Dhoni fought- Only Dhoni fought on an "England's day"....

    Thanks to Dhoni, after a long time. Only Dhoni had the guts to take the English bowling attack - only Dhoni. Rest all were mere spectators including the master blaster-Sachin Tendulkar and Mr.Perfect-Rahul Dravid. English bowlers lumped the Indian batsmen but Dhoni held the fight to bring India to a decent score of 224. When the English fast bowlers especially Stuart Broad and TIm Bresnan shared most of the wickets India were 111 for 7 at one time. It was Dhoni's and Praveen Kumars heart to counter attack the England bowlers made all the difference.

And atlast....

 
 Sehwag-thought of as the savior even didn't get enough time to be on the ground. He was dismissed by last two tests hero-Broad in the very first ball of his spell and what Sehwag faced first after return from his injury. India would have smell the danger even in that instant itself. But Gambhir (38) and Dravid stood somehow till lunch. Dravid who got back his favourite number 3 position once again came to the crease with situations similar to an opener prevailing and he did well to manage that. But he could resist the attack only till last ball of the first session.
    Then came Sachin Tendulkar- Master Blaster with some great loud of applause from the crowd that have followed him throughout this series. As soon as he came England skipper Andrew Strauss  immediately recalled his senior most strike bowler James Anderson to target someone he has removed 7 times. And Anderson could have made it to 8 but this time luck didn't hold his side. Then Stuart Broad got the chance to get the outside edge of Sachin - it was for the third time in this series that Broad is dismissing the Master Blaster. Then the rest was all an easy task for the England pace attack. Raina as usual fell before the short pitch delivery, Laxman who lazily flicked to long leg and Mishra edged a drive. But what happened rest was quite unnatural. Dhoni (77) who needed 16 deliveries to open his account and Praveen Kumar (28) counter attacked England bowlers with some crunching drives and haphazard drives. This partnership helped India a lot to reach 224.
   In reply Indian bowlers didn't get anything from the pitch what England seamers have obtained and at stumps England is at 84/0; a perfect start fro the England team in the third test.

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Will Sehwag be the saviour....

   If India have to retain their number 1 ranking in the test cricket, they have to win atleast one test in the remaining two and not only that but also should have a draw in other one. India who got their crushing defeats at Lord's and Trent bridge will definitely have to climb a mountain-uphill task to retain their prime position. India haven't lost three tests in a series since their defeat 3-0 ijn Australia during 1999-2000. While on the other side England could easily seize their number one spot if they could have a draw in  the remaining two. England's supremacy in this series can be easily depicted from the way in which the first two tests were bagged by them. I should have to say that England seized their victory from both the tricky positions.

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The Fortune could swung to either side....

The mighty come back....

    It could be much earlier, to dodge England batting order. But soon after lunch Indian, bowlers changed their plans, what they have done to England top order batsmen. Indian seamers pitched it up and seamed it away from the English batsmen till tea; got the result for it plumbing England to 124/8. But after tea, they inexplicably abandoned plans, they resorted to shorter length with wider balls, this gave Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann to free their arms and scored around seven runs per over that resulted them to a decent score of 221 runs in their first innings.
  At the same time, Indian skipper Dhoni's fielding arrangement also astonished me a bit. Rather then setting up an attacking one he resorted much on defence. This gave more advantage to the England tail-enders. Broad's some shorts went tantalizingly over the Indian fielders while others fell too short. Indian fielders' "snail-like" movement also helped them a lot. Finally a full slaughter from Praveen Kumar ended Swann's anguish at gully. There were no celebrations,only angry relief. Two sessions of good play by the Indian bowlers completely unraveled by these two players in just 12 overs.
  Earlier winning the toss, Dhoni again chosen to field first seeing the mighty conditions prevailing then and bowlers did a fantastic job to back captain's decision. ZaheerKhan's replacement in this test, Sresanth bowled enthusiastically at right places and swung away which wrecked English middle order. Also he joined in formidable alliance with Ishant and Praveen who well utilized their pace and swing. The result was that England were down to 124/8 at tea.
  England bowlers in reply started off flamboyantly as Anderson knicked Indian opener Abhinav Mukund to gully which clearly showed that he didn't learned anything from the Lord's test. At stumps on day-1 Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman carried the Indian first innings score to 24/1 without much loss.

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India - To regain their aura....

  It was always like this. Having lost in the first test match at Lords, in 2011 also the same conditions prevail. Nine years ago, in 2002, Indian team under their most unperturbed captain lost the first test match at Lords. The arrogant people met him at the street told him that they are returning to home. Then Dada replied "Why so soon? Stick on we are going to level the series...." and Dada kept his words probably more than that. India won the third and the fifth test and sealed the series. Now Lords 2011 is lost, England are more stronger than then. On the other side India will loose their bowling spearhead, Zaheer Khan.
   But now, it is already late in this series. Team India is on the verge of extinction from the eminent position of the ladder; if they loss one more. Watching the video of players practicing at Trent Bridge, one thing is clear, having a defeat of 196 runs at Lords had made them more tired than having demoralized. Especially the bowlers, who had to bowl around 210 overs by three bowlers and most interestingly Dhoni used their part time bowlers only in 19 overs and half of was bowled by himself. This led to many controversies even during the test match itself. And due to this action by the captain , the bowlers had to work over time and they dot tired. Apart from this Gambhir was injured and Sachin infected by fever. It's quite relieving for India that both are now fit and said the media that they are fit enough to play in the second test.
   Let's hope for the best from team India and keep their position on the top of the ladder itself....

 

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India sunken in Anderson's fifer....

  A win in the first test match for India was improbable at the beginning of the last day of the test, yet a draw would  have been an incredible result. And for that credible result, Indian batsmen needed a special effort. The key to this was overnight not-out batsmen VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid. I thought they will do it as both were tamed under such conditions and are capable of doing so. But both these giants fell before the leader of the English attack James Anderson in a well similar manner. For Anderson it was rising from ashes as he hadn't done anything in the first innings.

  Just look at the wickets Anderson claimed in the second innings and sealed England's victory in the 2000-th test match and the 100-th between India and England. Rahul Dravid,VVS Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh. I can say that England's victory in the first test match was a team effort except in the final day were the final nail had to be struck and it was perfectly executed by James Anderson....

