We don't need D/N Tests for format to survive: Clarke

NEW DELHI: The ICC might think of day/night Tests as an innovation to keep Test cricket alive and kicking, but Australian skipper Michael Clarke feels that such a revamp is not needed to save the five-day game.

"I think there is room for all three forms of the game. It is great that ODI and T20 cricket can be day/night, but I don't believe we need day/night Tests for Test cricket to survive," Clarke said in an interview.

Clarke, 33, also responded to former New Zealand skipper Martin Crowe's recent criticism of Australian aggression towards opposition players. The batsman defended the Aussie approach as tough and fair.

"We [Australia] play our cricket hard on the field, but as Australians we understand there is a line you can't cross... you can go close to it but you can't cross it... The Australian way is to play tough non-compromising cricket on the field," said Clarke.

Clarke, who was voted Cricketer of the Year in 2013, had an ugly spat with England pacer James Anderson during the Ashes series but later resented his act.

The Aussie Test skipper had admitted telling England's No.11 to 'get ready for a broken arm' as he took guard to face fast bowler Mitchell Johnson in the Brisbane Test.

"What I said to James Anderson wasn't appropriate, especially being over a stump mic... sometimes when you are playing international sport at the highest level, emotions come out for people to see," said Clarke.

Clarke, who was named captain of the Aussie ODI and Test team after Ricky Ponting retired post the 2011 World Cup, has been often accused of carrying on the Ponting style of on-field aggression.

"We [Australia] do everything in our power to uphold the spirit of the game, the integrity of the game is crucial. We all know that as players and certainly as captain of Australia it is part of my job to ensure we always uphold the integrity of the game," he said.

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We don't need D/N Tests for format to survive: Clarke

NEW DELHI: The ICC might think of day/night Tests as an innovation to keep Test cricket alive and kicking, but Australian skipper Michael Clarke feels that such a revamp is not needed to save the five-day game.

"I think there is room for all three forms of the game. It is great that ODI and T20 cricket can be day/night, but I don't believe we need day/night Tests for Test cricket to survive," Clarke said in an interview.

Clarke, 33, also responded to former New Zealand skipper Martin Crowe's recent criticism of Australian aggression towards opposition players. The batsman defended the Aussie approach as tough and fair.

"We [Australia] play our cricket hard on the field, but as Australians we understand there is a line you can't cross... you can go close to it but you can't cross it... The Australian way is to play tough non-compromising cricket on the field," said Clarke.

Clarke, who was voted Cricketer of the Year in 2013, had an ugly spat with England pacer James Anderson during the Ashes series but later resented his act.

The Aussie Test skipper had admitted telling England's No.11 to 'get ready for a broken arm' as he took guard to face fast bowler Mitchell Johnson in the Brisbane Test.

"What I said to James Anderson wasn't appropriate, especially being over a stump mic... sometimes when you are playing international sport at the highest level, emotions come out for people to see," said Clarke.

Clarke, who was named captain of the Aussie ODI and Test team after Ricky Ponting retired post the 2011 World Cup, has been often accused of carrying on the Ponting style of on-field aggression.

"We [Australia] do everything in our power to uphold the spirit of the game, the integrity of the game is crucial. We all know that as players and certainly as captain of Australia it is part of my job to ensure we always uphold the integrity of the game," he said.

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Lalit Modi grateful to Supreme Court

NEW DELHI/JAIPUR: Former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi Wednesday hailed the decision of the Supreme Court which ordered the opening of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) election ballots by May 6.

"Extremely grateful to honourable Supreme Court for allowing the opening of RCA elections ballots.Looking forward to results now being opened," tweeted Modi, also thanking his fans.

"Thank you 4 your continued support & well wishes during this trying period. Could not have done it without u all. Now final leg need 2win it."

Amidst the allegation of the fudging of the voters list, the Dec 19 elections were held under the supervision of former apex court judges Justice N.M. Kasliwal and Justice S.P. Pathak, who were appointed observers by the Supreme Court.

The elections had become contentious since Modi, who is living in self-exile in London, is expected to win the ballot for the post of RCA president.

An apex court bench of Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice Shiva Kirti Singh directed the registry to send the results in a sealed cover back to Kasliwal, the principal observer for the elections, for release.

Meanwhile, RCA representative in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Mehmood M. Abdi also hailed the order. In a statement, he termed the decision of the court as a disappointment for the BCCI which has all along tried to stall the return of Modi.

Abdi added that as the apex body of cricket administration BCCI was expected to safeguard and support the interest of the game in Rajasthan. Instead, it chose to scuttle and detail the democratic process for reasons of bias and prejudice since it feels that people they do not prefer are likely to be elected to RCA's new executive committee.

He further added that the Supreme Court rejected almost all demands of BCCI. It refused to cancel the nomination of Modi to RCA elections and did not restrain him from taking charge as RCA president, if he is declared elected.

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Lalit Modi grateful to Supreme Court

NEW DELHI/JAIPUR: Former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi Wednesday hailed the decision of the Supreme Court which ordered the opening of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) election ballots by May 6.

"Extremely grateful to honourable Supreme Court for allowing the opening of RCA elections ballots.Looking forward to results now being opened," tweeted Modi, also thanking his fans.

"Thank you 4 your continued support & well wishes during this trying period. Could not have done it without u all. Now final leg need 2win it."

Amidst the allegation of the fudging of the voters list, the Dec 19 elections were held under the supervision of former apex court judges Justice N.M. Kasliwal and Justice S.P. Pathak, who were appointed observers by the Supreme Court.

The elections had become contentious since Modi, who is living in self-exile in London, is expected to win the ballot for the post of RCA president.

An apex court bench of Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice Shiva Kirti Singh directed the registry to send the results in a sealed cover back to Kasliwal, the principal observer for the elections, for release.

Meanwhile, RCA representative in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Mehmood M. Abdi also hailed the order. In a statement, he termed the decision of the court as a disappointment for the BCCI which has all along tried to stall the return of Modi.

Abdi added that as the apex body of cricket administration BCCI was expected to safeguard and support the interest of the game in Rajasthan. Instead, it chose to scuttle and detail the democratic process for reasons of bias and prejudice since it feels that people they do not prefer are likely to be elected to RCA's new executive committee.

He further added that the Supreme Court rejected almost all demands of BCCI. It refused to cancel the nomination of Modi to RCA elections and did not restrain him from taking charge as RCA president, if he is declared elected.

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Relies on swing to get wickets: Bhuvi

NEW DELHI: Playing alongside Dale Steyn and Ishant Sharma, who work up genuine pace, Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar says speed is not his strength and therefore he relies on swing to get wickets.

"My strength is not pace. I rely on swing to get wickets and I continue to do it that way. I have never tried to copy others," Kumar said in an interview on Tuesday.

Asked if playing alongside Steyn and Ishant he ever feels the need to increase pace, Kumar said, "No, I don't think so."

"Never looked at the other end, that my partner is working up good pace or not. I just want to bank on my strength and I do that," he said.

Fast gaining a reputation for being one of the most economical T20 bowlers, Kumar said his mantra was simple to just stick to the basics.

"It's all about doing the little things right. It doesn't matter what form of cricket you are playing. Just keep things simple and you will succeed. I have just concentrated on pitching the ball right and have done well so far," the 24-year-old bowler said.

Kumar, who is relishing being part of Sunrisers Hyderabad's pace unit led by Steyn, said it has been a learning experience for him.

"There is no particular thing that I have learnt from him. It's also not that he teaches me anything. There are many things that you just observe while watching Steyn. Just seeing him bowl is a great learning in itself," Kumar said.

"The whole process, Steyn going to his run-up, his mindset, his strategy, his follow through, his discipline, everything is a learning in itself. And I am lucky to see him from close quarters," he said.

Asked if he enjoyed bowling with the new ball or in the death overs, Kumar said both were part of his job and he relishes both.

"You have to get the batsmen out, whether with the new ball or in the final overs," he said.

Kumar said he had no preference for any format - T20, ODI and Test cricket.

"I am here to play cricket. No preferences at all. T20, ODI, Test, I just want to perform on every stage and prove my worth as a good bowler," Kumar said.

He said the Sunrisers Hyderabad unit was upbeat and eager to perform well as a team.

Asked about how different was Shikhar Dhawan's leadership from his India team captain MS Dhoni, Kumar said everybody has a different style of their own.

"MS Dhoni, as everybody knows, is a very cool customer and is always in control of the situation. Dhawan also has his strengths. He remained calm even after the two losses," Kumar said.

"He (Dhawan) takes the team along in wins and losses. Never allows the losses to get to the team and that's good. He never puts pressure on the players. So I can safely say that the players have confidence on him just as he has confidence on the players," he added.

On T20 being hard on pacers, Kumar said the format did not matter as on a flat deck every bowler could get hit while if the wicket has something for the bowlers then one can make his mark be it T20 or Test cricket.

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Gambhir's place in the side safe: Dahiya

ABU DHABI: Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Vijay Dahiya insists there is no danger to Gautam Gambhir's place in the side even as the captain continues to battle poor form in the Indian Premier League.

Though Dahiya backed Gambhir to come good later in the tournament, he conceded that the left-hander not scoring runs is a worry for the team.

"If you ask me, Gautam is our best batsman and there are no two ways about it that if your best batsman is not in form, it is a problem for the team," said Dahiya before Knight Riders' final game in the UAE against Rajasthan Royals.

"But we know him and we know that he will come back to his best. It will be a different team when he starts scoring runs at the top. There is not a single talk about his place in the side. Let's not forget that he is not only one of our batsmen but also our leader. He has led the team very well and we need him in the mix," said the former India wicket-keeper.

Gambhir has had a disastrous run scoring 0, 0, 0, 1 in the first four games.

In fact, the Delhi batsman batted at number three after a streak of ducks at the top of the order but Dahiya reckoned it would be best for the team if Gambhir bats at his usual position.

"Honestly, if you ask me, he is an opener and I would love to see him open the innings. The pressure will be there but what if he comes after two quick wickets have fallen? He'd feel even more pressure," said Dahiya.

Asked about another out of form batsman Yusuf Pathan, Dahiya said: "You cannot deny the fact that he (Pathan) is not among runs and that is a big concern, for him and the team management. Let's see if things improve in the next couple of games."

Dahiya concluded on a positive note, saying the bowling line-up comprising Morne Morkel and Sunil Narine will help Knight Riders progress in the tournament they won in 2012.

