PCB chief wants Younis to return

Sunday, November 22, 2009 10:07:16 AM IST

Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ijaz Butt has urged Younis Khan to quickly end his hiatus from the national team and play against Australia in the three-test series next month.

Gayle hopes to play first Test after visit to sick mother

Sunday, November 22, 2009 9:25:41 AM IST

West Indies cricket captain Chris Gayle, who abruptly quit the Tour of Australia to be with his sick mother, will head Down Under on Monday and hopes to play in the first Test, Jamaican media reported.

India, Sri Lanka teams arrive in Kanpur

Sunday, November 22, 2009 1:44:10 AM IST

The cricket teams of India and Sri Lanka arrived in Kanpur on Saturday for the second Test match, beginning on Tuesday at Green Park Stadium.

'Lee should quit Test cricket, concentrate on ODIs, T20s'

Sunday, November 22, 2009 1:37:32 AM IST

Fast bowler Brett Lee should quit Test cricket to reduce pressure on his weak elbow and concentrate on the one-day format to lead Australian bowling attack in the 2011 World Cup, feels former pacer Rodney Hogg.

Former greats doubt Clarke could ever become Test captain

Sunday, November 22, 2009 1:32:09 AM IST

Michael Clarke should never become a Test captain, considering his injury worries and Ricky Ponting's desire to lead the national side to England for Ashes revenge in 2013, feel former Australian greats.

Break has made me hungrier: Pujara

Sunday, November 22, 2009 12:05:02 AM IST

At a time when youngsters in Indian cricket are hooked on to the concept of T20, which coaches in the domestic circuit feel is fast becoming a deterrent to developing players who put a price on their wicket, a batsman like Cheteshwar Pujara is an exception, reports Nilankur Das.

Even the best struggled on Motera wicket

Saturday, November 21, 2009 11:48:00 PM IST

The Ahmedabad Test got a little interesting only because India lost four wickets in the first half hour of the first day. Otherwise, the match would have been a dead affair by Day Three. Anil Kumble reports.

Dead tracks will kill Test cricket, says Harbhajan

Saturday, November 21, 2009 11:44:59 PM IST

Miffed with the docile pitch in the drawn Ahmedabad Test against Sri Lanka, feisty Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said such batting-friendly tracks would kill cricket’s longest format.

Rich in cash but poor in Ranji management

Saturday, November 21, 2009 11:42:03 PM IST

The cash-rich Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) is doing little to attract crowd to its premier domestic competition —the Ranji Trophy, reports Nikhilesh Bhattacharya.

Clarke reveals captaincy ambitions

Saturday, November 21, 2009 6:20:10 PM IST

A fit-again Michael Clarke, who recently returned to the Australian cricket team as vice-captain, wants to lead the side in future but only if incumbent Ricky Ponting decides to walk away on his own.

Motera-like tracks would kill Test cricket: Harbhajan

Saturday, November 21, 2009 6:17:38 PM IST

Miffed with the docile pitch in the drawn Ahmedabad Test against Sri Lanka, feisty Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Saturday said such batting-friendly tracks would kill cricket's longest format.

Sachin to stay in hotel's presidential suite during Test match

Saturday, November 21, 2009 5:12:10 PM IST

Senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar will stay in presidential suite of Hotel Landmark during the second Test match between India and Sri Lanka starting in Kanpur from Tuesday.

PCB yet to seek IPL clearance from government

Saturday, November 21, 2009 10:09:06 AM IST

The PCB might have decided to give a go ahead to its players for participating in next year's Indian Premier League, but the board is yet to approach the Sports Ministry for the government's clearance, a must for the cricketers to be a part of the cash-awash Twenty20 event.

Lift Azhar cricket ban, Cong MPs urge

Saturday, November 21, 2009 12:42:20 AM IST

A move is afoot within the Congress to revoke the life ban on former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin. The argument: most other international cricketers accused of match-fixing have been accepted back into the fold. Vinod Sharma reports...

