India won 5th ODI by 6 wickets

India won 5th ODI by 6 wickets (with 38 balls remaining)

Man of the match: V Sehwag

A superb performance from the Indian batsmen. There was some uneven bounce on the pitch and there was a tricky period when three wickets went down in quick succession but Dhoni and Raina made sure the good work of the openers wasn’t wasted

England will be gutted after their batsmen, led by captain Kevin Pietersen, put a competitive total, certainly not one that should have been overhauled with more than six overs to spare

India innings (target: 271 runs from 50 overs) R B 4s 6s SR
V Sehwag lbw b Broad 91 73 15 1 124.65
SR Tendulkar b Harmison 50 57 6 0 87.71
Yuvraj Singh c & b Bopara 6 9 0 0 66.66
MS Dhoni lbw b Swann 50 61 5 0 81.96
SK Raina not out 54 53 8 0 101.88
RG Sharma not out 8 10 1 0 80.00
Extras (lb 5, w 8, nb 1) 14

Total (4 wickets; 43.4 overs) 273 (6.25 runs per over)

Did not bat YK Pathan, IK Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Z Khan, I Sharma

Fall of wickets1-136 (Tendulkar, 19.5 ov), 2-156 (Yuvraj Singh, 22.6 ov), 3-156 (Sehwag, 23.1 ov), 4-250 (Dhoni, 40.6 ov)

England 270/4 (50 ov)
India 273/4 (43.4 ov) Match over
India RR 6.25
Last 5 ovs 44/1 RR 8.80
England RR 5.40

Hours of play: 14.30 start, First Session 14.30-18.00 Interval 18.00-18.45, Second Session 18.45-22.15
Current time: 22:20 local, 16:50 GMT

ODI career
Batsmen Runs B 4s 6s SR This bowler Last 5 ovs Mat Runs Ave
*RG Sharma (rhb) 8 10 1 0 80.00 6 (7b) 8 (10b) 32 593 24.70
SK Raina (lhb) 54 53 8 0 101.88 21 (18b) 23 (14b) 55 1293 34.02

Bowlers O M R W Econ Current spell Mat Wkts Ave
*RS Bopara (rm) 6.0 1 42 1 7.00 (1nb, 1w) 1.4-0-17-0 33 5 48.00
GP Swann (ob) 7.0 0 56 1 8.00 (0nb, 2w) 6-0-35-1 15 18 28.38

Recent overs 1 . 1 1 4 W | 4 2nb . 1 1 1 4 | 1 1 . 1 . 1wd . | . 2lb . 4

Current partnership 23 runs, 2.4 overs, RR: 8.62 (Raina 11, RG Sharma 8)

Last bat MS Dhoni lbw b Swann 50 (61b 5×4 0x6) SR: 81.96
Fow: 250/4 (40.6 ov); Partnership: 94 runs, 17.5 overs, RR: 5.27 (Dhoni 50, Raina 43)

43.4 Bopara to RG Sharma, FOUR, very wide outside off, Rohit slashes it through cover for a boundary, and that’s 5-0 to India
43.3 Bopara to RG Sharma, no run
43.2 Bopara to RG Sharma, 2 leg byes, whistling down the leg side, Rohit glances it for two runs
43.1 Bopara to RG Sharma, no run, defended off the front foot
End of over 43 (4 runs) – India 267/4 (4 runs required)
SK Raina 54* (53b 8×4) GP Swann 7-0-56-1
RG Sharma 4* (6b) RS Bopara 5.2-1-38-1

42.6 Swann to Raina, no run, punched off the backfoot to extra cover
42.6 Swann to Raina, 1 wide, and a bouncer from the offspinner, thats so high that it’s called a wide
42.5 Swann to Raina, no run, punched off the backfoot to extra cover
42.4 Swann to RG Sharma, 1 run, driven to long-on for a single
42.3 Swann to RG Sharma, no run, tossed up, full and just outside off, Rohit digs it out towards cover point
42.2 Swann to Raina, 1 run, that was a short one outside off, Raina flatbats it down to long-off
42.1 Swann to RG Sharma, 1 run, worked down to long-on for a single
End of over 42 (13 runs) – India 263/4 (8 runs required)
SK Raina 53* (50b 8×4) RS Bopara 5.2-1-38-1
RG Sharma 2* (3b) GP Swann 6-0-52-1

41.6 Bopara to Raina, FOUR, Raina tickles it down the leg side for a boundary, and that brings up his half-century
41.5 Bopara to RG Sharma, 1 run, a bit of extra bounce for Bopara, Rohit guides it towards short third man for a single
India are making it look easy here, 13 needed off 50 balls now
41.4 Bopara to Raina, 1 run, overpitched and outside off, Raina drives that down to long-off for a single
41.3 Bopara to RG Sharma, 1 run, turned towards midwicket by Rohit, he gets off the mark
41.2 Bopara to RG Sharma, no run, length ball outside off, defended by Rohit towards backward point
41.2 Bopara to Raina, (no ball) 1 run, the dew is causing trouble here, the ball slips out of Bopara’s hand and comes out as a high full toss to Raina, who manges to get out of it’s way
41.1 Bopara to Raina, FOUR, drags it short, Raina doesn’t bother much with his footwork as he slams it to the midwicket boundary

India pacer Zaheer Khan (centre) is congratulated by teammates after dismissing England opener Alastair Cook during the fifth One-Day International at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Wednesday.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni elected to field after winning the toss.

England’s Paul Collingwood departs. He was elevated to the No 4 slot, and with Kevin Pietersen in full flow at the other end, he played a perfect cameo.
The duo had raised 89 runs for the third wicket when Collingwood (40) was dismissed by a Harbhajan enticer.

Stepping out to the off-spinner, he lofted the ball over long-on, where Zaheer took a low catch.

Andrew Flintoff was a huge let down. He fell to Ishant Sharma for a third ball duck.
His exit reduced England to 158 for 4.

England captain Kevin Pietersen celebrates his century. His 128-ball 111 — his seventh ODI ton — was studded with 10 boundaries and a six.

Pietersen went after Harbhajan after completing his fifty, hitting the spinner for a boundary and following it up with a towering six over long-on to complete 3,000 runs in this format of the game. He became the tenth, and youngest, England player to achieve the feat.

Owais Shah scored an unbeaten 66 off 57 balls, which included nine fours.

More importantly, he and Kevin Pietersen stitched together a 112-run stand for the unconquered fifth wicket to steady the ship and steer England to a respectable total.

 

5th ODI India Vs England

India won 5th ODI by 6 wickets (with 38 balls remaining)

England 270/4 (50 ov)
India 273/4 (43.4 ov) Match over
India RR 6.25
Last 5 ovs 44/1 RR 8.80
England RR 5.40

Hours of play: 14.30 start, First Session 14.30-18.00 Interval 18.00-18.45, Second Session 18.45-22.15
Current time: 22:20 local, 16:50 GMT

ODI career
Batsmen Runs B 4s 6s SR This bowler Last 5 ovs Mat Runs Ave
*RG Sharma (rhb) 8 10 1 0 80.00 6 (7b) 8 (10b) 32 593 24.70
SK Raina (lhb) 54 53 8 0 101.88 21 (18b) 23 (14b) 55 1293 34.02

Bowlers O M R W Econ Current spell Mat Wkts Ave
*RS Bopara (rm) 6.0 1 42 1 7.00 (1nb, 1w) 1.4-0-17-0 33 5 48.00
GP Swann (ob) 7.0 0 56 1 8.00 (0nb, 2w) 6-0-35-1 15 18 28.38

Recent overs 1 . 1 1 4 W | 4 2nb . 1 1 1 4 | 1 1 . 1 . 1wd . | . 2lb . 4

Current partnership 23 runs, 2.4 overs, RR: 8.62 (Raina 11, RG Sharma 8)

Last bat MS Dhoni lbw b Swann 50 (61b 5×4 0x6) SR: 81.96
Fow: 250/4 (40.6 ov); Partnership: 94 runs, 17.5 overs, RR: 5.27 (Dhoni 50, Raina 43)

