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Yuvraj made India vice-captain

Yuvraj Singh has been made India’s vice-captain after Virender Sehwag was forced out of the World Twenty20 due to a shoulder injury.”In the absence of Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh has been named as vice captain for the ongoing ICC World Twenty20 in England,” BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said.The 27-year-old Yuvraj is among the most senior players in the side, having made his international debut nearly nine years ago. He was vice-captain of the one-day team in 2007-08 before Sehwag took over as MS Dhoni’s deputy last November.

Deccan Chargers seek to arrest slide

Match facts

May 4, 2009
Start time 16.30 (14.30GMT)What script will the second clash between Chennai and Deccan follow?•AFP

Big Picture

Monday’s match at Buffalo Park in East London is between teams which had contrasting starts to the second season of the IPL but are now experiencing a change in form.Last year’s finalists Chennai Super Kings had a slow start to the tournament despite their squad brimming with hard-hitting all-round talent. They lost three of their first five games to tough opponents, had one washout against the league’s (nearly) also-rans, Kolkata Knight Riders, and lost Andrew Flintoff to injury, leaving them in the bottom half of the points table. However, Chennai regrouped and won their last two matches – against Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils – and are back in the reckoning for a semi-final berth.Chennai’s most recent defeat in the IPL came against Deccan Chargers, who had transformed themselves from last season’s worst team to this season’s best by winning their first four matches with relative ease. Deccan were No. 1 in the league when they ran into Delhi and were defeated for the first time. The more serious setback, though, came against a weaker Rajasthan side, who had to strain every sinew to cause an upset. Both those defeats were results of Deccan losing focus during the final stages of the match: Fidel Edwards lost his temper while bowling to Tillakaratne Dilshan during Delhi’s chase, and Deccan’s fielding went to pieces in the last couple of overs of Rajasthan’s pursuit.Despite the two defeats, however, Deccan are still on top of the league but another loss against a resurgent Chennai will bring them closer to the rest of the pack.

Form guide (completed matches, most recent first)

Chennai Super Kings – WWLLW
Chennai’s have banked primarily on Matthew Hayden, the season’s highest runscorer with 246, and Suresh Raina, the second highest with 232, for most of their runs. Their powerful allrounders – MS Dhoni, Albie Morkel and Jacob Oram – haven’t played a match-winning role as yet. Chennai’s bowling isn’t the strongest in the tournament but two youngsters – Shadab Jakati and Sudeep Tyagi – played crucial parts in the win against Delhi. Muttiah Muralitharan has been economical, conceding less than six runs an over, but Chennai will want him to add quickly to his haul of five wickets.Deccan Chargers – LLWWW
Deccan have relied heavily on their openers – Adam Gilchrist and Herschelle Gibbs – for momentum. Rohit Sharma’s performances have tapered after an outstanding half-century against Bangalore but Deccan seem to have found a talent in 25-year old T Suman who has 64 runs from two innings at a strike-rate of 145. RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha are their leading wicket-takers with 12 and 10 respectively while Edwards has been restrictive with the new ball. Edwards, though, has left South Africa to join the West Indian squad in England and Deccan will need to pick a replacement.

Watch out for

Gilchrist and Gibbs went berserk against Chennai’s new-ball bowlers in Durban last week, scoring 67 runs in 5.4 overs. The assault caused so much damage that Deccan were able to forget the scoring-rate and focus of preserving wickets when batsmen were dismissed in quick succession. Chennai’s bowlers will have learnt from the experience but will that be enough to nullify Gilchrist and Gibbs?

