England team unchanged for 2nd Test

Celebrating a massive triumph in the series opener, England on Tuesday named an unchanged 12-member squad for the second Test against India to be played at Trent Bridge from July 29.

Pacer Tim Bresnan was once again added to the squad that defeated India by 196 runs at Lord's on Monday even though he could not make the cut for the playing XI in the lung-opener.

England national selector Geoff Miller lauded the team's performance in the opening Test and hoped it would only improve in the remaining three matches.

"There was a lot to be pleased about from the opening Test at Lord's. We saw some excellent performances with both bat and ball which resulted in an outstanding win on the final day of what was a memorable match," Miller said in a statement.

"While the squad from the first npower Test all came through unscathed we have included Tim Bresnan in the squad for this next Test and he'll once again be pushing for selection following a short turnaround in between Test matches," he added.

England squad: Andrew Strauss (Captain), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Graeme Swann, Chris Tremlett, Jonathan Trott.

© PTI

It was an outstanding performance: Strauss

An elated England skipper Andrew Strauss credited his bowlers for the massive 196-run win over India in the opening Test, saying that it was a perfect performance against a formidable batting line-up.

"Over the two innings, it was as close to perfect bowling performance as it has been in the last two-three years which is saying a lot as we have bowled quite consistently well in this period," stated Strauss after England dismissed India for 286 and 261 in the two innings at Lord's.

"It was an outstanding performance by the whole attack. they showed if you work hard with consistent line and length you could have results on any track."

Strauss picked double centurion Kevin Pietersen for special praise.

"Our first innings was a magnificent performance. Kevin was responsible for it - it was one of the best innings I have seen. He was smart enough against seamers, was prepared to graft and when the opportunity presented itself, he attacked. Others batted around him."

"It was critical that we survived the tricky first day and on the second day, after the second half it got easier. Jonathan Trott as well on the first morning of the Test gave a good example of his temperament and technique," he said.

Strauss claimed that this win has demonstrated that if the present team plays to its potential, it can beat any side.

"To be a number one side, you need to grab your opportunity and we did so very well today. We demonstrated when we play well, we are good enough."

Strauss was also full of praise for Stuart Broad. "His position has lately been called to question. It was a big test of his character and Stuart showed immense quality. He bowled very well, his 70 runs were critical to the outcome, he showed his class. It was a tiny reminder to everyone what a great talent he is."

Strauss also made a mention of Chris Tremlett whose wicket of Dhoni in the last session was the final straw for India. "He (Tremlett) is the real deal. He definitely adds to our bowling."

Man of the match Kevin Pietersen, who set the platform with his monumental knock, lauded the English bowlers.

"They were calm throughout. We have an analysis of our bowlers and the percentage (of good deliveries) was among their best," Pietersen said.

India missed Zaheer Khan for most part of the match and due to a hamstring strain and both Pietersen and Strauss were quick to acknowledge that his absence cost the visitors dearly.

"Zaheer's absence was a critical loss to them. The other bowlers had to work really hard. Ishant bowled nearly 65 overs and he would be tired in the second Test," said Pietersen.

"It's never easy to lose your frontline bowler but then these are the cards you are dealt with sometimes," remarked Strauss.

Tendulkar, who was down with viral infection, was also far from his usual self in the middle.

"Sachin was trying to salvage a draw for India. He tried his hardest. But Anderson was good enough to get him out lbw. You never want to drop Sachin. Thankfully, Anderson saved me blushes."

Tendulkar also got a reprieve when umpire Billy Bowden ruled in his favour against a delivery that TV replays showed would have hit the stumps.

Since lbws are not up for review under the DRS in this series, England were left frustrated.

"We have always wanted to play with full DRS but since you play with the rules you start a series, you take the umpires' decision on the chin, whether good or bad."

Even as the interest among fans seems to have taken the rivalry between the two sides to a different level, Pietersen was not willing to put it at par with the Ashes.

"There is real hatred between England and Australia, that cricket is totally different. For the public though, the interest is similar," he said.

