Idea Star Singer Season 5 -(2010-2011)
Idea Star Singer Season 5 (ISS Season 5) is a popular TV reality show from Asianet in Malayalam from Kerala.
Indian Premier League 2011 ( IPL 20-20)
GThe Indian Premier League (often abbreviated as IPL), is a Twenty20 cricket competition initiated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and supervised by BCCI.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Pankaja Kasturi exhibits 500 rare medicinal plants
Thiruvananthapuram : The Pankaja Kasturi Medical College exhibits about 500 varieties of medicinal plants mentioned in the earliest Ayurvedic text (Charaka Samhitha) at the Biodiversity Expo, here today.
''There are stalls which present the utensils, musical instruments and weapons (once) used by the tribal folk,'' according to IBC Coordinator, Dr A Biju here.
The CSIR special pavilion puts on view the biopesticide made of tapioca leaves, varieties of Cassava resistant to Cassava mosaic disease, value added products from Cassava, modified starches, equipments for Cassava processing etc, he said.
Indian Institute for Spices Research pavilion demonstrates high yielding varieties of spices and indigenous varieties of plantation crops, he said.
The special pavilion on frogs, reptiles and fishes of the Western Ghats, too, is a crowd puller, he said.
Malabar Botanical Garden Society exhibits rare aquatic plants from the Malabar region and from the Western Ghats, he said.
''The crafts fair also showcase the kaleidoscopic of the Indian heritage. It includes demonstration of paintings, lace works, jewelry and handicraft works. The National Museum, New Delhi, had set up photographic exhibition of 50 Indian miniature paintings entitled ''songs and woods'' related to biodiversity,'' he said.
About 150 stalls by governments, non-governmental agencies and private sector players in the biodiversity expo currently underway in connection with the IBC 2010 attracts visitors to a glimpse into the biodiversity heritage and practices of the country.
--UNI
Citibank manager who duped investors of Rs.200 crore untraced
Gurgaon:A Citibank manager accused of cheating investors of what is now said to be Rs.200 crore after promising to double their money continues to be on the run, police said Wednesday, a day after one of India's biggest banking frauds came to light.
The Gurgaon police has so far sealed 81 bank accounts of different banks into which Shivraj Puri, the bank's relationship manager here had transferred money.
'At least Rs.200 crore have been transferred from Puri's account to these 81 accounts,' Gurgaon Police Commissioner S.S. Deswal said.
Haryana Police has issued a lookout circular for Puri after failing to track him down.
His passport details have been sent to all international airports in the country to prevent him from fleeing, said a police officer in this upscale satellite town adjoining the Indian capital.
Puri reportedly managed to con high net worth investors after forging Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) documents purportedly offering lucrative returns which he said enjoyed Citibank's backing.
Of the sealed 81 accounts, three are in the State Bank of India in the name of his relatives, 18 in Citibank and remaining 60 in different banks.
SEBI has denied the existence of schemes made popular by Puri.
Since the task of opening new accounts had been assigned to Puri, he managed to dupe several people without the bank's knowledge.
In the process, he opened as many as 18 accounts in various banks and asked those who fell into his trip to put their money in them.
Police and bank sources had initially estimated that he duped people of over Rs.100 crore before he was busted this week, unveiling one of the biggest frauds in the Indian banking industry in recent times.
Police said they had recovered Rs.3.85 crore of the duped money.
Some of the accounts he opened were in the Gurgaon branch of Citibank and in the name of his relatives Premnath, Sheela and Deeksha.
'Initial investigation has revealed he opened 18 accounts and transferred huge amounts. We have recovered Rs.3.85 crore and are investigating the involvement of his three relatives,' a police officer said.
But police are baffled because none of the victims of the fraud has come forward to claim the money.
Citibank has said it too was investigating the mammoth fraud but assured customers that their money was safe.
'We recently initiated an investigation into a certain set of suspicious transactions based on documents forged by an employee involving a few accounts in our Gurgaon branch. We immediately reported the matter to all the relevant regulatory and law enforcement authorities,' a spokesperson said.
'This issue does not impact other accounts, transactions or customers of the bank,' the official added.
Cases of cheating and forgery have been registered at the DLF Phase 2 police station. The Gurgaon police commissioner has constituted five police teams to solve the case.
Lottery issue: Centre to give nod for CBI probe
Lottery issue: Centre to give nod for CBI probe Posted on: 30 Dec 2010New Delhi: Considering the letter sent by chief minister V S Achuthanadan to Prime minister Manmohan Singh for official permission for a CBI probe into the lottery issue, the PM's office have begun proceedings to look into the matter. The Home Ministry is evaluating the CM's letter prior to giving permission. Sources from PM's office stated that the decision would be taken soon.
The Centre is viewing the CM's plea for a CBI probe seriously. Sources also stated that the limitations in the previous letter sent by the CM to home minister P Chidambaram has been resolved with this letter.
In the letter sent to P Chidambaram, the CM had asked for a probe by CBI or NIA on the functioning of Bhutan lottery but failed to clarify on some sections. But in the letter sent to the PM, the CM had asked him to consider the letter as seeking permission as per Section 6 of the Delhi Police Special Establishment rule
Climate change destroys biodiversity: Canadian expert
Climate change destroys biodiversity: Canadian expert Posted on: 30 Dec 2010Thiruvananthapuram : 'Climate change and environmental pollution caused massive death of biodiversity causing change in responsive genes,' Dr P Rajora, professor and senior researcher in Genomics and Conservation Genetics Institute, Canada, said today.
Speaking at the IBC event here, he explained the destruction of some inevitable species like Eastern White Pine used for construction of houses, Red Spruce, an important content in making tissue papers, Black Spruce and White Spruce.
''Global climate change caused the extinction of biodiversity all over the world. The only way to sustain it is to migrate the plants from the place to other countries which have different weather conditions,'' he said.
''Since the trees have high genetic diversions, the extinction of these will create huge impact on the ecological system. 'The only way to conserve the genetic diversity is to create multiple population,'' he said.
Mr Ashish Kothari, Director of Kalpavriksh, New Delhi, said the colonization of foreign countries in floriculture, sugar cane, palm oil, and cotton industry ''destructed our natural resources.'' He cited some villages in India which reached sustainable development by their own hard work.
He stressed on the point that prevention of toxic wastes, GM foods, B T cotton, and goods which generate radioactive rays will help sustain natural resources.
Kerala Assembly Polls not to be advanced: EC
Thiruvananthapuram : Stating that the Assembly Elections in Kerala will not be advanced, Chief Election Commissioner of India S Y Qureshi today said a decision regarding the phases would be taken later.
''The political parties had a mixed response to the date of the elections. Some had suggested one phase while some others suggested two-phased elections.
''We will look into all aspects as four other States are also going to polls along with Kerala,'' he told reporters here.
Mr Qureshi was here to review the preparations for the Assembly elections.
Earlier, he had discussion with various political parties, district collectors and senior police officials.
Stating that no person having any political affiliation would be posted on election duty, he said the EC would have an eye on these polling officials.
Government to verify appoints made in past ten years
Thiruvanathapuram : Kerala government has decided to verify all appointments in government service made in the past ten years in the wake of recent appointment fraud came to light in Waynad district collectoate, State Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan told assembly today.
A specal cell has been constituted under the Administration Reforms Department to conduct a comprehensive verficiation of
all appointments made in the past 10 years, Achuthanandan said while replying to a submission.
There was no need for any social audit of the appointments made by Public Service Commission in view of the decision to
have a verification of appointments, Achuthanandan said.
Eigth persons who got appointments with fake appointment orders and other documents had been removed from service.
Waynad District Collector and three other government officials including deputy collector had been suspended, he
said.
Government has taken the incident very seriously and crime branch and vigilance investigation was progressing, he said.
To ensure that such a fraud did not take place in future, department heads had been given instructions to regularise an
employee only after getting police verfication report. PTI
3 day PIC from Jan 9
3 day PIC from Jan 9 Posted on: 30 Dec 2010Kochi: A three day Public Information Campaign will be held at Manjooran Centre in Njarakkal in Ernakulam district from Jan 9 which will be inaugurated by Union minister of state for Agriculture, K V Thomas.
Press Information Bureau (PIB), Kochi and other media units under the Union Ministry of Information are Broadcasting are
launching the Campaign, a PIB press release said. The campaign will focus on the flagship programmes of the Union Government, viz Bharat Nirman, MGNREGA, NRHM, RTI, JNNURM, SSA, Midday Meal Scheme etc.
Eldhose Kunnappalli, Panchayat President and Dr M Beena, District collector will be attending the function
M K Purushothaman, MLA will be the Chief Guest during the valedictory funciton.
An Impressive exhibition showcasing the products, services, programmes and achievements of various government
departments, PSUs, NOGs, SHGS and other institutions of public relevance is being mounted as part of the PIC. Besides, there would be seminars/workshops for the targeted beneficiaries, free medical camps and cultural events by the Song and Drama Division on all the three days of the campaign.
Various units under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting namely, Department of Field Publicity,
Advertising and Visual Publicity, Song and Drama Division, Film Division, Publication Division, Doordarshan and All India
Radio will join hands with PIB to make this campaign a success. pti
EC examining legal implications on paid news: Qureshi
Thiruvananthapuram : Chief Election Commissioner of India S Y Qureshi today said here the Commission was examining the aspects of taking legal action against ''paid news'' which the candidates publish during elections.
''The legal implications on paid news are being examined as it also involved certain ethical aspects,'' he told reporters here.
When asked about criminal procedures with regard to paid news, Mr Qureshi said it would be examined but added that the Commission only had control over the candidates.
Pointing out that paid news was deceiving the voters, he said that 86 cases of paid news have been identified across the state.
In most of the cases, the candidates have themselves confessed to paid news, he added.
It was mostly the local media, both print and electronic, that were involved in the paid news, he said.
The Chief Election Commissioner was in the state to review the preparations for the Assembly Elections.
Earlier, he had discussion with various political parties, District Collectors and senior police officials.
Holiday trains to Mumbai
Holiday trains to Mumbai Posted on: 30 Dec 2010Kozhikode: Two special trains started plying on the Mumbai route for the holiday season. The services would be from Lokmanya Tilak to Ernakulum and Kochuveli. The train ( 01067) from Lok Manya Tilak to Kochuveli on January 2, 9,16, 23, and 30 would reach Kozhikode at 12.10 pm. Train (01065) from Loka Manya Tilak to Ernakulum on December 30, January 6,13, 20 and 27 would reach Kozhikode at 12.10 noon.
