The match-winning 96-run knock in the Durban Test catapulted VVS Laxman to a career-best ninth in the batting chart while paceman Zaheer Khan's good show also helped him touch his career-best mark of number four in the bowling list of latest ICC rankings.
Laxman's effort in the second innings played a pivotal role in India's 87-run win, which helped India level the three-match series 1-1, and also pushed him six places up.
It is for the first time that Laxman has entered into the top-10 zone. The wristy Hyderabadi is now the third Indian batsman inside the top-10 with Sachin Tendulkar sitting in the second position and Virender Sehwag occupying the fourth spot.
Zaheer Khan recorded figures of 3/36 and 3/57 in India's win at Durban and has been rewarded with a jump of three places which puts him along side James Anderson of England.
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has also improved his ranking by two places and is now in eighth position after match figures of 6/80.
Paceman S Sreesanth jumped lifted six places to 27th position after match figures of 4/86. In contrast, South Africa's top four batsmen failed to retain their places.
Friday, December 31, 2010
VVS, Zaheer on career-best rankings after Durban win
The match-winning 96-run knock in the Durban Test catapulted VVS Laxman to a career-best ninth in the batting chart while paceman Zaheer Khan's good show also helped him touch his career-best mark of number four in the bowling list of latest ICC rankings.
Laxman's effort in the second innings played a pivotal role in India's 87-run win, which helped India level the three-match series 1-1, and also pushed him six places up.
It is for the first time that Laxman has entered into the top-10 zone. The wristy Hyderabadi is now the third Indian batsman inside the top-10 with Sachin Tendulkar sitting in the second position and Virender Sehwag occupying the fourth spot.
Zaheer Khan recorded figures of 3/36 and 3/57 in India's win at Durban and has been rewarded with a jump of three places which puts him along side James Anderson of England.
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has also improved his ranking by two places and is now in eighth position after match figures of 6/80.
Paceman S Sreesanth jumped lifted six places to 27th position after match figures of 4/86. In contrast, South Africa's top four batsmen failed to retain their places.
Laxman's effort in the second innings played a pivotal role in India's 87-run win, which helped India level the three-match series 1-1, and also pushed him six places up.
It is for the first time that Laxman has entered into the top-10 zone. The wristy Hyderabadi is now the third Indian batsman inside the top-10 with Sachin Tendulkar sitting in the second position and Virender Sehwag occupying the fourth spot.
Zaheer Khan recorded figures of 3/36 and 3/57 in India's win at Durban and has been rewarded with a jump of three places which puts him along side James Anderson of England.
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has also improved his ranking by two places and is now in eighth position after match figures of 6/80.
Paceman S Sreesanth jumped lifted six places to 27th position after match figures of 4/86. In contrast, South Africa's top four batsmen failed to retain their places.
VVS, Zaheer on career-best rankings after Durban win
The match-winning 96-run knock in the Durban Test catapulted VVS Laxman to a career-best ninth in the batting chart while paceman Zaheer Khan's good show also helped him touch his career-best mark of number four in the bowling list of latest ICC rankings.
Laxman's effort in the second innings played a pivotal role in India's 87-run win, which helped India level the three-match series 1-1, and also pushed him six places up.
It is for the first time that Laxman has entered into the top-10 zone. The wristy Hyderabadi is now the third Indian batsman inside the top-10 with Sachin Tendulkar sitting in the second position and Virender Sehwag occupying the fourth spot.
Zaheer Khan recorded figures of 3/36 and 3/57 in India's win at Durban and has been rewarded with a jump of three places which puts him along side James Anderson of England.
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has also improved his ranking by two places and is now in eighth position after match figures of 6/80.
Paceman S Sreesanth jumped lifted six places to 27th position after match figures of 4/86. In contrast, South Africa's top four batsmen failed to retain their places.
Laxman's effort in the second innings played a pivotal role in India's 87-run win, which helped India level the three-match series 1-1, and also pushed him six places up.
It is for the first time that Laxman has entered into the top-10 zone. The wristy Hyderabadi is now the third Indian batsman inside the top-10 with Sachin Tendulkar sitting in the second position and Virender Sehwag occupying the fourth spot.
Zaheer Khan recorded figures of 3/36 and 3/57 in India's win at Durban and has been rewarded with a jump of three places which puts him along side James Anderson of England.
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has also improved his ranking by two places and is now in eighth position after match figures of 6/80.
Paceman S Sreesanth jumped lifted six places to 27th position after match figures of 4/86. In contrast, South Africa's top four batsmen failed to retain their places.
India seal historic win in Durban, set up series decider in Cape Town
India scored a historic Test win in Durban, a venue where had fared poorly at in the past, and levelled the series 1-1 with a game left in Cape Town. Needing 303 to win this game and the series, South Africa were bowled out for 215.
With Zaheer Khan's return, India had a rejuvenated bowling attack in this game. The veteran seamer took six wickets in the match, including 3-57 in the second innings while S Sreesanth hit top form taking 3-45.
Sreesanth began the day in fine style for India when a vicious bouncer aimed at Jacques Kallis' nose was fended off Virender Sehwag behind the wicket.
India had some luck with the umpiring decisions today. Harbhajan Singh bowling over the wicket got AB de Villiers LBW. Hawk Eye suggested the ball would have gone well over the stumps.
The dangerous Mark Boucher was dismissed quickly by Zaheer. Umpire Steve Davis gave the LBW but replays showed the ball was missing off-stump.
With the ball reverse-swinging, Zaheer worked out the lower-order.
The win was set up primarily by the batting exploits of VVS Laxman, who is the only man in the Test match to cross 40. In the first innings he made 38, following it up with 96, mainly batting with the lower order.
Harbhajan showed good form, taking 4-10 in the first innings giving India a substantial lead of 74 in a low-scoring game.
With Zaheer Khan's return, India had a rejuvenated bowling attack in this game. The veteran seamer took six wickets in the match, including 3-57 in the second innings while S Sreesanth hit top form taking 3-45.
Sreesanth began the day in fine style for India when a vicious bouncer aimed at Jacques Kallis' nose was fended off Virender Sehwag behind the wicket.
India had some luck with the umpiring decisions today. Harbhajan Singh bowling over the wicket got AB de Villiers LBW. Hawk Eye suggested the ball would have gone well over the stumps.
The dangerous Mark Boucher was dismissed quickly by Zaheer. Umpire Steve Davis gave the LBW but replays showed the ball was missing off-stump.
With the ball reverse-swinging, Zaheer worked out the lower-order.
The win was set up primarily by the batting exploits of VVS Laxman, who is the only man in the Test match to cross 40. In the first innings he made 38, following it up with 96, mainly batting with the lower order.
Harbhajan showed good form, taking 4-10 in the first innings giving India a substantial lead of 74 in a low-scoring game.
India seal historic win in Durban, set up series decider in Cape Town
India scored a historic Test win in Durban, a venue where had fared poorly at in the past, and levelled the series 1-1 with a game left in Cape Town. Needing 303 to win this game and the series, South Africa were bowled out for 215.
With Zaheer Khan's return, India had a rejuvenated bowling attack in this game. The veteran seamer took six wickets in the match, including 3-57 in the second innings while S Sreesanth hit top form taking 3-45.
Sreesanth began the day in fine style for India when a vicious bouncer aimed at Jacques Kallis' nose was fended off Virender Sehwag behind the wicket.
India had some luck with the umpiring decisions today. Harbhajan Singh bowling over the wicket got AB de Villiers LBW. Hawk Eye suggested the ball would have gone well over the stumps.
The dangerous Mark Boucher was dismissed quickly by Zaheer. Umpire Steve Davis gave the LBW but replays showed the ball was missing off-stump.
With the ball reverse-swinging, Zaheer worked out the lower-order.
The win was set up primarily by the batting exploits of VVS Laxman, who is the only man in the Test match to cross 40. In the first innings he made 38, following it up with 96, mainly batting with the lower order.
Harbhajan showed good form, taking 4-10 in the first innings giving India a substantial lead of 74 in a low-scoring game.
With Zaheer Khan's return, India had a rejuvenated bowling attack in this game. The veteran seamer took six wickets in the match, including 3-57 in the second innings while S Sreesanth hit top form taking 3-45.
Sreesanth began the day in fine style for India when a vicious bouncer aimed at Jacques Kallis' nose was fended off Virender Sehwag behind the wicket.
India had some luck with the umpiring decisions today. Harbhajan Singh bowling over the wicket got AB de Villiers LBW. Hawk Eye suggested the ball would have gone well over the stumps.
The dangerous Mark Boucher was dismissed quickly by Zaheer. Umpire Steve Davis gave the LBW but replays showed the ball was missing off-stump.
With the ball reverse-swinging, Zaheer worked out the lower-order.
The win was set up primarily by the batting exploits of VVS Laxman, who is the only man in the Test match to cross 40. In the first innings he made 38, following it up with 96, mainly batting with the lower order.
Harbhajan showed good form, taking 4-10 in the first innings giving India a substantial lead of 74 in a low-scoring game.
Zaheer has a positive influence on other bowlers, says Dhoni
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni lauded pace spearhead Zaheer Khan for guiding the team to an emphatic 87-run series levelling win against South Africa in the second cricket Test here Wednesday.
'Zaheer Khan has been the best bowler for India in the last couple of years. He executes his plans well. If plan A does not work, he is ready with plan B. He constantly helps other bowlers and has a positive influence on them,' said Dhoni.
