer has slip ever since West Indies' Kemar Roach pin him on the arm in Perth in 2009.

Through it all Cowan maintain his composure, cracking Ishant throughout the covers to add a second boundary to his tally after taking a blow to the body from Yadav, and Ponting gradually began to find a little more equlibrium. He slipped over while pulling at Zaheer, but the ungainly follow-through was less significant than the sight of the ball skimming to the backward square-leg boundary.

Ishant and Zaheer were both ruled well and were joined in the attack by Yadav and R Ashwin, who won the spinner's spot ahead of Pragyan Ojha. Australia's line-up was established two days ago and there were no late changes, with Ben Hilfenhaus in for Mitchell Starc and Cowan named at the top of the order.

Australia's 427th Test cricketer, Cowan was accessible with his baggy green by Dean Jones, before the toss. Clarke's decision to bat was risky given Australia's struggle on Boxing Day last year, when England's swing attack skittles them for 98.

While India's fast men might not offer quite the same threat as James Anderson and Co, they will still be hard to handle on a pitch describe by Cameron Hodgkins, the curator, as similar to last Boxing Day.

Read more »

Updated cricket news: Melbourne police notify fans

cricket news: Expecting more than 70,000 crowds at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground for the first cricket Test between India and Australia, the home police have warned the audience to behave or else face expulsion, arrest and on-the-spot fines.

Police said that disorderly behavior among the crowd won't be tolerated.

Those found drunk and disorderly would be penalized Australian Dollar 611, AUD 489 for being offensive, violent or generally unruly and AUD 244 for using threatening, rude or insulting words.

Police supervisor Rod Wilson said uniformed officers and transit police would be out in strength to make sure the big event was free of trouble.

He said police would be at hotels around the MCG looking for underage drinking and anti-social behavior. Transit officers would be at work, mainly at Richmond station.

"We want people to enjoy themselves at the Test, but warn that police will act quickly if they detect any unlucky or anti-social behavior," Wilson said.

"Police will not believe unfortunate crowd behavior and anyone wedged doing the wrong thing will face strict penalty," he said.

"The Boxing Day Test is a great practice in Melbourne. We don't want people consumption to excess and spoiling the day for others," Wilson was quoted as saying by 'Herald Sun'.

Meanwhile, a few transitory showers are predictable early in the morning tomorrow but likely to clear well before the start of the match.

Online bookmaker Centre bet said the locals were paying AUD 2.20 for Australia while for India it is AUD 3.15.

Ed Cowan, who took the place of upset Shane Watson in the Australian team, is the punters' favorite to record the first century.

Read more »

Ed Cowan stakes claim with century

Cricket Australia Chairman's XI 7 for 214 (Cowan 109, Ashwin 4-52) trail Indians 269 (Kohli 132, Holland 6-70) by 55 runs

Two batsmen and two spinners performed remarkably for either side on the second day in Canberra, send-off the tour match between the Indians and the Cricket Australia Chairman's XI consistently poised.

Virat Kohli, who is probable to be India's No. 6 on Boxing Day, rehabilitated his half-century into a hundred, before the left-arm spinner Jon Holland triggered a lower-order collapse and incomplete the visitors to 269. Holland ended with figures of 6 for 70.

Opening batsman Ed Cowan then strengthen his case for a call-up to Australia's Test squad by scoring his fourth successive long-format hundred. The 109 off 154 balls he made at the Manuka Oval came after two centuries in the Sheffield Shield and one for Australia A next to the touring New Zealanders. Cowan steered CA Chairman's XI to a position from where they were well placed to take a first-innings lead, but the offspinner R Ashwin strike three quick blows to help decrease them to 7 for 214 at stumps, still trailing by 55 runs. Ashwin had figures of 4 for 52.

Another focal point of the day's play was the presentation of Zaheer Khan, who did not play the first tour game. Zaheer is working his way to an international reply after ankle surgical procedure and his first outing in Australia wasn't imposing - he went for 41 in 10 overs and took no wickets.

The day begins with the Indians on 4 for 162, with Kohli batting on 55. Rohit Sharma was dismissed early, ending a partnership of 101 for the fifth wicket. Kohli continual to bat briskly, hitting 18 fours and two sixes on his way to 132 off 171 balls, but the Indians lost MS Dhoni and Ashwin to Holland. Kohli was finally wedged by the wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman off Holland, who then polished off the tail in a jiffy.

The CA Chairman's innings began weakly, with the captain and Test opener David Warner getting bowled by Abhimanyu Mithun for 2. The rest of the innings was all about Cowan, as none of his team-mates got stuck into the Indian attack. Cowan; however, was providential to reach his century. On 95, he was caught short of his crease by a direct hit from Rohit, but Cowan had run at the back the umpire John Ward, who was not capable to see that the batsman was run out.