The train (01068) from Kochuveli to Lok Manya Tilak on January 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 would reach Kozhikode at 2.06 noon. Train (01066) from Ernakulum to Lok Manya Tilak on December 31, January, 7, 14, 21 and 28 would reach Kozhikode at 3.25 in the morning.
Former CJI spent Rs 2.26 crore on foreign trips
Former CJI spent Rs 2.26 crore on foreign trips Posted on: 30 Dec 2010Kannur: NHRC chairman and former Chief Justice of Supreme Court K G Balakrishnan had spent Rs 2.26 crore on foreign trips while he was acting as the CJI. During the three years from April 2007 to April 2010, he went for 21 foreign trips. In majority of his trips he was accompanied by his wife Nirmala Balakrishnan. The money was spent on flight charges and as daily allowance. During his trips he had attended programmes organized by foreign universities and functions not organized by Indian government.
The information came to light as per an RTI petition filed by the Lawyers Congress state president Adv T Asifali and was given by additional registrar of SC and Central Public Information officer Rajpal Arora. His first foreign trip was to London via Dubai on April 28, 2007 for attending the World Common Law Judiciary Conference. He returned on May 6 and the flight charge for CJI alone was Rs 1, 73, 828 and daily allowances Rs 22, 316. InJune he went to Hongkong and London. His journey to Hong Kong was to attend the Law Asia conference of chief justices held from June 4 to 8.
Though the conference concluded on June 8, the CJI returned only on June 15. The longest trips were from May 18, 2008 to June 8 to Ottava in Canada, Durban and Cape Town in South Africa. The flight charge alone was Rs 5, 98,928 and daily allowance Rs 43,849. On the whole, the former CJI had covered major cities in all continents in three year's time.
Robbers loot 50 kg gold from Canadian-owned mine in Brazil
Toronto: Armed robbers stormed a Canadian-run gold mine in Brazil Wednesday night and took away 50 kg of the yellow metal.
The Vancouver-based Luna Gold Corporation said that after taking its staff hostage, the robbers set off explosives to crack a storage safe to loot the precious metal. The value of the metal has been put at $2.1 million by the company.
The Vancouver-based Luna Gold Corporation said that after taking its staff hostage, the robbers set off explosives to crack a storage safe to loot the precious metal. The value of the metal has been put at $2.1 million by the company.
Luna Gold said the heist occurred at its remote Aurizona project on the northeastern coast of Brazil.
Over 450 people are working on the project which is so remote that the nearest city is five hours' drive from it, according to reports.
A company statement said, 'A group of armed robbers gained access to the site and escaped with approximately 1,500 ounces of gold. No employees were injured during the robbery.
'Luna Gold has purchased insurance to cover this type of loss with an internationally recognized insurance company and is in the process of filing a claim.''
The gold mine is protected by about 50 security personnel before it starts commercial operations next year.
'The safety and welfare of our employees is our highest priority and we will ensure that those involved receive appropriate support and counseling. Theft in this manner is disturbing and regrettable,'' said Luna Gold president and CEO John Blake.
This is the second gold heist in Brazil this year. In February, robbers stole 65 kilogrammes of gold from a mine run by Australia's Troy Resources. They had adopted a similar modus operandi, first taking people hostage and then decamping with the gold booty.
Magic Academy offers welfare schemes in new year
Magic Academy offers welfare schemes in new year Posted on: 30 Dec 2010Kochi: The Thiruvananthapuram based Magic Academy will be offering free accident and medical insruance schmes worth rs one lakh and 5 lakh for magicians in kerala from the new year.
An award titled 'Indrajala Puraskaram', free distribution of magic equipments worth rs 5000 for financially backward
magicians and yearly educational scholarshps of Rs 2500 for two year higher studies for the children of magicians, an
academy bulletin said.
State Bamk of Travancore and United Insurance company are joining hands with the academy in this venture.
Offered for the first time, the free medical insurance coverage up to rs one lakh will be granted to 140 magicians
and their close family members across the state based on their annual income certificate issue by the village officer.
All the magicians in the state will be brought under the coverage of free accident insurance for Rs 5 lakh.PTI
Iran is now a nuclear state: Ahmadinejad
Iran is now a nuclear state: Ahmadinejad Posted on: 30 Dec 2010Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said Iran is now a nuclear country and that it has achieved nuclear know-how for energy purposes, a media report said.
'Though the US and its allies have been exerting political and propaganda pressure and have issued resolutions against Iran over its nuclear programme, all their efforts have failed and Iran has now become a nuclear country,' Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying by Press TV.
Addressing a gathering in northern Karaj city, the Iranian president said cooperation rather than confrontation was the only way to resolve issues related to Iran's nuclear energy programme.
'We are open to cooperation based on our rights,' he said, warning Western countries that Iran would give a 'regretting' response to anyone who 'intends to prevent Iran from achieving its rights'.
He termed the sanction resolutions passed by the UN against Iran as 'illegal' and said the sanctions would only 'strengthen the Iranian nation' and accelerate the pace of its progress.
Retd. SC judge Balakrishna Eradi passes away
Retd. SC judge Balakrishna Eradi passes away Posted on: 30 Dec 2010
Kozhikode: Retired Supreme Court judge and former Kerala High Court chief justice V Balakrishna Eradi passed away here on Thursday. He was 88. He also acted as the president of the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum and chairman of the Ravi-Beas Water Dispute Tribunal. His cremation would be held at the Puthiyapalam crematorium at 12.30 pm on Thursday.
Kozhikode: Retired Supreme Court judge and former Kerala High Court chief justice V Balakrishna Eradi passed away here on Thursday. He was 88. He also acted as the president of the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum and chairman of the Ravi-Beas Water Dispute Tribunal. His cremation would be held at the Puthiyapalam crematorium at 12.30 pm on Thursday. Justice Eradi was born on June 19, 1922 in Kozhikode. After studying in Zamorin's School and Zamorin's College he bagged the first rank in Sanskrit from the Madras Christian College. In 1943 he secured the law degree with first rank from the Madras Law College and then began practice under K Kuttikrishna Menon.
When the Kerala High Court came into force in 1956 he shifted his practice to Ernakulum and in 1967 was appointed as additional judge. Eradi, who was appointed as High Court chief justice in 1980, shifted to the Supreme Court in 1981 and retired in 1987. After his retirement, he acted as the president of the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum till 1997.
Later in 1999 he was selected as the chairman of the National Company Law Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal. After retiring from this, he was leading a peaceful life in Chalappuram, Kozhikode. Saraswathi Eradi is his wife. His daughter is Sathi Eradi and son-in-law Jayasankar. Late Muralikrishna is his son.
Eradi who had a special taste for Kathakali and Carnatic music, had also acted as the president of the Delhi International Kathakali Centre and Swaralaya (Carnatic Musical Committee).
Snow shuts down high schools in Kashmir
Snow shuts down high schools in Kashmir Posted on: 30 Dec 2010Jammu : The Jammu and Kashmir government Thursday announced the closure of all high and higher secondary schools in the Kashmir Valley, reversing its own decision of keeping these educational institutions open during winters.
'All high and higher secondary schools in Kashmir Valley have been closed till further orders,' an official spokesperson said.
The government had decided to cancel the winter vacation to compensate for the loss of studies during the summer unrest in the Valley. But the decision had evoked strong resentment among students and parents as adequate heating arrangements were not available.
Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed had sought the views of the public on the issue Wednesday. However, the government went ahead and ordered schools to be closed after Thursday's snowfall.
KPCC to set up Karunakaran Foundation
Thrissur : Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Ramesh Chennithala today said the KPCC would set up a foundation in memory of the senior Congress leader K Karunakaran.
Addressing an all-party meeting here, organised by the District Congress Committee to condole the death of Mr Karunakaran on day of ''sanchayanam,'' he said that statues of the departed leader would be erected at Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur.
A memorandrum would be given to Chief Minsiter V S Achuthanandan in this regard soon, he added.
He also said the ''chithabasmam'' (ashes from the funeral)would be immersed on January eight at Thirunavaya in Malappuram District.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Vayalar Ravi said Mr Karunakaran was behind the idea of United Democratic Front and its implementation.
--UNI
Lula weeps in last speech as Brazil president
Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva burst into tears in his last speech in office.
As he addressed a crowd late Tuesday in his native state, Pernambuco, where he was born into poverty 65 years ago, Lula cried at least three times. He will step down on Saturday as his handpicked and popularly elected successor, Dilma Rousseff, is inaugurated.
As he addressed a crowd late Tuesday in his native state, Pernambuco, where he was born into poverty 65 years ago, Lula cried at least three times. He will step down on Saturday as his handpicked and popularly elected successor, Dilma Rousseff, is inaugurated.
First, he shed tears when he recalled how he rose from a poor child in the rural town of Caetes, near the city of Garanhuns, in Pernambuco, to the presidency of the world's eighth-largest economy.
Tears flowed again when a local poet expressed Pernambuco's gratitude to 'the best-loved president of the Brazilian land'.
Finally, Lula cried when he recalled his win in the 2002 presidential election, after three consecutive defeats in 1989, 1994 and 1998: 'I lost because a portion of the poor people had no confidence in me'.
'I remember that in 1989, in Casa Amarela (a poor neighbourhood in Recife), a woman came out of an old little house and told me, 'I won't vote for you because you will take away everything I have,'' Lula said.
'I went back home and told Marisa (his wife) that I was scared, because the people I wanted to help were afraid of me. And Marisa told me, 'Try again, because it will work out some day.' And it worked out in 2002.'
Lula thanked God for his experiences.
'I am grateful to God. Had it not been for God's finger, it would not be normal for a poor man from Caetes, who fled hunger, to become president. Whoever does not believe in God should believe,' he said.
Lula vowed that his successor, Rousseff, will do even more to lead Brazil.
'She will do much more. I am leaving the presidency, but don't you believe you will be rid of me, because I will be on the streets of this country to help solve Brazil's problems,' he said.
350 players to be auctioned for IPL-4
350 players to be auctioned for IPL-4 Posted on: 30 Dec 2010Mumbai: Some 350 best cricketers of the world will go under the hammer Jan 8-9 in Bangalore during the auction for the fourth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The Indian cricket board said Wednesday that top Indian players like Gautam Gambhir, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Yuvraj Singh will be up for grabs for the 10 franchises. But the participation of Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals in the auction is subject to court orders.
The Indian cricket board said Wednesday that top Indian players like Gautam Gambhir, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Yuvraj Singh will be up for grabs for the 10 franchises. But the participation of Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals in the auction is subject to court orders.
The auction will be conducted by Richard Madley, a professional auctioneer from England who has conducted each of the previous IPL player auctions. The proceedings will be broadcast live by Sony Set Max.