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The WALL....

      Whether it may be the plentiful turning or the unpredictable bounce, Rahul Dravid will always be there for  team India- that is why he is called "The Wall" of Indian cricket. His 32nd hundred was a resounding reminder of his value in the Indian cricket team. Also Rahu Dravid's ton gave West Indies an exacting target of 326 runs in the first test. At the end of third day West Indies are 131/3 still they have to score 195 runs to reach the target.

The Great Indian Wall....

       All the credits should be given to Rahul Dravid fro his slow and steady innings. Darren Sammy will be regretting for his simple dropped chance of Dravid, when Dravid was only at 6, even though he was the star of West Indies' bowling with four wickets. The next top scorer in the Indian team was Amit Mishra who scored 28 runs, number ten batsman of the team. Dravid was the patience of  West Indies bowlers in the morning session, as he scored just 23 runs in the first two hours of day three. His overnight partner Virat Kohli didn't last long as he edged the ball to the wicket keeper. Then the first innings hero Suresh Raina also couldn't do anything aven though he hung around for a couple of hours.
     As West Indies introduced Bishoo in to attack both Raina and Dhoni went back to pavilion in quick successions. With Praveen kumar was bowled out, India was having a lead of only 256 with only two wickets to spare. A quick end have raised the Inies hopes but the doggy Dravid shielded the tenth batsman- Amit Mishra and scored 56 vital runs. A flamboyant six from Dravid soon after his 32nd century  reached Indian lead to 300 runs and then Mishra also freed his arms for couple of boundaries. The six by Rahul Dravid is only the 19th of his 261 test innings. Another attempt of Dravid could only bring him  to the man at mid on and set a target for 326 runs fro West Indies.

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Gilly ka "baangda"....

     This is what I like about this man, Adam Gilchrist. Aggressive, violence, and passion....He is still young even in his 40s. Only Gilly can play such an innings ( I dare even Sachin can ). While on the other end Shaun Marsh in his own style....Both of them really "ruined" Bangalore Royal Challengers keeping Punjab Kings XI still in the hunt. Today Punjab Kings XI thrashed Bangalore Royal Challengers  by 111 runs.

Gilly de DHAMAAL....

     It was not Christopher Gayle or Paul Valthaty who cracked Darmasala sky as we all hoped. Truly cricket is a gentleman's gameas the prominent gentleman of modern day cricket really entertained the crowd as he smoked nine sixes. But the the beginning Kings were chocking as they  scored only 30 runs for one wicket in six overs after they decided to bat first. A short ball from Mithun helped Gilly to kick start his whirlwind knock. He also produced the longest six in the tournament, a huge 122 meters of  Langeveldt in the 10-th over o fthe match. With that he fully opened the flood gates. Bangalore become in real vein as Marsh also began his assault in the 15-th over as he smashed Van der Wath for 30 runs. Van der Wath also became the most expensive bowler as he conceded 50 runs as he was well "backed up" by Langeveldt by 48 runs. Adam Gilchrist completed his second IPL century in the third ball of the last over ad was out in the penultimate ball. Till then he scored106 runs of 55 balls and Shaun Marsh scored 79 of 45 balls. Both of them had a highest  partnership in any wicket of 226 runs and that to in 99 balls.

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Sehwag-The One Man Army.

   An incredible century by Delhi Daredevils captain Virendar Sehwag helped them to have a win over Deccan Chargers by four wickets with one over to spare and kept them alive in the hunt. Deccan's opening bowlers Dale Steyn and Ishant Sharma fired early in the Daredevil's innings and reduced them to 25 runs for three wickets. But Sehwag was not in a mood to surrender before them as he freed his arms in the sixth over of the innings. In that over of the debutant Ishan Malhotra he scored  23 runs and kept the match alive. In the tenth over Deccan got a very good chance to come back to the match but Ankit Sharma drooped Sehwag's catch as he was there with just 54 runs. If he had taken that catch then I'm sure the match result would have changed.Then Sehwag hadn't any option and he completed all in a jiffy and in a style.He played some sensational shots to which was very much rewarded by the crowd.

   Earlier Deccan Chargers winning the toss elected to bat first which was very much justified by their batsmen and scored a huge total of 175 runs. J P Duminy stars the Deccan's innings as he scored his first half-century (55) runs and had a brilliant partnership with Dan Christian (27) , the duo making 71 runs partnership in 39 balls.

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The BENGAL TIGER is back!!!!

   A very good news for the Dada fans.Sourav Ganguly has been bought by Pune warriors India, will replace Ashish Nehra who have been ruled out of  IPL-4 due to his finger injury.Sourav Ganguly who was unsold even at the end of two auctions has got the lifeline, whose base price was $400,000. Ganguly will join the Pune team ahead of their match against Mumbai Indians at Wankhade stadium on May-4 as the vice captain of the team.

   Pune Warriors are now at the bottom of the table as now they are struggling with six consecutive loses after their first two victories at the initial stage of this season. Pune team officials hope that Ganguly averaging 1031 runs with an average of 28 runs and with a strike rate of 110 could deepen the depth of  batting and help them to recover from the under-performance of their batting order.

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Will DADA be back????

  Now the chances are more for Sourav Ganguly-the most successful captain of Indian cricket team ever; to play in the forth edition of IPL. And that too in my home team Kerala Kochi Tuskers (KTK).Srilankan call back to their players before May 5 paved the way in Dada's favour.I am not sure it's a grape vine or not, but you can truly believe that this news is directly from the KTK desk.But the choice on Sourav Ganguly will depend more on the Mahela Jayawardena's availability to the team.On the other hand BCCI is trying their best to take back their words by Srilankan Cricket Association as most of the funds to the Srilankan cricket Association are from the BCCI.

THE BENGAL TIGER

    Also there was a rumor that Sourav Ganguly will be replaced for Steve Smith,Australian Spinner who was recently ruled out of IPL-4 due to his ankle injury.Also Kochi Tuskers are keen to take Ganguly on board after the kick-off of IPL season 4.Anyway it'll be a cream come true for most of the KTK fans if Sourav Ganguly plays for the team.
     Also I am much more interested in it as then onwards I will be a supporter of my home team Kerala Kochi Tuskers.Let's hope for the best....