Zaheer, who missed the first Test at the Centurion with injury, pepped up the bowling on his return and ended with a match haul of six for 93 and helped India win the match in four days.
Dhoni said that Zaheer's performance was creditable because he was not getting much assistance from the end he was bowling.
'In fact, there was not much assistance for him from the end he was bowling from but he bowled long spells to get the results.'
'It was important to win this one after the Centurion loss. I am pleased with the performance of the boys. We were concerned about our ability to take 20 wickets but the bowlers put up a good show,' said Dhoni.
Dhoni, however, was disappointed with the team's batting in the second innings and said there is work to be done before the third Test in Cape Town starting January 2.
'The batting was alright in the first innings. The way it looked at the start of the match, 200 seemed a good score. But the batting in the second innings was disappointing. We should have scored more runs,' he said.
On losing the toss, Dhoni said: 'Losing the toss was predictable and it did not even surprise teammates in the dressing room.'
The India captain doesn't want his team to lose focus in celebrating the win.
'It will be an important match. We will unwind ourselves with a lot of shopping in the run-up to the New Year. We can't really afford to be drunk as well,' he said.
'Zaheer Khan has been the best bowler for India in the last couple of years. He executes his plans well. If plan A does not work, he is ready with plan B. He constantly helps other bowlers and has a positive influence on them,' said Dhoni.
Zaheer, who missed the first Test at the Centurion with injury, pepped up the bowling on his return and ended with a match haul of six for 93 and helped India win the match in four days.
Dhoni said that Zaheer's performance was creditable because he was not getting much assistance from the end he was bowling.
'In fact, there was not much assistance for him from the end he was bowling from but he bowled long spells to get the results.'
'It was important to win this one after the Centurion loss. I am pleased with the performance of the boys. We were concerned about our ability to take 20 wickets but the bowlers put up a good show,' said Dhoni.
Dhoni, however, was disappointed with the team's batting in the second innings and said there is work to be done before the third Test in Cape Town starting January 2.
'The batting was alright in the first innings. The way it looked at the start of the match, 200 seemed a good score. But the batting in the second innings was disappointing. We should have scored more runs,' he said.
On losing the toss, Dhoni said: 'Losing the toss was predictable and it did not even surprise teammates in the dressing room.'
The India captain doesn't want his team to lose focus in celebrating the win.
'It will be an important match. We will unwind ourselves with a lot of shopping in the run-up to the New Year. We can't really afford to be drunk as well,' he said.
Zaheer has a positive influence on other bowlers, says Dhoni
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni lauded pace spearhead Zaheer Khan for guiding the team to an emphatic 87-run series levelling win against South Africa in the second cricket Test here Wednesday.
'Zaheer Khan has been the best bowler for India in the last couple of years. He executes his plans well. If plan A does not work, he is ready with plan B. He constantly helps other bowlers and has a positive influence on them,' said Dhoni.
Zaheer, who missed the first Test at the Centurion with injury, pepped up the bowling on his return and ended with a match haul of six for 93 and helped India win the match in four days.
Dhoni said that Zaheer's performance was creditable because he was not getting much assistance from the end he was bowling.
'In fact, there was not much assistance for him from the end he was bowling from but he bowled long spells to get the results.'
'It was important to win this one after the Centurion loss. I am pleased with the performance of the boys. We were concerned about our ability to take 20 wickets but the bowlers put up a good show,' said Dhoni.
Dhoni, however, was disappointed with the team's batting in the second innings and said there is work to be done before the third Test in Cape Town starting January 2.
'The batting was alright in the first innings. The way it looked at the start of the match, 200 seemed a good score. But the batting in the second innings was disappointing. We should have scored more runs,' he said.
On losing the toss, Dhoni said: 'Losing the toss was predictable and it did not even surprise teammates in the dressing room.'
The India captain doesn't want his team to lose focus in celebrating the win.
'It will be an important match. We will unwind ourselves with a lot of shopping in the run-up to the New Year. We can't really afford to be drunk as well,' he said.
'Zaheer Khan has been the best bowler for India in the last couple of years. He executes his plans well. If plan A does not work, he is ready with plan B. He constantly helps other bowlers and has a positive influence on them,' said Dhoni.
Zaheer, who missed the first Test at the Centurion with injury, pepped up the bowling on his return and ended with a match haul of six for 93 and helped India win the match in four days.
Dhoni said that Zaheer's performance was creditable because he was not getting much assistance from the end he was bowling.
'In fact, there was not much assistance for him from the end he was bowling from but he bowled long spells to get the results.'
'It was important to win this one after the Centurion loss. I am pleased with the performance of the boys. We were concerned about our ability to take 20 wickets but the bowlers put up a good show,' said Dhoni.
Dhoni, however, was disappointed with the team's batting in the second innings and said there is work to be done before the third Test in Cape Town starting January 2.
'The batting was alright in the first innings. The way it looked at the start of the match, 200 seemed a good score. But the batting in the second innings was disappointing. We should have scored more runs,' he said.
On losing the toss, Dhoni said: 'Losing the toss was predictable and it did not even surprise teammates in the dressing room.'
The India captain doesn't want his team to lose focus in celebrating the win.
'It will be an important match. We will unwind ourselves with a lot of shopping in the run-up to the New Year. We can't really afford to be drunk as well,' he said.
Sehwag out of ODI series with sore shoulder
Indian opener Virender Sehwag has been rested from the One-day series against South Africa with a sore shoulder.
Rohit Sharma will replace Sehwag for the five-match series, starting January 12.
Murali Vijay, who is in the Test squad, has been asked to stay back as a back-up opener.
'Sehwag has been advised to withdraw from the ODI series against South Africa to tend to his shoulder,' BCCI secretary N. Srinivasan said in a statement.
'Rohit Sharma will replace him in the squad. Murali Vijay will stay back in South Africa for the ODI series as the 17th member of the squad,' he said.
Sehwag missed the Twenty20 World Cup in May due to a shoulder problem and clearly the team management does not want to take any chance with the ODI World Cup slated for February-March.
Rohit Sharma will replace Sehwag for the five-match series, starting January 12.
Murali Vijay, who is in the Test squad, has been asked to stay back as a back-up opener.
'Sehwag has been advised to withdraw from the ODI series against South Africa to tend to his shoulder,' BCCI secretary N. Srinivasan said in a statement.
'Rohit Sharma will replace him in the squad. Murali Vijay will stay back in South Africa for the ODI series as the 17th member of the squad,' he said.
Sehwag missed the Twenty20 World Cup in May due to a shoulder problem and clearly the team management does not want to take any chance with the ODI World Cup slated for February-March.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
India all out for 228; set 303-run target for South Africa
India were bowled out for 228 runs in their second innings shortly after lunch on the third day of the second cricket Test here Tuesday to set a 303-run target for South Africa to win the match.
V.V.S. Laxman was the top scorer with 96.
Laxman, Zaheer extend India's lead to 292
V.V.S. Laxman and Zaheer Khan defied South Africa attack with a valuable 70-run partnership for the eighth wicket and extended India's lead to 292 runs at lunch on the third day of the second cricket Test here Tuesday.
After the morning session in which India lost three wickets, the visitors were 218 for seven with Laxman (86) and Zaheer (27) turning the heat on South African bowlers.
Morne Morkel (3-47) took two wickets in the morning while Lonwabo Tsotsobe (3-43) dismissed Mahendra Singh Dhoni (21) to reduce India to 148 for seven after the visitors resumed at 92 for four.
Cheteshwar Pujara (10) was the first to go as he was unable to properly fend off a steep Morkel bouncer that climbed on him. Dhoni, after playing some attacking shots, poked at a wide delivery and was caught behind. Harbhajan (4) was caught by Kallis off Morkel in the second slip.
At that stage, it looked Laxman would soon run out of partners and a lead in excess of 250 unlikely.
But Zaheer, after playing some rash shots, settled down with Laxman farming the strike.
Laxman, who is experienced in playing with the tailenders, played some exquisite shots, stroking 11 fours in 140 balls.
Zaheer was lucky to escape a strong lbw shout off Dale Steyn. He played 59 balls and struck four fours, two of them off the last two balls before lunch from left-arm seamer Tsotsobe.
Laxman taking test out of SA's reach
Vangipurappu Laxman was busy taking the game out of South Africa's reach as he lifted India to 218 for seven at lunch on the third day of the second test at Kingsmead on Tuesday.
Laxman's marvellous innings of 86 not out increased India's lead to a daunting 292 and steadied them after three early wickets on the third morning had raised the prospect of the visitors being bowled out.
Zaheer Khan, who controversially survived an lbw appeal by Dale Steyn on 10, was on 27 not out in a gutsy unbeaten eighth-wicket stand of 70.
Laxman and Cheteshwar Pujara had resumed with India on 92 for four, but Pujara was unable to see offMorne Morkel's opening over, his back-foot defensive stroke deflecting a sharp lifter into his stumps without adding to his overnight score of 10.
India were 93 for five, but Laxman and Mahendra Singh Dhoni played some sweetly-timed strokes as they added 48 runs for the sixth wicket.
But left-arm seamer Lonwabo Tsotsobe clinched a career-best third wicket in the innings when Dhoni fiddled outside off stump at a delivery angling away from him and was caught behind by Mark Boucher for 21.
Harbhajan Singh did not last long, scoring just four before he edged Morkel into the slips, but Laxman, using his long stride to get over the ball, marched on to his 49th test half-century and the first of the match.