'The DLF IPL auction is indeed a very exciting prospect! I am confident that IPL fans throughout India and across the world will be paying very close attention to which of the world's best cricketers will be wearing their teams colours for the next IPL season,' said Chirayu Amin, chairman of IPL.
Out of 421 cricketers, who had expressed an interest to participate in the auction, a short list of 350 cricketers has been produced by the various IPL franchises.
Sanjay Dutt says Noorani issued threats through dons
Mumbai: A day after a court ordered the attachment of two properties of Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt over a financial row with producer Shakeel Noorani, the actor's lawyer Wednesday claimed that he received extortion calls from the underworld in 2005 at Noorani's behest.
The film producer rubbished the allegation.
The film producer rubbished the allegation.
'Sanjay Dutt does not owe a single penny to Shakeel Noorani. Noorani, in the past, has been demanding money from Sanjay Dutt. Mr. Dutt has received extortion calls at the behest of Shakeel Noorani. The complaint was lodged with the Anti-Extortion Cell and late (senior police inspector) Vijay Salaskar was investigating the case,' said Rizwan Merchant, Dutt's lawyer.
'Statement of Sanjay Dutt has been recorded. Shakeel Noorani was also personally called to the office of the Anti-Extortion Cell,' he added.
Merchant said that when Noorani did not succeed in his extortion demands in 2005, he (Noorani) made a complaint to the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA), which was rejected.
'Once a complaint is rejected, a subsequent complaint is barred. The IMPPA could not have passed any award once the first complaint was rejected,' Merchant said.
Noorani, however, rubbished all allegations made by the actor's lawyer.
'In fact, Sanjay Dutt has threatened to get me shot if I chase him to complete my film. He had personally thrown me out of the set where he was shooting for his film 'EMI' when I requested him to finish my film,' Noorani said.
Noorani also denied making any extortion calls, claiming that he had no underworld connections. 'It is Sanjay Dutt who has underworld connections. He often met people from the underworld when we went for shooting abroad,' he said.
'I was also never called for questioning by Salaskar. You can check the records if you want,' he told reporters.
Noorani also claimed that the IMPPA had never rejected his complaint.
The Bombay High Court Tuesday ordered the attachment of two properties of Dutt. The decision followed an arbitration award passed by the IMPPA in January in favour of Noorani.
The properties ordered to be attached include the actor's flat in the Imperial Heights building at Pali Hill in suburban Bandra and his office in suburban Santa Cruz.
Dutt has 30 days to pay Noorani, failing which his properties will be auctioned. The actor can also challenge the order in the high court.
Vimal Kumar aspires to be BAI president
New Delhi: Former national champion and coach Vimal Kumar will contest for the post of Badminton Association of India (BAI) president if a re-election is held as per the sports ministry's instructions.
The ministry has taken up cudgels against BAI president V.K.Verma, who was re-elected for a fourth term in June, which was in 'violation' of the government's guidelines of a maximum tenure of three years for office bearers.
The ministry has taken up cudgels against BAI president V.K.Verma, who was re-elected for a fourth term in June, which was in 'violation' of the government's guidelines of a maximum tenure of three years for office bearers.
The ministry has already asked BAI to amend its constitution and hold fresh elections to avoid getting de-recognised.
Verma, who is the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CGOC) director general, is also facing the heat as he and CGOC secretary general Lalit Bhanot are under the CBI scanner for alleged financial irregularities in the preparations for the Games.
Vimal Kumar, who played for India for 15 years and was the national champion 1988-1990, has sent a letter to the BAI executive council Wednesday intimating his decision to contest for the president's post and seeking its support, sources told IANS.
He has also made it clear that he will abide by the government guidelines.
BAI, on the other hand, will decide on its future course of action at its special general meeting, tentatively fixed Jan 10 in Rohtak during the senior national championships. The members will take stock of the situation and also 'amend the constitution' in view of the sports ministry's insistence on following its guidelines.
The sports ministry had dashed off a letter to BAI Nov 11 giving it 90 days to amend its consitution in accordance with the ministry's guidelines and hold fresh elections.
'It is expected that some amendments will be made to the constitution. It will be decided in the meeting how to tackle the situation.' a BAI official told IANS.
Verma won the contest for the president's post after former cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin, who jumped in the fray with the ministry's baking, withdraw at the last minute. But a section of BAI office bearers claimed that the election has been tampered with and the matter is in the Rajasthan High Court.
CPI for probe on ex-CJI
Kannur : The Communist Party of India (CPI) in Kerala today favoured probe on National Human Rights Commission Chairman K G Balakrishnan for alleged links of his family members with corporate lobbies in the country.
Talking to newspersons here, CPI State Secetary C K Chandrappan said no leniency should be shown to Mr Balakrishan, a Former Chief Justice of India, whose family members reportedly had connections with corporate lobbyist Niira Radia.
In this connection, the party held the views aired by Mr Justice V R Krishna Iyer who sought appointment of a high-powered commision to inquire into the corruption charges against him and his family members.
Mr Iyer had also demanded resignation of Mr Balakrishan as NHRC Chief.
On 2G spectrum scam, he said Rs 1.76 lakh crore allegedly wasted from the public exchequer in the spectrum allocation could have been utilised for construction of at least modern godowns for storage of foodgrains in the country. He said two crore ton food stuff rotted in the country in the absence of modernised storage facilities.
Accusing the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government at the centre for adopting ''anti-people'' policies, he said it had so far not able to ensure food security in the country.
On job scam in Wayanad District of Kerala, he said credit went to the Revenue Department for unravelling the irregularities in which eight people got enrolled in different departments, adding stringent action would be taken against the culprits involved.
Training in rubber cultivation
Training in rubber cultivation Posted on: 30 Dec 2010Kottayam : A five-day training camp in rubber cultivation for growers, estate managers and employees would begin at the Rubber Training Institute here on January 10, 2011.
The training fee is Rs 1200 and SC/ST participants are eligible for fee concession, a release said today.
The camp, being organised by the Rubber Board will conclude on January 14. PTI
'Toy Story 3' highest grosser of 2010
'Toy Story 3' highest grosser of 2010 Posted on: 30 Dec 2010London: Filmmaker Lee Unkrich's animated film 'Toy Story 3' has been named the highest grossing film of 2010, after making $1.1 billion at the international box office.
Director Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland' came second in this year's list by raking in $1 billion worldwide, despite being panned by critics.
Director Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland' came second in this year's list by raking in $1 billion worldwide, despite being panned by critics.
Christopher Nolan's 'Inception' starring Leonardo DiCaprio came third after earning $825.4 million followed by 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One' at $824.1 million, reports contactmusic.com.
'Shrek Forever After' wrapped up the top five with an earning of $739.8 million.
2010's highest grossing films at the international box office:
1. 'Toy Story 3', $1.1 billion
2. 'Alice in Wonderland', $1 billion
3. 'Inception', $825.4
4. 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows', Part 1. $824.1
5. 'Shrek Forever After': $739.8 million
6. 'Twilight Saga: Eclipse', $693.5 million
7. 'Iron Man 2', $582.2 million
8. 'Despicable Me', $539.9 million
9. 'How to Train Your Dragon', $494.9 worldwide
10. 'Clash of the Titans', $493.2 million worldwide
Veterinary Sciences Varsity Bill adopted
Thiruvananthapuram : The Kerala Assembly today adopted the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Bill for establishing and incorporating a University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences for the development of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in the state.
The University would have its headquarters at Pookode in Wayanad District.
According to the Bill, the objectives of the university include disseminating learning and knowledge in veterinary and animal sciences and allied fields by fostering and promoting veterinary research, establish efficient and cost effective animal diseases control prevention, prescribe standards for feeds and fodder, develop breeds an crosses of milch animals, poultry and pigs, act as primary consulting and advisory body of the government and a lot others.
The Assembly also adopted the Kerala Cultural Activists' Welfare Fund Bill for the constitution of a fund to grant relief and promote the welfare and to pay pension for cultural activists.
The Kerala Advocates' Welfare Fund (amendment) Bill was also passed in the assembly.
--UNI
NSS flays minority appeasing policies of govt
NSS flays minority appeasing policies of govt Posted on: 30 Dec 2010Kottayam: At the upcoming 134th Mannam Jayanthi conference on January 1 and 2, the NSS would proclaim its protest against the minority appeasing policies of centre-state governments. NSS leadership is of the opinion that the reforms brought out by both the centre and state governments are meant for vote bank politics. At the same time NSS is furious over the stand of both the governments which had adopted a mute policy on giving reservation to the poor among the forward classes.
Sehwag ruled out of ODI series against South Africa
Durban: India were today dealt a massive blow ahead of next month's ODI series against South Africa with aggressive opener Virender Sehwag ruled out due to a shoulder injury.
Sehwag, who had nursed a shoulder injury a few months ago as well, will be replaced by Rohit Sharma in the squad for the
five-match series starting here on January 12.
'Virender Sehwag has been advised to withdraw from the ODI series against South Africa to tend to his shoulder. Rohit
Sharma will replace him in the squad,' the BCCI said in a statement.
'Murali Vijay will stay back in South Africa for the ODI series, as the 17th playing member of the squad,' Board
secretary N Srinivasan added.
The previous shoulder problem had forced the 32-year-old out of the ICC World Twenty20 Championships in May.
India is currently playing a three-Test series against the Proteas, which is locked 1-1 after the visitors notched up
an 87 run win in the second Test yesterday.
The third Test will be played from January 2 in Cape Town. PTI
PK Sreemathi spent Rs 24 lakh for renovating official residence
PK Sreemathi spent Rs 24 lakh for renovating official residence Posted on: 30 Dec 2010Thiruvananthapuram: It is health minister P K Sreemthai who had spent the maximum for renovating her official residence. So far Rs 24, 32, 072 had been spent for renovating the minister's official residence `Zanadu'. The details were given by chief minister V S Achuthanandan in the assembly as a reply to K Achuthan and A A Shuckoor.
For renovating Manmohan Bungalow, where former minister Mons Joseph stayed and presently being used by Port minister V Surendran Pillai, Rs 23,70,300 was spent. It is revenue minister KP Rajendran who had spent less for renovations Rs 67,508.
