Yuvraj posts bald picture on Twitter

Undergoing Chemotherapy for a malignant lung tumour, Yuvraj has gone bald and the Indian cricketer has posted his latest picture showing the after-effects of the treatment on Twitter.

“Finally the hair has gone! But #livstrong #yuvistrong,” Yuvraj Singh posted alongside a link to a picture of him without hair on the site.

The 30-year-old left-hander has been in the U.S. since last month and is currently undergoing chemotherapy in the Cancer Research Institute in Boston.

“I will fight and come back as a stronger man cause I have the prayers of my nation! Thank you to the media for their support and respecting my privacy,” Yuvraj singh had written earlier.

“and of course everyday I look forward to come back and wear my india jersey my india cap and represent my country again jai hind,” he had stated.

Giving a glimpse into his routine there, Yuvraj today tweeted “20 minutes cycle in the gym felt good after a while!” “Amuls new ad is very cute I must say!” he added referring to a new print ad by the dairy product company, which goes with the tagline ‘Yu and Vi will fight it out together’.

Keywords: lung tumour, Yuvraj Singh

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Ausis manages to come on top in a thriller

As the ball soared high into the night sky, you could have heard a pin drop in the arena. The miscued blow seemed to be in the air forever – such was the tension - before being picked up by Daniel Christian at long-on. The home crowd roared.

Mathews and his partner D.Prasad were in agony. Bowler Mitchell Starc's visage reflected relief. And the Australians converged after surviving a scare. What a match!

The host, defending 231, clinched a nerve-jangling encounter of fortune swings by five runs at the WACA in the Commonwealth Bank triangular ODI series here on Friday. Yet, the win exposed chinks in the Australian side; the batting could be vulnerable and the bowling lacked experience at the death.

A heroic innings by Mathews (64, 76b, 4x4, 1x6) and his against-all-odds last wicket partnership of 46 with last man D.Prasad (15 not out) provided the drama as the Aussies seemed to lose plot.

The last over had drama and passion. Mathews was up against left-arm seamer Starc and Sri Lanka needed 18 runs. The all-rounder thwacked the first ball, lacking in length, past the mid-wicket ropes. And the second delivery, a fuller delivery, was clobbered over the long-off fence for a six.

Then,Angelo Mathews flicked for a single to deep square-leg. Prasad played one to deep point off the fourth ball and the batsmen scampered a cheeky single. Six more were needed from two and the big and strongAngelo Mathews took strike. Starc sent down a short-pitched delivery but the Sri Lankan, for once, could not quite connect properly. This was the match's final twist.

Before that mishit,Angelo Mathews had batted with remarkable composure, collecting the ones and the twos with deft placements, delivering the odd big blow, inspiring his partners and believing in himself.

Australia now has nine points from two games, India, four from two and Sri Lanka none from two. Australian skipper Michael Clarke who made a valuable 57 – he anchored the innings – and then marshalled his resources under pressure was named Man of the Match.

The surface for this game was different from the other games at the WACA. This was a slower track and medium-paced cut and spin were more effective weapons here. Left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty impressed with his turn and control. Wicket-keeper Mathew Wade failed with the willow but was involved in five dismissals including a superb, diving catch to dismiss Nuwan Kulasekara.

The run-out of Kumar Sangakkara proved the turning point. A confident K.Sangakkara (22) set off for a run after failing in his bid to flick but was turned back by Tillakaratne Dilshan. Bowler Clint McKay, however, raced in to pick up the loose ball from close to the pitch and scored a direct hit.

Putting the opposition under stress, the Aussies continued to pick big wickets. Paceman Ryan Harris got one to cut back into Tilakaratna Dilshan (40) from short-of-a-good-length and Wade pouched the edge. The opener had batted with a mix of luck and flair.

Support seamer Daniel Christian secured the prize scalp of Mahela Jayawardene when the Sri Lankan captain tried to steer a short-pitched delivery cutting into him. The talented Chandimal (37) was a tad unlucky to be adjudged leg-before to Clarke's left-arm spin when he missed a whip.

In the afternoon, the Aussies struggled for momentum after being inserted. Nicking an away seamer from Kulasekara, Wade departed early. The duel between the explosive David Warner and the mercurial Lasith Malinga was engrossing. Warner, with his quick bat-speed, blasted Malinga down the ground. The paceman responded with a scorching Yorker, which the left-hander just managed to dig out.

Even as much focus was on the face-off between these two flamboyant cricketers, Malinga removed Ricky Ponting, who played across to one that nipped back. The Sri Lankans meant business. The disciplined bowling was backed by slick fielding.

It wasAngelo Mathews who ended Warner's innings. The canny seamer bowled wicket-to-wicket and cramped Warner for room. The southpaw (34) played on. Skipper Clarke held firm at one end but a sensational return catch by Kulasekara, diving to his right, ended Michael Hussey's promising innings.

Clarke, at the other end, displayed glimpses of his footwork. When Senanayake gave the ball air, Clarke danced down the track and smacked the ball over the bowler's head. The off-spinner, who had come in for pace bowling all-rounder Thisara Perera, was tidy for most part.

Malinga returned to send David Hussey (27) back – the batsman attempted to flick the paceman but the leading edge was well pouched by a diving Thirimanne at short cover. Daniel Christian waded into the bowling, dismissing Prasad for three fours, all between mid-wicket and square-leg; this also indicated the paceman was bowling the wrong line.

Christian (33) struck Senanayake was a rousing straight six but the off-spinner had the last laugh, deceiving the advancing batsman with flight. Soon, Clarke's fighting vigil (57 off 88) ended when he could not keep a flick offAngelo Mathews down; his opposite number Jayawardene held a sharp catch at mid-wicket. A few useful blows from McKay and Starc kept Australia in the hunt.

Scoreboard: Australia: D. Warner bAngelo Mathews 34 (29b, 4x4, 1x6), M. Wade c K.Sangakkara b Kulasekara 1 (5b), R. Ponting lbw b Malinga 1 (4b), M. Clarke c Jayawardene bAngelo Mathews 57 (88b, 4x4); M. Hussey c & b Kulasekara 23 (32b, 3x4), David  Hussey c Thirimanne b Malinga 27 (38b, 2x4, 1x6), D. Christian st. K.Sangakkara b Senanayake 33 (44b, 4x4, 1x6), R. Harris c Kulasekara b Senanayake 3 (9b), C. McKay c Thirimanne b Prasad 25 (25b, 3x4), M. Starc c Tharanga b Prasad 14 (19b, 1x4), X. Doherty (not out) 2 (2b), Extras (lb-6, w-5) 11; Total (all out in 49.1 overs) 231.

Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Wade), 2-26 (Ponting), 3-50 (Warner), 4-81 (M. Hussey), 5-130 (David  Hussey), 6-186 (Christian), 7-190 (Clarke), 8-192 (Harris), 9-224 (Starc).

Sri Lanka bowling: Malinga 10-0-48-2, Kulasekara 10-0-39-2,Angelo Mathews 9-0-37-2, D. Prasad 9.1-0-55-2, Senanayake 10-0-45-2, Tilakaratna Dilshan 1-0-1-0.

Sri Lanka: U. Tharanga c Clarke b Starc 5 (13b, 1x4), T. Tilakaratna Dilshan c Wade b Harris 40 (57b, 4x4), K. K.Sangakkara (run out) 22 (32b, 3x4), D. Chandimal lbw b Clarke 37 (50b, 4x4), M. Jayawardene c Wade b Christian 13 (13b, 1x4), L. Thirimanne b Doherty 3 (6b), A.Angelo Mathews c Christian b Starc 64 (76b, 4x4, 1x6), N. Kulasekara c Wade b Christian 8 (11b), Senanayake st. Wade b Doherty 9 (24b), L. Malinga c Wade b McKay 1 (6b), D. Prasad (not out) 15 (11b, 1x4), Extras (lb-3, w-6) 9; Total (all out in 49.5 overs) 226.

Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Tharanga), 2-61 (K.Sangakkara), 3-88 (Tilakaratna Dilshan), 4-110 (Jayawardene), 5-119 (Thirimanne), 6-129 (Chandimal), 7-143 (Kulasekara), 8-175 (Senanayake), 9-180 (Malinga).

Australia bowling: Harris 10-0-43-1, Starc 9.5-0-50-2, McKay 10-0-50-1, Christian 8-1-47-2, Doherty 10-0-24-2, Clarke 2-0-9-1.

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Pull through india against Sri Lanka

India lived at the death at the WACA here on Wednesday. The side found unlikely batting heroes in R.Jadeja and  Ashwin who held their nerve in the cauldron.

At the end of it all, M.S.Dhoni's team clinched a match of twist and turns by four wickets. The side now has four points from two matches in the Commonwealth Bank triangular ODI series. Ausis has five from one and Sri Lanka is yet to open its account.

India required 53 runs from 14 overs – the side was 181 for four – when R.Ashwin joined R.Jadeja. Sri Lanka, which has made 233 for eight after electing to bat, was closing in for the kill.

R.Ashwin (30 not out) and R.Jadeja (24 not out), both spin bowling all-rounders, handled the situation with a calm mind. They collected ones and two by relying on deft placements. Only when the ball was lacking in direction or length did they venture into the bigger strokes.

R.Jadeja cut  Dilshan bowling off-spin – Sri Lanka erred by going into the match without a specialist spinner – while R.Ashwin timed paceman L. Malinga through wide mid-off and pulled seamer D. Prasad past the ropes. Soon, India was home.

Ashwin, who had contained and struck with his off-spin to finish with figures of three for 32 in the Sri Lankan innings, was adjudged Man of the Match.

Virat Kohli's 94-ball 77 held the Indian innings together. The fiesty Kohli's commitment to the team's cause was exemplary. He put a price on his wicket, got solidly behind the line and handled the lifting deliveries capably.

The right-hander flicked with aplomb and pulled with  apart from running hard between the wickets. V.Kohli also blasted D.Prasad over the straight-field for a six.

Moments later, he pushed one to mid-on and set off for a single.

Malinga took him out with a direct hit. Cramping and in pain, the brave V.Kolhi left the arena in dejection.


p1 by skycrickethighlights Jadeja and Ashwin left him smiling at the end of the match though. India required a start but V.Sehwag, failing in his ploy to harness the bounce in the surface, was caught at third man off slinger Malinga.

Sachin Sachin rolled back the years when he – his feet movement in harmony – eased Malinga through mid-off . Sachin (48) looked good for more when he tried to dab an off-cutter from paceman Angelo Mathews and played on.

India failed to build sizable partnerships. Never appearing organised with his footwork on a lively pitch, R.Sharma succumbed to seamer Thisara Perera; Tillakaratne Dilshan came up with a blinder at point.

Suresh Raina promised much with a couple of rapier-like cover and off drives before being gobbled up by the short ball by Mathews – the left-hander simply does not get into a proper position to essay the pull.

Dhoni too perished to a pull off Prasad; Malinga ran back at wide mid-on to hold a fine catch.

Earlier, Zaheer Khan, back in the eleven, bowled with rhythm and precision. And off-spinner Ashwin rediscovered his control to bowl with heart and craft.

Bowling is a lot about partnerships – pressure has to created from both the ends – and Zaheer khan combined wonderfully with Ashwin in a probing pace-spin association.

Between them, the two sent down 14 Power Play overs in which their returns were four wickets for 42.

Ashwin impressed in the batting Power Play – taken between overs 36 and 40 – sending down three overs for just 10 runs while scalping two.

It was an influential piece of bowling at a critical juncture.

Mahela Jayawardene top-edged a sweep and was splendidly held by R.Sharma. Then the big-hitting Perera was done in by a sharp off-spinner from round-the-wicket; Dhoni pulled off a smart stumping.

R.Aswin got his off-spinners to turn, switched his line to the right and the left-handers capably and employed the carrom ball judiciously.

Crucially, the variations were not of a predictable nature as he altered his trajectory and surprised the batsmen by releasing from behind the crease.


p3 by skycrickethighlights The off-spinner then consumed the talented Dinesh Chandimal with a delivery, angled across the right-hander, from round the wicket. The carrom ball got big on Chandimal and Dhoni did well to effect another stumping.

Dhoni had earlier defied gravity in the manner of a soccer goal-keeper to come up with the ball after Zaheer khan straightened one to find the edge of the left-handed Kumar Sangakkara's bat.

India picked one more paceman – Zaheer khan replaced injured leg-spinner Rahul Sharma. A 3-2 combination meant there was greater balance in the Indian attack.