I won’t play any cricket on this wicket: Dhoni

Friday, November 20, 2009 11:27:32 PM IST

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was not so critical of the curator, saying making sporting tracks was a difficult job, but admitted that such pitches are not ideal for Test cricket, reports Abhijeet Kulkarni.

BCCI may not send team for South Asian Games

Friday, November 20, 2009 11:24:59 PM IST

The Indian Olympic Association's ambition to send a cricket team to take part in a Twenty20 tournament that is part of the South Asian Games is set to go unfulfilled as the Board of Control for Cricket in India has no interest in pursuing the matter, reports Anand Vasu.

Dead track sure way to kill Test cricket

Friday, November 20, 2009 11:16:15 PM IST

It almost seems like there is a conspiracy to finish Test cricket in India. For the administrators it seems to be an unwarranted burden and the sooner it dies the better for them, so that they can expand and enlarge their IPL and Champions League events, writes Pradeep Magazine.

Mishra should go back to first class cricket

Friday, November 20, 2009 10:05:48 PM IST

Both Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra disappointed, but then, the wicket was such that any bowler would have struggled. Mishra in particular, might need to go back and play a few first class games. Ravi Shastri comments.

Kanpur opts for ‘safe’ pitch

Friday, November 20, 2009 10:03:11 PM IST

The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association is taking no chances when it comes to pitch preparation, ahead of India’s second Test against Sri Lanka that begins in Kanpur on the 24th, reports Khurram Habib.

Tamil Nadu win with bonus point

Friday, November 20, 2009 10:00:20 PM IST

After dominating the first three days, Tamil Nadu drove the final nail in Punjab’s coffin just before lunch to register victory by an innings and 45 runs in their Super League encounter, reports Aseem Bassi.

Spinners win it for Mumbai

Friday, November 20, 2009 9:58:13 PM IST

Debutant spinner Harmeet Singh’s brilliant spell of 3/38 spelt doom for Himachal as the visitors sleepwalked to defeat against Mumbai on Friday, reports Bivabasu Kumar.

Williams lights up a dull final day

Friday, November 20, 2009 9:54:59 PM IST

With a draw looming large, the final day’s play of this Ranji Trophy Super League encounter between UP and Baroda was reduced to academic interest only, reports Anam Arsalan.

Tendulkar crosses 30,000 international runs

Friday, November 20, 2009 6:14:45 PM IST

In yet another landmark in his illustrious 20-year-old career, Sachin Tendulkar became the first cricketer to cross 30,000 runs in international cricket during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad.

Run feast seals draw in first Test

Friday, November 20, 2009 6:05:42 PM IST

Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar hit opportune centuries as India came up with a spirited batting display to salvage a draw in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad, reports Abhijeet Kulkarni.

'IPL set to take cricket places'

Friday, November 20, 2009 6:05:40 PM IST

Former Australian captain Greg Chappell feels given its increasing popularity, the Indian Premier League would soon become a world event and take cricket to hitherto unexplored regions.

Sachin completes 30,000 runs in international cricket

Friday, November 20, 2009 1:19:13 PM IST

Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar has reached another milestone in his career by completing a phenomenal 30,000 runs in international cricket during the ongoing Ahmedabad Test against Sri Lanka on Friday. Scorecard | Special: The Legend
Tendulkar completes 30000 runs

Gambhir's century keeps India afloat in first Test

Friday, November 20, 2009 1:10:54 PM IST

Gautam Gambhir hit an unbeaten century to keep India's hopes alive of forcing a draw in the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Warne, Clarke face off in All Star Twenty20 match

Friday, November 20, 2009 10:26:04 AM IST

Australian spin legend Shane Warne and Michael Clarke are all for a Twenty20 showdown when they lead their respective teams in an All-Star match in Brisbane on Sunday.