I f still you can't believe my words, please go through the link below where you can read it from the official KTK website.
CLICK HERE    

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VALTHATY-Unstoppable....

   Now you can't throw away Paul Valthaty- because his is now that person who turns everything into Gold that he touches.In yesterday's match against the Deccan Chargers Valthaty once again bought his team-Punjab King's  XI the victory but now with his all- round performance.As Deccan Chargers started off their innings quite well as Sangakkara and Shikhar Dawan put up a nice 75 runs partnership for the second wicket,Deccan's highest wicket partnership for any wicket in this season of IPL-4.But after this wicket all went wrong to Deccan as they were very much surprised by Valthaty's split finger slow balls.At that time Deccan Chargers were in a commanding position of  88-1 in just 11 overs, with 8.00 runs per over.But it all went down when Sangakkara and Dawan got out within a short time period of 3 runs.The big-hitter Dan Christian tried to re-build the Deccan innings as he scored 30 runs in 14 balls, in a jiffy.This wicket however imposed some fear in the Kings XI camp.Again Valthaty came to the rescue as he took the wickets of Christian and Amit Mishara in successive deliveries.Since these two wickets were in the last two deliveries of 19-th over Valthaty didn't got the hat-trick.Let's look forward to the next match.

courtsey:http://www.espncricinfo.com

Don't Mess with me....

    When he come to bat the confidence which he gained from bowling was sparkling in his eyes and of course in his batting too.He was in such a terrific mood that he easily found the gaps in the fielding arrangement  and also he was in his best to find the aerial route also.Kings XI  score leaped into 59 for 0 in just 5 overs,the game was all but over.At the other Adam Gichrist was also in fighting mood.He hit Gony to one of the longest six in the tournament and went to fifty in 30 balls.But soon Valthaty overtake his captain in 29 balls.Gilchrist fell at 61 as he was caught at the third man boundary, a great applause from his former home crowd. But Valthaty stayed back with some fine shots before getting out at 75 runs, a total of 195 runs between the dismissals.Then Marsh and Dinesh Karthik had only the job to lead Kings XI to the target which was done with ease by them.

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Paul Valthaty blists.....

     Paul Valthaty-a name so far unheard in the IPL.But today onwards his name will also be there in the top players list.Chasing a massive score of 180 runs in the ninth match of IPL-4 KXIP captain Adam ilchrist and Paul Vathaty gave them a flier as both of them swung their bat all over the ground.It was an all out attack from the Kings Xi openers.In bowling also Praveen Kumar of Kings XI gave them a flying start as he got the wicket of Srikanth Anirudh in the very first ball itself.Also he got the wicket of Suresh Raina in the same over.Definitely a dreamy start for Kings XI.
     Earlier Punjab captain Adam Gilchrist won the toss and elected to bowl whose decision was soon well supported by their bowlers.

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Mumbai Inidans stuns the listless Bangalore Royal Challengers....

       As far as Twenty-20 matches are concerned 7.00 run rate is a below par target one.Once again it made clear that Bangalore has a weak point in their batting and this led to their loss against Mumbai Indiansby 9 wickets.In Mumbai Indians' innings when Sachin Tendulkar became the controller while Ambati Raydu took enforcer role and both of them led the Mumbai to a comfortable win over Bangalore Royal Challengers in their home ground.Most interesting thing in Mumbai's chase is that they never shown even a hint hesitation in their chase as both of them played flawless innings.

Courtsey:http://www.espncricinfo.com

Sachin Tendulkar and Ambati Raydu celebrates Mumbai Indians' win

 

 

 

 

        But in comparison,Bangalore had a completely different approach as they were pondered to 19 for 2.Even though Dilshan could a score a half century he was only his shadow.A Bde Villiers also scored some interesting 38 runs but was misjudged to Pollard.This gave chance for Saurabh Tiwary to free his arms and also was able to put Malinga and Harbhajan to the boundaries.Dilshan woke up only in the 20-th over to hit Mallinga a six and posted a fighting total (as expected but it never to be) of 140 runs.But as Sachin and Raydu played some magnificent and unbeaten 110 partnership whipped away the target from the screen....

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FOR THE BILLIONS....

   It was about long 28 years back,even I was not there in this planet....Yes after 28 years Dhoni and his crew recaptured and the history  re-written.The world Cup is back to India after 28 years;the most awaited one.Dhoni once again proved that he is the real "Magician".Mahela Jayawardena's poetic century was well overwhelmed by an iron willed 97 runs from Gautam Gambhir and an occasional 91 runs by the 'Captain Cool' helped team India to have the highest run chase ever in a world cup final .
  Even though India lost their toss and that too after a  much confused one,India had their first power (mandatory power play) with some power-packed performances from the team members.

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"Super Final...."

     Ooph....Even now I'm thinking about what to write in this post? because I have no words to describe  how thrilling the match would be.Yes I am saying the same match which going to place at Mohali  on Wednesday (30-03-2011). The match will be witnessed by a huge number of celebrities from Politics,Bollywood, IPL franchise owners  etc etc....Recently Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also send invitation to Pakistan President and Prime Minister to  be present over the match.Also  Pak Prime Minister Yusouf Gilani have mentioned he that he will be present in the stadium.

     With the days becoming shorter the Mohali stadium near by areas are flooded with cricket fans.Around 1000 Pakistan's are flooding to the region through roadways to witness the match.With the advent of the match black market is also on the high such that even tickets are not available to be sold .I y also reported that no hotel rooms are free near the cricket stadium at Mohali.
  
    Let's see what is gonna happen in Mohali on Wednesday,Anyway I 'm thrilled, eagerly waiting for Wednesday.....

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Once again YUV"RAJ"....

                I think Ricky Ponting is one of the luckiest player in the cricket world.That is why he was able to quit the world cup career with a fine and well remembered century in the Quarter-Final against India at Motera stadium in Ahmedabad. Of course Ricky Ponting had a terrific century  which geared them into a decent score of 260  and in return India started chasing the target with Sachin Tendulkar leading from the front with a fine half century.But it was all done by the imperous Yuvraj  with an awesome innings and led India to a splendid semi final against Pakistan on next Wednesday (30-3-2011) at Mohali.

