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Are we hearing the prelude to Ponting’s swan song?

Hailed as one of the rarities of modern day cricket, Ricky Ponting, the present day Australian captain is swimming against the tide to regain his lost glory and the match at Adelaide could well be a prelude to his swan song. Used to hogging the limelight at the slightest of opportunities, Ponting is now on a slippery slope that could bring an unceremonious end to his career. The Australian selectors mean business, and with one of the experienced bowlers left to ponder on his performance in the dressing room, the selectors have sent a loud and clear message for the non-performing heroes. The path to Australian captaincy wasn’t strewn with roses, though Ponting had been predicted as a future Australian captain when Steve Waugh was busy marshalling his troops to reassert the Australian supremacy. From a bar-hopping and a brawl-inviting cricketer, Ponting had to fight his way out to cut down his hedonistic pursuits to stay in the race for the Australian captaincy. With the first ball d

IPL 2011 auction – What is in store?

The IPL 4 version is about to witness some surprises in the auctioning arena, as speculations fly thick and fast from various quarters, inflaming the twenty-twenty fans to look for concurrent details pertaining to the IPL 20l11 competition. Harbajhan Singh, with the new avatar as a batting hero, is the top star with a high price tag attached to his head, as various teams including the Mumbal Indians vie with each other to lure this cricketer for the upcoming IPL 2011 competitions. Yuvraj Singh, another of the heroes to attract millions of fans through this truncated version also has managed to remain in the top bracket with the Pune Warriors keen to induct the services of this blue-eyed boy of fanatics who have fallen prey to the truncated versions. In a turn of events, things have gone sour for the former Indian captain Saurav Ganguly, as the former star has lost its icon status, and talks of weeding out the services of this southpaw is doing the rounds now. An inspiring captain who

Ashes 2010 – Australia back in the saddle

Gabba witnessed some sparkling fireworks from the blades of Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin, as their partnership that blossomed to add 307 not only broke records, but also did well to deliver fiercesome blows to the English side, which had squandered away all the hold it had on the Australian side at the end of the second day’s play at Gabba. The upshot, England now has to battle it out to save itself from blushes, as Strauss and Cook survived some anxious moments before the close of play on the third day of this Gabba test, the first in the Ashes 2010 encounter. Anderson flooring a catch, Broad turning crimson, as a welter of emotions ran amuck at the Gabba cricket ground, with Hussey and Bradin finding momentum to plaster the English bowling to all parts of the ground. Hussey was keen to prove a point to the cricketing world and Haddin played perfect second fiddle to Hussey, as the brilliant union of these two baggy greens plundered the resolve of the English attack. England now has t

Ashes 2010 - Can the English team hold their nerves?

There are two anxious teams trying to outwit the other at Gabba. Yes, the Ashes 2010 has got under way as England has lost the wicket of Andrew Strauss for naught. Not the type of start that the Englishmen would have expected, as the Australians now have come out with a clear game plan to scuttle an English dominance on the cricket field. Earlier it was Mitchell Johnson who came out with his plan to unsettle Strauss and Kevin Petersen to raise quite a few eyebrows. Australians rely more on Mitchell Johnson to deliver at Brisbane, and the war of nerves has just begun at the Gabba. Ashes for long has remained a battle that has been fought fiercely, and Ashes 2010 is no different from the others. Englishmen with the upper hand are trying to create history by winning the Ashes 2010 series at the Australian soil after the 1986 series win at Australia, and Australia on the other hand have not been in the best of form, with the bowling really being inept and bumbling. With Ponting’s head on t

Ishant Sharma stands tall amid the New Zealand ruins

New Zealand was thrashed by the World toppers, the Indian side, as India registered an innings and 198 runs victory over the beleaguered New Zealand side. Ishant Sharma has finally struck gold with his bowling form, and his spell that fetched him 4-23 is sure to bolster the confidence of this lanky pace man right before a grueling South African series that lay ahead of the Indian team. From the time when Ishant started troubling Ponting till the present test series against New Zealand, Ishant has come a long way, though he has been struggling with his rhythm for quite some time. A timely haul of 4 wickets just before the high-pitched battle against the South Africans is a good sign for the Indians to take cue from the wonderful performance, and to put up a spirited show on the hard and bouncy tracks of South Africa. Ishant, with this spirited performance has also proved that he is no nine day wonder, and the pace man would do good to acquire words of wisdom form a work house who had pe