Team news

Deccan replaced VVS Laxman with T Suman for the last two games and Laxman is likely to continue to sit out unless the team decides to give him another go instead of Azhar Bilakhia. The big question for Deccan is who to bring in instead of Edwards. Their overseas options are allrounders Scott Styris and Ryan Harris or specialist bowlers Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Zoysa.Deccan Chargers (likely): 1 Adam Gilchrist (capt & wk), 2 Herschelle Gibbs, 3 VVS Laxman/ Azhar Bilakhia, 4 Rohit Sharma, 5 T Suman, 6 Dwayne Smith, 7 Scott Styris/Chaminda Vaas, 8 Venugopal Rao, 9 Shoaib Ahmed, 10 Pragyan Ojha, 11 RP Singh.Chennai made only one change from the team that beat Rajasthan for the match against Delhi, opening with M Vijay instead of Parthiv Patel. Vijay made only 14 but is likely to get another go as Chennai attempt to fill one of the shaky spots in their batting order. Perhaps there’s a case for S Badrinath to open because the likes of Dhoni, Morkel and Oram invariably end up facing too few overs. Dhoni said that Chennai were not going to change their overseas combination. “More often you will see these four overseas players in our playing XI – Matthew Hayden, Muttiah Muralitharan, Jacob Oram and Albie Morkel,” he said. “They are an integral part of the team. Until and unless someone gets injured or loses form we are not going to change them.”Chennai Super Kings (likely): 1 Matthew Hayden, 2 M Vijay, 3 Suresh Raina, 4 S Badrinath, 5 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 6 Albie Morkel, 7 Jacob Oram, 8 Shadab Jakati, 9 Sudeep Tyagi, 10 L Balaji, 11 Muttiah Muralitharan.

Stats and trivia

  • Gilchrist scored 27 runs off 11 balls from L Balaji at a strike-rate of 245 in the first game between these two teams.
  • Chennai have scored at 9.00 runs an over on average during the Powerplays and have lost eight wickets during that period in six innings. Deccan lost the same amount of wickets but scored at 8.30 runs per over.
  • Chennai’s bowlers, however, have the worst economy-rate during the Powerplay, conceding 8.36 runs per over with an average of 30 per wicket. Deccan have an economy-rate of 6.52 and average only 20 per wicket.
  • Head-to-head record

    Deccan won the first match against Chennai this season by six wickets and three balls to spare. Hayden top-scored for Chennai with 49 but they lost momentum after the tactical time-out and ended on 165 for 6. Deccan’s openers gave them a fast start, one which proved decisive in winning the game.Their head-to-head record last season was even at a win apiece for the teams. A Gilchrist half-century led Deccan to victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium while Raina’s 54 steered Chennai home in Hyderabad.

    Quotes

    “I think my batting is pathetic in the tournament so far. All the big-hitters including Albie Morkel, Jacob Oram and I didn’t really click. We need to perform in the future as we are a side that relies heavily on its batting. If one of us clicks in future and with our top-order performing well we can give good targets to our bowlers to defend. And that is our strategy.”

    Kent and Middlesex leading chasing pack

    Chris Rogers will have to carry Derbyshire’s batting for them to be competitive•Getty Images

    Derbyshire

    Last season’s high-profile signing of Rikki Clarke proved a spectacular failure as he left for Warwickshire mid-term and Derbyshire’s own campaign never really took off. However, John Morris is doing his best to work with limited resources and with Chris Rogers as captain he shouldn’t have problems with upheaval (unless Rogers is summoned for the Ashes). Sustaining a Championship promotion challenge will be a tough ask with the bowling attack available, but the one-day game is clearly their priority after the late signing of 40-year-old Stuart Law. His experience should help some of the talented young players emerging.
    Crowd puller Graham Wagg – Can hit the ball a long away and bowls lively left-arm swing.
    Keep an eye on Mark Lawson – Once rated higher than Adil Rashid, before losing form and confidence. Can a change of county rekindle his career?
    Behind the scenes Only one more season of sun stopping play with the square being turned for the 2010 season.
    Bottom line If the young allrounders can fire along with the experience of Langeveldt and Law, a one-day trophy isn’t out of the reckoning.

