Sports News

John Terry is going to Stay in Chelsea: No More Speculation Needed

2009-07-31T00:33:00.000+07:00

John Terry is the captain of Chelsea football team and he is one of their key footballers. His presence is always felt by everyone and that is perhaps why Manchester City is eager to buy him. They have given some attractive offer to John Terry. If he had accepted this offer then his salary would reach to 200,000 pounds a week. It is a huge salary in any country. So, there was a lot of speculation that John Terry might change his club. However, he has stated publicly and very clearly that he is not going to leave Chelsea. So, there should be no more speculation in the media and blogs.

Ana Ivanovic in French Open 2009

2009-05-21T21:27:00.000+06:00

Ana Ivanovic won the championship of French Open 2008. It was her most memorable win in her career but after that it seemed that she lost her way and she suffered from injuries and lost of form. Ana Ivanovic is now twenty-one years old and the problem is that she gives a lot of importance to her appearance than her tennis. I hope that she should learn her lesion now and focus on her playing in stead of her beauty and glamour. At this comment, Ana Ivanovic is suffering from fitness problem and it is not yet 100% clear that whether she can play in French Open 2009 or not. This time, French Open is taking place amidst economic worries everywhere.

So, if she misses this tournament then it will be a bad disaster because then she will loss her ranking in the top ten. That is why, Ana Ivanovic is now fighting her and she is thinking that she will do well in French Open. However, it is very difficult because she is not in good level of fitness at this moment.

Recession Hurting the Sports Industry Too badly

2009-04-03T23:32:00.000+06:00

The economic recession is now offending all of us including the sports industry. What has happened is that people are suffering every country and it is the thing that is now becoming a bad thing for all the people. So, there is hardly anything to do but to wait for things to become better. People like Tiger Woods lost sponsorship. Big clubs like Manchester United are now suffering to get big sponsorship deals. No one knows that how long the recession is going to continue and this is the worst part. The uncertainty is bad for all the sports. All we can do is to pray that things become better soon.

IPL 2009 in South Africa: Only Few Days to Go

2009-04-02T22:47:00.000+06:00

There are just two weeks left before the opening of IPL 2009. Although it is Indian premier league but this time it is staged in South Africa because in this moment, there is going to be general election in India. So, the organizers of a Indian premier league 2009 are not extremely busy with the last minute preparations and they’re hoping that it will be a successful event.

But on the other hand, for South African organizers, this is a very important event because with the success of this event they can become confident and so the rest of the world that they are properly prepared for World cup football 2010.

Matthew Hayden: Retirement has made him available for Chennai Super Kings of IPL

2009-01-14T00:23:00.000+06:00

The retirement of Australia’s left-arm opening batsman, Matthew Hayden, has become a good thing for his franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He now will be available for the second edition of his IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings. I think club members and team mates will be pleased to get such an in form and veteran player among them. This aggressive but dependable batsman will help his team to increase the power and get the prestigious title.

Matthew Hayden could not play all the matches of the inaugural edition of IPL due to home series. He could attend for only four of Chennai’s 14 matches where he scored 189 runs at an average of 63 and strike-rate of 144.27. You may know that he was purchased for US $ 375,000 in auction. Chennai Super Kings lead by Mahendra Singh Dhoni became the runners up team in the first edition of IPL. I hope this time they will be the champion team.

Related article:

Cricinfo

ACC Unable to Make the Pak-India Series Certain

2008-12-05T21:11:00.001+06:00

Pakistan-India upcoming cricket series is now doubtful following the massive terrorist attack in Mumbai recently. Neither BCCI nor PCB can give any conformation about the scheduled series in January-February next year. Recently, Syed Ashraful Haq, Chief executive Asian Cricket Council (ACC), has recently said that ACC can not play any role to make the series certain because the issue is now at the hand of the two boards. Rather, the governments of the two countries are involved here.