Morkel had looked South Africa's most dangerous bowler with three for 47 in 15 overs, but pace spearhead Dale Steyn was inconsistent.
He came within a whisker of trapping Zaheer lbw with a fast, full delivery, but umpire Steve Davis ruled the batsman had edged the ball into his back pad, although television replays showed otherwise.
South Africa crashed to a parlous 131 all out in their first innings in reply to India's 205 all out.
Laxman taking test out of SA's reach
Vangipurappu Laxman was busy taking the game out of South Africa's reach as he lifted India to 218 for seven at lunch on the third day of the second test at Kingsmead on Tuesday.
Laxman's marvellous innings of 86 not out increased India's lead to a daunting 292 and steadied them after three early wickets on the third morning had raised the prospect of the visitors being bowled out.
Zaheer Khan, who controversially survived an lbw appeal by Dale Steyn on 10, was on 27 not out in a gutsy unbeaten eighth-wicket stand of 70.
Laxman and Cheteshwar Pujara had resumed with India on 92 for four, but Pujara was unable to see offMorne Morkel's opening over, his back-foot defensive stroke deflecting a sharp lifter into his stumps without adding to his overnight score of 10.
India were 93 for five, but Laxman and Mahendra Singh Dhoni played some sweetly-timed strokes as they added 48 runs for the sixth wicket.
But left-arm seamer Lonwabo Tsotsobe clinched a career-best third wicket in the innings when Dhoni fiddled outside off stump at a delivery angling away from him and was caught behind by Mark Boucher for 21.
Harbhajan Singh did not last long, scoring just four before he edged Morkel into the slips, but Laxman, using his long stride to get over the ball, marched on to his 49th test half-century and the first of the match.
Morkel had looked South Africa's most dangerous bowler with three for 47 in 15 overs, but pace spearhead Dale Steyn was inconsistent.
He came within a whisker of trapping Zaheer lbw with a fast, full delivery, but umpire Steve Davis ruled the batsman had edged the ball into his back pad, although television replays showed otherwise.
South Africa crashed to a parlous 131 all out in their first innings in reply to India's 205 all out.
1983 CWC win gave a different dimension to our cricket: Kapil
The ICC Cricket World Cup (ICC CWC), the game's greatest tournament, now has a definitive visual history thanks to a new series of 12 television programmes.
The programmes produced by ESPN STAR Sports, ICC's global production and broadcast rights holder, look back at the event's rich history through stories told by the players who experienced the highs and the lows.
They feature extensive interviews with all seven ICC CWC-winning captains - Clive Lloyd, Kapil Dev, Allan Border, Imran Khan, Arjuna Ranatunga, Stephen Waugh and Ricky Ponting.
And they also include the views of the pivotal figures from each tournament, including Sachin Tendulkar, Shane Warne, Ian Botham, Mike Gatting, Wasim Akram, Sanath Jayasuriya, Martin Crowe and Brett Lee.
Here are some of the quotes:
It's the best match I've ever stood in no doubt about it. All the Tests, all the one day internationals, that 1975 World Cup final was the best match I've ever stood in...because it had everything - Harold 'Dickie' Bird
They were really the pioneers of what we call the modern aggressive game now. Fantastic to watch, not so much fun to play against - Ian Botham on the 1975 and 1979 West Indies teams
That innings gave the team reassurance: yes we have the ability and we can win against any circumstances - we can bounce back from any place, any situation - Kapil Dev on his 175 against Zimbabwe in 1983
The only thing I remember is Geoff Howarth coming to me, he said 'Kapil, retire, this is the best time you can do that - Kapil Dev on winning the 1983 World Cup
Now we felt '83 World Cup Cricket changed the entire sport in our country and that '83 (win) gave a different dimension to Indian cricket - Kapil Dev on winning the 1983 World Cup
Well, if you'd seen us that night it was like we'd won the World Cup. Carrying on like good sorts and then all of a sudden people realized later on in the evening, hang on we've still got quite a few games to go here. But look it was enormous; you can't talk enough about how that gave everyone a lift - Allan Border on beating India by one run at the start of the 1987 World Cup
He's copped heaps for it hasn't he, over the years? Every time I see him I never let him forget it - Allan Border on Mike Gatting's infamous reverse sweep dismissal in the 1987 World Cup Final
Had it not hit my shoulder it would have gone for three, we would have won the World Cup and then where would you be AB? So we always have a giggle about that - Mike Gatting on his infamous reverse sweep in the final of the 1987 World Cup
I'd been captain for three years, but probably from that point on I started to take on the job far more seriously. There was a sense that we'd got a group together that was going to be around for a while and going to play some good cricket...when you start thinking about what it really means: Australian cricket, we've turned the corner - Allan Border on what winning the 1987 World Cup meant to him and his team
(It was a) dream come true for me because I always grew up watching big matches, especially the 1983 World Cup that we won...that naturally inspired me and I wanted to become a cricketer after watching that - Sachin Tendulkar on playing in his first World Cup (1992) and the inspiration 1983 gave him.
We ended up with 261, it was 30 more than we thought we needed and we were pretty confident going into the half time break. Except I had pulled a hamstring, therefore John Wright had to go out and captain the side and he'd hardly played in the tournament. But I filled him in on what to do...and he did exactly the opposite - Martin Crowe on losing the 1992 Semi-Final against Pakistan
I remember that particular game, Inzy had a fever the night before and he was throwing up all night so before the game, in the morning, he went up to Imran and said 'Look, Imran, I'm injured I won't play' and Imran said 'Inzy I don't care, are you injured? You got a fever, you puking blood? You gotta play this game' and he did and he won Man of the Match - Wasim Akram on Inzamam Ul Haq's MOM winning performance in the semi final of the 1992 World Cup.
I've never been a fan of training, I didn't mind doing a bit, but we overcooked that...we wasted too much energy really concentrating on what was supposedly the right thing to do, rather than concentrating on the cricket - Sir Ian Botham on England's build up to the 1992 World Cup Final
He led from the front. That was his biggest contribution. (He was) a man who always believed in winning and led from the front - Ramiz Raja on 1992 World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan
The emotion afterwards was tremendous because I knew the wave of happiness that would sweep all Pakistanis - Imran Khan on winning the 1992 World Cup final.
The wicket looked perfect when Sachin was batting, it looked a perfect batting track. As soon as Sachin got out it started turning, jumping. That's the way it happens when a good player plays on bad tracks- still the wicket looks pretty good - Arjuna Ranatunga on getting Sachin Tendulkar out in the semi final of the 1996 World Cup
Someone asked me about the two Waugh brothers, I said look 'They are good cricketers, but they are highly overrated', then Warne I said is a mediocre bowler. When I walked into the middle, (and heard) some of the comments made by the Australian players I knew it had affected them - Arjuna Ranatunga on mind games before the 1996 World Cup Final
Look Arjuna was one of those niggly characters who tried to get under the skin of the opposition and generally did...700 test wickets is not bad for an average bloke - Shane Warne
I had meetings with the Chairman of Selectors before that who pretty much told me that the results were going to reflect on my captaincy and pretty much that if the results didn't go our way then maybe I wasn't going to be captain for the one-dayers for too long. And I think if I didn't score runs there my place might have been in jeopardy going forward, so at 3 for 50, chasing 250-odd on a pretty up and down wicket against a really good bowling attack, everything was on the line as I walked out - Steve Waugh on his mindset ahead of a match-winning 120 against South Africa in the final Super Six game of the 1999 World Cup.
I remember running off and even Steve Waugh saying 'Are we through, are we through?' and we said 'Yes we're through, we're through! - Shane Warne on the Australian team reaction to their tied semi-final against South Africa in the 1999 World Cup
Lost it, came back, finally had the game and then tied it so it's probably one of the most emotional games I've been involved in, especially with it being the Semi-Final of a World Cup - Jacques Kallis on the 1999 World Cup Semi Final.
You know you do feel responsible, more so when your captaining, more than if you're just a normal player. You do feel like you've let the nation down, like you've let the team down - Shaun Pollock on South Africa's Duckworth Lewis mix up and subsequent exit in the 2003 World Cup
That in some ways took over the rest of the game and the rest of the World Cup. I remember I was batting at three...and I got out soon after. I came back to the changing room, sat down beside him and wanted to know why he did what he did in a World Cup Semi Final - Ricky Ponting on Adam Gilchrist 'walking' in the 2003 World Cup Semi Final against Sri Lanka.
We were talking about Pollock and how we had to respect him because he was their main bowler. And we got maybe one minute into talking about how we were going to play their attack and I remember Hayden and Gilchrist had already got together before the batting meeting and they said 'Hang on, don't worry about Pollock, we'll take care of him - Ricky Ponting on Hayden and Gilchrist's targeting of Shaun Pollock in the 2007 World Cup
Dravid first player to take 200 Test catches
Rahul Dravid became the first cricketer to take 200 catches when he removed Dale Steyn with a brilliant catch at slip during the second India-South Africa Test here Monday.
A brilliant slip fielder, it was only perfect that Dravid reach the milestone with such a fine reflex catch.
Dravid dived full-length to his left and held a one-handed stunner, landing behind wicket-keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, with the ball almost flying past his outstretched fingers.
Dravid (149 Tests) is at the top the list of most number of catches in Tests. Former Australian opener Mark Waugh is second with 181 catches from 128 Tests, followed by Australian skipper Ricky Ponting(174).