Rahul is to New Zealand as what Laxman is to Australia

Some batsmen devour the bowling attacks of a particular nation as the bowling never tires them out. They simply tuck into the bowling attacks and relish playing memorable innings that stand the test of time. One such an innings was the vintage display of 191 from Rahul Dravid against New Zealand at Nagpur. Notching up his 31st Test Hundred, Rahul Dravid has helped his side to an unassailable position, with an Indian victory not very far on the horizon. Rahul Dravid has had 6 centuries so far against the New Zealand side, as he is one of the batsmen who seem to be a thorn in the flesh of the New Zealand bowling. The Australians might feel the same with the case of the classy and elegant V.V.S Laxman, who never fails to torment the Australian bowlers with his classic stroke play. Rahul Dravid is to New Zealand as what Laxman is to Australia. The Australian and New Zealand bowlers still aren’t able to get to grips with these two, and the batsmen have only let them into sleepless nights

Ashes 2010 – Has the hunter become the hunted?

The Ashes 2010 is just about to begin with much fanfare, as a battered and bruised Australian side will be competing to conquer the lost glory, which has been eluding the side for quite some time. Australians had enjoyed a roller coaster ride with such relish, as they set records in a hurry beating Tom, Dick and Harry that came their way mercilessly. But now, they are just past masters as they face an uphill task of capturing the imaginations of the cricketing public at large. Has the hunter become the hunted? Has Ricky Ponting lost the verve and tenacity to handle his team? Has the Australian team lost the Ashes in their minds? Lot of pummeling queries haunts the Australian team and the team certainly is in disarray. England on the other hand has never seemed optimistic before the Ashes tour as they approach the Brisbane Test brimming with confidence, and the players are as fit as ten fiddles and are firing on all cylinders. Though the England team lacks match winners in the likes of

Have you heard of the whispering death?

Kemar Roach, the new West Indian pace bowler, sharing the honors of wrecking havoc on the Sri Lankan team triggers hopes of West Indian cricket revival, or is it a far-fetched dream? West Indies were once, the knightly rulers of the game, game-wise and otherwise. They were extraordinary mortals who played the game with such flamboyance, and they were never short of the sportive spirit that eludes cricketers of many other nations. But on the field, they were a ruthless force trying to decimate the opponents at all times, with all the tricks in the bag, and the gallant pace force that served the West Indian team was a cohesive unit that was skilled in planning and executing the downfall of even the skilled of batsmen with clockwork precision. Have you ever heard of the whispering death? To most of the followers, this name might sound alien, but to sprint back down my memory lane, I still can recollect the wonderful run-up to the wicket, cutting through the breeze silently, and the pitch-

Is it the death knell of cricket?

A Pakistan cricketer running for his life to seek asylum at London was the hot cricketing news that took the cricketing world by storm, as the broadsheets were filled to the gunwales with this sensational news a few weeks before. Whether or not the piece did the trick to increase the circulation of broadsheets is not the point I would like to ponder on, as there’s more at stake, and the game of cricket has been left in the lurch. Nothing short of a miracle can save cricket from the clutches of demoniac influences that has left the game in shambles. The game of cricket is touching new heights, for all the wrong reasons, and in the name of resurrection, the game wears a begrimed face, looking sullen, trying to get out of the gloomy future that looms large over the horizon, as the game has already lost its sheen and respectability. A pathetic end waits round the corner, and the wailing has begun. Close on the heels of the Pakistan cricketer who took to his heels after receiving death thre

Cricket World Cup 2011

With the cricket world cup 2011 round the corner, cricket enthusiasts will be looking forward to witness a cricket world cup that enthralls one and all, as the exhilarating contest between bat and ball is expected to touch a new high and the event is sure to bring in lot of unforgettable memories that get etched in the far corners of the brain of the cricket enthusiasts who cherish such moments. It is time for the Asian block to stage the Cricket World Cup 2011, as India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh share the honor of staging this luminescent event, and it is also saddening to note that Pakistan has been stripped of its co-host status owing to security situations that seem to pose threats on various fronts, and the terrorist attacks that rocked Lahore during the tour of Sri Lanka to Pakistan in the year 2009 has further weakened Pakistan’s position to turn the scale against its favor. In the Cricket World Cup 2011, there are 14 teams participating instead of 16, and the first round pertai