Geosuper reported:

In an exclusive talk with Geo News, Syed Ashraful Haq said that the Pak-India series is the biggest event not only in Asia but in the world of cricket and everybody wants this series to be held in time.
He said that if the Pak-India series is postponed due to political reasons then the game would be badly affected.

There is no doubt, the future of Asian cricket will be put in jeopardy if the series between Pakistan and India is postponed. Earlier, Pakistan was suffered from terrorist attack as Australia postponed their tour of Pakistan earlier this year and then ICC postponed the scheduled Champions Trophy which was due to take place in September in Pakistan. The recent Mumbai attack cut short the India-England ODI series too. Now, let us see if Indian team is allowed to visit Pakistan on a tour.

IPL Champions Twenty20 League will be aired on CBN and ATN-Cricket Plus in Canada

2008-12-01T19:26:00.001+06:00

The inaugural Champions Twenty20 League has been postponed due Mumbai crisis which was supposed to hold at 3^rd December this year. It is now facing uncertainty for rescheduling. There is still doubt whether it will be held in India early next year. However, this multimillion dollar league has already caught attention from all over of the world. Though, it is yet to reschedule again then many of you are interested to know in which channels it will be broadcast. Asian Television Network (ATN) has got the right to telecast the tournament in Canada.

Asian Television Network (ATN) has purchased the right of broadcasting Champions Twenty20 league for next three years in Canada. It will be aired and rebroadcast the tournament on CBN and ATN-Cricket Plus channels.

It is really a nice opportunity for cricket beloved fans. Now, they can enjoy and watch live champions league on this channels. In that way, cricket will get more popularity in world wide.

Abdur Razzak of Bangladesh gets banned by ICC

2008-12-01T18:53:00.000+06:00

It is very sad news for all the Bangladesh cricket fans. Abdur Razzak is a promising spin bowler and he has taken a lot of wickets in ODI. He is still young and only 26 year old. Many of us think that he can be the good bowler of tomorrow of our country. Now the bad news is that ICC has decided to ban him because of his suspect tin bowling action. I am not if this ban will be for ever or for independent time. I just think that he can change his bowling action with the help of some experts and come back to world cricket again as soon as possible.

This is bad news for Abdur Razzak too because he earns his profession by playing cricket and he will now perhaps suffer a lot. I hope that Bangladesh Cricket Board comes a support of this bowler and helps him every way possible to change his bowling action and come back to cricket again.

India vs England Test series 2008/09 is in uncertainty

2008-12-01T01:14:00.000+06:00

Due to Mumbai crisis, England cricket team cut short their ODI series and flew to Heathrow Airport. However, the Test series which was supposed to kick off from 11^th December, 2008, had been postponed. Not only that the Mumbai attack disorganized the cricket schedule. IPL Champions League could not tale place on the field for the same reason. Now, the two-match Test series is in doubt whether it will be played ever between them or not.

England team has taken 48 hours to decide whether India is safe enough to return for a test series. The managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board, Hugh Morris, said in a report that being his hopeful about the next month’s two tests against India will take place, the players will not be forced to return if they concern about the lack of security.

Only five one-day international matches of the seven-match Test series took place where India cinched all of the matches and took a 5-0 lead in the series. They were looking toward the whitewash. I have to admit that it was bad luck for India team who could not make it in real.

Is there any hope of taking place the Test series in India? We the cricket fans hope that England team will return and play the test series that will make us happy.

Related article:

Charleston Daily Mail

Australia vs New Zealand 2nd Test 2008: Australia takes the control over the second Test

2008-11-30T13:36:00.001+06:00

The Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin’s maiden century and a 181-run partnership along with another centurion Michael Clarke in sixth wicket stand helps to post a tough chasing score of total 535 all out in their first innings. They left a 265-run lead in front of tourists New Zealand team. Australia started their resumed second day’s inning of 241 for 3 with Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke was at stump on 69 and 43.