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There cannot be a bigger record: Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly has developed a reputation with his sharp comments and in-depth analysis of the game. He spoke to DNA at Lord's where he made Test debut in 1996. Excerpts:

How is it coming back to Lord's where you kick-started your career with a bang 15 years ago?

Lord's is a special ground and I always enjoy coming here. The atmosphere is excellent; the support is equal for both teams. It is actually great to see so many Indian supporters here.

Is there a sense of deja vu for you? Did it occur to you that you should rather be in the middle than in the commentary box?

No, no. I'm done with cricket and I'm very happy about it. I've enjoyed my game and I'm enjoying my time in the commentary box.

How do you do it? Do you prepare for it as well?

No great preparation. I go out there and say what I think of the action in the middle. It's quite easy, in fact.

Does the team have the bowling depth?

Yes, why not? Zaheer has been in tremendous form. It is unfortunate that he is not fit but Ishant (Sharma), I thought, has turned into a tremendous bowler. We bowled very well in the second innings yesterday (Sunday).

Do you think India will be able to win the series with the current bowling strength?

Why not? There is fire power. Sreesanth can be an ideal replacement if Zaheer is not fit. Ishant has been doing well any way. And Praveen (Kumar) has come off very well. I don't see too many concerns in the bowling.

What is your prediction for the series?

It is difficult to predict. The teams are evenly matched. Any result is possible. I'm expecting a very keenly-fought series.

India started winning abroad under you. What does it take to win overseas?

First thing is self belief. You cannot go out there without thinking that you can win. I tried to instill that in the players and I'm happy that is continuing. Of course, belief alone cannot get you wins. You have to prepare and perform well.

How has the team changed since you left?

Not much at all, I think. Almost the same players are there. Only Anil Kumble is missing.

How is Dhoni doing as a skipper?

The results are there for everyone to see. His real test will be how he handles the situation once Sachin, Rahul and Laxman retire. I'm sure he will have the team ready to face the situation.

Who after Sachin & Co? Does that worry you?

I'm not exactly worried. Indian cricket did not feel any vacuum after Gavaskar, Viswanath, Vengsarkar. There were Sachin, Dravid, Ganguly and Laxman. So, Indian cricket is robust enough to find the right personnel.

Rahul Dravid, finally, got his century after missing it in that 1996 Test...

I'm happy for him. He is batting as well as ever. Centuries at Jaimaica and Lord's have been superb. I'm hoping he will go on.

What about Sachin Tendulkar? How can one stay motivated for such a long time?

Motivation is not an issue for him, for that matter for any player. If you are playing for India, motivation will come automatically. The key is to stay fit.

How do you look at the possible 100th international?

It's an unthinkable phenomenon. I have never imagined such an achievement is possible in the game.

So, where do you place that record among other cricketing records?

At the very top. There cannot be a bigger record than this. I rate this even higher than 99.94.

© DNA Copyright restricted. Under license from www.3dsyndication.com

Rookie feel to Australia squad for Sri Lanka

Australia on Tuesday included four uncapped players in its squad for the three-Test tour of Sri Lanka next month, while batsman Phil Hughes was anointed as Shane Watson's opening partner.

Offspinner Nathan Lyon, batsman Shaun Marsh, and young fast bowlers Trent Copeland and James Pattinson are in the 15-man squad, but there was no room for pace duo Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus.

Michael Clarke leads the team in his first Test series as full-time captain on a tour from August 6 to September 20, which also includes two Twenty20 matches and five one-dayers.

Ricky Ponting, Watson and Michael Hussey provide experience, and chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said the squad was a good blend of young and old.

"It is obviously a very important time for Australian cricket as we strive to get back to the top of world rankings in Test cricket," he said.

"But at the same time it is a very exciting opportunity for this squad as it takes on Sri Lanka on its home soil.

"We believe the squad has a really good blend of experience and young talented players who we are sure are ready for the challenges ahead.

"There is a quiet confidence about the group, and we are sure this squad will do all in its power to get the Australian Test team back to where it needs to be in world cricket."

