India Australia 2007-08 Cricket Series in Australia


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India vs Australia 2007-08 Cricket Series

India vs Australia 2007-08 Cricket Series

A four-match Test series, a triangular One-day tournament and a Twenty20 figure is on the schedule of the Indian cricket team's Australia tour

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India vs Australia 2007 Cricket Series

Commonwealth Bank Series 2008

India and Sri Lanka join Australia in the Commonwealth Bank Series, which is scheduled to start from February 3 - March 7, 2008.

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India vs Australia Cricket Series 2007-08

CB Series 2008 in Australia: India, Australia and Sri Lanka

IND vs AUS, Second Final, Brisbane: India win CB series (2:0)


India wrapped up the triangular one-day international cricket competition when they beat Australia by nine runs to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the best-of-three finals series at Brisbane Tuesday.
The Indians made 258-9 in their 50 overs then restricted the home side to 249 to claim a thrilling win and take the final ever triangular series to be played in Australia. Veteran Sachin Tendulkar led the Indian batting with a fine 91 before newcomer Praveen Kumar tore through the Australian top order, claiming Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke with just 32 runs on the board.
Kumar came back at the death to bowl Brett Lee and finish the match with 4-46 from 10 overs to signal his arrival on the international scene. Australian allrounder James Hopes led a rearguard action, scoring a career-high 63, but he kept losing batting partners and was last man out when caught at mid-off trying to blast 13 runs off the final over.
After Dhoni won the toss and chose to bat, India were 205-3 at one stage and heading for a score of more than 300. But when an injury-hampered Tendulkar was dismissed for 91, the scoring rate slowed and Australia's bowlers began to gain control.
Tendulkar was well supported by Yuvraj Singh (38), M.S. Dhoni (36) and Robin Uthappa (30), but the Indians were at least 50 runs short of where they should have been.
IND vs AUS, Second Final, Brisbane: India 258-9 (50 overs) beat Australia 249 (49.4 overs) by nine runs

IND vs AUS, First Final, Sydney: Tendulkar’s ton guides India to win over Australia (1:0)

Sachin Tendulkar scored a brilliant century, his first in Australia and 42 nd in ODIs, as India defeated Australia by six wickets in the first final of the Commonwealth Bank tri-series at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Master-blaster, who paced his knock to perfection, completed his priceless ton in just 106 balls sprinkled with eight sweetly timed boundaries. Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 117 and kept Indian run-chase on track. An opening partnership of 50 was the ideal launching pad, and even three wickets fell fairly quickly thereafter, Tendulkar’s unbeaten 117 took India to victory. Chasing a 240-run target, India were off to a confident start in the first final against Australia.
A sturdy innings from Matthew Hayden, an equally good show by the Indian bowlers, set up the first final of the CB Series on Sunday. Australia scored 239 for 8 in 50 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat. Andrew Symonds and Mathew Hayden struck a 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket in just 17.2 overs, but Symonds’ dismissal gave the much-needed respite to the Indians. Adam Gilchrist (7), Ricky Ponting (1) and Michael Clarke (4) - all fell cheaply as Australia struggled at 29 for 3 from seven overs.
Initially, Hayden was at his aggressive best and raced past the 6,000-run mark in one-day internationals as he got off the mark with a boundary straight down the ground. Harbhajan Singh dismissed Symonds, who steadied the ship with Hayden, for 31 at midwicket. Harbhajan had been struggling to get his line and pace right before that dismissal, but his confidence surged once he had a wicket and the rest of his spell was impressive as he finished with 2 for 38. Praveen Kumar bagged the second wicket in his opening spell when Australia captain Ricky Ponting played on for one.
Ishant Sharma dismissed Michael Clarke for four, caught by wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Replays suggested that the batsmen had missed the ball. Ishant Sharma had 1 for 32 from eight overs, but was forced from the field by an apparent hand injury. India sprung a selection surprise, naming leg-spinner Chawla for his first match of the series at the expense of pace bowler Munaf Patel.
Australia recalled Hayden after he was rested in Friday’s match against Sri Lanka, with Brad Haddin and the unlucky Stuart Clark missing out again for the home side. Never in the 30-year-old history of the triangular series have Indians managed even a solitary win in the finals against the hosts.
IND vs AUS, First Final, Sydney: India 242 for 4 (45.5 overs) beat Australia 239 for 8 (50.0 overs) by 6 wickets

IND vs AUS, First Final, Sydney: India face Australia in first tri-series final

Off-field controversies will finally take a backseat as India will rely on their young guns in an attempt to wrest the advantage in the first of the best-of-three finals against Australia in the Commonwealth Bank cricket tri-series at the Sydney Cricket ground on Sunday.
The summer Down Under has been marred by ugly spats between the two teams and Indians will be keen to fire themselves up after Matthew Hayden’s “obnoxious little weed” comment on Harbhajan Singh hogged the limelight in the last few days. The war-of-words has set up a thrilling contest, though beating world champions Australia in their own den would be a tough ask for Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s young outfit.
Australia will not make the mistake of taking the Indian team lightly as the visitors have shown intent in the league encounters. Ausralia have beaten India twice, lost once while the first match ended in a washout. But with the hosts beaten by Sri Lanka in the last league match, their confidence is certainly not sky-high going into the first final and India will be looking to cash on it.
The problem for both teams has been their fragile batting order that has cracked under pressure time and again in the series. India’s main concern will be the opening combination as Sachin Tendulkar has partnered three different batsmen in the series so far. Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa have all opened with Tendulkar and it will be interesting to see who skipper Dhoni prefers in the crucial match.
Australia’s top-order has not displayed the consistency that they are known for and has lost wickets in heaps. India will certainly want their fast bowlers Ishant Sharma and Irfan Pathan to rattle the Australian top-order Sunday.
But despite Australian batsmen not being at their peak, they have managed convincing victories in the series, which reflects the strength of the side. Brett Lee has truly been Australia’s bowling spearhead in the summer and together with Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken and James Hopes, their bowling has done the dominant force in the league matches. India team (from): Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, Dinesh Karthik, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Manoj Tiwary, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel, Piyush Chawla, Ishant Sharma and S. Sreesanth
Australia team (from): Ricky Ponting (Captain), Adam Gilchrist, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hogg, James Hopes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee and Andrew Symonds

AUS vs SL, match 12, Melbourne: Sri Lanka score consolation win

Australia suffered a jolt ahead of their cricket tri-series finals against India when they lost an inconsequential cricket tri-series game against Sri Lanka by a narrow margin of 13 runs in Melbourne on Friday.
Chasing Sri Lanka's competitive total of 221, the world champions got off to a flying start with Adam Gilchrist (83 off 50 balls) launching a blistering assault but completely lost the plot after his dismisal to be bundled out for 208 in 48.1 overs. It was dramatic collapse by the Australians who were cruising comfortably at 113 for one at one stage before losing their remaining nine wickets for just 95 runs in a thrilling floodlit encounter at the MCG, allowing the islanders to salvage some pride.
The Sri Lankans, who have already been eliminated from the title race, fought back brilliantly after an early collapse to not only end the series on a winning note but also dent Australia's confidence a little bit ahead of the best-of-three finals against India beginning in Sydney on Sunday.
The two Aussie tailenders Brett Lee (37) and Nathan Bracken (14 not out) raised hopes of a stunning victory by putting on 35 runs for the last wicket leaving the Sri Lankans a little worried. With the home team needing 14 runs in the last two overs, the Sri Lankan captain gambled by bringing in Sanath Jayasuriya and the wily veteran struck in his first ball by castling Lee.
The victory was the perfect gift the Lankans could give to their two senior teammates -- Sanath Jayasuriya and spin wizard Muthiah Muralitharan -- who played their last match on Australian soil.
AUS vs SL, match 12, Melbourne: Sri Lanka 221 all out (50.0 overs) beat Australia 208 all out (48.1 overs) by 13 runs

