Tendulkar is out of 3rd Test Too!

Sad news for India! Tendulkar is not yet fully fit to play the 3rd and final test in Kanpur. He is still suffering from groin injury.

The Indian board confirmed this in a release and added that he would continue with his rehabilitation program. "This decision has been taken to give Sachin the opportunity to make a full recovery from this injury," the release said. "Sachin has a rehabilitation program to continue with and will be monitored closely."

Tendulkar didn't appear fully fit during the first Test in Chennai and missed part of the action on the first, second, fourth days. He didn't take the field on the fifth day and was rested for the next Test.

There was an injury concern over Tendulkar even before the start of the series. Tendulkar was advised two-weeks rest after the Australia tour and the then physio, John Gloster, in his fitness report, warned against the injury entering a chronic phase.

We have to wait and see whether he will be fit before the IPL which starts on April 18, 2008.

He has another 172 runs to get to go past Lara who has scored 11953 runs and become the highest run getter in test cricket history. Everyone thought that he would create it during the South Africa series, but his injury has prevented it. Has to wait one more series to create this record!

Sarwan helps West Indies Win 2nd Test and Equal Series!

Sarwan's 10th century helped West Indies to equal the 2 test match series 1-1. With a target of 253 to win the test, Sri Lanka gained upper hand until Sarwan and Chandrapaul built an 157 run partnershp for the 4th wicket.

Gayle was dismissed for 10, followed by Chattergoon for 11. The much expected Samuels dismissed for 11 leaving West Indies struggle at 73 for 3. Requiring another 180 runs for West Indies and Sri Lanka requiring another 2 or 3 wickets to gain complete control before the tail-enders start to play.

Sarwan and Chandrapaul had to play one more match winning knock to see West Indian cricket lovers smile, especially when the cricket in West Indies is not in its glory as it used to be.

After losing the first test, for Gayle, it was an important game for himself and the team.

Sarwan scored 100 off 151 balls with 15 fours and Chandrapaul crossed his 50 in 99 balls with 2 boundaries. Both of them took the innings away from Sri Lanka and they both added 157 runs in 42.3 overs. Muralitharan's spell this time did not bother the West Indies and they handled him ver well.

Finally Sarwan was caught by Dilshan to give the first wicket for Muralitharan in the 2nd innings. With 23 runs more to win, Smith and Chandrapaul finished the formalities in the next 6 overs without much trouble.

For his wonderful match winning innings, Ramesh Sarwan won the man of the match and for the way he played in the series, he won the man of the series too.

Earlier, trailing 16 runs in the 2nd innings, Sri Lanka were struggling 99 for 6. Taylor's good spell rattled the top order and looked like they will surrender meekly. But, Samaraweera's century helped Sri Lanka to come back in the game and gave a good chance of winning the series. Samaraweera scored his 100 off 173 balls with 15 fours. Vaas who scored 45 accompanied Samaraweera and they both added 138 runs for the 7th wicket. The remaining 3 wickets fell for 31 runs.

West Indian players went through the ground and thanked them for full support. The presentation ceremony started:

Mahela: We gave ourselves a chance but Ronnie and Shiv batted really well. We had few half chances but couldn't capitalise. But West Indies played some very good cricket and deserved to win. It has been a tough series but we have thoroughly enjoyed it. Both teams should take credit for the way we performed. I am looking forward to the ODI series."

Gayle Well done to the guys. It was a shaky start but they came out on the top in the end. The bowlers did a tremendous job, Taylor, Fidel. It was a terrific effort from Sarwan. Credit to Mahela and his team. It was a good series, We enjoyed every minute of it. This win does lots of good for the morale of the team. We have come from behind to equal the series."

Man of the Match and Man of the Series : Sarwan : It was an important innings. It was important to get the partnership with Shiv. I have been positive, picking the right balls to hit. I have continue in this way. It has been hard work back, it has taken ten months to come back. Chris has been doing a wonderful job, every one has been around him and supporting him.