The two other Australia batsmen in the CA Chairman's XI line-up had normal outings. Usman Khawaja made 25 off 49 balls and Phillip Hughes, who batted at No. 4, managed 20 off 29 before he was trapped off a sweep.

The CA Chairman's XI had reached 184 for 3 before Ashwin began to work his way throughout the middle order. Four wickets fell for 30 runs, with left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha dismiss Cameron Boyce in the day's final over.

Read more »

Ashish Nehra follow Sourav Ganguly, blast Greg Chappell

A day after Sourav Ganguly term Greg Chappell a "mad" man, pacer Ashish Nehra on Tuesday said that he too "never had a great experience" playing in the Aussie.

The out-of-favour Indian speedster said, though he did not play enough crickets under the former India coach, Chappell, the pair of series' which he was concerned in were not worth detection.

"I only played two-three series when Chappell was the coach of Indian team, but I can say I never had a huge experience. Everyone had some issue with him so there must be amazing wrong," Nehra said.

The left-arm bowler from Delhi, who has scalped 14 wickets in the Ranji season so far, was though hopeful about recurring to international cricket and said he will keep working hard to get the preferred result.

"I have not played international cricket since previous seven months or so. I have only played a few practice games but I am working hard on my game and rest depends upon the selectors," the seamer said.

Nehra cracked his finger during the World Cup semi-final next to Pakistan on March 30 and since then has not established favor from the national selectors.

The bowler, although, did submit a fitness certificate to the BCCI prior to India's ODI series beside England in September.

The 32-year-old was also drop from the central agreement, but his leftovers positive about the future.

"As I have mention, I will keep doing my bit and the relax depends upon the selectors whether they find me good sufficient at this level or not. I have given proof of my fitness and now it is the selectors who have to take a call," Nehra said when ask if he was hurt at being left out of the central contract.

Read more »

Ricky Ponting makes Australia squad for India test

The Cricket Australia National Selection Panel (NSP) has announced a 13-man squad for the first Vodafone Test next to India, which begin at the MCG on Boxing Day.

Former captain Ricky Ponting made the cut in spite of having been under huge pressure following a fallow year. Young pace-bowler James Pattinson was also named in the side that will take on the star-studded Indian batting listings on December 26.

In-form all-rounder Shane Watson miss out due to injury.

The Australian squad is:

Michael Clarke (c) New South Wales (Age: 30)
Brad Haddin (vc) New South Wales (Age: 34)
Dan Christian South Australia (Age: 28)
Ed Cowan Tasmania (Age: 29)
Ben Hilfenhaus Tasmania (Age: 28)
Mike Hussey Western Australia (Age: 36)
Nathan Lyon South Australia (Age: 24)
Shaun Marsh Western Australia (Age: 28)
James Pattinson Victoria (Age: 21)
Ricky Ponting Tasmania (Age: 37)
Peter Siddle Victoria (Age: 27)
Mitchell Starc New South Wales (Age: 21)
David Warner New South Wales (Age: 25)

Commenting on the squad, National Selector John Inverarity said: "A 13-man squad has been named for the first Vodafone Test against India, starting on Boxing Day.

"The NSP has named 13 players due to the ongoing improbability about the fitness of Shaun Marsh. Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja have been absent from the Australian team that played in Hobart and Shaun Marsh, Ed Cowan and Ben Hilfenhaus have been added to the squad.

"Shane Watson was not careful for selection as he has not improved adequately from his injury. Ryan Harris has not yet achieves the volume of bowling required to be available for thought for Test selection.

"Ed Cowan has been in brilliant form in recent weeks. His enclosure is in credit of his constantly good performances and we expect that he can provide control at the top of the order. Ben Hilfenhaus has regain form this season and he provides a strong and dependable bowling option.

"We see both Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja as rising players with bright futures and residual as players of significance. They are strong-minded young men and I know that they will work hard to make compelling performances and push strongly for further consideration," Inverarity said.

Read more »

Paine's profession thrown into threat

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine's career is in serious risk after South Australia's state coach Darren Berry exposed that he is far from playing first-class cricket due to his latest injury.

Berry said that he was "spread out at how bad the injury looked" when he met the national team back-up keeper during a Sheffield Shield game in Hobart.

"I could tell by surveillance him trying to make a fist he was a mile away from spirited cricket," Berry said.

Paine, who has played four Tests for Australia, busts the finger during a pre-season training session with Tasmania.

Originally expected to miss action for three months, he was lined out for the whole season last week.

The 27-year-old was urgent in office Brad Haddin hard for a usual berth in both the Test and ODI team until the setback.

Berry wrote in Fairfax's Sun-Herald newspaper that Haddin can ill-afford to take it easy with the likes of Matthew Wade, Chris Hartley and Peter Nevill mouthful of air down his neck.