IND vs SL, match 11, Hobart: India beat Sri Lanka, sail into final of CB series

A 102-run partnership between Sachin Tendulkar and an unbeaten Gautam Gambhir secured India's place in the Commonwealth Bank Series final after completing a comfortable seven wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Tuesday.
Set 180 to win after Ishant Sharma and Praveen Kumar claimed four wickets each to dismiss Sri Lanka, who needed to win to keep alive their hopes of facing Australia in the best-of-three final, for 179, Tendulkar (63) and Gambhir (64) guided India home with just over 17 overs to spare. After being dropped by Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene off the third ball of the innings from Chaminda Vaas, opener Robin Uthappa (11) departed seven balls later after being caught by Ishara Amerasinghe at mid-on off Lasith Malinga to bring Tendulkar to the crease alongside Gambhir. The pair brought up India's 50 off 60 balls before Tendulkar dominated a 50 run second wicket partnership off 63 balls.
Tendulkar was the first to bring up his half century from 44 balls, which included nine fours, and after the pair brought up India's 100 in the 17th over and their 100 partnership in 108 balls, Gambhir brought up his 50 off 72 balls. The partnership was finally broken as Tendulkar was caught at long-off by Chamara Silva off Muttiah Muralitharan at the start of the 21st over to leave India 120 for two.
Yuvraj Singh contributed a quickfire 36 off 35 balls before being caught in the covers by Tillakaratne Dilshan off Dilruwan Perera at the end of the 30th over with India at 171 for three. Rohit Sharma (three) and Gambhir rounded off the empathic victory as India reached their target with a run rate of just over 5.5 an over compared to Sri Lanka's 3.79.
Earlier, after losing the wicket of opener Perera in just the third over, Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara shared a 50-run partnership before Sri Lanka lost six wickets for only 21 runs in just over 10 overs. But after slumping to 93 for seven, Chamara Kapugedera's 57 helped Mahela Jayawardene's side at least give the bowlers a total to defend.
IND vs SL, match 11, Hobart: India 180-3 (32.2 overs) beat Sri Lanka 179 (47.1 overs) by 7 wickets

IND vs AUS, match 10, Sydney: Australia beat India by 18 runs

Century-maker Ricky Ponting led Australia's batting revival before his bowlers just managed to thwart India's bold reply in a thrilling 18-run win at the SCG.
Chasing 318 to win, India's Gautam Gambhir (113 off 119 balls) scored his second hundred of the tri-series before Robin Uthappa (51 off 46 balls) handed Australia some nervous moments with his exhilarating late-hitting. The result means that Sri Lanka can still make the best of three final against Australia but must beat India on Tuesday in Hobart and the hosts on Friday at the MCG to progress. The Australian snapped his head back to have some words with Sharma after being brought undone by his slower ball in the dying overs as Australia reached 7-317.
IND vs AUS, match 10, Sydney: Australia 317-7 in 50 overs beat India 299 in 49.1 overs by 18 runs

AUS vs SL, match 9, Melbourne: Australia confirm final berth

Sri Lanka's survival in the cricket tri-series hung by a slender thread after they lost to world champions Australia by 24 runs in a rain-curtailed encounter at Melbourne today.
Chasing Australia's modest score of 184 for seven, the islanders were 77 for four in 29.3 overs when rain forced a premature end to the proceedings with Sri Lanka well behind under the Duckworth-Lewis method. The two on-field umpires, Simon Taufel and Rudi Koertzen, waited for the rain to stop till the cut-off of 10.20 pm local time before calling off play. Since a minimum of 20 overs are required to constitute a game, Australia were declared winners and also got a bonus point.
The result of the rain-affected game dealt a huge blow to Sri Lanka's quest for a berth in the best-of-three finals as they now need to win their remaining two matches to have a chance. They would also need India to lose to Australia in Sydney on Sunday. With this victory, Australia confirmed their place in the finals and maintained their position atop the points table with 22 points from six games. India are second with 12 points from the same number of matches while Sri Lanka are at the bottom with six points from as many matches.
Sri Lanka did well to restrict the powerful Australian line-up to a moderate total but their batsmen once again let them down.
AUS vs SL, match 9, Melbourne: Australia 184-7 (50 overs) beat Sri Lanka 77-4 (29.3 overs) by 24 runs (D/L)

IND vs SL, match 8, Adelaide: India beat Sri Lanka by 2 wickets

India beat Sri Lanka by two wickets in their one-day cricket tri-series match at Adelaide on Tuesday.
Earlier, Kumar Sangakkara rescued Sri Lanka's innings from a precarious start, scoring 128 and sharing a 153-run stand with Mahela Jayawardene on Tuesday to set India 239 to win the tri-series limited-overs cricket international. Sri Lanka, needing a win to boost its chances of reaching the final of the series that also involves Australia, recovered to post 238 for six after a horrendous start.
Sangakkara went in with the total at 4 for 1 in the first over when Tillakaratne Dilshan (4) was caught behind off Munaf Patel on the fourth ball. He was joined by his skipper in the third over when veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya was run out by Patel to make the total 6-2.
Together, the third-wicket pair combined for 153 runs in an innings-salvaging stand that ended when Jayawardene was run out for 71 in the 38th over after facing 99 balls.
Sangakkara's seventh one-day international century lasted 155 balls and finally came to end on the last ball of the penultimate over, caught at deep mid-wicket off Pathan's bowling for a resilient 128 that contained 12 boundaries. Silva was out for 21 in the last over as the Sri Lankans chased quick runs.
IND vs SL, match 8, Adelaide: India 239-8 (49.1 overs) beat Sri Lanka 238-6 (50.0 overs) by 2 wickets

IND vs AUS, match 7, Adelaide: Australia beat India by 50 runs

Australia's under-fire top-order batting line-up was once again rescued by a brilliant bowling display, as India crumbled to a 50-run defeat in the one-day international at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday evening.
Another disappointing display with the bat sore Australia reach a meagre total of 9-203 from their 50 overs but marshalled by the in-form Mitchell Johnson, Australia were able to knock over the Indians for 153 with 8.4 overs remaining and picking up another bonus point. Johnson took the important wickets of Gautam Gambhir early in the innings as well as Robin Uthappa and Harbhajan Singh to put the Australians on the brink of victory with figures of 3 for 42 off 10 overs.
James Hopes and Brad Hogg also chipped in at crucial stages, Hopes (2 for 16) starting the Indian capitulation with the wicket of the promoted Irfan Pathan and Hogg (2 for 30) removing the dangerous Yuvraj Singh.

AUS vs SL, match 6, Perth: Australia beat Sri Lanka by 63 runs

Wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist hit a century on his final appearance at the WACA, his home ground, to help Australia beat Sri Lanka by 63 runs in the CB one-day series.
The match will be remembered for Adam Gilchrist’s sparkling 118 on his home farewell. Just as well, because Gilchrist accounted for exactly half his team’s total. Just three other batsmen reached double figures in an innings that threatened to explode, instead limping to a splutter.
Sri Lanka started their pursuit of 237 wildly, scorching 35 off the first 4.2 overs, while losing both openers. Kumar Sangakkara and captain Mahela Jayawardene took the visitors to 2 for 71 in the 11th, until Mitchell Johnson extracted an edge from the skipper. The Sri Lankans fell away quickly, as Sangakkara played the familiar role of lone ranger. The two Australian left-armers bowled superbly, Johnson taking 3 for 29 off his 10, while Bracken claimed 3 for 21 off 8. Once the final wicket was collected on 173 - Sangakkara was cleaned bowled by Brett Lee for 80 - the crowd chanted ‘Gilly’ in honour of the retiring West Australian.
Australia also collects a bonus point, having bowled Sri Lanka out for less than 188.
AUS vs SL, match 6, Perth: Australia 236 (49.3 overs) beat Sri Lanka 173 (45.3 overs) by 63 runs

IND vs SL, match 5, Canberra: Sri Lanka crush India at Canberra

Sri Lanka hammered India by eight wickets on Tuesday to revive their hopes in the rain-hit tri-series.
Set a revised 154 to win from 21 overs, Sri Lanka reached the rain-adjusted target with two overs to spare for their first win of the series. India made 195 for five from 29 overs after an early downpour delayed the start of play, but the game was shortened again when further rain arrived during the break between innings.
Rain has played havoc with the series, with the first two matches washed out. After veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya gave Sri Lanka, thrashed by Australia by 128 runs in their previous match, a flying start with 27 from 13 balls they were always comfortably placed to reach the Indian total. Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene said his side showed great character in a match they needed to win.
IND vs SL, match 5, Canberra: Sri Lanka 154-2 (19/21 overs) beat India 195-5 (29/29 overs) by eight wickets (D/L method)