43.4 Bopara to RG Sharma, FOUR, very wide outside off, Rohit slashes it through cover for a boundary, and that’s 5-0 to India
43.3 Bopara to RG Sharma, no run
43.2 Bopara to RG Sharma, 2 leg byes, whistling down the leg side, Rohit glances it for two runs
43.1 Bopara to RG Sharma, no run, defended off the front foot
End of over 43 (4 runs) – India 267/4 (4 runs required)
SK Raina 54* (53b 8×4) GP Swann 7-0-56-1
RG Sharma 4* (6b) RS Bopara 5.2-1-38-1

42.6 Swann to Raina, no run, punched off the backfoot to extra cover
42.6 Swann to Raina, 1 wide, and a bouncer from the offspinner, thats so high that it’s called a wide
42.5 Swann to Raina, no run, punched off the backfoot to extra cover
42.4 Swann to RG Sharma, 1 run, driven to long-on for a single
42.3 Swann to RG Sharma, no run, tossed up, full and just outside off, Rohit digs it out towards cover point
42.2 Swann to Raina, 1 run, that was a short one outside off, Raina flatbats it down to long-off
42.1 Swann to RG Sharma, 1 run, worked down to long-on for a single
End of over 42 (13 runs) – India 263/4 (8 runs required)
SK Raina 53* (50b 8×4) RS Bopara 5.2-1-38-1
RG Sharma 2* (3b) GP Swann 6-0-52-1

41.6 Bopara to Raina, FOUR, Raina tickles it down the leg side for a boundary, and that brings up his half-century
41.5 Bopara to RG Sharma, 1 run, a bit of extra bounce for Bopara, Rohit guides it towards short third man for a single
India are making it look easy here, 13 needed off 50 balls now
41.4 Bopara to Raina, 1 run, overpitched and outside off, Raina drives that down to long-off for a single
41.3 Bopara to RG Sharma, 1 run, turned towards midwicket by Rohit, he gets off the mark
41.2 Bopara to RG Sharma, no run, length ball outside off, defended by Rohit towards backward point
41.2 Bopara to Raina, (no ball) 1 run, the dew is causing trouble here, the ball slips out of Bopara’s hand and comes out as a high full toss to Raina, who manges to get out of it’s way
41.1 Bopara to Raina, FOUR, drags it short, Raina doesn’t bother much with his footwork as he slams it to the midwicket boundary

———————-

SK Raina (lhb) 53 50 8 0 106.00 21 (18b) 28 (15b) hits another fifty
————-

India loose fourth wicket as MS Dhoni lbw b Swann 50 (61b 5×4 0x6) SR: 81.96! Need 21 more runs in 9 over.
England 270/4 (50 ov)
India 250/4 (41.0 ov) India require another 21 runs with 6 wickets and 54 balls remaining
India RR 6.09
Last 5 ovs 43/1 RR 8.60
Required RR 2.33
England RR 5.40

Hours of play: 14.30 start, First Session 14.30-18.00 Interval 18.00-18.45, Second Session 18.45-22.15
Current time: 22:07 local, 16:37 GMT

ODI career
Batsmen Runs B 4s 6s SR This bowler Last 5 ovs Mat Runs Ave
*SK Raina (lhb) 43 46 6 0 93.47 17 (14b) 21 (14b) 55 1282 33.73

Bowlers O M R W Econ Current spell Mat Wkts Ave
*GP Swann (ob) 6.0 0 52 1 8.66 (0nb, 1w) 5-0-31-1 15 18 28.16
A Flintoff (rf) 9.0 0 43 0 4.77 (0nb, 0w) 1-0-9-0 138 163 24.69

Recent overs 1 1 1 4 4 1 | . 4 1 4 . . | 1 . 1 1 4 W

Last bat MS Dhoni lbw b Swann 50 (61b 5×4 0x6) SR: 81.96
Fow: 250/4 (40.6 ov); Partnership: 94 runs, 17.5 overs, RR: 5.27 (Dhoni 50, Raina 43)

End of over 41 (7 runs) – India 250/4 (21 runs required)
GP Swann 6-0-52-1
SK Raina 43* (46b 6×4) A Flintoff 9-0-43-0

40.6 Swann to Dhoni, OUT
MS Dhoni lbw b Swann 50 (61b 5×4 0x6) SR: 81.96
40.5 Swann to Dhoni, FOUR, overpitched, and Dhoni crunches it down the ground, just to the left of the bowler for a boundary, that’s his half-century
40.4 Swann to Raina, 1 run, Raina comes down the track and flicks a full ball to midwicket
40.3 Swann to Dhoni, 1 run, strays onto leg stump, Dhoni swipes it behind square for a single
40.2 Swann to Dhoni, no run, length ball, Dhoni pushes it towards cover, there’s some confusion in the calling before the batsmen decide against taking the single
40.1 Swann to Raina, 1 run, pitched up, on middle and leg, worked to long-off for a single
Powerplay has been taken
——————————–

England 270/4 (50 ov)
India 243/3 (39.6 ov) India require another 28 runs with 7 wickets and 60 balls remaining
India RR 6.07
Last 5 ovs 38/0 RR 7.60
Required RR 2.80
England RR 5.40
Full scorecard

Hours of play: 14.30 start, First Session 14.30-18.00 Interval 18.00-18.45, Second Session 18.45-22.15
Current time: 22:02 local, 16:32 GMT

Refresh scorecard
ODI career
Batsmen Runs B 4s 6s SR This bowler Last 5 ovs Mat Runs Ave
*MS Dhoni (rhb) 45 56 4 0 80.35 11 (14b) 18 (16b) 125 3930 47.34
SK Raina (lhb) 41 44 6 0 93.18 5 (3b) 20 (14b) 55 1280 33.68

Bowlers O M R W Econ Current spell Mat Wkts Ave
*A Flintoff (rf) 8.5 0 43 0 4.86 (0nb, 0w) 0.5-0-9-0 138 163 24.69
GP Swann (ob) 5.0 0 45 0 9.00 (0nb, 1w) 4-0-24-0 15 17 29.41

Recent overs 1 1 1 2 1 1 | 1 4 2 . 1 . | 1 1 1 4 4 1 | . 4 1 4 .

Current partnership 87 runs, 16.4 overs, RR: 5.22 (Dhoni 45, Raina 41)

Last bat V Sehwag lbw b Broad 91 (73b 15×4 1×6) SR: 124.65
Fow: 156/3 (23.1 ov); Partnership: 0 runs, 0.1 overs, RR: 0.00 (Dhoni 0, Sehwag 0)

39.5 Flintoff to Dhoni, no run, full delivery, on middle and off, defended back to the bowler
India are in a hurry to get this over with
39.4 Flintoff to Dhoni, FOUR, not much width for Dhoni to work with but he crashes it off the backfoot past point, superb timing on that shot
39.3 Flintoff to Raina, 1 run, short ball on off, played with soft hands by Raina towards cover point, batsmen pinch a quick single
39.2 Flintoff to Raina, FOUR, a bit wider than the previous one, Raina steers that behind point for a boundary, great placement from Raina
39.1 Flintoff to Raina, no run, starts off with a beauty, back of a length, just outside off, Raina’ tries to defend off the back foot but is beaten
Flintoff back into the attack, England need wickets

———————-

England 270/4 (50 ov)
India 189/3 (31.0 ov) India require another 82 runs with 7 wickets and 19.0 overs remaining
India RR 6.09
Last 5 ovs 28/0 RR 5.60
Required RR 4.31
England RR 5.40
Full scorecard

Hours of play: 14.30 start, First Session 14.30-18.00 Interval 18.00-18.45, Second Session 18.45-22.15
Current time: 21:18 local, 15:48 GMT