Raina reigns supreme; Chennai Super Kings demolish Kolkata Knight Riders

Suresh Raina wielded his bat with such might that his glittery knock not only dented the chances of Kolkata Knight Riders getting into the semi-finals of the IPL 2010 Championship but also helped Chennai stay the course to book a semi-final berth in the IPL 2010 Championship. Chennai Super Kings with the victory over Kolkata Knight Riders has allayed the doubts that have sprung up in the minds of many as to its potentials to stay as strong contenders to lift the IPL 2010 Championship. The CSK bowlers bowled exceedingly well to reduce the KKR’s total to 139 for 8 in the allotted 20 overs, and when the chase got underway, CSK looked set to reach the target with ease, which it did by consuming only 13.3 overs, with just the fall of Mathew Hayden’s wicket. Murli Vijay and Suresh Raina were in top form, as they strangled the hopes of KKR reaching the semi-finals of the IPL 2010 Championship. The stormy Suresh Raina was in a hurry as he scored 78 from 39 balls and Murli Vijay continued with

Mumbai Indians continue with their winning streak

April, 13 2010 Mumbai Indians continue with their great form as they have registered yet another convincing victory over the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL 2010 Championship, played at Mumbai today. Mumbai Indians threw the gauntlet when they finished their innings at 183/4, scored in the 20 overs, with Keiron Pollard coming good with an unbeaten 45 struck only in 13 balls, which included 5 sixes and 2 fours. Sachin Tendulkar (30), Ambati Rayudu (24) and Saurabh Tiwary (38) were the other useful contributors for Mumbai Indians. Delhi Daredevils gave a fitting reply until the 6th over, after which, they started to lose wickets at regular intervals to end up scoring 144/7 in the allotted 20 overs in the IPL 2010 tourney played today. Mumbai Indians with 9 wins from the 12 IPL 2010 matches tops the list, while the Delhi Daredevils remain at the third position in the points table related to the IPL 2010 championship.

Do or Die for Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings

April 12, 2010 The game between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders to be held on Tuesday is sure to become one of the captivating twenty 20 matches in the IPL 2010 Championship. Both Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings have 10 points to their credit after having played 11 matches in the IPL 2010 Championship. Though a win for both the teams could brighten their chances of booking the semi-final berth, it certainly isn’t a guarantee that the team that wins this IPL 2010 match on Tuesday is going to become a sure semi-final participant. The previous encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings played earlier resulted in a victory scored by the Chennai Super Kings. Both Mahendra Singh Dhoni as well as Saurav Ganguly faces a tall order, as they will have to win this game to keep their hopes alive for a semi-final berth. The match at Chennai is sure to throw some thrilling moments, as the IPL 2010 is coming to a dramatic close.

Mumbai Indians book their semi-final berth in the IPL 2010 Championship; Sachin Tendulkar sizzles

The little master let loose of yet another ace up his sleeve to guide Mumbai Indians to a convincing victory against the Rajasthan Royals and with it a semi-final berth in the IPL 2010 championship. Leading from the front, Sachin Tendulkar, with a brisk unbeaten 89 off 59 balls, which included 2 sixes and 10 fours, set the winning rhythm for the Mumbai Indians. Mumbai Indians, batting first, scored 174 for 5, with Jean-Paul Duminy and Keiron Pollard chipping in with 31 and 25 respectively to put the team on the path to victory. For the Rajasthan Royals, Shane Watson claimed 3 wickets to be the most successful bowler. Rajasthan Royals were out of sorts in their chase to reach the target, as wickets fell at regular intervals, and finally Rajasthan Royals succumbed to score just 137/8 in the allotted 20 overs, having made to grind for the runs most of the time by some wonderful bowling display on the part of Mumbai Indians. Mumbai Indians now become the first participant to march ahead an

IPL 2010 Schedule-Remaining twenty 20 matches in the IPL 2010 tourney

Remaining matches in Indian Premier League 2010 Championship This is the schedule for twenty 20 matches in the IPL 2010, which happen to be the remaining twenty 20 matches in the IPL 2010 Championship. 11 April – 4PM –Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Daredevils 11 April – 8PM –Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals 12 April – 8PM –Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Deccan Chargers 13 April – 4PM –Delhi Daredevils vs Mumbai Indians 13 April – 8PM –Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings 14 April – 8PM –Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Rajasthan Royals 15 April – 8PM –Delhi Daredevils vs Chennai Super Kings 16 April – 8PM –Deccan Chargers vs Kings XI Punjab 17 April – 4PM –Mumbai Indians vs Bangalore Royal Challengers 17 April – 8PM –Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders 18 April – 4PM –Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab 18 April – 8PM –Deccan Chargers vs Delhi Daredevils 19 April – 8PM –Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders 21 April – 8PM – 1st Semi-Final Match – Team 1 vs Team 2 22 April