Read more »

Ishant Sharma to miss practice game but he will be fit for 1st Test

The Indian cricket team will not seek out a cover for wounded pacer Ishant Sharma as he is probable to be fit for the opening Test next to Australia next week even although he has been lined out of a three-day practice match starting on Monday.

“The doctor has advice him relax till Monday. So we would have a fresh look at him on Tuesday. But the work on him is going on and he's humanizing,” stated media executive G S Walia here this morning.

Ishant is getting better from injury in his left ankle which forced him to leave the field after bowling only 5.3 overs next to Cricket Australia Chairman's XI here on Thursday.

While the team management sounds hopeful on Ishant, it's certain he wouldn't be rotating out for the three-day game against Cricket Australia Chairman's XI.

The lanky fast bowler did come with the rest of his teammates to Manuka Oval this morning but spent the entire period either strolls at the ground or turning his arm over from a stationery location at the nets.

While words are on present to ease the uncertainties on Ishant Sharma, the sight of Zaheer Khan is certainly inspiring for the Indian team.

The left-arm paceman was all too eager to gauge and bowl for close to half an hour over two spells during the strong practice session. For a long time, he kept testing the skills of Virender Sehwag. The Delhi dasher, fresh from his record knock in one-day arena, had to summon all his attentiveness to counter Zaheer and on one time even shouted down the noise from a substantial crowd of Indian supporters who had gathered around the nets.

Zaheer is fitter and leaner and looking to last throughout an entire summer of Australia which he has never been able to do over two previous visits.

Young Abhimanyu Mithun also appears eager and inspired and rapped Sehwag a number of times on his pads. He also induces edges which seem to upset Sehwag.

Sachin Tendulkar opted for his favored method of facing throw downs but he too seem upset with the kind of attempt "throw down expert" Raghu could manage at him.

Tendulkar wanted Raghu to bowl on the off-stump and power him to either drive or leave the ball. As Raghu sent down a mixed bag of assortment, Tendulkar suddenly stopped the nets and took him to a false turf at the other side of the nets. The trick appears to work for him as the master batsmen then spent a long time at the nets.

India's fielding drill was strong this morning with players put themselves up to some sharp catching and throw sessions.

Read more »

Sachin Tendulkar has subordinate for Australia series

A cricket fan listed in the Indian touring squad as an "assistant" is helping Sachin Tendulkar get ready for India's quest to win their first Test series in Australia, news said on Monday.

DVGI Raghavindraa has never played first-class cricket but what he lacks in playing know-how he makes up for with interest and his presence in Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald said.

Raghavindraa is being used on tour for his throw-down skills in the carry out nets and the Herald said he has come with strong recommendation from Tendulkar and fellow Indian batsman Rahul Dravid.

The newspaper said Raghavindraa, 27, is scheduled as an "attendant" on a Board of Control for Cricket in India news release, and is a worker at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.

A Herald reporter watched Raghavindraa during a Sunday net meeting with Tendulkar at Canberra's Manuka Oval in which he threw balls at the batting genius for an hour.

Raghavindraa help Tendulkar get ready for the bombardment of out swingers he is likely to take delivery of from Australia's rising pace star James Pattinson in front of the opening Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.

"The session did not always go to plan. After a series of delivery on his pads, Tendulkar put his bat down for more than a few minutes to show Raghavindraa the wrist place necessary to allow the ball to form away from the right-hander," the newspaper said.

"Just two delivery later, Raghavindraa, unleash from about three meters in front of the popping crease, sent down an out swinger, which Tendulkar, after shoulder arms, describe as 'perfect' and gave his thumbs up."

Tendulkar has been a permanent thorn in the side of Australia's bowlers, averaging more than 60 with 11 centuries in 31 Tests next to them and is eye his 100th international hundred during the Australian tour.


Greg Chappell, who coach India for a three-year spell finish in 2007, said in a new book free last week that Tendulkar was a prisoner of his hard to believe fame in India and carried expectations greater than Australia's iconic batsman Donald Bradman.

Read more »

Greg Chappell to make out Sachin Tendulkar's secrecy

Former India coach Greg Chappell will address the out of form Aussie cricketers before the Boxing Day Test on December 26 to make known them the chink in Sachin Tendulkar's armour.

According a report in Daily Telegraph, Chappell will speak to the Australian team next week on how to undertake the likes of Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag in the grueling Test series start in Melbourne.

"Chappell will address the Australian squad for the first Test next week and he is the one man with the information to expose the champion (Tendulkar) Australia never feel they have got to the bottom of," the report said.

"To Australian bowlers Tendulkar has been the master they have never mastered. His record next to Australia in Tests - he averages 60.6 with 11 centuries in 31 Tests - makes him the greatest Aussie basher of his making," it said.