    Essex

    There is more than a hint of Gloucestershire-style revolution about Essex with the powerful one-day side that is developing. Graham Napier bagged many of the headlines last season, but the team is crammed with match-winners – none more so than the hugely unlucky James Foster. Pakistan’s lack of international action means Danish Kaneria should be available all season, so a Championship promotion push is on the cards, especially if it is a warm summer, but the real incentives for success are in the one-day format, both from an individual and team perspective.
    Crowd puller Graham Napier – His Twenty20 pyrotechnics earned him an IPL contract and he also joined the Lions tour in New Zealand. Next step is an England call, but Essex fans will want to see plenty of him.
    Keep an eye on Tom Westley – His Durham UCCE coach, Graeme Fowler, is raving about the allrounder, and he now needs a long run in his county team.
    Behind the scenes Problems with the redevelopment plans have come as a blow.
    Bottom line Pick any of the one-day trophies and they could be Essex’s. Will be interesting to see priorities with the Championship.Big things will be expected from Herschelle Gibbs when he arrives at Glamorgan•AFP

    Glamorgan

    It’s a long climb back up for Glamorgan after they have hit real lows over the last couple of seasons. On and off the field there have been problems at the club and everyone will be keeping their fingers crossed that the Ashes Test is well received. From the team’s point of view it’s a slow rebuilding process for Matthew Maynard, and it’s hard to see where the match-winning performances will come from – except in the case of the evergreen Robert Croft. If Mark Cosgrove is motivated he could be an excellent signing, but 20 Championship wickets will be a struggle.
    Crowd puller Herschelle Gibbs – will be worth watching in the Twenty20.
    Keep an eye on Tom Maynard – Has shown flashes of talent; now he needs Dad to give him a run in the team.
    Behind the scenes The county’s big day is July 8 – the opening day of the Ashes series, as Sophia Garden hosts its first Test.
    Bottom line Matthew Maynard has admitted there’s no quick fix, so reaching the knockout stages of a one-day tournament would be a success.

    Gloucestershire

    It’s been all change at the top with Alex Gidman replacing Jon Lewis as captain and the return of John Bracewell to the club that he helped bring sustained success to in his previous stint. However, don’t expect the glory days of regular Lord’s finals and one-day silverware to return overnight. Bracewell, though, should feel right at home again especially with three New Zealanders in the ranks. The Championship has been a lost cause in recent times and last year they failed to register a single win. The only way is up in that one.
    Crowd puller Steve Kirby – Gives his all, and sometimes a little too much, in all forms of the game.
    Keep an eye on Vikram Banerjee – A spinner needs to stand up, and the left-armer could be the best bet.
    Behind the scenes Can Gidman gel with the occasionally abrasive character of Bracewell in the way Mark Alleyne managed?
    Bottom line If Craig Spearman and Hamish Marshall fire, limited-overs runs shouldn’t be in short supply, but the Championship will be another struggle.

    Kent

    Kent are probably still wondering how they failed to win a one-day trophy in 2008 after reaching two finals, on top of slipping up in Pro40 promotion getting relegated. No wonder Robert Key had had enough by the end of September. So they start in Division Two of the Championship for the first time, but much of the focus pre-season was on the signing of Stuart Clark. His Australia call-up will leave the ECB suits with a wry smile on their face. Still, Kent have a strong attack, with a clutch of allrounders and aspiring England seamers (fitness permitting in the case of Amjad Khan) plus deep batting, and they should come straight back up. One-day cricket will be a mental challenge after last year’s near-misses.
    Crowd puller Joe Denly – England are still looking for a one-day opener to replace Trescothick. He could be the one.
    Keep an eye on Sam Northeast – Needs a chance to convert those schoolboy runs into the professional game
    Behind the scenes Plenty of money worries but delighted to have kept the services of Graham Ford.
    Bottom line Too many match-winners to stay in Division Two, and the best one-day opening partnership in the country.