The money being spent for other minister's houses are, Isaac Thomas, (Rose House ? Rs 13, 83, 116), V S Achuthanadan (Cliff House ?Rs 5,41,391), P K Gurudasan (Kawadiar house - Rs 3,47,267), Paloli Muhammedkutty (Asoka Bunagalow-Rs 1, 98, 498), AK Balan (Prasanth Bungalow-Rs 6,90,800), Binoy Viswom (Nest ?Rs 6, 18,956), M A Baby (Ushaus-Rs 3,09,615), G Sudhakaran (Ajantha Bungalow, Rs 1,61,033), Kadannapilly Ramachandran (Thaikad House-Rs 3, 67,281), NK Premachandran (Essences Bungalow-Rs 1,62, 808), Vijayakumar (Lind Hurst Bungalow-Rs 7, 59,196).
Food inflation at 10-week high of 14.44 per cent
New Delhi : Food inflation surged to a 10-week high of 14.44 per cent for the week ended December 18 as prices of vegetables, particularly onions, fruits, cereals and protein-based products, continued to escalate.
Food inflation stood at 12.13 per cent in the previous week. This is the fifth consecutive week when the rate of
price rise of food items has increased.
However, food inflation is still far below the level of 21.19 per cent seen during the same week last year.
On an annual basis, onions became costlier by 4.36 per cent, whereas on a week-on-week basis, the increase was 3.49
per cent, government data released here shows.
The rate of price rise of vegetables was 5.78 per cent on an annual basis, while on a weekly basis, it was 4.58 per
cent.
Fruits became 19.01 per cent more expensive, while milk grew 24.64 per cent costlier on a year-on-year basis during
the week under review.
Similarly, eggs, meat and fish prices rose by 31.21 per cent on an annual basis.
Overall, the price of cereal went up by 7.77 per cent year-on-year, while pulses became 13.82 per cent dearer.
What is more, the price of rice rose by 7.36 per cent year-on-year and wheat by 8.32 per cent. On a weekly basis, however, the price of most items -- barring vegetables -- appreciated in a narrow range.
A good monsoon and prospects of a bountiful kharif harvest had prompted the government to exude confidence about
a decline in food inflation. However, after moderating for a few weeks in November, resurgent inflationary pressure has made all the government's calculations go haywire.
Unseasonal rainfall in Maharashtra, which resulted in damage to onion crops, saw prices of the staple vegetable soar
by over Rs 80 per kg in mid-December. This prompted the government to ban exports of the product and also remove
import duty to increase availability in the domestic market. High food inflation could prompt the Reserve Bank to hike
key short-term rates at its policy review next month.
RBI Deputy Governor Subir Gokarn had last week hinted that more tightening monetary measures were likely to be taken
by the apex bank at its next policy review, as headline inflation is not easing as fast as the apex bank would like
and the upside risks still remain high.
'Inflation is not easing as we would like it to be... Upside risks to inflation are still high,' he had said. Overall inflation for November was at 7.48 per cent, down from 8.58 per cent in the previous month.
Experts have said that the rise in food inflation is likely to have repercussions on the final WPI inflation figures for December. PTI
Magic Academy offers welfare schemes in new year
Magic Academy offers welfare schemes in new year Posted on: 30 Dec 2010Kochi: The Thiruvananthapuram based Magic Academy will be offering free accident and medical insruance schmes worth rs one lakh and 5 lakh for magicians in kerala from the new year.
An award titled 'Indrajala Puraskaram', free distribution of magic equipments worth rs 5000 for financially backward
magicians and yearly educational scholarshps of Rs 2500 for two year higher studies for the children of magicians, an
academy bulletin said.
State Bamk of Travancore and United Insurance company are joining hands with the academy in this venture.
Offered for the first time, the free medical insurance coverage up to rs one lakh will be granted to 140 magicians
and their close family members across the state based on their annual income certificate issue by the village officer.
All the magicians in the state will be brought under the coverage of free accident insurance for Rs 5 lakh.PTI
Strict vigil against child labour and begging
Strict vigil against child labour and begging Posted on: 30 Dec 2010Thiruvanathapuram : Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Thursday told assembly that police have been asked to put up strict vigil against child labour practice and children being used for begging purpose.
Sixtyone children mainly from neighbouring states were rescued from the clutches of middlemen in the past two years
and eleven cases registered, Balakrishnan said while replying to a submission on child labour in the state.
Taking up the issue, K B Ganeshkumar (KC-B) said children from neighbouring states were engaged in child labour by
hotels in the state and they were also subjected to sexual harassement.
Ganeshkumar sought the intervetion of government to rescue these children and rehabilitate them. PTI
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Injured Harris out for up to four months
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
Associates and Affiliates umpires announced
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
Nathan McCullum stars in series win
New Zealand 185 for 7 (Guptill 44, Franklin 40, Ajmal 3-35) beat Pakistan 146 for 9 (Hafeez 46, McCullum 4-16) by 39 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
New Zealand performances have often been noted for being greater than the sum of their parts, and all the parts were on display at Seddon Park, where the hosts sealed the series with a dominant all-round display. Martin Guptill, James Franklin, Scott Styris and Ross Taylor all contributed with the bat, but Peter McGlashan stole the show with a 10-ball 26 that featured some scintillating stroke play. Nathan McCullum then produced a tight spell to asphyxiate the Pakistan chase, with support from Luke Woodcock, and he finished with 4 for 16. Kyle Mills, Tim Southee and Ian Butler were also among the wickets as Pakistan fell 39 runs short of New Zealand's 185. Pakistan were in no mood to wait as Mohammad Hafeez lofted Franklin over cover for four off the first ball of the innings before hitting him over square leg two balls later - this time for six. Kyle Mills was welcomed into the attack with two sixes, but took the wicket of Shahid Afridi as the batsman made room, only to watch his middle stump cartwheel after missing a slower full toss. Hafeez wasn't about to ease up, though, finding boundaries with regularity and scampering between the wickets with Ahmed Shehzad, as they stayed in touch with the required-rate with. They rode their luck too: Ross Taylor dropped a sitter off Hafeez on 44, and aerial mis-hits found their way into vacant areas more than once. Shehzad was dismissed attempting an ambitious inside-out wallop, as Styris ran around the extra-cover boundary to complete a running catch, and when Hafeez and Younis Khan were dismissed soon after, Pakistan looked poised for a trademark capitulation. But it was the choke, not the collapse, that did for Pakistan as New Zealand applied the squeeze through McCullum and Woodcock. Umar Akmal's slog over midwicket in the 13th over, an oddity in an otherwise docile period replete with singles and dot-balls as the asking-rate rose steadily. The strangle brought wickets for the hosts, as Asad Shafiq perished attempting to hit out, and the pressure was increased when Abdul Razzaq departed for 14. Umar Gul attempted to launch his first delivery off McCullum over the longest boundary of the ground, but was caught on the line. Akmal was left to perform a miracle with the tail, the required run-rate already tipping 20 and three wickets remaining. Tim Southee almost had two hat-tricks in two games as Akmal and Riaz were dismissed off consecutive deliveries in the final over, but the game was long over by that stage. New Zealand's strong total was set up by Guptill, who had lost none of his form and panache from his innings in the first Twenty20. He set about taking apart the Pakistan attack following the early loss of Jesse Ryder. Guptill pulled, glanced, drove and slogged for 44, building a 91-run partnership for the second wicket with James Franklin, who made 39 after being promoted to No. 3. Afridi brought on the spinners to apply the brakes and the move paid dividends momentarily, as wickets fell at regular intervals. His wayward seamers, however, could not stem the flow of runs for extended periods of time. Scott Styris exploited Gul to swipe his way to a 14-ball 34, and Taylor once again provided stability in the middle. But it was Peter McGlashan's dazzling cameo that took New Zealand from a good total to an excellent one as Gul's third over was dispatched for plenty. Twice McGlashan swept over fine leg, dragging balls from well outside off stump and manipulating the wrists to get the desired elevation and direction, before Afridi was forced to make the field change. Putting a fine leg out meant bringing the third man in, and McGlashan was quick to adapt. A drive past cover brought up the third consecutive four, but the next two deliveries were met by two jaw-dropping reverse pulls, both of which sailed over the ropes to complete a stunning five-ball burst in which 24 runs were plundered. Taylor took control after McGlashan's departure and ensured that New Zealand finished strongly.
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
New Zealand performances have often been noted for being greater than the sum of their parts, and all the parts were on display at Seddon Park, where the hosts sealed the series with a dominant all-round display. Martin Guptill, James Franklin, Scott Styris and Ross Taylor all contributed with the bat, but Peter McGlashan stole the show with a 10-ball 26 that featured some scintillating stroke play. Nathan McCullum then produced a tight spell to asphyxiate the Pakistan chase, with support from Luke Woodcock, and he finished with 4 for 16. Kyle Mills, Tim Southee and Ian Butler were also among the wickets as Pakistan fell 39 runs short of New Zealand's 185. Pakistan were in no mood to wait as Mohammad Hafeez lofted Franklin over cover for four off the first ball of the innings before hitting him over square leg two balls later - this time for six. Kyle Mills was welcomed into the attack with two sixes, but took the wicket of Shahid Afridi as the batsman made room, only to watch his middle stump cartwheel after missing a slower full toss. Hafeez wasn't about to ease up, though, finding boundaries with regularity and scampering between the wickets with Ahmed Shehzad, as they stayed in touch with the required-rate with. They rode their luck too: Ross Taylor dropped a sitter off Hafeez on 44, and aerial mis-hits found their way into vacant areas more than once. Shehzad was dismissed attempting an ambitious inside-out wallop, as Styris ran around the extra-cover boundary to complete a running catch, and when Hafeez and Younis Khan were dismissed soon after, Pakistan looked poised for a trademark capitulation. But it was the choke, not the collapse, that did for Pakistan as New Zealand applied the squeeze through McCullum and Woodcock. Umar Akmal's slog over midwicket in the 13th over, an oddity in an otherwise docile period replete with singles and dot-balls as the asking-rate rose steadily. The strangle brought wickets for the hosts, as Asad Shafiq perished attempting to hit out, and the pressure was increased when Abdul Razzaq departed for 14. Umar Gul attempted to launch his first delivery off McCullum over the longest boundary of the ground, but was caught on the line. Akmal was left to perform a miracle with the tail, the required run-rate already tipping 20 and three wickets remaining. Tim Southee almost had two hat-tricks in two games as Akmal and Riaz were dismissed off consecutive deliveries in the final over, but the game was long over by that stage. New Zealand's strong total was set up by Guptill, who had lost none of his form and panache from his innings in the first Twenty20. He set about taking apart the Pakistan attack following the early loss of Jesse Ryder. Guptill pulled, glanced, drove and slogged for 44, building a 91-run partnership for the second wicket with James Franklin, who made 39 after being promoted to No. 3. Afridi brought on the spinners to apply the brakes and the move paid dividends momentarily, as wickets fell at regular intervals. His wayward seamers, however, could not stem the flow of runs for extended periods of time. Scott Styris exploited Gul to swipe his way to a 14-ball 34, and Taylor once again provided stability in the middle. But it was Peter McGlashan's dazzling cameo that took New Zealand from a good total to an excellent one as Gul's third over was dispatched for plenty. Twice McGlashan swept over fine leg, dragging balls from well outside off stump and manipulating the wrists to get the desired elevation and direction, before Afridi was forced to make the field change. Putting a fine leg out meant bringing the third man in, and McGlashan was quick to adapt. A drive past cover brought up the third consecutive four, but the next two deliveries were met by two jaw-dropping reverse pulls, both of which sailed over the ropes to complete a stunning five-ball burst in which 24 runs were plundered. Taylor took control after McGlashan's departure and ensured that New Zealand finished strongly.
