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Proteas to strike back after openers put India in command

Bengaluru, Nov 15 (ANI): The head coach of South African cricket team that was bowled out for 214 on the first day of the second test in Bengaluru city, said that despite being long way behind in the game at the moment they are hopeful of getting back on the track in the next session. AB de Villiers' masterly 85 in his 100th test could not gloss over South Africa's spin frailty as India took charge of the second test after dominating the opening day at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Speaking at a news conference post match, South Africa's head coach Russell Domingo said the team needs to keep doing its basics well to make a comeback.

BCCI invites Pakistan for bilateral series in India

Indian cricket board said they are ready to resume cricket ties with Pakistan only if the neighbouring country agrees to play the bilateral series in India. Secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Anurag Thakur, said it is not possible for them to play in Pakistan. Earlier in the day, media reports said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Shahryar Khan, claimed that BCCI spoke to PCB about the series and said the discussion would be taken forward with the government only after Pakistan agrees to India hosting the series. India cancelled bilateral cricket series with its neighbour after Pakistani militants killed 166 people in Mumbai in 2008 but hosted Pakistan in 2012-13 for a short limited over series.

India likely to pick Gurkeerat Mann for second Test

Bengaluru, Nov 13 (ANI): Indian team is likely to pick debutant all-rounder Gurkeerat Mann for second Test match against South Africa that begins tomorrow (November 14), hinted skipper Virat Kohli on Friday. The 25-year-old all-rounder, who is one of India's exciting prospects, was added to the side after the team management released three players - Rohit Sharma, Stuart Binny and Ishant Sharma -- to play domestic matches. Indian leads the fourth Test match series by 1-0. Meanwhile, captain of South African test cricket team, Hashim Amla, said that all-rounder Jean-Paul Duminy, who missed the first Test due to injury, was fit to play. South African team is reeling under a series of injury. Premier fast bowler Dale Steyn has a groin injury and Vernon Philander has ruled him out of the series. South African batsman AB de Villiers is set to play his 100th Test match.

India have edge over Proteas in second test: Pujara

Bengaluru, Nov 13 (ANI): Indian and South African teams sweated it out on the nets ahead of their second Test match in Bengaluru. Indian team beat South Africa by 108-run in the first test match in Mohali city that lasted a mere three days. Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara said that his team had an edge over the Proteas, given the last win. South Africa, meanwhile, is confident of giving a better performance in the Bengaluru Test. South Africa have never won a Test series in India, and AB de Villiers is more than keen to change that.

Manohar to be ICC boss

Mumbai, Nov 09 (ANI): BCCI president Shashank Manohar has replaced former BCCI president Narayanswami Srinivasan on Monday as Srinivasan has been removed as the ICC chairman. BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur announced that Manohar has replaced Srinivasan and shall represent the ICC. Manohar said the after the AGM (Annual General Meeting) the financials of the board have been made public and added that with regard to conflict of interest an ombudsman has been appointed. Earlier in the day BCCI Finance Committee Chairman Jyotiraditya Scindia informed that Shashank Manohar has been nominated to take over as the new ICC Chairman. Bihar Cricket Association Secretary Aditya Verma said that today in the BCCI AGM Srinivasan was sacked and recalled and S Manohar or current President of Mumbai Cricket Association Sharad Pawar to replace Srinivasan.

Bowlers' role more important than batsmen in test series: Kohli

Mohali, Nov 04 (ANI): Indian test cricket captain Virat Kohli on Wednesday said bowlers will have to play stellar role for the series against South Africa. Having lost the Twenty20 and the one-day series to the Proteas, India will try and exploit every bit of their home advantage by rolling out slow, dry tracks that not only suit their spinners but can also take the sting out of South Africa's redoubtable pace attack. After traveling around the world for two years - spanning 17 Tests in New Zealand, South Africa, England, Australia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka - Kohli's men will play a long-awaited Test series after almost two years in home ground. Talking to reporters ahead of the first match of the four-test series in the Mohali city beginning Thursday, Kohli said the role of bowlers was more important than the batsmen. Kohli said that Ashwin has been India's go-to man in the last two to three years and the team was banking on him. Meanwhile, South African test skipper Hashim Amla said

Ravi Shastri calls for spinner friendly pitches against South Africa

Mohali, Nov 03 (ANI): Director of Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri, on Tuesday (November 03) called for spinner friendly pitches to take 'home advantage' against South Africa, ahead of the first test that begins on Thursday (November 05). Shastri said it was well established norm that every host team prepares pitches according to its strength and opposition's weakness. Shastri added his team would play to win the match and combination of the squad would depend upon the playing surface. Having lost the Twenty20 and the one-day series to the Proteas, India will try and exploit every bit of their home advantage by rolling out slow, dry tracks that not only suit their spinners but can also take the sting out of South Africa's redoubtable pace attack. South African batsman, Dean Elgar, said the toss would be vital for each team because Indian pitches tended to deteriorate considerably on fourth and fifth day of a test match, making batting very difficult. The series will be a battle of wit