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Gambhir's place in the side safe: Dahiya

ABU DHABI: Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Vijay Dahiya insists there is no danger to Gautam Gambhir's place in the side even as the captain continues to battle poor form in the Indian Premier League.

Though Dahiya backed Gambhir to come good later in the tournament, he conceded that the left-hander not scoring runs is a worry for the team.

"If you ask me, Gautam is our best batsman and there are no two ways about it that if your best batsman is not in form, it is a problem for the team," said Dahiya before Knight Riders' final game in the UAE against Rajasthan Royals.

"But we know him and we know that he will come back to his best. It will be a different team when he starts scoring runs at the top. There is not a single talk about his place in the side. Let's not forget that he is not only one of our batsmen but also our leader. He has led the team very well and we need him in the mix," said the former India wicket-keeper.

Gambhir has had a disastrous run scoring 0, 0, 0, 1 in the first four games.

In fact, the Delhi batsman batted at number three after a streak of ducks at the top of the order but Dahiya reckoned it would be best for the team if Gambhir bats at his usual position.

"Honestly, if you ask me, he is an opener and I would love to see him open the innings. The pressure will be there but what if he comes after two quick wickets have fallen? He'd feel even more pressure," said Dahiya.

Asked about another out of form batsman Yusuf Pathan, Dahiya said: "You cannot deny the fact that he (Pathan) is not among runs and that is a big concern, for him and the team management. Let's see if things improve in the next couple of games."

Dahiya concluded on a positive note, saying the bowling line-up comprising Morne Morkel and Sunil Narine will help Knight Riders progress in the tournament they won in 2012.

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Relies on swing to get wickets: Bhuvi

NEW DELHI: Playing alongside Dale Steyn and Ishant Sharma, who work up genuine pace, Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar says speed is not his strength and therefore he relies on swing to get wickets.

"My strength is not pace. I rely on swing to get wickets and I continue to do it that way. I have never tried to copy others," Kumar said in an interview on Tuesday.

Asked if playing alongside Steyn and Ishant he ever feels the need to increase pace, Kumar said, "No, I don't think so."

"Never looked at the other end, that my partner is working up good pace or not. I just want to bank on my strength and I do that," he said.

Fast gaining a reputation for being one of the most economical T20 bowlers, Kumar said his mantra was simple to just stick to the basics.

"It's all about doing the little things right. It doesn't matter what form of cricket you are playing. Just keep things simple and you will succeed. I have just concentrated on pitching the ball right and have done well so far," the 24-year-old bowler said.

Kumar, who is relishing being part of Sunrisers Hyderabad's pace unit led by Steyn, said it has been a learning experience for him.

"There is no particular thing that I have learnt from him. It's also not that he teaches me anything. There are many things that you just observe while watching Steyn. Just seeing him bowl is a great learning in itself," Kumar said.

"The whole process, Steyn going to his run-up, his mindset, his strategy, his follow through, his discipline, everything is a learning in itself. And I am lucky to see him from close quarters," he said.

Asked if he enjoyed bowling with the new ball or in the death overs, Kumar said both were part of his job and he relishes both.

"You have to get the batsmen out, whether with the new ball or in the final overs," he said.

Kumar said he had no preference for any format - T20, ODI and Test cricket.

"I am here to play cricket. No preferences at all. T20, ODI, Test, I just want to perform on every stage and prove my worth as a good bowler," Kumar said.

He said the Sunrisers Hyderabad unit was upbeat and eager to perform well as a team.

Asked about how different was Shikhar Dhawan's leadership from his India team captain MS Dhoni, Kumar said everybody has a different style of their own.

"MS Dhoni, as everybody knows, is a very cool customer and is always in control of the situation. Dhawan also has his strengths. He remained calm even after the two losses," Kumar said.

"He (Dhawan) takes the team along in wins and losses. Never allows the losses to get to the team and that's good. He never puts pressure on the players. So I can safely say that the players have confidence on him just as he has confidence on the players," he added.

On T20 being hard on pacers, Kumar said the format did not matter as on a flat deck every bowler could get hit while if the wicket has something for the bowlers then one can make his mark be it T20 or Test cricket.

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Akram sees KKR in final four in IPL 7

NEW DELHI: Encouraged by the presence of many "team players", Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach Wasim Akram has expressed confidence that his side will make it to the final four in the IPL as they have a "good enough" bowling attack.

"We just went for the players we thought are team players and obviously individual match winners, Yusuf is there, Shakib-al-Hasan, Robin Uthappa, Andre Russell. All these guys are team people and a team sport needs players who support each other when things are bad," Akram said in an interview.

"There will be a rough time. You'll lose couple of games on the trot, which will happen, it's a long tournament. But, it was decision made by the management, we want boys who could actually be good team players apart from being individual match winners," the former Pakistani skipper said on whether KKR had consciously stayed away from star players this time.

Asked whether he sees KKR in the final four in this year's edition of the Indian Premier League, he said, "I would love to. Yes I can see KKR. I would like to see KKR in the finals. We have good enough team, we have good enough bowling, fielding has been consistent. So, yes, there is always a chance."

Akram, who was part of the KKR dug-out during three IPL editions from 2010 to 2012, said his job was to talk to the bowlers, talk to the captain about strategy and give confidence to all the batsmen.

"With my experience in cricket, I have played like 21 years internationally. I have ideas to give to them and they are enjoying. Its early dose in this tournament but everybody seems to be enjoying each others company. That's always a good sign before a big tournament," he said.

Akram said KKR had a "good enough" bowling attack. "We have Morne Morkel, Pat Cummins as overseas players and also Veer Pratap, Vinay Kumar and Umesh Yadav," he said.

Akram heaped praise on Indian paceman Yadav, saying, "I think Umesh Yadav is phenomenal, he's got pace and still can't understand why he's not playing for India. It still baffles me."

Akram opined that spinners are more handy in the T20 format as the batsmen has to take risks to go after a tweaker.

The IPL's first leg is being played in the UAE and Akram said the tournament was "definitely different" with different grounds and different crowds.

However, he said the buzz was still the same with packed stadiums and everybody enjoying the game thoroughly.

Commenting on India's bowling attack for the 2015 World Cup, Akram said, "Its another year to go, but yes, I suppose Shami is there, Bhuvneshwar is there, but I reckon with Umesh in the side, the bowing attack will be complete for the 2015 World Cup."

He also said Irfan Pathan can be handy tool in Australia if he performs well in the IPL and and in the first class season ahead.

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Akram sees KKR in final four in IPL 7

NEW DELHI: Encouraged by the presence of many "team players", Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach Wasim Akram has expressed confidence that his side will make it to the final four in the IPL as they have a "good enough" bowling attack.

"We just went for the players we thought are team players and obviously individual match winners, Yusuf is there, Shakib-al-Hasan, Robin Uthappa, Andre Russell. All these guys are team people and a team sport needs players who support each other when things are bad," Akram said in an interview.

"There will be a rough time. You'll lose couple of games on the trot, which will happen, it's a long tournament. But, it was decision made by the management, we want boys who could actually be good team players apart from being individual match winners," the former Pakistani skipper said on whether KKR had consciously stayed away from star players this time.

Asked whether he sees KKR in the final four in this year's edition of the Indian Premier League, he said, "I would love to. Yes I can see KKR. I would like to see KKR in the finals. We have good enough team, we have good enough bowling, fielding has been consistent. So, yes, there is always a chance."

Akram, who was part of the KKR dug-out during three IPL editions from 2010 to 2012, said his job was to talk to the bowlers, talk to the captain about strategy and give confidence to all the batsmen.

"With my experience in cricket, I have played like 21 years internationally. I have ideas to give to them and they are enjoying. Its early dose in this tournament but everybody seems to be enjoying each others company. That's always a good sign before a big tournament," he said.

Akram said KKR had a "good enough" bowling attack. "We have Morne Morkel, Pat Cummins as overseas players and also Veer Pratap, Vinay Kumar and Umesh Yadav," he said.

Akram heaped praise on Indian paceman Yadav, saying, "I think Umesh Yadav is phenomenal, he's got pace and still can't understand why he's not playing for India. It still baffles me."

Akram opined that spinners are more handy in the T20 format as the batsmen has to take risks to go after a tweaker.

The IPL's first leg is being played in the UAE and Akram said the tournament was "definitely different" with different grounds and different crowds.

However, he said the buzz was still the same with packed stadiums and everybody enjoying the game thoroughly.

Commenting on India's bowling attack for the 2015 World Cup, Akram said, "Its another year to go, but yes, I suppose Shami is there, Bhuvneshwar is there, but I reckon with Umesh in the side, the bowing attack will be complete for the 2015 World Cup."

He also said Irfan Pathan can be handy tool in Australia if he performs well in the IPL and and in the first class season ahead.

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Bangladesh coach Jurgensen resigns

DHAKA: Bangladesh's Australian coach Shane Jurgensen will resign in June, apparently because he is upset at media speculation that he may be sacked, the country's cricket board said on Monday.

"We have received a letter from Jurgensen that he will not continue as coach after the home series against India in June," said Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus.

"He did not give any reason but we assume he is upset with recent media speculation about his position."

Yunus said Jurgensen's resignation had not yet been accepted because "it is an emotional decision and we are prepared to talk to him about it".

Jurgensen, 38, was not available to comment on his resignation. The former first-class cricketer from Queensland was appointed full-time coach in February last year with a mandate to build the team for next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Bangladesh have endured a miserable start in 2014 despite playing the entire season on home soil.

They lost the Test, one-day and Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka, were beaten by Afghanistan in the Asia Cup and lost to minnows Hong Kong in the World Twenty20.

Bangladesh have said they will host India for three one-day internationals in June, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not yet confirmed the series.

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Bangladesh coach Jurgensen resigns

DHAKA: Bangladesh's Australian coach Shane Jurgensen will resign in June, apparently because he is upset at media speculation that he may be sacked, the country's cricket board said on Monday.

"We have received a letter from Jurgensen that he will not continue as coach after the home series against India in June," said Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus.

"He did not give any reason but we assume he is upset with recent media speculation about his position."

Yunus said Jurgensen's resignation had not yet been accepted because "it is an emotional decision and we are prepared to talk to him about it".

Jurgensen, 38, was not available to comment on his resignation. The former first-class cricketer from Queensland was appointed full-time coach in February last year with a mandate to build the team for next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Bangladesh have endured a miserable start in 2014 despite playing the entire season on home soil.

They lost the Test, one-day and Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka, were beaten by Afghanistan in the Asia Cup and lost to minnows Hong Kong in the World Twenty20.