Coming to back in the second innings New Zealand scored 35 runs without any loss in 9 overs. Aaron Redmond and Jamie How start the opening batting in the second innings. Redmond scored not out 15 while Jamie How amass unbeaten 13.

Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin played his ninth test match as the successor of veteran Adam Gilchrist. He had scored 169 after facing 222 balls where he 24 boundaries and 2 sixes. On the other hand, Michael Clarke took his 9^th Test century against New Zealand. However, lower order players could not produce any more scores. In his passionate 239-ball innings, he scored 110 including 11 fours. Second half-centurion Michael Hussey could score only 1 run in third day before catch out.

Kiwi bowlers could not make any pressure over Australia team. Iain O'Brien took three wickets alone. He was the highest wicket taker. Chris Martin, Aaron Redmond and skipper Daniel Vettori took two wickets each.

Related article:

Cricinfo

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 4th ODI: Sri Lanka got a tough win

2008-11-29T00:18:00.000+06:00

Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by 2 wickets on their fourth ODI match at Harare Sports Club. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka chose to field and pushed Zimbabwe to bat first. Zimbabwe scored 150 all out in 47.3 overs. Coming to chase this lead, Sri Lanka reached the destination with 15 balls remains at hand. For that, they had to loss 8 wickets. Thanks to Jehan Mubarak, Sri Lanka could record their fourth successive ODI win in away series. Winning the fourth ODI match, Sri Lanka took a 4-0 lead in the series. Now, only one match is left to be played.

However, cricket fans could see an exciting ODI match between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. Host team tried hard to clinch the match against strong opponent team Sri Lanka. They also made it an exciting and nail biting game and raised a hope of match win. Though, they could not continue it at the end of the game. Zimbabwe again saw the destructive mood of Sri Lankan spin sensation Ajantha Mendis. He again picked 6 wickets after giving 29 runs which tore the batting line-up. Thilan Thushara took two wickets on this game.

All the credit goes to Sri Lankan middle order batsman Jehan Mubarak. He scored 98-ball 60 which led the team to get victory.

For Zimbabwe team, Tawanda Mupariwa and Elton Chigumbura took 3 wickets each.

Related articles:

Cricinfo

South Africa vs Bangladesh 2nd Test 2008: South Africa is looking towards their second successive win

2008-11-27T16:25:00.001+06:00

Bangladesh cricket team could manage a fighting score of 250 runs thanks to Junaid Siddique and Mushfiqur Rahim’s two half-centuries in their first innings. Both of them are two top scorers in the first innings scoring 67 and 65 respectively. They were all out within 76.2 overs. Chasing this lead South Africa lost their first wicket of Neil McKenzie after adding 3 runs in the board which was by Mashrafe Mortaza. At the end of first day of the five-day Test series, South Africa could score 7 for 1 in 5 overs. Winning the toss, Bangladeshi skipper Mohammad Ashraful chose to bat first.

Bangladesh team needs some more wickets to toil the South African batting line-up if they want to save them from whitewash. After clinching the first test by an innings and 129-run, South Africa took a 1-0 lead of the two-match test series. To retain the 2^nd spot in the ICC Test rankings, they will have to defeat the tourists in all the matches.

South Africa is now on batting. They have already lost two early wickets within 47 runs. Both Mashrafe Mortaza and Mahbubul Alam took one wicket each. Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallisare are fighting. After the end of 31 overs, South Africa is 90 for 2. Hashim Amla is just six runs away from his 10^th Test fifty while Jacques Kallis is batting on 16.

PCB vs BCCI vs ICL

2008-11-25T01:27:00.000+06:00

This is an interesting scenario and for the first time, all the three actors of this drama have found themselves in the same kind of difficult condition. First there is PCB who is suffering a lot because Pakistan has been branded as a country where security is a big problem. So, most countries do not want to visit Pakistan. It has a seriously affected the revenue potential of PCB. Then there is Indian cricket league or ICL who are yet to get any kind of cognition from ICC. So, you might think that BCCI is luckier compared to the first two. Well, they are now in a difficult position too.

