Two weeks after he angrily stormed back to Australia, Shane Watson finally achieved his dream of becoming Australia's Test captain as he stepped out to lead the team in place of injured skipper Michael Clarke in the fourth Test against India today.
India's quest for a historicclean sweep started on a good note as the host spinners continued their dominance over Australia to take the honours on the opening day of the fourth and final cricket Test in New Delhi today.
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It is the closest India have got to uncharted territory at home. When they take on Australia in the final Test, starting at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Friday, the hosts will be aiming to complete their first-ever four-Test series sweep.
N Ananthanarayanan reports.
India have suffered injuries and failures that have caused changes in personnel but they haven’t missed a beat. It’s been good for Indian cricket that some young batsmen have received a chance and this selection panel deserves credit, writes Ian Chappell.
Standing on the cusp of history, an upbeat India will go for the kill against a beleaguered Australia as they aim for an unprecedented 4-0 clean sweep by inflicting another defeat on the visitors in the fourth and final cricket Test starting in New Delhi tomorrow.
Former captain Ricky Ponting has said he too failed repeatedly before learning to perform in India and the bunch of Australian cricketers playing there will be able to handle the conditions better next time.
Even without a blazer, made needless in the hot March afternoon in the capital, Australia's high-performance boss Pat Howard stood out as he entered the team's nets at the Ferozshah Kotla ground on Wednesday. N Ananthanarayanan reports. Sidelites | Their corner
In a television show last year, former skipper Sourav Ganguly was asked about Virat Kohli’s confidence. He said: “I’m not surprised. He is from Delhi.” Khurram Habib reports. They keep coming one after the other
Australia's Test opener Ed Cowan was all praise for India's Shikhar Dhawan and said the debutant batted like legendary Don Bradman in the Mohali Test.
Since 2009, the Ferozeshah Kotla track has come under the scanner before every international game. It is no different this time, but with the Aussies embarrassing, the seemingly dry pitch may not cop all the blame if the match finishes early.
Khurram Habib reports.
The hand injury to Shikhar Dhawan on his sensational Test debut has ruled him out of his home Test at the Ferozshah Kotla, starting on Friday.
HT reports.
Travelling with the team for the past 15 months, Mumbai batsman Ajinkya Rahane is finally in line to earn a coveted Test cap as Shikhar Dhawan's knuckle injury might have opened a spot in the Indian batting line-up for the fourth cricket Test against Australia.
Though Australia found the determination that had been missing in the series, India had sealed a comprehensive six-wicket victory in Mohali to clinch the series 3-0.
N Ananthanarayanan reports.
When India won 3 Tests in a series
Mohali, after the first day’s play was washed out, presented the best opportunity for the beleaguered Australian team to salvage a draw, but India clinched victory in the final minutes on the final day to seal the series.
N Ananthanarayanan reports.
India’s spinners have been able to keep the Australian batsmen pinned down, but it’s the ability of the young wielders to amass huge partnerships that has sapped the opposition’s spirit at crucial times in the contest.
Ian Chappell writes.
Captain cool | Demolition man