 

Punjabi se pankha math lein.....

             In the beginning Indian captain Dhoni lost the toss and were forced to field.As all expected Dhoi handed over the new ball to R.Aswin who did well with the new ball and also took the valuable wicket of dangerous Watson.Then came the "Punter".he was under immense pressure which was very clear from his face.But he did well to manage the temper with in himself, and played calmly with great patience.Actually he was the only player who tried to stick on the pitch and so he got the result to his hard work.Also he must be very much relieved as he made the century (104) in a very important match and that too after 18 months since he scored a century in ODI matches.Before him only Haddin gave him a good support and had little partnership with him.After that none of the Aussie batsmen  could posted a good score.Only David Hussey showed some responsibility and scored some quick runs at the end.It's really interesting that  he was there  in the team instead of leg-spinner  Steven Smith.All the bowlers from team India bowled well and all  of them bowled well with Aswin,Zaheer and Yuvraj took two wickets each and helped India to restrict the mighty Australians at a defending total of 260.

Ooph...My century in vein....

            In reply,team India started of well with Sehwag and Sachin in their usual manner.Sehwag as usual tried to hit the ball out of the rope in the first ball itself and he couldn't , but he fulfilled his aim in the very next ball itself.But as usual Sehwag was out after a fine start.But then Sachin and Gambhir led the Indian score towards the target by rotating the strike without much risk .But soon after the half century when Sachin was   diving to his 100-th century , a loose ball outside the off stump from Shaun Tait touched the outside edge and rested in Haddin's gloves.Then came Kohli who also batted well till he got out from a loose full toss from David Hussey.From that Indian batsmen started showing some kind of  hurry-bury as the India middle order began to choke.Dhoni and Gambhir threw away their wickets unnecessarily.But then Raina and Yuvarj  led India to a flamboyant  victory.

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THE CLASH OF TITANS....

      This may be one of  the most awaited match of World Cup 2011,I'm sure.On March 24 when Australia and India face each other , Motera stadium will definitely witness an electrifying crowd and as that much enthusiastic players.Also the Australian coach Tim Nielsen coined  the term "mini-grand final" for Thursday's match.Both the teams will meet each other  after losing each game in their league matches.But at the same time the advantage goes to the visitor's side as they have won nine of the last fifteen matches played in India in the last five years.Also the pressure will be on the host as they are playing in their home ground and their home crowd with the crowd expecting some thing supernatural and complete entertainment from the Indian Cricket Team.

NOW NOR NEVER

     Batting is the main area of concern for both the teams.While Indian top order batsmen is the best that any team can get in this world cup but at the same time the worst too.With Sehwag ,Sachin on the opening followed by Gambhir,Kohli,Yuvraj,Dhoni... any team can dream of.But the problem is that ,their batting powerplay.Indian team didn't perform well in their bating powerplay in this entire world cup. India lost their 9 wickets for just 29 runs in Chennai and 7 for fifty against West Indies.But regarding team India, this not the only area of concern.Team India's bowling is also equally  thinkable about their performances so far in the worldcup.Only there is one bowler in the team who is consistent through out the series and that is none other, Zaheer Khan.Apart from him none other  was able to prove himself to be consistent.Now I just remember what one of my friend said "Team India is playing this world cup with only two players; one is Sachin Tendulkar and the other is Zaheer Khan.

WILL HAVE TO TRY HARD TO RETAIN THE WORLD CUP

    The same batting department also worries the Australian team.Ricky Ponting and White is struggling to score runs.Their bating weaknesses was evident in their last match against Pakistan when they were all out for 176 runs and suffered a lose from the hands of Pakistan.

      

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STARTS WITH A BANG...

Now I am sure, this world cup never won't be like the last one at carebean.In the opening match against Bangladesh, India scored a mammoth total of 370 runs in 50 overs.India's target was very clear even from the very first ball itself,Virendar Sehwag slammed the first ball of the 2011 world cup to the cover boundary.Sehwag was there in the crease till the 48-th over till that he scored 175 runs in just 140 balls.Also he was strongly backed up by Virat Kohli scorin 101 runs from 83 balls.Both these batsmen scored their first century In the world cup and that too magnificiently.Both Sehwag and Kohli showed some extra ordinary performances in the opening match itself and helped India to post a mammoth total.

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From the Ashes...

It was all like that.A defeat of an innings and 34 runs in the first test match, loss the very important toss and forced to bat in the first innings of the second test,just made 205 runs in a pitch that helps the batsmen too ( if he is patient enough) , even then surpassing all these " back pullers" Indian team Rose from the Ahses.Ya, I am talking about the same thumping win that India had against South Africa at Durban in the second test of the series.
On the beginning of day four both India and the Protease were having equal chances to win the test.South Africa needed 192 more runs while India needed 7 more wickets.It was such a condition that even the cricket pandits could not predict to which side the victory will tilt.I should say that South Africa had a bit more chance as they were having their Kingpin, JH Kallis at the crease.Also AB Devilliers at the other end.But the all started to go in India's way as Kallis failed to survive a vicious bouncer from the antic-loving Sreesanth.then It seemed to be in India's hands as none other could resist India's bowling attack.Only the doubt was still there; till how they have to wait for their celebrations.
Now all the credits go for V.V.S.Laxman for his mighty 96 runs in the second innings to bring the effective Indian total to surpass ३००.Once again he proved that he is the real match winner for team India.

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INDIA FIGHTING BACK....

