India amazing victory against England

India 241 (Dhoni 53, Flintoff 3-49) and 387 for 4 (Tendulkar 103*, Yuvraj 85*, Sehwag 83, Gambhir 66) beat England 316 (Strauss 123, Prior 53*, Cook 52) and 311 for 9 dec (Strauss 108, Collingwood 108) by six wickets

After all the turmoil of recent weeks, India couldn't have picked a better moment to create history, completing a famous six-wicket victory in Chennai by chasing down the fourth-highest total in Test cricket. And there could be no better figure than Sachin Tendulkar to mastermind the uplifting success with a century of such serenity that he made the pressure-cooker environment seem like an afternoon in the park. Along with Yuvraj Singh, he added an unbroken 163, sapping the England spirit that had carried them into such a dominant position.
The closing stages were dominated by scenes of a hysteric crowd cheering dot-balls as Yuvraj ensured Tendulkar had time to reach his 41st century. The moment came with perfect symmetry as Tendulkar swept Graeme Swann to fine leg to reach the hundred and complete victory. All the previous times India have come up short in run-chases, and claims that Tendulkar doesn't contribute at crunch times, will be forgotten.

At the end of the third day Gary Kirsten, a man of few words, said he believed this Indian team was capable of anything. Now, after following their victory over Australia with this triumph, the momentum of the side is starting to feel unstoppable. The batting faltered in the first innings, but they never lost confidence in their own ability, highlighted by Virender Sehwag's bombast, Tendulkar's calm and Yuvraj's flair.

England have been through such a range of emotions that it will probably take them a while to dissect what has gone on. They performed above expectations for much of the game, but on the final day wilted against a great batting line-up. Their bowlers couldn't summon up the same consistency that was successful earlier in the match. They failed to break through in clusters, with Andrew Flintoff's third-over removal of an out-of-form Rahul Dravid and James Anderson's curtailing of Gautam Gambhir's stylish 66 proving false dawns. Each time another Indian batsman would bed in on a pitch that never quite developed into the viper it promised to be.

The stand between Tendulkar and Yuvraj was worthy of such a significant occasion - when they came together the match was still in England's favour after Graeme Swann had VVS Laxman taken at short leg shortly after lunch. Yuvraj struck two early boundaries off Swann and made it clear he was going to play his natural game, rather than prod around as in the first innings. England tried everything to unsettle him, but this time he didn't get sucked into any verbals with Flintoff, instead just turning away and giving the silent treatment. Steve Harmison ended up hurling the ball back at him from his follow-through, but Yuvraj calmly patted it away and bit his tongue.

The presence of Tendulkar was vital. He remained entrenched and massively focused after overcoming a testing start against Flintoff, who was the only pace bowler Kevin Pietersen could rely on for control, and ensured Yuvraj focused on his batting. He manoeuvred the spinners with great skill and Pietersen was always a few deliveries late with his field changes. The England captain will learn with time, but his team's tactics had been strangely negative since lunch yesterday, although Sehwag's innings clearly impacted their mindset on the final day.

The closest England came to breaking the decisive stand was when Yuvraj swept at Swann and all the close fielders went up for a gloved catch. It was only the bowler who believed in the lbw shout, and replays showed it was hitting halfway up middle stump. Swann found turn and bounce, reward for giving the ball a tweak, although he had a tendency to drift too straight rather than making the batsmen drive. However, he can hold his head high after a promising debut.

Monty Panesar, on the other hand, was again hugely disappointing and remained wicketless from 27 overs while conceding nearly four an over. For the second time in three Tests, following South Africa's successful chase at Edgbaston, the pressure of a final-innings situation that should have suited him perfectly instead caused him to seize up. He was cut and pulled far too often and even when he tried to build pressure, by bowling over the wicket to Tendulkar, runs still ticked along.

Once the target was below three figures Yuvraj began to express himself by pulling Panesar for six then attacking the new ball. That had been England's last chance, but the batsmen were so well set that it barely made a difference. The belief was surging through India and Yuvraj even brought out one of his one-day specialities, clearing his front leg to launch Anderson over mid-on. This innings could be the making of him.

He offered a half chance on 55, gloving a short ball from Harmison down the leg side, but Matt Prior couldn't take it tumbling to his right, and a more clear-cut opportunity when Prior missed a leg-side stumping late on. However, by then only 20 more were needed and any chance of an England fightback had long since disappeared. This experience will be tough to take, but extenuating circumstances should allow them a greater degree of pride in their performance. Nothing, though, will take the glory away from India, and after a performance like this nothing should.

