As an Indian cricket writer, there are few better things than watching India on tour. And when the tour is Bangladesh, it is obviously India winning on tour. Yet, when India had just wrapped up a comprehensive but largely unexciting 2-0 win in the Test series, it was tough to focus on the one-dayers. Not because the work was any less demanding, or because the matches were any more one-sided – if anything, Bangladesh had a better chance to make a good fist of things in the shorter version of the game – but because VVS Laxman wouldn’t be about.At a time of bounty for Indian cricketers – every one of the newcomers on this one-day tour have been guaranteed at least two matches by the captain and coach – it is unbelievable that Laxman was not given a go. It is now common knowledge that he did not want to be ‘rested’. Even the remarkably media-shy Laxman went on record to say that he was remembered only when he scored runs. That no-one backed him when he was going through a lean trot and needed the support most.The merits of his omission barely merit mention. But, because the selectors routinely seem to pick him as the fall guy, the one person to leave out when they need a spot to either try out youngsters or make way for one of their zonal candidates, it bears repetition. Not long ago – but obviously too long ago in the fickle minds of selectors – Laxman scored three one-day hundreds in the VB Series in Australia, and a further crucial ton in a deciding match in Lahore. For most in the Indian team this would have been enough to cement a place in the team.Many reasons can be advanced for Laxman’s omission, and the selectors are the obvious target. But, Sourav Ganguly has fought harder for lesser men. Could this have anything to do with the fact that Laxman’s value to the team is best utilised at no. 3 and that the captain wants this very spot? This is not an effort to further conspiracy theories about unrest in the team, and yet, this is the only reasoning that bears any scrutiny. With Sachin Tendulkar not budging from the opening slot, and Virender Sehwag being a sure-shot to open, Ganguly has to bat at no. 3. Is this the real reason why Laxman is missing out?The logic that Laxman was being rested may be good enough for the board secretary to announce soon after a selection meeting, but it will not stand up to to questioning by a serious cricket enthusiast. With a tough home series against Pakistan looming, Bangladesh would have been an ideal platform for Laxman to get some runs under the belt, and confidence going. But no, the selectors would rather plump for Dinesh Mongia and Sridharan Sriram.Mongia has done well in county cricket, but no-one should forget he went to England to play league cricket for a little-known club team, and then got his chance at a decent level because Carl Hooper else was unavailable. He was nowhere in the reckoning then. Sriram has put in impressive performances with with Tamil Nadu and India A, and deserves another go at the highest level. But, if you sat a table with Mongia and Sriram, they would be the first to admit that they are not in the same class as Laxman. They deserve a chance, but not at Laxman’s expense.When Laxman left Dhaka, he did so in the full knowledge that he was going to return home and turn out the next day for Hyderabad in a Ranji Trophy match against Punjab, who have done exceptionally well this season. He rattled off 79 in a first-innings total of 233 and then 60 out of 149 to lead his team to victory. Will Kiran More, the chairman of selectors, please tell us why a man who was "rested" needed to go out and play for his state side?Laxman does not need rest. Not when there is a month-and-a-half gap between this one-day series and India’s next assignment. He needs time out in the middle. He needs scores. And for once he needs to be told that he is an invaluable member of this Indian team. But perhaps no-one will give him that because he is not the sort to demand it, either directly or indirectly.His rare outburst, when he was "rested", should have been enough of a warning to the selectors. This is a man who is crying out for help, but has too much pride to ask for it. And why should he, after the matchwinning performances he has put in? It is typical of the man. Not a week ago, I tried to re-introduce myself to Laxman, thinking he may have forgotten the few times we’ve met. "You first interviewed me at the India Pistons ground in Madras in 1999, during the Buchi Babu tournament, and wrote something about me being an enigma," he said. That was before the 281 in Kolkata that changed his life. I barely remembered it, and yet, countless media interviews later, he did.Perhaps that’s why all of us – selectors, team-mates, coaches and reporters – take him for granted. Because he won’t, for a second, blow his own trumpet at a time when, it seems, words speak louder than deeds.