Refresh scorecard
ODI career
Batsmen Runs B 4s 6s SR This bowler Last 5 ovs Mat Runs Ave
*MS Dhoni (rhb) 16 26 1 0 61.53 6 (5b) 13 (13b) 125 3901 47.00
SK Raina (lhb) 17 21 3 0 80.95 11 (13b) 15 (17b) 55 1256 33.05

Bowlers O M R W Econ Current spell Mat Wkts Ave
*RS Bopara (rm) 4.0 1 24 1 6.00 (0nb, 1w) 3-1-17-0 33 5 44.40
A Flintoff (rf) 8.0 0 34 0 4.25 (0nb, 0w) 1-0-6-0 138 163 24.63

Recent overs 2 2 . 1 2 . | . 2 4 . . . | 1 1 . 4 . 4

Current partnership 33 runs, 7.5 overs, RR: 4.21 (Dhoni 16, Raina 17)

Last bat V Sehwag lbw b Broad 91 (73b 15×4 1×6) SR: 124.65
Fow: 156/3 (23.1 ov); Partnership: 0 runs, 0.1 overs, RR: 0.00 (Dhoni 0, Sehwag 0)

End of over 31 (10 runs) – India 189/3 (82 runs required)
SK Raina 17* (21b 3×4) RS Bopara 4-1-24-1
MS Dhoni 16* (26b 1×4) A Flintoff 8-0-34-0

30.6 Bopara to Raina, FOUR
30.5 Bopara to Raina, no run, slower ball, out of the back of the hand, Raina spots it late but manages to play it back to the bowler
30.4 Bopara to Raina, FOUR, lovely shot, length ball from Bopara, the extra cover drive was away from his body but the timing was wonderful and it races to the boundary
30.3 Bopara to Raina, no run, short of a length, angling across Raina, who defends cautiously
30.2 Bopara to Dhoni, 1 run, overpitched, just outside off, Dhoni drives it firmly down to long-off
30.1 Bopara to Raina, 1 run, driven off the back foot to deep cover

——————

MS Dhoni

India

Player profile

Full name Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Born July 7, 1981, Ranchi, Bihar
Current age 27 years 142 days
Major teams India, Asia XI, Bihar, Chennai Super Kings, Jharkhand
Also known as Mahi
Batting style Right-hand bat
Bowling style Right-arm medium
Fielding position Wicketkeeper

Batting | Bowling | Career Statistics | Profile | Notes | Cricinfo Picks | Latest Articles | Photos + | Latest Photos

Batting and fielding averages Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave BF SR 100 50 4s 6s Ct St
Tests 33 53 6 1725 148 36.70 2716 63.51 1 13 200 32 76 17
ODIs 124 111 28 3885 183* 46.80 4268 91.02 4 24 306 92 125 40
T20Is 10 9 2 172 45 24.57 154 111.68 0 0 13 4 2 0
First-class 73 118 9 3877 148 35.56 4 27 184 33
List A 177 160 37 5793 183* 47.09 10 35 191 55
Twenty20 30 27 8 709 73* 37.31 530 133.77 0 3 61 27 9 0

Bowling averages Mat Inns Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10
Tests 33 1 6 13 0 – – – 13.00 – 0 0 0
ODIs 124 – – – – – – – – – – – –
T20Is 10 – – – – – – – – – – – –
First-class 73 36 33 0 – – – 5.50 – 0 0 0
List A 177 – – – – – – – – – – – –
Twenty20 30 – – – – – – – – – – – –

Career statisticsTest debut India v Sri Lanka at Chennai, Dec 2-6, 2005 scorecard
Last Test India v Australia at Nagpur, Nov 6-10, 2008 scorecard
Test statistics
ODI debut Bangladesh v India at Chittagong (MAA), Dec 23, 2004 scorecard
Last ODI India v England at Bangalore, Nov 23, 2008 scorecard
ODI statistics
T20I debut South Africa v India at Johannesburg, Dec 1, 2006 scorecard
Last T20I Australia v India at Melbourne, Feb 1, 2008 scorecard
T20I statistics
First-class debut 1999/00
Last First-class India v Australia at Nagpur, Nov 6-10, 2008 scorecard
List A debut 1999/00
Last List A India v England at Bangalore, Nov 23, 2008 scorecard
Twenty20 debut South Africa v India at Johannesburg, Dec 1, 2006 scorecard
Last Twenty20 Chennai Super Kings v Rajasthan Royals at Mumbai, Jun 1, 2008 scorecard

Profile

The spectacular arrival of Virender Sehwag was bound to inspire others to bat with the same mindset. But the odds of a clone emerging from the backwaters of Jharkhand, whose state side has consistently scraped the bottom, was highly remote. That was until Mahendra Singh Dhoni arrived.

He can be swashbuckling with the bat and secure with the wicketkeeping gloves. His neck-length hair adds to his dash. Though Dhoni made his first-class debut in the 1999-2000 season, it was only in 2004 that he became a serious contender for national selection with some stirring performances when the occasion demanded. With his two centuries against Pakistan A, in the triangular tournament in Kenya, that he established himself as a clinical destroyer of bowling attacks.

In just his fifth one-dayer, against Pakistan at Vishakapatnam, he cracked a dazzling 148 – putting even Sehwag in the shade – and followed that up with a colossal 183 not out at Jaipur against Sri Lanka in November, when he broke Adam Gilchrist’s record for the highest score by a wicketkeeper in ODIs. He made an instant impact on the Test level too, pounding 148 at Faisalabad, in only his fifth Test.

He was elevated to the vice-captaincy of the one-day squad for the tour of England and Ireland in 2007 and, soon after, was appointed captain of the Twenty20 squad for the World Championship in South Africa. A heady title triumph marked him out as a leader for the future and was handed over the reins of the one-day side in September 2007 after Rahul Dravid decided to step down as captain. It didn’t take too long for him to enhance his reputation, claiming India’s first tri-series triumph in Australia. He captained Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, losing out to Shane Warne’s Rajasthan Royals in a tense final. As a stop-gap Test captain, he was credited with leading India to their biggest ever win in terms of runs (320), against Australia in Mohali.
———————–

India lose third wicket V Sehwag lbw b Broad 91 (73b 15×4 1×6) SR: 124.65

England 270/4 (50 ov)
India 158/3 (24.0 ov) India require another 113 runs with 7 wickets and 26.0 overs remaining
India RR 6.58
Last 5 ovs 24/3 RR 4.80
Required RR 4.34
England RR 5.40

Hours of play: 14.30 start, First Session 14.30-18.00 Interval 18.00-18.45, Second Session 18.45-22.15
Current time: 20:46 local, 15:16 GMT

ODI career
Batsmen Runs B 4s 6s SR This bowler Last 5 ovs Mat Runs Ave
*MS Dhoni (rhb) 1 2 0 0 50.00 1 (2b) 1 (2b) 125 3886 46.81
SK Raina (lhb) 1 3 0 0 33.33 1 (3b) 1 (3b) 55 1240 32.63

Bowlers O M R W Econ Current spell Mat Wkts Ave
*SCJ Broad (rfm) 6.0 0 40 1 6.66 (0nb, 2w) 1-0-2-1 42 62 27.35
RS Bopara (rm) 1.0 0 7 1 7.00 (0nb, 1w) 1-0-7-1 33 5 41.00

Recent overs 1 . . 1 . 4 | 1 4 . . 1wd 1 W | W . . 1 . 1

Current partnership 2 runs, 0.5 overs, RR: 2.40 (Dhoni 1, Raina 1)

Last bat V Sehwag lbw b Broad 91 (73b 15×4 1×6) SR: 124.65
Fow: 156/3 (23.1 ov); Partnership: 0 runs, 0.1 overs, RR: 0.00 (Dhoni 0, Sehwag 0)

End of over 24 (2 runs) – India 158/3 (113 runs required)
MS Dhoni 1* (2b) SCJ Broad 6-0-40-1
SK Raina 1* (3b) RS Bopara 1-0-7-1