IND vs AUS, match 4, Melbourne: India beats Australia by five wickets

Fast bowler Ishant Sharma took four wickets and Australia was bowled out for 159 runs Sunday as India scored a five-wicket win in a tri-series limited-overs match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
India overcame a mid-innings slump at 102-5 to reach the winning target with 25 balls to spare, beating Australia for only the fifth time in one-day games since the 2003 World Cup final. The win moved India to the top of the tri-series standings. India now has nine points and Australia eight from three games, with Sri Lanka on two points from two matches. Sri Lanka will play India on Tuesday in Canberra.
India looked strong when Sachin Tendulkar was at the crease, but the veteran was out for 44, caught by a diving Brett Lee at mid-off in the 26th over. And when Yuvraj Singh was out in the 29th over, India's seemingly easy run chase began to look challenging. But Rohit Sharma, 39 not out, and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, unbeaten on 17, steered India home.
Earlier Sharma took 4-38 after removing Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting in successive overs to peg down the home side, which had scored quickly at 37-1 after five overs. Shantha Sreesanth took 3-31, benefiting from umpire Rudi Koertzen's dubious decision to give Adam Gilchrist (0) out lbw to a delivery that appeared to get an inside edge in the first over.
Mike Hussey was the leading Australian batsman with 65 not out from 88 balls until he ran out of partners. He gained support from Lee, who made 10 in a stand of 53 which rescued the side from 92-6.
IND vs AUS, match 4, Melbourne: India 160-5 beat Australia 159 by five wickets

AUS vs SL, match 3, Sydney: Australia thrashes Sri Lanka

Australia thrashed Sri Lanka by 128 runs in their World Cup final rematch in the tri-series competition at Sydney.
The home side made 253 for six after winning the toss and electing to bat and the Sri Lankans were never in the hunt after losing two early wickets, making a paltry 125. It was the first time the sides had met in a one-day international since Australia's win in last year's World Cup final and although Kumar Sangakkara offered some brief hope in the run chase with a sparkling 42 from 41 balls, once he fell the tourists collapsed dramatically.
Sangakkara was in peak form, taking 16 runs off one Brett Lee over, but was trapped LBW by a delivery that jagged back off the pitch and into his pads from swing bowler Nathan Bracken. The Sri Lankans were then 74 for four and when Chamara Silva (7) and Chamara Kapugedera (0) went quickly, they had lost three wickets for 10 runs in just 14 balls and never recovered. On a slow pitch that suited his clever changes of pace, Bracken was the destroyer, claiming five wickets in 8.3 overs.
Earlier, half-centuries to Michael Clarke and Adam Gilchrist had provided the foundation for the Australian total. Clarke held the innings together with an unbeaten 77, including a towering six off Muralitharan, while Gilchrist was more cautious than usual in making 61, with opener Matthew Hayden chipping in with a brisk 42 at the top of the order in his first game back from a hamstring strain.
Australia had looked set for an even bigger score when the openers put on 65 in quick time, but Chaminda Vaas stemmed the flow of runs with 2-34 from 10 overs. Muralitharan was forced from the field late in the Australian innings after being hit in the face by the ball in the field.
It was the first of three matches in the series to produce a result, with the first two games both washed out, and the win propelled Australia to the top of the table, with India second and Sri Lanka third.
AUS vs SL, match 3, Sydney: Australia 253-6 (50 overs) beat Sri Lanka 125 (31.3 overs) by 128 runs

AUS vs SL, match 3, Sydney: Sri Lanka have their tasks cut out against Australia

Sri Lanka will have to do some rethinking on how to bowl in the slog overs when they take on world champions Australia in the cricket tri-series at Sydney on Friday.
The islanders had India on the mat at 83 for four at one stage in their previous rain-abandoned game but conceded 105 runs in the last 10 overs to allow the opposition to put a competitive total on the board. Lankan vice-captain Kumar Sangakkara admitted after the match that his side needed to do a bit of rethinking on how to bowl in the slog overs. The team will no doubt tighten up things in the slog overs against the hosts, who have a very strong batting line up, as any slip-ups could prove costly on a Sydney Cricket Ground track which was expected to favour the batsmen.
The tri-series has still not seen a single match being completed as both the day-night encounters at Brisbane were abandoned because of rain and the forecast for tomorrow is also not too encouraging. The met office has predicted partly cloudy conditions with chances of rain during the day. If rain again plays spoilsport, it will come as a huge disappointment for the fans. After two washed out games, India find themselves on top of the points table with four points from two matches while Australia and Sri Lanka have two points each from one match.
The Australians have also indicated that Brett Lee, who has bowled brilliantly right through the Test series against India, will be given a break at some stage and it remains to be seen whether the pace spearhead takes the field on Friday. The Lankan batting will largely depend on the swashbuckling Sanath Jayassuriya and the veteran batsman is capable of destroying any attack on his day.
Apart from Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Chamara Silva, Tillakratne Dilshan and all-rounder Chamara Kapugedera make it a formidable batting for the island team. The bowling is vastly experienced too with spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas getting support from the young Lasith Malinga and Ferveez Maharoof. The spin of Dilshan and Jayasuriya gives them the variety. Sri Lanka team (from): Mahela Jayawardene (Captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Chamara Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Kapugedera, Ferveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Upul Tharanga, Nuwan Kulasekera, Chanaka Welegedara, Ishara Amarsinghe.
Australia team (from): Ricky Ponting (Captain), Adam Gilchrist (Wicket Keeper), Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin, James Hopes, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Ashley Noffke, Nathan Bracken.

IND vs SL, match 2, Brisbane: Match called off due to rain

The second one-day international (ODI) of the Commonwealth Bank series between India and Sri Lanka was called off on Tuesday due to rain with both teams getting two points each.
Earlier in the day, 184-run partnership between Gautam Gambhir and Team India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped Indians in scoring 267 after its top-order batting collapsed. Gambir made unbeaten 102, while Dhoni finished on 88 not out after the pair guided India to an impressive total at the Gabba in Brisbane. Openers Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag made 68 runs in the first 14 overs.
Lasith Malinga bowled Tendulkar for 35 and Sehwags wicket was taken by Ishara Amerasinghe. Muttiah Muralitharan took two wickets of Yuvraj Singh and Rohit Sharma. On Sunday too, the opening ODI between India and Australia was washed out.
IND vs SL, match 2, Brisbane: India 267-4 (50 overs) v Sri Lanka - No result, rain

IND vs SL, match 2, Brisbane: Sri Lanka looking to win first game

After a lapse of 16 years India will meet Sri Lanka on Australian soil in a limited over match when they confront in the Commonwealth Bank ODI series in a D/N game at the Woolloongaba Stadium in Brisbane today.
Since the 1992 world cup match against India scheduled to be played in February 1992 in Mckay, North Queensland washed out without a ball being bowled. The match against India to be played today will be the first time the Sri Lankans take on India on Aussie soil. Given the strength of the Australian team and the home advantage, Sri Lanka will be exploiting their chances in eliminating India to qualify for the best of three finals. The first match against India therefore will be crucial for both teams. India and Australia have shared two points each in the opening match, which was hampered by rain and was abandoned.
With such stroke makers like Sanath Jayasuriya who has recovered from his jaw injury, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Chaminda Vaas and Muralitharan in the team the Lankans should fancy their chances in coming first with the encounter against India . Sri Lanka has named a twelve-man squad while India will not risk playing their all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. There is one change in the Indian line up Suresh Raina coming in for Manoj Tiwari who failed to impress in the first game against Australia. Sri Lanka has so far played 95 ODIs against India, with India winning 49, Sri Lanka 37, and 9 matches with no results. Since winning the world cup in 1996, the two nations have met 57 times, with Sri Lanka winning 26 encounters and India 25 with 6 matches ending with no result.

Sri Lanka team (from): Mahela Jayawardena (Captain), Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, T.M. Dilshan, Farveez Maharoof, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ishara Amarasinghe.
India team (from): Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain), Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautham Gambhir, Rohith Sharma, Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Ishant Sharma, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Dinesh Karthik, Praveen Kumar, Piyush Chawla.