Bangladesh have said they will host India for three one-day internationals in June, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not yet confirmed the series.

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Ponting joins Mumbai Indians on 'advisory role'

DUBAI: Australia's two-time World Cup winning captain, Ricky Ponting has joined Mumbai Indians on an 'advisory role' in the seventh Indian Premier League.

One of the best batsman of the modern era, Ponting was part of the victorious Mumbai Indians side last season and had led the team in the first few outings before handing over the reins to current captain Rohit Sharma.

Ponting will be with the team for the last two matches of the UAE leg.

"I am looking forward to working with Mumbai Indians once again," said Ponting after interacting with the team upon arrival in Dubai.

"I had a fantastic season last summer and understand how passionate our players are towards the franchise. I believe we have the fire in us and we will strive hard to put our best."

Mumbai Indians takes on Delhi Daredevils in its fourth match at Sharjah on Sunday.

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Mumbai Indians elect to bat against Delhi

SHARJAH: Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat against Delhi Daredevils in an IPL 7 match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Mumbai fielded an unchanged side, while Daredevils made one change by bringing in Kedar Jadhav for Manoj Tiwary in their playing XI.

Teams:

Delhi Daredevils: KP Pietersen (C), Q de Kock, M Vijay, KD Karthik+, JP Duminy, KM Jadhav, LR Shukla, WD Parnell, S Nadeem, Mohammed Shami, JD Unadkat.

Mumbai: RG Sharma (C), MEK Hussey, AP Tare, CJ Anderson, KA Pollard, AT Rayudu, CM Gautam+, Harbhajan Singh, Z Khan, PP Ojha, SL Malinga.

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Mumbai Indians elect to bat against Delhi

SHARJAH: Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat against Delhi Daredevils in an IPL 7 match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Mumbai fielded an unchanged side, while Daredevils made one change by bringing in Kedar Jadhav for Manoj Tiwary in their playing XI.

Teams:

Delhi Daredevils: KP Pietersen (C), Q de Kock, M Vijay, KD Karthik+, JP Duminy, KM Jadhav, LR Shukla, WD Parnell, S Nadeem, Mohammed Shami, JD Unadkat.

Mumbai: RG Sharma (C), MEK Hussey, AP Tare, CJ Anderson, KA Pollard, AT Rayudu, CM Gautam+, Harbhajan Singh, Z Khan, PP Ojha, SL Malinga.

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IPL 7: Delhi restrict Mumbai to 125/6

SHARJAH: Delhi Daredevils dished out a clinical bowling display to restrict defending champions Mumbai Indians to a modest 125 for six in an Indian Premier League match on Sunday.

Pacers Jaydev Unadkat (2/29) and Wayne Parnell (1/17) and spinner Shahbaz Nadeem (1/19) shared four wickets to strangle the Mumbai batting unit in their stipulated 20 overs after skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bat.

Skipper Kevin Pietersen employed a spin-pace attack early on with Nadeem and Mohammad Shami starting the proceedings for Delhi, followed by J P Duminy and Wayne Parnell.

Mumbai Skipper Rohit Sharma (4) was the first to walk back to the pavilion when his attempt to steal a quick single ended up with a runout orchestrated by pacer Shami in the second over.

In the fourth over, Parnell dismissed Aditya Tare (8) when he had him caught at deep midwicket by Quinton de Kock, while Corey Anderson's 14-ball 13-run stay was cut shot by Jaydev Unadkat in his first over.

Mumbai could just manage 37 for the loss of two wickets in the powerplay. Runs dried up further and the mounting pressure took a toll on Ambati Rayudu (14) when his lofted shot off Nadeem found Laxmi Shukla at long-on.

In the 11th over, Michael Hussey (10) brought up the fifty for Mumbai with a single but he too could not stay longer and was sent back to the hut by a slower yorker in the 14th over as Mumbai lost half of their side with 63 on board.

Kieron Pollard (33) and Chidhambaram Gautam (22) then joined hands and tried to raise the tempo with some big shots. The duo shared a 40-run partnership off 29 balls for the sixth wicket.

Pollard brought up the first six of the innings in the 16th over when he sent Shami sailing over long-on, while Gautam blasted successive boundaries off Unadkat in the 17th over.

In the next over, Pollard tried to steal a non-existent double but it ended with Gautam losing his wicket.

The West Indies all-rounder then smashed a four and a six off Shami, while Harbhajan singh (10) blasted a four and six to help Mumbai put a modest total on board.

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RCB sink to new low, shot out for 70

ABU DHABI: A star-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore batting line-up collapsed like a pack of cards as they were shot out for a paltry 70, their lowest IPL total, against Rajasthan Royals in the first match of the day on Saturday.

Rajasthan bowlers, led by spinner Pravin Tambe (4/20), justified their skipper's decision to bowl first as only three batsmen could touch a double-digit mark.

RCB's total was third lowest in tournament's history. Ironically in 2009, Rajasthan were at the receiving end of Bangalore's hostility when they were bundled out for 58 - the lowest IPL score by any team till now.

The RCB innings was off to a disastrous start after their openers returned to the dug out in the very first over and the agony ended for them in the 15th over.

Medium-pacer Stuart Binny got Yogesh Takawale caught behind for nought and the in-form Parthiv Patel followed him soon after being run out for 1.

Australian pacer Kane Richardson then replaced Binny in the third over to choke the RCB top-order after picking up the prized wickets of Yuvraj Singh (3) and AB de Villiers (0) on consecutive deliveries. The hat-trick ball was foiled by Sachin Rana.

Rana, who plays for Haryana in Ranji Trophy, though couldn't last long after he was cleaned up by Watson for 3.

The rot continued after leg-spinner Tambe got Albie Morkel for 7. Albie, who had been patient till now, went after a flighted delivery to lob a simple catch to Steven Smith at mid-off.

Skipper Virat Kohli (21) tried his best to resist the fall but the attacking batsman gave away a sitter to Tim Southee at mid-off off Tambe.

On any other day it would have been four but Kohli seemed to have been bitten by the same bug that hit the rest of his mates.

The procession continued as Mitchel Starc was caught by Binny off Rajat Bhatia after a fighting 18. Tambe then completed the formalities to wipe off the tail.

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RCB sink to new low, shot out for 70

ABU DHABI: A star-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore batting line-up collapsed like a pack of cards as they were shot out for a paltry 70, their lowest IPL total, against Rajasthan Royals in the first match of the day on Saturday.

Rajasthan bowlers, led by spinner Pravin Tambe (4/20), justified their skipper's decision to bowl first as only three batsmen could touch a double-digit mark.

RCB's total was third lowest in tournament's history. Ironically in 2009, Rajasthan were at the receiving end of Bangalore's hostility when they were bundled out for 58 - the lowest IPL score by any team till now.

The RCB innings was off to a disastrous start after their openers returned to the dug out in the very first over and the agony ended for them in the 15th over.

Medium-pacer Stuart Binny got Yogesh Takawale caught behind for nought and the in-form Parthiv Patel followed him soon after being run out for 1.

Australian pacer Kane Richardson then replaced Binny in the third over to choke the RCB top-order after picking up the prized wickets of Yuvraj Singh (3) and AB de Villiers (0) on consecutive deliveries. The hat-trick ball was foiled by Sachin Rana.

Rana, who plays for Haryana in Ranji Trophy, though couldn't last long after he was cleaned up by Watson for 3.

The rot continued after leg-spinner Tambe got Albie Morkel for 7. Albie, who had been patient till now, went after a flighted delivery to lob a simple catch to Steven Smith at mid-off.

Skipper Virat Kohli (21) tried his best to resist the fall but the attacking batsman gave away a sitter to Tim Southee at mid-off off Tambe.

On any other day it would have been four but Kohli seemed to have been bitten by the same bug that hit the rest of his mates.

The procession continued as Mitchel Starc was caught by Binny off Rajat Bhatia after a fighting 18. Tambe then completed the formalities to wipe off the tail.

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Rajasthan outplay Bangalore by 6 wickets

ABU DHABI: A clinical Rajasthan Royals shot out Royal Challengers Bangalore for a paltry 70, the third lowest total in the Indian Premier League history, and then romped to a six-wicket victory on Saturday.

Rajasthan bowlers, led by spinner Pravin Tambe (4/20), justified their skipper's decision to bowl first as only three Bangalore batsmen could touch a double-digit mark.

Ironically in 2009, Rajasthan were at the receiving end of Bangalore's hostility when they were bundled out for 58 - the lowest IPL score by any team till now.

Chasing 71, Rajasthan cantered to their target in 13 overs with skipper Shane Watson top-scoring with 24 runs.

The Rajasthan side though hit a few roadblocks when Ajinkya Rahane was caught behind off Mitchell Starc for 23, Sanju Samson was run out for 2 and Mitchell Starc struck his second blow to send Karun Nair back for 8.

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also picked up a consolation wicket when Watson was caught at cover while trying to finish the game.

It was finally left-hander Abhishek Nayar who hit the winning runs to give Rajasthan their second win in the tournament after four games.

Earlier a star-studded Bangalore batting line-up collapsed like a pack of cards as they were shot out for their lowest total in the Twenty20 league.

The RCB innings was off to a disastrous start after their openers returned to the dug out in the very first over and the agony ended for them in the 15th over.

Medium-pacer Stuart Binny got Yogesh Takawale caught behind for nought and the in-form Parthiv Patel followed him soon after being run out for 1.

Australian pacer Kane Richardson then replaced Binny in the third over to choke the RCB top-order after picking up the prized wickets of Yuvraj Singh (3) and AB de Villiers (0) on consecutive deliveries. The hat-trick ball was foiled by Sachin Rana.

Rana, who plays for Haryana in Ranji trophy, though couldn't last long after he was cleaned up by Watson for 3.

The rot continued after leg-spinner Tambe got Albie Morkel for 7. Albie, who had been patient till now, went after a flighted delivery to lob a simple catch to Steven Smith at mid-off.

Skipper Virat Kohli (21) tried his best to resist the fall but the attacking batsman gave away a sitter to Tim Southee at mid-off off Tambe.

On any other day it would have been four but Kohli seemed to have been bitten by the same bug that hit the rest of his mates.

The procession continued as Starc was caught by Binny off Rajat Bhatia after a fighting 18. Tambe then completed the formalities to wipe off the tail.

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Rajasthan outplay Bangalore by 6 wickets

ABU DHABI: A clinical Rajasthan Royals shot out Royal Challengers Bangalore for a paltry 70, the third lowest total in the Indian Premier League history, and then romped to a six-wicket victory on Saturday.