Hughes got the nod to open with Watson following his run splurge late in Australia's domestic season, and Hilditch believes the pairing has the makings of a great opening partnership.

"Phillip richly deserves this opportunity with his Sheffield Shield performances, and of course has already proved he can succeed at international level," he said.

"He ended the interstate season in great form during the Shield final and has continued on with a great series, featuring three hundreds, on the Australia A tour of Zimbabwe."

South Australian offspinner Lyon was selected after just four first-class games, with the 23-year-old impressing on the just-completed Australia A tour of Zimbabwe.

"Nathan may be a surprise selection, but he impressed all who have seen him in the last year," said Hilditch.

"He is a young man with immense potential and we feel he will take this opportunity should he get the chance to play in Sri Lanka."

Lyon said he was stunned to get the call. "I looked down at the phone and saw Andrew's name pop up and thought 'geez, what is going on here'."

"It has certainly come out of the blue but I'm not going to knock it back, that is for sure."

Left-arm spinner Michael Beer, who played one Ashes Test last summer, was also included, while paceman Copeland was picked on the strength of 87 wickets from his 17 first class matches.

Pattinson, 21, is on the plane despite having only played eight first class games.

"James is a young fast bowler with the potential to play an important role for Australia in all three forms of the game and we look forward to watching his further development during this tour," said Hilditch.

Pattinson follows elder brother Darren into Test cricket, although his sibling only played one match when he was plucked from obscurity to turn out for England, his birth country, against South Africa in 2008.

"It came unexpected for myself and Darren really. It happened all really quick for us, it's come as a good shock," Pattinson told reporters.

"But I can ring him up and learn from him. It happened to him, so I'm sure he'll be there to wish me well and teach me a few things."

The Test series opens in Galle from August 31 with following Tests in Kandy from September 8 and Colombo from September 16.

Squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Shane Watson (vice-capt), Michael Beer, Trent Copeland, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle.

© AFP

Zaheer may not play the second Test

Injured Indian pace spearhead Zaheer Khan might be forced out of the second Test against England after skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni stated that he would not take a risk with the fast bowler's fitness.

"We have three days but I am not 100 percent sure he will play or not," said Dhoni.

"It is a long series and we do not want to risk any further injury," he told reporters after the 196-run loss to England in the first Test in which Zaheer was absent for most part of the match due to a hamstring strain.

"If we feel he is close to 80 or 90 percent fit but playing the game may increase his chances of being injured we will call someone else in," he added.

Dhoni said given the hectic schedule, it would not be prudent to risk a player's long-term future.

"I feel with the kind of cricket we are playing it is important to get people fit and not risk someone for one individual game," he said.

Zaheer picked up the injury after just three hours of play on the opening day of the match, leaving India a bowler short in the match.

© PTI

India don't value their No.1 status: Nasser Hussain

In scathing criticism of India's performance in the opening Test against England, former English captain Nasser Hussain said Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men don't seem to value their number one status given how under-prepared they looked in the match.

"I am so pleased that England won because they set the perfect template on how you should prepare for and then perform in a very important game of Test cricket."

"India were exactly the opposite. They just turned up with totally inadequate preparation and expected everything to be alright on the night. Do they not value their status as the best Test team in the world? They did not seem to here," Hussain wrote in the 'Daily Mail'.

Hussain said England have had the best possible preparation for the series and it is now showing in their performance.

"Everything that England have done this summer has been geared towards making sure their players are as ready as possible for this Test series, including Andrew Strauss playing at Taunton and Stuart Broad playing for Notts," he said.

"In contrast, India expected their top strike bowler in Zaheer Khan and their premier batsman in Sachin Tendulkar to rock up without playing a Test since January and just have a bit of a hit and giggle against Somerset before the big one. They did not help themselves," he added.

Hussain said the English team is in such fine form that India were perhaps not ready for them.

"India simply were not ready for them in this game. India have real issues. Zaheer is injured, quite probably because his body was not right for this game, and it is difficult to see how he can play in the second Test," he said.