Agarkar’s unbeaten ton saves Mumbai

Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:35:09 PM IST

An unbeaten century by Ajit Agarkar and a plucky 52 not out from Iqbal Abdulla bailed Mumbai out of a precarious situation on the third day of their Super League encounter against Himachal, reports Bivabasu Kumar.

UP tail wags, takes vital lead

Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:31:07 PM IST

On the third day of their Ranji Trophy Super League tie in Ghaziabad, the Baroda bowlers used the early morning conditions well to have Uttar Pradesh on the mat. But, their effort came a cropper when UP tail-enders stayed long enough to deny Baroda a first-innings advantage, reports Anam Arsalan.

Dravid dismissal: Is there a need for the referral system?

Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:28:05 PM IST

India had scored 169 for one when Rahul Dravid got a harsh leg before decision. It could be argued if the ball would have gone on to hit the leg stump but the implementation of a referral system could make things easier for umpires.

Needed: Application

Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:23:36 PM IST

Despite Sri Lanka's record-breaking outing, India coach Gary Kirsten exuded confidence at the end of fourth day's play, reports Abhishek Kulkarni.

Forget cricket, show us money

Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:15:52 PM IST

The BCCI has done such a fantastic job of marketing itself and Indian cricket — helped no doubt by we in the media — that the India cricket team brand is still the country’s major bestseller. Even after almost three months of winning nothing, in any format, reports Kadambari Murali Wade.

Down but not out

Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:11:17 PM IST

Trailing by 144 runs, India ended the fourth day of the first Test on 190 for two. At stumps, Gambir was unbeaten on 74 with night watchman Amit Mishra giving him company on 12, reports Abhijeet Kulkarni.

Greg Chappell sees Test cricket shrinking

Thursday, November 19, 2009 3:35:05 PM IST

Greg Chappell fears competition in Test cricket could shrink to as few as four countries. The former Australia captain said Thursday that the growth in the Twenty20 game and diminishing public interest in the traditional five-day game could see test cricket marginalized to the fringe of the sport.

New Zealander sets world wicket keeping record

Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:01:59 AM IST

Peter McGlashan set an international record for catches by a wicketkeeper in a first-class match when he claimed his 12th catch for Northern Districts province against Central Districts in New Zealand domestic match on Thursday.

Fit-again Clarke returns to Aussie squad for WI series

Thursday, November 19, 2009 10:21:20 AM IST

A fit-again Michael Clarke returned to Australia's 12-member squad as its vice-captain for the first cricket Test against the West Indies starting November 26 in Brisbane.

Himachal turn the screws on Mumbai

Thursday, November 19, 2009 12:13:47 AM IST

Himachal Pradesh opener Bhavin Thakkar failed to make it a memorable homecoming in his first match in Mumbai this season. The former Mumbai batsman got out on 88 after spending 335 minutes at the crease, reports Bivabasu Kumar.

Baroda flounder

Thursday, November 19, 2009 12:10:47 AM IST

Thanks to Ghaziabad Cricket Association’s ‘leaky covers’ fiasco, winning the toss assumed an unusual importance on the second day of the UP-Baroda Super League Ranji Trophy encounter, in Ghaziabad, reports Anam Arsalan.

Lord’s ground to undergo radical redevelopment

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 11:55:54 PM IST

Cricket's most celebrated and historic venue, Lord's, which is home to the Middlesex County and the England and Wales Cricket Board, is set to undergo a major revamp, reports HT Correspondent.

Captain or not, Mahela leads with his batting

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 11:52:05 PM IST

Every time Prasanna Jayawardene played a rash shot, Mahela Jayawardene would walk to the middle of the pitch probably explaining to the wicketkeeper batsman the importance of his wicket as Sri Lanka looked to bat India out of the first Test in Ahmedabad, reports Abhijeet Kulkarni.

Lanka sing Jaya ho!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 11:47:39 PM IST

Mahela Jayawardene scored his second double century of the year as Sri Lanka reached 591 for five at close of play in the first Test for their best score in India, reports Abhijeet Kulkarni.