Rajasthan bowlers, led by spinner Pravin Tambe (4/20), justified their skipper's decision to bowl first as only three Bangalore batsmen could touch a double-digit mark.

Ironically in 2009, Rajasthan were at the receiving end of Bangalore's hostility when they were bundled out for 58 - the lowest IPL score by any team till now.

Chasing 71, Rajasthan cantered to their target in 13 overs with skipper Shane Watson top-scoring with 24 runs.

The Rajasthan side though hit a few roadblocks when Ajinkya Rahane was caught behind off Mitchell Starc for 23, Sanju Samson was run out for 2 and Mitchell Starc struck his second blow to send Karun Nair back for 8.

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also picked up a consolation wicket when Watson was caught at cover while trying to finish the game.

It was finally left-hander Abhishek Nayar who hit the winning runs to give Rajasthan their second win in the tournament after four games.

Earlier a star-studded Bangalore batting line-up collapsed like a pack of cards as they were shot out for their lowest total in the Twenty20 league.

The RCB innings was off to a disastrous start after their openers returned to the dug out in the very first over and the agony ended for them in the 15th over.

Medium-pacer Stuart Binny got Yogesh Takawale caught behind for nought and the in-form Parthiv Patel followed him soon after being run out for 1.

Australian pacer Kane Richardson then replaced Binny in the third over to choke the RCB top-order after picking up the prized wickets of Yuvraj Singh (3) and AB de Villiers (0) on consecutive deliveries. The hat-trick ball was foiled by Sachin Rana.

Rana, who plays for Haryana in Ranji trophy, though couldn't last long after he was cleaned up by Watson for 3.

The rot continued after leg-spinner Tambe got Albie Morkel for 7. Albie, who had been patient till now, went after a flighted delivery to lob a simple catch to Steven Smith at mid-off.

Skipper Virat Kohli (21) tried his best to resist the fall but the attacking batsman gave away a sitter to Tim Southee at mid-off off Tambe.

On any other day it would have been four but Kohli seemed to have been bitten by the same bug that hit the rest of his mates.

The procession continued as Starc was caught by Binny off Rajat Bhatia after a fighting 18. Tambe then completed the formalities to wipe off the tail.

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Morkel reprimanded for using 'insulting language'

SHARJAH: Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Morne Morkel has been reprimanded for breaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) code of conduct by using "insulting language" during his team's match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) here.

"Morkel admitted to the level 1 offence (Article 2.1.4) of using insulting language during the match," said a statement from the tournament organisers on Friday.

The Knight Riders beat RCB in a thriller at Sharjah Cricket Stadium yesterday.

The statement added: "For Level 1 breaches of the IPL Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding."

In another game on Thursday, Shane Watson of Rajasthan Royals was fined $20,000 for maintaining a slow over rate during the Chennai Super Kings innings.

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Morkel reprimanded for using 'insulting language'

SHARJAH: Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Morne Morkel has been reprimanded for breaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) code of conduct by using "insulting language" during his team's match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) here.

"Morkel admitted to the level 1 offence (Article 2.1.4) of using insulting language during the match," said a statement from the tournament organisers on Friday.

The Knight Riders beat RCB in a thriller at Sharjah Cricket Stadium yesterday.

The statement added: "For Level 1 breaches of the IPL Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding."

In another game on Thursday, Shane Watson of Rajasthan Royals was fined $20,000 for maintaining a slow over rate during the Chennai Super Kings innings.

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BCCI recommends Ashwin for Arjuna Award

MUMBAI: Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who won the Cricket Board's Polly Umrigar Trophy best player award in 2012-13 season, has been recommended by the BCCI for the Government's prestigious Arjuna Award this year.

"Yes, Ashwin has been recommended for the Arjuna Award before the April 30 deadline. No other cricketer has been recommended (for the awards)," said Ratnakar Shetty, BCCI General Manager (Game Development).

The cricketer to get the Arjuna Award was Virat Kohli last year. A total of 46 cricketers, including women, have been conferred the sporting honour.

Ashwin became the fastest bowler in 80 years to complete 100 wickets in his 19th Test last November against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium here, the farewell game of Sachin Tendulkar.

The 27-year-old Chennai-born tweaker overtook the previous Indian record of one of the members of the famed spin quartet - off-spinner Erapalli Prasanna - to reach the 100- wicket mark in one fewer Test.

Ashwin, who is also a useful batsman, has taken 104 wickets in Tests, 106 in 79 ODIs and 25 wickets in the same number of T20 internationals.

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BCCI recommends Ashwin for Arjuna Award

MUMBAI: Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who won the Cricket Board's Polly Umrigar Trophy best player award in 2012-13 season, has been recommended by the BCCI for the Government's prestigious Arjuna Award this year.

"Yes, Ashwin has been recommended for the Arjuna Award before the April 30 deadline. No other cricketer has been recommended (for the awards)," said Ratnakar Shetty, BCCI General Manager (Game Development).

The cricketer to get the Arjuna Award was Virat Kohli last year. A total of 46 cricketers, including women, have been conferred the sporting honour.

Ashwin became the fastest bowler in 80 years to complete 100 wickets in his 19th Test last November against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium here, the farewell game of Sachin Tendulkar.

The 27-year-old Chennai-born tweaker overtook the previous Indian record of one of the members of the famed spin quartet - off-spinner Erapalli Prasanna - to reach the 100- wicket mark in one fewer Test.

Ashwin, who is also a useful batsman, has taken 104 wickets in Tests, 106 in 79 ODIs and 25 wickets in the same number of T20 internationals.

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Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar turns 41

MUMBAI: Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar turned 41 on Thursday and will be celebrating his birthday in his home town in the midst of Indian Premier League action in the United Arab Emirates after being with his franchise Mumbai Indians in the initial phase of the T20 league.

Tendulkar had returned from the UAE two days ago, according to sources close to him, and is celebrating his birthday with his family and friends in the city.

This is the first birthday for the cricket great after he quit all forms of cricket in November 2013 after playing his 200th and final Test at his home ground, Wankhede Stadium, against the West Indies.

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) had cobbled together the hastily arranged two-game series against the Caribbean islanders to give a befitting send-off to the legend.

Jam-packed crowd gave Tendulkar a rousing adieu and the cricketer himself was emotional as he gave a stirring speech watched by his adoring fans in the crowd and by million others on TV after going to the middle of the pitch and paying obeisance to it in a symbolic gesture that touched the hearts of one and all.

Tendulkar hung up his boots after a glittering international career that saw him amass 15,921 runs in Tests, at an average of 53.78, and 18426 runs in 463 ODIs at an average of 44.83.

He had scored 100 centuries during his international with Test matches accounting for 51 of those, the most by any batsman in the world. He was the part of 2011 World Cup winning squad captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni. His 49 ODI tons is also a world record.

The Bharat Ratna recipient, the first Indian sports person to get the highest civilian honour, has been seen in public on very few occasions after his retirement.

However, as a sign that he's got other interests after quitting cricket as a player, he has now got involved in the IPL-style football league promoted by MI's owners Reliance Industries and IMG with the backing of the All India Football Federation.

A Rajya Sabha member, Tendulkar is now the joint owner of the Kochi franchise of the team in the Indian Super League and has stated his intention that he will ever remain a sportsman at heart.

"I will always remain a sportsman at heart who is keen to positively impact the sporting fabric of the nation. The Indian Super League presents a great opportunity to develop a platform for the youngsters to learn and enhance their talent to develop into outstanding players.

"It has been an interesting experience interacting with the young, passionate team at PVP Ventures led by Prasad Potluri. Based on the various insights shared by the team, the opportunity of the Kochi club seemed like a compelling and challenging proposition. With the Kochi club, we will strive to 'score our goals' and play a part in developing the game of football across the country," Tendulkar had said when the winning bids for various franchise were announced earlier this month.

Tendulkar is now set to leave for England to lead Marylebone Cricket Club against the Rest of the World XI, to be captained by his former rival and friend - Australian leg-spin great Shane Warne - in the Bicentenary 50-over celebratory match on July 5 at Lord's.

Tendulkar and Warne are both honorary Life Members of MCC.

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Will Chris Gayle join RCB party tonight?

DUBAI: The Royal Challenges Bangalore have batted impressively in the two matches they played in the UAE and look set to walk up the same path when they meet the Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday in Sharjah.

However, despite the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Yuvraj Singh, among others, adding to the star quotient, the crowds will rush to the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday hoping for the return of the one batsman who's entertained in the IPL like nobody else: Chris Gayle.

Having missed both RCB's matches because of a troubling back, Gayle had been lying low until now, leaving teammates Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers among others to keep the runs coming. Gayle's return, though, is not only likely to add plenty of muscle to this RCB line-up, but also bring alive scores of fans who have switched on and switched off television sets or have bought tickets to the match to watch it live only for this man over the last few years.

Such has been Gayle's following in the IPL. From the 175 he scored for the Bangalore side last season to the string of massacres that oppositions have suffered, facing him, it is the Jamaican's penchant to entertain the masses that has made him the league's most popular star.

The young Nic Maddinson, who has been opening the innings for the Royal Challengers in the absence of Gayle along with Parthiv Patel, will make way for the dynamic run-getter in case he returns. When asked if he was indeed fit to play, Patel said he didn't know. "I have no idea," he said.

The game will pit Knights' impressive bowling against the batting might of RCB. The Challengers are in a better position, having won both their matches so far in the league and will therefore start as favourites against Gautam Gambhir's team that won its first game, but lost the second one.

While a great contest between the bat and the ball can be expected here when the match gets underway, the evening will end up being all the more in focus because of the likely return of the IPL's most-followed batting star.

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Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar turns 41

MUMBAI: Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar turned 41 on Thursday and will be celebrating his birthday in his home town in the midst of Indian Premier League action in the United Arab Emirates after being with his franchise Mumbai Indians in the initial phase of the T20 league.

Tendulkar had returned from the UAE two days ago, according to sources close to him, and is celebrating his birthday with his family and friends in the city.

This is the first birthday for the cricket great after he quit all forms of cricket in November 2013 after playing his 200th and final Test at his home ground, Wankhede Stadium, against the West Indies.

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) had cobbled together the hastily arranged two-game series against the Caribbean islanders to give a befitting send-off to the legend.

Jam-packed crowd gave Tendulkar a rousing adieu and the cricketer himself was emotional as he gave a stirring speech watched by his adoring fans in the crowd and by million others on TV after going to the middle of the pitch and paying obeisance to it in a symbolic gesture that touched the hearts of one and all.