Chappell, in his just free memoirs 'Fierce Focus', has said that Tendulkar was "amazingly fragile" during a particular phase in his career when he had to cope with stressed form and a tennis elbow injury.

According to the report, Chappell, who had a contentious three-year stint as India coach from 2005-07, will be able to give insight into the character of the Indian team as well as the volatile opener Virender Sehwag, a player he greatly well-liked.

Read more »

BCCI turn down Sunil Gavaskar's insist

The BCCI has generally shot down former India captain Sunil Gavaskar`s insist of a whopping USD 1 million fee per season for media behavior connecting Indian Premier League.

The decision was taken throughout BCCI`s last AGM and the matter was nullify but it again came up for conversation as the well-known opener had written to the board difficult a fee of USD 1 million which he claim had been promise by former BCCI president Sharad Pawar.

"Even though the matter had been nullify earlier but the president guilty the working committee on the floor that Mr Gavaskar has written one more letter difficult a fee of USD 1 million. The President told us that he didn`t want any argument and placed the matter on the table. Everyone was of the opinion that this demand is undesirable," a BCCI official prefers anonymity said on Monday.

He also knowledgeable that, "Former president Shashank Manohar was ask about Gavaskar`s insist and that a promise was made by Mr Pawar. Manohar in turn has knowledgeable the BCCI that he has for myself spoken to the ICC president and the latter has deprived of about any such promise."

Currently, the likes of Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri, as per a agreement with BCCI, get Rs 1 crore per season for media behavior involving IPL.

Read more »

Anil Kumble resigned as NCA chairman

Former India captain and spin fable Anil Kumble has submissive from the chairmanship of National Cricket Academy on Monday citing difference.

According to reports, BCCI's working committee has acknowledged Kumble's acknowledgment. MP Pandove has been selected as the interim chairman of NCA.

"I had a three-year vision to make NCA a better. I had made 10 presentations during my term as chairman with the hope that my vision could be conventional. Even on Sunday I had discuss this at the NCA conference in Chennai. But it was not in position with the rest of the board," Kumble told PTI.

"I feel that it made no sense to be a chairman when I was not being heard. I had no other option but to move on in life," he added.

Earlier, Kumble, who is also the president of Karnataka State Cricket Association, cited "lack of time" as the reason behind his resignation. One of India's cricketing legends, Kumble was recently in news for difference of interest charges leveled against him by some quarters in the media. Kumble also runs his own players' organization company and also works as a mentor with Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Read more »

Cricket-Australia's Cummins suffer more injury blow

Pace man Pat Cummins will miss part of Australia's four-test series next to India after scans exposed his heel injury was more serious than predictable and would take longer to recover.

The 18-year-old suffer the injury during his six-wicket first appearance in Australia's second test win against South Africa last month but had been expected to be obtainable for the opening test next to India in Melbourne on Dec. 26.

Further scans showed a "bone stress part" to his injury, team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said, and its added difficulty was likely to see him sideline until early to mid-January.

"By the end of last week it was apparent to all of us organization him that he was progressing slower than expected for a soft tissue injury of the heel," Kountouris said in a statement released by Cricket Australia on Wednesday.

"As such we agreed for him to see a foot specialist and had further scans that have identified a bone component to his injury that was not evident on the original scans.

"This means that his revival will take longer than first expected. He is not likely to resume bowling until early to mid-January 2012."

The predictable recovery time will probable see Cummins miss the first and second test, which begins on Jan. 3 in Sydney? The third test in Perth starts on Jan. 13.

Read more »

Symonds to celebrity in India's Big Brother

Controversial Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds was today unveils as the latest contestant in the Indian television version of the hit certainty show "Big Brother".

The 36-year-old big hitter, in and out of the national side due to corrective problems, will become the first international cricketer to enter the "Bigg Boss" house, the show's promoters said in an emailed statement.

Symonds, a household name in cricket-mad India throughout his involvement in the short-format Indian Premier League, said he saw the show as a challenge, although he admit he had not seen any of the previous episode.

"India has been good to me and I have been travelling to India for over 20 years... I am hoping to have a lot of fun inside the house and learn more about the Indian society that I find very charming," he said.

"I am also looking at this as a chance to glass case the Australian culture which involves fun-filled activities like barbecue, throwing people into the pool and being totally at peace."

Symonds, dub the bad boy of Australian cricket for his drinking binges, was at the centre of a race row with India's Harbhajan Singh, whom he accused of calling him a "monkey" during the irritable second Test in Sydney in 2008.

The pair these years turned out for Mumbai Indians in the Twenty20 IPL and insists the much-publicized spat is behind them.