IND vs AUS, match 1, Brisbane: First ODI washed out

Australia's opening tri-series one-day cricket international against India at the Gabba has been abandoned due to rain.
Australia were three for 51 chasing 141 for victory off a rain reduced 26 overs when the game was finally called off. Australia were in trouble after losing Ricky Ponting for a duck, James Hopes for 17 and Adam Gilchrist for 14.
Earlier Brett Lee's five wicket haul helped Australia bowl India out for 194 in 45 overs. India's innings was reduced to 45 overs due to showers. Gautam Gambhir top scored for India with 39.
IND vs AUS, CB Series, match 1, Brisbane: Australia 51-3 (7.2 overs) v India 194 - No result (rain)

IND vs AUS, match 1, Brisbane: India launch ODI tri-series with tie against Australia

Flannels make way for coloured pyjamas as India will try to win, for the first time, the annual triangular one-day series in Australia that gets underway with a day-night game against the hosts at Brisbane.
The triangular series was launched 29 seasons ago by the Australia cricket board. India first took part in 1980-81, failing to reach the finals against Australia and New Zealand. India has never won the title. But the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led India are perhaps best equipped Indian team to clinch the Commonwealth Bank tri-series in which Sri Lanka is the third team. Each team plays four matches against the other and the best two qualify for the best-of-three finals to be played March 2, 4 and 7 in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.
Australia, the reigning one-day champions, are on a roll after winning 2-1 the four-Test series against India and steamrolling India in the one-off Twenty20 International in Melbourne Friday. But India are confident too, after their 3-2 win over Pakistan at home in November. Sri Lanka have had mixed results lately in this 50-overs-per-side format. Although the Mahela Jayawardene-Sri Lankans defeated a weak Bangladesh at home, they lost 2-3 to England on home turf in December. But none of the three teams can be discounted in one-day cricket. Each one is capable of winning the trophy either March 4, when the second final is played at the Gabba here, or, if the third final is required, March 7 in Adelaide.
India may not have Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid in the squad but young, energetic and talented players have the potential to put up a challenge to their rivals. In-form Virender Sehwag and the comeback man Gautam Gambhir are expected to lend solidity to wherever they are played, as openers or in the middle order. India team (from): Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain/wicket-keeper), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, Dinesh Karthik, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Manoj Tiwary, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel, Piyush Chawla, Ishant Sharma and Sreesanth
Australia team (from): Ricky Ponting (Captain), Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain), Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hogg, James Hopes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee and Andrew Symonds

India vs Australia Twenty20 at Melbourne

Australia beat India by nine wickets

Australia has smashed the Twenty20 world title-holders off their perch, with an crushing nine-wicket over India at the MCG.
The Australians regained their focus after the anger of having Harbhajan Singh beat his racial abuse ban during the week by rolling the tourists for a pathetic 74 in 17.3 overs, cantering to 1-75 with 52 balls remaining. Adam Gilchrist began his farewell tour with 25 and was given a roaring send-off by the crowd of 84,041, while acting captain Michael Clarke (37 not out) and Brad Hodge (10no) ticked off the target.
Clarke, who took the reins while Ricky Ponting nursed a sore back, electrified his side with a brilliant diving save and run out of Virender Sehwag in the first over and Australia never eased off. Australia were good with the ball and sharp in the field, but India's batting was awful and their total just beat the 73 minnows Kenya managed in last year's world championships in South Africa as the lowest international score in this form of the game.
The Rogue Traders, who performed during the innings break, offered better value than the Indian batting, as only allrounder Irfan Pathan (26 from 30 balls) reached double figures, while the last of their three boundaries came in the sixth over. Such was Australia's dominance, Clarke put every fielder around the bat as part-time spinner Adam Voges bowled for a hat-trick after dismissing the controversial Harbhajan and Shanthakumaran Sreesanth in successive balls.
Harbhajan was jeered to the wicket by home fans after having his racial abuse suspension against Andrew Symonds downgraded, as was Sreesanth, who clashed with the Australian on the subcontinent last year. In contrast, Symonds was given a rousing ovation by the crowd - one of the biggest to attend a cricket match at the MCG - which was well-behaved throughout, thrilling authorities in the wake of the race row. The crowd also delighted in an embarrassing collision in the field between Harbhajan and Pathan, who bungled Clarke's skied chance.
Australia's barnstorming win gives them a dream platform entering the triangular one-day series, playing India at the Gabba on Sunday. India began this match having beaten Australia in their two previous Twenty20 clashes and as champion from last year's inaugural world titles. They retained largely the same side that won that crown, albeit minus hard-hitting batsman Yuvraj Singh (knee), but Mahendra Singh Dhoni's young side was made to look second-rate.
The five specialist Indian batsmen were all back in their seats in the seventh over, at 5-32. Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa meekly chipped down the ground and were caught, Dinesh Karthik was bowled by a full toss and Rohit Sharma played across the line and was bowled middle stump by medium pacer James Hopes. Nathan Bracken (3-11) had another excellent night with the ball and every bowler took a at least one wicket, including Voges (2-5) and debutant David Hussey (1-12).
Australia made light work of India's total and some mean stares from Sreesanth, as Clarke and Gilchrist posted an opening stand of 57 before the retiring champ holed out down the ground.
IND vs AUS, Twenty20 international, Melbourne: Australia 75-1 beat India 74 by nine wickets

Injured Ponting out of Twenty20 match

An ongoing back injury has ruled Australian captain Ricky Ponting out of Friday night's Twenty20 cricket international against India at the MCG.
Ponting was troubled by pain and stiffness in the lower back during the last Test against India in Adelaide. His place in the Australian batting lineup for Friday night's match will be taken by Brad Hodge, with vice-captain Michael Clarke expected to lead the team.
A Cricket Australia spokesman said Tasmanian paceman Ben Hilfenhaus would be 12th man for the match to be played before a huge crowd at the MCG. Australia team (from): Ricky Ponting (Captain) Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist, Brad Hodge, Andrew Symonds, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Adam Voges, James Hopes, Brett Lee, Ashley Noffke, Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus.
India team (from): M.S. Dhoni (Captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Robin Uthappa, Gautam Gambhir, Dinesh Karthik, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla, Praveen Kumar, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Ishant Sharma, S. Sreesanth.

India, Australia and Sri Lanka

Clark replaces Tait in CB Series

Paceman Staurt Clark will replace Shaun Tait, who is on an indefinite break from cricket, in a 13-member Australian squad announced on Thursday for the upcoming one-day triseries against India and Sri Lanka.
Clarke, nursing an ankle injury, was not included in the squad for Friday's Twenty20 match, but is expected to be fully fit for the triangular tournament beginning Sunday. "Stuart Clark was unfortunately ruled out of the KFC Twenty20 International squad with a slight ankle injury but is expected to be fully fit to take his place in the Commonwealth Banks Series squad," said Andrew Hilditch, the Chairman of Cricket Australia's National Selection Panel.
Except the one change, selectors retained the same squad which emerged victorious against New Zealand in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. "The Commonwealth Bank Series squad, with the exception of Shaun Tait, is the same squad that played against New Zealand for the Commonwealth Bank Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. "The National Selection Panel saw no reason to change that particular squad since it won the Trophy so convincingly," Hilditch said in a statement issued by CA.
Australia team will play its first match of the Commonwealth Bank Series against India in Brisbane on Sunday. Australia Team: Ricky Ponting (Captain), Adam Gilchrist, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hogg, James Hopes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds.

Harbhajan Singh - Andrew Symonds racism hearing

Harbhajan cleared of racial abuse charge

The International Cricket Council have confirmed Harbhajan Singh has been cleared of making a racist comment to Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds.
The 27-year-old was initially found guilty of racially abusing Symonds by ICC referee Mike Proctor after allegedly directing a "monkey" insult at the mixed-race all-rounder during the second Test of the four-match series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). But at an appeal in Adelaide on Tuesday, New Zealand High Court Judge John Hansen ruled there was not sufficient evidence to prove an offence under rule 3.3 of the code of conduct, which relates to racially insulting behaviour, but decided Harbhajan should be charged with a Level 2.8 offence.
The off-spinner pleaded guilty to that charge and accepted a fine of 50% of his match fee. Prior to the hearing, a letter signed by all the players involved - from both Australia and India - was tendered into evidence as an agreed statement of facts as to what took place at the SCG. Audio and video evidence was presented at the trial, while a full explanation of Justice Hansen's decision will be made on Wednesday.
The Commonwealth Bank triangular series will also go ahead, with the Board of Control for Cricket and India pleased with the outcome of the hearing. Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young is keen for both sides to put the unsavoury incident behind them and concentrate on the triangular series involving the two teams and Sri Lanka looming on the horizon.