Tendulkar hung up his boots after a glittering international career that saw him amass 15,921 runs in Tests, at an average of 53.78, and 18426 runs in 463 ODIs at an average of 44.83.

He had scored 100 centuries during his international with Test matches accounting for 51 of those, the most by any batsman in the world. He was the part of 2011 World Cup winning squad captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni. His 49 ODI tons is also a world record.

The Bharat Ratna recipient, the first Indian sports person to get the highest civilian honour, has been seen in public on very few occasions after his retirement.

However, as a sign that he's got other interests after quitting cricket as a player, he has now got involved in the IPL-style football league promoted by MI's owners Reliance Industries and IMG with the backing of the All India Football Federation.

A Rajya Sabha member, Tendulkar is now the joint owner of the Kochi franchise of the team in the Indian Super League and has stated his intention that he will ever remain a sportsman at heart.

"I will always remain a sportsman at heart who is keen to positively impact the sporting fabric of the nation. The Indian Super League presents a great opportunity to develop a platform for the youngsters to learn and enhance their talent to develop into outstanding players.

"It has been an interesting experience interacting with the young, passionate team at PVP Ventures led by Prasad Potluri. Based on the various insights shared by the team, the opportunity of the Kochi club seemed like a compelling and challenging proposition. With the Kochi club, we will strive to 'score our goals' and play a part in developing the game of football across the country," Tendulkar had said when the winning bids for various franchise were announced earlier this month.

Tendulkar is now set to leave for England to lead Marylebone Cricket Club against the Rest of the World XI, to be captained by his former rival and friend - Australian leg-spin great Shane Warne - in the Bicentenary 50-over celebratory match on July 5 at Lord's.

Tendulkar and Warne are both honorary Life Members of MCC.

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'Special knock is long overdue for Viru'

NEW DELHI: Kings XI Punjab's Glenn Maxwell might have overshadowed Virender Sehwag with three match-winning knocks so far in this Indian Premier League, but the team's senior pacer Laxmipathy Balaji feels a "special knock" is long overdue for the out-of-favour India opener.

While the Australian stole the limelight with knocks of 95, 89 and 95, Sehwag looked a pale shadow of himself managing scores of 19, 2 and 30.

Balaji said one "special knock" will turn things around for his former India teammate.

"We are waiting for a special knock from Viru (Sehwag). So far we have been overrun by Maxwell. But it's amazing to have Maxwell in the side. He is a great talent but we also should not forget the contributions of (David) Miller, (Cheteshwar) Pujara. It is very important for us to believe in ourselves as a unit," Balaji said.

"Definitely he (Sehwag) has got starts but we are longing for a big innings from him. He is such a player who can change the complexion of the game on his own and if he and Maxwell can fire together it will be a treat to watch. I feel it (a big knock) is not far away and it will come over the course of the tournament," he said.

Kings XI witnessed a dream start having won all their games so far, but Balaji warned his teammates against complacency.

"Definitely a great start to the season. There is no mantra as such we just tried to keep it simple. We did nothing extraordinary but of course we have got extraordinary players to deliver, especially Maxwell and some of the big hitters.

"As a group we know what are the demands to be fulfilled on a particular day. Definitely, we have got the momentum and how we take forward this momentum, is very important," he said.

Balaji said the team was still working on small things that could make a difference.

"It's a long tournament. There is nothing called a good start. We have seen all the boxes which need to be fulfilled. There are some of the areas which we are working hard. We are focusing on small, small things that will definitely enhance our performance on the field.

"There are three segments in the tournament - first part, second part and the final phase. We have got a good start and from here we have to take it to the middle part. We will take is phase by phase."

In Mitchell Johnson, Kings XI possess a fearsome pacer, though he is yet to fire in the tournament. However, Balaji is confident the Australian will play a key role in the Punjab outfit's success this season.

"It's been great. We are enjoying everyone's company. We are gelling really well. Johnson is phenomenal. There is nothing like senior or junior in the team. Whatever information and knowledge we have, be it on the field or off the field, we are sharing for the team's benefit. Right now we have a very good bunch of bowling unit."

"He (Johnson) is a very important player for the team in terms of what kind of influence he brings on to the field. In this format everyday is a different day. It keeps changing but having Johnson is something every team would have wanted," he said.

Balaji last played for India in ODIs in 2009 and his last T20 International for the country was in October 2012. Since then the lanky Tamil Nadu medium fast bowler has been living in oblivion with the likes of Mohammad Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohit Sharma grabbing the slots in the pace bowling department.

But ask the ever-smiling Balaji, 32, and he is still hopeful of wearing the India colours one last time.

"I enjoy playing cricket and definitely have an ambition and a dream of making a comeback. Everytime I take the field I wish I will be able to play for the country again.

"If it was not there definitely I won't be playing, I won't be bowling right now because motivation is something which has to drive you. Playing for India is the biggest thing on the earth and you want to play for India again and again," he signed off.

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Sachin greater than Don, claims book

NEW DELHI: The jury is still out on whether Sachin Tendulkar retired a greater batsman than late Australian legend Don Bradman but a Chennai-based author claims to have found the "forensic evidence" to prove that the Indian maestro was indeed the better of the two icons.

On the eve of Tendulkar's 41st birthday, his first after retiring from international cricket, Rudolph Lambert Fernandez has come up with a book 'Greater Than Bradman', which aims to prove that the Little Master is the greatest batsman of all time.

"It is not another biography of Sachin or Bradman. It is not another compilation of interviews, match anecdotes and expert essays. It is not an autobiography. It is an analysis. It is a forensic study that aims to set the record straight," the author claims about the book.

"This is the first and only book that challenges Bradman's rank as a batsman," he says.

Fernandez wishes to present a copy of the book to Tendulkar's brother Ajit, his wife Anjali and his formative coach Ramakant Achrekar.

"I am eager to present a paperback of the book to the three As, who were in many ways responsible for Sachin realising his greatness -- Ajit his brother, Achrekar his coach, and Anjali his wife. This book is a celebration of Tendulkar's greatness and what he stood for on the cricket field -- there is no higher tribute," said Fernandez.

Fernandez says the book uses illustrations from "science and martial arts" to prove Tendulkar's greatness.

"It questions traditional measures of greatness that revolve around statistics. It offers a more honest approach that respects a batsman's figures but places them against the backdrop of his playing environment", he says.

"The 21st century cricket readers need a closer look at Bradman. They appear all too familiar with Sachin, having seen his every shot dissected a 100 times. They have seen his ducks, his run-outs, his many failures," said Fernandez.

Fernandez said his book offers a whole new perspective on Tendulkar's cricketing career.

"This book is not about Sachin being the greatest batsman in 1998 or in 2010. It is about him as the greatest batsman in cricket history," he said.

"While the point of this book is to demonstrate Sachin's superiority over Bradman, it would be a pity if this were to be read as scorning the similarities between them -- their desire to dominate, their eagerness to excel, their genius. Thankfully these have been celebrated already by other writers," he said.

Tendulkar's 200 Test appearances yielded 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78, a feat so huge in magnitude that no contemporary or even a talented successor of his, looks capable of overhauling it in the near or distant future.

At the end of his ODI journey, the 40-year-old right-hander had, under his belt, a whopping 18,426 in 463 matches at an average of 44.83.

The right-hander retired as only batsman to score 100 international centuries -- 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs.

21.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sachin greater than Don, claims book

NEW DELHI: The jury is still out on whether Sachin Tendulkar retired a greater batsman than late Australian legend Don Bradman but a Chennai-based author claims to have found the "forensic evidence" to prove that the Indian maestro was indeed the better of the two icons.

On the eve of Tendulkar's 41st birthday, his first after retiring from international cricket, Rudolph Lambert Fernandez has come up with a book 'Greater Than Bradman', which aims to prove that the Little Master is the greatest batsman of all time.

"It is not another biography of Sachin or Bradman. It is not another compilation of interviews, match anecdotes and expert essays. It is not an autobiography. It is an analysis. It is a forensic study that aims to set the record straight," the author claims about the book.

"This is the first and only book that challenges Bradman's rank as a batsman," he says.

Fernandez wishes to present a copy of the book to Tendulkar's brother Ajit, his wife Anjali and his formative coach Ramakant Achrekar.

"I am eager to present a paperback of the book to the three As, who were in many ways responsible for Sachin realising his greatness -- Ajit his brother, Achrekar his coach, and Anjali his wife. This book is a celebration of Tendulkar's greatness and what he stood for on the cricket field -- there is no higher tribute," said Fernandez.

Fernandez says the book uses illustrations from "science and martial arts" to prove Tendulkar's greatness.

"It questions traditional measures of greatness that revolve around statistics. It offers a more honest approach that respects a batsman's figures but places them against the backdrop of his playing environment", he says.

"The 21st century cricket readers need a closer look at Bradman. They appear all too familiar with Sachin, having seen his every shot dissected a 100 times. They have seen his ducks, his run-outs, his many failures," said Fernandez.

Fernandez said his book offers a whole new perspective on Tendulkar's cricketing career.

"This book is not about Sachin being the greatest batsman in 1998 or in 2010. It is about him as the greatest batsman in cricket history," he said.

"While the point of this book is to demonstrate Sachin's superiority over Bradman, it would be a pity if this were to be read as scorning the similarities between them -- their desire to dominate, their eagerness to excel, their genius. Thankfully these have been celebrated already by other writers," he said.

Tendulkar's 200 Test appearances yielded 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78, a feat so huge in magnitude that no contemporary or even a talented successor of his, looks capable of overhauling it in the near or distant future.

At the end of his ODI journey, the 40-year-old right-hander had, under his belt, a whopping 18,426 in 463 matches at an average of 44.83.

The right-hander retired as only batsman to score 100 international centuries -- 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs.

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Sri Lanka players resolve pay dispute

COLOMBO: The pay dispute between Sri Lanka Cricket and its 13 contracted players ended on Wednesday when the latter agreed to accept 10 percent of the participation fees from ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events.

The players had demanded 20 percent of the participation fees which Sri Lanka Cricket would not sanction.

The players were due to sign their central contracts by March 1 but the impasse dragged on for nearly two months.

A three-member committee appointed by Sri Lanka Cricket comprising treasurer Nuski Mohamed, CEO Ashley de Silva and chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya held talks with Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews on Tuesday.