Moles linked with Glamorgan coaching vacancy
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
Ponting fights for his captaincy
Ricky Ponting knows his case to hold on to the captaincy is not strong, but he is desperate to retain the job and lift Australia from their lowest period since the mid-1980s. Ponting lost the Ashes away in 2005 and 2009 and he has become the country's first leader since Allan Border in 1986-87 not to hold the urn at home. England celebrated as Ashes winners with their innings victory at the MCG and while the series can still be drawn in Sydney next week, the reality is Australia have lost. Ponting is no certainty to hold on to the leadership after being unable to inspire his team-mates with his batting or captaincy. "The fact that I've lost those three series is disappointing for me," he said, slightly prematurely. "Hopefully I'm not only remembered as that guy, the guy that lost three Ashes series. There's lots of other great things I've been lucky to be able to be part of as a player throughout my career. This result is not one of my proudest." Ponting is second on Test cricket's run list with 12,362, but he has added only 113 in eight bats in this series, which is more concerning given the damaged state of his side. Australia's squad for the fifth Test will be named on Thursday and the selectors could point to Ponting's broken left pinky if they want to ease him out. Ponting thinks he will be able to play but understands the situation might be taken out of his bruised hands. "It's out of my control, I can't think too much about it," he said. "I've tried my hardest over the last couple of weeks to try to play well and try to lead the team as well as possible. I've felt I've led the team as well as I can. I haven't performed the way I wanted to perform, but I certainly haven't done it without trying, that's for sure." It seems the only way Ponting will be dethroned is if the selectors force him out, either publicly or privately, and if they do it now they risk upsetting him before his defence of the World Cup starting in February. Ponting has never lost a World Cup game as captain and Australia are pushing for a fourth consecutive success at the tournament. "Whatever decision I make, it's really important it's for the betterment of Australian cricket," he said. "I want to keep playing, I would love to keep leading the team. I still think I've got a lot to offer in both those regards." Ponting took over from Steve Waugh in 2004 and since then has developed an excellent record of 48 wins in 77 games, but over the past two years the change of personnel has resulted in the side falling to fifth in the world. However, the number of his team is not as painful as another below-par Ashes campaign. "I probably haven't got much of a case at the moment," he said of hanging on to the captaincy. "I've got a lot of knowledge on the game, the fact that I've played 150 Tests and won 99 Test matches. "I've captained a lot of winning teams. There is no doubt that the experiences I have in the game will hold me in good stead. I feel I am well equipped to bring on some young guys and we have got a few of them in the side now." The resume is impressive but time is moving fast for Ponting, who is now 36, and the selectors must decide whether he is worth holding on to. Not having a ready-made replacement is one major issue, with Michael Clarke struggling with the bat and at times behaving like someone who doesn't want the extra responsibility. Clarke is 29, enjoys an A-list lifestyle, and has a heavy influence over Phillip Hughes and Steven Smith, his young New South Wales team-mates. While there is currently strong public sentiment against Clarke and Ponting, the incumbent said he has received encouragement from the majority of people he has run into recently. "I've received great support in the last few weeks," he said. "I've had other international players in the last couple of mornings send messages through to me about different things." But there are growing elements of despair in the masses and Ponting does care what the public thinks. "Yeah of course, we all do," he said. "But quite often there's a perception out there which sometimes you can't change. No matter what you do and how well you do things, sometimes you can't change things. "I'm trying to do the right thing by my team and by Australian cricket. I think that right through my career I've been able to do that most of the time. I haven't been able to do it in the last few weeks and for that I'm bitterly disappointed and so is the rest of my group. We will soldier on." Australia lasted for only 83 minutes on the fourth morning and with Ryan Harris not batting due to his stress fracture, the end came when Ben Hilfenhaus edged Tim Bresnan behind. The mood of the hosts has swung dramatically over the past week with a huge high in Perth and now another low to match the one of the other innings defeat in Adelaide. "We weren't doing handstands," Ponting said of the post-match mood in the dressing room. "Only last week we were on top of the world. We didn't do anything different this week than we did last week, we just haven't played well." Peter English is the Australasia editor of Cricinfo
Feeds: Peter English © ESPN EMEA Ltd.
Feeds: Peter English © ESPN EMEA Ltd.Central Districts march into final
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
Writing on the wall and in the sky
Ponting's comings and goings
Ponting's arrival at the crease was a thunderous moment. As he emerged from the pavilion for what could conceivably be his final Test innings at the MCG, he was greeted by a wall of boos which slowly but surely were drowned out by the most raucous of cheers. Where previously he had attempted to blast his way back to form, this time he took the attritional route, as he waited 15 deliveries for his first runs before doubling his tally with a thick inside-edge off James Anderson. On 5, he steered Chris Tremlett through gully to pass 100 runs for the series, but at no stage did he look remotely settled. The end, when it came, was poignant, as he inside-edged Tim Bresnan into his stumps, and departed the stage head bowed, a great champion laid low for what must be close to the final time. Hussey hustled
After his staggering feats of batsmanship in the first three Tests, which included a career-best 195, a matchwinning 116, and fifty-plus scores in each of his other three innings, Michael Hussey was due a failure or two. The trouble is, such is the paucity of Australia's batting strength at present, his team could not afford for him to fail. Sure enough, after making 8 in the first innings, he didn't even get off the mark this time around, as Bresnan buzzed around his off stump from his relentless and subtly swinging full length, and Ian Bell at short cover swooped to gather a tentative poke from the seventh ball of his stay. It was the moment of the match as far as England's fielders were concerned, and from that moment on, no-one thought to doubt that the Ashes were in the bag. Fifties man
Shane Watson makes delightful half-centuries but just can't go on. Since he was turned into an opener last year he has reached fifty 16 times in 34 innings, but only twice has he gone on to three figures. It happened again today as he moved relatively smoothly to 54 - his fourth half-century of the campaign - before running out of energy. Shortly after tea he padded up to Bresnan, who had been angling the ball in, and was lbw. He tried a referral, but was soon on his way, with Australia craving so much more. Pain in Australia's side
Run-outs always hurt, but the damage is much greater when the victim is fighting to stay in the team. Phillip Hughes' dismissal was particularly painful because it wasn't his fault. Watson pushed Graeme Swann to the left of Jonathan Trott and set off, leaving Hughes in a futile sprint to reach his ground. He left with 23 as Australia lost an unnecessary wicket early in their attempt to score the 415 needed to force England to bat again. "It's a horrendous feeling to be involved in it," Watson said in accepting the blame. "Especially for a young guy trying to show what he can do on the international stage." Hughes, who has also posted 2, 12 and 16 since being recalled, now has to wait to learn whether he'll be needed for Sydney. A novel proposal
The writing may have been on the wall for Australia's cricketers, but midway through the afternoon session, it was also in the sky, as a lone microlight twisted and turned in the heavens above the Great Southern Stand, to spell out a message for one (presumably) lucky lady. Over the course of several minutes, a stream of white smoke belched out the message: "Marry ... me ... Kerri", the final part of which was completed long after the first half had been blown away in the breeze. For what it is worth, the ABC commentator Kerry O'Keeffe politely declined the offer. Hilfenhaus strikes at last
Ben Hilfenhaus has done a lot of hard work in this series for not much reward, but he doubled his series tally with 2 for 83 from 37 overs. Hilfenhaus had managed only a wicket in each of his two previous Tests despite delivering 72 overs of economical swing bowling. So he was a relieved man when Graeme Swann edged a bouncer behind and Chris Tremlett was bowled by one tailing in. He would have been even happier if the wickets had come before England had reached 500. Andrew Miller is UK editor of Cricinfo and Peter English is the Australasia editor Feeds: Peter English © ESPN EMEA Ltd.