To know about the problems and dilemmas read this entry:

PCB to Use ICL Issue to Force BCCI to Confirm the Upcoming Pakistan Tour

India vs Australia 4th Test 2008: Harbhajan Singh is fit for final Test

2008-11-05T01:15:00.001+06:00

India’s off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is set to make his return with the final test match against Australia at Nagpur which will begin from 6^th November, 2008. He missed the third match of Border-Gavaskar series after falling into a toe injury. Now, he is confident to play in the fourth and final test against the old foe Australia team. Harbhajan’s inclusion in the test squad will give India a breath.

The retirement of Anil Kumble put India team under huge pressure as he was the most experienced spinner in India team. India team will feel the lack of Anil Kumble in the on going series. However, it is thought that Harbhajan Singh can feel the void of his absence. He is just one wicket short to claim 300-wicket in Test cricket.

Harbhajan Singh will make pair with new spinner Amit Mishra, who made his test debut with second test. Virender Sehwag will be supportive spinner. India team will go ahead with new skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Fans of India team are excited to see how MS Dhoni leads his team over Australia.

Related article:

SKY SPORTS

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India vs Australia Test series 2008: A memorable Test series

2008-11-03T22:02:00.001+06:00

The four-match Border-Gavaskar Test series between India and Australia will be remembered for many reasons. The most important reason is that the retirement of two veteran players. They are: Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble. Fans of cricket game can not see these two batting great.

Before the start of the four-match Test series, veteran Sourav Ganguly had announced his retirement from Test cricket. This will be the last test series for him. He will play the fourth test match against Australia at Nagpur which will be his last match in his career. This match is scheduled to start from 6^th November, 2008. After this series, Sourav Ganguly will not be appeared in test cricket.

Another veteran cricketer Anil Kumble took his retirement decision during the third test after falling finger injury. He announced his retirement minute after tea break of the last day which was called draw. He finished his test match with draw that put host India team to lead the series 1-0.

With this series, Sachin Tendulkar has become the highest run holder overtaking the world record of West Indian Brian Lara. V.V.S Laxman will write his name in the 100-test club.

Related article:

PTI

India vs Australia 3rd Test 2008: Gautam Gambhir banned for final Test

2008-11-01T02:07:00.001+06:00

India’s left-hander opening batsman Gautam Gambhir has been banned for the final Test match against Australia after being accused guilty for elbowing Australian all rounder Shane Watson. This most excitement incident took place in the opening day of the third test.

He was charged under the Level 2 offence by the match referee Chris Broad. Level 2 penalties are cut down the fee of the player from between 50 per cent up to 100 per cent and/or ban one test match. So, fans of Indian team can not see him to play against the same opponent in the fourth and last test match which will start from 6^th November, 2008.

He is one of the most inform opener in India team. He scored his maiden double hundred (206) in India’s 613-7 declare. So, his lack will affect over India team. Indian national selectors will try to find some one to replace his place. Who will be the best replacement of his place?

Related article:
THE CANADIAN PRESS

India vs Australia 3rd Test 2008: Gautam Gambhir and Shane Watson have been charged for breaching the ICC code of conduct

2008-10-30T23:32:00.002+06:00

India’s opening batsman Gautam Gambhir and Australia’s all rounder Shane Watson have been accused guilty for breaching the ‘spirit of the game’ under the ICC code of conduct after both were involved in a quarrel on the first day of third Test. Gautam Gambhir has been charged under Level 2 by match referee Chris Broad while Watson has been charged under the same clause by Level 1.

This incident took place on the first day of the third Test during the 51^st over of India’s first innings when Gambhir accidentally pushed his elbow into Watson’s chest. After that incident both the players exchanged some hated words. Hearing will be announced after the end of second day of the third test. If he is found guilty he could be banned for one Test match.

If any player has been charged under Level 2 offence he could be face a fine fee from 50 per cent of the match up to 100 per cent and/or he could be banned for one Test match. Charges had been put down against the players by the umpires Billy Bowden and Aleem Dar along with the TV official Suresh Shastri.