After last week’s heavy loss, North West came back strongly to beat neighbours Gauteng in the Bull Ring and in so doing moved ahead of both Northerns and Gauteng as round four of the SuperSport Series was completed yesterday.Career bests from Ryan Bailey (80), James Henderson (143) and Francois van der Merwe (5 for 45), together with another five wicket haul from Garth Roe saw North West winning by 169 runs. First-innings efforts from Derek Crookes (82), back from injury, and Garnett Kruger (5 for 82) was all in vain as Gauteng capitulated in the second innings.Excitement in Paarl saw Easterns, chasing 100 in 14 overs, nearly hand the game to Boland as they lost the plot, ending on 95 for 9 with a wicket falling on the last ball. Easterns scored 558 for 8 declared in the first innings – taking a first-innings lead of 317 – with Zander de Bruyn following up on his 266* last week with another hundred, and a maiden century from Godfrey Toyana. Following-on, Boland fought back with 416, Gerhard Strydom cracking a career-best 151, and Con de Lange making 109. Easterns’ left-arm spinner, Jacob Malao, returned career-best figures of 5 for 50.Pool A leaders KwaZulu-Natal ended their winning run with a tame draw against bottom of the table Eastern Province. Robin Peterson gave Eastern Province a polished allround performance scoring a hundred and taking 5 for 136 with Doug Watson scoring another hundred and Imran Khan taking 4 for 73 for the visitors.Free State made light work of neighbours Griqualand West, finishing the game off inside three days, Morne van Wyk scoring 122 and the veteran Allan Donald taking another five-wicket haul.A hundred for Mark Bruyns, playing his 100th first class game, was not enough for Border as Western Province ran away with a 176 run victory making ground on Border leading Pool B of the table.SuperSport Series Pool AFree State beat Griqualand West by an innings and 16 runs. Griqualand West 215 (Bosman 86, van der Wath 4-35) and 195 (Bosman 52, Donald 5/40); Free State 426 (van Wyk 122, Beukes 69, Liebenberg 52).Eastern Province drew with KwaZulu-Natal. Eastern Province 326 (Bradfield 99, Tucker 67, Khan 4-73) and 281 for 6 dec (Peterson 108, Bryant 69*); KwaZulul-Natal 305 (Watson 134, Brown 84, Benkenstein 64, Peterson5-136) and 241 for 5 (Benkenstein 73*).Boland drew with Easterns. Easterns 538 for 8 dec (Z de Bruyn 174, Toyana 113, Hall 89, P de Bruyn 80) and 95/9 (Albertyn 4-29); Boland 241 (Ontong 102, Malao 5-50) and 416 (Strydom 151, de Lange 109, Sanders 57).SuperSport Series Pool BWestern Province beat Border by 176 runs. Western Province 239 (Puttick 64, Henderson 4-74, Langeveldt 4-61) and 304 (Kirsten 78, Duminy 70, Henderson 4-62); Border 217 (Bruyns 101, Kreusch 59, Telemachus 4-59) and 150 (Henderson 4-59).North West beat Gauteng by 169 runs. North West 369 (Bailey 80, Rowley 69, Kruger 5-82) and 300 for 4 dec (Henderson 143, Grace 64); Gauteng 375 (Crookes 82, Ackerman 73, Nkwe 51, Roe 5-108) and 125 (van der Merwe 5-45).Pool A and B Log Tables.
URGENT ORIGINAL MAILED APPLICATION NEEDED.-original completed copy of the downloaded form must be mailed. Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.- a one page letter outlining your community involvement.- a one page personal letter outlining your life goals after your athletic career…….- one letter of reference.TEAM INVESTORS GROUP AMATEUR ATHLETES FUND – BURSARY PROGRAM 2002DEADLINE: JANUARY 31, 2002Athletes CAN is teaming up with Investors Group to assist Canada’s top amateur athletes strive for excellence. Twenty bursaries of $5000 are available to active senior national team athletes who meet the eligibility criteria.Complete details on the program as well as the application form can be found on our website www.athletescan.com.