Sehwag blitzkrieg leaves Test tantalizingly poised

Chennai: One man – who literally held the key to India successfully chasing down the fourth innings target of 387 set by England – treated a Sunday afternoon crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium with a truly special innings.

No team has successfully chased down more than 276 in fourth innings of Tests in India, and that meant the odds were heavily stacked against the hosts. But Virender Sehwag, as is his natural style of batting, came out all guns blazing and took the Chepauk by storm.

He got off the mark by running down the ball to the thirdman fence, and soon added another boundary to his tally when he pounced on a short delivery from James Anderson and hammered it through his favourite area – backward of point.

That second over of the innings, which saw Sehwag scoring nine runs, set the tempo, and from there on, it was all traveling in fifth gear until his eventual dismissal – a good 102 minutes after he came out to bat.

All the English bowlers were treated with the same degree of disdain – Harmison went for 26 runs from 17 balls, Anderson 14 from 8, Panesar went for 21 runs from as many balls, Flintoff 10 from 9 balls and Swann 12 from 13 balls.

The first fifty of the run chase came in 5.3 overs, while the next fifty came in more Test-cricket-like 12.3 overs. Sehwag raced to 50 from 32 balls, narrowly missing out on registering the fastest half-century by an Indian in Test cricket – Kapil Dev had done it in 30 balls against Pakistan.

1st Innings:
ENG 316 (128.4)
R/R: 2.46

2nd Innings:
ENG 311/9 dec (105.5)
R/R: 2.94

1st Innings:
IND 241 (69.4)
R/R: 3.46


2nd Innings:
IND 131/1 (29.0)
R/R: 4.52

India fought back strongly during the afternoon session in Chennai, claiming three early wickets after conceding a lead of 75. Andrew Flintoff and Monty Panesar wrapped up the home side for 241 shortly after lunch, but England's top order found life hard, especially against the spinners, with Yuvraj Singh providing a huge bonus for India by removing Kevin Pietersen with his first ball.

Trailing by 161 overnight, India made strong inroads into the deficit as Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh added 75 before the last four wickets fell for 29. However, the equation was evened up when England slipped to 43 for 3 although the advantage of bowling last gives them a little extra breathing space.

Andrew Strauss, who again looked at ease in the middle, and Alastair Cook made comfortable progress during the opening overs. Ishant Sharma struggled with his front foot, sending down seven no-balls in his first spell, but made the first breakthrough when Cook fished at one outside off stump.

As in the first innings spin was introduced in the ninth over and again it was Amit Mishra ahead of Harbhajan, who even had to wait his turn behind Yuvraj. Mishra tossed the ball up, imparting nice side-spin and produced one that bounced more from a length to take Ian Bell's glove to short leg.

Then came the latest Dhoni masterstroke. As soon as Pietersen walked in Yuvraj was brought into the attack. All of England's batsmen have struggled with Yuvraj, both in the one-dayers and this Test, but as much for his sliders as his spin. His first delivery angled in with the arm, trapping Pietersen in front and the England captain knew his fate before the finger went up.

It could have been better for India too, because Dhoni put down a thick edge off Strauss when he had 15. Strauss continued his first-innings form, moving to a compact 30 by tea and Paul Collingwood had enabled some calm to return to the innings.

England's precious lead of 75 grew in importance with each setback although there was a feeling they missed a chance to nail India. They found it hard to replicate the intensity of the second evening when play resumed, with Steve Harmison suffering stiffness behind his knee, although a scan cleared him of serious problems, and Flintoff having been sick overnight.

Flintoff opened the bowling with Panesar, but wasn't as fearsome as he was on the second evening when he rattled Yuvraj, although still had the heart and character to deliver for his captain. He also needed to leave the field to have his ankle re-strapped.

Dhoni played a very mature innings and the more flamboyant shots came from Harbhajan, who has an individual style to his batting. He isn't afraid to use his feet against the fast bowlers and doesn't have much respect for opposition spinners. When Panesar went over the wicket, Harbhajan brought out the reverse sweep which brought a rather bemused smile from the bowler. He was equally confident against the quicks, slashing Harmison over the slips and through the covers during a loose spell.

The closest England came to a breakthrough during the first hour was when an inside edge from Dhoni shot low past Bell at short leg and it was a surprise that Graeme Swann was kept waiting for his chance. However, the first wicket went to Panesar as Bell held on to a more routine offering from Harbhajan to break the stand. It was a confidence-boosting strike for Panesar, who had again seemed at odds with his game.