Score:

Match: 2nd Test
Venue: Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Date: April 3-7, 2008
Toss: West Indies and decided to field first
Captain: Gayle (West Indies) and Jayawardane (Sri Lanka)
Umpires: Bowden (New Zealand) and Taufel (Austraia)
Match Result: West Indies won by 6 wickets
Series Result: West Indies and Sri Lanka win 1 match each; Series equal 1-1
Man of the Match: Ramesh Sarwan (West Indies)
Man of the Series: Ramesh Sarwan (West Indies)

Score:

Sri Lanka 1st Innings 278 all out 64.5 overs (Vandort 30, Warnapura 35, Jayawardane 26, Dilshan 62, Silva 76, Powell 2 for 59, Taylor 74, Edwards 4 for 84)
West Indies 1st Innings 294 all out in 76.2 overs (Gayle 45, Chattergoon 46, Sarwan 57, Smith 47, Bravo 26, Vaas 2 for 76, Mirando 2 for 72, Muralitharan 5 for 79)
Sri Lanka 2nd Innings (trail by 16 runs) 268 all out in 75.1 overs (Samaraweera 125, Dilshan 25, Vaas 45, Taylor 4 for 52)
West Indies 2nd Innings (253 to win) 254 for 4 in 68.3 overs (Sarwan 102, Chandrapaul 86 not out, Vaas 2 for 52)

South Africa won by an Innings and 90 Runs!

South Africa beat India in the 2nd test of the three match series by an innings and 90 runs. The match was completed in just less than 3 days of play. India meekly surrendered in the first innings for mere 76 and in the 2nd innings were all out for 328 runs.

In the South African 1st innings, de Villiers scored a beautiful double century and Kallis a wonderful 132 which gave South Afrian a very big lead.

It's also India's first innings defeat since the 2001 Colombo (SSC) Test against Sri Lanka.

de Villiers wasd declared man of the match for his unbeaten 217.

South Africa delcared their innings at the end of the second day, but they announced it in the morning at 494 for 7. The overnight rain should have given Smith a thought that it may rain in future and would have triggered the decison to declare.

Started the 2nd innings with a deficit of 418, either had to play out the 3 days with 270 overs or score 418 at least to make South African bat again. The chances of India recovering one more time like they did with Australia. But, that required few top guns to play a marathon innings like Dravid and Laxman.

How did we depend on Shewaga? He is not a consistent player in test cricket though he is a dashing player. But, does not play any sensible cricket and play according to the situation.

Shewag was the first to go, leg before wicket for 17 off Nitni. Dravid was trying to push the ball which was in the chest height went straight to slips off Morkel. He was out for 17.

It was crucial for Jaffer to prove his credibility, but not able to play an important innings. He had all the time in the world to play his innings, but trying to drive the ball pitched up to him, edged it to slips.

Though Laxman and Ganguly tried to build the innings with first 50 runs partnership in this test for India, Laxman played at the ball pitched away from the off stump, which edged to wicket keeper. The key batsman was out for 35.

It was left to Ganguly and Dhoni to bring back the pride to India, the last recognized pair of batsmen. Gaungly crossed his fifty, focussing every ball and had a tough time in the crease.

He crossed his 50 in 86 balls with 5 fours. He was declared caught behind though the decision was not a good one. The partnership between Dhoni and Ganguly was the first 100 run partership of the Indian innings. He was out for 87 off 149 balls with 8 fours.

Dhoni, who also scored fifty, which had no value in this innings because it did not help India save the game. He scored his 50 off 122 balls with 5 fours. I think he has some attitude issue in playing the test matches, especially in other's captaincy. His attitude during keeping the wickets, collecting balls from the fielders, the way he batted in Chennai, all leading to the doubt whether he is capable of playing test match cricket.

Pathan, as usual, an upcoming all rounder was alone in the crease fighting the losing battle. He was not out on 43 when the remaining batsman fell cheaply--Kumble bowled by Harris for 5, Harbhajan, once again leg before for Steyn, RP Singh caught at slips of Steyn and Sreesanth bowled by Nitni for 17. RP Singh was hit on the helmet by Steyn and the next ball went at shoulder level which he edged to slips.