"After that match India just have a two-day game at Northants to get ready for the third Test, when they will again have little opportunity to get themselves right for the second half of the series. What's going on with them?" he asked.

Hussain also criticised the Indian Cricket Board's insistence on not having the LBWs covered under the Decision Review System.

"For us to have a halfway house, mish-mash of a decision review system in this series has been driven by India and frankly it's confusing and pathetic. Either we have the full system or we don't use it at all. Let's not say we can have HotSpot because India like it but we can't have Hawk-Eye because they don't," he said.

© PTI

India sweat over Zaheer as Trott steadies England

By AR Hemant, Yahoo! Cricket

Test cricket lovers celebrated the arrival of the 2000th match. But even in its 134th year, the sport sadly has no mechanism to deal with its oldest foe: bad weather.

This could have been India's day --- a rarity, considering how they usually struggle at the start of a Test series. England made 127-2 with Jonathan Trott's fifty after being dropped twice. Bad light stopped play just before tea in the 50th over. Steady rain made a restart impossible.

Zaheer Khan took 2-18 in 13.3 overs. In the noon session, he walked off the field clutching the back of his right knee. The word from the dressing room is that he has strained his hamstring and is undergoing a scan. In his absence, India spread the field out, choosing to keep the runs under check rather than attack the struggling Kevin Pietersen and Trott.

MS Dhoni elected to bowl --- a decision that divided at least two former England captains. Andrew Flintoff said it was a 'negative' decision since the wicket was slow. Michael Vaughan reckoned it was a wise choice since persistent rains and made the conditions considerably pace-friendly.

While bowling first in overcast conditions certainly have their benefits, India could have justified this decision better by bowling a fuller length.

Dhoni's bowlers, though accurate for the first couple of hours, played on the England batsmen's patience rather than getting them to drive the swinging, seaming ball. They kept the ball on a good length around off-stump. Hence, not many scoring opportunities were created in the first session of 21 overs, in which England crawled to 43 for the loss of Alastair Cook, who fell LBW to Zaheer's in-swinger.

This is a huge change for India coach Duncan Fletcher. When he was with England, he favoured express pacers such as Steve Harmison and Simon Jones. Nasser Hussain commented that India beginning with two medium-pace swing bowlers is not out of Fletcher's playbook.

Praveen Kumar's inclusion meant that Sreesanth and Munaf Patel were benched. Praveen bowled tidily for a first spell of 9-4-18-0, bowling out-swingers across the two left-handed openers. But most times, Cook and Strauss could leave them alone comfortably.

Wasim Akram said India looked flat at the start and could have been better served running in with full intensity on the first morning on an important series.

England skipper Andrew Strauss rarely looked convincing today and had three lucky breaks. A couple of inside edges whooshed past his off-stump while Harbhajan Singh missed a chance to run him out. His problems outside the off-stump against left-arm pacers are well documented.

Zaheer kept attacking him using the Lord's slope. But what finally did Strauss in was a surprise bouncer. He had already planted his front foot down the pitch. Trying to fetch the short ball from outside off-stump, he could only sky it to Ishant at fine-leg.

It was the sixth time Strauss fell to Zaheer in a Test match, and the 23rd time overall to left-arm pacers.

Rahul Dravid put down Trott first ball of the day from Harbhajan. Later, as both sides laboured along in the dreary noon session, Zaheer conjured up the magical out-swinger. Trott edged it. Dhoni went for it, bailed out, and saw the ball dip on Dravid and speed away for four.

Sunil Gavaskar had suggested India's slip fielders stand a couple of paces closer considering this was a slow wicket.

As things stand, the man closest to Bradman's Test average has been dropped twice. And, weather permitting, he could make India pay.

Pak wants DRS against SL in UAE

The Pakistan Cricket Board is keen to use the controversial Decision Review System in their upcoming series against Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates.

"We are working on ways to have the UDRS in the series with Sri Lanka this year," a senior official of the board said.

Admitting that the biggest problem facing the PCB in having the DRS was the absence of an agreement with its TV broadcaster, Ten Sports, on its mandatory use and the extra costs involved in the exercise.