Previous overseas celebrity on "Bigg Boss" include the former "Baywatch" star Pamela Anderson and Jade Goody, who shot to fame in the British version of the show and was on the India format when she found she had terminal cancer.

One contentious guest this year is a Canadian porn star Sunny Leone, who has starred in films like "Not Charlie's Angels XXX" and "The Virginity Hit".

Bangladesh throws away the chance to record a comfort victory against Pakistan in the third and final ODI in Chittagong and lost the series 3-0.

Read more »

Pakistan entire series whitewash

Pakistan entire series whitewash 177 (Umar 57, Misbah 47, Razzak 3-21, Mahmudullah 3-4) strike Bangladesh 119 (Mahmudullah 35, Hafeez 3-27, Malik 3-6) by 58 runs

The hosts, having bowled out Pakistan for just 177, looked well place at 61 for one after 15 overs of their reply only for a power breakdown to thrust the stadium into darkness and disrupt the Bangladesh chase.

From a position of strength they misshapen to 119 all out as the tourists completed a 3-0 series win with a 58-run triumph.

A Bangladesh win seem a formality when Shahriar Nafees and Mahmudullah came together following the first-ball departure of Tamim Iqbal.

Both men scored at a stable rate with the Pakistan attack contribution little threat on a track which heavily favored the spinners.

However, the game changed totally following a 20-minute break with the lights going out, accurately, on Bangladesh.

Shahriar departed leg before wicket to Saeed Ajmal for 25 following the recommencement after misjudge an attempt sweep up while Mohammad Hafeez accounted for Mahmudullah (35), attentive leg before on the back foot.

From there it was a demonstration as Pakistan rattled through the middle and lower orders.

Only Alok Kapali with 12 and Farhad Reza 21 obtainable any kind of confrontation but it was not enough.

Shoaib Malik was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, recording extraordinary figures of three for six from four overs, while Hafeez chip in with three for 27 from 10.

Abdur Rehman and Saeed Ajmal claimed two wickets each.

It was a disappointing reply by a Bangladesh side which looks so good earlier in the day.

Pakistan secured an incontrovertible 2-0 lead in the series on Saturday but struggle from the outset on a turning wicket.

They improved from 39 for three thanks to a 94-run partnership between Misbah-ul-Haq and Umar Akmal, but then misplaced their last seven wickets for 44 runs.

Hafeez went for a duck in the first over, chipping a slower ball from Shafiul Islam into the cover, and Asad Shafiq made just seven before he was bowled throughout the gate by Shakib Al Hasan.


Younus Khan had made a steady 26 before his edge behind off Abdur Razzak to leave his side in trouble.

Misbah (47 from 89 balls) steady the ship in typical fashion along with Akmal (57 from 84 balls), but the captain then played at a wide delivery from Razzak and steered the ball to short extra-cover.

Akmal attempted to improve the scoring rate but totally miss a delivery from Elias Sunny and was easily stumped, while

Malik last just two balls before beating a return catch to Razzak.

Shahid Afridi (nine) perished attempt a typical big hit and none of Pakistan's last six batsmen reached double figures.

Read more »

Abhimanyu Mithun replace Praveen for Oz tour

Abhimanyu Mithun replaces an offended Praveen Kumar in India's Test squad for the upcoming four-match away series next to Australia.

Right arm-fast bowler Mithun, who has played four Tests for India, the last in Barbados in May, has been extra to the 17-man squad after Praveen was ruled out of the Test series in Australia with a fractured rib.

Mithun joins Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron and Ishant Sharma in India's pace department for the Australia tour, with pacer lead Zaheer Khan selected conditionally, as he has to prove his fitness before the squad's departure.

The BCCI's All-India Senior Selection Committee which met here today also replace pacer Yadav with Irfan Pathan for the last two ODIs next to the West Indies to be played in Indore and Chennai on December 8 and 11 correspondingly.

Umesh's keeping out has been the only change in the current ODI team as the selectors have retain the rest of the squad for the residual two matches against the Caribbean side, according to a statement issued by BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale.

Irfan, who has not played for India since 2009, drew the selector’s thought by virtue of his imposing performance in this season's Ranji Trophy, in which he is the most important wicket-taker with 21 scalps.

The BCCI statement also said that Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Ishant Sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Yadav and reserve wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha, who be not part of the current ODI team against West Indies, will leave for Australia early on Thursday to acclimatize to the conditions.

The seven players will be accompanying by Evan Speechly (physiotherapist), Ramji Srinivasan (trainer), Amit Shah (massage psychoanalyst) and Raghavendra DVGI (attendant).