For more than a decade, Dravid has held on to some stunning catches at slip and played a major role in spinners Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh's success.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
India look to yoga as Johnson joins support staff
Former Zimbabwe all-rounder Neil Johnson has been appointed by the BCCI as the Indian team's yoga instructor for the tour of South Africa.
Gary Kirsten has bolstered his support staff with the addition of Johnson and will probably be hoping to get his players supple and as fit as they can be for their grueling South African sojourn. The former all-rounder was seen doing a few yoga asanas along with the players after India lost the first Test at Centurion by an innings and 25 runs.
The Indian team's manager Ranjib Biswal, confirmed the appointment of Johnson, but refused to let him talk to the media.
Yoga is meant to relax one's mind and body and Kirsten who's no stranger to innovation is looking at this ancient Indian practice to rejuvenate the side in time for the Cricket World Cup in 2011 and more importantly the remaining two Tests against the Proteas.
Johnson was a distinguished all-rounder for Zimbabwe during his time but his international career was short-lived. He shot to fame in the 1999 Cricket World Cup in England where he got three man-of-the-match awards.
But despite such highs, Johnson wasn't happy with Zimbabwean cricket and eventually settled in South Africa where he continued to play domestic cricket.
Johnson's new avatar as India's yoga instructor could be a Godsend as the Indian players have suffered from recurring injuries in the past. The Indian support staff currently includes two South Africans: Paddy Upton as a mental conditioning coach and Eric Simons as bowling consultant.
Gary Kirsten has bolstered his support staff with the addition of Johnson and will probably be hoping to get his players supple and as fit as they can be for their grueling South African sojourn. The former all-rounder was seen doing a few yoga asanas along with the players after India lost the first Test at Centurion by an innings and 25 runs.
The Indian team's manager Ranjib Biswal, confirmed the appointment of Johnson, but refused to let him talk to the media.
Yoga is meant to relax one's mind and body and Kirsten who's no stranger to innovation is looking at this ancient Indian practice to rejuvenate the side in time for the Cricket World Cup in 2011 and more importantly the remaining two Tests against the Proteas.
Johnson was a distinguished all-rounder for Zimbabwe during his time but his international career was short-lived. He shot to fame in the 1999 Cricket World Cup in England where he got three man-of-the-match awards.
But despite such highs, Johnson wasn't happy with Zimbabwean cricket and eventually settled in South Africa where he continued to play domestic cricket.
Johnson's new avatar as India's yoga instructor could be a Godsend as the Indian players have suffered from recurring injuries in the past. The Indian support staff currently includes two South Africans: Paddy Upton as a mental conditioning coach and Eric Simons as bowling consultant.
Spot fixing row mars 2010, Tendulkar shines
Sachin Tendulkar set a slew of records and England, who gave the game to the world, finally won a World Cup but spot-fixing may well be the lasting cricketing memory of a tumultuous year.
Tranquillity is a rare thing in Pakistan cricket and there was considerable bad blood in the team that returned after a shambolic tour of Australia where they lost all three test matches, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 game.
As part of its house-cleaning process, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) banned three former captains -- Younus Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik -- and fined several players including Shahid Afridi, who featured in a bizarre ball-biting incident in Perth.
The team reached even lower depths when a British media report alleged that some players had been bribed to bowl pre-determined no-balls during a test match in England in August.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) subsequently suspended the then test captain Salman Butt and pacers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir.
The ICC probed the suspect scoring pattern of a Pakistan-England one-day international as well but found no "compelling evidence" against any player.
The PCB, however, could not breathe easy.
In November, wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider disappeared in Dubai, where the team were playing South Africa, and resurfaced in London, seeking asylum and saying his life was under threat from match-fixers.
"Cricket in Pakistan faces its biggest crisis and so does the country. We are in a mess," said Imran Khan, arguably the best captain Pakistan ever had.
TENDULKAR'S RECORDS
Across the border in India, things were rosier and the seemingly ageless Tendulkar was very much in the thick of things.
The 37-year-old batsman brought up the first double century in one-day cricket's history against South Africa in February and completed 14,000 test runs against Australia in October.
He rounded off the year by becoming the first cricketer to score 50 test hundreds, while on tour against South Africa as India warmed up for the World Cup which they will host with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from Feb. 19.
Recognition of Tendulkar's achievements came in the form of the ICC Cricketer of the Year award. The Indian Air Force also named him its honorary group captain.
Former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi was suspended after allegations of corruption in cricket's richest event ensnared top politicians and Bollywood stars.
The IPL, however, remained a hot property and two new franchises -- Kochi and Pune -- were sold for $703 million, more than the worth of the eight original franchises put together.
In the Twenty20 World Cup, Paul Collingwood's England comprehensively beat Australia in the final in Barbados to win the country's first global trophy in limited-overs cricket.
MURALITHARAN'S FAREWELL
Australia's decline was evident in other formats as well as they slumped to fifth place in the ICC test rankings after a 2-0 whitewash in India.
England's hopes of beating them in the Ashes series rose when they took a 1-0 lead after the first two tests but Australia stormed back to level at 1-1 with a win in Perth.
Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan dropped the curtain on his illustrious test career, taking his 800th test wicket off his last delivery amid intense drama.
Chris Gayle scored the lone test triple century of the year, for West Indies against Sri Lanka, Vangipurappu Laxman braved a bad back to lead India to a one-wicket victory over Australia in a Mohali test and Peter Siddle sizzled with an Ashes hat-trick in the Brisbane test.
Australia's Brett Lee announced his test retirement, while England's talismanic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and New Zealand's tearaway pacer Shane Bond quit the game altogether.
Cricket made its Asian Games debut in Guangzhou where Bangladesh won gold but India did not deem it necessary to send a team.
The game also underwent experiments. Split-innings one-dayers were trialled in England and Australia, the ICC announced new test and one-day championships, while the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) tried out a pink ball and advocated day-night tests.
Tranquillity is a rare thing in Pakistan cricket and there was considerable bad blood in the team that returned after a shambolic tour of Australia where they lost all three test matches, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 game.
As part of its house-cleaning process, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) banned three former captains -- Younus Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik -- and fined several players including Shahid Afridi, who featured in a bizarre ball-biting incident in Perth.
The team reached even lower depths when a British media report alleged that some players had been bribed to bowl pre-determined no-balls during a test match in England in August.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) subsequently suspended the then test captain Salman Butt and pacers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir.
The ICC probed the suspect scoring pattern of a Pakistan-England one-day international as well but found no "compelling evidence" against any player.
The PCB, however, could not breathe easy.
In November, wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider disappeared in Dubai, where the team were playing South Africa, and resurfaced in London, seeking asylum and saying his life was under threat from match-fixers.
"Cricket in Pakistan faces its biggest crisis and so does the country. We are in a mess," said Imran Khan, arguably the best captain Pakistan ever had.
TENDULKAR'S RECORDS
Across the border in India, things were rosier and the seemingly ageless Tendulkar was very much in the thick of things.
The 37-year-old batsman brought up the first double century in one-day cricket's history against South Africa in February and completed 14,000 test runs against Australia in October.
He rounded off the year by becoming the first cricketer to score 50 test hundreds, while on tour against South Africa as India warmed up for the World Cup which they will host with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from Feb. 19.
Recognition of Tendulkar's achievements came in the form of the ICC Cricketer of the Year award. The Indian Air Force also named him its honorary group captain.
Former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi was suspended after allegations of corruption in cricket's richest event ensnared top politicians and Bollywood stars.
The IPL, however, remained a hot property and two new franchises -- Kochi and Pune -- were sold for $703 million, more than the worth of the eight original franchises put together.
In the Twenty20 World Cup, Paul Collingwood's England comprehensively beat Australia in the final in Barbados to win the country's first global trophy in limited-overs cricket.
MURALITHARAN'S FAREWELL
Australia's decline was evident in other formats as well as they slumped to fifth place in the ICC test rankings after a 2-0 whitewash in India.
England's hopes of beating them in the Ashes series rose when they took a 1-0 lead after the first two tests but Australia stormed back to level at 1-1 with a win in Perth.
Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan dropped the curtain on his illustrious test career, taking his 800th test wicket off his last delivery amid intense drama.
Chris Gayle scored the lone test triple century of the year, for West Indies against Sri Lanka, Vangipurappu Laxman braved a bad back to lead India to a one-wicket victory over Australia in a Mohali test and Peter Siddle sizzled with an Ashes hat-trick in the Brisbane test.
Australia's Brett Lee announced his test retirement, while England's talismanic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and New Zealand's tearaway pacer Shane Bond quit the game altogether.
Cricket made its Asian Games debut in Guangzhou where Bangladesh won gold but India did not deem it necessary to send a team.
The game also underwent experiments. Split-innings one-dayers were trialled in England and Australia, the ICC announced new test and one-day championships, while the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) tried out a pink ball and advocated day-night tests.
Tendulkar, a perfect cricket role model: Swann
England off-spinner Graeme Swann has described Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar as the perfect cricket role model.
Reacting to Tendulkar scoring his 50th Test ton, Swann says in article for the Sun: "Talking of Tendulkar, it is difficult to believe that anybody could score 50 Test centuries... 50 for goodness sake, it's ridiculous."
"I dismissed him in a Test match - lbw in Mohali - and that is the wicket I revere most. It's one to tell the grandchildren because he is best player of my era, only Brian Lara comes close," he adds.