Doomsday for Chennai Super Kings; Deccan Chargers put up a spirited performance

April 11, 2010 Chennai Super Kings scripted a pathetic performance which has left the side in the lurch, at a time when it had started to promise a lot to reach the semi-finals stage in the IPL 2010. Though cricket is game of uncertainties, the IPL 2010 has been throwing more uncertainties through the many twenty 20 games that have been staged so far in the Indian Premier League 2010 championship. Despite a spirited opening partnership between the macho Hayden and an aspiring Murali Vijay, which saw Chennai Super Kings race to 41 in just 4.4 overs, before Hayden was dismissed, the Chennai Super Kings failed to make the best of it, as it struggled to post 138/8 in the allotted 20 overs. Barring Suresh Raina, even the much touted Dhoni failed to make a mark let alone register decent performances in the IPL 2010 championship match against the Deccan Charger. Double digit individual score had become a peak unclimbed by most of the middle order batsmen of Chennai Super Kings. On their part,

Murli Vijay helps keep Chennai Super Kings hope alive; Mumbai Indians on a roller coaster ride

April, 4 2010 The dramatic events of the star-lit IPL 2010 are unfurling at a rapid pace as the IPL 2010 unveiled yet another day of lusty hitting, when Murli Vijay knocked the stuffing out of Deccan Chargers, as he notched up a well compiled ton at a brisk rate and has also helped to keep the hopes of Chennai Super Kings alive. Chennai Super Kings with the victory over Deccan Chargers will have to conjure more twenty 20 tricks in the upcoming twenty 20 matches to stay as strong contenders for the IPL 2010 title. In another IPL 2010 match, Mumbai Indians put the boot into the beleaguered Deccan Chargers team and has strongly conveyed its intention to clinch the IPL 2010 title by occupying the top position in the IPL points table. A quick fire 55 from Amabati Rayudu laid the platform for yet another convincing victory, with the bowlers doing the rest by dismissing Deccan Chargers for a paltry 115. The battle for the fourth position for the semi-final spot in the IPL 2010 is reachi

IPL 2010 – Royal Challengers Bangalore thrash Kings XI Punjab; Placed second in the IPL 2010 Points Table

April, 2 2010 Since the start on March 14, IPL 2010 has witnessed some adrenaline-pumping twenty 20 matches, as the clash for the title has further geared up to offer an entertaining climax. In a match against the Kings XI Punjab, the Royal Challengers Bangalore scored an emphatic win, with Kevin Pietersen and Virat Kohli coming good for the RCB, and in effect guiding the RCB side to a victory to occupy the second place in the IPL2010 points table, next only to the Mumbai Indians. As the thirst for the IPL 2010 title is hotting up, Mumbai Indians with 12 points seems to be the hot favorites with the RCB securing 10 points staying close behind the heels of the Mumbai Indians. The Delhi Daredevils also with 10 points from 8 IPL 2010 matches scores over the RCB in the Run rate, as it also rates its chances high. The IPL 2010 is sure to throw further excitement, as the Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Deccan Chargers as well as Chennai Super Kings have been resorting to all

IPL 2010 – Is it a reflection of the flashy life mode?

March 29, 2010 The IPL 2010 so far has thrown nerve tingling moments, adrenaline-pumping cricketing events and nail-biting finishes to push the cricket enthusiasts into frenzied fervor, as the IPL twenty 20 matches have almost captured the hearts and imaginations of the fanatics, who eat, breathe and sleep cricket. But not many are aware of the harm that the IPL 2010 is inflicting on the art of cricket, let alone on the future of the game. But it certainly has turned out to be a money-spinner wooing the best talent from across the globe. To look into the daily mode of life that we embrace as of today, we desire a fast turnaround in all our endeavors, with quality taking a backseat. We term it as fashion as we have opted all and sundry as entertainment medium without attaching importance to the artistic flavor that these mediums carry. This, to my knowledge, produces a greater effect on very many entertainment activities, as it has also produced its degrading effect on the art of cr