23.6 Broad to Dhoni, 1 run
Kevin Pietersen is screaming encouragement to his team-mates,
23.5 Broad to Dhoni, no run, beaten as he tries to drive, that was another ball that kept low
Dhoni takes strike
23.4 Broad to Raina, 1 run, a bit of width provided and Raina gets off the mark with a poke towards point
23.3 Broad to Raina, no run, much closer to the stumps, Raina defends cautiously
23.2 Broad to Raina, no run, well outside off, Raina lets that go
Suresh Raina is the new man in
23.1 Broad to Sehwag, OUT, Sehwag’s gone, that’s another massive wicket for England, Stuart Broad gets Sehwag lbw, that ball came into Sehwag, who tried to play it to down the ground off the back foot, he missed and the umpire thought that was out, that would have definitely been missed leg
V Sehwag lbw b Broad 91 (73b 15×4 1×6) SR: 124.65
Broad comes into the attack.
—————–

India loose second wicket as Yuvraj Singh c & b Bopara 6 (9b 0x4 0x6) SR: 66.66

England 270/4 (50 ov)
India 156/2 (23.0 ov) India require another 115 runs with 8 wickets and 27.0 overs remaining
India RR 6.78
Last 5 ovs 31/2 RR 6.20
Required RR 4.25
England RR 5.40

Hours of play: 14.30 start, First Session 14.30-18.00 Interval 18.00-18.45, Second Session 18.45-22.15
Current time: 20:39 local, 15:09 GMT

ODI career
Batsmen Runs B 4s 6s SR This bowler Last 5 ovs Mat Runs Ave
*V Sehwag (rhb) 91 72 15 1 126.38 5 (4b) 20 (15b) 196 6124 33.46

Bowlers O M R W Econ Current spell Mat Wkts Ave
*RS Bopara (rm) 1.0 0 7 1 7.00 (0nb, 1w) 1-0-7-1 33 5 41.00
SJ Harmison (rf) 7.0 1 38 1 5.42 (0nb, 2w) 2-0-10-1 54 76 30.65

Recent overs 1 . 1 1 1 1 | 1 . . 1 . 4 | 1 4 . . 1wd 1 W

Last bat Yuvraj Singh c & b Bopara 6 (9b 0x4 0x6) SR: 66.66
Fow: 156/2 (22.6 ov); Partnership: 20 runs, 3.1 overs, RR: 6.31 (Yuvraj Singh 6, Sehwag 13)

End of over 23 (7 runs) – India 156/2 (115 runs required)
RS Bopara 1-0-7-1
V Sehwag 91* (72b 15×4 1×6) SJ Harmison 7-1-38-1

22.6 Bopara to Yuvraj Singh, OUT, Yuvraj’s gone, Bopara strikes
Yuvraj Singh c & b Bopara 6 (9b 0x4 0x6) SR: 66.66
22.5 Bopara to Sehwag, 1 run, very close to offstump, Sehwag decides to steer it to third man anyway, picks up a single for his effort
22.5 Bopara to Sehwag, 1 wide, way down the leg side, Prior does a good job collecting that one
22.4 Bopara to Sehwag, no run, tries to slog that over midwicket, gets the toe end of the bat and it dribbles away to the off side
22.3 Bopara to Sehwag, no run, length ball on ball, Sehwag defends it into the covers
22.2 Bopara to Sehwag, FOUR, ooh, that was close, Sehwag gets an inside-edge as he goes for the big drive, it runs away to the fine leg boundary. and he moves into the nineties
22.1 Bopara to Yuvraj Singh, 1 run, fullish, outside off, driven by Yuvraj to long-off
Ravi Bopara comes into the attack, Prior is standing up

—————————–
ODI no. 2783 England in India ODI Series – 5th ODI
India v England 2008/09 season

Played at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, on 26 November 2008 – day/night (50-over match)

England innings (50 overs maximum) R B 4s 6s SR
RS Bopara c Yuvraj Singh b Khan 24 33 3 0 72.72
AN Cook c Tendulkar b Khan 11 15 1 0 73.33
KP Pietersen not out 111 128 10 1 86.71
PD Collingwood c Khan b Harbhajan Singh 40 64 4 0 62.50
A Flintoff c Tendulkar b I Sharma 0 3 0 0 0.00
OA Shah not out 66 57 9 0 115.78
Extras (lb 14, w 4) 18

Total (4 wickets; 50 overs) 270 (5.40 runs per over)

Did not bat MJ Prior, SR Patel, SCJ Broad, GP Swann, SJ Harmison

Fall of wickets1-33 (Cook, 5.5 ov), 2-68 (Bopara, 9.5 ov), 3-157 (Collingwood, 29.6 ov), 4-158 (Flintoff, 30.4 ov)

Bowling O M R W Econ
IK Pathan 10 1 57 0 5.70
Z Khan 10 1 60 2 6.00 (3w)
I Sharma 10 0 54 1 5.40
Harbhajan Singh 10 0 47 1 4.70 (1w)
Yuvraj Singh 10 0 38 0 3.80

India innings (target: 271 runs from 50 overs) R B 4s 6s SR
V Sehwag not out 86 68 14 1 126.47
SR Tendulkar b Harmison 50 57 6 0 87.71
Yuvraj Singh not out 6 8 0 0 75.00
Extras (lb 2, w 6) 8

Total (1 wicket; 22.1 overs) 150 (6.76 runs per over)

To bat SK Raina, RG Sharma, MS Dhoni, YK Pathan, IK Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Z Khan, I Sharma

Fall of wickets1-136 (Tendulkar, 19.5 ov)

Bowling O M R W Econ
SJ Harmison 7 1 38 1 5.42 (2w)
SCJ Broad 5 0 38 0 7.60 (2w)
A Flintoff 6 0 27 0 4.50
SR Patel 3 0 23 0 7.66 (1w)
GP Swann 1 0 21 0 21.00 (1w)
RS Bopara 0.1 0 1 0 6.00

Toss India, who chose to field first

Player of the match tba

Umpires DJ Harper (Australia) and AM Saheba
TV umpire SK Tarapore
Match referee RS Mahanama (Sri Lanka)
Reserve umpire UL Dubey

Match notes

England innings
England: 50 runs in 7.3 overs (48 balls), Extras 12
Power Play 2: Overs 10.1 – 15.0
Drinks: England – 81/2 in 15.0 overs (KP Pietersen 28, PD Collingwood 6)
England: 100 runs in 19.1 overs (119 balls), Extras 13
3rd Wicket: 50 runs in 87 balls (KP Pietersen 24, PD Collingwood 27, Ex 1)
KP Pietersen: 50 off 59 balls (7 x 4)
England: 150 runs in 29.1 overs (179 balls), Extras 17
Drinks: England – 178/4 in 35.0 overs (KP Pietersen 76, OA Shah 10)
Power Play 3: Overs 40.1 – 45.0
England: 200 runs in 40.4 overs (248 balls), Extras 18
5th Wicket: 50 runs in 69 balls (KP Pietersen 21, OA Shah 28, Ex 1)
KP Pietersen: 100 off 119 balls (9 x 4, 1 x 6)
OA Shah: 50 off 48 balls (7 x 4)
England: 250 runs in 47.3 overs (289 balls), Extras 18
5th Wicket: 100 runs in 109 balls (KP Pietersen 39, OA Shah 60, Ex 1)
Innings Break: England – 270/4 in 50.0 overs (KP Pietersen 111, OA Shah 66)
India innings
India: 50 runs in 7.5 overs (49 balls), Extras 4
1st Wicket: 50 runs in 49 balls (V Sehwag 31, SR Tendulkar 15, Ex 4)
Power Play 2: Overs 11.1 – 16.0
V Sehwag: 50 off 41 balls (10 x 4, 1 x 6)
India: 100 runs in 14.1 overs (89 balls), Extras 6
1st Wicket: 100 runs in 89 balls (V Sehwag 55, SR Tendulkar 39, Ex 6)
Drinks: India – 105/0 in 15.0 overs (V Sehwag 57, SR Tendulkar 41)
SR Tendulkar: 50 off 54 balls (6 x 4)
India: 150 runs in 22.1 overs (139 balls), Extras 8

—————–

India loose first wicket as Tendulkar (50).