Ponting's arrival at the crease was a thunderous moment. As he emerged from the pavilion for what could conceivably be his final Test innings at the MCG, he was greeted by a wall of boos which slowly but surely were drowned out by the most raucous of cheers. Where previously he had attempted to blast his way back to form, this time he took the attritional route, as he waited 15 deliveries for his first runs before doubling his tally with a thick inside-edge off James Anderson. On 5, he steered Chris Tremlett through gully to pass 100 runs for the series, but at no stage did he look remotely settled. The end, when it came, was poignant, as he inside-edged Tim Bresnan into his stumps, and departed the stage head bowed, a great champion laid low for what must be close to the final time. Hussey hustled
After his staggering feats of batsmanship in the first three Tests, which included a career-best 195, a matchwinning 116, and fifty-plus scores in each of his other three innings, Michael Hussey was due a failure or two. The trouble is, such is the paucity of Australia's batting strength at present, his team could not afford for him to fail. Sure enough, after making 8 in the first innings, he didn't even get off the mark this time around, as Bresnan buzzed around his off stump from his relentless and subtly swinging full length, and Ian Bell at short cover swooped to gather a tentative poke from the seventh ball of his stay. It was the moment of the match as far as England's fielders were concerned, and from that moment on, no-one thought to doubt that the Ashes were in the bag. Fifties man
Shane Watson makes delightful half-centuries but just can't go on. Since he was turned into an opener last year he has reached fifty 16 times in 34 innings, but only twice has he gone on to three figures. It happened again today as he moved relatively smoothly to 54 - his fourth half-century of the campaign - before running out of energy. Shortly after tea he padded up to Bresnan, who had been angling the ball in, and was lbw. He tried a referral, but was soon on his way, with Australia craving so much more. Pain in Australia's side
Run-outs always hurt, but the damage is much greater when the victim is fighting to stay in the team. Phillip Hughes' dismissal was particularly painful because it wasn't his fault. Watson pushed Graeme Swann to the left of Jonathan Trott and set off, leaving Hughes in a futile sprint to reach his ground. He left with 23 as Australia lost an unnecessary wicket early in their attempt to score the 415 needed to force England to bat again. "It's a horrendous feeling to be involved in it," Watson said in accepting the blame. "Especially for a young guy trying to show what he can do on the international stage." Hughes, who has also posted 2, 12 and 16 since being recalled, now has to wait to learn whether he'll be needed for Sydney. A novel proposal
The writing may have been on the wall for Australia's cricketers, but midway through the afternoon session, it was also in the sky, as a lone microlight twisted and turned in the heavens above the Great Southern Stand, to spell out a message for one (presumably) lucky lady. Over the course of several minutes, a stream of white smoke belched out the message: "Marry ... me ... Kerri", the final part of which was completed long after the first half had been blown away in the breeze. For what it is worth, the ABC commentator Kerry O'Keeffe politely declined the offer. Hilfenhaus strikes at last
Ben Hilfenhaus has done a lot of hard work in this series for not much reward, but he doubled his series tally with 2 for 83 from 37 overs. Hilfenhaus had managed only a wicket in each of his two previous Tests despite delivering 72 overs of economical swing bowling. So he was a relieved man when Graeme Swann edged a bouncer behind and Chris Tremlett was bowled by one tailing in. He would have been even happier if the wickets had come before England had reached 500. Andrew Miller is UK editor of Cricinfo and Peter English is the Australasia editor
Feeds: Peter English © ESPN EMEA Ltd.Hashim Amla recalled to Twenty20 squad
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
Tom Maynard walks away from troubled Glamorgan
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
England retain the Ashes with innings win
England 513 (Trott 168*, Prior 85, Cook 82, Strauss 69, Pietersen 51, Siddle 6-75) beat Australia 98 (Tremlett 4-26, Anderson 4-44) and 258 (Haddin 55*, Watson 54, Bresnan 4-50) by an innings and 157 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
England have retained the Ashes in Australia for the first time in 24 years, after inflicting one of Australia's heaviest losses, with a margin of an innings and 157 runs on the fourth morning at the MCG. It took less than 90 minutes for England to collect the three wickets they needed for victory, and when Tim Bresnan picked up his fourth wicket, an edge behind from Ben Hilfenhaus, the celebrations began. Bresnan finished with 4 for 50 and was mobbed by his team-mates when the final wicket fell, and the big collection of England fans at the MCG burst into full voice. It was a wonderful moment for England, who will now aim to turn their 2-1 lead into a series victory at the SCG next week, but as the holders of the Ashes before the tour they have done enough to retain the urn. For the first time in history, Australia have lost two Tests in a home series by an innings, and the margin was their worst defeat in Australia in 98 years, and their eighth-worst of all time. There was some fight from Brad Haddin and Peter Siddle, who put together an 86-run partnership after the early loss of Mitchell Johnson, but it was only ever a matter of time for England. During the Haddin-Siddle stand, both men cleared the boundary off Graeme Swann, providing something to cheer for the Australian fans who had turned up despite the certain result. Haddin's half-century came in 86 balls and Siddle posted his highest Test score, before the end came in a rush with Siddle and Hilfenhaus falling in quick succession, and the injured Ryan Harris unable to bat. Johnson was bowled by Chris Tremlett in the second over of the day for 6 and it seemed like the morning's play would be over in a rush, before Haddin and Siddle came together. It took a while for the next wicket, Siddle (40) caught on the boundary straight down the ground when he slogged Swann, and England knew their goal was almost achieved. Now, the questions turn to Sydney and what each team can achieve with the Ashes already decided. For England, the goal is obvious - win or draw and ensure they take the Ashes outright, rather than simply retaining them. For Australia, the series can still be drawn, but they must decide whether to make changes, including whether to risk Ricky Ponting with his broken finger. Ponting had x-rays during the morning, and when he spoke straight after the defeat he didn't know the results, but was still hopeful of playing at the SCG. "I've got a point to prove to myself and the team, with my performances in the past four Tests," Ponting said. "I will be doing everything I can to be ready for Sydney. I still think I've got a lot to offer the Australian cricket team." "It's pretty hard to accept," Ponting said of the loss. "We haven't deserved it, that's the bottom line, haven't played well enough. It was tough, but wasn't a 98 all out wicket. They showed us how to bat. We can still level the series, which has got to be the motivation for us. Get to Sydney and salvage some pride. We've let ourselves down and our supporters down." After the past 18 months were all geared towards regaining the Ashes, Australia's future must involve some changes. Andrew Strauss and his England team can celebrate a much-deserved triumph. Brydon Coverdale is an assistant editor at Cricinfo Feeds: Brydon Coverdale © ESPN EMEA Ltd.
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
England have retained the Ashes in Australia for the first time in 24 years, after inflicting one of Australia's heaviest losses, with a margin of an innings and 157 runs on the fourth morning at the MCG. It took less than 90 minutes for England to collect the three wickets they needed for victory, and when Tim Bresnan picked up his fourth wicket, an edge behind from Ben Hilfenhaus, the celebrations began. Bresnan finished with 4 for 50 and was mobbed by his team-mates when the final wicket fell, and the big collection of England fans at the MCG burst into full voice. It was a wonderful moment for England, who will now aim to turn their 2-1 lead into a series victory at the SCG next week, but as the holders of the Ashes before the tour they have done enough to retain the urn. For the first time in history, Australia have lost two Tests in a home series by an innings, and the margin was their worst defeat in Australia in 98 years, and their eighth-worst of all time. There was some fight from Brad Haddin and Peter Siddle, who put together an 86-run partnership after the early loss of Mitchell Johnson, but it was only ever a matter of time for England. During the Haddin-Siddle stand, both men cleared the boundary off Graeme Swann, providing something to cheer for the Australian fans who had turned up despite the certain result. Haddin's half-century came in 86 balls and Siddle posted his highest Test score, before the end came in a rush with Siddle and Hilfenhaus falling in quick succession, and the injured Ryan Harris unable to bat. Johnson was bowled by Chris Tremlett in the second over of the day for 6 and it seemed like the morning's play would be over in a rush, before Haddin and Siddle came together. It took a while for the next wicket, Siddle (40) caught on the boundary straight down the ground when he slogged Swann, and England knew their goal was almost achieved. Now, the questions turn to Sydney and what each team can achieve with the Ashes already decided. For England, the goal is obvious - win or draw and ensure they take the Ashes outright, rather than simply retaining them. For Australia, the series can still be drawn, but they must decide whether to make changes, including whether to risk Ricky Ponting with his broken finger. Ponting had x-rays during the morning, and when he spoke straight after the defeat he didn't know the results, but was still hopeful of playing at the SCG. "I've got a point to prove to myself and the team, with my performances in the past four Tests," Ponting said. "I will be doing everything I can to be ready for Sydney. I still think I've got a lot to offer the Australian cricket team." "It's pretty hard to accept," Ponting said of the loss. "We haven't deserved it, that's the bottom line, haven't played well enough. It was tough, but wasn't a 98 all out wicket. They showed us how to bat. We can still level the series, which has got to be the motivation for us. Get to Sydney and salvage some pride. We've let ourselves down and our supporters down." After the past 18 months were all geared towards regaining the Ashes, Australia's future must involve some changes. Andrew Strauss and his England team can celebrate a much-deserved triumph. Brydon Coverdale is an assistant editor at Cricinfo
Feeds: Brydon Coverdale © ESPN EMEA Ltd.Tanvir to join Pakistan squad
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
Canada sign deal with Etihad Airways
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
Strauss aims higher after Ashes secured
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
Smith calls for uniformity in UDRS
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
India level series with 87-run win
India 205 (Steyn 6-50) and 228 (Laxman 96) beat South Africa 131 (Harbhajan 4-10) and 215 (Sreesanth 3-35, Zaheer 3-57) by 87 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
India reiterated that they are no longer poor travellers by pulling off a series-levelling win in Durban, the scene of one of their worst Test defeats in 1996. Monday's victory at Kingsmead, after a humiliating loss in Centurion, joined other famous successes over the past decade on some of the world's fastest tracks - Headingley, Jamaica, Nottingham, Johannesburg and Perth. The match was even at the start of the fourth day but India's bowlers barely sent down a bad ball in the morning session to seize control of the Test. A Sreesanth snorter to Jacques Kallis started South Africa's slide, before two lbws - one a marginal decision and the other a howler, both sure to refuel the UDRS debate - hurt them further. Ashwell Prince tried to resist but India plugged away to remove the tail an hour into the second session and set up a decider in Cape Town next week. The ebb and flow of the match was matched by Sreesanth's bowling form. The wayward, antic-loving Sreesanth was missing in the morning as he sent down an accurate spell of sustained hostility. The highlight was in the day's seventh over - an unplayable bouncer that reared up sharply and jagged in towards Kallis, who had no way of avoiding it. He jumped and arched his back in an attempt to get out of the way but could only glove it to gully. It was the snorter needed to remove the kingpin of South Africa's batting. There was no over-the-top Sreesanth celebration either, just a fist pump before getting back to business. That wicket put India slightly ahead, and there was no doubt who the front-runners were when AB de Villiers offered a half-hearted forward defensive against a Harbhajan Singh delivery from round the wicket. He was struck in front of middle, looked lbw and the umpire agreed, though Hawk-Eye suggested the ball would have bounced well over the stumps. Mark Boucher has, over a decade in international cricket, built his reputation as a scrapper and, with Prince also around, it wasn't yet lights out for South Africa. Boucher, though, made only 1 before he was given lbw to a delivery that was angling across him and comfortably missing off stump . South Africa had lost three wickets, and there was still no boundary in the morning, a testament to the scarcity of bad deliveries. When the first four did come, from Dale Steyn, it was an edge to third man. Steyn had pinged Zaheer Khan on the helmet with a quick bouncer on Tuesday, and was the target of a string of short balls. After three of those, Zaheer slipped in a fuller delivery, which Steyn duly nicked to slip. At 155 for 7, with lunch 45 minutes away, the game looked set for a quick finish. Prince and Paul Harris, however, resisted with some dour batting and a couple of confident boundaries from Prince. They saw out the 10 overs to the break but a pumped-up Zaheer, chatting with the batsmen after almost every ball, ended the stand in his first over after the resumption with a peach that clipped Harris' off stump. Prince and Morne Morkel then stood firm for an hour, reducing the required runs to double digits. India's wait seemed to have ended when Ishant Sharma had Morkel wafting to gully, but that turned out to be his regulation wicket off a no-ball. In his next over, though, Ishant didn't overstep when he found the edge off Morkel to Dhoni. Two balls later, an alert Cheteshwar Pujara threw down the stumps from short leg, catching the No. 11 Lonwabo Tsotsobe short, and sparking celebrations. The Indians were ready to grab the stumps as souvenirs, when they realised the third umpire had been called for. The dismissal was confirmed moments later and there was no stopping the celebrations this time. India came into this Test with their No. 1 status questioned after the clobbering in Centurion and doubts over whether they had the bowling to take 20 wickets. They provided answers to both in Durban, handing South Africa their third straight defeat at the venue. Siddarth Ravindran is a sub-editor at Cricinfo Feeds: Siddarth Ravindran © ESPN EMEA Ltd.