For Sri Lanka, opener Dilshan (48) drove fluently off either foot and pulled well before being unable to keep a cut off left-arm spinner Jadeja down.

Chandimal (64) used his feet nicely to bind the innings and the strong Mathews gave the Lankans some fillip towards the end.

These runs were not enough for the islanders.

Keywords: India's tour of Australia

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Peter Forrest's strength comes from battling adversity

At his first cricket training session when he was seven-years-old, Forrest felt so humiliated after he tripped and landed flat on his face as he ran into bowl that he pleaded for his grandfather Ern to take him home because he was ''hopeless''.
But those close to Peter Forrest say that the 26-year-old possesses an old-school toughness that's allowed him to cope with events that could have left him broken and bitter. Now, he is on the verge of making his Ausis debut during the one-day series that starts against India at the MCG today.
His mother, Vanda, died of cancer when he was 18. His father, Ian, a former Parramatta rugby league front-rower who was known as ''Brutus'', because he resembled the Popeye character, died of a heart attack in 2008 as his pride and joy prepared to play a Sheffield Shield match.

''You couldn't understand it unless you go through it,'' Forrest said. ''I have been fortunate to have good people around me like my nan and aunty. Fiancee Rachel [Barker] has been great too, but that's a given, and I am lucky to have a big group of friends.
''I suppose it comes back to the person I am. I'm not a negative person; I'm not going to sit around and feel sorry for myself. There are the times when I feel really sad. I was 18 when Mum died and 23 when Dad passed away, and I remember I thought to myself, 'I'm young and have a long time to live so I'm not going to sit around and be sad'. It'd be a miserable life if you felt sorry for yourself all the time.''
His aunt Janine, who videotaped perhaps every  rugby league game he played from age four then became the scorer for his cricket teams, fills in the story Peter Forrest leaves half-finished by saying ''it's hard to answer''.
''Vanda was diagnosed with breast cancer as he was about to start high school,'' Janine said. ''He was the kind of kid you needed to tell the whole truth to. I remember him at the time walking around with a medical textbook and getting his mother to point out what was going on. She went to his graduation Mass at high school, went into a coma a day or so later and then died a couple of days later.
''Peter did his HSC a month after she died, which took huge guts. The truth is, well, he didn't like school that much, but Vanda wanted him to have an education so I think he did it for her.''
On the field, the batter's mind, says Forrest, can play tricks after hours at the crease.
But Forrest, who plays for Queen sland, appreciated early in his first-class career that the true warriors were those who planted their feet and gritted their teeth when the mind and the body started to negotiate terms of the wicket's surrender.
''When you're young you think the mental stuff comes naturally and easily,'' he said. ''But as you get older and you're batting for three, maybe four hours your mind starts to play tricks; starts to think 60 or 70 is pretty good, and that's the point when you need to dig in and go on and get those big scores.
''That's the challenge, and I don't know if you can train for that mindset, but you definitely build it over time. I'm a committed batsman, like most batsmen are. In the past I fought hard for my wicket, but I think that was also done at the detriment of my game. I had pack away a few shots rather than play my natural game. This year  Darren Lehmann encouraged me to relax, play my natural game and that seems to work. I will always fight hard, but I'll back myself and if it doesn't come off I'll be happy I tried.''
Forrest had visualised himself playing for Australia against India today from the moment he was named in the squad.
''You can't help but do that once you get the call. You just want to play, and if it does happen today  I will make the most of my opportunity,'' he said.

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Top-order batting let us down: MS.Dhoni

India's string of defeats away from home continues . The side has now lost 8 Tests, 3 ODIs and two twenty20 games beginning with the tour of England last year.

After yet another set back here on Wednesday, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said the top-order batting let the side down.

“If a couple of the top order batsmen had stayed longer, it would have been much easier for the new batsman coming in to play his shots with someone else stable at the other end. But that did not happen for us today,” he said.

He added the drizzle too did not help the team's cause after he had clinched the spin of the coin. “In England, we didn't win any of the tosses, it rained in the second innings and our bowling suffered because of that.

“This is the first toss I won over here and going by the forecast I thought we would be better off chasing. Around 170 runs would have been a good score to chase if the wicket had remained the same.>>>

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Bharat looks to avoid T20 whitewash

India has to find that exclusive spark of inspiration to end a nightmarish sequence of overseas setbacks. It needs a victory  in any format  like oxygen.

The side's 31-run defeat in the first KFC Twenty20 international at Sydney's Olympic Stadium on Wednesday meant India had now lost eight Tests, three ODIs, and two Twenty20 games in its last 15 matches on foreign soil.

During this period, an ODI ended in a no-result while another was a tie (both in England) but India failed to get the better of its opponent even once. Losing has become a dangerous habit. Belief – confidence is its off-shoot – has been a missing attribute in the Indian team.

Indeed, confident sides win more and Australia, presently, oozes belief. Pushed to the wall, India has to fight back. Under the circumstances, the second Twenty20 here at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday assumes significance.>>>

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Dilshan quits, jayawardene takes Over

sri lanka’s successful captain in the post-Muralitharan era, Tillakaratne Dilshan has submitted his resignation as captain of the national team to Chairman of the National Selection Committee with immediate effect.

“dilshan has resigned as captain in all three formats of the game. Members of the Executive committee take this opportunity to thank Dilshan for his commitment and dedication during his tenure as the National Captain. We also wish him well as he continues to represent Sri Lanka as a National Player,” a note from Sri Lanka Cricket, the governing body, said.>>>

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Rajasthan Holds On to the Ranji Trophy

The Scenes of jubilation at Chepauk here on Monday reflected the hard work and commitment behind the triumph. Rajasthan's back-to-back Ranji Trophy title wins meant its incredible flight upwards from the Plate division last season continues.

The Visitor Clinched the final against Tamil Nadu on the basis of its mammoth 326-run lead in the first innings. Rajasthan declared its second innings at 204 for five at tea on the fifth day. The home side was eight for two at the start of the last hour when play was called off.

For Rajasthan, the promising Robin Bist notched up 92 (185b, 13x4) becoming the only batsman in the Ranji season to cross 1000 runs. This well-organised batsman has possibilities.

Predictably, the surface played tricks on day five. Several deliveries shot through and some climbed off the cracks. R. Prasanna picked up three wickets employing his military medium off-cutters to good effect.