——————
England 270/4 (50 ov)
India 134/0 (18.6 ov) India require another 137 runs with 10 wickets and 31.0 overs remaining
India RR 7.05
Last 5 ovs 35/0 RR 7.00
Required RR 4.41
England RR 5.40

Hours of play: 14.30 start, First Session 14.30-18.00 Interval 18.00-18.45, Second Session 18.45-22.15
Current time: 20:21 local, 14:51 GMT

ODI career
Batsmen Runs B 4s 6s SR This bowler Last 5 ovs Mat Runs Ave
*V Sehwag (rhb) 77 61 13 1 126.22 7 (5b) 22 (15b) 196 6110 33.38
SR Tendulkar (rhb) 49 53 6 0 92.45 10 (7b) 11 (15b) 419 16421 44.38

Bowlers O M R W Econ Current spell Mat Wkts Ave
*SR Patel (sla) 1.6 0 18 0 9.00 (0nb, 1w) 1-0-9-0 11 11 28.54
A Flintoff (rf) 6.0 0 27 0 4.50 (0nb, 0w) 6-0-27-0 138 163 24.59

Recent overs . . . 4 . . | 1 1 4 4 2 1 | 1 . 1 . 1 . | 1wd 1 1 1 1 4 .

Current partnership 134 runs, 19.0 overs, RR: 7.05 (Tendulkar 49, Sehwag 77)

18.6 Patel to Sehwag, no run, charges down the track, looking to smash it out of the park, Samit drags it short and Sehwag can only play it back to the bowler
18.5 Patel to Sehwag, FOUR, Full ball on leg stump, Sehwag reverse sweeps that for a boundary
Samit Patel comes over the wicket
18.4 Patel to Tendulkar, 1 run, slower delivery, tossed up, Tendulkar makes room and drives that towards sweeper cover
18.3 Patel to Sehwag, 1 run, These two batsmen are happy taking the singles, there’s another one, driven to long-on
18.2 Patel to Tendulkar, 1 run, Samit persists with the leg-stump line, Tendulkar drives it down the ground and ambles through for a single
18.1 Patel to Sehwag, 1 run, On the pads, Sehwag drops it to the leg side and runs through for a single
18.1 Patel to Sehwag, 1 wide, way down the leg side
Patek into teh attack
———————-
V Sehwag blast again

England 270/4 (50 ov)
India 94/0 (12.6 ov) India require another 177 runs with 10 wickets and 37.0 overs remaining
India RR 7.23
Last 5 ovs 44/0 RR 8.80
Required RR 4.78
England RR 5.40

Hours of play: 14.30 start, First Session 14.30-18.00 Interval 18.00-18.45, Second Session 18.45-22.15
Current time: 19:48 local, 14:18 GMT

ODI career
Batsmen Runs B 4s 6s SR This bowler Last 5 ovs Mat Runs Ave
*V Sehwag (rhb) 55 42 10 1 130.95 20 (6b) 24 (17b) 196 6088 33.26
SR Tendulkar (rhb) 33 36 4 0 91.66 0 (0b) 18 (13b) 419 16405 44.33

Bowlers O M R W Econ Current spell Mat Wkts Ave
*GP Swann (ob) 0.6 0 21 0 21.00 (0nb, 1w) 1-0-21-0 15 17 28.00
A Flintoff (rf) 3.0 0 15 0 5.00 (0nb, 0w) 3-0-15-0 138 163 24.52

Recent overs . 4 4 . . 1 | 1 1 . 4 2 1 | 1 . . . 1 . | . 1wd 4 6 4 4 2

Current partnership 94 runs, 13.0 overs, RR: 7.23 (Tendulkar 33, Sehwag 55)

12.6 Swann to Sehwag, 2 runs
12.5 Swann to Sehwag, FOUR, comes down the track to try bring up his fifty with a six, doesn’t get hold of it but it still flies over mid-off for a four
What will Sehwag do with this ball?
Sehwag’s raced along to 49
12.4 Swann to Sehwag, FOUR, this was fuller from Swann, Sehwag gets his front foot out of the way and smashes it through cover
12.3 Swann to Sehwag, SIX, SHOT! in the slot for Sehwag, gets down on one knee and slams that over midwicket for a huge six
12.2 Swann to Sehwag, FOUR, again Sehwag backs away to given himself room and drives it through covers for a boundary
12.2 Swann to Sehwag, 1 wide, whistles down the leg side, he’ll have to bowl that one again
12.1 Swann to Sehwag, no run, turning in towards Sehwag, who back away and punches it to cover
Graeme Swann into the attack
———————–
India need 271 runs in 50 overs. England set a target of 271 for India in 5 th ODI in Cuttack
England 270/4 (50.0 ov)
India India won the toss and elected to field first

Innings break England RR 5.40
Last 5 ovs 42/0 RR 8.40

Hours of play: 14.30 start, First Session 14.30-18.00 Interval 18.00-18.45, Second Session 18.45-22.15
Current time: 18:02 local, 12:32 GMT

ODI career
Batsmen Runs B 4s 6s SR This bowler Last 5 ovs Mat Runs Ave
*OA Shah (rhb) 66 57 9 0 115.78 16 (11b) 28 (16b) 52 1288 30.66
KP Pietersen (rhb) 111 128 10 1 86.71 26 (20b) 14 (14b) 87 3047 48.36

Bowlers O M R W Econ Current spell Mat Wkts Ave
*IK Pathan (lmf) 10.0 1 57 0 5.70 (0nb, 0w) 3-0-21-0 105 148 29.95
Z Khan (lfm) 10.0 1 59 2 5.90 (0nb, 3w) 1-0-9-0 154 218 28.62

Recent overs 1 4 2 1 1 . | 1 1 1 1 1 4 | 1 1 1 1 4 .

Current partnership 112 runs, 19.2 overs, RR: 5.79 (Shah 66, Pietersen 45)

——————-

KP Pietersen hits century! and OA Shah hits Half century

England 242/4 (46.5 ov)
India India won the toss and elected to field first
England RR 5.16
Last 5 ovs 36/0 RR 7.20

Hours of play: 14.30 start, First Session 14.30-18.00 Interval 18.00-18.45, Second Session 18.45-22.15
Current time: 17:48 local, 12:18 GMT

ODI career
Batsmen Runs B 4s 6s SR This bowler Last 5 ovs Mat Runs Ave
*OA Shah (rhb) 51 47 7 0 104.25 28 (25b) 21 (14b) 52 1271 30.26
KP Pietersen (rhb) 100 119 9 1 84.03 20 (23b) 15 (16b) 87 3036 48.19

Bowlers O M R W Econ Current spell Mat Wkts Ave
*I Sharma (rf) 9.5 0 52 1 5.28 (0nb, 0w) 0.5-0-10-0 20 27 31.40
IK Pathan (lmf) 8.0 1 40 0 5.00 (0nb, 0w) 1-0-4-0 105 148 29.84

Recent overs 1 4 . 1 1 1 | 1 1 1 1 1 1 | . 1 1 1 1 . | . 4 4 1 1 2

Current partnership 84 runs, 16.1 overs, RR: 5.19 (Shah 49, Pietersen 34)

Last bat A Flintoff c Tendulkar b I Sharma 0 (3b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
Fow: 158/4 (30.4 ov); Partnership: 1 runs, 0.4 overs, RR: 1.50 (Flintoff 0, Pietersen 1)

46.5 I Sharma to Pietersen, 1 run

———————————————
England 200/4 (40.4 ov)
India India won the toss and elected to field first
England RR 4.83
Last 5 ovs 16/0 RR 3.20

Hours of play: 14.30 start, First Session 14.30-18.00 Interval 18.00-18.45, Second Session 18.45-22.15
Current time: 17:17 local, 11:47 GMT

ODI career
Batsmen Runs B 4s 6s SR This bowler Last 5 ovs Mat Runs Ave
*OA Shah (rhb) 20 28 3 0 71.42 0 (3b) 9 (17b) 52 1242 29.57
KP Pietersen (rhb) 83 100 9 1 83.00 8 (6b) 6 (13b) 87 3019 47.92

Bowlers O M R W Econ Current spell Mat Wkts Ave
*Z Khan (lfm) 6.3 1 32 2 4.92 (0nb, 3w) 0.3-0-0-0 154 218 28.50
Harbhajan Singh (ob) 10.0 0 47 1 4.70 (0nb, 1w) 2-0-7-0 180 202 32.97

Recent overs . . 1 . 1 1 | . 1lb 1 1 . 4 | 1 . . 1 1 1 | . . .