At the end of a day of swift developments, Karnataka are poised forvictory against Goa in their South Zone Ranji Trophy league match atMargao. At stumps on the third day, having made 25 without loss,Karnataka just need another 94 runs for a win.At 158 for four in reply to Goa’s first innings score of 303,Karnataka’s position was pretty shaky when play resumed. BarringtonRowland was out for 80 this morning and Karnataka was down in thedumps at 175 for six. But B Akhil (79) and D Ganesh (36) revived theirhopes with a seventh wicket partnership of 99 runs from 29 overs.Akhil faced 145 balls and hit six of them to the ropes. The tailcontributed usefully and Karnataka were able to take a small butunexpected lead of 18 runs.Having obtained the psychological edge, Karnataka now pressed hard andmedium pacers Dodda Ganesh (4 for 52) and Mansur Ali Khan (4 for 24)quickly brought about the end of the Goa second innings. Goa were sixdown for 34 but Tanveer Jabbar (40) and wicketkeeper A Bhagwat (51)added 78 runs for the seventh wicket off 16 overs. But once this standwas broken there was precious little batting and Goa folded up for136. Requiring 119 runs for victory, Karnataka openers J Arun Kumarand Mithun Beerala came through unbeaten at stumps.
Celtic are back in action tomorrow with a Premiership clash against Ross County after securing their place in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup with a 3-0 victory over Dundee United in midweek.
With 30 league games played, the Hoops have won 23, drawn four and lost three, scoring more goals than anyone else in the division, with 65 put away and 18 conceded, making them the top scorers in the league and also holders of the best defensive record.
Looking ahead to the clash on Saturday, it seems as though Ange Postecoglou’s side have been handed a major Lennoxtown boost which would surely have many Bhoys fans jumping for joy.
What’s the news?
According to a recent report from the Daily Record, Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi was spotted with a ball at his feet in the background of a recent behind-the-scenes training video as rest of his team-mates prepared for this weekend’s game.
Since arriving at Parkhead last summer from Japanese club Vissel Kobe, the attacker has been a revelation for the Hoops, racking up 16 goals and five assists in just 26 appearances across all competitions.
Fans would be buzzing
Having been out of action since December with a hamstring injury, it’s safe to suggest that many Celtic fans would be delighted to see the Japanese star back on the training pitch once again and presumably getting closer to making a full recovery, based on what he has already delivered for the Hoops in an attacking sense.
Even though Postecoglou’s side have only failed to score in two of the league games that Furuhashi has missed since December, the Celtic manager will still be pleased to have the 27-year-old back in the squad whenever he’s ready.
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Whether the striker will be fit enough to play a part against Ross County is yet to be seen, but if he can get back to full fitness in the coming days and then resume scoring goals for fun as he was doing throughout the first half of the campaign, he would surely give his team a big boost in their quest to secure the league title.