No one would have thought like this।When India was all out for 205 runs everyone would have remembered the last test match।Even I thought that in this game also India have lost the control।But the Indian team was not ready to surrender themselves।An inspiring come back of Zaheer Khan from injury gave wings to the Indian bowlers।It was Zaheer who started off the fight by making Smith to reach to Dhoni's gloves।That was fro the tenth time,Smith's nightmare on Zaheer Khan continues।The next chance was for Alviro Petersen who himself led the bowl to the bails after hitting his pad, in a hurry to walk across the stumps।Then Kallis had a very unlucky run out from the hands of then bowler Ishant Sharma।Even then South Africa was under control as their "WALL" Hashim Amla was there on the center।But a doosra from Harbhajan have spoiled their hopes, a one after his thousands।From then onwards it was as quick as lightning।Dravid and Pujara took two lightning faster catches which showed off their high reflexes।It was also a co-incidence that the day Dravid got his 200-th catch Pujara took the first catch in his International test career।At the end Harbhajan topped the table with 4for 10 and Zaheer 30 for 3

In the second innings even though Sehwag and Vijay had a good starting they didn't capitalized on it।Same were the case with Dravid and Sachin।All once again thrown away their wickets as they gone before their poor shot selection।After the tea however Pujara and Laxman is batting calm and quietly and now India is having around 185 runs effectively।Hope that India can have their target towards South Africa around 300 runs।Then it is going to be a suspense filled match।I am sure....

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Steyn's SIX....

A pitch with serene green grass, cloudy atmosphere....all the conditions were similar to that we found in the first test and Indian batsmen also did the same.Indian batsmen have played on themselves and thrown away their wickets in too the hand's of the Protease.Some balls were unplayable and some were due to bad shot selection, even then Indian batsmen never learned from their mistake,Only thing they can boast of themselves is that they had done marginally well in the second test when compared to the first test .In the second test India is all out for 205 runs while in the first test they were all out for just 136 runs.A marginal increase the runs scored.
If on the first day it was Dale Steyn who toggled the Indian batting order then on the early morning of Steyn was accompanied by Morne Morkel to wipe out the Indian team for 205 runs.Even though most of the batsmen have reached their double figures Laxman is the top scorer among them with only 38 runs.From this it is very clear that the batsmen have got a good starting and was not able to carry it over to a good innings.
In reply South Africa have lost their first wicket at 23 runs.Congrats to Zaheer Khan for claiming this one.He is returned after injury in this test and hope he can do well inthis test and give India a victory .Also we can hope that Zaheer's coming back in the test will also energize the rest of the bowlers....

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GO GREEN ????

In our day-to-day life we would be very familiar with the word "GO GREEN".Also nowadays many would be urging us to spread this word.But referring to the Boxing Day test against South Africa Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni would prefer more of not having any greenness.I think this would help team India tomorrow at Durban where the second test match will begin.With the first test itself it became to the light that Indian batsmen are still inefficient against the bouncing and seaming ball ( even though they batted well in the second innings ).But the truth is that Proteas captain Graeme Smith is looking for this weakness of the Indian batsmen.Also it made clear from the words of Hashim Amla "I am not sure how the wicket is going to play, but on a good day, when the wicket s flat, it is fantastic place to play".I think there is no confusion for Graeme Smith in the team for tomorrow as there is only a liitle chance for Parnell against Tsotsobe.But the latest news is that the Proteas will move with the winning team itself.
But there is an area of concern for team India, and that is Suresh Raina.It is to be watched that can Suresh Raina can still be there in the middle even after a few bad performances.Will Dhoni replace Pujara who played well in the IPL when it had its season two here in South Africa.There will be no concern for V.V.S Laxman as he was calm till he get out in the first test.Apart from this there will no area of concern for team India.But the most important thing that we have to look for is How Sehwag and Gambhir can have sparkling start in the first innings.Because as usual in the first test also its all came well when the Indian team had a good starting.

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STRUGGLING INDIA.....

Till the second session of the fourth day of the first test match in Ahmedabad against Newzealand was heading to a draw.But after then situations suddenly changed as Chris Martin came with a hurricane over Indian batsmen.Once again Indian team is looking forward to V.V.S Laxman as he is the only recognized batsmen now available for team India in the first test match.
Williamson contributed a lot to his team in the first test match itself as he made his first test century in the debut itself and that too against India ,in India,at the time as his team need the most.The morning session started very carefully as Kiwis captain Vettori gave a good support to Williamson.After Williamson and Vettori none other could bring forward Newzealand as the last five wickets fall for just 42 runs.Well the Newzealand team fell short of 28 runs in the first innings against the Indian score of 487.
In reply ,Indian team started of their second innings witnessing Gambhir going for a successive second innings duck.Sewag also gone for just one run.But Chris Martin was not in a mood to stop his fiery spell as he took the wickets of Sachin and Dravid.At the stumps team India was 82 for 6 wickets.Indian team is now having only a lead of 110 runs with only 4 wickets in hand.
Lets see what is going to happen tomorrow as India's most second innings ' successful batsmen is there to rescue team India "as usual"....

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India struggling....

North's ton helped Australia to post a reasonable total before the Indians in the second test match at Bangalore.Marcus North's 128 runs pushed Australia slightly forward in the second test.Early in the morning of day-2 both the Australian batsmen North and Paine started of carefully but Paine was stumped by M.S.Dhoni,a smart work behind the stumps.Mitchel Johnson also fell before the Indian spinners.But Hauritz showed some ruggedness to the Indian bowlers in his 17 runs and made a good partnership with North.This 128 is his career best and this 478 is Australia's highest team total in Bangalore.Harbhajan claimed4 wickets while Ojha got three wickets in the first innings.
In reply India lost early wickets as Sehwag(7)and Dravid(1) returned to the pavilion as quick as possible.But steady Vijay(39*) and Sachin(43*) are building the Indian total slowly.India need to make the difference as short as possible as we had seen that in the first a mere lead of 23 runs had brought India in trouble at the end.Now India is at 124/2 ....

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CAN INDIA DO THE SAME????

Today India is playing the second test in the series against Australia in Bangalore at Chinnaswamy Stadium.It is one of the venues that have the record of least successful venues for team India.India lat won a test match in this ground was in 1995.Also India have lost the four games played here out of the last seven games.But the good news fro Australia is that they have one the two matches played in this ground out of the last three matches.
The good news fro the Indian cricket team is that India have failed just 4 times in the last 16 series once they come up with a lead.And remember that India is now leading the series with 1-0.Bangalore has been the batting venue for the Australians.But on the other side, India is having a bad time in Bangalore both in batting and bowling.
But these records will always be in the paper if the world's best two teams fight at the ground. I hope India can clinch this series easily.....