"Nobody has a bad word to say against Sachin. He is the perfect role model in cricket and a great ambassador for his country," Swann concludes. (ANI)
Reacting to Tendulkar scoring his 50th Test ton, Swann says in article for the Sun: "Talking of Tendulkar, it is difficult to believe that anybody could score 50 Test centuries... 50 for goodness sake, it's ridiculous."
"I dismissed him in a Test match - lbw in Mohali - and that is the wicket I revere most. It's one to tell the grandchildren because he is best player of my era, only Brian Lara comes close," he adds.
"Nobody has a bad word to say against Sachin. He is the perfect role model in cricket and a great ambassador for his country," Swann concludes. (ANI)
Monday, December 20, 2010
INDIA WAS DISAPPOINTED ON LOSING A MATCH AGAINST SOUTHAFRICA
India's resistance on Day 5 lasted a shade under 30 minutes as South Africa dismissed S Sreesanth and Jaidev Unadkat to win the Centurion Test by an innings and 25 runs. Sachin Tendulkar, who had completed his 50th Test hundred on Day 4, remained unbeaten on 111 when Unadkat lobbed a Dale Steyn bouncer to slip.
Having given 17 wickets to South Africa's pacers, India's defeat in this Test was comprehensive. The only shred of hope left on the final day's play was an intervention from rain gods, which could have allowed India a miraculous draw. It wasn't to be.
The series now moves to Durban and then to Cape Town. At these two venues, India have a 0-4 win-loss record in six Tests. Centurion was their best hope for snatching a surprise lead, but now that they're down 0-1, tougher challenges await them.
Given the damp conditions on Day 1, India's capitulation to Steyn and Morne Morkel was no surprise. Also, the lack of a practice game before the series meant several Indian batsmen were not able to make technical adjustments to their game. Hence they found tackling the swinging, bouncing deliveries tough.
It is likely that as the series progresses, VVS Laxman would walk out to bat in perpetual crisis. Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag can be counted upon, but the middle order is soft. Hence it is important that Laxman makes adjustment to his footwork, the lack of which cost him his wickets twice in this game.
Suresh Raina fell twice to Kallis who's been a part-time seamer for South Africa in recent times. Raina's dismissals were identical --- half-heartedly poking a straight ball to slip. The second dismissal in particular showed Raina not only didn't have the technical apparatus to handle this bowling, he also didn't have a clear mind about how he wanted to play the delivery.
After a fine beginning to his Test career in sub-continental conditions, the young left-hander has flopped against quality pace bowling. You can safely assume South Africa are not going to serve him any drivable balls in this series.
India would keenly look forward to Zaheer Khan's return after a hamstring injury. Their attack was directionless in the game, despite the presence of the experienced Harbhajan Singh who has for long stopped being a match-winning Test bowler. Zaheer has been the clear leader of the attack for a while and hopefully his return would restore the balance in the series.
Having given 17 wickets to South Africa's pacers, India's defeat in this Test was comprehensive. The only shred of hope left on the final day's play was an intervention from rain gods, which could have allowed India a miraculous draw. It wasn't to be.
The series now moves to Durban and then to Cape Town. At these two venues, India have a 0-4 win-loss record in six Tests. Centurion was their best hope for snatching a surprise lead, but now that they're down 0-1, tougher challenges await them.
Given the damp conditions on Day 1, India's capitulation to Steyn and Morne Morkel was no surprise. Also, the lack of a practice game before the series meant several Indian batsmen were not able to make technical adjustments to their game. Hence they found tackling the swinging, bouncing deliveries tough.
It is likely that as the series progresses, VVS Laxman would walk out to bat in perpetual crisis. Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag can be counted upon, but the middle order is soft. Hence it is important that Laxman makes adjustment to his footwork, the lack of which cost him his wickets twice in this game.
Suresh Raina fell twice to Kallis who's been a part-time seamer for South Africa in recent times. Raina's dismissals were identical --- half-heartedly poking a straight ball to slip. The second dismissal in particular showed Raina not only didn't have the technical apparatus to handle this bowling, he also didn't have a clear mind about how he wanted to play the delivery.
After a fine beginning to his Test career in sub-continental conditions, the young left-hander has flopped against quality pace bowling. You can safely assume South Africa are not going to serve him any drivable balls in this series.
India would keenly look forward to Zaheer Khan's return after a hamstring injury. Their attack was directionless in the game, despite the presence of the experienced Harbhajan Singh who has for long stopped being a match-winning Test bowler. Zaheer has been the clear leader of the attack for a while and hopefully his return would restore the balance in the series.
Indian media hails Tendulkar's 50th test century
sachin Tendulkar's 50th test century was greeted with front-page newspaper headlines Monday heralding the landmark by the master batsman.
News channels and websites started celebrating Tendulkar's half-century of centuries on Sunday when the legendary batsman reached the three-figure mark _ 107 not out _ in the first test against South Africa at Centurion.
They continued to highlight the achievement on Monday and invited fans to send in their messages for Tendulkar.
Newspapers gave liberal column space to the star player, who is fondly called the "God of cricket" here by media and fans alike, after he became the first man to complete 50 test centuries.
"Don of a new era" said the country's largest-selling English newspaper The Times of India, which carried a photograph of Tendulkar with hands raised on reaching the mark, and also carried statistical highlights alongside its main story.
"Legend, 50 times over," said the Hindustan Times in a similar page-one article while The Indian Express carried a boxed piece on its front page with the headline "Sachin cricket enters 51st century."
Newspapers also carried pictures from the past on their sports pages, highlighting his various career achievements, milestones and memorable moments.
Former India cricketers praised Tendulkar, whose 50th ton had been anticipated in a recent three-test home series against New Zealand, but finally came in an away match that saw the famed Indian batting lineup struggle.
"Indeed, coming generations will pinch themselves in disbelief that a cricketer such as Sachin Tendulkar ever walked in flesh and blood on this earth," wrote former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri in his column in Hindustan Times.
"The master kept appointment with his 50th test century in a situation most dire for the visitors," he added.
Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar called 50 test hundreds a "mind-boggling number" in his column in The Times of India.
"It's a number that will put even people who played test cricket in a bit of a daze. Imagine the effect on the poor cricket fan!" he wrote.
Tendulkar helped India reach 454-8 in its second innings Sunday when play was halted 50 minutes early because of strong winds at the SuperSport Park ground. It left the visiting team 30 runs short of South Africa's first-innings total of 620-4 declared.
They continued to highlight the achievement on Monday and invited fans to send in their messages for Tendulkar.
Newspapers gave liberal column space to the star player, who is fondly called the "God of cricket" here by media and fans alike, after he became the first man to complete 50 test centuries.
"Don of a new era" said the country's largest-selling English newspaper The Times of India, which carried a photograph of Tendulkar with hands raised on reaching the mark, and also carried statistical highlights alongside its main story.
"Legend, 50 times over," said the Hindustan Times in a similar page-one article while The Indian Express carried a boxed piece on its front page with the headline "Sachin cricket enters 51st century."
Newspapers also carried pictures from the past on their sports pages, highlighting his various career achievements, milestones and memorable moments.
Former India cricketers praised Tendulkar, whose 50th ton had been anticipated in a recent three-test home series against New Zealand, but finally came in an away match that saw the famed Indian batting lineup struggle.
"Indeed, coming generations will pinch themselves in disbelief that a cricketer such as Sachin Tendulkar ever walked in flesh and blood on this earth," wrote former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri in his column in Hindustan Times.
"The master kept appointment with his 50th test century in a situation most dire for the visitors," he added.
Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar called 50 test hundreds a "mind-boggling number" in his column in The Times of India.
"It's a number that will put even people who played test cricket in a bit of a daze. Imagine the effect on the poor cricket fan!" he wrote.
Tendulkar helped India reach 454-8 in its second innings Sunday when play was halted 50 minutes early because of strong winds at the SuperSport Park ground. It left the visiting team 30 runs short of South Africa's first-innings total of 620-4 declared.
Lack of practice match cost India dearly: Ganguly
Former captain Sourav Ganguly said Saturday that Indian team played poorly in the first Test against South Africa as they did not have any practice match to acclimatise themselves to the conditions ahead of the three-match Test series.
'Players like Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Jaydev (Unadkat) are all playing their first Test matches in South Africa. They can only get better with experience and rise to the occasion. Also the fact that you entered straightaway into a Test match without playing a practice game made things even more difficult,' said Ganguly after the final day of Bengal's Ranji Trophy Super League match against Railways.
Ganguly defended Gambhir and said: 'Gautam is a class player and he will definitely make a comeback. You have to understand that there is always a start.'
Ganguly, who scored a fighting half century in Johannesburg in India's only Test victory in South Africa in the 2006-07 series, felt that the conditions became difficult for the Indians as they didn't get much time to acclimatise.
'It was an important toss to lose if you take the conditions under consideration. The pitch was a bit damp after rain and it was difficult conditions for batting,' Ganguly said.
Ganguly said Indians will now have to get their act right quickly, to make a comeback in the match.
'In this Test match they already have their backs to the wall. So the quicker they can apply themselves and make comeback, it's better for the team. After Centurion, they would be next playing in Durban which is another fast deck,' he said.
Asked if pace spearhead Zaheer Khan's absence has cost the team, Ganguly said: 'Zaheer is only a human. He will get injured. But if someone gets injured, it gives an opportunity to another player.'