Sreesanth hit a six of Steyn, stepping out and hitting a baseball shot over mid wicket, but that didn't have any value as far as saving the match is concerned.

For South Africa, Steyn and Nitni picked 3 wickets each, Morkel 2, Kallis and Harris one each.

During the post match presentation, Kumble said: "It was difficult to come back after getting bowled out for 76. They took the game away from us. We have been in this situation before. I thought the effort from our bowlers was 100%. We will bounce back."

Graeme Smith: "This was the perfect Test match for us. We dominated from the start. It was hard work for the bowlers today on a heavy outfield. It's been fantastic for AB and Kallis. The guys know we've got one more game to go. They've been focussed throughout the series."

de villiers is the Man of the Match: "I'm just over the moon. Having Kallis around was a good calming effect, especially when I was in the 90s. I enjoyed playing here, and the Ahmedabad fans have been great. Just the perfect Test for us."

Complete Score:

Match: 2nd Test, India v. South Africa
Venue: Ahmedabad (India)
Captains: Kumble (India), Smith (South Africa)
Toss: India and decided to bat
Result: South Africa won by an innings and 90 runs
Man of the Match: de Villiers

Score:
India 1st Innings 76 all out in 20 overs (Steyn 5 for 23, Nitni 3 for 18, Morkel 2 for 20)
South Africa 1st Innings 494 for 7 declared in 141.2 overs (Smith 34, McKenzie 42, Kallis 132, de Villiers 217 not out, Sreesanth 2 for 87, Harbhajan Singh 4 for 135)
India 2nd Innings 328 all out in 94.2 overs (VVS Laxman 35, Ganguly 87, Dhoni 52, Pathan 43 not out, Steyn 3 for 91, Nitni 3 for 44, Morkel 2 for 87)

India bundled for 76! Kalis gives lead!

What is happening to the Indian team? Is it a complecency that is set in or is it because of Sachin's absence? I don't think it is the latter.

With a good wicket and just to play out the first session would have given the Indian a huge advantage. Smith would have been by now for losing the toss.

India were bundled out for 76, the 2nd lowest total for India in Indian soil. The previous low total was 75 against West Indies in Ferozha Kotla Ground, Delhi on November 25, 1987. The lowest total by India in an innings was against England on June 20, 1974 in Lords when they were bowled out for 42.

The beautiful bowling by Steyn and Nitni rattled the Indian batsman. Excpet Dhoni and Pathan, no one crossed double figure except the extras, which in fact was the second highest in the Indian innings--19.

Jaffer was the first batsman to go, when he edged the well pitched ball to slips for 6. The in form batsman Shewag--triple centurian, dragged the ball to the stumps in the next over for 9. Laxman didn't read the in swinger. He left the ball to the wicket keeper, but it kissed the outer edge of the off stump.

Two balls later, Ganguly, was half-minded on whether to leave or play, dragged the ball to the stumps for 0. Nitni struck twice in the same over. India was struggling at 30 for 4. Out of this 4, three were picked by Nitni.

Dhoni and Dravid were expected to restore the reputation of India, but Dravid was bowled by a blinder from Steyn. The ball pitched on the middle and swung away, Dravid, playing forward missed it completely and it knocked the off stump. Beautiful piece of bowling by Steyn.

Rash shot by Dhoni sent him to pavilion. When he tried to hit ball which was pitched well away from the off stump, the ball took the egde and Boucher accepted hit with ease. He was out for 14 leaving India struggle at 55 for 6 in the 15th over of the match.

Though Pathan was styaing in the crease, none of the tail enders provided him support. Kumble was bowled for 0 by Morkel, Harbhajan leg before for 1 off Steyn, RP Singh was caught at slips for a duck off Steyn and in the same over Sreesanth was bowled for a duck.

Four players were out for duck and three players did not even cross 5 run mark. It is not the first time the tail enders were dismissed for cheap runs, it happened in Chennai also.