"Since having the UDRS is not part of our agreement with our broadcaster it means an extra cost of $40,000 to 50,000 for us," he said.

The official said despite these issues, the board was keen to use the DRS specially after the recent decision of the ICC that it be used in Tests and ODIs in a bilateral series with the technology of hot-spot and audio-tracking.

"As far as the use of ball tracking technology is concerned (Hawkeye) this can be used if both boards agree on using this technology although it would mean extra costs for the hosts," the official said.

The PCB official said the board was in favour of using the DRS in the coming series as technology has helped remove errors.

"Our players support this technology. We had even tried to have it for our home Test series with South Africa last year in the UAE but things didn't work out with the broadcaster. But this time we will be holding talks with our broadcasters to see how the technology can be implemented and about the extra costs involved in it," he said.

But the PCB official conceded any use of the technology would be done with the approval of the Sri Lankan Cricket.

Pakistan play their "home" series against Sri Lanka in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in October-November followed by another "home" series against England at the same venues in January-February 2012.

© PTI

Vettori joins Heat for Big Bash

Former New Zealand Test captain Daniel Vettori on Tuesday became the second international to sign with Brisbane Heat for Australia's Twenty20 Big Bash next summer.

The left-arm spinner, who has taken 79 wickets in 70 career T20 games at an average of 20.96, will play alongside compatriot Brendon McCullum in the new-look domestic competition from December 30-February 5.

Heat coach Darren Lehmann said it was important to have such an experienced player on the team.

"He's obviously a leader, which is what you want, and to call on that experience and skill will be vital for us," Lehmann said.

The Big Bash League signing window closes on Friday.

© AFP

Harbhajan sends notice to Mallya's UB Spirits

Harbhajan Singh has served a legal notice to UB Spirits (owned by Vijay Mallya) for a television advertisement that shows Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni "mocking" him.

The legal notice has been sent by Avtar Kaur, Harbhajan's mother, through his lawyers, Dewani Advocates & Consultants.

Harbhajan's lawyers, in the legal notice, have claimed that the commercial mocks the off-spinner, his family and the Sikh community. Advocate Shyam Dewani, one of the lawyers, said that more than the cricketer, his family was upset.

While sending the notice for the ad spoof, the off-spinner's mother Avtar Kaur said these kinds of advertisements bring "disunity and friction" in the Indian team and can be termed anti-national.

The notice demands that the company publicly apologise to Harbhajan's family "through widely-read newspapers as well as television channels prominently" apart from removing the advertisement within three days of receiving the notice.

"My client is serving you with the instant notice to give you an opportunity to accept your mistake and make amends.

"Failing this, we will have no other alternative than to take appropriate legal action including that of filing proceedings for defamation, damages and all such civil as well as criminal actions," the notice, signed by lawyer Shyam Dewani, said.

Apart from Mallya, the notice has been sent to UB Executive Vice Chairman S.R. Gupte, President & CFO Ravi Nedungadi, Deputy President Harish Bhat and Executive VP (Corporate Affairs) Nandini Verma. It also seeks a compensation of Rs. 1,00,000 to the cricketer's family towards the cost of the notice.

Harbhajan and Dhoni endorse rival brands. The Indian skipper in a McDowell's No. 1 Platinum advertisement allegedly makes fun of Harbhajan, who had featured in an advertisement for Royal Stag.

Both Royal Stag and McDowell's No 1 are competing whiskey brands in the market, coming in the same price band. The ads, however, are for the soda brands.

The Harbhajan ad for Royal Stag has the tag-line "Have I made it large?" The Dhoni ad for the McDowell's has a Harbhajan look-alike asking, "Have I made it large?" and Dhoni says, "Forget large, do something different."

In the Dhoni commercial, the Harbhajan look-alike works in a factory and gets slapped by his father for creating humongous iron balls in a tryst to 'make it large' at the ball-bearings workshop.

© PTI

Sachin, Sehwag part of ICC's all-time Test XI

Cricket lovers from across the world have cast more than a quarter of million votes this month to choose their Greatest Test team of all time.