"After discussions, the committee in consultation with the office bearers of the SLC's Executive Committee, offered 10 percent of the participation fee from the ICC (International Cricket Council) and ACC events to the players which will be applied for the next five years and will be non-negotiable," said an SLC statement.

"The above offer was accepted by the players and they have agreed to sign the annual contracts in due course."

Sri Lanka travel to England early next month to play two tests, five one-dayers and a T20 international.

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Sri Lanka players resolve pay dispute

COLOMBO: The pay dispute between Sri Lanka Cricket and its 13 contracted players ended on Wednesday when the latter agreed to accept 10 percent of the participation fees from ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events.

The players had demanded 20 percent of the participation fees which Sri Lanka Cricket would not sanction.

The players were due to sign their central contracts by March 1 but the impasse dragged on for nearly two months.

A three-member committee appointed by Sri Lanka Cricket comprising treasurer Nuski Mohamed, CEO Ashley de Silva and chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya held talks with Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews on Tuesday.

"After discussions, the committee in consultation with the office bearers of the SLC's Executive Committee, offered 10 percent of the participation fee from the ICC (International Cricket Council) and ACC events to the players which will be applied for the next five years and will be non-negotiable," said an SLC statement.

"The above offer was accepted by the players and they have agreed to sign the annual contracts in due course."

Sri Lanka travel to England early next month to play two tests, five one-dayers and a T20 international.

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Kohli has made a place for himself: Srinath

NEW DELHI: Former fast bowler Javagal Srinath on Tuesday lauded Virat Kohli for creating a place for himself in Indian cricket.

Srinath, now an International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee, said Kohli is never compared to the likes of Sachin Tendulkar or Rahul Dravid.

"Virat has done exceptionally well for himself. He is such a great player. Nobody compares him with Sachin or Dravid. He has found his place in Indian cricket," said Srinath during an interaction at Gillete's Men of Inner Steel initiative.

Srinath's long-time partner Venkatesh Prasad said that legend Sunil Gavaskar, who is the interim chief of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is the real Man of Steel.

"I feel Mr. Gavaskar is the real Man of Steel. He has survived international cricket for 15 years and has faced some of the quicker bowlers without any helmet. He is a great leader and deserves to lead the BCCI," said Prasad.

Former India captain Ajit Wadekar, under whom Gavaskar made his Test debut, also concurred with Prasad and said that his teammate is the perfect role model.

"Sunny is a great role model. He is calm and composed and the perfect man to lead Indian cricket," he said.

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'Zaheer deserves 2015 WC parting shot'

NEW DELHI: Backing Zaheer Khan's inclusion in India's squad for the 2015 World Cup, former India pacer Javagal Srinath on Tuesday said the left-armer is an "automatic choice" for the tournament and should be given a parting shot if the speedster shows the passion to play.

"Zaheer is a top class bowler. If he has the desire, resolve and the strength to deliver, he is an automatic choice. One needs to dig deep and see whether Zaheer has that kind of passion to continue and if wants 2015 as a parting shot then he should be allowed to do that," said the ICC match referee on the sidelines of a Gillete Men of Steel Initiative event.

Srinath - the only Indian pacer to take 300 and more ODI wickets - was all praise for the current pack of paceman.

"Mohammad Shami is a good bowler. Even Bhuvneshwar Kumar is shaping up well. Ishant Sharma is looking to be back on track. He is bowling consistently well. He has shown tremendous improvement since his comeback a year ago," said the former Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary.

Srinath, who represented India for over a decade since the early nineties, said that T20 is a batsman's game but good bowlers will always make their presence felt.

"For a fast bowler it is important to see success in all formats of the game. The problem is that fast bowlers struggle in the T20 format and that benefit has gone to the batsmen. The disappointment is evident on the faces of pacers these days," said Srinath sharing the stage with Venkatesh Prasad and Ajit Wadekar.

Meanwhile Prasad, who was Srinath's bowling partner for most his cricket career, relived his 1996 World Cup memories against Pakistan opener Aamir Sohail.

Venky, as he is fondly called, cleaned up Sohail on the very next delivery after the left-hander had hit the Indian medium-pacer for a boundary and signalled to hit him one more time in the World Cup quarter-finals in Bangalore.

"I had also said something to Aamir after he shot some verbal volleys against me. But it was the rattle of the stumps that made history and I not only won the battle but also dented Sohail's career forever, said the former India bowling coach.

"It was also the turning point of Indo-Pak encounters. Earlier Pakistan always got the better of us but that incident and the win thereafter gave India the belief to win against their arch-rivals," chuckled Prasad.

Placed comfortably between the two medium-pacers, Wadekar was happy with the court's decision of appointing Sunil Gavaskar as interim BCCI chief during the course of IPL 7.

"Gavaskar has been a role model. He is an amazing leader and a true sportsman, who gave Indian cricket many wonderful moments. His integrity can never be questioned and we need people like him as caretakers of the modern game," said the former India skipper.

Wadekar, 73, also talked about the changing colour of modern cricket and how sledging was always a part of the game; only less visible due to the absence of television.

"Bowlers and batsmen always had a go against each other. That has been part of the game. But a line should not be crossed. We were all witness to sledging in our times but it used to go unnoticed as there were no or very few cameras around," concluded the ex-Indian manager.

The left-handed batsman played for India for over a decade, leading the team to historical wins in England (2-1 series win in 1972-73) and West Indies during the early 1970s.

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Kohli has made a place for himself: Srinath

NEW DELHI: Former fast bowler Javagal Srinath on Tuesday lauded Virat Kohli for creating a place for himself in Indian cricket.

Srinath, now an International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee, said Kohli is never compared to the likes of Sachin Tendulkar or Rahul Dravid.

"Virat has done exceptionally well for himself. He is such a great player. Nobody compares him with Sachin or Dravid. He has found his place in Indian cricket," said Srinath during an interaction at Gillete's Men of Inner Steel initiative.

Srinath's long-time partner Venkatesh Prasad said that legend Sunil Gavaskar, who is the interim chief of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is the real Man of Steel.

"I feel Mr. Gavaskar is the real Man of Steel. He has survived international cricket for 15 years and has faced some of the quicker bowlers without any helmet. He is a great leader and deserves to lead the BCCI," said Prasad.

Former India captain Ajit Wadekar, under whom Gavaskar made his Test debut, also concurred with Prasad and said that his teammate is the perfect role model.

"Sunny is a great role model. He is calm and composed and the perfect man to lead Indian cricket," he said.

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Yuvraj hates batting under pressure: Mother

SHARJAH: Shabnam Singh, mother of Yuvraj Singh, on Tuesday said his son hates to bat under pressure and relishes playing in a side which enjoys cricket and are relaxed.

"He is very happy to be picked up for RCB because cricket is all about enjoying and that's what the Royal Challengers Bangalore stand for. All the boys are really chilled out and that's where he wants to be because Yuvi hates to bat under pressure or anything," she said in an interview to RCB's official website.

Asked about her support to her son, Shabnam said, "Whenever he is down and out, it is best to leave him alone instead of pampering him. I try and make him realise that its just the part of the game and he will come out of it. It is a regular part of parent and child and every parent does that."

"It is very important to support the child. I don't think so I am different. Mothers are all about fussing over their son and fathers are very harsh. Usually, they are," she added.

Asked what challenges she faced from her son, Shabnam said Yuvraj was thrown out of every school he attended and most of the teachers expressed unhappiness over his performance in studies.

"I was called so many times to the school and they (teachers) said your child is not doing well, but eventually he decided that cricket was the one sport he wanted to play," she said.

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Patel should disclose if he is related to Shivlal: Pawar

MUMBAI: Former BCCI chief Sharad Pawar wants Justice JN Patel, who is part of a three-man probe panel set up by the Board to investigate the IPL corruption scandal, to come clean on his reported links with the body's interim president Shivlal Yadav.

He also deprecated the presence of former India captain Ravi Shastri on the inquiry committee, citing conflict of interest.

"I think Patel should definitely disclose if he is related to the BCCI's interim president Shivlal Yadav. If not, then BCCI should clarify and should not allow these type of discussions," Pawar said in an interview.

The names of the former Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, Shastri and ex-CBI director RK Raghavan were approved by the Board members at an emergent working committee meeting here on Sunday.

Their names would be submitted for approval of the Supreme Court which is hearing the the IPL scandal, with the next hearing scheduled on Tuesday.

The SC had directed the BCCI at the last hearing on April 16 to suggest names of persons who will conduct a "fair probe" into the IPL 6 spot-fixing and betting scandal.

The apex court is expected to consider the suggestion by the BCCI and pass orders on the future course of the probe.

"I don't know him (Patel) personally, but I think it is his duty to disclose if this news (information) is correct," Pawar said.

"This morning, I got a call from some BCCI member that there is a judge JN Patel. I know he was a very upright judge when he was here. He had taken very tough responsibilities and had performed very well.

"But the issue which I was not aware of. Somebody rang me up from Andhra Pradesh this morning, saying the BCCI's interim president Shivlal Yadav and Patel are close relatives. Brother-in-law or something like that. I don't know.

"If the news is correct, then the people will judge. Generally, I have seen many times (that) a judge, if there is some lawyer who is close to him is there, will immediately recuse himself from the case," Pawar said.

"I am sure that knowing fully well Justice Patel's reputation, he will not allow this type of a thing," he added.

Pawar, a former president of the International Cricket Council, also questioned the eligibility of Shastri to be a member of the probe panel because of the conflict of interest issue as the player-turned-commentator has got a financial contract with BCCI.

"Ravi Shastri is a good player. In fact, when I was BCCI chief (2005-08), we signed a contract with him and Sunil Gavaskar. So, he had a financial contract with BCCI. Now, someone says how can a person who has got a financial contract with BCCI, become part of an inquiry committee of BCCI chief," he said.

"I have no reservation about Shastri's integrity, his honesty. But definitely, anybody can raise the issue. And that is why, a sensible person will try to keep away from this (probe panel)."

Asked if Shastri should dissociate himself, Pawar said, "He has a financial contract (with BCCI). That is not the case with Patel."

On allegations against former IPL chief Lalit Modi and embattled BCCI chief N Srinivasan, who has been ordered by the SC to step aside when the IPL probe is on, Pawar said, "I don't think Modi has done any harm. Unfortunately, about Srinivasan, I haven't got any details. But whatever action has been taken recently was essentially taken by judiciary.

"It was the Supreme Court which said that 'A' should not be there and that 'B' should be there. There were certain complaints and judiciary felt that these complaints should be investigated," Pawar said.