Pietersen sensed the opening and almost immediately returned to Flintoff. Once again he was rewarded with a first-over breakthrough as Zaheer was trapped on the back foot by one that shaped in. Dhoni largely played within himself and brought up a half-century off 77 balls despite the pain of a twisted ankle which he picked up while running a three. However, with the final two tailenders in, he felt it was down to him to reduce the deficit and attacked Panesar, only to find Pietersen stationed two-thirds of the way back at mid-off. Panesar's trademark smile was returning and his spirit will be vital when England defend their fourth-innings target.

Mishra and Sharma whittled England's advantage down by a further 22 before Flintoff wrapped up the innings with the fourth ball after lunch. Two hours later and an already fascinating contest was turning into a cracker.

India ahead despite Strauss century

This Test looked like it might never go ahead, and some still argue it's too soon to be playing cricket, but in the end the opening day produced a fascinating start to the short series. Despite a fine century from Andrew Strauss, a brace of wickets apiece for Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan reduced England to 229 for 5 at the close although the surface is threatening to break up later in the game.
Against the odds England controlled the first two sessions and were 164 for 1 at tea after an opening stand of 118. However, India hit back strongly, led by another outstanding display of reverse swing from Zaheer. He removed Ian Bell with the second ball after tea and bounced-out a scratchy and skittish Kevin Pietersen. Andrew Flintoff did well to survive his early trial by spin and swing, and faces a huge role on the second day with nightwatchman James Anderson for company.

Strauss's effort was a remarkable show of concentration. Barring three short innings during the Stanford week, this was his first knock since the end of the English season. He brought up his 13th Test century off 191 balls, but his dismissal late in the day, offering a low return catch to Amit Mishra, put India firmly ahead on points. The four sessions splits confirm how India fought back: 63 without loss, 101 for 1 and 65 for 4.

Zaheer's first ball after tea slanted across Bell, then the second arched back in and was heading for middle when he was trapped in front. Dhoni hadn't used Zaheer between lunch and tea, but when called upon played a vital part. Pietersen has had more to deal with in recent days than most, so it was unsurprising that he struggled at the crease. He was tested by Zaheer's swing but also Yuvraj Singh's left-arm sliders. Yuvraj caused as many moments of discomfort as Harbhajan, who was introduced in the ninth over, or Mishra and had a very close lbw shout turned down against Pietersen. Zaheer, though, claimed a deserved second wicket as Pietersen top-edged a pull which the bowler claimed in his follow-through.

Paul Collingwood retained his place in the side ahead of the in-form Owais Shah, and when your spot is being debated it doesn't help to get a rough decision. Billy Bowden thought he'd got a glove to short-leg off Harbhajan, but he missed it by at least six inches. A lot of the players have spoken about how events in Mumbai have given them a greater perspective, but once the contest is resumed in the middle, instincts take over and the disappointment was easy to detect.
England Ist innings Runs Balls Fours Sixes SR FoW
Andrew Strauss c and b Mishra 123 233 15 0 52.79 5-221 ( 83.3 ov. )
Alastair Cook c Zaheer b Harbhajan 52 116 5 0 44.83 1-118 ( 39.6 ov. )
Ian Bell lbw b Zaheer 17 51 1 0 33.33 2-164 ( 57.2 ov. )
Kevin Pietersen (c) c and b Zaheer 4 33 0 0 12.12 3-180 ( 65.4 ov. )
Paul Collingwood c Gambhir b Harbhajan 9 26 1 0 34.62 4-195 ( 72.2 ov. )
Andrew Flintoff not out 18 64 2 0 28.13
James Anderson not out 2 17 0 0 11.76
Matt Prior (wk)
Graeme Swann
Steve Harmison
Monty Panesar
Extras: ( 0 wd, 4 lb, 0 b, 0 nb, 0 p) Total: 229 / 5 in 90.0 overs (Run Rate: 2.54)
Bowler Overs Maidens Runs Wickets NoBall Wide Eco
Zaheer Khan 17.0 7 36 2 0 0 2.12
Ishant Sharma 15.0 2 29 0 0 0 1.93
Harbhajan Singh 26.0 2 67 2 0 0 2.58
Amit Mishra 20.0 4 63 1 0 0 3.15
Yuvraj Singh 11.0 2 22 0 0 0 2.00
Virender Sehwag 1.0 0 8 0 0 0 8.00

"We need to start from scratch" - Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India's captain, has said his team has only been focusing on maintaining the intensity from a successful last couple of months. Dhoni conceded England had a better fast-bowling attack, but countered by saying that India's batting juggernaut and the 5-0 ODI success put the home side in a good position.