India vs Australia Fourth Test at Adelaide Oval

IND vs AUS, Adelaide Test, Day 4: Australia clinch series victory (2:1)

Opener Virender Sehwag on Monday rescued India with a brilliant 151 to force a draw in the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia which still won the hard-fought series 2-1.
The 29-year-old Sehwag notched up his 13th Test century to steer India to safety on a last day Adelaide Oval track as the visitors reached 269 for seven before both teams decided to call off play. The drawn result meant that Australia retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but the Indians proved worthy challengers to the world champion team in a pulsating series which provided much drama both on and off the field.
Resuming their second innings at 45 for one, Sehwag scored his first century in 18 months and held the Indian innings together as wickets kept tumbling at the other end at periodic intervals. Barring Sehwag, who struck 11 fours and two sixes during his 236-ball knock, none of the other Indian batsmen could hang around for long against the the disciplined Australian bowlers who tried their best to force a result.
The high-scoring match will be remembered as Adam Gilchrist's last Test appearance and the great wicket-keeper batsman was lustily cheered as he walked out of the field for the last team. In a touching gesture, all the Indian players shook hands with him after the game.
IND vs AUS, Adelaide Test, day five (close): Australia 563 drew with India 526 & 269-7

IND vs AUS, Adelaide Test, Day 4: Australia to press for Adelaide victory

Australia will press for what would be a remarkable victory over India in the final cricket Test at the Adelaide Oval after launching a spirited bowling assault late on day four.
After taking a 37-run lead on the first innings thanks to centuries by Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, Australia's opening fast bowlers then breathed life into the match. Mitchell Johnson removed makeshift opener Irfan Pathan leg before for no score in the second over, and at stumps the tourists were 1-45 in their second innings, eight runs ahead with one day to play.
However, Australia's position could have been a lot stronger had Clarke not dropped a straight-forward chance at second slip, in Lee's next over, when Virender Sehwag was on two. Sehwag (31 not out) and Rahul Dravid (11 not out) are two of only five specialist batsmen in the Indian side, but will benefit from a wicket still good for batting.
Gilchrist's likely farewell innings overshadowed the performances of Ponting and Clarke in scoring centuries, following Hayden's 103 on Saturday, as the home side racked up 563 in reply to the tourists' first-innings 526.
IND vs AUS, Adelaide Test, day four (close): India 526 & 45-1 v Australia 563

IND vs AUS, Adelaide Test, Day 3: Australia fights back against India

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has notched up his fifty as Australia continue to grind down the Indian attack in the final cricket Test at the Adelaide Oval.
Ponting’s 50 came up in 114 balls this afternoon as the Indian attack stymied the Aussies’ usual free-flowing scoring. Ponting (79 not out) and Michael Clarke (37 not out) will be hoping to throw off the shackles tomorrow and pile on a few runs if Australia, sitting on 3-322 at stumps on day three in reply to India’s imposing first innings total of 526, is to have any hope of forcing a result. The last wicket to fall today was Mike Hussey, bowled by Irfan Pathan for 22.
Earlier, Matthew Hayden scored his 30th century, but two great deliveries gave India hope of putting Australia under pressure in the last cricket Test at Adelaide Oval. Hayden and Phil Jaques put the home side on the right path towards reeling in India’s imposing 526 with a stand of 158.
IND vs AUS, Adelaide Test, day three (close): Australia 322-3 v India 526

IND vs AUS, Adelaide Test, Day 2: India post big total with their tail wagging strong

Anil Kumble fell short of a century as India's tail frustrated Australia with a resolute batting display to propel the visitors to a mammoth first innings total of 526 in the fourth and final cricket Test in Adelaide on Friday.
Resuming at the overnight score of 309 for five, the Indians lost Mahendra Singh Dhoni (16) and Sachin Tendulkar (153) in the pre-lunch session but the veteran Kumble (87) led a remarkable rearguard fightback to take the total beyond the 500-run mark. The Australians, leading the four-match series 2-1, laid the foundation for the run chase by reaching 62 for no loss at close on the second day with Matthew Hayden (36) and Phil Jacques (21) at the crease. They still trail India by 464 runs.
It was Kumble who stole the limelight as he put up 107 runs for the eighth wicket with Harbhajan Singh (63) and then teamed up with young Ishant Sharma to add 58 more runs for the last wicket to compound the misery for the home team on a good batting track at the Adelaide Oval. Kumble was the last man out, caught behind by Adam Gilchrist off the bowling of Mitchell Johnson, but not before giving his team a big total to push for a series-levelling victory.
The Australians had themselves to blame for finding themselves on the field for a much longer time as they again dropped quite a few catches with Kumble and Sharma being the beneficiaries.
IND vs AUS, Adelaide Test, day two (close): India 526 all out v Australia 62 for 0

IND vs AUS, Adelaide Test, Day 1: Tendulkar's Century Lifts India to 309 for 5

Sachin Tendulkar struck his second century in the series to hold the Indian innings together after a few early blows in the crucial fourth and final cricket Test against Australia at Adelaide on Thursday.
The 34-year-old master batsman, probably making his last Test appearance on Australian soil, slammed an unbeaten 124 to notch up his 39th ton and steer the visitors to a comfortable 309 for five at close on a keenly contested opening day. Tendulkar, who had scored an unbeaten 154 in the acrimonious Sydney Test, gave another stunning exhibition of strokeplay to pull the team out of the pits after the visitors were reduced to 156 for four at one stage.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (6) was giving Tendulkar company at stumps after the Indians elected to bat first at the Adelaide Oval which has traditionally seen big first innings totals being posted. Virender Sehwag (63) and the stylish VVS Laxman (51) were the other notable contributors but both would be disappointed not to have converted their starts into bigger knocks on a good batting track.
The Indians were in a spot of bother at 156 for four with Sehwag, makeshift opener Irfan Pathan (9), Rahul Dravid (18) and Sourav Ganguly (7) back in the pavilion but Tendulkar and Laxman salvaged the situation with a 126-run fifth wicket partnership. The visitors, desperate to level the four-match series 2-2, opted to go in with a five-pronged bowling attack by dropping struggling opener Wasim Jaffer and bringing back spinner Harbhajan Singh.
IND vs AUS, Adelaide Test, day one (close): India 309-5 v Australia

IND vs AUS, Adelaide Test: India drop Jaffer as they seek to level series

A resurgent India have dropped struggling opener Wasim Jaffer but were still undecided on whether to opt for a five-pronged bowling attack as they go into the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia here on Thursday seeking to level the four-match series.
Jaffer, who has failed in his six innings in the series so far, has been omitted from the shortlisted 12 for the crucial game which India needs to win to square the series 2-2. Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who sat out in Perth where India recorded one of their greatest overseas victories, and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Kaarthick have been named in the 12 but the team management has decided to wait till Thursday before finalising the playing 11.
With the Adelaide Oval expected to assist the slow bowlers on the last two days, Harbhajan stands a good chance of playing the match. The Indians also have the option of going in with a five-pronged bowling attack, in which case Kaarthick may have to perform the 12th man's duties. But if they stick to the conventional four-man attack, Kaarthick is almost certain to don the opener's role at the expense of a paceman.

Commonwealth Bank Series 2008

India drops Dravid and Ganguly for CB Series

India's cricket selectors ignored Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid for next month's triangular series in Australia, raising doubts over the veteran batsmen's one-day careers.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni will lead a 16-man squad in the tri-series, also featuring World Cup runners-up Sri Lanka, and a Twenty20 match against the hosts. Former captains Ganguly and Dravid, both 35, are among seven batsmen in the world to have completed 10,000 runs in the shorter version of the game.
Left-handed Ganguly, with 11,363 runs in 311 matches, played his last one-dayer against Pakistan at home two months ago. Middle-order batsman Dravid was axed for a second successive one-day series. He played his last match against Australia at home in October before being dropped against Pakistan. He has so far scored 10,585 runs in 333 matches.
Batsman Suresh Raina, 21, returned to the one-day side after nearly a year, while 19-year-old paceman Ishant Sharma regained his berth after an excellent display in the ongoing Test series in Australia. Sharma, who dismissed Australia captain Ricky Ponting twice during his team's impressive 72-run win in the third Test at Perth on Saturday, has so far figured in just one one-day international.
Fast bowler Pravin Kumar won a place after grabbing eight wickets in one innings in the final of India's premier first-class Ranji Trophy tournament, which ended here on Saturday. Paceman S Sreesanth was also named in the squad after missing the current Test series in Australia due to a shoulder injury.
Indian team: MS Dhoni (Captain), Yuvraj Singh, S Tendulkar, V Sehwag, P Kumar, R Uthappa, I Pathan, S Sreesanth, Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir, RP Singh, I Sharma, R Sharma, S Raina, D Karthik, P Chawla.