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
India reiterated that they are no longer poor travellers by pulling off a series-levelling win in Durban, the scene of one of their worst Test defeats in 1996. Monday's victory at Kingsmead, after a humiliating loss in Centurion, joined other famous successes over the past decade on some of the world's fastest tracks - Headingley, Jamaica, Nottingham, Johannesburg and Perth. The match was even at the start of the fourth day but India's bowlers barely sent down a bad ball in the morning session to seize control of the Test. A Sreesanth snorter to Jacques Kallis started South Africa's slide, before two lbws - one a marginal decision and the other a howler, both sure to refuel the UDRS debate - hurt them further. Ashwell Prince tried to resist but India plugged away to remove the tail an hour into the second session and set up a decider in Cape Town next week. The ebb and flow of the match was matched by Sreesanth's bowling form. The wayward, antic-loving Sreesanth was missing in the morning as he sent down an accurate spell of sustained hostility. The highlight was in the day's seventh over - an unplayable bouncer that reared up sharply and jagged in towards Kallis, who had no way of avoiding it. He jumped and arched his back in an attempt to get out of the way but could only glove it to gully. It was the snorter needed to remove the kingpin of South Africa's batting. There was no over-the-top Sreesanth celebration either, just a fist pump before getting back to business. That wicket put India slightly ahead, and there was no doubt who the front-runners were when AB de Villiers offered a half-hearted forward defensive against a Harbhajan Singh delivery from round the wicket. He was struck in front of middle, looked lbw and the umpire agreed, though Hawk-Eye suggested the ball would have bounced well over the stumps. Mark Boucher has, over a decade in international cricket, built his reputation as a scrapper and, with Prince also around, it wasn't yet lights out for South Africa. Boucher, though, made only 1 before he was given lbw to a delivery that was angling across him and comfortably missing off stump . South Africa had lost three wickets, and there was still no boundary in the morning, a testament to the scarcity of bad deliveries. When the first four did come, from Dale Steyn, it was an edge to third man. Steyn had pinged Zaheer Khan on the helmet with a quick bouncer on Tuesday, and was the target of a string of short balls. After three of those, Zaheer slipped in a fuller delivery, which Steyn duly nicked to slip. At 155 for 7, with lunch 45 minutes away, the game looked set for a quick finish. Prince and Paul Harris, however, resisted with some dour batting and a couple of confident boundaries from Prince. They saw out the 10 overs to the break but a pumped-up Zaheer, chatting with the batsmen after almost every ball, ended the stand in his first over after the resumption with a peach that clipped Harris' off stump. Prince and Morne Morkel then stood firm for an hour, reducing the required runs to double digits. India's wait seemed to have ended when Ishant Sharma had Morkel wafting to gully, but that turned out to be his regulation wicket off a no-ball. In his next over, though, Ishant didn't overstep when he found the edge off Morkel to Dhoni. Two balls later, an alert Cheteshwar Pujara threw down the stumps from short leg, catching the No. 11 Lonwabo Tsotsobe short, and sparking celebrations. The Indians were ready to grab the stumps as souvenirs, when they realised the third umpire had been called for. The dismissal was confirmed moments later and there was no stopping the celebrations this time. India came into this Test with their No. 1 status questioned after the clobbering in Centurion and doubts over whether they had the bowling to take 20 wickets. They provided answers to both in Durban, handing South Africa their third straight defeat at the venue. Siddarth Ravindran is a sub-editor at Cricinfo
Feeds: Siddarth Ravindran © ESPN EMEA Ltd.Ponting considers a move down the order
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
New Zealand eye sweep against misfiring Pakistan
Match FactsDecember 30, Christchurch
Start time 19.00 (06.00 GMT) The Big PictureBefore this series, New Zealand were in total disarray, having endured 14 successive defeats at the international level, and seemingly without a plan. Two Twenty20 matches were all it took to change the vibe in their side. It was made possible by the influx of players who hadn't been a part of the misadventures in the subcontinent. Adam Milne hustled away with Shane Bond-like pace, Peter McGlashan's innovative reverse sweeps left Umar Gul - a Twenty20 expert - looking out of place, and Luke Woodcock stunted a rampant chase with a tight spell. Suddenly, all of New Zealand's experiments have begun to work and they look good for the remainder of the tour. It is unlikely that the hosts will drop their intensity in Christchurch. It has taken a lot of effort to end the losing streak and Ross Taylor's men will want to savour the taste of victory for as long as possible. Things don't look so bright for Pakistan though. Despite all the controversies, they were expected to stand up in the Twenty20s - after all it was the format least likely to test their admittedly thin resources. Yet, while they have managed to challenge Australia, England and South Africa in the longer formats, their T20 form has nosedived, and they have now lost six on the trot. The problem seems to stem from their team composition, with a fragile and inexperienced top order failing to put enough runs on the board for their accomplished six-man attack to work with. Given that the AMI Stadium is another rugby-cum-cricket ground that will wrong-foot the best of bowlers, Pakistan may find merit in going the other way and loading up on their batting. Form guide
(most recent first) New Zealand: WWLWL
Pakistan: LLLLL Watch out for...Ross Taylor has made two steady, but crucial, contributions lower down the order, and in both games, his intent to stay around till the end was obvious - a big improvement from the one-dayers in India when he often fell at key moments. Martin Guptill's form at the top has allowed Taylor to play a guiding role in the second half, but expect the captain to step on the gas in Christchurch. Younis Khan's return to the Twenty20 side has so far yielded five runs in two innings. He is, however, too good a player to fail three times on the trot. Another player due to come good is Abdul Razzaq whose manic hitting left South Africa dazed in a recent one-dayer in UAE. He showed signs of finding his range in Hamilton, and the crowds in Christchurch can expect him to send a few their way. Team newsWith the series in the bag, New Zealand have decided to give Brendon McCullum more time to rest his back, which means McGlashan will continue to keep wicket. Each member in their 14-member squad has got a chance in the first two matches, and they are likely to fiddle with the line-up some more in the third game. Will Adam Milne get another go? New Zealand (probable): 1 Jesse Ryder, 2 Martin Guptill, 3 Dean Brownlie, 4 Scott Styris, 5 Ross Taylor (capt), 6 James Franklin, 7 Peter McGlashan (wk), 8 Nathan McCullum, 9 Kyle Mills / Adam Milne, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Luke Woodcock Pakistan seem to have got their combination wrong - only eight of the 16 members in the squad, including allrounders Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq, are batsmen. Afridi may have to give up the opening slot and add substance to a misfiring middle order. Sohail Tanvir is yet to get a chance and, if picked, his unusual delivery stride could rein New Zealand's batsmen in. Pakistan (probable): 1 Mohammad Hafeez, 2 Ahmed Shahzad , 3 Shahid Afridi (capt), 4 Younis Khan, 5 Fawad Alam / Asad Shafiq, 6 Umar Akmal, 7 Abdul Razzaq, 8 Umar Gul, 9 Wahab Riaz / Sohail Tanvir 10 Saeed Ajmal, 11 Shoaib Akhtar Stats and triviaAfridi's average as an opener is 17.75, but it jumps up to 38.00 when he drops to No. 3, though the strike-rate falls from 191.89 to 139.44 With 25 wickets to their names, Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills are New Zealand's second highest wicket-takers along with Shane Bond. Daniel Vettori leads the list with 35 Quotes"Getting that first win was something special for us ... It had been a while and obviously to do it back-to-back was even more special. Hopefully we will continue with confidence from now on."
Nathan McCullum doesn't want to relax now that New Zealand have ended their losing streak Nitin Sundar is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo Feeds: Nitin Sundar © ESPN EMEA Ltd.
Start time 19.00 (06.00 GMT) The Big PictureBefore this series, New Zealand were in total disarray, having endured 14 successive defeats at the international level, and seemingly without a plan. Two Twenty20 matches were all it took to change the vibe in their side. It was made possible by the influx of players who hadn't been a part of the misadventures in the subcontinent. Adam Milne hustled away with Shane Bond-like pace, Peter McGlashan's innovative reverse sweeps left Umar Gul - a Twenty20 expert - looking out of place, and Luke Woodcock stunted a rampant chase with a tight spell. Suddenly, all of New Zealand's experiments have begun to work and they look good for the remainder of the tour. It is unlikely that the hosts will drop their intensity in Christchurch. It has taken a lot of effort to end the losing streak and Ross Taylor's men will want to savour the taste of victory for as long as possible. Things don't look so bright for Pakistan though. Despite all the controversies, they were expected to stand up in the Twenty20s - after all it was the format least likely to test their admittedly thin resources. Yet, while they have managed to challenge Australia, England and South Africa in the longer formats, their T20 form has nosedived, and they have now lost six on the trot. The problem seems to stem from their team composition, with a fragile and inexperienced top order failing to put enough runs on the board for their accomplished six-man attack to work with. Given that the AMI Stadium is another rugby-cum-cricket ground that will wrong-foot the best of bowlers, Pakistan may find merit in going the other way and loading up on their batting. Form guide
(most recent first) New Zealand: WWLWL
Pakistan: LLLLL Watch out for...Ross Taylor has made two steady, but crucial, contributions lower down the order, and in both games, his intent to stay around till the end was obvious - a big improvement from the one-dayers in India when he often fell at key moments. Martin Guptill's form at the top has allowed Taylor to play a guiding role in the second half, but expect the captain to step on the gas in Christchurch. Younis Khan's return to the Twenty20 side has so far yielded five runs in two innings. He is, however, too good a player to fail three times on the trot. Another player due to come good is Abdul Razzaq whose manic hitting left South Africa dazed in a recent one-dayer in UAE. He showed signs of finding his range in Hamilton, and the crowds in Christchurch can expect him to send a few their way. Team newsWith the series in the bag, New Zealand have decided to give Brendon McCullum more time to rest his back, which means McGlashan will continue to keep wicket. Each member in their 14-member squad has got a chance in the first two matches, and they are likely to fiddle with the line-up some more in the third game. Will Adam Milne get another go? New Zealand (probable): 1 Jesse Ryder, 2 Martin Guptill, 3 Dean Brownlie, 4 Scott Styris, 5 Ross Taylor (capt), 6 James Franklin, 7 Peter McGlashan (wk), 8 Nathan McCullum, 9 Kyle Mills / Adam Milne, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Luke Woodcock Pakistan seem to have got their combination wrong - only eight of the 16 members in the squad, including allrounders Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq, are batsmen. Afridi may have to give up the opening slot and add substance to a misfiring middle order. Sohail Tanvir is yet to get a chance and, if picked, his unusual delivery stride could rein New Zealand's batsmen in. Pakistan (probable): 1 Mohammad Hafeez, 2 Ahmed Shahzad , 3 Shahid Afridi (capt), 4 Younis Khan, 5 Fawad Alam / Asad Shafiq, 6 Umar Akmal, 7 Abdul Razzaq, 8 Umar Gul, 9 Wahab Riaz / Sohail Tanvir 10 Saeed Ajmal, 11 Shoaib Akhtar Stats and triviaAfridi's average as an opener is 17.75, but it jumps up to 38.00 when he drops to No. 3, though the strike-rate falls from 191.89 to 139.44 With 25 wickets to their names, Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills are New Zealand's second highest wicket-takers along with Shane Bond. Daniel Vettori leads the list with 35 Quotes"Getting that first win was something special for us ... It had been a while and obviously to do it back-to-back was even more special. Hopefully we will continue with confidence from now on."