"It does not matter which opposition we are playing. You have to be aggressive in international cricket, it has to be controlled," he said in Chennai. "The focus should be on execution of plans, and if we can execute them on the field to our potential we have a good chance of doing well. We have got the plans, and the preparation and execution have been good. We need to focus on that. We need to start from scratch and do the good things that we have done in the one-day series."

While most of India's players went home to visit family or played in domestic cricket, England return for the Tests short of practice. Rain hampered their preparations in Abu Dhabi and the only warm-up game was cancelled for security issues. "They got time off in between and they must have planned a few things," said Dhoni. "They are a better bowling side, and at the same time our batsmen are in good nick and we have been doing the basics right."

Yuvraj Singh has been given one more chance to resurrect his stop-start Test career. He muscled his way back into contention with two successive one-day hundreds against England but Dhoni cautioned him against filling Sourav Ganguly's place at No. 6. "The biggest fault will be if he tries to fill the shoes of Ganguly. He should be himself," said Dhoni. "He is a very different individual. His game plan is different and he plays in a different way. We don't want him to fill in the shoes of someone.

"He is in good nick and he just needs to continue with that. He can be a part-time bowler as well. The SG ball does a bit and if he can put it in the right areas he can have an impact on the game."

The one glaring blot in India's batting line-up is Rahul Dravid, who has only two half-centuries in his previous 17 innings. But like Kris Srikkanth, India's chairman of selectors, Dhoni felt Dravid was "just one innings away from regaining form". "He has been shaping up really well in the net sessions," he said. "We know the amount of talent he has got, and he is also one the most committed cricketers around. He will definitely get scores in the series."

India were undecided on their XI. Dhoni felt the spinners would get assistance from the Chennai pitch. He said it was an opportunity for the youngsters to gain experience, and that those who read the game well would "come out as winners".

While a couple of England players have spoken about a "duty to the game", Dhoni said such talk did not affect India, who just had to concentrate on cricket. "It is up to them to come [back to India]. We have an important series to play. The best thing that I could give to India in this juncture is a good game of cricket. That is what we are here to do as professional cricketers."

New Zealand batting key to entering seventh heaven

December 10, 2008

The problems at the top of the New Zealand order will need to correct themselves if the hosts are to overcome West Indies in the two-Test series starting in Dunedin on Thursday. New Zealand have dominated recent encounters with the visitors, but this time the batting concerns will make it a difficult record to maintain, especially when their opponents carry Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Nowhere is the problem bigger than with the openers and yet another partnership will be on show in Dunedin. Jamie How and Tim McIntosh will form the 17th combination for their country in the past 36 Tests, ending the seven-match pairing of How and Aaron Redmond, who was dropped despite making 83 against Australia in Adelaide.

It was a surprising decision and considering the difficulties with the openers, he could have been persevered with for longer. The main reason the selectors favoured Auckland's McIntosh, a left-hander, was his early season first-class form, which included 349 runs at 69.80 with two centuries.

Another change made by the new coach Andy Moles, who takes over from John Bracewell, is the movement up to No. 3 of Daniel Flynn. Flynn, who pushes Jesse Ryder to five, is seen as a player better suited to negotiating the new ball. Moles hopes Ryder's free-flowing nature will be better suited to the middle order, which could be strengthened by the expected return from injury of Jacob Oram. However, Oram sent a scare through the camp by picking up a calf problem on the eve of the game.

New Zealand's highest score in four innings in Australia was 270, but the new squad carries much more depth. Oram, who had recovered from back and finger problems before the latest setback, is due to bat at six while James Franklin, who is now a fully-fledged allrounder, could be as low as No. 9, despite hitting consecutive centuries, including a double, in his past two first-class matches for Wellington.

Both teams will be desperate for a series win. The loser will take eighth spot in the rankings, one place ahead of the cellar-dwellers Bangladesh, while the winner will be in seventh. Five years ago New Zealand were third and threatening to go into second.

While a win would move the hosts up, it is also important for the game in the country. When West Indies toured in 1980 there was huge excitement and expectation, despite that team being one of the best in history. This time their arrival has gone largely under the radar and a big reason for that is the lack of recent success by the New Zealanders. West Indies' rise to seventh is more to do with the poor form of the hosts than a sudden reversal of fortunes in the Caribbean.

The last time the sides met in a Test series was in New Zealand almost three years ago, when Stephen Fleming's team won convincingly. Only four of that outfit remains, leaving a very inexperienced squad. New Zealand's top five batsmen have amassed 39 Tests between them; Chanderpaul has played 112 and Gayle 73.