'Even if Zaheer had played this match, Ishant and Sreesanth needed to bowl well from the other end. Tomorrow, Harbhajan might also get injured. Then one would expect Ravichandran Ashwin to do well just like the young Tamil Nadu offie did against New Zealand in the recently concluded ODI series.'
Ganguly also expressed his desire to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
'I will be up for auctions. Where I would play is not in my control although I would love to play for Knight Riders as I have done well for them last year,' he said.
'Players like Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Jaydev (Unadkat) are all playing their first Test matches in South Africa. They can only get better with experience and rise to the occasion. Also the fact that you entered straightaway into a Test match without playing a practice game made things even more difficult,' said Ganguly after the final day of Bengal's Ranji Trophy Super League match against Railways.
Ganguly defended Gambhir and said: 'Gautam is a class player and he will definitely make a comeback. You have to understand that there is always a start.'
Ganguly, who scored a fighting half century in Johannesburg in India's only Test victory in South Africa in the 2006-07 series, felt that the conditions became difficult for the Indians as they didn't get much time to acclimatise.
'It was an important toss to lose if you take the conditions under consideration. The pitch was a bit damp after rain and it was difficult conditions for batting,' Ganguly said.
Ganguly said Indians will now have to get their act right quickly, to make a comeback in the match.
'In this Test match they already have their backs to the wall. So the quicker they can apply themselves and make comeback, it's better for the team. After Centurion, they would be next playing in Durban which is another fast deck,' he said.
Asked if pace spearhead Zaheer Khan's absence has cost the team, Ganguly said: 'Zaheer is only a human. He will get injured. But if someone gets injured, it gives an opportunity to another player.'
'Even if Zaheer had played this match, Ishant and Sreesanth needed to bowl well from the other end. Tomorrow, Harbhajan might also get injured. Then one would expect Ravichandran Ashwin to do well just like the young Tamil Nadu offie did against New Zealand in the recently concluded ODI series.'
Ganguly also expressed his desire to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
'I will be up for auctions. Where I would play is not in my control although I would love to play for Knight Riders as I have done well for them last year,' he said.
India can win the ICC World Cup: Kapil
India's only World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev said with a combination of experience and youth and a little bit of luck, Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men could win the 2011 quadrennial event to be hosted jointly by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. "The present Indian team has good track record. The combination of experienced and young players would help the team to win the ICC World Cup," the legendary all-rounder, who led India to its only world title way back in 1983, said during a promotional event.
When apprised that none of the World Cup organising country could win the trophy at home ground till date, Kapil said perhaps, India will break the jinx this time.
"No team can win the World Cup depending on a particular player. A total team effort is required to emerge champion," he said when asked to name one dependable player in the Indian team.
To a query whether India skipper Dhoni could repeat his 1983 feat, he said, "He could achieve much more than me."
Kapil was of the view that all the participating teams are strong contenders and whoever, performs during the mega-event would emerge as the winner.
Asked whether Test cricket would survive in the wake of Twenty20 format's popularity, Kapil said the traditional version of the game will never die.
About local lad Saurav Tiwary, who has been named in 30-men ICC World Cup probables list, he said: "If he could perform, he will get a chance and prosper like Dhoni."
When apprised that none of the World Cup organising country could win the trophy at home ground till date, Kapil said perhaps, India will break the jinx this time.
"No team can win the World Cup depending on a particular player. A total team effort is required to emerge champion," he said when asked to name one dependable player in the Indian team.
To a query whether India skipper Dhoni could repeat his 1983 feat, he said, "He could achieve much more than me."
Kapil was of the view that all the participating teams are strong contenders and whoever, performs during the mega-event would emerge as the winner.
Asked whether Test cricket would survive in the wake of Twenty20 format's popularity, Kapil said the traditional version of the game will never die.
About local lad Saurav Tiwary, who has been named in 30-men ICC World Cup probables list, he said: "If he could perform, he will get a chance and prosper like Dhoni."
India name uncapped Rahane in World Cup squad
- Middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane was the lone uncapped cricketer in India's 30-member preliminary squad for next year's World Cup, the Indian cricket board announced on Saturday.Selecton committee chairman Kris Srikkanth said the squad was devoid of any surprise inclusion or omission.
"This is a probables team and everyone selects himself," he told reporters. "The World Cup is happening in the subcontinent and I am confident that the team will do well."
India squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, Ishant Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Murali Vijay, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, Saurabh Tiwary, Yusuf Pathan, Parthiv Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Wriddhiman Saha, Dinesh Karthik, Shikhar Dhawan, Amit Mishra, Piyush Chawla, Cheteshwar Pujara, Pragyan Ojha, Praveen Kumar
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
South Africa is not that foreign to our players: Dhoni
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is confident that past experience of playing in the Indian Premeir League and Champions League in South African conditions will hold the team in good stead during the three-match Test series against the Proteas.
"It will be important for us to adapt to the conditions.
Yet I believe we will be better prepared than before, because the guys have played here in the IPL and in the Champions League and it is not that foreign to them," Dhoni said.
"The most important thing is to remain focused and well prepared for what awaits us," the India skipper added.
The second edition of the IPL was shifted to South Africa due to general election in India and the rainbow nation also hosted the Champions League earlier this year.
Countering the hosts' threats of preparing fast and bouncy tracks Dhoni said, "We are so used to that question - about how we will handle it when we are bombarded with short balls."
"The answer is that it will not bother us. Most of our batsmen have recently played quite a lot in South Africa and are much more familiar with conditions than was the case in the past," Dhoni added.
The Indian captain, however, believed that the South African fast bowlers are at the moment focusing on the short-pitch stuff to unsettle his team.
"It is not something which we are not expecting. It is after all how South Africa have achieved success against us in the past," he said.
Despite India's none-too-impressive record here, Dhoni is unperturbred and said his team is in good form and are not thinking about past record in South Africa.
"We do not pay attention to what history says about what happened here in the past. We do not think too much about the statistics," said Dhoni.
At the top of ICC Test rankings at the moment, India have won just one of the 12 Tests in South Africa.
Dhoni was all praise for coach Gary Kirsten and said his knowledge of the local conditions will certainly come in handy.
"Gary Kirsten is the best thing that could have happened to Indian cricket. He not only knows our players but also understands the mindset of the South Africans and that insight will be important," he said.
"It will be important for us to adapt to the conditions.
Yet I believe we will be better prepared than before, because the guys have played here in the IPL and in the Champions League and it is not that foreign to them," Dhoni said.
"The most important thing is to remain focused and well prepared for what awaits us," the India skipper added.
The second edition of the IPL was shifted to South Africa due to general election in India and the rainbow nation also hosted the Champions League earlier this year.
Countering the hosts' threats of preparing fast and bouncy tracks Dhoni said, "We are so used to that question - about how we will handle it when we are bombarded with short balls."
"The answer is that it will not bother us. Most of our batsmen have recently played quite a lot in South Africa and are much more familiar with conditions than was the case in the past," Dhoni added.
The Indian captain, however, believed that the South African fast bowlers are at the moment focusing on the short-pitch stuff to unsettle his team.
"It is not something which we are not expecting. It is after all how South Africa have achieved success against us in the past," he said.
Despite India's none-too-impressive record here, Dhoni is unperturbred and said his team is in good form and are not thinking about past record in South Africa.
"We do not pay attention to what history says about what happened here in the past. We do not think too much about the statistics," said Dhoni.
At the top of ICC Test rankings at the moment, India have won just one of the 12 Tests in South Africa.
Dhoni was all praise for coach Gary Kirsten and said his knowledge of the local conditions will certainly come in handy.
"Gary Kirsten is the best thing that could have happened to Indian cricket. He not only knows our players but also understands the mindset of the South Africans and that insight will be important," he said.
South Africa is not that foreign to our players: Dhoni
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is confident that past experience of playing in the Indian Premeir League and Champions League in South African conditions will hold the team in good stead during the three-match Test series against the Proteas.
"It will be important for us to adapt to the conditions.
Yet I believe we will be better prepared than before, because the guys have played here in the IPL and in the Champions League and it is not that foreign to them," Dhoni said.
"The most important thing is to remain focused and well prepared for what awaits us," the India skipper added.
The second edition of the IPL was shifted to South Africa due to general election in India and the rainbow nation also hosted the Champions League earlier this year.
Countering the hosts' threats of preparing fast and bouncy tracks Dhoni said, "We are so used to that question - about how we will handle it when we are bombarded with short balls."
"The answer is that it will not bother us. Most of our batsmen have recently played quite a lot in South Africa and are much more familiar with conditions than was the case in the past," Dhoni added.
The Indian captain, however, believed that the South African fast bowlers are at the moment focusing on the short-pitch stuff to unsettle his team.
"It is not something which we are not expecting. It is after all how South Africa have achieved success against us in the past," he said.
Despite India's none-too-impressive record here, Dhoni is unperturbred and said his team is in good form and are not thinking about past record in South Africa.
"We do not pay attention to what history says about what happened here in the past. We do not think too much about the statistics," said Dhoni.
At the top of ICC Test rankings at the moment, India have won just one of the 12 Tests in South Africa.
Dhoni was all praise for coach Gary Kirsten and said his knowledge of the local conditions will certainly come in handy.
"Gary Kirsten is the best thing that could have happened to Indian cricket. He not only knows our players but also understands the mindset of the South Africans and that insight will be important," he said.
"It will be important for us to adapt to the conditions.