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SACHIN- PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Yesterday, Indian batsman SACHIN TENDULKAR was declared as the Player of the Year by International Cricket Council (ICC).Sachin.the master scored 1067 runs in 10 matches with an average of 81.84 runs and also 974 runs in 17 one-day internationals with an average of 65.28 has outscored all the other players in the International cricket career.Sachin Tendulkar also scored a brilliant 200 runs against South Africa on this February.Tendulkar also won the People's Choice Award which was introduced for the first time in this year.Sachin Tendulkar was also part of the ICC Test and ODI teams as declared by the ICC.

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INDIA'S VERY VERY SPECIAL LAXMAN.....

Ponting's nightmare continues as India's very very special Laxman brought a stunning one wicket win to India in the first test match against Australia at Mohali.Chasing a target of 215 runs,Indian batsmen find it hard to reach the target as they were at one time dandling with 112/8.Then came to the crease India special hero V.V.S.Laxman and Ishant Sharma.They made a brilliant partnership of around 86 runs. But again the nail-biting situation aroused as Ishant got out as the umpire betrayed him in a leg-side going delivery.Pragyan Ojha who had a strong shout before the wicket was trying to get in too the crease meanwhile an over through from Clarke made the ball to cross the boundary line.Then India needed just one run and it was scored by him as a leg-bye.
Earlier in the morning Sachin and Zaheer started off the innings with great care but was got out as soon.Then none of the Indian batsmen could make a partnership and they came to the dreadful situation of 112/8.Zaheer Khan got the Man Of the Match Award for his 8-wicket haul in the first test.In short this was one of the finest ending of a test match that I have ever seen.
The second test will begin on 9 October.The match would be available in Neo Sports channel which was now made available in the Dish TV network

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CLT-20 KA ASLI MUQABLA AAJ....

In the final of the CLT-20 Chennai Super KIngs will take on the Warriors in Johanassberg at Indian time 9 pm. the match will be available in both Star Cricket and Star Sports. Both teams are having a well packed side with talented bowlers and batsmen.Anyway I should admit the fact that Super kings are on the stronger side with lots of international players. More over I'm eagerly waiting to see an Indian team lifting the Champions trophy tonight.

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SUPER KINGS TO THE SUPER FINAL....

In the first semi final of the champions trophy, chennai super kings defeated the bangalore royal challengers in a very huge margin cme also they have reigfsed their place in the final. Even though the p rain interrupted the play and was reduced to a 17 over game, chennai was able to find a massive total of 175 runs. The early break throughs to the royal challengers obstructed them from reaching the target well far ahead....p

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CHENNAI "SUPER" KINGS .....

With a heartthrobing win over Warriors for 10 runs ,Chennai Super Kings made their seat in ICL T -20 championship in South Africa.Now Chennai will face the other IPL team Bangalore Royal Challengers in the semi-final.It is also made sure that this time there will be atleast one team in the Champions Trophy final this year.Chennai super Kings registerd this win only because of the help from their spinners.Jakati,Raina,Ashwin gave full support to the "Spinning Wizard"Muttiah Muralitharan and they restricted the Warriors from reaching their target.

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RCB to the SEMIS....

There is no doubt that RCB is one of the finest and well balanced team in the on going icl tournament 2010 in SOUTH AFRICA. In a must win match between RCB and Highveld Lions, Virat kohli's desperate 49 runs of just 29 balls and a four over 13 runs with one wicket from the RCB captain anil kumble helped them to be the first IPL team to reach the ICL semi finals. Two days before when kohli was out in the last ball against the mumbai indians there was Rahul Dravid to pat on his back. But today when Uthappa was ran out due to kohli's mistake , he was there in the middle alone until White came to the crease. But then the story changed. After that kohli smashed the lions' bowlers all around the ground such that if scored his next 29 runs in just 7 balls.

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MUMBAI INDIANS PARALYZED BEFORE THE LIONS....

In the opening match of the CLT T-20 tournament in South Africa,the experienced Mumbai Indians were defeated by the young Highveld Lions by 9 runs.Tossing the coin to his choice Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar elected fielding first.The Highveld Lions build a fighting total of 186 runs in just 20 overs.Their young opener Jonathan Vandiar (71 of 53 balls) and the experience Neil Mckenzie(56 of 35 balls) helped the Lions to reach 186.The Mumbai Indians bowling was upto average and their sloppy fielding added extra bonus to the Lions. Even though Malinga was able to pick three wickets of Lions , he was not able to control their run flow.

In the second half Mumbai Indians made a good start as their openers Sachin Tendulkar and Shikar Dhawan, scored at above 7 runs per over.After Dhawan who scored 34 runs and made a partnership of about 73 runs with Sachin Tendulkar who just escaped from the very first ball he faced of Ethan O'Reilly.But sachin Tendulkar 69 runs from 42 balls smoothly brought Mumbai Indians to their target.But a very good spell from Burger dismissed Sachin and also the danger man Keiron Pollard with a pinpoint yorker. Then the game was fully under the control of Highveld Lions.
Yesterdays match once again poped up the fact that experience and past performance will never be a criteria to the T-20 matches.Hope for more interesting matches in the tournament....

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AB HOGA ASLI MUQABLA....

Now the champion teams of different nation will fight against each other to find who is the real champion among them. Today, 10 september, the all awaited champions league, CLT-20 begins. In the opening match, Sachin Tendulkar's Mumbai Indians will take on the South African team Highweld Lions in Johannesberg. The match will commence at 9pm Indian time.At 9pm the match will be telecasting live in ESPN and STAR SPORTS channel.So be ready there to watch the ASLI MUQABLA....:JKprdgidxiproject w

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SACHIN-HONORARY GROUP CAPTAINOF IAF....

On friday,master blaster and the cricket genuis Sachin Tendulkar was conferred with the rank of HONORARY GROUP CAPTAIN of IAF to honour his great cricketing achievements.Also Sachin is the first person in cricket to receive a honour from IAF and also with no aviation backgrounds.Sachin Tendulkar is now the brand ambassador of Indian Air-Force.
Some days before India's world cup winning captain Kapil Dev was rewarded with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel by the Territorial Army.Sachin Tendulkar received the honorary rank by Armed Forces on the basis of acknowledgments of their contributions to the nation.Sachin Tendulkar will now receive a rigorous training from the IAF in the aviation technology will be able steer the India's most efficient SUKHOI-30 fighter planes.
Sachin is now one of that cricket legends who have established their presence not only on the ground but also in the hearts of many.Sachin is now holding almost all the batting records of the world class cricket with 94 hundreds in both tests and ODIs.