Indian squad for last two ODIs against West Indies: Virender Sehwag (captain), Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Parthiv Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, R Vinay Kumar, Irfan Pathan, Varun Aaron, Rohit Sharma, Manoj Tiwary, Rahul Sharma, Abhimanyu Mithun

Read more »

West Indies stay series alive: India lead the series 2-1

West Indies 260 for 5 (Samuels 58, Sammy 41*, Russell 40*) strike India 244 (Rohit 95, Rampaul 4-57) by 16 runs

After bowling West Indies to an impressive 16-run win over India, Ravi Rampaul said the early breakthrough was the key to his side's victory in the third ODI. "I would say it was receiving early breakthrough," Rampaul said.

Rampaul said the vital lesson that he had academic on his visits to India with the Trinidad and Tobago squad for the Champions League matches was to bowl base to stump.

"My two visits for the Champions League have help. The key to bowling on these pitches is to keep line and length, bowl wicket to wicket," said the 27-year-old pace bowler.

Rampaul's outstanding figures of 4 for 57 in 8.5 over’s built-in the wickets of India skipper Virender Sehwag and one down Gautam Gambhir for first ball blobs.

Sehwag was dismiss by the bowler with a late out swinger which the stylish opener try to drive and edged to wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, while Gambhir was fox by a ball that moved in a shade as the left-handed batsman shoulder arms and was attentive in front.

Rampaul also give credit to debutant off-spinner Sunil Narine and Marlon Samuels for backing up him and the other fast bowlers very well.

"The spinners bowled very well and kept it tight. Narine bowled well and kept up the pressure. We also immovable to our plans," he said.

Rampaul did not see the Motera Stadium wicket as a hard one to bat on.

"It was not a complicated wicket to bat on," said the bowler, who had frightened in the earlier Test rubber too which the West Indies lost 0-2.

Rampaul, a man of few words, also spoken the hope that his team would carry on do well in the residual two matches at Indore and Chennai by sticking to their plans.

Read more »

New Zealand Cricket's new CEO David White

David White has been named as New Zealand Cricket's new chief executive to take over from the departure Justin Vaughan, and it will increase conjecture the national body are allowing for relocate to Auckland.

White has significant experience in sports administration as a former Auckland Rugby and Blues' chief executive as well as Wellington Rugby and the Hurricanes.

He newly returned to New Zealand after three years in England, as CEO of Bristol Rugby, to work on the Rugby World Cup. Even though most of his experience is in rugby, White played cricket for Northern Districts for 15 years and he also sits on the board of the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association.

"The board of NZC is pleased to have secured the services of such a qualified sports administrator as David,'' NZC chairman Chris Moller said.”In addition, it is a bonus that David has represent New Zealand in cricket and played for Northern Districts for 15 years, as well as being captain for two seasons.''

White will be based at Lincoln, even though his family will carry on to live in Auckland.

"The board of New Zealand Cricket is very conscious that David's appointment will fuel conjecture about the future location of New Zealand Cricket,'' said Moller.

"I can guarantee everyone that no conclusion has been made concerning the future location of New Zealand Cricket and if and when such a matter is most careful, it will be a decision made by the Board, not by the CEO.''

Read more »

Paul Collingwood hopeful for England come back

Paul Collingwood hopes winning domestic stints in Australia and India can help him force his way backside into England's limited-overs side.

Collingwood, who retire from Tests after the Ashes last winter, last played for his country during the World Cup in March and believe he, can still be part of the ODI and Twenty20 teams.

England's selectors moved resolutely towards youth over the summer, blooding a handful of talented young players but Collingwood's aims to make his case with spells in the Big Bash, with Perth Scorchers, follow by the Indian Premier League, where he represent Delhi Daredevils.

"I still have the goal to play one-day and T20 for my country," Collingwood said.
"If I have a actually good six months you never know what can happen. I'll be out in Australia for six or seven weeks playing next to some of the world's best cricketers then playing in the IPL.

"This is a thrilling opportunity for me. Although I'm 35 it is a fresh challenge. I'm looking forward to playing in the Big Bash, it's a big phase and that is where you want to be."

Read more »

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma brings India successive win

India 270 for 5 (Kohli 117, Rohit 90*) hit West Indies 269 for 9 (Rampaul 86*, Simmons 78, Yadav 3-38) by five wickets

A record-breaking innings from tailender Ravi Rampaul was not sufficient for the West Indies to avoid a second succeeding one-day beat by India in Visakhapatnam.

Rampaul, who came into the match with an regular of 9.47 and a top score of 26 not out, thrash six sixes and as many fours to finish winning on 86 from 66 delivery - eclipsing Mohammad Amir's 73no, the preceding best score by a number 10 in ODI cricket.

Lendl Simmons had previous compiled a exclusive 78 in 102 balls to make up for a miserable middle-order showing, with the West Indies closing on a spirited 269 for nine. But India's class shone through as their comeback, led by Virat Kohli's 123-ball 117, saw them declare their authority to win by five wickets with 11 balls to spare.