Tough for Lee to earn his place back in Test team: Taylor

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 3:25:56 PM IST

Former Australia captain Mark Taylor does not want Brett Lee to follow in the footsteps of Andrew Flintoff but feels with age creeping up it would be difficult for the injury-ravaged pacer to earn his place back in the Test team.

Viswanath asks ICC to back Test cricket

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:54:27 AM IST

Inspired by Rahul Dravid's glorious 177 in the ongoing first Test against Sri lanka at Ahmedabad, former India captain Gundappa Viswanath has asked the ICC not to undermine Test cricket and promote the five-day game, which has been in vogue since 1877.

Lanka strike back

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:23:26 AM IST

In the run-up to the Test series, Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara had spoken about the vulnerability of India’s bowlers and the need to put them under early pressure if the visitors were to win a match on Indian soil, reports Abhijeet Kulkarni.

Dilshan unstoppable in opener’s role

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:19:13 AM IST

Tillakaratne Dilshan seems to have found a Philosopher’s Stone, one that turns anything it touches into gold. The 33-year-old has had a stupendous 2009 and whatever responsibility he has taken on in the last 10 months, he has acquitted himself admirably, reports Abhijeet Kulkarni.

Leaky covers, 4-day game, 1 day gone

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:05:35 AM IST

Larger than life posters of Suresh Raina and Sudeep Tyagi, both local boys, were enough to attract a capacity crowd at the Mohan Meakins Cricket Ground — the venue for the Ranji Trophy Super League match, here on Tuesday, reports Anam Arsalan.

Bengal lose plot after Rohan ton

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 12:01:40 AM IST

Comeback opener Rohan Banerjee scored a century and new captain Manoj Tiwary hit 78. But losing three wickets in the extended post-tea session didn’t help Bengal as they allowed Karnataka to claw back into the match, reports Nikhilesh Bhattacharya.

Punjab’s batting woes continue

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 11:58:27 PM IST

Batting continued to be their weak link as Punjab struggled to 212 for seven on Day One of their Super League Group A match against Tamil Nadu at the Gandhi Ground Stadium on Tuesday, reports Aseem Bassi.

Lee weighs options as injury ends summer

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 10:31:29 PM IST

Australian paceman Brett Lee said on Tuesday that he was keen to return to the Test team but was weighing his options after being sidelined for much of the summer by recurrent injuries.

Dilshan leads Sri Lanka charge in India Test

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 11:17:27 AM IST

Tillakaratne Dilshan continued his superb form this year with an unbeaten 88 as Sri Lanka made a spirited reply in the first Test against India in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

IPL team owners oppose re-auction of players in 2011

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 12:53:12 AM IST

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is facing opposition from within over its decision to re-auction players after three editions in 2011.

‘Happy my score helped the team’

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 12:20:54 AM IST

When anyone bats with Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the other end, he more often than not plays the second fiddle in the partnership given the aggressive nature of the Indian captain. But on Monday the hard-hitting batsman was out scored by the more fluid Rahul Dravid during their 224 run sixth-wicket stand.

Such a collapse not warranted

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 12:17:18 AM IST

In the first 45 minutes of the inaugral Test against Sri Lanka, India must be wondering what hit them. The top order was dismantled and left in a disarray. Rahul Dravid's heroics aside — and that of Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni later — it wasn't a pitch that warranted such a collapse, writes Ravi Shastri.

Importance of Dravids and Laxmans in Ranji Trophy

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 12:12:17 AM IST

I wasn’t too far from reality when I wrote that the presence of players like VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid has a mesmerising effect on players, especially youngsters, in domestic cricket, writes Aakash Chopra.

Punjab take on Tamil Nadu

Monday, November 16, 2009 11:51:45 PM IST

Riding on individual performances and still struggling to work together as a team, hosts Punjab are set to face a tough Tamil Nadu in the important Ranji Trophy encounter that kicks off here on Tuesday.