This is not the first time he has been charged under Level 2 offence. In 2007 he was found guilty and fined 65% of his match fee when he barged in to Pakistan bowler Shahid Afridi while batting in an ODI match in Kanpur.

Has he any possibility to be fined for this conduct?

Related article:

cricinfo

Sri Lanka and England Agreed to Postpone Sri Lanka’s Tour of England 2009

2008-10-25T23:26:00.000+06:00

Cricket boards of England and Sri Lankan have agreed to postpone Sri Lanka’s tour of England in 2009 recently in the aftermath of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)’s stand to let some of Sri Lanka’s key players take part in the second season of IPL. However, the schedule of IPL second season clashed with Sri Lanka’s pre-schedule tour of England in 2009. SLC is seeking to make a US$70 million bailout deal with BCCI, but to materialize the deal, SLC has to ensure full support for IPL, a BCCI-organized tournament.

So, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has recently agreed to postpone the series, because a second-string Sri Lankan team would not bring out the satisfactory ticket sales. In stead, England is now trying to convince West Indies to come on a tour during that time in England. However, West India also has players who have contracts with IPL and if West Indies cricket board lets them take part in IPL, despite going on a tour to England, then Digicel, the sponsor of West Indies cricket team, might cause problems. So, it is not yet sure if West Indies will go on a tour to England next year in order to fill up the void created in the calendar of England cricket team upon the postponement of Sri Lanka’s tour of England.

Sri Lanka vs India 1st ODI match 2008: The return of Sanath Jayasuriya added India's fear

2008-08-17T21:01:00.002+06:00

Tomorrow on 18^th August, 2008 both Sri Lanka and India will open their five-match ODI series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. With the ODI series win, India team should try to erase their miserable memory of defeating Test series by 2-1 against Sri Lanka in the recently concluded three-match Test series. Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, India team aims to beat the host team to regain few steps up. On the contrary, Sri Lanka team wants to keep on their performance in limited-over matches too.

Ahead of the 1^st ODI match both teams are busy to take their last minute preparation. Fans of cricket game are eagerly waiting to see a clash between these two former South Asian world cup winner teams. India’s one-day international captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his young brigades are expected to take revenge for their Asia Cup final defeat after snatching the ODI series but it is not even easy task. To claim ODI title, they have to show better performance in both batting and bowling department. Sri Lanka is one of the toughest places to play cricket. Pitches are slow and spin friendly where getting a lot of run is difficult. Middle order batting line-up seems the big problem for India team as most of the player failed to make any resistant and fragile in a short time in Test series.

There are some reasons for India team to fear. First and important reason is spin duo: Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis, who took most of the wickets and helped to get Test victory. Because of his destructive bowling action, Ajantha Mendis has gained the reputation as their nemesis. Now, India team is also worried about Sri Lankan opening batsman Sanath Jayasuriya. This aggressive batman has taken retirement from Test cricket but still he is capable of playing big innings which makes fear the opponent bowlers. In past, most of the time we saw India team suffered by him. When India team was dreaming of claiming Asia Cup title after taking 66-4 then Sanath Jayasuriya appeared as savior scoring hundred where Sri Lanka got win by 100 runs. So, Indian bowlers should want to take his wicket as early as possible. It is believed that without Sanath Jayasuriya Sri Lanka could not make a chasing score that would trouble India.

Young fast bowler Ishant Sharma will not be able to play ODI series for his injury. The inclusion of Irfan Pathan in the main squad shows the hope of playing better against Sri Lanka team. Let us see if India beat Sri Lanka team in limited-over matches.