Current partnership 38 runs, 9.5 overs, RR: 3.86 (Shah 20, Pietersen 17)

 

Dada Ganguly miss Sachin, others

Kolkata:Having retired from international cricket, former captain Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday said he would miss his colleagues like Sachin Tendulkar in the Indian team, but would root for them whenever he watched them on television.

“I will watch them on television. I will root for them,” Ganguly told reporters at his residence, when asked how he would be in touch with other players in the team, particularly those he had groomed for the big league.

Kirsten’s man management skills are excellent: Ganguly

Asked about Tendulkar, with whom he formed one of the all-time best opening combinations in one-day cricket, Ganguly replied: “Sachin was very close to me. Lot of other boys in the team were also close. I will miss their company.”

Ganguly rated his debut Test, the experience of captaining India for the first time and his last Test at Nagpur, which ended Monday, as the three best moments of his glittering career.

Ganguly said he was now looking forward to some rest before deciding his future. “I have to wait and see how things unfold. Haven’t decided yet. There are lot of opportunities before me. I have to look forward,” he said at the media meet, a couple of hours after returning to his city following his retirement.

‘No gentleman can take Oz sledging’ | We will bounce back: Ponting

He appeared pragmatic when asked if it felt bad to be called a former cricketer. “This day was bound to come one day. Maradona, Pelle, Gavaskar, they all had to retire. One day, Tendulkar will also retire. This is part of sports.”

On the celebrations Monday after the series win against Australia at Nagpur, he said: “Oh! It was geat fun. It was fantastic. It was a night to remember for all of us.”

Ganguly said the retirement of the seniors would provide an opportunity for the youngsters to take Indian cricket forward.

Australia’s worst Test series defeat since 1989

Earlier, hundreds of fans mobbed Ganguly when he returned to the city.

Bouquets in hand, the cricket buffs shouted slogans eulogising the former Indian captain and constantly cheered “Dada”, “Dada” – as Ganguly is lovingly known.

They held aloft the tricolour, Ganguly’s photographs and waved posters thanking him for his contribution to the game, the country and West Bengal.

Ganguly, who arrived at the N.S.C. Bose International Airport in the evening, was received by Municipal Affairs Minister Ashok Bhattacharya and Cricket Association of Bengal joint secretaries Biswarup Dey and Arun Mitra.

 

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar’s 40th Century Belligerent scoring, at over five an over, made way for a more measured approach as Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman steadily gnawed away at Australia in Nagpur. India lost debutant M Vijay, Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag in 29 deliveries towards the end of the first session before the two in-form veterans shored up the innings in the second. Tendulkar, who had thrown away starts on four occasions this series, appeared determined to reach a hundred while Laxman, in his 100th Test, picked caution over strokeplay. Tendulkar played Jason Krejza a lot straighter than Laxman, but was in such control that he could easily adapt his mode of attack. This was most evident in the 35th over, during which he unfurled a slog-sweep over midwicket and a lofted on-drive to raise India’s 150. Sachin Tendulkar 40th Century He was most pleasing, however, when pushing Lee with a trademark straight bat down the ground for four. His 52nd Test half-century needed 65 deliveries and he slowed down as tea approached, perhaps mindful of his mistakes in Mohali and Delhi. Though not as implacable as in Delhi – where he stroked 259 unbeaten runs – Laxman stood firm, as has become his trademark. He has been regarded by team-mates as India’s crisis man on many occasions and with a technique that still allows plenty of flourish, Laxman helped steady the innings. Even when the ball stopped on him, Laxman relied on those supple wrists and worked Krejza over the infield. The only phase when he was troubled was Lee’s second spell, during which the bowler obtained a bit of reverse-swing. As Sehwag had raised India’s 50 and 100, Laxman steered a single to third man to signal the 200, reached at a healthy rate. A 98-run partnership between India’s new opening pair held sway for much of the morning session before Australia fought back, led by debutant offspinner Krejza’s double-strike. During a frenetic first hour, the most productive region for India was the third-man boundary. Lee was far from his best, operating in the mid-130k range all morning, and while Mitchell Johnson obtained disconcerting lift, his tendency to pitch too full made it easy for the batsmen. Sehwag took care of the new-ball threat that Johnson posed, driving and scooping him through backward of point, slashing him over third man, and whipping him delectably across the line. A genuine outside edge off Johnson, which bounced low in front of Matthew Hayden at first slip, when Vijay was on 11, was the nearest Australia came to a chance early on. Sehwag’s panache was complimented by M Vijay’s solidity on perhaps the easiest track to make your debut as a batsman. Allowed to drive on the up mid-way through the first session, he also tucked the straighter deliveries for singles that kept the score ticking. Vijay was shaping well, and India had the ideal platform, when Shane Watson surprised him with an excellent short delivery that caught the edge and flew to Brad Haddin. Three overs into Krejza’s first Test bowling spell, Sehwag was taking him apart, and the decision to play him ahead of Stuart Clark seemed a big mistake, but two quick wickets justified his selection. Bravely kept on despite having bled 32 from his first three overs, Krejza tossed one up, got it to bounce and watched in glee as it flew off Rahul Dravid’s gloves to forward short leg. Sehwag slowed down after the double-strike, perhaps aware that the only way to get out on this featherbed was to throw it away. And he did just that, when a hundred was seemingly ripe for the picking. Attempting a lazy late-cut against Krejza, Sehwag dragged one that spun and bounced back onto his stumps. Far more assured strokeplay from Tendulkar and Laxman, if not as pulse-quickening, ensured a strong platform was not wasted.