Rajasthan skipper Hrishikesh Kanitkar, a wily campaigner, sported the smile of satisfaction at the end of it all. He won a vital toss and then got his strategy right. The patient run-accumulation — this team has the ability to bat for long periods — not only swelled the total but also made Tamil Nadu wait till the pitch deteriorated.>>>

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Verendra Sehwag doesn't rule out future middle-order role

Veru has a reputation of treating opposition bowlers with disdain but India’s stand-in skipper and dashing opener Virender Sehwag on Monday said the current Australian attack is the best he has faced as it has tested his patience like none before.

“this is the best bowling attack I have seen, especially Australia. They are not giving easy balls to hit boundaries, they are playing with your patience,” conceded Sehwag.

Sehwag has scored just 118 runs at 19.67 with one fifty from the series and he is still searching for those boundary balls from the Australians.>>>

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Akram Slams British press for questioning Ajmal’s action

Pace bowling Legend Wasim Akram is exasperated with the way British press has been harping about the bowling action of Pakistan’s off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and termed as “stale” the pressure tactics of the home media.

ajmal took a 10-wicket haul in the Pakistan’s impressive 10-wicket win over England in the Dubai Test.

“instead of praising him (Saeed Ajmal) for he is someone special, instead of admitting their team didn’t do well and Pakistan played better cricket, they are after him,” said Akram. “It’s not funny anymore; it’s boring, stale and old.”

“Whenever they lose, they talk negative. It’s the English batsmen who played bad shots, sweeping across the line to off-spinner. It’s no rocket science that you can’t play across the line. But probably they don’t know. It’s the job of umpires and ICC — not British media.

“The permissible limit is 15 degrees and he’s been tested and tried for bowling well below it. He’s been around for 7-8 years. Why suddenly pick on him?” said an agitated Akram.>>>

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'We have a clear strategy'

Rajasthan captain Hrishikesh Kanitkar was in the thick of things as the Rajasthan team practised at Chepauk on Tuesday ahead of the five-day final beginning on January 19.

“It's an honour to be in a Ranji Trophy final in successive years. We have worked hard, found answers even when we were under tremendous pressure in the league stages,” he said.

SENIOR PROS

The former India left-hander admitted he and opener Aakash Chopra, another former international, carried much responsibility as senior outstation professionals in the team.

He added younger Rajasthan players had responded admirably to challenges during moments of crisis. Kanitkar had words of praise for batsman Robin Bist and paceman Rituraj Singh.

Kanitkar said, “Bist has footwork and balance. He is surely one for the future. Rituraj is a promising paceman who has made a difference to the side. He swings and seams the ball both ways and can be slippery.”>>>

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We have let the nation down: Gambhir

Struggling Indian opener Gautam Gambhir conceded that his team has let the entire nation down in the ongoing Test series against Australia and has failed to live up to the expectations.

India trail the four—match series 0—3 and are in danger of a second successive Test whitewash abroad after the England debacle last year.

“We have let the entire nation down and I will be the first one to accept it. There is a backlash which is happening back home and we are ready to accept it. We have given the opportunity to people (to criticise us). We haven’t played good cricket and not lived up to the expectations, given the batting we have,” said Gambhir after nets here on Tuesday.

“We have let the common man down who expects us to perform, and I accept it. We need to turn it around as quickly as possible,” he added.

The left—handed opener has scored only 144 runs from six innings at an average of 24.00, and is only one of the batsmen of the Indian batting unit which has collectively failed on the present tour.

“I am not someone who would be hesitant to take the responsibility. I will be the first one to accept it. If you want to be number one, you have to perform well and start winning overseas, whether it is England, South Africa or Australia,” said Gambhir.>>>

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Ashes victory is the ultimate goal, says Australian coach Arthur

Australia coach Mickey Arthur considers the ongoing four—match Test series against India as a stepping stone for regaining the Ashes next year, which he says remains the team’s ultimate goal.

“Winning back the Ashes is at the forefront of everybody’s mind. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that we were trying to build a really competitive team to go back and win them in 2013,” the Australian coach said.

“Judging by reports that I’ve read they have started to take a little bit of notice,” he added.

Australia has had a stunning revival after their 1—3 Ashes defeat last year, and Arthur was confident his team won’t be any pushover when they tour England in 18 months time.

Australia drew in South Africa last November and have already reclaimed the Border—Gavaskar trophy even before next week’s fourth Test in Adelaide and Arthur said world number one England is firmly on their radar.

“It is the ultimate goal,” he said.>>>

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Laxman has no plans to retire, say teammates

He might be drawing flak for his poor run in the ongoing Test series against Australia, but veteran Indian batsman VVS Laxman has no plans of hanging up his boots just yet.

Laxman carried this impression of defiance to the nets today at WACA as he strode out purposefully in the middle and had an extended batting session in sweltering heat.

And later, at the press conference, Indian opener Gautam Gambhir also jumped to Laxman’s defence, saying, “My question is why one person? The top seven batters are equally to blame.

We have failed as a unit, why then Laxman alone?

“He is a legend of Indian cricket. He has served Indian cricket for a very, very long time. There shouldn’t be anyone who would be deciding. It should be him and him alone who should do so.

“If criticism has to happen, it should happen not to one person but to the entire batting unit who have let the team down. Neither media, fans nor former cricketers would decide if he is to retire. He is still working very hard, it’s matter of just one innings and his confidence would be back.”>>>

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Sehwag nonchalant at the nets

If Virender Sehwag was anxious about his role as India skipper for the fourth Test against Australia and his continued poor run with the bat, he didn't show it to the world during the nets at the WACA here on Tuesday.

After batsmen — from Rahul Dravid to Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli to Gautam Gambhir — had gone through some serious nets, Sehwag preferred to bat in shorts without any protection of pads, against throw-downs and slow bowling, at the WACA.

Sehwag is now at the helm for the Adelaide Test, after Mahendra Singh Dhoni was banned for slow over-rate during the third Test which India lost.

DISMAL FORM

Sehwag has a fearsome reputation as a devastating opener, having scored 8,098 runs from 95 Tests at 50.93 with 22 centuries, including two triple hundreds, yet his form on the present tour has been downright dismal. Sehwag has scored 118 runs from six innings at an average of 19.67.>>>

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Laxman has no plans to retire, say teammates

He might be drawing flak for his poor run in the ongoing Test series against Australia, but veteran Indian batsman VVS Laxman has no plans of hanging up his boots just yet.