Indian spinner Ashwin a threat in test cricket: South Africa

Mohali, Nov 03 (ANI): South African cricketer Faf Du Plessis said that spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was the main Indian threat they will face in the upcoming Test series. India and South Africa will play four Test series beginning November 05. The Proteas have already won the T20 and one-day international series questioning the performance of top batting order and even the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Addressing a news conference in Mohali city after the practice session, Plessis said that Ashwin is an outstanding spinner and will create an impact on the series. Plessis added that playing Test cricket against India at their home turf is a challenge.

Fans disappointed post India's heart-wrenching defeat against Proteas

Mumbai/ Gurgaon, Oct 26 (ANI): Cricket fans expressed their disappointment as South Africa crushed India's bowling attack to post 438-4 and won the deciding one-day international by 214 runs at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With the five-match series tied at 2-2, South African skipper AB de Villiers won the toss and opted to bat in hot and humid conditions. He couldn't be happier at the end of their innings as his team posted its second highest score in the 50-over format. Cricket lovers said they were shocked to witness India's dismal performance on the ground where the team had registered a historic win in the final of 2011 World Cup. Fans, who came from different parts of the country, said it was high time for India to pull up its socks. Meanwhile, former cricketer Atul Wassan called the loss a massacre and seemed quite unconfident about India's performance in the upcoming test series.

Gambhir-Tiwari spat: BCCI to take appropriate action

New Delhi, Oct 25 (ANI): The BCCI on Sunday said it would take "appropriate action" in Gambhir- Tiwary spat. Delhi skipper Gautam Gambhir and his Bengal counterpart Manoj Tiwary entered in a heated altercation on Day 3 of a Ranji Trophy match at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi on Saturday. BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said "appropriate action" would be taken in the matter. Both Gambhir and Tiwary have been fined after the on-field umpires reported the incident to the match-referee. Gambhir was fined 70 percent of his match fee for a level II offence, while Tiwary was charged with level I offence and docked 40%. The incident took place in the eighth over of the Bengal innings when Tiwary walked into the ground to bat and heard something from a fielder and shot back.

Hockey India lifts ban on Gurbaj Singh

New Delhi, Oct 24 (ANI): Hockey India on Saturday lifted the ban on midfielder Gurbaj Singh in just over two months time. The senior Indian hockey player was banned by the national body for nine months on August 10 for reportedly indulging in groupism and creating disharmony in the team. The decision had threatened the midfielder's dream of playing in the next year's Rio Olympics. Chairman of the Hockey India's Disciplinary Committee Harvinder Singh said Gurbaj, now, could play Olympics with the ban on him lifted. Gurbaj is considered as a workhorse and if he mends his ways, India will strengthen its midfield options.

Test debut most 'memorable' moment of career: Sehwag (Part - 2)

New Delhi, Oct 20 (ANI): Flamboyant Indian opener Virender Sehwag, who has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, said on Tuesday that making his Test debut against South Africa was the most memorable moment of his career. Sehwag, who is popularly known as the 'Nawab of Najafgarh', said that he considered himself lucky enough to have played with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble and Zaheer Khan. He holds multiple records including the highest score made by an Indian in Test cricket (319) and the fastest triple century in the history of international cricket (he scored 300 in 278 balls). Sehwag has played 104 tests and scored 8,586 runs at an average of 49.34 and has amassed 8,273 runs at an average of 35.05 in 251 ODIs.

Test debut most 'memorable' moment of career: Sehwag (Part - 1)

New Delhi, Oct 20 (ANI): Flamboyant Indian opener Virender Sehwag, who has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, said on Tuesday that making his Test debut against South Africa was the most memorable moment of his career. Sehwag, who is popularly known as the 'Nawab of Najafgarh', said that he considered himself lucky enough to have played with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble and Zaheer Khan. He holds multiple records including the highest score made by an Indian in Test cricket (319) and the fastest triple century in the history of international cricket (he scored 300 in 278 balls). Sehwag has played 104 tests and scored 8,586 runs at an average of 49.34 and has amassed 8,273 runs at an average of 35.05 in 251 ODIs.