The hosts' reply had not ongoing well as Parthiv Patel go for two with just three runs on the board, an exterior edge off Kemar Roach going low to Darren Sammy at second slip.

Virender Sehwag came in to steady belongings only for Gautam Gambhir to go for 12 to leave his side on 29 for two.

Sehwag (26) was next to leave, however, sending a Marlon Samuels delivery to wide long-off where Andre Russell made the catch in the 16th over.

That bring Kohli to the middle and he set about his task in certain fashion, showing mature but optimistic shot assortment to hit 14 fours. That run was brought to an end on 117 by Rampaul as Kohli went for a power shot which edged to Denesh Ramdin to make the catch.

That left the hosts on 247 for four but Rohit Sharma was going along satisfactorily and he helped his side across the final line with an unbeaten 90 feature seven fours and two sixes.

Bad weather had belated the start until 2.30pm local time but no decrease in overs was necessary, send-off Sehwag to insert the tourists after winning the toss.

Adrian Barath endures a brief but sweltering time at the head of the innings, declining for a duck to his eighth delivery as Umesh Yadav and wicketkeeper Patel combined for the wicket.

Yadav had Samuels drop before an excellent catch from Suresh Raina sent him back to make it 25 for two.

Simmons took succeeding fours off Yadav soon after, while Darren Bravo announce himself with an easy flick through square leg.

Bravo's second boundary was even improved but he was gone for 13 when Vinay Kumar tempts a loose caress from the left-hander to have him caught at mid-on.

Vinay followed up by sending Denza Hyatt back for a two-ball duck, but Simmons was unchanged as he eases into the 30s moments later.

Ramdin also unsuccessful to keep him company, the recurring Yadav shaping one missing from the batsmen and having him caught at backward point as the scoreboard moved to 63 for four.

Kieron Pollard came and went but by then Simmons had recorded a 10th ODI fifty and he sustained to make things look easy, lifting Ravichandran Ashwin for six over long-on.

It was Rampaul who actually provide the sting in the tail. He played his shots from the start, hitting his seventh ball for six, and did not slow down when Simmons ran himself out for 78.

His 50 busy only 35 balls and more sixes follow, with two more off Ashwin, one off Jadeja and two from the bowling of Varun Aaron, counting the final ball of the innings.

Read more »

Ricky Ponting fall but Michael Clarke drives Australia on

Australia 5 for 254 (Clarke 99*, Ponting 78, Haddin 2*) follow New Zealand 295 by 41 runs

Ricky Ponting's extended wait for his 40th test century continue but Michael Clarke was just one run short of his 17th hundred as Australia reach 254-5 at have lunch on the third day of the first test next to New Zealand on Saturday.

Australia, who resume on 154-3, inch progressively towards New Zealand's first innings tally of 295 with Clarke uncertainly balanced on 99 and Brad Haddin next to him on two when the break arrived to end an comprehensive morning session.

Ponting, who Clarke replaces as captain previous this year, had been hoping to notch up his first century since January 2010 but was able only to add 11 to his for the night total before being attentive lbw by Chris Martin for 78.

Clarke and Mike Hussey added another 60 runs before the knowledgeable Western Australian nicked within edge onto his pads and was caught by Jesse Ryder off the bowling of Daniel Vettori for 15.

That came a ball after Clarke had been drop on 85 by wicketkeeper Reece Young, the 30-year-old existing a big scare as he had when he was bowled on 23 on Friday but called back when television replays show he had been dismiss off a no ball.

Ponting's discharge was a reward for some good tight bowling from the New Zealanders, even if Clarke determined to challenge Aleem Dar's decision with a TV referral that upholds the umpire's call.

Clarke, who resume on 28, had earlier bring up his 22nd test half century in some style with a towering six back over the head of bowler Vettori. (Writing by Nick Mulvenney in Sydney, suppression by Greg Stutchbury)

Read more »

"Tough to stop Indian juggernaut"

With India on a 10-match winning strip at home, it is hard to stop their juggernaut, said West Indies captain Darren Sammy in front of the 2nd ODI.

West Indies are yet to win a match next to India despite coming agonizingly close on a few occasion during this tour so far.

"India so far has won the last 10 games at home. When you have a winning run, you forever tend to get a method to go over the line," said Sammy.

India wriggles out of an unstable position to clinch a nerve-wrecking one-wicket win over the West Indies in the first ODI at Cuttack to take 1-0 lead in five-match series.

West Indies had an existent match in their hands when they had India 201 for 9, chase 211 but the victory remains unbelievable as Indian tail of Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron cross the line in time.

However, Sammy said that they would be taking a lot of positives from the last game and felt that their indefinable victory was just approximately the corner.