Laxman carried this impression of defiance to the nets today at WACA as he strode out purposefully in the middle and had an extended batting session in sweltering heat.

And later, at the press conference, Indian opener Gautam Gambhir also jumped to Laxman’s defence, saying, “My question is why one person? The top seven batters are equally to blame.

We have failed as a unit, why then Laxman alone?

“He is a legend of Indian cricket. He has served Indian cricket for a very, very long time. There shouldn’t be anyone who would be deciding. It should be him and him alone who should do so.

“If criticism has to happen, it should happen not to one person but to the entire batting unit who have let the team down. Neither media, fans nor former cricketers would decide if he is to retire. He is still working very hard, it’s matter of just one innings and his confidence would be back.”

Laxman has made a mere 102 runs from six innings at an average of 17. He was equally abysmal in India’s previous tour of England last summer when he made 182 runs from eight innings at an average of 22.75. Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, now sidelined due to a ban for slow over—rate, has been non—committal too when asked about Laxman’s so—called imminent retirement plans.>>>

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We have let the nation down: Gambhir

Struggling Indian opener Gautam Gambhir conceded that his team has let the entire nation down in the ongoing Test series against Australia and has failed to live up to the expectations.

India trail the four—match series 0—3 and are in danger of a second successive Test whitewash abroad after the England debacle last year.

“We have let the entire nation down and I will be the first one to accept it. There is a backlash which is happening back home and we are ready to accept it. We have given the opportunity to people (to criticise us). We haven’t played good cricket and not lived up to the expectations, given the batting we have,” said Gambhir after nets here on Tuesday.

“We have let the common man down who expects us to perform, and I accept it. We need to turn it around as quickly as possible,” he added.

The left—handed opener has scored only 144 runs from six innings at an average of 24.00, and is only one of the batsmen of the Indian batting unit which has collectively failed on the present tour.

“I am not someone who would be hesitant to take the responsibility. I will be the first one to accept it. If you want to be number one, you have to perform well and start winning overseas, whether it is England, South Africa or Australia,” said Gambhir.>>>

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Superb Ajmal sparks England collapse

Pakistan offspinner Saeed Ajmal was in mesmerizing form on Tuesday, taking career—best figures of 7—55 as England was bowled out for 192 before his team’s openers reached 42—0 at stumps on the first day of the first test.

Ajmal won five lbw decisions after England won the toss and elected to bat first at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with Matt Prior’s gritty knock of 70 to rescue his top—ranked team from a precarious 94—7 the sole innings of substance.

Pakistan openers Mohammad Hafeez (22) and Taufeeq Umar (18) saw off 15 overs in the last hour of the day without too many problems in facing England’s three seamers or lone spinner Graeme Swann.

England’s supporters dominated the crowd of about 1,500 people that watched a long list of batsman fail miserably to counter Ajmal’s variety of deliveries.

Captain Andrew Strauss (19), Ian Bell (0) and Kevin Pietersen (2) departed within five of Ajmal’s deliveries before lunch as England limped to 52—5.>>>

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Ashes victory is the ultimate goal, says Australian coach Arthur

Australia coach Mickey Arthur considers the ongoing four—match Test series against India as a stepping stone for regaining the Ashes next year, which he says remains the team’s ultimate goal.

“Winning back the Ashes is at the forefront of everybody’s mind. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that we were trying to build a really competitive team to go back and win them in 2013,” the Australian coach said.

“Judging by reports that I’ve read they have started to take a little bit of notice,” he added.

Australia has had a stunning revival after their 1—3 Ashes defeat last year, and Arthur was confident his team won’t be any pushover when they tour England in 18 months time.

Australia drew in South Africa last November and have already reclaimed the Border—Gavaskar trophy even before next week’s fourth Test in Adelaide and Arthur said world number one England is firmly on their radar.

“It is the ultimate goal,” he said. >>>

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Laxman must be allowed to be himself

By the time V.V.S. Laxman walked to the ‘nets' at the WACA, bat-bag slung across shoulder, helmet in hand, the Indians were hard at work in their sections.

Rahul Dravid had arrived early with Trevor Penney, the fielding coach, and had discussed his batting grip, his back-lift, and the English system of batting.

Dravid had done what he had on Tuesday — getting Penney to act as if he were whipping the ball at him, so he could freeze his stroke in reaction and monitor the position of his bat and body as he lined up.

He had interrupted his session — been persuaded to interrupt it, to be accurate — to address the press; the first round of ‘nets' had begun.

In this time, Laxman completed some slips-catching, stretched himself on a giant, purple medicine ball, and began his walk from the ground — with its still green pitch — to the practice area.

If he was feeling the familiar pressure of his place in the side being questioned from outside, it didn't show in the tranquil Laxman walk, a smile at the ready.

“I don't think it has affected Laxman too much,” said Dravid, when asked if he sensed Laxman was under pressure. “To be honest, I have been with him the last two days — I haven't read some of these comments — and I don't think Lax is bothered either.>>>

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A tete-a-tete with birthday boy Rahul Dravid

A press conference isn't what a cricketer would wish for on a birthday, let alone his 39th, but Rahul Dravid handled it with customary good humour.

He denied allegations of the team being divided (“When you are down 2-0, all these things happen; there is absolutely no truth to any of it”), joked about his age (“Any number scares you after 30. Actually, 40. I'll be scared of that number”), and accepted several birthday wishes.

Excerpts from an interaction

On handling criticism: One of the good things about touring is that you are in a bit of a cocoon. You can never gauge the feelings of what's happening back home. The spirit has been good. The enthusiasm to practice… just the overall energy around the squad has been really good. Obviously, it's a disappointment with the results we have had so far. But, overall, in terms of the spirit, it's been pretty good.>>>

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Our pace attack is confident: Clarke

Australia captain Michael Clarke on Thursday exuded confidence in his pace battery and said whether there is a four—prong pace attack or not, they are good enough to take the wickets in the third cricket Test against India starting here tomorrow.

Australia would seek a replacement of James Pattinson in either Ryan Harris or Mitchell Starc, and Clarke believed both of them would be good enough to do the job.

“He (Harris) is as good a fast bowler as I have seen throughout my career. He has had a lot of success. Our attack is very confident. Be it three or four fast bowlers, they can all do really well,” he said.

“It’s a kind of wicket where the new ball would play a very important part in this Test. Day One would really suit fast bowling.”