India vs Australia Third Test at Perth

IND vs AUS, Day 4, Perth Test: India end Australia's winning streak (AUS 2:1)

India recorded one of their most amazing Test triumphs overseas when they beat Australia by 72 runs in the thrilling third cricket Test to snap the champion team's record 16-match winning streak at Perth on Saturday.
Set 413 to win a world record 17th Test in succession, the Australians were dismissed for 340 to allow the spirited visitors to reduce the margin to 2-1 in the four match series with one full day to spare. Not many had given the Indians any hope at the WACA, regarded as the fastest pitch in the world, but Anil Kumble and his men came out firing on all cylinders to not only pull off a sensational victory but raise hopes of levelling the series.
The Indians celebrated wildly and hugged each other after R P Singh castled last man Shaun Tait, bringing an end to a dramatic Test which saw fortune fluctuating from one team to the other on the four days.
Michael Clarke, who has struggled to find his peak form in the series, was the highest scorer for the Australians with 81 while Michael Hussey (46) and captain Ricky Ponting (45) were the other notable performers. With the hosts reeling at 253 for eight, tailenders Mitchell Johnson (50 not out) and Stuart Clark (32) used the long handle to good effect to give the Indians some anxious moments.
IND vs AUS, Third Test, Perth, Day 4 : India 330 & 294 beat Australia 212 & 340 by 72 runs

IND vs AUS, Day 3, Perth Test: India eyeing a sensational win

India put themselves on course for a sensational victory in the third cricket test against Australia whose quest for a record 17th consecutive test triumph seemed to be in jeopardy at Perth today.
After taking a vital first innings lead of 118 runs, the Indians scored 294 in their second innings to leave the home side a target of 413 which only one Test team has ever achieved. The Australians were gasping at 65 for two at close on the third day still needing 348 runs to overhaul the target. Captain Ricky Ponting (24) and Michael Hussey (5) were at the crease.
As many as 11 wickets fell on a dramatic third day's play which saw fortunes fluctuating from one team to the other. But two blows late in the day by Irfan Pathan tilted the scale in favour of the visitors. The stylish VVS Laxman (79) was the top scorer for the Indians while Virender Sehwag (43) and night watchman Irfan Pathan (46) were the other notable performers. R P Singh (30) put on some vital runs down the order to help the tourists take the lead beyond the 400 mark.
With two full days remaining in the Test, a result is definitely on the card as the bouncy WACA track was expected to deteriorate and provide more assistance to the bowlers. The Indians will fancy their chances of stopping the Australian juggernaut as only three teams in Test history have scored 400 or more runs in the fourth innings for victory. An Indian victory will largely hinge on how well the bowlers exploit the conditions in the remaining two days.
IND vs AUS, Third Test, Perth, Day 3 (Stumps): India 330 & 294 v Australia 212 & 65-2

IND vs AUS, Day 2, Perth Test: India in driver's seat with 118-run lead

India relied on an inspired display by their bowlers who skittled out Australia cheaply to put the the team in the driver's seat with a substantial 118-run first innings lead in the third cricket Test at Perth on Thursday.
The visitors were dismissed for 330 in the first innings but hit back brilliantly by bundling out the hosts for a paltry 212 to gain the upper hand on a bouncy WACA track. The Indians were 52 for one in the second innings and had extended their overall lead to 170 runs at close on an action-packed second day which was dominated by the visitors.
Paceman Rudra Pratap Singh was the pick of the Indian bowlers with 4 for 68 while Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma and skipper Anil Kumble chipped in with two wickets apiece to plot a dramatic Australian collapse. The hosts were gasping at 61 for five at one stage before Andrew Symonds (66) and Adam Gilchrist (55) salvaged the situation to some extent with a 102-run sixth wicket partnership.
The partnership, which was assuming dangerous proportions, was finally brought to an end by Kumble who in the process became the first Indian to scalp 600 Test wickets and the third in the world after Muttiah Muralitharan (723) and Shane Warne (708).
It was a remarkable exhibition by the Indian bowlers who managed to extract a lot of swing from the pacy WACA track to rip through the strong Australian batting line-up.
IND vs AUS, Third Test, Perth, Day 2 (Stumps): India 330 & 52-1 v Australia 212

IND vs AUS, Day 1, Perth Test: India 297 for 6 at close

Electing to bat, India were 297 for 6 at stumps on the first day of the third cricket test against Australia at Perth on Wednesday.
Earlier, Sehwag, coming in place of out-of-form Yuvraj Singh, started on a blistering note hitting Australian pace spearhead Brett Lee for a screaming cover drive in the very first over. He played and missed but maintained the tempo with some aggressive shots in the square and cover region that kept the scoreboard ticking at a good pace. Sehwag hit six boundaries in his 58-ball knock. Jaffer, who has been pathetic form in the first two tests, also looking at ease as Sehwag took the pressure off him and the duo gave India just the kind of start they were looking for.
Sehwag was the first one to leave when he tried to drive Mitchell Johnson on the backfoot and extra bounce on the delivery took the edge to wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist. But the opening job was undone when Jaffer also departed a few overs later when he fiddled with a harmless delivery from Brett Lee and was caught behind the stumps, this being the fifth occasion in the series when the Indian opener has fallen to the Australian spearhead.
Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, India's two best batsmen helped steady the team after the loss of the openers in the pre-lunch session. While Dravid scored 93, Tendulkar made 71.
IND vs AUS, Third Test, Perth, Day 1 (Stumps): India 297-6 v Australia

India vs ACT XI Practice Match at Canberra

Sehwag, Kaarthick hit form as practice match ends in draw

Virender Sehwag slammed a 78-ball 113 against Australia Capital Territory XI to stake his claim for a berth in the Indian team for the Perth Test against Australia but Yuvraj Singh continued to struggle with the bat.
Sehwag smashed a rousing century and Dinesh Kaarthick (97) came near one as India's three-day practice match against the ACT XI ended in a draw at the Manuka Oval. In contrast, Yuvraj came a cropper again, managing just three in the second innings.
After India declared at the tea time score of 281 for four, the hosts, chasing an improbable target of 314 runs from 33 overs, were greeted by some early blows before they slumped to 60 for three at stumps. The final 15 mandatory overs were not bowled as the Indians, presumably, wanted to be in time for the evening function at the Indian High Commissioner's residence.
India had declared their first innings at 325 for 9, in reply to which the hosts had made 292 for eight before declaring their essay. Sehwag completed his half century from 38 balls, lofting Bulger for a six over extra cover but was lucky on 92 when a mid-on fielder let him off. Sehwag's three-figure knock was finally raised when he flicked Ritchard for four, celebrating the moment with one through point and a massive six.
Kaarthick opened out after Sehwag had left the stage and in contrast to the latter, played several cultured stroke through the off-side. However, he was dismissed just three short of his century when tried to flick spinner Mark Higg on the onside and missed the line of the delivery.

India vs Australia Third Test at Perth

Aussies stick with same squad in Perth

Australia have retained the same squad for the third cricket Test against India in Perth, starting Wednesday.
Although Australia played three fast bowlers and a spinner in the first two Tests, paceman Shaun Tait is a chance to break into the side at the expense of wrist spinner Brad Hogg. Opening batsman Matthew Hayden retained his spot despite his injury troubles during the second Test in Sydney, where he batted in the second innings with a runner because of a leg problem, which also prevented him fielding on the final day. Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said Hayden's fitness would be reviewed in the lead-up to the match.
Australian squad: Ricky Ponting (Captain), Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Phil Jaques, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Stuart Clark, Shaun Tait.

Harbhajan Singh-Andrew Symonds Racism Controversy

Bucknor removed, Bhajji to play 3rd Test

ICC have taken a U-turn on their decision to retain umpire Steve Bucknor for the third and fourth tests to be played at Perth and Adelaide respectively. ICC chief Malcolm Speed has confirmed this. New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden would replace the disgraced West Indian umpire. This was the first demand by the BCCI, which has been fulfilled, but the issue of Harbhajan Singh's ban still remains to be addressed.

Since the ICC had received an appeal by Harbhajan Singh against his ban, it has technically made him eligible to play for the third Test match at Perth. An appeals commissioner would be appointed within the next 24 hours by the ICC to look into the case.Meanwhile the ICC has appointed Ranjan Madugalle to facilitate the meeting between captains Anil Kumble and Ricky Ponting.