Forth Test Match India vs Australia Sachin Tendulkar completed his 40th Test century but Australia’s bowlers struck at regular intervals to reduce India to 311 for 5 by close on Day 1 of the fourth and final Test in Nagpur on Thursday. Tendulkar was lucky to get to the three-figure mark, having been dropped twice in the nineties, on both occasions off debutant spinner Jason Krejza. He was finally dismissed leg before wicket for 109 — inclusive of 12 boundaries, off 188 deliveries — by Mitchell Johnson late in the day. Krejza went for runs but ended up with three wickets — those of Rahul Dravid (0), Virender Sehwag (66) and VVS Laxman (64) — for 138 in 28 overs in his very first innings in Test cricket. Earlier, Sehwag hammered 66 from 69 deliveries, including nine boundaries and a six, and put on 98 runs for the opening wicket with debutant opener Murali Vijay, who scored 33. India were in a tight spot after losing three quick wickets for the addition of just 18 runs, but Laxman and Tendulkar staged a rescue act in a 146-run partnership for the fourth wicket. India lead the four-match series after the 320-run victory in Mohali. Morning session: (122 runs, 24 overs, 3 wickets) Brett Lee started off proceedings at the Vidharba Cricket Association’s posh new stadium with a wide delivery to Virender Sehwag, who then crashed him for a boundary two balls later to get off the mark in style. The 24-year-old Vijay, fresh from a double century in the Ranji Trophy, looked quite composed and tried to make full use of a good batting wicket. Sehwag appeared in a mad rush from the start as he smashed two boundaries off Mitchell Johnson in the second over. In the next over, Vijay showed some of his class, hitting a cracking boundary through covers off Lee. Sehwag continued flirting with danger in his quest for quick runs, smashing his way to 28, as India raced to 50 in the 10th over of the innings. The signs were ominous for the visitors as the pitch looked a dream track for batting and even debutant Vijay appeared quite comfortable and keen to cash in. With the pacers looking ineffective, spin was introduced in the form of Jason Krejza. Immediately Sehwag took him to the cleaners. In the fourth ball of his first over in international cricket, the off-spinner saw Sehwag thumping him straight for a boundary followed by a huge six over wide long-on. The Delhi opener brought up his half-century in the 15th over off just 45 deliveries, including seven boundaries and a six. Even Vijay had a ball as he tried to emulate Sehwag by stepping down the wicket and lofting Krejza straight for a boundary. Sehwag continued the onslaught with two more boundaries in Krejza’s next over as the debutant looked completely clueless. However, the visitors bagged a wicket against the run of play when Shane Watson dismissed Vijay, caught behind for 33. The opener failed to keep down a short delivery and edged it behind after a blazing 98-run partnership for the opening wicket with Sehwag. As it usually happens in cricket, one wicket results in a few more, handing the initiative to the visitors. Rahul Dravid’s wretched run in the series continued as he fell to the second ball he faced, to Krejza for a duck. The right-hander hit one straight to the short-leg fielder to give Krejza his first international wicket. After the half-century in the first innings of the first Test, Dravid’s batting has witnessed a sharp slide, just 117 runs aggregated in six innings at 19.50 in the series so far. Sehwag then tried to cut Krejza but edged it on to his stumps. He was bowled for 66. His 69-ball knock included nine boundaries and a six, but his wicket gave Australia a chance to pull back things. At lunch on the opening day, India were 122 for 3 in 24 overs, with Sachin Tendulkar unbeaten on 16 from 16 deliveries, including three boundaries. VVS Laxman, playing in his 100th Test, was not out on 4. Krejza brought some respectability to his figures with those two wickets, for 48 in six overs. Watson was the other wicket-taker, with took one for 19 in six overs. India need to avoid giving away wickets cheaply in the post-lunch session and build towards a huge first innings score. Post-lunch session: (80 runs, 27 overs) India continued to progress smoothly post-lunch as both Tendulkar and Laxman scored runs at will. Tendulkar looked particularly comfortable as he kept the scoreboard ticking and ensured that the scoring rate did not drop despite the fall of three quick wickets. Laxman was struck on the right shoulder by a fast, rising bouncer from Lee in the 34th over, but he replied with a cracking pull shot for a boundary in the pacer’s next over. In between, Tendulkar continued giving Krejza a rough time as he smashed him for two boundaries in one over � the first lofted over midwicket and the next straight down the ground. The two batsmen brought up their 50-run partnership off 63 deliveries in the 37th over. Tendulkar completed his half-century, his 52nd in Tests, off 65 deliveries, hitting eight boundaries in the 41st over. He relished facing Krejza, whom he hit for 36 runs in 43 deliveries. It was not long though before Cameron White was introduced and he resorted to defensive tactics looking to contain rather than attack. At the other end, Laxman provided the calming influence as he just concentrated on playing it safe. But India progressed at an acceptable rate despite Australia trying their best to restrict the scoring. Eighty runs were scored in 27 overs in the second session as India coasted to 202 for three in 51 overs at the tea break. Tendulkar was unbeaten on 65 from 88 deliveries, with eight boundaries, while Laxman was not out on 34 from 95 deliveries, including three boundaries. endulkar looks quite comfortable in the middle, while Laxman also seems intent on playing another big knock. The pitch is full of runs and the two senior pros are making sure they don’t let the opportunity slip. Post-Tea session: (109 runs, 36 overs, 2 wickets) Tendulkar brought up the 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Laxman in the 55th over. On 74, in the next over, he escaped a close run-out chance as Krejza missed hitting the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Krejza then came into the attack in the 57th over and was immediately taken on by Laxman, who hit a slog sweep over midwicket for a boundary. Tendulkar repeated the dose in his next over for his 10th boundary and moved into the 80s. On 85 he had another big reprieve — this time Johnson dropped a simple skier at mid-off in the 63rd over. The veteran batsman stepped down to loft Krejza straight down the ground but could not get enough distance. However, to his relief, the catch was spooned by Johnson, running backwards. Laxman made his 100th Test memorable by completing a half-century off 126 deliveries, including four boundaries, in the 63rd over. But Krejza delivered another big blow in the final session when he claimed the Hyderabad batsman’s wicket. The stylish right-hander tried to cut a wide delivery, but ended up edging it behind for 64, that included five boundaries in 141 deliveries. He added 146 runs for the fourth wicket, off 271 deliveries, with Tendulkar to help India recover from an early spot of bother after they lost three quick wickets. Sourav Ganguly walked out to a rather subdued ovation from the sparse gathering inside the stadium. It seemed that Tendulkar was destined to reach the three-figure mark as he was dropped yet again, on 96. He tried to lift Krejza down the ground again and this time Brett Lee, running back, failed to hold on to a sharp chance. The master batsman completed his 40th Test century when he cut Krejza for a boundary in the 75th over. It took him 166 deliveries, 12 boundaries, and around four hours to score the first century at the new VCA stadium. Like all his teammates before him, Ganguly also took a special liking to Krejza’s gentle off-spin and lifted him for boundaries in consecutive overs through the leg-side. Australia took the new ball after 81 overs and it paid off soon after. Johnson (1 for 54) got the big wicket of Tendulkar leg before wicket for 109 (188 deliveries, 12 boundaries) at possibly the worst time for India with just eight overs left for stumps. Ganguly (27 not out) and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (4 not out) negotiated the final few overs successfully as India closed the opening day on 311 for five in 87 overs. Tendulkar’s wicket was a big blow for India as it gave the Aussies a sniff of a chance. However, wickets are still difficult to come by and India will be hoping to stitch a few big partnerships on the second day and score well in excess of 500. Krejza must be thrilled to claim three wickets on debut though he ended up giving away lot of runs for figures of three for 138 in 28 overs. Watson ended the day with figures of 1 for 35.

 

Sachin Lier and bad Sport

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) finally announced the Credit Policy. All key rates including the CRR, repo rate and reverse repo rate were kept unchanged. The GDP growth forecast was lowered to 7.5%. The RBI admitted that moderating growth remains a concern. the Central Bank expects resumption of export growth during the next quarter. It also hopes that net capital flow will meet the external financial requirements. The RBI has decided to enhance liquidity if pressure on the market persists. Here are the key features of RBI’s Credit Policy: All key rates including CRR, repo rate and reverse repo rate unchanged SLR norms unchanged GDP Growth Forecast lowered to 7.5% Inflation target was unchanged at 7% Credit Growth target lowered to 20% from 29%

In a shocking development, former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist, who can’t even be compared with the great Sachin Tendulkar, accused him of lying during the Sydney Test to save his team mate Harbhajan Singh. In his latest autobiography, “True Colors of My Life”, Adam Gilchrist has called Sachin Tendulkar “dishonest”, “liar” and “bad sport”. It could be a publicity stunt by Gilchrist to gain publicity for his book

The Indian Rupee continued to slide further, as it opened at an all-time-low of 50.15 against the US Dollar. Yesterday, it was closed at 49.81 against the USD. For the first time in history, the Rupee breached the psychological barrier of 50.00, causing panic in the market. As the trading progresses today, Rupee is feared to dip further.

Angry students protesting against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and its chief Raj Thackeray, set Motihari Railway Station on fire. Ironically, the mob fury was so high that GRP (Government Railway Police), RPF (Railway Protection Force) and police personnel fled from the spot, leaving the Railways Station at the mercy of rampaging students. Later, CRPF intervened and fired several rounds in the air to disperse the mob. The CRPF personnel had to resort to lathicharge and lobbed teargas shells to control the mob violence. Railway properties have been attacked elsewhere in Bihar for the third consecutive day. According to Railways, properties worth Rs. 5 – 7 crore have been destroyed by angry students. Several Bihar-bound trains including Rajdhani, Sampark Kranti and others have been cancelled, causing high inconvenience to the passengers. The passengers are not even able to get correct information regarding the cancellation, departure or reschedule of trains.