Clarke gave a hint that he might think of opting to bowl first if the wicket retained that kind of grass and hardness as it was a couple of days ago.

“I would think about it. I find it hard to bowl first and be without any spinner in my team. No matter what the conditions are like. But you also want to find the best way to win a game. I need to make two very smart decisions tomorrow morning,” he said.

Fresh from his triple century in Sydney, Clarke said he would like to carry his good form into the match tomorrow.>>>

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Vijay's unbeaten century enhances TN's lead

Mumbai surrendered so quickly. Once its last specialist batsman Hiken Shah directed a harmless wide delivery into the hands of the `keeper, Tamil Nadu wrapped up the Mumbai tail to take a vital first innings lead of 202 in the Ranji Trophy semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium here on Thursday.

The three seamers — L. Balaji, Yomahesh and J. Kaushik — got into the wicket-taking act and dismissed the home team for a meagre 157.

Not in recent times has Mumbai been shot out in a little over four hours and the Tamil Nadu bowlers can take credit for bringing down a mighty opponent in such a short time, in 51 overs, and more or less confirm its entry into the final of the National championship.

NO FOLLOW-ON

As expected Tamil Nadu did not enforce the follow-on; instead it batted again and Murali Vijay scored a century. >>>

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Keen contest on the cards

Rural face of Indian cricket; so be it! The Haryanvi cricketer is proud of playing for the State. Three quarterfinal spots in the last three years and the Ranji Trophy semifinal clash with Rajasthan at the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Stadium here from Tuesday places Haryana among the elite teams of domestic circuit.

A win here will mean a lot to a bunch of cricketers who hardly get any credit for their wonderful work on the field.

FIGHTING UNIT

With an encouraging show against Karnataka in the last match, Haryana has come a long way from the team that once struggled to qualify for the knockout phase.

A stirring Ranji Trophy win under Kapil Dev in 1990-91 was a landmark moment for Haryana cricket and the subsequent years have continued to enhance Haryana's standing as a team that loves to fight.

The legacy to fight was created by two spin stalwarts, Rajinder Goel (750 first class wickets) and Sarkar Talwar (357), who are respected to this day for their priceless contribution to Haryana cricket.

Rajasthan has acquired a reputation too.

It looks the defending champion team that it is. Robin Bist, boasting of an aggregate of 841 runs with four centuries, stands tall with young Ashok Menaria playing his role well even though he missed the last match against Hyderabad.

Skipper Hrishikesh Kanitkar continues to be the force behind Rajasthan's excellent show along with consistent scorer Vineet Saxena.

“We are a team that believes in playing like a team. It helps us to believe in our collective strength.

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Arthur backs underfire Haddin

Australia coach Mickey Arthur on Tuesday lent support to struggling wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who he says will surely come out of his lean patch in the third Test against India, starting on Friday.

Haddin had dropped Indian opener Gautam Gambhir in the Sydney Test and his wicketkeeping has been below par this series apart from poor form with the bat, prompting many critics to demand for his axing.

But Arthur says, Haddin is a good cricketing brain and is an asset for the side. “I still believe in Brad (Haddin). I love his character. I love the way he is around the group. He is our vice-captain and he lives that role really well. I am confident we are going to get the best out of Brad in the Perth Test match,” Arthur said.

“We are just going to keep hammering it home with Brad. He did not have his best Test match by everyone’s admission. I think he will be fine. I had a nice chat to him after the Test. He’s fine. He wants to come to Perth and do well,” he was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.

Keywords: India's tour of Australia

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Wickets fall like nine pins; Harshal wrecks havoc

Rajasthan 89. Haryana 82 for eight. Not a T20 contest but just a day-old Ranji Trophy semifinal on a lively pitch that tested the character and discipline of a batsman.

It was just the playing surface that separates good from the ordinary. To call the pitch anything else would be a travesty as bowlers prided in their vocation at the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Stadium here on Tuesday.

Haryana won the toss and exploited the conditions,courtesy Harshal Patel. His eight for 34 was better than his own eight for 40 against Karnataka in the preceding match last week.

Rajasthan hit back and the day ended on a delicate note with the home team clearly lamenting the chance missed to build on the brilliant platform that the 19-year-old Harshal had created.

“One has to rely on seam movement here (at Lahli),” said the unassuming Harshal.

He just pitched the ball up, moved it just that bit, accuracy behind his forte. The bounce was true but not one batsman showed the application needed to excel on such a pitch. There was not a dismissal that could be attributed to the vagaries of the pitch.

Edges flew and were held too as Harshal scythed through the Rajasthan top order. The batsman were embarrassed and humiliated by a youngster who knew his strength well. “The Lahli pitch slows down a little but I stuck to the basics,” he said. Only if the batsmen had remembered this lesson! continuereading

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Bangladesh cricket CEO passes away

The Bangladesh Cricket Board said chief executive officer Manzur Ahmed has died of a heart attack while asleep in his Dhaka apartment. He was 57.

Ahmed’s body was recovered from his room on Monday, the board said, adding Ahmed died overnight.

He took over as chief of the BCB in 2010. His funeral prayers were held in a mosque in Dhaka, where several hundred cricket officials and fans gathered.

Bangladesh Junior Sports Minister Ahad Ali Sarkar said, “His sudden death is a huge loss to the country’s sports arena.” International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Logart said Ahmed’s death has shocked everyone in ICC.

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Siddle doesn’t think he has got hold on Sachin

Australia’s pace spearhead Peter Siddle doesn’t think he has got a hold on Sachin Tendulkar, in contrary to the claim made by the home’s team’s wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

“The times I’ve bowled to Sachin, I probably have (been fortunate). I’m probably lucky enough I’ve got him two times in Melbourne. But in Sydney a couple of other blokes got him,” Siddle said on Tuesday.

“We’re building the pressure and whether it’s against Sachin or against Dravid, or any of their batters, if I can build the pressure and it happens from the other end, we’re going to get the breakthrough,” he said.

Haddin had claimed that Siddle, has found a weakness in the armour of Tendulkar. The Victorian fast bowler also doesn’t think that the pressure of scoring his 100th international ton is bogging down Tendulkar.

“He is still averaging about 70 or 80 so he’s still not doing too badly. It’s going to be around the corner and hopefully about in three Tests time when he’s not here.