Pawar talked in glowing terms about Srinivasan's predecessor Shashank Manohar, who was once part of the NCP chief's core team which overthrew Jagmohan Dalmiya from BCCI. Pawar called Manohar a good administrator.

"Manohar is a good administrator. He has no personal interest. His genuine interest is in the game. I accept that whatever he says will always be in the interest of the game. Manohar's performance as an administrator was in a very straight forward and transparent manner," he said.

Though bedevilled with myriad problems since its inception in 2008 when he was the BCCI chief, Pawar was upbeat about the future of the cash-rich IPL.

"I think IPL is doing well. I have not been able to follow it because of these elections. IPL is a product developed by India, by the BCCI when I was its president," Pawar said.

"IPL has been accepted by the global cricketing community and all cricketing countries are part of IPL, which is watched not only in India but outside too," he said, adding, "This is the great contribution of Indian cricket and BCCI."

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'I was disillusioned with happenings'

MUMBAI: Former BCCI chief Shashank Manohar is "disillusioned" with the proceedings of the Board's Emergent Working Committee meeting which he had attended as a representative of Vidarbha Cricket Association.

"I can't disclose what happened at the meeting. All I can say is I was disillusioned with the happenings. I had gone there with the purpose of cleaning up the image of the Board in public domain, but I was disillusioned," the 57-year-old Nagpur-based lawyer said.

Manohar was outvoted 14-1 at the meeting when hand count was taken for the nomination of RG Raghavan, ex-CBI director, as one of the three members of the panel that was formed (former cricketer Ravi Shastri and former chief justice of Kolkata high court RN Patel being the others) by the Working Committee to probe into the spot-fixing and betting scandal in the Indian Premier League as per the Supreme Court's directive.

Manohar had kept himself out of the BCCI matters after his term ended in 2011 and was succeeded by Srinivasan before attending his first meeting of the Board on Sunday.

The former BCCI chief had also opposed the name of Shastri because of conflict of interest as he's a Board-contracted TV commentator and IPL governing council member.

Prior to attending the meeting Manohar had lashed out at N Srinivasan, who has been forced to step aside as the Board president, saying the Tamil Nadu strongman was "shamelessly and stubbornly" sticking to his post.

Gurunath Meiyappan, son-in-law of Srinivasan and alleged former team principal of IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, owned by India Cements in which Srinivasan is the MD cum vice chairman, had been named as one of the accused in the scandal by Mumbai police.

On April 16, the Supreme Court, at its last hearing of the case, said Srinivasan's name was the 13th in the enclosed list submitted along with its report by the apex-court appointed Justice Mudgal Committee, which had probed the scam.

The names of Shastri, Raghavan and Patel would be submitted for approval of the Supreme Court which is hearing the IPL scandal, with the next hearing scheduled on Tuesday.

The SC had directed the BCCI at the last hearing on April 16 to suggest names of persons who will conduct a "fair probe" into the IPL 6 spot-fixing and betting scandal.

The apex court is expected to consider the suggestion by the BCCI and pass orders on the future course of the probe.

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'I was disillusioned with happenings'

MUMBAI: Former BCCI chief Shashank Manohar is "disillusioned" with the proceedings of the Board's Emergent Working Committee meeting which he had attended as a representative of Vidarbha Cricket Association.

"I can't disclose what happened at the meeting. All I can say is I was disillusioned with the happenings. I had gone there with the purpose of cleaning up the image of the Board in public domain, but I was disillusioned," the 57-year-old Nagpur-based lawyer said.

Manohar was outvoted 14-1 at the meeting when hand count was taken for the nomination of RG Raghavan, ex-CBI director, as one of the three members of the panel that was formed (former cricketer Ravi Shastri and former chief justice of Kolkata high court RN Patel being the others) by the Working Committee to probe into the spot-fixing and betting scandal in the Indian Premier League as per the Supreme Court's directive.

Manohar had kept himself out of the BCCI matters after his term ended in 2011 and was succeeded by Srinivasan before attending his first meeting of the Board on Sunday.

The former BCCI chief had also opposed the name of Shastri because of conflict of interest as he's a Board-contracted TV commentator and IPL governing council member.

Prior to attending the meeting Manohar had lashed out at N Srinivasan, who has been forced to step aside as the Board president, saying the Tamil Nadu strongman was "shamelessly and stubbornly" sticking to his post.

Gurunath Meiyappan, son-in-law of Srinivasan and alleged former team principal of IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, owned by India Cements in which Srinivasan is the MD cum vice chairman, had been named as one of the accused in the scandal by Mumbai police.

On April 16, the Supreme Court, at its last hearing of the case, said Srinivasan's name was the 13th in the enclosed list submitted along with its report by the apex-court appointed Justice Mudgal Committee, which had probed the scam.

The names of Shastri, Raghavan and Patel would be submitted for approval of the Supreme Court which is hearing the IPL scandal, with the next hearing scheduled on Tuesday.

The SC had directed the BCCI at the last hearing on April 16 to suggest names of persons who will conduct a "fair probe" into the IPL 6 spot-fixing and betting scandal.

The apex court is expected to consider the suggestion by the BCCI and pass orders on the future course of the probe.

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'Dhoni the only leader in team of captains'

ABU DHABI: Though Chennai Super Kings is home to four international captains this Indian Premier League, New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum insists that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the sole leader of the pack and says he has lots to learn from his India counterpart in his first year with the franchise.

"At CSK there is only one captain and that is MS Dhoni. He is the sole decision-maker when it comes to the on-field matters. There is not much team talk about that," said McCullum when asked about his role in the team alongside other international captains in Dhoni, Faf du Plessis of South Africa and Dwayne Bravo of the West Indies.

"However, as experienced leaders, we are expected to do small things off the field like guiding the younger players and helping out the team-mates with things they need assistance with. On the field there are smaller things like we must not wait for the captain to wave his hands at us asking to step a bit closer or further. We should be able to figure those things out with our experience," he was quoted as saying by the tournament's official website.

Both McCullum and Dhoni are wicketkeeper-batsmen but the New Zealander clarified that there is not much in common between the two strong personalities.

"Well, there are many things that he and I don't have in common too. But yes, he is a very nice guy, very humble and one of the best captains in the world. I am pleased to have this opportunity to play under his leadership since there are many things one can learn from the man," said McCullum, who had earlier played for the Kolkata Knight Riders where he famously blasted an unbeaten 158 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first-ever IPL game in 2008.

Asked whether he would like to take over wicket-keeping duties from Dhoni, the New Zealander said: "Oh, no, I am happy to let him do the job behind the stumps. My body is not up to regular work behind the wickets now. I am glad to be in the same team as Dhoni, who is a brilliant wicketkeeper. I am the backup option if the team requires one."

The big-hitting batsman is also excited about his reunion with former teammate and Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming.

"It has been a while since I have been in a team where Stephen has been present in a leadership role. It's nice to listen to the old stories again from him.

"For me he was the best captain in the world when I played under him and now, after spending some time with him at the CSK camp, I feel he has grown further stronger as a leader and an individual," McCullum signed off.

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RCB owner lauds Parthiv, De Villiers

SHARJAH: Royal Challengers Bangalore owner Vijay Mallya on Sunday lauded Parthiv Patel and A B de Villiers for guiding the team to victory against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.

"I have always said Parthiv is a gutsy, talented player - he showed it today. He was fantastic, and A B coming in there and calming things down - that was obviously expected from him - walking into a troubled situation. He did his role and performed it perfectly," he said in a post-match interview to RCB's official website.

Both Parthiv and A B stitched a 99-run unbeaten partnership for the fourth wicket after RCB were in a tricky situation, struggling at 17 for three with Nic Maddinson, Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh back into the hut.

Patel mixed caution with aggression to score an unbeaten 57 off 45 deliveries, while hitting seven boundaries. A B played the sheet-anchor's role to perfection, making an unbeaten 48-ball 45 with the help of three fours and two sixes.

Mallya said the depth of RCB batting not only came to the team's rescue but also pulled them out of a hole, paving the way for a convincing victory against Mumbai Indians.

"The depth of Royal Challengers batting came not just to rescue but I think it proved a very, very important point that even if we lose early wickets upfront, as we did - 17 for three - we continue to win the match and didn't lose another wicket," he said.

Mallya also lavished praise on his bowlers for restricting Mumbai Indians to a modest score.

"It was great win. Our bowlers did an outstanding job by restricting Mumbai Indians to 115," he said.

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RCB owner lauds Parthiv, De Villiers

SHARJAH: Royal Challengers Bangalore owner Vijay Mallya on Sunday lauded Parthiv Patel and A B de Villiers for guiding the team to victory against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.

"I have always said Parthiv is a gutsy, talented player - he showed it today. He was fantastic, and A B coming in there and calming things down - that was obviously expected from him - walking into a troubled situation. He did his role and performed it perfectly," he said in a post-match interview to RCB's official website.

Both Parthiv and A B stitched a 99-run unbeaten partnership for the fourth wicket after RCB were in a tricky situation, struggling at 17 for three with Nic Maddinson, Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh back into the hut.

Patel mixed caution with aggression to score an unbeaten 57 off 45 deliveries, while hitting seven boundaries. A B played the sheet-anchor's role to perfection, making an unbeaten 48-ball 45 with the help of three fours and two sixes.

Mallya said the depth of RCB batting not only came to the team's rescue but also pulled them out of a hole, paving the way for a convincing victory against Mumbai Indians.

"The depth of Royal Challengers batting came not just to rescue but I think it proved a very, very important point that even if we lose early wickets upfront, as we did - 17 for three - we continue to win the match and didn't lose another wicket," he said.

Mallya also lavished praise on his bowlers for restricting Mumbai Indians to a modest score.

"It was great win. Our bowlers did an outstanding job by restricting Mumbai Indians to 115," he said.

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BCCI suggests panel to SC to probe fixing

MUMBAI: Faced with a credibility crisis arising out of the IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal, the BCCI on Sunday suggested to the Supreme Court a three-member committee made up of eminent persons to probe the corruption case on the directives of the apex court.

The all-powerful Working Committee of the Board in its emergent meeting here decided to suggest names of former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri, former Calcutta High Court Chief Justice JN Patel and ex-CBI director RK Raghavan as members of the probe committee.

Former Board president Shashank Manohar attended the meeting as a representative of the Vidarbha Cricket Association.

It is learnt that former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee's name was also considered in the meeting before the Working Committee zeroed in on the three persons.