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SRILANKA TOOK THE REVENGE....

For the Asia cup loss Srilanka took the revenge against India in the final of the Micromax tri-series on saturday. I can say that it was not the team Srilanka but especially Dilshan with a brilliant hundred, who was very much involved in the no-ball controversy.Winning the toss Srilanka elected to bat first in the final and build a huge total in of 299 runs in 50 overs.Dilshan scored 110 runs which was backed up by captain Sangakkara's by 71 runs.
In reply team India was all out for 223 runs with around 4 overs to spare.None of the Indian batsmen could build the partnership and they had to pay for it.Only captain Dhoni showed some resistance as it was also in vein as it lacks support from his teammates.

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INDIA IN FINAL.....

In the last league match of the Srilankan tri-series, both India and Newzeland played the same worse game. But there was one man in Indian team who made the difference. And he was none other than Virendar Sehwag.co

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ONE AND ONLY SEHWAG....

In this DO OR DIE situation, only Sehwag and to some extent Dhoni showed some responsibility. But I should say that the blasting century from Sehwag have done all the ways to team India.
Also a 107 runs partnership between Sehwag and Dhoni bought team India to a fighting total of 223 Runs.now at present India is fighting back as they have taken three wickets of Newzealand with jupst 18 runs on the score board.

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AGAIN SHAMELESS....

On the day before the match, after the practice session, when Dhoni said that they will fought back with more power and greater enthusiasm, I didn't thought that will not be this much greater. Not even me but anyone couldn't have thought that team India will perform in such a disappointing way. What the Indian team had done on sunday in Dambulla?Were they playing a cricket match???I have some doubts..... Now Dhoni will not blaim the toss. for the first time in this tour, Indian skipper won the toss and elected batting first without any second thought. But the whole Indian team quitted from their fight at just 103 runs.and Srilanka reached their target in just 15.4 ovdrs. India's largest defeat in terms of numaber of balls remaining...... ... ..:...

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CANCELLED....

The match between Srilanka and Newzland was abandoned due to rain ev-n on the reserve Day.the match on 19-th was post-poned to the reserve day, as on the first day also rain washed out the play. When rain obstructed the play Srilanka were on 203/3 in 43.4 overs. It was for the first time that a matcebbii abandoned due to rain in Dambullaebbii the teams were awarded one point each.

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Randiv banned....

SLC banned Suraj Randiv for deliberately bowling no-ball to Sehwag which denied him the century on monday's match.Also Dilshan who encouraged him was fined his 80% of his match fee.
It was a difficult option for SLC as they are heading for a very important match against Newzealand on 19-th . Srilanka has to win this match as a lose in this game will make them out of the tournament.

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DILSHAN SUGGESTED....

According to the newspaper reports in Srilanka it was Dilshan who was fielding atthe cover who shouted at Suraj Randiv to bowl a no-ball to Sehwag which denied him to score the century in the third ODI of tri-series in Srilanka on Monday.Also it was reported Sangakkara has said himself that someone prompted Randiv to bowl a no-ball which restricted Sehwag at 99 runs even though he hit a six in that ball.It was sure that such sort of actions are not suitable for pure sportsmanship.At the same time Dilshan is also the team member of Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.

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JAI VEERU....

On 16-th August indian team celebrated their freedom in Srilanka by wining the second ODI against Srilanka with a thrilling six wicket win.Even though Sehwag was denied the chance for a century Srilanka was not able to restrict India from getting the bonus point.Suraj Randiv who bowled a delibrate no ball in the last ball also played a very damn spoilspot in th game.After SLC said sory Sehwag for such an action from their player's part but it was too disappointing not only for ehwag but also for the Indian cricket team.

This time also Indian captain Dhoni didn't won the toss.ButIndia got a very nice start when Praveen kumar bowled Upul Tharanaga in the very first ball of the innings.Soon they lost their econd wicket also.Dilshan tied hard to re-build the innings from the position of 45/2 with a brisk 45 of 63 balls.But then none o Srilankan batsmen could do the job before the disciplined Indian bowlers.All the Indian bowlers bowled well they got their reward too.Ojha as the most succesful among them claiming three wicket for just thirty six runs.PraveenKumar Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja took two wickets each and the rest one wicket by Ashish Nehra.Finally they were bowled for 170runs.
In reply India struggled a they lost thre quick wickets in just 11 balls scoring only 2 runs.Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli went for duck Sehwag had a very cautious start as he got the first boundary in the sixth over only.Later he changed the gear the to fifth and smashed Srilankan bowler all around the ground.It was quite uneven to see Sehwag aiting for the loose balls to be bowled.With three wickets down Suresh Raina and Dhoni gave a good support to Sehwag.Raina scored 21 runs and Dhoni was unbeaten on 28.To the finish it seemed Sehwag was in a little bit hurry as he go for the sixes.hwn Sehwag as 99 India needed 5 runs to win.But then Srilanka conceded a simple four runs as bye.Then Randiv bowled a deliberate no ball to deny Sehwag's century but they didn't stop India from winning the bonus point....

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Kobe Bryant Top 10 Dunks & Moves

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SRILANKA WON

Even though Srilanka lost their wickets quickly as they aimed at the bonus point,they managed to get a three wicket win over Newzland in the second ODI Of tri_series in Srilanja.Chasing a target of 191 ruspare?- host reached there with 55 ballspare?,are. . The next match will be between India and Srilanka on monday.

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DISAPPOINTING....

It was very disguising and disappointing for me as I saw the massive 200-run defeat by the Indian cricket Team in Srilanka.What the Indian team have done yesterday???The team first scored a total of 288 runs and the "world no:2" Indian team couldn't score even half of it???I should say that Indian team doesn't deserve that No:2 spot now.
Even though the Indian bowlers had done well,the Indian batsmen were well short of their basics even.Look at the Indian team batting line-up..Sehwag Kathik,Raina,Rohit Sharma,Yuvraj,Dhoni....these are the batsmen who are top in the world itself....even then....they combined-ly couldn't score 100 runs.The more pathetic condotion is that only two of them was able to score double figures.