In other news: Lawwell dropped big Celtic howler on “powerful” machine whose value has rocketed 3,900%
Quinton Friend and Johann Louw bowled the Dolphins to a seven-wicket win against the Titans at Durban as they bounced back from their opening-week defeat against the Eagles. Friends’ 5 for 30 set the ball rolling as the Titans fell away for 147 after the opening day had been washed out. Imran Khan (80) and Hashim Amla (59), fresh from his tour of Pakistan, added 108 for the second wicket as the Dolphins moved into the lead just one down. Then the innings fell away with the last nine wickets falling for 117 as Imran Tahir, the legspinner who had a short stint with Yorkshire this year, worked his way through the middle order. But a 130-run lead was significant in the conditions and Louw kept the pressure on the Titans throughout their second innings. The top score was Brendon Reddy’s 38 as wickets fell steadily, Louw revelling in bowler-friendly conditions with 6 for 88. Chasing 111, the Dolphins had few problems as Khan completed a fine match with an unbeaten 45.The Eagles continued their flying start to the season with their second consecutive victory, a 113-run win against the Lions at Kimberley, and were spearheaded by the prolific form of seamer Dillon du Preez. He claimed match figures of 10 for 112, his most dramatic intervention coming as the Lions crashed to 48 for 7 in their first innings after the Eagles had struggled to 199 with Craig Alexander, the former South Africa Under-19 fast bowler, taking his first five-wicket haul. Neither first innings produced a half-century, but the defining knock of the match then came from Boeta Dippenaar who ground out a 289-ball 153. He added 102 with Ryan McLaren to set the Lions a huge target of 441. Although they battled hard for more than 130 overs it was a futile effort as du Preez led the attack with 33 overs. The key wicket, though, came from a stunning piece of fielding from McLaren as his direct hit accounted for Neil McKenzie, on 54 at the time, moments before lunch on the final day and with him the Lions’ last real hope.Bowlers dominated at Port Elizabeth where the Warriors came out on top against the Cape Cobras by six wickets. The visitors were on the back foot from the start as they fell in a heap for 110 with Nantie Hayward and Lonwabo Tsotsobe sharing seven wickets. For Tsotsobe it was another eye-catching display after his career-best 7 for 39 in the opening round of matches and he has a chance to impress the national selectors after being named to face New Zealand in a tour match this week. Success for the batsmen was limited, but Arno Jacobs hammered an aggressive 93 to build an imposing lead of 173. Andrew Puttick replied with a marathon 92 off 212 balls and at 134 for 1, with Gerhard Strydom on 65, the match wasn’t gone from the Cobras. However, the combination of Hayward’s pace and Robin Peterson’s left-arm spin proved too much for the middle order. Still, chasing down 95 didn’t come without a scare for the Warriors as Monde Zondeki ripped into the top order to leave them 26 for 4. It took a counter-attacking stand of 72 between the two Jacobs – Arno and Davey – to seal the result.Player of the week – Dillon du Preez The Eagles have flown into an early lead at the top of the SuperSport table after victories in their opening two matches. Dillon du Preez, the 26-year-old quick bowler, has played a major role in their early success with 17 wickets, and his impressive form brought a maiden 10-wicket match haul against the Lions. The key spell came at the start of the Lions’ first innings, with the Eagles needing early wickets after struggling to 199. du Preez, swinging the ball at pace, quickly put that total into perspective as he removed Stephen Cook and Alviro Petersen in his second over and soon added Blake Snijman. His 6 for 40 were career-best figures and there was more to come in the second innings.
Sussex have signed a left-arm seamer to bolster their squad. Chris Liddle, 22, made his county debut for Leicestershire in 2005, but has joined Sussex on a two-year deal. He has previously played for Cleveland Schools and Durham Under-17s and Under-19s.Mark Robinson, the Sussex cricket manager, said: “We are delighted to capture such an exciting prospect. Chris has the potential to bowl a very lively ball and with his natural left-arm variation should prove an attractive asset to the squad and as a person should fit well into our family atmosphere.”Liddle added: ‘It’s a privilege to join the best club in county cricket, they’ve had a marvellous season with winning both the C&G Trophy and the Liverpool Victoria County Championship. I can’t wait to get down to Hove and to impress, I am really looking forward to joining Sussex, becoming part of a great team and a member of the unique Sussex family.”