Uttar Pradesh bolstered by return of stars

Monday, November 16, 2009 11:48:33 PM IST

Uttar Pradesh take on Baroda in their Super League Group ‘B’ Ranji Trophy encounter at the Mohan Meakins Ground in Ghaziabad from Monday.

Reinforced Bengal face Karnataka

Monday, November 16, 2009 11:44:49 PM IST

The Ranji Trophy match that starts here on Tuesday features the top two teams of Elite Division Group B, but there is possibly a bigger gap between Karnataka and Bengal than the measly two points that separate them now, reports Nikhilesh Bhattacharya.

Mumbai to lock horns with Himachal

Monday, November 16, 2009 11:41:22 PM IST

There wasn’t any hand-wringing, lip-biting angst in the Mumbai camp when the defending champions went through the paces at the MCA’s Bandra Kurla Complex on Monday.

Ishant needs to balance his workload: Srinath

Monday, November 16, 2009 10:47:27 PM IST

Off-colour Ishant Sharma needs to balance his workload and the ongoing India-Sri Lanka Test series is a golden opportunity for the beanpole pacer to regain his form, said former pace spearhead Javagal Srinath.

India score 385 for six on opening day

Monday, November 16, 2009 8:25:44 PM IST

Electing to bat, India reached 385 for 6 in their first innings at close on the opening day of the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka here today.

Dravid turns saviour

Monday, November 16, 2009 5:41:33 PM IST

Rahul Dravid became only the fifth batsman to complete 11,000 Test runs and Dhoni cobbled together his second Test century to take India to a commanding 385 for 6 at stumps on the opening day of the first Test match after electing to bat, reports Abhijeet Kulkarni. Dravid's Milestones

Langer appointed Australia's batting coach

Monday, November 16, 2009 2:39:57 PM IST

Former Australian opener Justin Langer was on Monday appointed the national team's batting coach for the upcoming cricket season.

Vettori fit for first Pakistan test

Monday, November 16, 2009 1:37:49 PM IST

Captain Daniel Vettori has been passed fit but fast bowler Kyle Mills needs surgery and will miss New Zealand's cricket test series against Pakistan, which begins at Dunedin next week.

Tendulkar felicitated by Modi for 20 years in intl cricket

Monday, November 16, 2009 10:52:18 AM IST

Gujarat Chief Minister and state Cricket Association President Narendra Modi before the start of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad on Monday felicitated Sachin Tendulkar for completing 20 years in international cricket.

It's time to move on: Tendulkar

Monday, November 16, 2009 10:46:48 AM IST

Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar today said there has been enough celebration of his 20 years in international cricket and it is time to move on now to concentrate on the Test series against Sri Lanka.

BCCI slams Thackeray for hitting out at Sachin

Monday, November 16, 2009 10:09:49 AM IST

BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla today termed Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's remark on Sachin Tendulkar as uncalled for. Thackeray criticised Sachin for his "Mumbai for all" remark, saying there was no need for the cricket icon to take a "cheeky single" and hurting the Marathi psyche by moving to the pitch of politics. Shiv Sena vs cricket

Exuberant South African openers humiliate England

Monday, November 16, 2009 3:09:37 AM IST

South African openers Graeme Smith and Loots Bosman shared a world record partnership to set up a devastating 84-run victory over England in their Twenty20 international at Centurion.

I am no god, I just love playing for India: Tendulkar

Monday, November 16, 2009 2:57:59 AM IST

Legions of fans may adore him as god of cricket but Sachin Tendulkar insists that he is only a mortal who loves playing for his country.

Sachin celebrates 20 yrs in international cricket

Monday, November 16, 2009 2:40:13 AM IST

Sachin Tendulkar celebrated 20 years in international cricket with family and close friends and Indian cricket team members at a hotel in Ahmedabad, cutting a special cake on the occasion.

Now, Lankans satisfied with security set-up

Monday, November 16, 2009 12:35:13 AM IST

The Sri Lankan team management sought to play down apprehensions over security expressed by team manager Brendon Kuruppu to security expert Lawrence Fernando back home in Sri Lanka, reports HT Correspondent.