West Indies have not had a Test engagement since July when they lost 2-0 to Australia at home. That may work against them in Dunedin, where the conditions have been damp, but at least they have world-class batsmen in their top order.

Mark Gillespie has come into the side for Chris Martin, who was a surprise omission, and the change further depletes the experience of the home line-up

Gayle's explosive play will suit the tiny ground, where the boundaries are among the shortest in the world. Chanderpaul showed his class against Australia, scoring 442 runs at 147.33, while Sarwan warmed up for the series with 158 in the draw against Auckland.

One group hoping to benefit from the moist conditions is the bowlers. Mark Gillespie has come into the side for Chris Martin, who was a surprise omission, and the change further depletes the experience of the home line-up. The new spearhead has played only two Tests - Martin has a reasonable record after 45 - but the New Zealanders may still hold a slight advantage with the ball.

Gillespie can operate over 140kph while Iain O'Brien has been in form recently and Franklin offers left-arm variation. The captain Daniel Vettori might also be dangerous on a pitch that has offered little assistance to pace recently.

In contrast, West Indies have nothing like the venom their attacks had in the 1980s. In the warm-up match Auckland made 587 for 7 declared. Fidel Edwards, who is on 95 Test wickets, can bowl fast, but after a promising start to his career is yet to make a big mark in the international game. Daren Powell and Jerome Taylor are likely to be Edwards' support partners on an unpredictable surface.

The pitch in Dunedin was under intense scrutiny last year, when it was so dry in a first-class match that a huge crater the size of a foot was created. That led to an inquiry by New Zealand Cricket, but the strip was cleared for use for the first Test against Bangladesh. Since then it has offered little help to the quick bowlers, but heavy rain over the past few days could change that.

Another of the major talking points is the size of the boundaries. Vettori has already been critical of distance, which ranges from 52 to 62 metres. However, Gayle and Ryder will be particularly excited by them at the start of such a crucial contest.

New Zealand (from) Jamie How, Tim McIntosh, Daniel Flynn, Ross Taylor, Jesse Ryder, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum (wk), Daniel Vettori (capt), James Franklin, Mark Gillespie, Iain O'Brien, Jeetan Patel.

West Indies (from) Chris Gayle (capt), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lionel Baker, Carlton Baugh, Sulieman Benn, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Fidel Edwards, Leon Johnson, Xavier Marshall, Brendan Nash, Daren Powell, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Kemar Roach, Jerome Taylor.

Moores doubtful over Flintoff and Harmison

December 6, 2008

With less than 24 hours before the fate of England's tour of India is decided, Peter Moores has admitted that both Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison remain concerned about returning to the subcontinent for the two-Test series which begins on Thursday.

England flew back from India after the Mumbai terrorists struck several high-profile establishments. Ever since, the tour's future has been in doubt. But in flying to the halfway-house of Abu Dhabi on Friday, and with their security consultant Reg Dickason assessing the venues in Chennai and Mohali, it is still hoped that the series will go ahead. A final decision will be made once Hugh Morris, managing director of England Cricket, and Sean Morris, chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, return to the players' camp in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

England have been cautiously optimistic about returning to India ever since the attacks, but remain insistent that they will only make their decision on the security advice they are given. Yet with only five days to go until the first Test, Moores admitted that certain players were "in different places" - in other words, uncertain or undecided - and those included Flintoff and Harmison, two of his key weapons. "I'm fairly confident everybody will go if the security report is okay," Moores told PA at a press conference this afternoon. "But it is a difficult situation and everybody sees things differently. Individuals have different views. The worry is that if somebody makes their choice one way or the other they get marginalised for it.

"Players are in different places. There are players I've spoken to more than others. Some make a decision quite quickly. For others it takes a bit longer. Fred has had issues and it's fair to say Steve Harmison has as well. The important message from me is that we respect people and allow them to have their views. That's okay - they are human beings," Moores said. "What I do know about those two guys is that they are massively proud to play for their country and both have missed out on Test match cricket and are both desperate to play again."

Worryingly for England, with only five days to go until the Chennai Test, their practice session today was hampered by rain in a city more used to sandstorms than showers. Should Flintoff, Harmison or any other player make himself unavailable, England will dip into the Performance Programme squad whose numbers swell the party to 38 (24 players).

Flintoff, inevitably, remains England's key player but Moores refuses to place any pressure on him or other players whose minds are not yet made up. "The more you get to know Freddie you understand that he is a highly articulate man, he's been round the block and knows international sport and knows what he wants. That's his strength as a person," Moores said. "In this instance, he quite rightly wants to take all the information in and make his call. If he thinks it's right he will go and represent his country.