The Indian board’s marketing committee is meeting in Mumbai on Sunday to evaluate the technical bids for the contentious telecast rights of the game for the next four years.But the outcome of the meeting and its decision cannot be disclosed by the committee since the Delhi high court is hearing a petition on the telecast rights issue filed by Zee, one of the four bidders. On October 4, the high court had directed the board that the decision on the technical bids – for coverage of domestic and international matches from October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2009 – would have to be conveyed to it on October 19, the next date of the hearing.Apart from Zee, ESPN-Star, Sony and Prasar Bharati have responded to the board’s Invitation To Tender and are in the race to secure the highly lucrative TV rights. The meeting is expected to be attended by the board’s office bearers, its former presidents Jagmohan Dalmiya and Inderjit Singh Bindra, and special invitee Arun Jaitley.The office bearers are Ranbir Singh Mahendra, the president of BCCI, SK Nair, the secretary, Chirayu Amin, Kamal Morarka, Rajiv Shukla, Ranga Reddy, CK Khanna, all of them vice-presidents, Gautam Dasgupta, the joint secretary and Jyoti Bajpai , the treasurer. Usha Nath Banerjee, the legal advisor of BCCI will also attend the meeting.
The India hangover didn’t make it to a third day. Australia drank away 35 years of frustration with their series win last month, but in celebration there were no lands except Bangladesh left to conquer. Revisiting the same territory is often challenging and rarely as fun.Australia expect their pesky Trans-Tasman rivals to morph every time they meet, but their start to a series that concludes in less than two weeks was worryingly sluggish. As the first Test venue, the Gabba is a ground where rust is shaken off, but the Baggy Greens have been together for most of six weeks.Catches were dropped and overthrows conceded on day one, and the opening bowlers took only one wicket in an innings that allowed 147 for the last three combinations. Australia spent most of the second day struggling for parity. By stumps they were two wickets away from an almighty fight.The Berocca tablets and raw-eggs breakfast finally kicked in through Michael Clarke and Adam Gilchrist. Their bouncing, high-energy display returned Australia’s attacking spirit and the summer’s opening style was restored, allowing the traditional thunderstorm alerts to arrive on cue.Horizontal bat shots as hard as the wicket flooded the ground once Clarke and Gilchrist exploded. Clarke, nicknamed pup, overshadowed his vice-captain in a 216-run partnership that was a sixth-wicket record between the teams. Once Clarke departed Gilchrist held the stadium’s attention for his 12th Test century and the New Zealanders had the headaches with muffed catches and haemorrhaged lower-order runs.Stephen Fleming’s only break came in the morning when he moved a loose man in the cordon to leg gully, opening up Damien Martyn’s favourite region. Next ball Martyn lifted a short ball from Chris Martin and Craig McMillan barely needed to steady himself at third man. It was a small victory on a day of heavy losses.Worse came for Fleming when Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie pushed the score past 500 before setting about 550 and personal bests. A slog-swept McGrath six sent the dressing room into fits of shock and laughter, and the pair knocked back offers of the light. McGrath’s 62-ball fifty was scarcely believable on the ground or the dressing-room – Darren Lehmann cheered so hard he threatened to re-injure his hamstring.Fleming remained stern and kept striding around as he wondered how the day, the match, and probably the series had turned. New Zealand were in with a shout in the morning but instead had shaken and stirred Australia into action.Peter English is Australasian editor of Wisden Cricinfo.
Centuries by JP Duminy and Lloyd Ferreira put Nashua WP in the driving seat against Free State in a 3 day friendly match in Bloemfontein.Summarised scores at lunch on day 2 are as follows;Nashua WP 284/3 dec after 72 overs vs Free State in Bloemfontein.Lloyd Ferreira 100* (retired), JP Duminy 100* (retired), Derrin Bassage 32 and Andrew Puttick 28Free State 220/6 dec (75 overs)Charl Willoughby 2/30 in 18 oversNashua WP 2nd inns – 10/1 (Puttick out)Nashua WP return to Cape Town on Thursday evening. All players are eligible for the opening series of WPCA club fixtures on Saturday.WP play Boland in a pre-season friendly in Paarl starting next Tuesday.