Not ideal preparation for SL

Monday, November 16, 2009 12:31:13 AM IST

He's definitely a talented guy but he's had his problems with attitude and been in the news for all the wrong reasons. I am sure the team management would have made it clear to him that he would have to mend his ways. In a team game, it is not just about talent, it's also about team ethics and values, Anil Kumble reports.

We are always under pressure, says Dhoni

Monday, November 16, 2009 12:27:21 AM IST

Speaking about the pressure of defending the unbeaten record against the Sri Lankans, Indian captain MS Dhoni said that the players were used to playing under pressure irrespective of the opposition and history, reports HT Correspondent.

100th reason to win

Monday, November 16, 2009 12:18:23 AM IST

The historic 10-wicket win over New Zealand in March earlier this year was India's 99th win in 430 Tests and a win in Ahmedabad would make India the sixth country to achieve the landmark, reports Abhijeet Kulkarni.
Stat Attack

NZ tour would be challenging: Yousuf

Sunday, November 15, 2009 7:36:24 PM IST

The cold and seaming conditions in New Zealand would present stiff challenge to Pakistani batsmen in the three-Test series starting November 24, newly-appointed Pakistan skipper Mohd Yousuf said.

No nightouts that endangers security, BCCI tells cricketers

Sunday, November 15, 2009 7:25:46 PM IST

The BCCI today made it clear that the Indian cricketers would not be allowed nightouts, which may endanger their security during the Test series again Sri Lanka.

Dhoni wants Tendulkar to celebrate 20 years with ton

Sunday, November 15, 2009 2:14:57 PM IST

India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni wants Sachin Tendulkar to celebrate his 20 years in international cricket by scoring a hundred in the first Test against Sri Lanka starting in Ahmedabad on Monday.

There has been no complain on security: SLC

Sunday, November 15, 2009 2:06:17 PM IST

Sri Lanka Cricket on Sunday dismissed reports of apprehensions concerning their team's safety during the ongoing India tour, saying they did not lodge any complain against the security arrangements made by the Indian authorities.

Tendulkar completes 20 years in international cricket

Sunday, November 15, 2009 11:52:03 AM IST

Sachin Tendulkar today completed 20 years in international cricket and became the first Indian and only the 16th in the history of the game to have a career spanning more than two decades. A perfectionist by nature, Tendulkar has till date amassed a staggering 12,773 runs from 159 Tests at a robust average of 54.58 with a mindboggling 42 centuries and 53 half centuries. Sach frames | Special coverage

India, Sri Lanka stars plead for more Tests

Sunday, November 15, 2009 11:22:11 AM IST

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara on Sunday joined Indian great Sachin Tendulkar in calling for more Test cricket, saying the lop-sided schedule needed to be changed.

Tendulkar's greatness is beyond comprehension

Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:38:48 AM IST

Two decades in sport is more than a generation and Sachin Tendulkar carries on and on - not wanting to think about the day he would have to stop playing the game. He is one of the greatest cricketers and in modern day parlance an entertainer par excellence with the highest TRP rating because he scores runs by tons with relentless brilliance. Sach frames | Special coverage

Mix of youth and experience to put SL on top: Sangakkara

Sunday, November 15, 2009 1:22:05 AM IST

Sri Lankan skipper Kumara Sangakkara is hopeful that his team would come out on top in the Test series against India as it has a good blend of young talent and experience.

Sri Lankan cricketers fear for safety in India

Sunday, November 15, 2009 12:45:50 AM IST

Scarred by the terror attack in Lahore this year that killed six policemen and injured seven players and officials, the Sri Lankan cricket team now fears for its safety in India. The team wrote two letters to the BCCI and the additional commissioner (protection and security) of Mumbai police, saying it is unhappy with the security arrangements, reports Anand Vasu.
Keeping Aussies safe