"If he thinks he can't, that will be a tough decision for him, and it will be his decision. You have to want to go. If you force people to go that can have an equally damaging effect. They have to go for the right reasons. I want us to go proud as an England team and put on an entertaining spectacle for the whole of cricket - English fans, Indian fans - and put security to the back of the mind and get on with the game."

Our best chance to win in Australia - Smith

December 7, 2008

South Africa have arrived in Perth high on confidence, with Graeme Smith saying this tour was the side's best shot at a series title in Australia since their readmission in 1991. South Africa are yet to win a Test series in Australia, but Smith, the first South African to lead his country on two tours of Australia, was hopeful of a turnaround.

"The reality is, it's probably our best chance of winning out of all five tours, and everyone knows that," he was quoted as saying by the Herald Sun before leaving South Africa. "Dale Steyn, on current form, is the leading strike bowler in the world, Makhaya [Ntini] is one of the most experienced and Morne Morkel one of the most promising.

"We have a settled opening pair, the middle order has been functioning superbly for over a year, Jacques Kallis is probably the best allrounder in the world and Mark Boucher is the most experienced and, statistically, the best wicketkeeper the game has seen."

Smith, 27, felt the left-arm spinner Paul Harris was also a key component of the team. "As a captain I'm delighted with Paul Harris," he said. "He has a very clearly defined role in the team, from first innings to second, and he gives me control. I enjoy the fact that he is underestimated by many opponents."

Harris, 30, has yet to play Australia. "We have seen some of the finest batsmen from India and Pakistan, and Kevin Pietersen in England, taking him lightly and paying the price," said Smith.

There has been speculation as to whether Australia will go with an all-pace attack for the series opener and the injury sustained by the offspinner Jason Krejza, who failed a fitness test for Tasmania yesterday, gives Ricky Ponting a potential headache.

South African coach Mickey Arthur talked up Australia's pace attack against the visiting side's. "In the past you could predict conditions, the most obvious being that it would turn square in Sydney and Shane Warne would most likely take 10," said Arthur. "But things are different now and it's hard to see which way they will go in order to maximise home advantage. If they can produce an old-fashioned Perth wicket with pace and bounce, will they back [Brett] Lee, [Mitchell] Johnson and [Stuart[ Clark against our pace attack?

"People must realise that our guys are still young," Arthur said. "They are not the West Indies attack of the 1990s, as they were written up in England. But they are learning all the time and there's unbelievable potential. There's a huge amount of potential there [and] we are covered in all areas. You'll see three different quick bowlers, all who bring different elements to our attack, which is brilliant, lots of variation."

South Africa arrive in Australia unbeaten in their last nine Test series - winning eight of those - and are currently ranked No. 2 in the ICC rankings. Their last series loss was in Sri Lanka in 2006, with their only draw since then coming away against India earlier this year.

South Africa will play a one-day game on December 11 and a two-day match against Western Australia starting Friday. The first Test starts in Perth on December 17.

Speed regrets World Cup failure

December 5, 2008

Malcolm Speed, the former ICC chief executive, has admitted the World Cup in the West Indies last year was one of the more disappointing episodes of his seven-year tenure in charge. Speed, who said the ICC's failure to act on Zimbabwe was his biggest regret - a fallout on the issue ultimately led to his premature exit - also was unhappy with Bangladesh's performance "at the top level of the game".

Speed told the Sydney Morning Herald that what should have been a "celebration of cricket" will "always be looked upon less than favourably" for many reasons. The 2007 World Cup in the West Indies failed to attract full houses at newly-built stadia for the event, with overpriced tickets largely keeping out locals. The tournament also ended in a farce; Australia secured the trophy for the third time in a row, but the match in Barbados ended in near-pitch darkness after the umpires misinterpreted the rules regarding bad light. "Cricket has a chance to make amends in the West Indies with the ICC World Twenty20 in 2010," Speed said.

Speed also highlighted the plight of Bangladesh, who have won only one of their 57 Tests since making their international bow in November 2000. "Bangladesh has the world's seventh-largest population, and its people are passionate about the game. Its team has shown few signs of improvement."

Seeing Twenty20 as a huge opportunity rather than a threat, Speed said finding "the correct balance between Tests, ODIs and Twenty20" was the biggest challenge facing the game at the time of his exit, more so in a "very unstable and dangerous period" for the world. "No other sport has been presented with the opportunity to grow a popular and contemporary third form of its game," he said. "I expect that the current concern about Twenty20 and its impact on scheduling will settle down in the next two to three years, and each form of the game will find its place."