Hindustan Times

Sri Lanka vs India ODI series 2008: Sachin Tendulkar taking lowest position in his 15 years career

2008-08-14T00:29:00.002+06:00

If you are fan of cricket game and India is your favorite team then you should know that Indian cricket team is now looking towards the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, beginning from 18^th August 2008. It is the most important ODI series for both Sri Lanka and India teams as it is the last one-day series before 2008 ICC Champions Trophy. India team is now looking a consolation one-day series win after defeating the Test series 2-1. The presence of India’s one-day skipper MS Dhoni in the lower order batting will boost the team to counter the spin duo: Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis.

Ahead of the ODI series in Sri Lanka and ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, national team selectors have announced 16-members squad where many big changes have been appeared. One of the most experienced batsmen Sachin Tendulkar has been pulled out of the ODI squad due to his left-elbow injury. He had fallen into injury during the third test while attempting to take a catch to dismiss Chaminda Vaas. He finished the three-match test series showing disappointed performance. After scoring 6 and 14 in third and final Test, he slipped down six places to 23^rd position, lowest ranking in ICC Test batsmen ranking in his 15 years career since 1992. He has finished the test series 76 runs short of becoming highest run holder in Test cricket. He just scored 95 runs at 15.83.

Now, fans of Sachin Tendulkar wish for him to see fully recover and playing cricket with full rhythm in the Champions Trophy.
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cricketnext
REUTERS.uk

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Beijing Olympic Games Men’s Football: Argentina Wins 2-1 over Cote d'Ivoire in the Opening Match

2008-08-08T02:13:00.002+06:00

Defending Olympic gold medalist Argentina got off to a good start in men’s football event of Beijing Olympics Games 2008 thanks to a 2-1 victory over Cote d'Ivoire. Beijing Olympics Games will officially start tomorrow evening through a grand opening ceremony. However, men’s and women’s football events have already been started. Today on the very first day of men’s football, three favorites Brazil, Argentina and Italy got victories in their respective matches.

Two goals from Lionel Messi and Laurato Acost helped Argentina to pick up the full points from the first match. However, Juan Riquelme was behind both the goals. In the closing minutes of the first half, Riquelme provided a pass for Messi who confidently shot the ball past goalkeeper Vincent Angban into the net. Cote d'Ivoire got the equalizer thanks to a goal from Sekou Cisse seven minutes into the second half. Laurato Acosta scored the winning goal for Argentina four minutes off the final whistle in the match.

It was really a solid performance by Argentina. In the presence of some quality footballers like Lionel Messi, Juan Riquelme, Argentine side looks very strong to defend their goal medal in Beijing Olympics Games 2008. Now, let us see if Argentina can hold on to their current form throughout the tournament.

beijing2008

Sri Lanka vs India 2nd Test, 2008: You should know about 20 things

2008-08-04T23:58:00.001+06:00

After the humiliating defeat in an innings margin in the first test at Colombo, India has made their amazing fight back in the series with an impressive win by 170 runs in the second test at the Galle International Stadium which has made the series 1-1 level. Both teams are now heading towards the last test match of this series which will start from 8^th August, 2008 at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo. It is expected to see an exciting and closely contested match between host Sri Lanka and travelers India. Everyone should try to beat each other to claim the series. No one is dominating the series in that time.

Here in this post I am giving a list of things about the Sri Lanka vs India 2^nd Test which may not be known to you-

1. The opening day of the second test delayed to be held because of rain. However, match was played only four days to be finished.

2. India bounced back the series with the win in the second test at Galle International Stadium clinching and recorded their fist Test victory in this venue. In their last tour in August 2001, they lost to Sri Lanka by 10 wickets at this venue.

3. Sri Lanka team has inspirational performance in this venue that’s why it is called lucky ground for host team. They played 10 matches where they have won 7 lost 1 and drawn 2. They last defeated by Pakistan team by 8 wickets at Kandy in April 2006.

4. After clinching a big win by 170 runs in the second test, they recorded their 31^st victory away from home. They have played 207 away Test where they lost 87 and drawn 89.