“If we can keep the pressure going, whether we get his wicket straightaway or we keep getting wickets at the other end, the pressure will build on him,” Siddle said.

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Zaheer says there are good vibes and positive signs

Zaheer Khan has had success in the two Tests thus far on tour. But it was off the field that he put on quite the performance on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media after India's rigorous, three-hour practice session at the WACA, Zaheer exuded calm assurance and spiky feistiness in equal measure.

“This is not the first time we have been in a situation like this,” said the 33-year-old left-armer, referring to the 0-2 deficit. “We have come out of such situations in the past. It's showing in practice; there's a good vibe going in the dressing room and it's a positive sign. We are quietly confident. This Test starts afresh and we are focusing on it.”

Asked about the performance of the bowling unit he leads, Zaheer said, “We were fantastic in Melbourne. Everyone chipped in. In Sydney, the wicket changed after the first day. It's not an excuse, but anybody could see it. The nip and movement off the pitch wasn't the same. But we are looking forward to [this Test] and I am confident as a bowling unit we can take 20 wickets.” continuereading

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Ridiculous to hear you are old, slow after a weak game: Kallis

Having recorded a career-best 224, South Africa’s all-rounder Jacques Kallis blasted the media, stating that only newspapers believed that he was too old and slow to have a place in the national cricket team.

Just two days before hitting his double century against Sri Lanka in the third Test match at Cape Town, Kallis was being lambasted in the media for his performance in the second Test, which the Proteas lost by 208 runs.

“Fortunately I do not read newspapers, but a few of my pals have told me what they were writing about me,” Kallis was quoted as saying by the Afrikaans daily Beeld today.

“It’s ridiculous to hear that after just one weak match you are suddenly too old and slow and that your eyes are not as good as they used to be,” he added.

Kallis said he hoped that his double century in his 150th Test would prove that there was nothing wrong with his eyes.

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The bowlers need the cushion of extra runs, says Dhoni

M.S. Dhoni is criticised for saying the same thing every press conference — and it only gets tougher after six successive overseas defeats — but he improvised a metaphor on Friday evening.

Asked how India could stop the free-fall, Dhoni said, “You need a parachute.”

He elaborated: “If you see the last two series, our performance in England and now here, we didn't put enough runs on the board. It's important to take 20 wickets but you also need the cushion of extra runs. We haven't put enough runs. Even in England, not often we scored 300 runs. It doesn't allow bowlers to experiment a bit when the rival batsmen are set. They never got the cushion of those runs.”

Confused

The Indian captain admitted that he was “confused” during Australia's run marathon. “We not only were not able to take wickets but also couldn't stop them from scoring briskly,” he said. “After scoring 200 runs, when you see batsmen scoring freely, you get confused whether to get them out or to stop them from scoring briskly.” continuereading

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Australia crushes India

The embers of India's resistance smouldered on Friday, flickers of occasional brightness amidst the dull glow, but were quenched before they could burst into flame.

Resuming on 114 for two, requiring a further 364 to make Australia bat again in the second Test, India was bowled out for 400 on the fourth evening. The innings defeat, which wasn't entirely unexpected after M.S. Dhoni's touring party had folded for 191 on the first day, gave Australia an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the four-match series.

India hadn't much chance of saving the Test. Its ambition was more modest — to muster all the fight it could, as Rahul Dravid said on the third evening. India would then have an idea of how the home side's bowlers, so good when allowed to establish the tone, react when extended, when “under the pump”. Its batsmen would have something to take to Perth, form, confidence, momentum, a clever line in repartee, anything at all.  continuereading

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Pattinson out of the Test series

Australian fast bowler James Pattinson will miss the remainder of the Test series against India because of a “bone stress injury” of the left foot.

Pattinson complained of pain in his left foot towards the end of the second Test, which concluded here on Friday. Australian physio Alex Kountouris said scans had “cleared him of a stress fracture” but had revealed “early stage stress injury of the metatarsal bone.”

Kountouris added that the 21-year-old Pattinson would be managed carefully over the next few weeks. He has been replaced in the squad for the Perth Test by left-armer Mitchell Starc although it's Ryan Harris who is expected to be part of the playing eleven.

Australia will miss Pattinson, who has taken 25 wickets in four Tests at an average of just over 18. Pat Cummins, who had an incredible start in South Africa, is the other young Australian fast bowler who has had injury troubles early in his career.

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SLC keen to hold IPL games to raise funds

Cash-starved Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has approached the BCCI, showing its interest to hold some Indian Premier League matches in the island country to raise some additional revenue.

SLC's revenue got a beating when the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) was postponed last year after the BCCI refused to release Indian cricketers for the tournament.

SLC also has been hit hard because of the construction of new stadiums in Pallekele and Hambantota and the renovation of the Premadasa Stadium for last year's World Cup.

“I feel it (a T20 league) is a needed thing. But I don't think it is the right time with India having the IPL,” the newly-appointed SLC president Upali Dharmadasa told ‘espncricinfo'.

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Clarke, Ponting centuries lead Australia

Michael Clarke’s unbeaten double century and Ricky Ponting’s first hundred in nearly two years placed Australia in total command on the second day of the second Test against India.

Clarke and Ponting shared a record 288-run partnership as Australia flayed India’s attack to be 482-4 at stumps on Wednesday for a 291-run first innings lead.

Clarke finished the day unbeaten on 251, his first double century and the highest score by an Australian at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with Mike Hussey on 55. Australia added 366 runs for the loss of one wicket on the second day.

“It’s a nice start to 2012,” Clarke said. “To score some runs today is very special. The team is in a wonderful position at the moment, 280—odd run lead, but the wicket has flattened out a lot so the most important thing for us is making sure there is enough time in the game to give ourselves a chance to bowl India out.” continuereading

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India v Australia - Day 1 - As it happened

Australia dominating proceedings on the first day of the second Test at Sydney, bundling out India for 191 before Ponting and Clarke helped post a strong reply with the bat.

Send us all your match views and remarks to liveresponse@thehindu.co.in

Check the live score ticker on the right of this page for the latest score

Right, it was an entertaining day of Test cricket and I've enjoyed sharing my views. Be sure to tune in tomorrow at 5 AM (IST) to follow India's progress in this Test! Goodbye!