Nathan McCullum doesn't want to relax now that New Zealand have ended their losing streak Nitin Sundar is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo
Feeds: Nitin Sundar © ESPN EMEA Ltd.VVS Laxman stars on pulsating day
South Africa 131 and 111 for 3 need another 192 runs to beat India 205 and 228 (Laxman 96)
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
The Durban Test continued to be a cracker, with the game see-sawing on the third day before bad light ended play with the teams level. In the morning, VVS Laxman produced his seemingly customary second-innings gem to defy South Africa's bowlers and put India in control by swelling the lead towards 300. South Africa then had a dream second session nipping out the remaining three wickets in under 10 overs, before their batsmen began whittling down the target confidently. India were the better side after tea, hustling out two wickets to keep the game finely balanced. India could have been ahead had Cheteshwar Pujara latched on to a sharp, knee-high catch at backward short-leg to remove Jacques Kallis for a duck. The chance went down, and the performance of Kallis, who has a better statistical second-innings record than Laxman, on the fourth day could decide the fate of the series. Laxman had earlier strung together the two biggest Indian partnerships of the match, first with MS Dhoni and then with Zaheer Khan, to set South Africa the stiff task of chasing 303. South Africa wouldn't have expected such a tall target when a steepler from Morne Morkel had Cheteshwar Pujara playing on in the second over of the day. Both Morkel and Dale Steyn were getting late swing, and with the odd delivery rearing up, life was hard for Laxman and Dhoni. There were several air-drives and edged boundaries past and over the slips. To South Africa's dismay, the pair didn't just survive, but scored quickly as well, with a bunch of fours from Dhoni helping raise 41 in seven overs. Just as Indian nerves were being soothed, Lonwabo Tsotsobe produced the breakthough. He had Dhoni poking at a delivery angling across, feathering an edge to Mark Boucher. Harbhajan Singh fell three overs later, rooted in the crease as he prodded at one from Morkel, and edged to the safe hands of Kallis at second slip. The lead was 212, and South Africa sensed a quick end to the innings, but Zaheer and Laxman tilted the game towards India with a 70-run stand. A long partnership didn't look likely given the way Zaheer started his innings: looking to swipe nearly every delivery out of the ground, and rarely connecting. Laxman had his share of fortune as well, inside-edging to square-leg to become the first player to make a half-century in the game. A french-cut from Laxman also raced past the off stump, and he carried on unflustered, either by his edges or Zaheer's impetuous strokes. He worked the gaps to move almost un-noticed towards yet another second-innings century, and with Kallis and Paul Harris bowling, the pressure eased off, and the runs started to flow. Zaheer also played his part. He had sparked India to life with the ball on Monday, and his aggression with the bat paid off today. He didn't mind the swing-and-misses, or the umpteen lbw appeals - including a dead-plumb one off Steyn that was turned down - and kept going for his shots. The first session ended with India in charge, emphasised by a couple of powerful Zaheer boundaries off the last two deliveries before lunch, but South Africa hit back by closing out the innings for the addition of just 10 runs after the break. The home side had to make the highest total of the match in the final innings, a challenge to which Graeme Smith and Alviro Petersen responded by scoring at five an over. Zaheer has generally had the better of Smith in their previous encounters, though this time the batsman blasted four fours off Zaheer's first two overs to have South Africa racing out of the blocks. The swing and bounce that the South African bowlers had consistently extracted went missing, as Petersen too began to punish the bowling. They had galloped to 63 for 0 an over before tea, when Sreesanth, riled after a verbal exchange with Smith, ended the South African captain's belligerent innings with a short ball that was top-edged, to revive India's flagging spirits. There was more for them to celebrate soon after as Petersen fell to Harbhajan and Hashim Amla ended the best year of his career with an appalling shot, chasing a wide one from Sreesanth. Kallis wasn't his usual rock-solid self, surviving due to Pujara's drop and then top-edging a pull short of mid-on before making his first run. The light began to deteriorate and both Kallis and AB de Villiers were watchful, except against the rank-bad balls, to guide South Africa to stumps, and set up another riveting day at Kingsmead. Siddarth Ravindran is a sub-editor at Cricinfo Feeds: Siddarth Ravindran © ESPN EMEA Ltd.
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
The Durban Test continued to be a cracker, with the game see-sawing on the third day before bad light ended play with the teams level. In the morning, VVS Laxman produced his seemingly customary second-innings gem to defy South Africa's bowlers and put India in control by swelling the lead towards 300. South Africa then had a dream second session nipping out the remaining three wickets in under 10 overs, before their batsmen began whittling down the target confidently. India were the better side after tea, hustling out two wickets to keep the game finely balanced. India could have been ahead had Cheteshwar Pujara latched on to a sharp, knee-high catch at backward short-leg to remove Jacques Kallis for a duck. The chance went down, and the performance of Kallis, who has a better statistical second-innings record than Laxman, on the fourth day could decide the fate of the series. Laxman had earlier strung together the two biggest Indian partnerships of the match, first with MS Dhoni and then with Zaheer Khan, to set South Africa the stiff task of chasing 303. South Africa wouldn't have expected such a tall target when a steepler from Morne Morkel had Cheteshwar Pujara playing on in the second over of the day. Both Morkel and Dale Steyn were getting late swing, and with the odd delivery rearing up, life was hard for Laxman and Dhoni. There were several air-drives and edged boundaries past and over the slips. To South Africa's dismay, the pair didn't just survive, but scored quickly as well, with a bunch of fours from Dhoni helping raise 41 in seven overs. Just as Indian nerves were being soothed, Lonwabo Tsotsobe produced the breakthough. He had Dhoni poking at a delivery angling across, feathering an edge to Mark Boucher. Harbhajan Singh fell three overs later, rooted in the crease as he prodded at one from Morkel, and edged to the safe hands of Kallis at second slip. The lead was 212, and South Africa sensed a quick end to the innings, but Zaheer and Laxman tilted the game towards India with a 70-run stand. A long partnership didn't look likely given the way Zaheer started his innings: looking to swipe nearly every delivery out of the ground, and rarely connecting. Laxman had his share of fortune as well, inside-edging to square-leg to become the first player to make a half-century in the game. A french-cut from Laxman also raced past the off stump, and he carried on unflustered, either by his edges or Zaheer's impetuous strokes. He worked the gaps to move almost un-noticed towards yet another second-innings century, and with Kallis and Paul Harris bowling, the pressure eased off, and the runs started to flow. Zaheer also played his part. He had sparked India to life with the ball on Monday, and his aggression with the bat paid off today. He didn't mind the swing-and-misses, or the umpteen lbw appeals - including a dead-plumb one off Steyn that was turned down - and kept going for his shots. The first session ended with India in charge, emphasised by a couple of powerful Zaheer boundaries off the last two deliveries before lunch, but South Africa hit back by closing out the innings for the addition of just 10 runs after the break. The home side had to make the highest total of the match in the final innings, a challenge to which Graeme Smith and Alviro Petersen responded by scoring at five an over. Zaheer has generally had the better of Smith in their previous encounters, though this time the batsman blasted four fours off Zaheer's first two overs to have South Africa racing out of the blocks. The swing and bounce that the South African bowlers had consistently extracted went missing, as Petersen too began to punish the bowling. They had galloped to 63 for 0 an over before tea, when Sreesanth, riled after a verbal exchange with Smith, ended the South African captain's belligerent innings with a short ball that was top-edged, to revive India's flagging spirits. There was more for them to celebrate soon after as Petersen fell to Harbhajan and Hashim Amla ended the best year of his career with an appalling shot, chasing a wide one from Sreesanth. Kallis wasn't his usual rock-solid self, surviving due to Pujara's drop and then top-edging a pull short of mid-on before making his first run. The light began to deteriorate and both Kallis and AB de Villiers were watchful, except against the rank-bad balls, to guide South Africa to stumps, and set up another riveting day at Kingsmead. Siddarth Ravindran is a sub-editor at Cricinfo
Feeds: Siddarth Ravindran © ESPN EMEA Ltd.Dhoni downplays Kingsmead achievement
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
Kenya head to India to prepare for World Cup
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
Geoff Lawson to be Kochi coach
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
Poor batting cost South Africa - Smith
Quiet Amla adds Indian flair to South Africa Hashim Amla once refused to wear the team jersey because the sponsor was an alcoholic brand. It is this mental strength that has seen him through to what will be his 50th Test in Durban The sad demise of Ponting His team needed a huge score, but Australia's captain managed just 20 as the end of a career looms larger Raina's woes put Pujara in the frame If the management thinks Suresh Raina might not be up for it on a green, bouncy track, it will make sense to look beyond him for the next two games, especially since they will want him confident ahead of the World Cup Zaheer Khan shows why he is 'the man' As a versatile, thinking bowler who doesn't rely on pace for his wickets, and, more importantly, as the fast bowling captain and coach of the team, Zaheer Khan transforms India's attack from average to potent 'There are no easy catches in the slips' The first man to take 200 catches in Test cricket, Rahul Dravid speaks about what it takes to stand in the cordon
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Season 5 Dec 27 2010 part 1
Isssingers | December 27, 2010 | 0 likes, 0 dislikes Idea Star SingerIsssingers | December 27, 2010 | 0 likes, 0 dislikes Idea Star Singer
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