Even as the global economy has reached a bottom low, the Asia-Europe meeting will begin in Beijing to discuss important issues including the economic cooperation. India makes its debut at the ASEM with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh (an Economist himself) representing India. Dr. Manmohan Singh is expected to provide vital suggestion on how to handle the global economic crisis. The ASEM has 45 countries with China taking the centre stage. The ASEM group includes 27 EU countries, the European Commission, ASEAN (10 countries), India, Pakistan, Mongolia and ASEAN Secretariat.

A sport-loving country of over 1.3 billion people and great cricketers across the world are outraged over the latest remarks made by former Australian wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist. Adam Gilchrist, who was considered as a “saint” in modern day cricket, called legendary Sachin Tendulkar as “dishonest” and “bad sport” in his latest autobiography, “True Colours My Life” which will be released next week. In his book, “True Colours of My Life”, Adam Gilchrist showed his true colours by raking up the racism row between Harbhajan and Symnonds during the Sydney Test. He accused Sachin Tendulkar of lying and being dishonest. According to Adam Gilchrist, Harbhajan Singh had made a racial remark against Andrew Symonds, but was let off with mild punishment only because of Sachin Tendulkar’s “false testimony”. Adam Gilchrist, who retired from test cricket recently, not only questioned Sachin Tendulkar’s honesty, but also criticised Harbhajan, Indian team, Indian Board (BCCI) and Australian Board (Cricket Australia) over this issue. Gilchrist’s latest tirade against Sachin Tendulkar has upset millions of cricket fans across the globe. Since Gilchrist is the skipper of Hyderabad Deccan Chargers in the IPL, it would be interesting to see, what price he will have to pay for his “irresponsible” and “condemnable” outburst against a legend, who has nothing to prove in cricket.

 

Sachin Tendulkar broke Brian Lara’s record

Sachin Tendulkar broke Brian Lara’s record of scoring the highest number of runs in Test cricket in the Mohali Test.

Sachin Tendulkar became the highest scorer in Test Cricket by bettering Brian Lara’s total aggregate of 11, 953 Test runs. Before Mohali Test, Sachin has played 151 Tests (246 innings) and had a career average of 54.02. Sachin has carried the burden of Indian cricket for almost a decade and if there is anyone who desrves to get to this record, it has to be Sachin. His contribution to Indian cricket is beyond mere statistics. Even the greatest of them all Sir Don Bradman had mentioned that Sachin reminded him of his own playing style. This perhaps is the ultimate statement that describes the phenomenon called Sachin Tendulkar. President congratulates Tendulkar President Pratibha Patil congratulated Sachin Tendulkar for becoming the highest Test run-getter in the world. “You have given joy to countless Indians with your batting,” the President said in her congratulatory message to the master batsman. Tendulkar surpassed former West Indian captain Brian Lara’s record of 11,953 runs on the opening day of the second cricket Test against Australia in Mohali.

 

First Test Draw

With the shame performance by Top level batsman India draw first test match against Australia.

Sachin Tendulkar’s dogged innings of 49 out helped India inch closer to a draw against Australia on day five of the first Test at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore on Monday.

Chasing a challenging target of 299 in a minimum of 83 overs, India reached 130 for three in 48 overs to put themselves in a good position to escape with a draw.

VVS Laxman was unbeaten on 28 from 75 deliveries as the two senior batsmen were involved in a cautious 53-run partnership for the fourth wicket that ate up more than 21 overs.

India were in trouble early when they lost the wickets of Virender Sehwag (6) and Rahul Dravid (5) in the first session.

But Tendulkar brought all his experience into play to rescue India as he stitched a 53-run partnership for the third wicket with Gautam Gambhir, who made 29.

Earlier, Australia batted for 32 minutes on the fifth and final day, adding 35 runs in five overs, before declaring their second innings on 228 for six in 73 overs.

Morning session: (76 runs, 3 wickets, 22 overs)

Anil Kumble started proceedings for India and could have taken a wicket immediately, but he dropped a return off the first ball. Haddin mistimed a drive which went straight back to Kumble, who floored and also injured his finger in the process.

Shane Watson then showed his intent with a couple of boundaries and Kumble and Ishant Sharma, before he was dismissed by the latter. The Aussie all-rounder, who made 41 from 72 deliveries, tried to hit Ishant across the line but got an inside edge, which crashed into his stumps.

Cameron White also looked to attack the moment he came in. He drove Ishant for a boundary through the off-side he faced as Australia looked for some quick runs in the morning as India spread the field.

The visitors batted for 32 minutes on the fifth and final day, adding 35 runs in five overs, before declaring their second innings on 228 for six in 73 overs.

Brad Haddin was unbeaten on 35 from 61 deliveries, with three boundaries, while Cameron White was not out on 18 from 14 deliveries, including two boundaries.

Harbhajan Singh took two for 76 in 27 overs, while Zaheer Khan claimed one for 46 in 17 overs.

Anil Kumble disappointed in his last Test match at his home ground as he finished wicketless in both the innings for a match tally of 160 runs in 51 overs.

(India innings)

This was a real chance for India to score an unlikely victory after Australia opted for a sporting declaration.

All depended on the start they got because once the ball gets old, it is very difficult to get the scoreboard moving on this slow pitches.

India openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir look to get on with things early on as both started with boundaries.

Sehwag (5) got a lifeline early when wicketkeeper Hadding dropped him while diving to the right after the batsman got a regulation edge off Brett Lee.

However, Sehwag could not make the most of it as he fell in the very next over for 6. He tried to play Stuart Clark on the leg side but the ball swung enough to beat the shot and take the back of the bat, which went to first slip in the sixth over of the innings.

Rahul Dravid got off the mark with a classical straight drive off Lee in the seventh over of the innings.

But he did not stay on for long, falling to Lee after scoring just five.

The right-hander tried to flick Lee on the leg side, but was caught brilliantly by Ponting diving to his right at short midwicket to leave India in trouble at 24 for two in the ninth over.

Gambhir survived a close stumping chance off Clark, but the third umpire ruled in favour of the batsman in a very close decision.

Sachin Tendulkar made a cautious start but then looked to raise the tempo with a couple of boundaries in Mitchell Johnson’s first over.

India’s hopes would now depend on veteran Tendulkar, who also has the chance to break Brian Lara’s world record for most Test runs.

Tendulkar is currently 48 runs short of Brian Lara’s aggregate of 11953 runs.

At this venue, only two teams out of nine have successfully chased down a target in the fourth innings, the highest being 195 for 2 by Australia in 1998.

Post lunch session: (89 runs, 1 wicket, 31 overs)

India played out a few quite overs after the break till Gambhir broke the shackles with boundaries in consecutive overs off Mitchell Johnson and Michael Clarke.

Johnson had his revenge soon after when he shattered Gambhir’s stumps with a fast yorker.

The left-hander’s long vigil at the crease ended for 29 that included four boundaries in 81 deliveries.

Debutant leg spinner Cameron White came on to bowl in the 36th over to replace part-timer Clarke was not making much of an impact.

He immediately forced Tendulkar to drive at a wide one, which he edged, but fortunately it went over the slip region.

Tendulkar seemed to have learnt from that mistake and after that just concentrated on playing it safe.

VVS Laxman also weathered the initial storm from the pacers before looking at ease against the spinners.

Laxman loosened up before the tea break as he creamed a few boundaries of the two spinners. He hit White for two boundaries in the final over before to bring up the 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Tendulkar.

Tendulkar showed great maturity to keep the bowlers at bay as he reached 47 not out with four boundaries in 111 deliveries. Laxman also looked quite comfortable having reached 28 from 75 deliveries, having hit four boundaries.

The hosts need 169 runs in a minimum of 35 overs with seven wickets in hand, but it seems unlikely they would go for the target. Australia still have time in their hand and a few quick wickets after tea could work in their favour.