Fans voted on the ICC's official website, www.icc-cricket.com, using a short list provided by the game's governing body, to pick their leading eleven, as part of the activities to commemorate the 2000th Test Match, which will begin at Lord's between England and India on Thursday.

Four Australians, four Indians, two West Indians and one Pakistani have been named in the "people's" Dream XI. The final selection is as follows:

Virender Sehwag, Sunil Gavaskar, Sir Don Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Kapil Dev, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Curtly Ambrose, Glenn McGrath.

Haroon Lorgat, ICC Chief Executive, said: "The huge interest generated during the past month was amazing as media and supporters worldwide speculated and then selected the fan's Greatest Test team of all time. It supports our view of the everlasting popularity of Test match cricket.

"It would have been quite special to see this team take the field of play given the array of batting and bowling talent contained within the playing eleven.

"Selecting from such greats is no easy job, and not surprisingly, the selection mainly reflects modern players seen by present day supporters. There are many greats from the past who would have easily merited selection in this team, but it is nevertheless interesting to see the fans view on their greatest eleven of all time."

© ICC

Watson takes charge, as Clarke faces injury

Canberra, July 14 (ANI): Shane Watson had the first taste of being an Australian captain after Michael Clarke was retired hurt due to back injury.

The star all-rounder Watson was handed the captaincy when he led Australia's one-day team onto the field in a practice match against Queensland in Brisbane.

Clarke was forced to retire hurt with back stiffness after scoring 13 from 31 balls and watched on as Australia defended 263 runs at Allan Border Field, Fox News reports.

Former captain Ricky Ponting was also out of action following a calf injury.

"Clarke pulled up a little stiff which is why he retired and we are just going to take the opportunity to get everybody out there," Australian coach Tim Nielsen was quoted, as saying by Fox News.

"Ponting has had a bit of a sore calf as well which we are just being careful about," he added.

Watson, who was appointed as vice-captain in March, has been Australia's best player in all forms of the game over the past two years but has never captained a senior team in his career.

His appointment has raised questions whether he can handle the extra responsibility of leadership on top of being the side's opening batsman and fourth seamer.

But Nielsen said Watson is a true back up to Clarke, who must manage his back problem for the rest of his career, and is confident the 30-year-old will cope with the extra pressure and responsibility. (ANI)

Trott eyeing contributing to England's success against India

London, July 14(ANI): England batsman Jonathan Trott has revealed that team success rather than personal glory will motivate him against India.

Trott admits that he could not care less about his incredible run-making stats that have seen him rack up 1,867 runs and six centuries so far in 21 matches at an average of over 62.

"I don't know what my stats are. I don't pay attention to them, I try and worry about how many Test series wins I can contribute to and be a part of. That is our goal as a team and the most important one as an individual and everyone in the team feels that way," The Daily Express quoted Trott, as saying.

"I was thinking the other day that all the hundreds I've scored, we've won all the Tests I've scored them in - except the one in Brisbane where we managed to save the game. That is pleasing and contributing to winning Tests is what it is all about as an individual and contributing to the team's success," he added.

He further admitted that it would be very exciting to play against India, as he hasn't played against the World No.1 team yet.

"I'd like to think I can keep this form going and producing the runs I have. There is no reason why not. There is no reason why you can't continue. But like life, cricket is similar. There are lots of ups and downs and it's how you deal with those and bounce back," Trott said. (ANI)

Oz Big Bash: Fidel Edwards, Doug Bollinger join Sydney Thunder

Sydney, July 13 (ANI): Australia Twenty20 Big Bash team Sydney Thunder have strengthened their pace attack by recruiting West Indies quick Fidel Edwards and Australian left arm quick Doug Bollinger.

The duo will join the likes of Chris Gayle, David Warner and Usman Khawaja at the Thunder for the revamped domestic Twenty20 competition starting this summer, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Edwards has played 12 Twenty20 internationals for the West Indies, taking 10 wickets at 30.80.