Speed revealed it was at his insistence - with the support of the then-ICC president Ehsan Mani - that he convinced the ICC board to support the inaugural World Twenty20. The tournament in South Africa was a big success, despite scepticism "among elements of the ICC membership - particularly India and Pakistan, the ultimate finalists".

It is quite easy to forget the pain inflicted on the game in the late '90s that saw the captains of three of the nine Test-playing countries banned for life and several other high-profile players implicated. Cricket has become a role model for other sports in the area of anti-corruption

Looking at the positives, Speed pointed out the integration of men's and women's cricket in most countries, and was pleased with the fact that the women's game was growing rapidly. "The ICC merged with the International Women's Cricket Council in 2005, and in the three years that followed, the number of ICC members with organised girls' or women's cricket quadrupled with a first Women's World Cup under the ICC banner in Australia next March and a World Twenty20 alongside the men's event in England in June.

"Another major area of focus was the fight against corruption," he said. "It is quite easy to forget the pain inflicted on the game in the late '90s that saw the captains of three of the nine Test-playing countries banned for life and several other high-profile players implicated. Cricket has become a role model for other sports in the area of anti-corruption." Speed was also pleased to see the game develop a "social conscience", with the ICC's efforts to spread AIDS awareness and the measures undertaken for raise funds for those affected by the tsunami in December 2004.

With the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai impacting the game's biggest base - the Indian subcontinent - Speed said the sport could make a difference. "Sport has the power to bring nations together. Some of the discussions between the Indian prime minister and Pakistan's president over peace in Kashmir took place at cricket matches. It is clear these dreadful attacks will have a large impact on cricket in India. It would be great if cricket could be part of the healing process."

Ponting says Australia will still be No. 1 next year

December 5, 2008


Ricky Ponting thinks Australia deserve to hold on to the No. 1 ranking even if they are defeated by South Africa in the three-Test series over the next month. Australia have held the top spot under Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh and Ponting and the current captain said the outfit's dominance over a long period meant it should not be deposed.

While the team has a 13-point lead over South Africa on the ICC table, Australia's days of sweeping past all-comers are over with the loss of a group of greats over the past two years. The team struggled in India, where it lost 2-0, and faces another serious threat at the WACA from December 17.

"It has taken us a long time and a lot of great wins in different conditions around the world to get us to that No. 1 spot," Ponting told AAP. "If South Africa beat us 3-0 I don't know if that gives them enough points to get over us.

"But if they won the series 1-0 or 2-1, I don't think that would mean that they deserve to take over that mantle. It's a bit the same with India last series. Just because they beat us, the No. 1 team, doesn't necessarily mean they go from the No. 4 or No. 5 in the world to No. 1 in the world, because it's something that's accrued over a long period of time."

Ponting has been dealing with a wrist injury, which he insists will not shorten his career, and has no desire to stop leading the side. "I've never thought about giving up the captaincy or not wanting to do it anymore," Ponting said in the Australian. "I'm really enjoying the job that I've got and I enjoy the challenge of trying to lift the team every day."

He is about to turn 34 but does not feel like he is at the end of his career and is looking forward to being in charge as the side evolves. "It's a challenging time for me and the team right now," he said. "The transitional phase that we're in has been challenging within itself, but it's an exciting time for me as well and one that I'm looking to work really closely with some of the younger players to ensure we get through this the best we possibly can."

While Ponting plans to continue in all three formats, he said those involved in Tests, ODIs and Twenty20 could not play every game over the next 18 months. "It's inevitable there'll be player workload issues," he said, "and that's been one thing we've been trying to deal with for the last four or five years."

Paul Marsh, the Australian Cricketers' Association chief executive, is aware of the demands faced by the team and has called for change. "We need to look at better management of players or prioritisation of games, not only so that players are performing the best they can on the field but so they are keeping their personal lives together off the field," Marsh told the Age.

Full-strength England head to Abu Dhabi

December 4, 2008

Reg Dickason has completed his inspection of Chennai and is now heading to Mohali © Cricinfo Ltd

England will fly to Abu Dhabi on Thursday with a view to resuming their tour of India if they receive the requisite security clearance. A full-strength squad, minus the injured Ryan Sidebottom, has been named despite concerns that some players would opt out, and they will train in the Middle East before heading to Chennai early next week ahead of the first Test on December 11.

However, the onward trip from Abu Dhabi is still subject to Reg Dickason's assessment of the security plans in India. Dickason inspected the venue of the first Test in Chennai on Wednesday and said that his security concerns have been addressed. He is scheduled to visit Mohali, the venue of the second Test, later. The security consultant will, meanwhile, hold meetings in India with Hugh Morris, the managing director of England cricket, and Sean Morris, the chief executive of England's Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA).