The SC has directed the BCCI in the last hearing of the case on April 16 to suggest names of persons who will conduct a "fair probe" into the IPL 6 spot-fixing and betting scandal.

The apex court is expected to consider the suggestion by the BCCI in the next hearing on April 22 and pass orders on the future course of the probe.

The Emergent WC meeting has been convened following demand from some state units affiliated to the Board after the Supreme Court's hearing.

On April 16, the Supreme Court had said that the BCCI should conduct a probe against N Srinivasan and 12 others in the betting and spot fixing scandal to maintain its institutional autonomy as the court cannot "close its eyes" to the allegations made by the Justice Mukul Mudgal committee.

A bench of justices AK Patnaik and FM Ibrahim Kalifulla, however, had expressed reservations over a SIT or CBI probe, saying that institutional autonomy of the Board has to be maintained and a committee constituted by the BCCI to look into the issue would be preferred.

The SC, while turning down Srinivasan's fresh plea to return to the helm of the Board's affairs as its elected chief, has ruled that he cannot be given back the BCCI's reins till he comes out clean in a probe conducted against him and 12 others, including India-capped cricketers, whose names have been mentioned by Justice Mudgal Committee report in the IPL corruption scandal.

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BCCI suggests panel to SC to probe fixing

MUMBAI: Faced with a credibility crisis arising out of the IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal, the BCCI on Sunday suggested to the Supreme Court a three-member committee made up of eminent persons to probe the corruption case on the directives of the apex court.

The all-powerful Working Committee of the Board in its emergent meeting here decided to suggest names of former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri, former Calcutta High Court Chief Justice JN Patel and ex-CBI director RK Raghavan as members of the probe committee.

Former Board president Shashank Manohar attended the meeting as a representative of the Vidarbha Cricket Association.

It is learnt that former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee's name was also considered in the meeting before the Working Committee zeroed in on the three persons.

The SC has directed the BCCI in the last hearing of the case on April 16 to suggest names of persons who will conduct a "fair probe" into the IPL 6 spot-fixing and betting scandal.

The apex court is expected to consider the suggestion by the BCCI in the next hearing on April 22 and pass orders on the future course of the probe.

The Emergent WC meeting has been convened following demand from some state units affiliated to the Board after the Supreme Court's hearing.

On April 16, the Supreme Court had said that the BCCI should conduct a probe against N Srinivasan and 12 others in the betting and spot fixing scandal to maintain its institutional autonomy as the court cannot "close its eyes" to the allegations made by the Justice Mukul Mudgal committee.

A bench of justices AK Patnaik and FM Ibrahim Kalifulla, however, had expressed reservations over a SIT or CBI probe, saying that institutional autonomy of the Board has to be maintained and a committee constituted by the BCCI to look into the issue would be preferred.

The SC, while turning down Srinivasan's fresh plea to return to the helm of the Board's affairs as its elected chief, has ruled that he cannot be given back the BCCI's reins till he comes out clean in a probe conducted against him and 12 others, including India-capped cricketers, whose names have been mentioned by Justice Mudgal Committee report in the IPL corruption scandal.

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Millionaire Maxwell promises better returns

NEW DELHI: He couldn't quite live upto the million-dollar price tag in the IPL last season but after a spectacular debut for Kings XI Punjab this year, Australian batsman Glenn Maxwell says the "relaxed atmosphere" in his new team will help him be a consistent performer.

"It always feels nice when you know that you are going to be a regular in the playing eleven, something which was not possible at a star-studded Mumbai outfit. Here I feel more relaxed and don't feel the same pressure of expectations. The start has been good and hopefully we will only get better from here," Maxwell said from Dubai a day after hammering 95 off 43 balls to ensure Punjab made short work of Chennai Super Kings' 205 in their IPL opener in Abu Dhabi.

He surely set the the tournament on fire yesterday courtesy his sensational innings but it was not all hunky dory last season.

Maxwell could not make an impact in the three games he got after being snapped up for USD one million by Mumbai Indians, a team which boasted of international stars such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Kieron Pollard, Rohit Sharma and Dwayne Smith.

"That way, it is a lot different at Kings XI. The Mumbai Indians had all bases covered and the plan was to win every match and eventually the tournament. Here, the goals are different. We don't have big international names so the focus is on just doing the best we can in a game and improve from there on," said the 25-year-old Victorian.

Asked about the Punjab squad led by his Australian one-day skipper George Bailey, Maxwell said: "It is a nicely balanced bunch and the presence of experienced Indian guys is a great help. Viru (Sehwag) is still an unbelievable and it is incredible what Cheteshwar Pujara has done in Tests in such a short time."

'Maxi', as he is casually called, showed enough signs yesterday that his ominous form at the World T20 has carried on to the IPL.

His creative shots often leave many flummoxed but the diminutive batsman insists it doesn't require a lot of work.

"I actually practice not just one specific stroke during training. And even something like a switch hit and a reverse sweep is not something I always try in the nets. I make sure I play all types of bowling including the throwdowns and try to hit the ball clean," he said explaining his practice routine in a nonchalant tone.

How about pacing his innings and managing a high strike-rate?

"I take things ball by ball mate, trying to find the gaps and manipulate the field."

Last year, Maxwell became a rare millionaire who drove a 15-year-old sedan and this season he has gone a step further.

"I have got rid of that car mate. I have come to a conclusion that I don't need one anymore. Roaming around in cabs is much easier and I have got people who deal with stuff like this and other money matters. It helps me maintain my focus on the field," he quipped.

On to his Australia career and the constant queries on what he is doing to transform himself into an all-format cricketer, much like compatriot David Warner.

"I think I have been asked about Warner some 200 times. He has obviously been a revelation for Australia. Not many people thought he could graduate from T20s and look what he has done. I too love playing in the longest format. Hopefully I will get my chances," summed up the player who has represented Australia in two Tests, 24 ODIs and 21 T20 Internationals.

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RCB opt to bowl against Mumbai Indians

NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli won the toss and chose to bowl against Mumbai Indians in their IPL 7 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Saturday.

Star-studded RCB opened their IPL 7 campaign on a resounding note as they crushed a new-look Delhi Daredevils by eight wickets.

Yuvraj Singh silenced his detractors with a brilliant unbeaten 52 and shared 84 runs in just 7.9 overs with captain Virat Kohli (49 not out) for the unconquered third wicket stand to help RCB chase down Daredevils' 145-run target with 20 balls to spare.

RCB's best finish was the runners-up trophy in 2011 but this time around the team would be hoping to ride on the performances of the big boys to clinch their maiden IPL title.

RCB's bowling was considered their weak link but against the Daredevils, their bowlers did just enough to restrict the opponents to a modest 145 for four.

Mumbai Indians have plenty of work to do both in their batting as well as bowling departments after their 41-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament opener.

Barring Zaheer Khan (1/23) and the ever-reliable Lasith Malinga (4/23), Mumbai's bowling performance against KKR can be termed as pathetic.

On the batting front too, Mumbai lacked sting to chase down the 164-run target set by KKR.

Apart from Ambati Rayudu (48), skipper Rohit Sharma (27) and Aditya Tare (24), no other Mumbai batsmen reached double digit scores, which would be a cause of concern for coach John Wright and mentor Sachin Tendulkar.

Teams:

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli (Capt.), Parthiv Patel, Nic Maddinson, Yuvraj Singh, AB de Villiers, Albie Morkel, Sachin Rana, Ashok Dinda, Mitchell Starc, Yuzwendra Chahal, Varun Aaron.

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (Capt.), Michael Hussey, Aditya Tare, Ambati Rayudu, Kieron Pollard, Corey Anderson, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Zaheer Khan, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah.

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No way back for KP, says England boss

LONDON: Kevin Pietersen's hopes of reviving his international career appeared to end on Saturday when England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing director Paul Downton said there was "no way back" for the star batsman.

Pietersen, England's leading run scorer across all formats, was sensationally axed from the national set-up following the team's recent 5-0 Ashes series loss in Australia.

Initially the ECB would only cite the need for a new "team ethic and philosophy" and "support" for skipper Alastair Cook, as the reason behind the move, with Cook saying it was a "brave call".

But that still left unanswered the question of what precisely 33-year-old South Africa-born Pietersen had done in Australia to deserve such drastic treatment.

However, during a Lord's news conference on Saturday where Peter Moores was unveiled as England coach after Andy Flower stood down following the Ashes debacle, Downton gave the most detailed explanation yet by anyone in the England hierarchy for Pietersen's exile.

"I arrived in Sydney (the venue for the fifth and final Ashes Test) on 31st December, and it was clear that there were two issues: Andy Flower's future and what we were going to do about Kevin?," Downton, flanked by Moores and Cook, explained.

"I watched every ball of that Sydney Test match and I've never seen anybody so disengaged from what was going on," former England wicketkeeper Downton said of a match the tourists lost by 281 runs, with Pietersen managing scores of just three and six.

"What you need from a senior player is backing, support and everybody working together. We just got to a stage where that was no longer the case.

"We came to the conclusion -- that if England was going to rebuild after a 5-0 loss then we had to make a decision for the future and for the side to grow -- and let's remember that we hadn't replaced (Andrew) Strauss, (Graeme) Swann had retired, (Jonathan) Trott had gone home and is still recovering now (from a stress-related illness) -- that we had to invest in new players and build a new team with some core values.

"It was decided that wouldn't happen with Kevin in the side so we decided not to select him," explained Downton, who insisted there was no "smoking gun" that had led to Pietersen's exit.

"What you see here is the future and I don't see any going back." Last week Pietersen, currently playing for the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League, said he still had hope of becoming the first England player to score 10,000 Test runs.

"Yes, maybe I'll still get to 10,000 (Test runs)," Pietersen, who scored 8,181 runs in 104 Tests after making his debut against Australia in 2005, told the Indian Express.

Pietersen is the fourth highest Test run scorer in England's history and tops the list among current players.

But that cut little ice with Downton. "We had a strong side over 10 years with strong leadership and established captains and coaches, and that side could accommodate Kevin, but that balance has shifted now," Downton said.

"A new side won't accommodate Kevin. It's about the balance of what is best for England."

Moores, 51, was previously England coach from 2007 to 2009 before a falling out with Pietersen cost him the job and the batsman the England captaincy.

Now rejoining the England set-up from his position as Lancashire coach, Moores laughed when told Pietersen had tweeted Saturday: "Everyone deserves a 2nd chance!".

However, Moores added: "The important point to make is I never fell out with Kevin, Kevin fell out with me. There's a notable difference."

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