"We keep receiving close. We need to find ways to defeat that. We manage to take India all the way down to the wire, defensive a small total. As much as we were dissatisfied in losing, the guys will take a lot of self-assurance going forward in the one-day series," the skipper insists.

"We are definitely looking to win games here. We have showed that we can compete with the best one-day teams in the world. Had we showed killer instincts in the last game, we could have crossed the line. Confidently, we would come victorious.

"We as a young team, we need to find a way out whether it's spiritually, physically or strategically. I consider in all the guys here. A win is just round the corner. It could be tomorrow," he added.

Read more »

England's Bresnan has prod operation

England bowler Tim Bresnan has undergone surgery on his elbow but is predictable to be fit for the Test series next to Pakistan in the New Year, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) exposed on Thursday.

Yorkshire pace man Bresnan feel pain in his elbow during the new one-day tour of India and was sent for an operation to remove a bone portion.

But the ECB said they probable him to be fit for next month's visit to the United Arab Emirates, where Pakistan are once more playing a 'home' series because of security concern in their own country.

"The Yorkshire and England pace bowler Tim Bresnan undergo an operation yesterday (Wednesday) to take away a bone piece from the back of his elbow," said an ECB statement.

"His symptoms started during the England one-day squad’s new tour of India and have failed to settle with rest.

"The ECB medical employees will oversee his analysis programmed in combination with Yorkshire and he is predictable to make a full revival in time for England's Test Series against Pakistan in the UAE which starts in January."

England, the world's number one ranked Test side, are predictable to name their squad for the three-match series next week.

Read more »

Kamran Akmal meet PCB chief about 'Ignored'

Discarded Pakistan wicketkeeper, Kamran Akmal, met with the PCB chairman, Zaka Ashraf, in yet another endeavor to revive his international career.

The knowledgeable wicketkeeper, who established a lot of flak for his shoddy work behind the stumps during the World Cup, has allegedly complained about selectors for overlooking him in spite of his good showing in domestic matches.

"Kamran convey to the Board chairman that the selectors were being unjust to him despite his good performance in domestic cricket as he had been ignored for the Sri Lanka series and Bangladesh tour," a source close to the cricketer, informed.

Kamran's name also came up during the spot-fixing scandal, along with pacer Wahab Riaz, who has also not been picked during recent matches.

"Kamran wanted to clear a few misunderstanding surrounding him," the source exposed.

The source added that Kamran told the PCB chief that he had submit all the needed documents such as his bank accounts and resources details to the ICC and PCB's honesty committee.

Kamran has been in good form in the continuing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and scored another half-century in a ninth-round match for the National bank on Wednesday.

Read more »

Patel pulls away of IPL mart

Nottinghamshire all-rounder Samit Patel has withdrawn from the Indian Premier League Dutch auction in an effort to further his claim for a place in England's Test side.

Patel's legislatures have held talks with several franchises but he has elected to announce himself engaged ahead of Wednesday's midnight time limit to enter the auction.

"My biggest goal is to play Test cricket and I require scoring a high volume of runs in the Championship to push my case," said Patel.

Read more »

MCA: No action alongside Ajit Agarkar

The Mumbai Cricket Association will not take any action next to Ajit Agarkar for returning home in a huff after being drop from the Mumbai team next to Orissa in the Ranji Trophy Elite match in Cuttack.

"No action is being contemplate against Agarkar who sought my permission to return home on Tuesday and I, in turn, asked Mumbai selection panel chairman (Milind Rege). Rege felt Ajit did not feel comfortable sitting in the reserves and can be permitted," MCA joint secretary Nitin Dalal said.

Agarkar, who had return to the Mumbai squad for the previous game next to Karnataka after missing the first two ties due to injury, was left out after the team management decisive to include Avishkar Salvi and Dhawal Kulkarni as the support seamers for Zaheer Khan who is testing his match fitness in front of the tour to Australia.

"Agarkar was feeling dishonored after he was dropped for the match by the team management. He was an India player and we feel it would be better if he is allowable to return home as a substitute of staying back with the team," Dalal added.

Dalal also said the MCA officials will ask the team management and Agarkar to sit jointly with them and batter out the differences after the squad returns.

"We would sit with them and talk about the issue. He is existing for selection for the next match (against Saurashtra at Rajkot from December 6-9)," Dalal added.

Mumbai selection panel chairman Rege said the board will meet on Saturday to pick the team for the clash against Saurashtra.

The former Mumbai captain and off-spinner also sounded upset about the comments allegedly made by Zaheer Khan that he and team coach Sulakshan Kulkarni were "bringing down Mumbai cricket."

Asked for his comments, Rege said, "It's for the MCA to ask Zaheer Khan what he meant by that statement that I am bringing down Mumbai cricket. I am doing my job as a selector. I don't want to respond further."

Read more »