India tour suspended in wait for Harbhajan Singh appeal

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has suspended its team's tour of Australia pending the outcome of an appeal for banned spinner Harbhajan Singh. "The Board will appeal to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to review the decision of the Match Referee and suspend its operation till the appeal is disposed of," the BCCI said in a statement released today. Unfair allegation of racism against our Indian player is wholly unacceptable
BCCI president Sharad Pawar. Jan 7 We tried our best to defuse the situation but their collective behaviour through the game and then, the unwarranted racial slur on Harbhajan led to this
An Indian player. Jan 7 There's been no sledging
Andrew Symonds, who initiated the angry exchange, in Herald Sun. Jan 7 I am satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Harbhajan Singh directed that word at Andrew Symonds
Mike Procter, the match referee decides. Jan 6

India Spinner Harbhajan banned for three Tests

India spinner Harbhajan Singh has been banned for three Tests after being found guilty of racial abuse during the stormy second Test against Australia, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced yesterday.
Harbhajan was found guilty under Level 3 of the ICC's Code of Conduct following a clash with Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds.The charge was laid by match umpires Mark Benson and Steve Bucknor after Australia captain Ricky Ponting had accused Harbhajan of making a 'monkey' comment at Symonds, the only black player in the home team.
Following a four-hour hearing held at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday, ICC match referee Mike Procter delivered his judgment to the players involved. He found the case against Harbhajan proved and informed him the off-spinner that he was imposing a ban of three Tests. The contentious incident occurred when Harbhajan was batting with Sachin Tendulkar during India's first innings on Saturday.

India vs Australia Second Test at Sydney

IND vs AUS, Second Test, Sydney (day5): Australia beat India by 122 runs, equals record (2:0)

Part-time spinner Michael Clarke claimed three wickets in five balls of the penultimate over to clinch Australia a dramatic 122-run second Test victory against India and a record-equalling 16th straight Test win at Sydney on Sunday.
India had looked to be hanging on for a determined draw, with skipper Anil Kumble leading the way with an unbeaten 45. But he could only watch from the other end as the last three wickets tumbled in the second-last over to hand Australia an astonishing victory.
Clarke, with his left-arm off-spinners, claimed 3 for 5 off 11 balls to get Australia home and they will now shoot for a world record 17th straight win in the third Perth Test on January 16-20. While Clarke may have won Australia a thrilling Test, all-rounder Andrew Symonds was judged man-of-the-match with his unbeaten 162 and 61 and 3-51 in the second innings.
The Australian team fought to the end and ringed the remaining Indian batsmen with six fielders to get a breakthrough after Kumble and Harbhajan Singh looked likely to bat out for the draw.
Earlier Ponting called a halt to Australia's second innings at 401 for seven, leaving India with 72 overs to go after the runs. Hussey remained unbeaten on 145 off 259 balls at the time of the declaration for his eighth Test hundred and boosted his average to 84.8 in 20 Tests. Kumble finished with 4-148 off 40 overs and now has 599 Test wickets, while fellow spinner Harbhajan took 2-92 off 33 overs.
IND vs AUS, Second Test, Sydney (day five, close): Australia 463 & 401-7d beat India 532 & 210 by 122 runs

IND vs AUS, Second Test, Sydney (day4): Hayden lifts Australia to commanding position

Matthew Hayden's century helped Australia take a lead of 213 into the pavilion as an early stumps was called on the fourth day of the Second Test against India at the SCG on Saturday.
The hosts were 4 for 282, after Indian skipper Anil Kumble (3 for 110) struck twice in quick succession close to drinks in the final session. After scoring the impressive century and steering Australia to a position of command, Hayden (123) was caught reverse sweeping by Wasim Jaffer off the bowling of Anil Kumble to have the hosts at 4 for 251.
Earlier Hayden had linked up with Mike Hussey (87 not out) in a telling partnership of 160 to lift the Australians into a commanding position. The day's play was called to an end early when the umpires offered the light to Hussey and Andrew Symonds (14 not out) with four overs remaining.
IND vs AUS, Second Test, Sydney (day four, stumps): Australia 463 & 282-4 v India 532

India vs Australia Second Test at Sydney

IND vs AUS, Second Test, Sydney (day3): Tendulkar's brilliant ton puts India in control

Sachin Tendulkar gave glimpses of his vintage form by cracking an unbeaten 154 as India took control of the second cricket Test against Australia by taking a vital 69-run first innings lead.
The 34-year-old master batsman not only notched up his 38th Test century after a prolonged sequence of dismissals in the 90s this year but led a stunning Indian counter-attack which took the visitors to a commanding first innings total of 532. Matthew Hayden (5) and Phil Jacques (8) were at the crease with Australia reaching 13 for no loss at close on an eventful third day which was completely dominated by the visitors.
Resuming at the overningt total of 216 for 3, the famed Indian batting line up finally lived up to its reputation as they plundered runs at will on a good batting track at the SGC.
IND vs AUS, Second Test, Sydney (day three, stumps): Australia 463 & 13 for 0 v India 532

IND vs AUS, Second Test, Sydney (day2): Laxman's ton guides India to 216 for 3

VVS Laxman made a flamboyant 109 and guided India to 216 for three at the close of play in reply to Australia's first innings score of 463 on the second day of the second Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Thursday.
Sourav Ganguly was batting on 21 and Sachin Tendulkar on nine when the stumps were drawn. Rahul Dravid also broke his mental shackle with a gritty 53.
Earlier, Symonds eclipsed his previous highest score of 156 set a year ago against England in Melbourne with his 344-minute epic that rescued the Australians on the opening day. Symonds, helped by big partnerships with Brad Hogg (173 runs) and Brett Lee (114), added 329 runs for the last four wickets to frustrate the tourists.
All-rounder Symonds blasted the Indian bowling for 18 fours and two sixes off 226 balls for his second century in his 17th Test match. Lee claimed his fourth Test half-century and Mitchell Johnson batted boldly to rub the salt into the Indian wounds. The Australians' big innings came after being in strife at 134 for six midway through the first day's play.
The Australians rattled along at a brisk 4.1 runs an over in their innings after going to first day stumps on 376 for seven off 89 overs. Indian skipper Anil Kumble finished with 4-106 off 25.3 overs with left-arm paceman RP Singh taking 4-124 off 26 overs. Lee fell five runs short of his highest Test score before he was leg before wicket to Kumble for 59.
IND vs AUS, Second Test, Sydney (day two, stumps): Australia 463 v India 216-3

IND vs AUS, Second Test, Sydney (day1): Symonds hits ton as Aussies stage brilliant recovery

India allowed Australia to wriggle out of a precarious position as the hosts rode on Andrew Symonds' unbeaten scintillating century to stage a remarkable recovery in the second cricket Test Sydney today.
Electing to bat, the Australians were gasping at 134 for six at one stage before Symonds (137 not out) and Brad Hogg (79) not only pulled the team out of the pits with a 173-run seventh wicket partnership but take them to a comfortable 376 for seven at close on the opening day. Brett Lee (31) was giving Symonds company at stumps on a day which saw the script going terribly wrong for the Indians after the post-lunch drinks break.
The Indian bowlers exploited the morning conditions on a lively SCG track with pacer Rudra Pratap Singh (4/108) ripping through the top order but the going became difficult as the pitch eased out during the day. It turned out to be a frustrating day for the Indians as Symonds not only notched up his second Test hundred but took Australia to a commanding position by finding an able ally in Hogg after their top order batsmen had perished cheaply.
To be fair, the Indians were also done in by some poor umpiring decisions with captain Ricky Ponting and centurion Andrew Symonds being the beneficiaries. Symonds could have returned to the pavilion when he was on 30 if a confident caught behind appeal was not turned down by umpire Steve Bucknor much to the dismay of the Indians. Television replays showed that Symonds had edged the ball to Dhoni and the flamboyant right-hander made full use of the reprieve.
IND vs AUS, Second Test, Sydney (day one, stumps): Australia 376-7 v India

IND vs AUS, Second Test, Sydney: Dravid to open again, Sehwag left out

Unfazed by Rahul Dravid's flopshow in the first Test, the Indian team management today decided to persist with him as opener and leave out specialist Virender Sehwag for the second Test against Australia starting Sydney tomorrow.
Dravid, who batted at a snail's pace to total 21 runs in 180 balls in the first Test, is all set to open the innings at the SCG as well after Sehwag was once again overlooked despite skipper Anil Kumble saying that there was a "50-50" chance of the aggressive right-hander playing. Dravid's promotion to the opener's slot from the number three position has been criticised by former cricketers who feel the move cost India the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne.
Meanwhile, in what is sure to come as a blow to the visitors, Zaheer Khan has injured his ankle, bringing Irfan Pathan into the equation. Pathan is likely to make the playing XI if Zaheer fails to recover.
On the other hand, high on their empthatic 337-run win in Melbourne, the Australians have retained their playing XI. This means slinger Shaun Tait will once again warm the benches, while chinaman bowler Brad Hogg keeps his place in the side.