Yet I believe we will be better prepared than before, because the guys have played here in the IPL and in the Champions League and it is not that foreign to them," Dhoni said.
"The most important thing is to remain focused and well prepared for what awaits us," the India skipper added.
The second edition of the IPL was shifted to South Africa due to general election in India and the rainbow nation also hosted the Champions League earlier this year.
Countering the hosts' threats of preparing fast and bouncy tracks Dhoni said, "We are so used to that question - about how we will handle it when we are bombarded with short balls."
"The answer is that it will not bother us. Most of our batsmen have recently played quite a lot in South Africa and are much more familiar with conditions than was the case in the past," Dhoni added.
The Indian captain, however, believed that the South African fast bowlers are at the moment focusing on the short-pitch stuff to unsettle his team.
"It is not something which we are not expecting. It is after all how South Africa have achieved success against us in the past," he said.
Despite India's none-too-impressive record here, Dhoni is unperturbred and said his team is in good form and are not thinking about past record in South Africa.
"We do not pay attention to what history says about what happened here in the past. We do not think too much about the statistics," said Dhoni.
At the top of ICC Test rankings at the moment, India have won just one of the 12 Tests in South Africa.
Dhoni was all praise for coach Gary Kirsten and said his knowledge of the local conditions will certainly come in handy.
"Gary Kirsten is the best thing that could have happened to Indian cricket. He not only knows our players but also understands the mindset of the South Africans and that insight will be important," he said.
South Africa is not that foreign to our players: Dhoni
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is confident that past experience of playing in the Indian Premeir League and Champions League in South African conditions will hold the team in good stead during the three-match Test series against the Proteas.
"It will be important for us to adapt to the conditions.
Yet I believe we will be better prepared than before, because the guys have played here in the IPL and in the Champions League and it is not that foreign to them," Dhoni said.
"The most important thing is to remain focused and well prepared for what awaits us," the India skipper added.
The second edition of the IPL was shifted to South Africa due to general election in India and the rainbow nation also hosted the Champions League earlier this year.
Countering the hosts' threats of preparing fast and bouncy tracks Dhoni said, "We are so used to that question - about how we will handle it when we are bombarded with short balls."
"The answer is that it will not bother us. Most of our batsmen have recently played quite a lot in South Africa and are much more familiar with conditions than was the case in the past," Dhoni added.
The Indian captain, however, believed that the South African fast bowlers are at the moment focusing on the short-pitch stuff to unsettle his team.
"It is not something which we are not expecting. It is after all how South Africa have achieved success against us in the past," he said.
Despite India's none-too-impressive record here, Dhoni is unperturbred and said his team is in good form and are not thinking about past record in South Africa.
"We do not pay attention to what history says about what happened here in the past. We do not think too much about the statistics," said Dhoni.
At the top of ICC Test rankings at the moment, India have won just one of the 12 Tests in South Africa.
Dhoni was all praise for coach Gary Kirsten and said his knowledge of the local conditions will certainly come in handy.
"Gary Kirsten is the best thing that could have happened to Indian cricket. He not only knows our players but also understands the mindset of the South Africans and that insight will be important," he said.
"It will be important for us to adapt to the conditions.
Yet I believe we will be better prepared than before, because the guys have played here in the IPL and in the Champions League and it is not that foreign to them," Dhoni said.
"The most important thing is to remain focused and well prepared for what awaits us," the India skipper added.
The second edition of the IPL was shifted to South Africa due to general election in India and the rainbow nation also hosted the Champions League earlier this year.
Countering the hosts' threats of preparing fast and bouncy tracks Dhoni said, "We are so used to that question - about how we will handle it when we are bombarded with short balls."
"The answer is that it will not bother us. Most of our batsmen have recently played quite a lot in South Africa and are much more familiar with conditions than was the case in the past," Dhoni added.
The Indian captain, however, believed that the South African fast bowlers are at the moment focusing on the short-pitch stuff to unsettle his team.
"It is not something which we are not expecting. It is after all how South Africa have achieved success against us in the past," he said.
Despite India's none-too-impressive record here, Dhoni is unperturbred and said his team is in good form and are not thinking about past record in South Africa.
"We do not pay attention to what history says about what happened here in the past. We do not think too much about the statistics," said Dhoni.
At the top of ICC Test rankings at the moment, India have won just one of the 12 Tests in South Africa.
Dhoni was all praise for coach Gary Kirsten and said his knowledge of the local conditions will certainly come in handy.
"Gary Kirsten is the best thing that could have happened to Indian cricket. He not only knows our players but also understands the mindset of the South Africans and that insight will be important," he said.
Pacemen versus Sehwag will be key contest says Morkel
South Africa fast bowler Morne Morkel said on Tuesday the contest between the home side's fast bowlers and India opener Virender Sehwag would be the key contest in the forthcoming three-test series.
Morkel will take the new ball on his home ground with the world's top-ranked bowler Dale Steyn in the first test starting at Centurion on Thursday.
"Sehwag is very dangerous when he goes on the charge up front, he can be very destructive against the new ball. I'm looking forward to the contest and the first five overs with the new ball will be vital because that's when you still get good bounce," Morkel told a news conference.
"If we can strike early with the new ball and get their middle order in quickly, then maybe we can bowl India out cheaply. It's obvious you don't want Sehwag to get a flying start and Gautam Gambhir was ranked the number one batsman in the world not that long ago."
The weather around Centurion is still overcast after a wet weekend which should help the pace bowlers and South Africa batsman Ashwell Prince said he would relish the challenge.
"The weather forecast isn't great and as long as there is rain about, there will be a lot of moisture about and I'll expect the pitch to do a bit, with movement off the seam. But when the sun comes out, it is always a good track to bat on," he said.
The left-hander was out of favour the last time South Africa played a test at Centurion, the drawn first match against England last December. But he averages 67 at the venue and has scored three of his 11 centuries there, each time when his side were in trouble.
"I want to make contributions when the going is tough, but you're not always going to perform in those sort of conditions. But it's more important for the team to take 20 wickets than the batsmen to fill their boots. It's important that the conditions support the bowlers too," Prince said.
The Indian batsmen have a valuable ally in adapting to the conditions in coach Gary Kirsten, a former South Africa opening batsman.
"Gary has all the insight on how to play on South African pitches, on how to play on bouncy tracks. He was a legend batting for South Africa," Morkel said.
South Africa released three players on Tuesday; off-spinner Johan Botha, left-arm swing bowler Wayne Parnell and batsman JP Duminy. Another left-arm swing bowler, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, is likely to come into the team in place of Botha, who played alongside slow left-armer Paul Harris in South Africa's last test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi last month.
Captain and opening batsman Graeme Smith batted without discomfort in the nets on Tuesday and looks set to play despite fracturing his hand in that game.
"Having Graeme back is such a big boost, he always leads from the front with the manner he plays. The way he plays, he sets the tone, he's aggressive from the start," Prince said.
Morkel will take the new ball on his home ground with the world's top-ranked bowler Dale Steyn in the first test starting at Centurion on Thursday.
"Sehwag is very dangerous when he goes on the charge up front, he can be very destructive against the new ball. I'm looking forward to the contest and the first five overs with the new ball will be vital because that's when you still get good bounce," Morkel told a news conference.
"If we can strike early with the new ball and get their middle order in quickly, then maybe we can bowl India out cheaply. It's obvious you don't want Sehwag to get a flying start and Gautam Gambhir was ranked the number one batsman in the world not that long ago."
The weather around Centurion is still overcast after a wet weekend which should help the pace bowlers and South Africa batsman Ashwell Prince said he would relish the challenge.
"The weather forecast isn't great and as long as there is rain about, there will be a lot of moisture about and I'll expect the pitch to do a bit, with movement off the seam. But when the sun comes out, it is always a good track to bat on," he said.
The left-hander was out of favour the last time South Africa played a test at Centurion, the drawn first match against England last December. But he averages 67 at the venue and has scored three of his 11 centuries there, each time when his side were in trouble.
"I want to make contributions when the going is tough, but you're not always going to perform in those sort of conditions. But it's more important for the team to take 20 wickets than the batsmen to fill their boots. It's important that the conditions support the bowlers too," Prince said.
The Indian batsmen have a valuable ally in adapting to the conditions in coach Gary Kirsten, a former South Africa opening batsman.
"Gary has all the insight on how to play on South African pitches, on how to play on bouncy tracks. He was a legend batting for South Africa," Morkel said.
South Africa released three players on Tuesday; off-spinner Johan Botha, left-arm swing bowler Wayne Parnell and batsman JP Duminy. Another left-arm swing bowler, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, is likely to come into the team in place of Botha, who played alongside slow left-armer Paul Harris in South Africa's last test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi last month.
Captain and opening batsman Graeme Smith batted without discomfort in the nets on Tuesday and looks set to play despite fracturing his hand in that game.
"Having Graeme back is such a big boost, he always leads from the front with the manner he plays. The way he plays, he sets the tone, he's aggressive from the start," Prince said.
Bengal drawing inspiration from Sourav's presence
The presence of former India captain Sourav Ganguly will be an inspiration for Bengal in their do-or-die match against the Railways in their last Group B tie of the Ranji Trophy Super League starting here Wednesday.
Both the teams have their quarterfinal hopes alive with Bengal on fifth place with 12 points while Railways are sixth with 11 points. Both need an outright win to make the quarters, but their progress to the knock-out stage will also depend on the results of the other two matches -- Delhi-Mumbai and Tamil Nadu-Gujarat -- in Group A.
Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary knows that on a turning track, which looked underprepared, at the Karnail Singh Railway Stadium, it would be a tough task for the visitors and the team would be looking up to Sourav.
'His presence in the dressing room will bring some comfort in this crucial encounter. Sourav has been an inspiration for all of us and he is one, whom I can look forward to in tough times,' said Tiwary, on the eve of the match here Tuesday.
Tiwary is not worrying about the turning track prepared to suit Railway's left-arm spinner Murali Kartik.
'It is a spinning track that will assist Murali Kartik. But our spinners have also done well and, hopefully, we will get a result from this match,' said Tiwary, adding that the match could end in three days.
With all their previous six matches ending in draws, Tiwary knows that an outright victory will be tough, but not impossible.
Tiwary said the team has played well in all the matches, except against Mumbai and Assam.
'All the matches that we played till now were on dull pitches, not enough to have a result. Such tracks don't help teams to pick up 20 wickets in a match.'
Asked what role Ganguly, who is playing his first first-class match after a long time, can perform in the team, Tiwary said: 'He is a class in himself and since he has made his mind to play this match, he must have made his own preparations. In fact I can consult him while making decisions.'
Bengal coach W.V. Raman felt that for Sourav, it will be case of fine tuning his mind.
'Players like Sourav just need to fine tune their minds. No one can gurantee how many runs even an in-form batsmen can score, so it would be useless to think how many runs can Sourav score. But his presence will surely boost the team,' said Raman.
Tiwary also said that the toss would be crucial factor.
'I think it will start to spin right from the second session. So any team would like to bat first on this track, put on a big score and avoid batting on the fourth or the fifth day,' said Tiwary, refusing to spell out the team composition.
Railways captain Sanjay Bangar said he will be re-shuffling the middle-order.
'We will make some changes in the middle order and will also bring in some all-rounder and leg-spinner Karan Sharma may get a look in,' he said.
Both the teams have their quarterfinal hopes alive with Bengal on fifth place with 12 points while Railways are sixth with 11 points. Both need an outright win to make the quarters, but their progress to the knock-out stage will also depend on the results of the other two matches -- Delhi-Mumbai and Tamil Nadu-Gujarat -- in Group A.
Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary knows that on a turning track, which looked underprepared, at the Karnail Singh Railway Stadium, it would be a tough task for the visitors and the team would be looking up to Sourav.
'His presence in the dressing room will bring some comfort in this crucial encounter. Sourav has been an inspiration for all of us and he is one, whom I can look forward to in tough times,' said Tiwary, on the eve of the match here Tuesday.
Tiwary is not worrying about the turning track prepared to suit Railway's left-arm spinner Murali Kartik.
'It is a spinning track that will assist Murali Kartik. But our spinners have also done well and, hopefully, we will get a result from this match,' said Tiwary, adding that the match could end in three days.
With all their previous six matches ending in draws, Tiwary knows that an outright victory will be tough, but not impossible.
Tiwary said the team has played well in all the matches, except against Mumbai and Assam.
'All the matches that we played till now were on dull pitches, not enough to have a result. Such tracks don't help teams to pick up 20 wickets in a match.'
Asked what role Ganguly, who is playing his first first-class match after a long time, can perform in the team, Tiwary said: 'He is a class in himself and since he has made his mind to play this match, he must have made his own preparations. In fact I can consult him while making decisions.'
Bengal coach W.V. Raman felt that for Sourav, it will be case of fine tuning his mind.
'Players like Sourav just need to fine tune their minds. No one can gurantee how many runs even an in-form batsmen can score, so it would be useless to think how many runs can Sourav score. But his presence will surely boost the team,' said Raman.
Tiwary also said that the toss would be crucial factor.
'I think it will start to spin right from the second session. So any team would like to bat first on this track, put on a big score and avoid batting on the fourth or the fifth day,' said Tiwary, refusing to spell out the team composition.
Railways captain Sanjay Bangar said he will be re-shuffling the middle-order.
'We will make some changes in the middle order and will also bring in some all-rounder and leg-spinner Karan Sharma may get a look in,' he said.
South Africa is not that foreign to our players: Dhoni
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is confident that past experience of playing in the Indian Premeir League and Champions League in South African conditions will hold the team in good stead during the three-match Test series against the Proteas."It will be important for us to adapt to the conditions.
Yet I believe we will be better prepared than before, because the guys have played here in the IPL and in the Champions League and it is not that foreign to them," Dhoni said.
"The most important thing is to remain focused and well prepared for what awaits us," the India skipper added.
The second edition of the IPL was shifted to South Africa due to general election in India and the rainbow nation also hosted the Champions League earlier this year.
Countering the hosts' threats of preparing fast and bouncy tracks Dhoni said, "We are so used to that question - about how we will handle it when we are bombarded with short balls."
"The answer is that it will not bother us. Most of our batsmen have recently played quite a lot in South Africa and are much more familiar with conditions than was the case in the past," Dhoni added.
The Indian captain, however, believed that the South African fast bowlers are at the moment focusing on the short-pitch stuff to unsettle his team.
"It is not something which we are not expecting. It is after all how South Africa have achieved success against us in the past," he said.
Despite India's none-too-impressive record here, Dhoni is unperturbred and said his team is in good form and are not thinking about past record in South Africa. "We do not pay attention to what history says about what happened here in the past. We do not think too much about the statistics," said Dhoni.
At the top of ICC Test rankings at the moment, India have won just one of the 12 Tests in South Africa.
Dhoni was all praise for coach Gary Kirsten and said his knowledge of the local conditions will certainly come in handy.
"Gary Kirsten is the best thing that could have happened to Indian cricket. He not only knows our players but also understands the mindset of the South Africans and that insight will be important," he said.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tendulkar is a great ambassador of the game: Smith
South Africa captain Graeme Smith had termed Sachin Tendulkar as "great ambassador of the game" and said his desire to become a cricketer got wings after watching the Indian batting maestro during his childhood.
Smith was a 11-year-old kid when Tendulkar first toured the Rainbow nation following the country's readmission to the international fold after decades of isolation because of apartheid.
But on Thursday, Smith will lead South Africa in the first Test against India at Centurion in what could well be Tendulkar's last tour to the country.
"He (Tendulkar) is a world class player and a great ambassador for the game," Smith said as he reminisced at an official reception for the Indian cricket team here last night.
"As a youngster I watched the games and that's where all my dreams started. You see the players (like Tendulkar) on TV and you think that I want to be like that one day, and here we are," he said.
India is presently touring South Africa for three Tests, five ODIs and one-off Twenty20 International.
Smith also lauded former South Africa opener and now India coach Gary Kirsten, saying he commands great respect in the cricketing fraternity.
"Gary (Kirsten) was one of my heroes while I was growing up, so obviously it was great to get the opportunity to play with him," he said.
"He's a guy that I respect a hell of a lot and I'm sure the Indian team itself respects him. That respect will also go onto the field. It's about playing well for South Africa, but that respect will always be there," the Protea skipper added.
India speedster S Sreesanth too was full of praise for his coach.
"He's (Kirsten) been a great motivator and a great friend to each and every player," Sreesanth said.
Sreesanth described as "spot on" Kirsten's recent comment that India could be a world class team only if they beat South Africa on their home turf.
Sreesanth spoke for the Indian team during the function after captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni opted to send the Kerela speedster up on the dais to join Smith.
He also said India will be benefited in the series by some of its players' previous experience of playing in South African conditions.
"I did not play play in the Champions League but other team members have played. They know how to acclimatise with the conditions.
"Dhoni lead Chenai Super Kings to Champions League title here earlier this year and he had also helped us in our preparation," Sreesanth said.
Smith was a 11-year-old kid when Tendulkar first toured the Rainbow nation following the country's readmission to the international fold after decades of isolation because of apartheid.
But on Thursday, Smith will lead South Africa in the first Test against India at Centurion in what could well be Tendulkar's last tour to the country.
"He (Tendulkar) is a world class player and a great ambassador for the game," Smith said as he reminisced at an official reception for the Indian cricket team here last night.
"As a youngster I watched the games and that's where all my dreams started. You see the players (like Tendulkar) on TV and you think that I want to be like that one day, and here we are," he said.
India is presently touring South Africa for three Tests, five ODIs and one-off Twenty20 International.
Smith also lauded former South Africa opener and now India coach Gary Kirsten, saying he commands great respect in the cricketing fraternity.
"Gary (Kirsten) was one of my heroes while I was growing up, so obviously it was great to get the opportunity to play with him," he said.
"He's a guy that I respect a hell of a lot and I'm sure the Indian team itself respects him. That respect will also go onto the field. It's about playing well for South Africa, but that respect will always be there," the Protea skipper added.
India speedster S Sreesanth too was full of praise for his coach.
"He's (Kirsten) been a great motivator and a great friend to each and every player," Sreesanth said.
Sreesanth described as "spot on" Kirsten's recent comment that India could be a world class team only if they beat South Africa on their home turf.
Sreesanth spoke for the Indian team during the function after captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni opted to send the Kerela speedster up on the dais to join Smith.
He also said India will be benefited in the series by some of its players' previous experience of playing in South African conditions.
"I did not play play in the Champions League but other team members have played. They know how to acclimatise with the conditions.
"Dhoni lead Chenai Super Kings to Champions League title here earlier this year and he had also helped us in our preparation," Sreesanth said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)