Entries Tagged as 'Live Commentary'

Second Test Preview: India v South Africa

There was not a whole lot that one could surmise from the bore draw in Chennai, but aside from the obvious - that Virender Sehwag can bat a bit if he’s allowed to get his eye in - two things stood out amidst the tedium.

The first is straight forward: This is the best side South Africa have taken to India, and they showed that they are very much capable of matching their opposition in their own backyard.

The second requires an admission: I was wrong about Neil McKenzie… Before the second Test in Bangladesh I expressed reservations about his ability to open the batting (although not his ability on the international stage). Sure, RP Singh and Sreesanth generally bowled poorly on a placid pitch, but McKenzie showed in both innings that he has the class to compete with top bowlers in foreign conditions.

So, now that everyone’s warmed up, settled in and suitably acquainted, what comes next?

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Source: Cricket365

Injury-hit India worry about shades of green

Ahmedabad: While it looks like all is even after the draw in Chennai, a sea of injured players in the Indian dressing room can trigger a tide against the hosts when they take the field against South Africa in the second Test at the Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium at Motera here starting on Thursday.

Smarting under the loss of Sachin Tendulkar, India have plenty more to worry about as both captain Anil Kumble and fast bowler Ishant Sharma are uncertain of making it to the final XI, even as both bowled for a considerable duration at the nets on Wednesday.

“I’m feeling a lot better, but we will take a final call on the final eleven tomorrow morning,” a concerned Kumble told reporters.

If the injury to India’s latest bowling sensation, Ishant, wasn’t enough, RP Singh, who played the first Test, struggled for rhythm after his return from injury. S Sreesanth, who bowled well in patches, is certain to get the nod with not too many options around.

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Source: CricketNext

India must wait on Kumble fitness

India skipper Anil Kumble and fast bowler Ishant Sharma face fitness checks ahead of the second Test against South Africa in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Kumble suffered a groin strain during the first Test, while Sharma is still recovering from injuries picked up on the recent tour to Australia.

“We will wait until Thursday morning to take a final call on who all are fit for the Test match,” said Kumble.

India will definitely be without Sachin Tendulkar because of injury.

And even though Tendulkar was dismissed for a duck during an otherwise high-scoring opening match in Chennai (Madras), which ended in a draw, the tourists believe his absence creates an opportunity for them.

Tendulkar only needs another 172 runs to become the highest scorer in Test history and South Africa coach Mickey Arthur said: “You lose a guy like that, it takes a huge chunk out of the team.

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Source: BBC UK

Teams look to turn on the heat

Match facts

Thursday, April 3, 2008 Start time 09:30 am local time (04:00 GMT)

 

Big picture

With Kanpur’s Green Park - the venue for the final Test - known to produce more draws than results, it’s up to Ahmedabad to ensure a result in this series. However, the last four games have produced only one result and it would need a lively pitch to change the trend.

The featherbed in Chennai offered very little for the bowlers and the first Test served the purpose of a practice game, one where both sets of batsmen gained plenty of confidence. Neil McKenzie and Hashim Amla feasted in ideal batting conditions while Rahul Dravid ground out his 25th hundred, a knock that ended a barren phase. Overshadowing these innings, though, was the blistering triple-hundred from Virender Sehwag, an innings that sent quivers down South African spines.

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Source: Cricinfo

India vs South Africa 1st Test - S Africa batsmen make India toil

South Africa’s batsmen gave their side a strong foothold in the first Test against India in Chennai.

The visitors chose to bat after winning the toss and reached 132 before Graeme Smith (73) was caught off Anil Kumble.

Fellow opener Neil McKenzie fell six short of his century but that only brought in Hashim Amla and the visitors continued to make the hosts toil.

Amla lost partners Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince on his way to a superb 85 in a total of 304-4 by the close.

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Source: BBC UK

West Indies v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Guyana, 4th day

Sri Lanka 476/8d & 240/7d
West Indies 280 & 96/1 (23.0 ov)
West Indies require another 341 runs with 9 wickets remaining
West Indies RR 4.17
Last 10 ovs 32/0 RR 3.20
Stumps - Day 4

RR Sarwan 34* (55b 2×4) M Muralitharan 6-1-18-0
DJ Bravo 46* (70b 6×4 1×6) HMRKB Herath 7-1-19-0

That ends a very positive reply by the West Indies in response to 437. The most impressive aspect of the chase was the confidence with which they negotiated Murali and Vaas. Dwayne Bravo adjusted really well as an opener, though we still don’t know for sure why Gayle held himself back. The pair did justice to the pitch with this start so tomorrow should be interesting. That doesn’t mean that Sri Lanka should panic. They’re still well in front and a draw or a Sri Lankan win seem more realistic even at this stage. 341 to get, nine wickets needed.

Source: Cricinfo