Jadeja to replace Bhaji for SA test series

New Delhi, Oct 19 (ANI): All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been recalled to the Indian squad for the first two tests against South Africa, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Monday. He will replace Harbhajan Singh. Left-arm spinner Jadeja, dropped for the recent series in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, has been in prime domestic form, clinching 24 wickets in two matches in first-class cricket. The left-handed batsman has also scored 91 and 58 in two innings. Harbhajan, 35, who has played 103 tests, bagged four wickets in two matches. Fast bowler Ishant Sharma was named in the test squad even though he is ineligible for the first match after being suspended for misconduct against Sri Lanka.

Football legend Pele attends 'Subroto Cup Football Tournament' in Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 17 (ANI): Brazilian soccer legend Pele attended the final of the Under-17 boys Subroto Cup Football Tournament in New Delhi. The final fixture was between the All India Football Federation Football Club (AIFF FC) and the Manipur under-17 teams. Deepandra Negi-led AIFF FC won by 4-1. Pele was the chief guest at the match in the 56th chapter of the tournament held at the Ambedkar Stadium in the national capital. He presented the winners with a trophy and a cash prize worth 350,000 rupees (USD 5409). Manipur, who finished runners-up, were awarded with 200,000 rupees (USD 3091) as well as medals. Pele, who is on a week-long India visit, had earlier suggested that young Indian players should be provided with more exposure and opportunities to play abroad and also said that Indian coaches should be sent to Latin America and Europe to gain experience.

Young Indian footballers need more foreign exposure, says Pele

Gurgaon, Oct 16 (ANI): Brazilian football legend Pele suggested that young Indian players should be provided more exposure and opportunities to play abroad. Pele, who is on a week-long India visit, was speaking at an event organised in Gurgaon city. While stressing the need to develop football at base level to improve the overall quality, Pele said the foreign exposure was equally important for a young footballer to develop. He expressed his joy over the fact that many former Brazilian players have joined Indian Super League (ISL). Pele also suggested that Indian coaches be sent to Latin America and Europe to gain experience. He also advised young players to respect people, as well as, their teammates. During his visit to New Delhi, Pele will witness the Under-17 boys' final match of the Subroto International Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium on Friday (October 16), where he will be the chief guest. He is considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all-time.

Trap shooter Manavjit Singh Sandhu gears up for World Cup Final

New Delhi, Oct 15 (ANI): Veteran Indian trap shooter, Manavjit Singh Sandhu gears up for the prestigious International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Shotgun World Cup Final scheduled next week in Cyprus. The tournament will be held in Nicosia, Cyprus, between October 15 and October 21. Sandhu has been selected to represent India at the event on the basis of his bronze medal-winning performance at the Mexico World Cup. This tournament is of importance as the event is taking place just two weeks before the 13th Asian Shooting Championship in Kuwait, which will be the last Olympics qualifier. Sandhu is yet to qualify for the Olympics. He will compete for the World Cup on October 20. Glasgow Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Mohammad Asab will also represent India in the tournament.

West Indies cricketer Lara says playing IPL helped South Africa win in India

Hyderabad, Oct 15 (ANI): West Indies batting great Brian Lara said playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has made South Africans accustomed to conditions of the country, making it easier for them to play and win matches. Lara was in Hyderabad to attend an event where Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra was also present. South Africa had already bagged the T20 series with victories in the first two matches and is playing the ODIs against India. Lara said that India is a strong team but cannot expect them to win all the time. Lara praised Dhoni and asked the players to place their confidence in their captain.

India, South Africa gear up before their second cricket ODI

Indore, Oct 13 (ANI): Indian and South African cricket teams hit the grounds practicing in Indore on Tuesday, a day before they are scheduled to meet for the second ODI. The second of five ODI will be played Indore's Holkar Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (October 14). Batsman, Rohit Sharma, remained hopeful about India's performance. Sharma said that proper batting lineup could be expected in the coming matches. Meanwhile, South African cricket team bowling coach, Charl Langeveldt, said that their competition was up against India.

Authorities need to work at base level to lift Indian football, says Pele

Kolkata, Oct 12 (ANI): Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele said on Monday (October 12) that to develop the game in a cricket obsessed nation like India, the work needs to begin at grassroots level as it will help lift the sport. Pele, who is in India on a week-long visit, was speaking at a news conference in Kolkata where Sourav Ganguly was also present. Meanwhile, Pele was overwhelmed with the response he got when he arrived in Kolkata on Sunday (October 11), after a long gap of 38 years. The 74-year-old Brazilian last visited Kolkata in 1977 with former club New York Cosmos, when they played in a 2-2 draw against Mohun Bagan, and charmed his fans with his incredible moves on the field. When asked to name the best footballer in the world at present, Pele said Lionel Messi was the best player in the last 10 years. Pele will also visit New Delhi on October 14 and will attend the finals of Subroto Cup on October 16.