New South Welshman Bollinger impressed during the 2011 Indian Premier League season where he was the second leading wicket taker for champions Chennai Super Kings, claiming 17 scalps at 19.35. (ANI)

Murali cautions Australia over Lanka tour boycott

London, July 14 (ANI): Former Sri Lankan off-spinner Muthiah Muralidaran has cautioned Australia not to consider a boycott of a tour to his country, and does not share the view expressed by almost 3000 people in a poll conducted by the The Age.

"Sport and politics are different. If Australia is not going to play any more in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zimbabwe ... If they only play in some countries, world cricket will die and IPL (Indian Premier League) will take over," The Age quoted Muralidaran, as saying.

Muralidaran's reaction comes in the wake of a poll involving 3527 people in which 2856 (81 percent) said that the Australian tour should not be undertaken.

The tour to Sri Lanka will go ahead as scheduled, but since the screening on Four Corners of a graphic Channel 4 documentary about atrocities committed at the end of the Sri Lankan civil war and its aftermath, unease has been privately expressed by some players.

Muralidaran is playing for English county Gloucestershire, said that while players were entitled to make individual decisions, withdrawing from the tour would have dire consequences for world cricket.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has raised no objection to the Sri Lankan tour and CA is committed to it, conscious of cricket's power as a unifying force. (ANI)

Lara Bingle plays a mentor on Australia's 'Next Top Model'

Melbourne, July 14 (ANI): Lara Bingle has decided to try her hand at being a mentor by making a guest appearance on the forthcoming series of Australia's 'Next Top Model'.

Bingle offered some advice on the pitfalls of fame to the latest batch of contestants.

"She was really candid and very honest and talked about some of the mistakes she has made," the Daily Telegraph quoted the show's host Charlotte Dawson, as saying.

"She's been through some highs and incredible lows (but) felt comfortable talking," she said. (ANI)

ICC Chief Executive defends Pakistan Task Team's proposals

Islamabad, July 14(ANI): The International Cricket Council (ICC)'s proposals for overhauling the sport in Pakistan were the result of numerous consultations with many stakeholders in the game in Pakistan as well as regular dialogue with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat has said.

Lorgat said that PCB Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmad had received the Pakistan Task Team (PTT) report over a week prior to the ICC Executive Board meeting in Hong Kong in June, and he had provided only minor observations which were incorporated into the final report.

"Many of the recommendations touched on governance issues and structures of the PCB and their relationship with the Government. At the ICC Annual Conference in Hong Kong not one single voice was raised in objection to the change in articles of association which regulate against government interference in cricket," Lorgat wrote in an article for the Daily Times.

"It must be remembered that the ICC role was to assist Pakistan cricket with constructive recommendations and the onus is now on the PCB to decide whether it wishes to embrace the recommendations in the same spirit they were made for the good of cricket in their country," he added.

Lorgat's remarks come after PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt said that the report was a "scholarly exercise" that has not made substantial steps to restart international cricket in Pakistan.

The PTT had presented a report at an ICC meeting last month with 63 recommendations - including changes to governance and moves to revive matches with India.

"While the intent (of the PTT) cannot be questioned, a few discrepancies can be identified in the report, which PCB has rectified and sent to the ICC in the hope it's taken in a positive spirit," Butt said.

He also rejected a PTT recommendation that the PCB chief should not be appointed by Pakistan's President, who is also patron of the PCB.

"The circumstances in Pakistan are unique and cricket administration requires and deserves government support. Without government support international cricket may not return to the country," Butt said.

The PTT was formed to revive international tours of Pakistan, suspended after a terror attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009, and to strengthen the game in the country which has been battered by allegations of spot-fixing. (ANI)

Nothing better than beating India to claim No.1 ranking: Cook

Dubai, July 14 (IANS) England's one-day captain Alastair Cook is confident of his team's chances against India in the upcoming four-match Test series and says there will be nothing 'better' then beating the number one side to get to the top.

England, currently third in the ICC rankings, will dislodge India from the top if they win the home series by at least two Tests.