The Indian batting line-up needs some deep introspection. Being unable to score over 300 for over a year of overseas tours is certainly a cause for worry.continuereading

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Dominant Australia take honours on first day

India’s famed batting line-up came a cropper yet again against a disciplined Australian pace attack as they allowed the home side to wrest the early initiative on an engrossing opening day of the second cricket Test on Tuesday.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni opted to bat after winning the toss but his decision boomeranged as the visitors were dismissed for 191 in 59.3 overs on a seaming and bouncy pitch at the SCG, which is hosting its centenary Test.

But for Dhoni (57 not out) and Sachin Tendulkar (41), the Indian total would have been much lower as their other colleagues struggled against an inexperienced but disciplined opposition pace bowling attack.

Zaheer Khan though threatened to bring India back into the match with three quick scalps early in Australia’s reply. continuereading

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Prasad takes 2 but South Africa races to 135-2

Dhammika Prasad made an immediate impact for Sri Lanka with two wickets in his first match on tour but South Africa still hurried to 135-2 at lunch Tuesday on the first day of the third and final test at Newlands.

Prasad struck with his first ball after Sri Lanka put the host in to bat in the series decider, forcing Graeme Smith to play on for 16.

Prasad also removed Hashim Amla lbw for 16 to go to into the break with 2-30 after he was brought into Sri Lanka’s lineup for the injured Dilhara Fernando.

Recalled opener Alviro Petersen moved to 54 not out and Jacques Kallis was 47 not out in his 150th test as South Africa then counterattacked in the opening session. continuereading

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Virat Kohli likely to keep the No. 6 spot in the team

After an unscheduled day off and another spent travelling and enjoying the New Year festivities, the Indians began their preparation for the second Test.

The team had a two-and-a-half hour practice session at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday morning. Watched by national selectors Mohinder Amarnath and Narendra Hirwani, the batsmen had the nets on wickets that were similar in appearance to the grassy pitch in the middle of the SCG.

Sachin Tendulkar, as he often does, had a net to himself, batting against throw-downs and bowlers from 16 yards. The great man was in good spirits, directing the bowlers to test various parts of his games. He kept up a conversation, talking about why he played a certain shot a certain way and what he would have done had the length been different. continuereading

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Australia will win 4-0, predicts McGrath

Pace legend Glenn McGrath foresees Australia whitewashing India 4-0 in the ongoing Test series as he feels the home team’s pace bowling attack, especially the young James Pattinson, gives it a decisive edge over the visitors.

“Yesterday, I said 3-0 but I stuffed up because I thought there were only three Tests. But definitely 4-0 now,” said McGrath at the SCG where he was promoting McGrath Foundation for breast cancer.

“The way the guys have played at the moment I’ve been very impressed. I think a team builds itself around a bowling attack and you look at the bowling attack the team has at the moment.

“It will give the rest of the guys a lot of confidence so I’m very confident, as confident as I’ve been in years that this team is something special and expecting big things from them too,” he added. continuereading

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Australian cricketers lost respect for Tendulkar after Monkeygate: report

In an attack on Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, an Australian newspaper slammed the batting maestro for backing his teammate Harbhajan Singh during the 2008 ‘Monkeygate’ scandal here, saying some Australian players lost respect for him after the incident.

“While the cricket world is abuzz with anticipation that the Little Master will score his 100th international century during the second Test in Sydney, beginning tomorrow, some recent Australian players have not forgiven his role in the Andrew Symonds ‘Monkeygate’ scandal,” The ‘Herald Sun’s Malcom Conn wrote in a column titled ‘Sachin’s Sin City’

The writer goes on to state that the ‘Monkeygate’ scandal will forever haunt Tendulkar. continuereading

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SCG is Sachin's favourite ground overseas

It is his “favourite ground” outside India and Sachin Tendulkar is determined to continue this love affair with the SCG, where he averages a staggering 221, during the second Test against Australia starting on January 3.
Tendulkar has two centuries and a double century from just four Tests at the SCG, with a highest score of an unbeaten 241.
“The SCG has obviously been my favourite ground away from India,” Tendulkar said.
“It's a terrific ground, a special place. I love the atmosphere. It's wonderful.
“There are these certain grounds where you walk out there feeling you're going to do well and the SCG is one of those grounds where I feel comfortable,” he was quoted by The Daily Telegraph.
SCG has always had a special place in Tendulkar's career but it remains to be seen whether he can achieve the elusive 100th international century at his favourite overseas ground.
And with a combination of Tendulkar's date with history, Australia's win in Melbourne and fine weather forecast for the second Test, the SCG Trust and Cricket New South Wales are also hoping to lift the ticket sales for the next match of the series. continuereading 

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India's chances almost over

The ongoing rubber against Australia was seen as India's best chance of winning a series Down Under, but former captain Sunil Gavaskar said that the visitor should forget about such a possibility after the humiliating loss in the first Test in Melbourne.
Asked whether the defeat has virtually ended India's chances of winning the four-match series, Gavaskar responded in the affirmative.
“Yes, I think so (about India not winning the series). I will be happy to be proven wrong, but I don't see that happening,” he told NDTV.
“In both the innings here we failed to cross the 300-run mark, especially in the second innings here the pitch was good for batting.
“In England we managed to reach 300 only once despite our batsmen having 30,000-40,000 runs behind them. The alarm bells are ringing very loudly,” he added.
M.S. Dhoni might be facing criticism from all quarters for his defensive captaincy of late, but Gavaskar extended some support to the beleaguered India skipper.

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India's bowlers should stir the batsmen

Virender Sehwag was asked during the first Test in Melbourne if Gautam Gambhir's lack of runs was worrying. Fixing the questioner in an unblinking gaze, Sehwag said: “One innings, man. Long tour.”
This, of course, was before India's second innings. It was another of those moments between reporter and cricketer, a question inadequately articulated and thus intriguingly answered. The question was about long-term form, Sehwag's answer, about the challenges of playing Test cricket in Australia and the patience needed when assessing it.
Four Indians — Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Umesh Yadav, and R. Ashwin — played their first Test in Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Their performances, as opener, middle-order bat, fast-bowler, and spinner, were indicative of India's; they raised issues, which, if contemplated, might clear the gloom of defeat.
Gambhir's is the most interesting case, for there is not the slightest doubt that he is a first-rate batsman who seems to have an extra dimension in a crisis. But the runs have come less prolifically over the last two years: he made 994 runs from 33 innings at 32.06 in 2010 and 2011 as compared to 1861 runs from 25 innings at 77.54 in 2008 and 2009.

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