Kings XI snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, Chennai Super Kings come a cropper

Monday, March 22, 2010 In an encounter featuring Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab, the turn of events that gave Kings XI Punjab their first victory can’t be called a real cricketing thriller. In the name of novel ideas, the ‘Super Over’ to decide the winner between the tied contestants in this IPL twenty 20 match looked more of a satirical cricket comedy, though there are still people to swallow such peevish ideas. Be that as it may, the Chennai Super Kings chasing a gettable target of 136 in his IPL match came a cropper in the end, and the Kings XI Punjab has earned their first victory in the IPL 2010. Though Muralitharan wove another of his magical spell on the opponents to put Chennai Super Kings in the path to victory, further fuelled by a rollicking start provided by the tiny Parthiv Patel and the bulky Hayden, it was a shaming defeat at the hands of Kings XI Punjab that has pushed the Chennai Super Kings in a spot of bother. Yuvraj Singh enjoying adulation cricket wi

Chennai Super Kings XI fans await another cameo from the big-hitter

Sunday, March 21, 2010 Mathew Hayden with his 43-ball blitzkrieg perked up the hopes of CSK XI fans, as the ex-Australian opener carries a huge burden upon his shoulder when he comes out to bat at the Ferozeshah Kotla against the Kings XI Punjab. The Hayden onslaught has been the cream of the big-hitting crop so far in this IPL 2010, as the Delhi Daredevils were ripped apart by the cannibalistic efforts of Mathew Hayden, whose innings reminded of the more graceful Viv Richards, who had the uncanny knack of tormenting world-class bowlers in their dreams. The Chennai Super Kings are in the driver’s seat even before the start of the IPL 2010 match that is to be played at the Ferozeshah Kotla, as the demoralized Punjab outfit will have to resort to all tricks to make a game out of this IPL 2010 twenty 20 match, particularly with Hayden in top spirits as well as in a big-hitting mood. Though the services of the captain of the CSK XI, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s was missed out in the previous e

IPL 2010 Schedule – From 21.03.10

This is the schedule of twenty20 matches in the IPL 2010, which are to take place from 21.03.10. 21 March – 4PM – Deccan Chargers vs Delhi Daredevils 21 March – 8PM – Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings 22 March – 8PM – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians 23 March – 8PM – Chennai Super Kings vs Bangalore Royal Challengers 24 March – 8PM – Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab 25 March – 4PM – Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Delhi Daredevils 25 March – 8PM –Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians 26 March – 8PM –Deccan Chargers vs Rajasthan Royals 27 March – 8PM –Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab 28 March – 4PM –Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals 28 March – 8PM –Mumbai Indians vs Deccan Chargers 29 March – 8PM –Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Daredevils 30 March – 8PM –Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians 31 March – 4PM –Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Chennai Super Kings 31 March – 8PM –Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Daredevils 01 April – 8PM –Deccan

IPL 2010 Point Table: As of March 19 2010

Saturday, March 20th, 2010 Indian Premier League has captured the imaginations of many cricket lovers in India. The IPL 2010 matches have got underway and most of the matches have increased the adrenaline flow of the spectators. The Mumbai Indians with Sachin Tendulkar showing the way have put in brilliant performances, and the Royal Challengers have also played some good cricket in this Indian Premier League 2010. The IPL 2010 matches involving Chennai Super Kings and Deccan Chargers have also thrown exciting IPL moments. The point table as of March 19 2010 stands as: Teams Matches Points Mumbai Indians 2 4 Royal Challengers 4 Chennai Super Kings 3 4 Deccan Chargers 3 4 Kolkata Knight Riders 3 4 Delhi Daredevils 4 4 King

The best innings of Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, no doubts is a jewel in the Indian batting crown, as he has played many memorable knocks, and to choose the best innings of Sachin Tendulkar is going to be arduous task. A task which had not been accomplished by any batsmen in the 2961 one-day internationals witnessed before the Gwalior match got scripted with elegance, as Sachin became the first player to score 200 in a one-day international at Gwalior, which becomes one of the best innings of Sachin Tendulkar. In this innings, the South African bowlers were left clueless as Sachin simply plundered the bowling attack with the ball reaching the boundary ropes quite often. This best innings of Sachin Tendulkar was a pitch-perfect example for a youngster to watch and learn how to pace an innings. Right from the start, Sachin was at his usual best, punching and thumping the South African bowlers with merciless perfection. His last 47 deliveries produced 83 runs which went on to show the intensity of his run hunting spr