Cook says facing India will be a great challenge and England's recent win over Sri Lanka in the Tests and One-day Internationals have taken them in the right direction.

'It has been a good couple of months and to win the series is very pleasing. We have certainly got a lot to prove. We know as an English side, we know that we have to win. We have made a step in the right direction,' said Cook on ICC Cricket World Radio Show.

The Southpaw silenced critics of his one-day game by scoring 298 runs in five-matches against Sri Lanka and now wants to replicate the stupendous performance against India.

'It is going to be a great summer, we need to go back to Test mode. We want to be World No.1 in the Test rankings. They have got some players who will go down as all-time greats. But I am very confident that if we play well, we will be a hard side to beat,' said Cook.

The series begins with the first Test at Lord's July 21.

IANS

West Indian paceman Fidel Edwards has been the chief tormentor of Indian batsmen in the ongoing cricket series but the Barbadian is not quite happy with his effort and wants to bowl faster.

“I don't think I have been consistent...I am not consistently putting the ball in the right areas but hopefully it will come together (in the final Test),” said a Edwards ahead of the third and final Test, starting from Wednesday.

“I don't think I am back to my best... my pace has been up and down...I could bowl faster in my first spell,” he added.

Edwards has taken 13 wickets in the present series, with the best figures of 5 for 76, at an average of 19.85 but he still finds fault with his first spell of the innings.

“I have not been bowling my first spell in the right areas. Hopefully I will get this right in this game,” remarked Edwards.

Edwards has been good with the reverse swing he is managing with the older ball and India's middle order, especially the young batsmen, have consistently struggled against him.

“I have been training hard to get my reverse swing going. It's been working well for me,” said Edwards.

“I think (Suresh) Raina has played me well. (Virat) Kohli has been fighting hard but he keeps getting good deliveries,” he added.

Edwards' bit for his team has consistently been thwarted by the old firm of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman who have 212 (53.00) and 184 (46.00) runs from the series -- the highest from either sides.

“The two of them have been very good. I have grown up watching them. Laxman plays the short ball very well. Dravid is excellent too. It's pretty hard to get them out,” he conceded.

Edwards' strong showing has made him shoot up the rankings and he is presently at number 18 in the ICC Test list.

“My aim has been to be the top bowler of the world. I will try to bowl better to be number one,” he said.

PCB clears Afridi to play in SLPL

Pakistan Cricket Board said on Monday that it had given clearance to former captain Shahid Afridi to take part in the inaugural Sri Lankan Premier League starting later this month.

A senior PCB official confirmed that they had given permission for the Sri Lankan authorities to sign on around 10 Pakistani players for the league and that list included Afridi.

"We gave these permissions and clearance for the players including Afridi sometime back. But now when he individually also applies for a no-objection certificate or the Sri Lankan organizers reconfirm his availability we see no problem in giving him clearance," said the official.

Afridi, who is presently playing for Hampshire in the English domestic T20 event, was entangled in a feud with the PCB last month after the Board revoked his NOC to play for Hampshire.

The Board issued a fresh NOC after the all-rounder appeared before a PCB disciplinary committee and accepted a fine of 4.5 million rupees for breaching the code of conduct and also withdrew a petition he had filed at Sindh High Court against the Board.

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The Board official said that contrary to popular belief that after withdrawal of 12 Indian players from the SLPL more Pakistani players would get an opportunity to play in the event, he expected around a dozen players from Pakistan to feature in the league.

"So far we have given around 10 clearances and they are some seven pending but they are issues over paper work and availability and we don't think more than 12 Pakistani players will play in the league," he said.

He also made it clear that even if some players and their agents independently contacted the organisers, they would still have to get NOCs from the Board.

Pakistani players have started using their contacts to secure contracts in the league after the Indian Board revoked permission given to 12 of its players to take part in the league.

The PCB official said at the moment he did not see any threat to the SLPL even though the Sri Lankan government had dissolved the interim committee.

"As far as we know the league is on as a group of people are organizing it and there is support in the government for the league. As it is the Somerset company is responsible for organizing the event and looking after foreign signings for different teams," he said.