Now I'm sure that if this is their performance in future in this tournament' surely they can give their second spot to Newzland or Srilanka...

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Ohhh...Humiliation to Team India

Yesterday India suffered a huge humiliation from the Newzland cricket team as India performed a pathetic batting and bowling in the first ODI of the Tri-series in Srilanka which resulted in a huge 200 runs loss in the first match.Chasing a target of 288 runs in 50 overs,all 'Indian cowards' were o the pavilion with just 88 runs on the score board.Also this is he fourth heaviest defeat for the Indian cricket team.
Indian pace bowlers Praveen Kumar(3/43) and Ashish Nehra(4/47) rapped up he Newzland's opening and tail-enders as they were restricted under 300 runs.Earlier Newzland were once at28/3 but the their captain Ross Taylor(95) and Scott Styris(89) had a brilliant partnership of 190 runs which took their sore o a competing one.
In reply even though the Indian openers had somewhat good staring with scoring above six runs per over,the story changed as both the openers Sehwag (19) and Karthik (14) were dismissed in quick sessions by Mills and Tuffey respectively .Then any of the Indian batsmen didn't showed the patience to be there in the crease.Rest of the India team rapped up in just 88 runs with scoring only 49 runs by the rest 9 batsmen........

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VERY VERY SPECIAL LAXMAN.... AGAIN RESCUED TEAM INDIA....

May be in"Ramayana' epic Laxman may not be the hero.Laxman was having only a supporting character.That is,to assist Rama.But in PSC stadium V.V.S.Laxman had a very different storyline and also duty too.What would he do if there was no Rama in the story ?Of course Laxman has to take the charge...What Laxman had done in the final and 3-rd test against Srilanka was exactly the same.There was no Rama in the final day of the third test match.To be there in the top spot India must had to win that test.In that critical situation Laxman was there in the role of a hero to guide India to the victory.
With a 11-run lead in the first innings,Srilanka a posted a total of 257 as India's target.They were once at 89/7.They would have to say the Indian bowlers and Indian captain Dhoni for allowing them to score 267 runs.A well knocked innings by Samaraweera and Mendis .As soon as Malinga came Dhoni spread the field and mainly targeted on the tail-enders which caused India a lot.Now it is becoming a custom in the International matches to take on the tail-enders leaving behind the then recognized batsmen.Anyway Srialanka posted a target of 257.
In reply when India was there at 53/3 at stumps on day-4.Not sure that India could reach it or not.There was having some huge hope in the minds of Srilankans as the pitch would really support the spinners in the fifth day.In the final day the night watchman Ishant sahrma got out early in the morning itself adding worries to the Indian team.At that time Sachin was there in the crease with 16 runs and India were at 63/4-- a much troubled situation... Then came the real hero Laxman who had his day.He deleted the Srilankan hopes with his majestic wrist-play.He loved batting in the middle as he used to strike the ball too late.With a 123 run partnership with Sachin he made sure India's victory.Then came Suresh Raina who had a very wonderful test series till his debut in the second test who scores 41 runs and gave Laxman a very good support......

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Early blow to India....

As the rain spoiled second day of the first test Srilanka was in a hurry to score a huge total .Also they did that one in a more splendid way.Even though they lost yesterday's hero Paranivitana and then Samaraweera too without scoring in the early morning itself,rest of the batsmen done their job well and was able score in a faster manner.But then Jayawardane(48) Angelo Mathews(41) moved their score to 344/6.Then the eighth and ninth batsmen Hareth(80*) and Malinga(64) had very good and energetic partnership which boosted their score to 580/8 and declared their innings at that score.Avery promising total that never let this test to go away from their hands.Both Ishant and Mithun bowled well and could capture 3 and 4 wickets respectively.It was very nice to see Ishant Sharma taking wickets even though he was not uppto the mark.But it was warning to the opppnents that he can be more dangerous in the coming days.
In return India lost Gambhir in the early part of the innings itself.When Gambhir was at just two runs he was trapped in the crease with good swinger which took a shap swing in to the pads of Indian opener.Now Sehwag(29*) and Dravid(13*) is playing without any furry even though they showed some in the beginning.Now India is at 50/1 in 9 overs.We can Hope thatI nda will not lose more wickets till the stumps.....

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Srilanka as they desired....

It was all like an eagle which flies over the clouds to get a shelter from the rainy storms. Winning the toss Srilanka elected to bat first in the first test match in Galle International Stadium.Srilanka got a firing start as Dilshan(25) mainly targeted Ishant Sharma.After his fell back Sangakkara(103) and Paranivitana(110*) made dominating centuries and made clear that there is only a mere chance to loss in this test match.Abhimanyu Mithun got his maiden test wicket as Dilshan who like to charge down him but was caught behind by Dhoni.Then the partnership of Sangakkara and Paranivitana made a lot of headache to the Inidan bowlers.While Paranivitana was more concentrating on his defense Srilankan captain was in a good mood to take on the Indian bowlers.Without Zaheer Khan and Sreesanth Indian bowlers were below average.Indian spinner recovering from flu and hamstring was also not that good.Immediately after the tea,Sangakkara was mistimed a pullshot and was caught at the midwicket by Sachin Tendulakr in the bowling of Virendar Sehwag.Then Jayawardane(8) and Paranavitana brought the score upto 256/2 at the stumps on day-1.
Due to rain, even a single ball was not bowled and the second day's play was called-off.

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SACHIN TENDULKAR:Now IAF OFFICER....

Once again Sachin Tendulkar is going to fly high enough over our mind.But the difference is ,this time he is not in the cricket ground.Indian AIR Headquarters have made decision and almost finalized to make the 'Little Master' honorary Group Captain of Indian Air Force.It is for the first time that such a great honor is given to a cricket person. Who other is eligible for it apart from our Little Master who is having a fantastic cricket carrier of 20 years*.

There had been a great debate among the officers that what rank they will give to this cricket legend.Squadron Leader and Wing Commander will be too low for our master.The Indian Air Force have forwarded the necessary file to the Government as they required grant from the President and Prime Minister's office before the formal announcement.

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