5. Under the Test captain Anil Kumble, India played 11 away Tests from home. Statistical highlight of his career shows him as a perfect captain. Under his leading India won 3, lost 4 and drawn 4. Victory against Sri Lanka was the second under Anil Kumble’s captaincy in 6 Tests.

6. Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh made his remarkable come back and spun India into a strong position taking 10 wickets against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium. For the first time, he has captured 10 wickets in a Test match on foreign soil.

7. Claiming 10 for 153 in the second test, Harbhajan Singh has become the best by any Indian bowler in Sri Lanka. His figures at Galle are now best by visiting bowlers and the record of Australian bowling great Shane Warne’s record of 10 for 159 in 2003-04.

8. He has provided himself the ninth instance by an Indian bowler to bag ten or more Test wickets in away from home, joining Irfan Pathan, Bishan Singh Bedi, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Erapalli Prasanna, Chetan Sharma, Venkatesh Prasad and Anil Kumble. Irfan Pathan got this success twice- once each against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

Harbhajan Singh recorded his name beside Anil Kumble claiming ten or more wickets twice, first achieved the feat against Sri Lanka at Ahmedabad in 2005-06, in a Test match against Sri Lanka.

9. Harbhajan Singh bagged his fifth ten wickets or more test in Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium. He claimed it thrice against Australia and twice against Sri Lanka.

Indian opening pair Virender Sehwag got his fifth double century, including two triple centuries, against Sri Lanka in the first innings of second test at Galle. He was unbeaten 201. He has also become the 10^th Indian batsmen to have complete 5000 runs in Test cricket. He is the only Indian batsman to have scored triple century.

10. Virender Sehwag was awarded Man of the match sixth time but first against Sri Lanka.

11. Sri Lanka’s new bowling mystery become the first Sri Lankan to bag ten wickets or more in Test cricket in second test against India at Galle, bettering Muralitharan's 8 for 90 in 2001-02. He has become leading wicket taker after claiming 18 wickets at an average of 18.94 at a strike rate of 33.7.

12. Mendis has become the second Sri Lankan after Muralitharan to capture 10 wickets in a Test match at Galle. Muralitharan has accomplished the feat four times- once each against South Africa, England, West Indies and Australia.

13. Interestingly VVS Laxman got dismissed by Mendis in each innings of the Colombo, SSC and Galle Tests.

14. Claiming 10 for 209, 6 for 117 in the first innings and 4 for 92 in the second innings, Ajantha Mendis produced his best bowling performance in a Test match.

15. Sri Lanka’s 136 in the second test was lowest ever score at Galle. Their lowest score was 154 against Australia in 2003-04.

16. Muttiah Muralitharan has 751 wickets at an average of 21.90 in 122 Tests. After taking the wicket of Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik in the second innings of second test at Galle, he has become the first bowler to capture 750 wickets in Tests history.

17. Anil Kumble has made world record for most ‘Caught and bowled’ dismissals (34) bettering Muralitharan's tally of 33.

18. VVS Laxman has become the fourth Indian fielder after Rahul Dravid (175), Sunil Gavaskar (108) and Mohammad Azharuddin (105) to complete a century of catches in Test cricket achieved the distinction with Prasanna Jayawardene's catch.

19. Virender Sehwag’s 50 off 52 balls is his 14^th fifty in Test cricket- his first against Sri Lanka. He has recorded a double hundred (201) and a fifty (50) in the same game.

20. Muralitharan’s figure of 13 for 171 against South Africa in 2000-01 are best by any bowlers at Gally.

However, dear fans I think most of you could see an exciting and nail biting test match between Sri Lanka and India. Both these two South Asian former world cup winning team are always strong team in their home ground. Both teams will face each other in third test with full of confidence and rhythm. As a host team Sri Lanka should try to take benefit. No doubt, India team should try to take revenge for their defeat by 2-1 in last Sri Lanka tour in 2001. What do you think who can win the series?