Hugh Morris and Sean Morris will then fly to Abu Dhabi to confirm to the ECB and the players that the added security recommendations are in place for the tour to begin.

All the players have received reports from the ECB security team and also the recommendations that Dickason has insisted the BCCI in India put in place, which include a heavy police and commando presence around the team

"The only consideration in all our discussions has been the safety and security of the team and support staff," said Hugh Morris. "We have been delighted by the input of the PCA and also the willingness of the BCCI to act upon our recommendations regarding security.

"While we have sought to reassure players that their safety is paramount we have not pressurised any player into making the trip against their will. Those who leave for Abu Dhabi are all anticipating travelling to India if both Sean and I are happy that Reg Dickason's security plans have been activated. The board and players will be kept fully informed."

There had been speculation that some players would opt out even if the tour went ahead, but Hugh Morris said that a few days at home had allowed them to clear their minds. "The players have been fantastic over the last few days," he told Sky Sports. "The reason we came back from India in the first place was to take some time to reflect. We have all been able to do that."

Sean Morris added: "The PCA and ECB have worked extremely closely on this issue and the players have been fully supportive throughout. We will access the highest calibre of security advice on a regular basis so that we can provide the players with the latest accurate information."

"I have been assured by the ECB that they would never compromise the players' safety and security. Hugh and I are travelling to India this weekend to confirm for the players that the security is of the high standard that the ECB and PCA demand."

Sidebottom, who was named in England's original 15-man tour party, has been ruled out of the series with a side injury. Stuart Broad will miss the first Test having picked up a hamstring strain in Cuttack during the fifth ODI. He will remain in England for intensive physiotherapy and then fly out to Chennai where his fitness will be reviewed ahead of the second Test.

The 14-man Test squad will be supplemented by 10 players from the Performance squad with Adil Rashid, the Yorkshire legspinner, a late addition on Thursday to bolster the spin department.

Squad :-Kevin Pietersen (capt), Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Owais Shah, Andrew Flintoff, Tim Ambrose, Matt Prior, Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad (flying straight to Chennai), Steve Harmison, James Anderson, Monty Panesar.

Additional players Ravi Bopara, Mark Davies, Robbie Joseph, Amjad Khan, Sajid Mahmood, Samit Patel, Liam Plunkett, Ollie Rayner, Adil Rashid, Alan Richardson

Yuvraj and Ojha re-entry to tests

December 4, 2008

Yuvraj Singh and Pragyan Ojha have been included in the 15-man squad for the two-Test series against England. M Vijay, who debuted in the final Test against Australia last month, and S Badrinath have been retained for the series, scheduled to start in Chennai on December 11.

Kris Srikkanth, the chairman of selectors, had said that he saw Yuvraj as the front-runner to take Sourav Ganguly's slot in the Test team after the Australia series. Yuvraj hit two consecutive match-winning hundreds (138* and 118) against England in the first two ODIs of the seven-match series, and also picked up four wickets in Indore.

However, Yuvraj has had an inconsistent run in Test cricket, having played just 23 matches for 1050 runs since his debut five years ago. However, he has been a mainstay for India in one-day cricket having piled up 6466 runs in 222 matches. It has now been confirmed that Yuvraj is Ganguly's Test replacement.

Badrinath and Vijay, who both play for Tamil Nadu, have had contrasting fortunes in their last Ranji game, against Andhra: Badrinath scored 121 and M Vijay lasted just eight balls before getting out for a duck. Vijay was, however, in form earlier in the season, his 200 in the opening game against Maharashtra earning him a last-minute call-up for the Test team to take on Australia.

Badrinath, who scored a hundred in Tamil Nadu's previous match against Uttar Pradesh, will be eager for a place in the starting XI for the first Test, on his home ground in Chennai. He made his ODI debut during India's tour of Sri Lanka in August but, despite being part of the Test squad against Australia, was passed over for Vijay when Gautam Gambhir was suspended for the fourth Test.

Ojha, who toured Sri Lanka with the Test team this summer but has yet to make his debut, replaces RP Singh, who had an indifferent ODI series against England. Ojha is expected to be the back-up spinner in the squad, behind Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra - a tactic employed by India for the first three Tests in the previous series against Australia when they had the spin trio of Anil Kumble, Harbhajan and Mishra to choose from.

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt/wk), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, S Badrinath, Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Munaf Patel, M Vijay, Yuvraj Singh, Pragyan Ojha