India vs Australia First Test at Brisbane

IND vs AUS, First Test, Brisbane, (day 4): Australia beat India by 337 runs in first Test (1:0)

Australia thrashed India by 337 runs in the first cricket Test on the fourth day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday.
India, chasing 499 runs for victory, were bundled out for 161 and give Australia a 1-0 lead in the four-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. It was Australia’s 15th consecutive Test victory and they are just one win away from equalling their world record of 16 set from October 1999 to February 2001.
India collapsed from 134 for five at tea and lost their last five wickets for 27 runs. Australia’s bowlers all shared the second innings wickets and clinched a comprehensive victory with left-armer Mitchell Johnson claiming 3-21 off 15 overs. Only V.V.S. Laxman (42) and Sourav Ganguly (40) mounted any resistance against the relentless Australian attack.
The series now heads to Sydney for the second Test, starting on Wednesday. The Australians’ last home series loss was 14 years ago to the West Indies 2-1 and they have been unbeaten in 26 subsequent home series.
IND vs AUS, First Test, Brisbane : Australia 343 & 351-7dec beat India 196 & 161 by 337 runs

IND vs AUS, First Test, Brisbane, (day 3): Australia set India victory target of 499

Australia set India a fourth-innings target of 499 after declaring their second innings closed at 7-351 late on day three.
Their bowlers, who dismissed India for 196 in the first innings, will get a short session at the Indians before stumps. With good weather forecast for the next two days, Australia will win unless India can produce a remarkable turnaround with the bat and post the biggest score of the match on a slow pitch which should spin and begin playing low.
Only three teams in 130 years of Test history have ever scored more than 400 to win a match, while England's 1928 side is the only one to have ever posted more than 300 in a successful run-chase at the MCG. Australia spent almost all day steadily building their total, without too much pressure from the Indian bowlers. Michael Clarke top scored with 73, opener Phil Jaques made 51, Matthew Hayden hit a quickfire 47 and Andrew Symonds made 44 after getting a nice share of luck early in his innings.
IND vs AUS, First Test, Brisbane (stumps, day three): Australia 343 & 351-7dec v India 196 & 6-0

IND vs AUS, First Test, Brisbane, (day 2): Australia building big lead

Stuart Clark and fellow paceman Brett Lee claimed four wickets apiece as Australia dismissed India for 196 runs to take a big lead after the second day of the first cricket test Thursday.
Clark (4-28) took two wickets from three balls either side of the tea break and Lee (4-46) cleaned up the tail end to close out an outstanding innings for the Australian bowlers on a deteriorating Melbourne Cricket Ground wicket.
After having Yuvraj Singh caught behind for a duck on the last ball before tea, Clark completed his over after the break by trapping Mahendra Dhoni lbw without conceding a run. Matthew Hayden was unbeaten on 22 and Phil Jaques had 10 at stumps to give Australia a second-innings total of 32 and a lead of 179 after ending the first innings on 343 earlier Thursday.
IND vs AUS, First Test, Brisbane (stumps, day two): Australia 343 & 32-0 v India 196

IND vs AUS, First Test, Brisbane, (day 1): Kumble, Zaheer restrict Australia to 337 for 9

Indian skipper Anil Kumble truly led from the front on Wednesday, the first day of the five-day Boxing Day Test being played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Kumble stopped the Australian batsmen in their tracks after they had put on an imposing 135 for the opening partnership.He grabbed 5 for 84, reducing the home side to 337 for nine at the close. The only redeeming feature of the Australian innings was a sixth Boxing day Test century by opener Matthew Hayden. At the close, tailenders Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark were batting on 10 and 21 respectively.
Kumble took the wickets of Phil Jacques, Michael Hussey, Andrew Symonds, Adam Gilchrist and Brett Lee. Zaheer Khan took three wickets, while left arm fast bowler R.P. Singh took the wicket of captain aspirant Michael Clarke. Hayden has now made a century in every Boxing Day Test since 2001-02 except against Pakistan three seasons ago. By the end of the day it was India who were having a more festive season.
Earlier, at the start of play, Kumble decided to play Rahul Dravid as an opener, leaving out Virender Sehwag, while Ponting opted to field left-arm Chinaman bowler Brad Hogg in place of pace bowler Shaun Tait. Sourav Ganguly, who is playing his 100th Test, was felicitated by Indian batting great Sunil Gavaskar, captain Anil Kumble on behalf of the team, and Board of Control for Cricket in India Secretary Niranjan Shah.
IND vs AUS, First Test, Brisbane (stumps, day one): Australia 337 for 9 v India

Sehwag out, Dravid all set to open against Australia

In a clear indication that Rahul Dravid will be given the opening slot, the Indian team management has decided to leave out Virender Sehwag and Dinesh Karthik from the 12 shortlisted for the first Test against Australia starting from Wednesday.
Sehwag, whose very selection for the tour raised eyebrows as he was not even in the list of probables for the series, has probably been left out to accomodate an in-form Yuvraj Singh. His ouster paves the way for Dravid to open the innings with Wasim Jaffer, after a gap of two years and the right-hander has already stated that he is willing to do the job for the team's sake.
India team (from): Anil Kumble (Captain), Wasim Jaffer, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (Wicket Keeper), Zaheer Khan, RP Singh, Ishant Sharma, Harbhajan Singh.

Sehwag returns for Australia Test series

Indian selectors recalled hard-hitting opening batsman Virender Sehwag for an upcoming Test series in Australia following make-shift opener Dinesh Karthik's inconsistent form in the just-concluded Test series against Pakistan. Karthik could manage just one half-century in six innings.
Sehwag was axed for Test series against Bangladesh, England and Pakistan after playing his last match in South Africa in January. He has so far scored 4,155 runs in 52 Tests with 12 centuries. The team now has seven batsmen, five pacemen, two spinners and two wicket-keeper batsmen.
Test squad for Australia tour: Anil Kumble (Captain), Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Venkatsai Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Rudra Pratap Singh, Ishant Sharma, Irfan Pathan, Wasim Jaffer, Virender Sehwag, Dinesh Karthik, Pankaj Singh
The one-day squad will be named later.

Anil Kumble to continue captaincy for Australia Tour

The selectors had no problem in retaining Anil Kumble as India's Test captain for the tour of Australia. Keeping in view the injuries sustained by the frontline pacers, the selectors short-listed 24 probable players for the Australia tour, out of which 16 shall finally be picked up on 12 December based on the status of their fitness.
"Because of the injuries to the pacers, we have announced a list of 24 probables. However, the final 16-member squad for the Australia tour would be announced on December 12 after getting a final report on the players' fitness," BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah said, refusing to entertain any other queries. Among the pacers, Zaheer Khan has sustained a heel injury while RP Singh is yet to recover from a side strain and both would miss the third Test against Pakistan. Munaf Patel, struggling with a back strain that restricts his movement, would also miss the Test against Pakistan.
Fellow pacer S Sreesanth is being treated for a shoulder injury and that has ruled him out of the Test series against Australia. There was a good news for the lovers of cricket that BCCI has, however, appointed former Test player Chetan Chauhan as the Administrative Manager for the Test Series in Australia.
Probable squad for Australia tour: Anil Kumble, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Wasim Jaffer, Dinesh Karthik, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Sourav Ganguly, RP Singh, Munaf Patel, Zaheer Khan, VRV Singh, Pankaj Singh, Ishant Sharma, Murali Kartik, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Aakash Chopra, Gautam Gambhir, Ranadeb Bose, Irfan Pathan, Ajit Agarkar, Parthiv Patel.

India to face Victoria in warm-up clash

India will go into the Boxing Day Test with just one warm-up game, Cricket Australia has announced.
Victoria will host India for a three-day game at St Kilda Cricket Ground starting on December 20. India will play Tests against Ricky Ponting's Australians in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide. Between the second and third Tests, India will play a three-day game in Canberra against an ACT XI.

India to play four Tests during tour of Australia

A four-match Test series, a triangular One-day tournament and a Twenty20 figure is on the schedule of the Indian cricket team's long tour of Australia beginning December this year.
The first of four Tests against India starts on Boxing Day in Melbourne with the other matches in Sydney, Perth and Adelaide in January. Sri Lanka and India join Australia in the Tri-Series, which is scheduled to run from February 3-March 7. Australia will also host two Twenty20 matches, against New Zealand in Perth and India in Melbourne.

Editor: Nishanth Gopinathan.