Best innings of Sachin Tendulkar

A phenomenon in the making Sachin Tendulkar is an all-time great that the game of cricket has produced. To identify the best innings of Sachin Tendulkar is not going to be easy, as Tendulkar has played some memorable knocks right from his debut, and has delighted the many cricket lovers all over the world. To look closely into the career of Tendulkar, and to look for the best innings of Sachin Tendulkar brings out the five greatest innings of Tendulkar in test cricket. England v India at Old Trafford, 1990 – 119 n.o A s a 17-year old prodigy, in walked Tendulkar, when pressure was breathing down his neck as he had to rise above the ordinary to avoid the defeat that was looming on the horizon. With India placed at 127 for 5 on the final day, Tendulkar had to carry old heads upon young shoulders to thwart defeat at the hands of the Englishmen. Tendulkar proved his mettle by batting for more than four hours in partnering with the tail to score 119 n.o as well as took India to safety w

Sachin vs Bradman

The great Don Bradman when watching cricket match on the Television called his wife to claim that the batsman playing had something similar to his approach in sheer excitement, and the batsman was none other than the boy wonder turned genius tuned cricketing phenomenon, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. To argue on the topic of Sachin vs Bradman can throw only one result which is that both Sachin and Bradman played cricket with fervent intensity. As while we talk about Sachin vs Bradman, Sachin, the Master Blaster happens to be highest run getter in Tests as well as in the ODIs, as he also holds the record for maximum number of test as well as one-day centuries, and Don Bradman is but a sporting idol in Australia and elsewhere, and his test cricket career spanning twenty years is a touchstone to the many upcoming cricketers. Both Sachin and Bradman being legends, and having played cricket in different eras possess many similar traits that certainly invite comparison as well as the topic of Sa

Who are the best cricket players at present?

Well this seems to be a difficult proposition to judge the best cricket players in the present scenario, as when you watch live cricket, you come across good cricket teams packed with best cricket players, and live cricket these days bring out stellar performances from cricketing stars. The most influential of cricket players in the present age who have brightened the art of cricket to enlighten the cricketing audience have been listed out, as these best cricket players have been performing consistently to make the live cricket match an interesting prospect. Sachin Tendulkar, if not the greatest batsman, one of the very few to be ranked alongside the Great Don Bradman is the proud owner of various records in one-day cricket as well as test cricket. Having the maximum number of runs in test cricket and one-day cricket, Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for maximum number of centuries in test cricket, with 47 test centuries, and still going strong as one of the best cricket players.

Weather plays spoilsport on the fourth day of the Eden Gardens Test

In the hunt for a victory to level the series, India found the spoiler to its well-founded dreams in the form of weather gods that wrecked damage on the day four of the second test between India and South Africa. Play had just started at 10.30 a.m. and a delayed lunch at 1.45 p.m. saw the gloom darken, forcing the players to remain indoors, as the play again resumed only at 3.20 p.m. India, so far, in its quest to maintain the home record as well as keep the No 1 ICC test ranking to itself had removed two architects of the South African batting line-up, as both Smith and Kallis were outwitted, and the first innings hero and debutant Alviro Petersen also fell cheaply. But, Hashim Amla on 49, in top notch form held forte, and being dismissed only once in this test series, Indian think tanks will have to come out with a novel idea to get the better of this man on the fifth and final day. The weather forecast for Thursday remains to be encouraging for the Indians, and in theory, Indian

Lakshman and Eden Gardens – The romantic affair continues

VVS Lakshman, with a brilliant 143 and M.S Dhoni notching up 132 played their roles to perfection as the South Africans felt the heat when the pair consolidated India’s position on the third day of the second cricket test between India and South Africa. The South Africans were not their usual self, as the visiting team dropped many catches, with the seventh wicket partnership between Lakshman and Dhoni registering 259 runs, taking the total lead to 347. It must have been a declaration made from sheer instincts, as Dhoni declared the innings and let the South Africans face five deliveries, who were 6 for no loss, before play was called off owing to poor light. Earlier, the day had plenty to offer as both India and South Africa were expected to battle it out to take control of the second test. Lakshman, the artistic wonder, played some lovely flicks and drives to the delight of the audience with Amit Mishra proving to be a thorn in the South African flesh. Dropped by Kallis, Amit Mishr