Pathan was not out on 21 and only 6 players were able to play more than 9 balls off which only 2 were able to go beyond 20 balls. The highest number of ball was played by Dravid--26, followed by Dhoni--22.

The Indian team batting was tormented well before the first half of the day. Their batting was completed in 20 overs and in 109 minutes--less than 2 hours.

Steyn ended with 5 for 23, his best against India. Nitni picked 3 wickets and Morkel 2.

With a good opportunity to post as many runs as lead, South Africa started the innings well with an one more 50 run partnership. When they cross the Indian score and got 2 runs lead, Smith was judged leg before, a doubtful decision though off Sreesanth. He was bowling over the wicket and the ball pitched on the leg stump. He was out for 34.

McKenzie was the next to go, caught at slips off a doosra by Harbhajan. He played for the turn, but it went straight. Dravid took a good catch.

Amla, the centurian in Chennai was caught at short leg off Harbhajan for 16. Prince was plumb in front of the wicktet for 2. At this stage, India could have put more pressure, but Kallis and de Villiers studied the innings well and played sensible cricket. At the end of the day, South Africa were 223 for 4 with Kallis on 60 and de Villiers on 59. Harbhajan picked 3 off the 4 wickets.

With alrady 147 runs ahead, every run counts for both the teams. India has very minor chance of winning this test. It would be 99.99: 00.01 ratio.

South Africa Fined!

South Africa captain Graeme Smith was fined 20 per cent while his teammates were docked 10 per cent match fees after the visitors were found guilty of slow over-rate in their first Test match against India.

ICC Match Referee Roshan Mahanama imposed the fines after Smith's side was ruled to be two overs short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration, according to an ICC release.

In accordance with the ICC Code of Conduct regulations governing over-rate penalties, players are fined five per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain fined double that amount.

Danish Kaneria Let Off!

The Pakistan leg spinner Danish Kaneria has been let off with a severe warning and also barred from giving press statements. He was charged with violating players' code and conduct and also found guilty.

Though Shoaib Akhtar was banned for five years for the same charges, Kaneria was warned and has been let off.

He was spaking against Pakistan Cricket Board for demoting him from Category B player to Category C.

Shoaib Akhtar Banned for 5 years!

The Rawalpindi Express, the premium fast bowler of Pakistan Cricket Team has been found guilty of violating the code and conduct. He has been banned for five years by the disciplinary committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Shoaib had appeared before a disciplinary committee in February after being charged with publicly criticising the Pakistan board for offering him a retainership instead of a contract. The board had offered contracts to 15 players, based on a formula that took into account their performance, but Shoaib was demoted to a retainership from the Category A contract he held last year.

"The board has lost confidence in Shoaib Akhtar and therefore felt his presence in the field was damaging to the Pakistan team, for Pakistan players and for the image of Pakistan cricket," the PCB chairman, Nasim Ashraf, told AFP. "The committee has recommended a five-year ban for Shoaib Akhtar. He will be ineligible to play in Pakistan or to play for Pakistan anywhere else in the world. [It is] a sad day for me and for Shoaib Akhtar. He is such a talented player."

Reacting to the verdict, Shoaib said, "he will go to court and fight against the ban."

He also negated Ashraf's claims that he was a negative influence on the team and vowed to make a comeback. "Ask the captain (Shoaib Malik), ask coach Geoff Lawson and they would vouch for me. I had played with high fever on the India tour (last year), which proved my commitment," he said. "I bowl fast so I am prone to injuries, but I have given my heart, soul and body to this team. I know some vested interest did not want me to be the part of the team, but I will be back."

Of course, Shoaib can appeal this verdict and has promised to do that.

He is already on probation for two years for hitting Mohammad Asif with the bat before the start of the T20 world cup in South Africa in 2007. He also paid the penalty of $52,000, which is approximately 34 lack rupees.

Danish Kanera was also charged with the same offense, but let off with a severe warning. He said, he was barred from issuing any press statments.