Useful links-

http://inhome.rediff.com/cricket/2008/aug/03sta.htm

http://inhome.rediff.com/cricket/2008/aug/03stats.htm

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/PoliticsNation/India_beat_Sri_Lanka_by_170_runs/articleshow/3321381.cms

Sri Lanka vs India 2nd Test 2008: Harbhajan Singh claimed 6-102

2008-08-03T14:49:00.001+06:00

If anyone ask you about the second test between Sri Lanka and India at Galle International Stadium that who is dominating the series what will be your answer. I know it is difficult to say because neither hosts Sri Lanka nor tourist India in the driving seat at the end of the day three. In reply to India’s first inning total of 329, Sri Lanka got all out short of 37 runs. Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh played key role taking 6-102 ending Sri Lanka for 292 in their first innings supported by leg-spinner Anil Kumble, who took 3-81. Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene bravely faced Indian attack with wicket-keeper Jayawardene and made top-score with a responsible 86 on a spin friendly pitch. Harbhajan Singh, who took four wickets yesterday, claimed two more in third day and haul of his 22^nd five or more wickets in a Test innings. He first broke through the wicket of wicket-keeper caught by Venkatsai Laxman at short-leg. Then no one could make pair with skipper, who lone battled against Indian attack. It was his first wicket in third day then took the last wicket of Muralitharan and give 37-run lead in first innings.

Indian captain Anil Kumble who remained wicket less in first innings took his first and most important wicket of Mahela Jayawardene, who seemed threat for India team, among three wickets for 81. After losing fifth wicket tail ender failed to play big innings that’s why Sri Lanka lost last five for 77 runs.

India

team is now batting in their second innings. After losing four wickets they have scored 200 runs and make 237 runs lead over

Sri Lanka

. Both Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman are not out at stumps. The fate of match result is depending much more on them how long they can carry the innings.

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Lionel Messi: Barcelona vs Argentina

2008-08-03T02:15:00.000+06:00

It seems that Barcelona is desperate to keep Lionel Messi and not let Argentina national football team to take him for playing in Olympic Games 2008. Argentina has a tough group in Olympics 2008 along with Ivory Coast, Australia and Serbia. So, It will be very tough for Argentina to do well in Olympics.

On the other hand, Barcelona has much bigger problem at hand. Last season, they disappointed everyone by not winning any trophy. So, this season Barcelona is under pressure from everyone to perform. Undoubtedly, Lionel Messi is the best player of Barcelona. So, they need to keep him from the start of the season.

Sri Lanka vs India 2nd Test 2008: Harbhajan Singh fightback India team

2008-08-02T02:30:00.002+06:00

Before the start of first test, it was heard that Sri Lanka vs India three-match test series will be dominated by spinners in both side. However, the poor performance of India team in both batting and bowling side frustrated the cricket fans that no one could expect either. First test was dominated by spinners but it was from Sri Lanka side. It was spin mystery bowler debutant Ajantha Mendis who was under the guidance of bowling great Muttiah Muralitharan. Both suffered India’s star-studded top order. Now, India team is playing second test at the Galle International Stadium with the target of bounce back in the series winning the second test. In reply to India’s first inning of total 329, Sri Lanka got under pressure losing top five wickets within 215 needing more 114 runs trail. Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene (46) and Prasana Jayawardene (5) were at stumps at the end of second day.

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh broke the backbone of Sri Lanka team after taking top four wickets for 71 in the final session. Come back bowler Zaheer Khan first break through the wicket. After losing first wicket of Michael Vandort in the first over, both Malinda Warnapura and Kumar Sangakkara had put on 133 runs in second wicket stand. After the end of second wicket stand others three wicket lost for 55 runs. Harbhajan claimed top four wickets of Malinda Warnapura, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Samaraweera and Tillakaratne Dilshan.

His destructive bowling action leads India fight back.

However, the danger man Mahela Jayawardene is still in crease. His slow and steady mood can change the match result.

India

team is not save until he will stay in stumps. It depends on bowlers how fast they can take his wicket. Can

India

win the second test match? I hope they can.
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