    Leicestershire

    A number of Kolpak players have been released as the county put their faith in some homegrown talent, although there are still plenty of foreign faces at Grace Road. Their Twenty20 success dried up in 2008 and the young players are going to have to learn on their feet. Paul Nixon will rally his troops with boundless enthusiasm, but other than HD Ackerman, Boeta Dippenaar and Nixon, there is a real lack of proven class. Iain O’Brien will have to impart his wisdom during his early-season stint if they aren’t to become Championship whipping boys.
    Crowd puller Paul Nixon – One of the best players of the reverse sweep-turned-hit in the county game.
    Keep an eye on Josh Cobb – Making rapid progress as a batsman.
    Behind the scenes Differences between chairman and chief executive over the signing of Australians, but Andrew McDonald won’t arrive until 2010.
    Bottom line Trying to create a blend of youth and experience, homegrown and overseas talent. Victories will be hard to come by, but the process is important.Pretty in pink: Middlesex found a winning Twenty20 formula in 2008•Getty Images

    Middlesex

    After ending their trophy drought with the Twenty20 Cup, Middlesex now need to build on their one-day resurgence and push for Championship promotion. They have been astute in their overseas signings – a batsman, Phillip Hughes, early season, then a spinner, Murali Kartik, later on – even if Hughes’ signing has ruffled feathers. He should help make up for the loss of Ed Joyce’s runs for the first couple of months, and the pace attack shouldn’t be underestimated even though Dirk Nannes’ departure is a loss. Shaun Udal has turned 40 but is playing with the fun of a 25-year-old.
    Crowd puller Tyron Henderson – A one-day match-winner with bat and ball.
    Keep an eye on Dawid Malan – His challenge is to maintain the progress from last season
    Behind the scenes Angus Fraser has left journalism behind to guide his county’s fortunes.
    Bottom line Need their quicks to stay fit to push in the Championship, but their Twenty20 formula should serve them well again.

    Northamptonshire

    The loss of Lance Klusener and Johan Louw has reduced the Kolpak quotient slightly, but Northamptonshire are now going to find it even harder to compete. Ideally they need pitches to spin so that they can make the most of Monty Panesar when he is around, and the experience of Nicky Boje. They haven’t been shopping over the winter, so will need the established names to help bring on some of the young talent.
    Crowd puller David Sales – Should have played for England but missed the boat. Can make run-scoring look amazingly easy.
    Keep an eye on Alex Wakely – Time for a young batsman to step forward, and Wakely is one with plenty of talent.
    Behind the scenes A quiet winter at Wantage Road.
    Bottom line Their Championship prospects rest on how much they see of Panesar. Promotion unlikely, Twenty20 offers hope of something better.Chris Adams has taken charge at The Oval and will expect a lot from his senior players•Getty Images

    Surrey

    Surrey had to look themselves in the mirror at the end of last season. What they saw wasn’t good. They’d slumped to relegation and had an ageing, patched-up side. Things aren’t going to improve quickly, but there was a realisation that changes had to be made. Alan Butcher paid with his job (Mark remains, and barely played last year), while Chris Adams will bring a no-nonsense approach to a dressing room that often thinks highly of itself. They looked near and far for new players. Michael Brown is a good signing from Hampshire, but they are short in the spin department.
    Crowd puller Andre Nel – Especially priceless when “Gunther” shows up. Opposition batsmen prepare for some verbals.
    Keep an eye on Chris Jordan – Continues to gather rave reviews and, fitness permitting, should get the opportunity to prove them.
    Behind the scenes A big clear-out after relegation, with Adams and Gus Mackay taking charge off the pitch.
    Bottom line Runs shouldn’t be much of an issue, but Nel and Pedro Collins will have to take plenty of wickets.

    Fungus forces Napier pitch to be moved

    A fungus growth has forced curators at McLean Park to shift the pitch for the second Test between New Zealand and India so as to keep the affected areas outside the playing zone.Andy Moles, the New Zealand coach who wanted a seaming pitch for the Test after India took the series lead in Hamilton, said the surface had been moved two to three feet so that it now included half the original pitch and half of the adjacent one which was used for the one-day game between the two sides earlier this month.The pitch was reseeded after the Test against West Indies in December last year and the fungus affected the grass growth.Blair Furlong, the Central Districts chief executive, said the grass was patchy on the old pitch and the new surface would have an even spread. “It will be a good pitch, it will do something at the start and then flatten out,” Furlong was quoted as saying to the . “It certainly won’t be a greentop, we don’t want a two-day Test.” New Zealand Cricket also released a statement on the pitch which it expected to be in “top playing condition”. “The new strip appears hard and flat, with affected areas well outside the playing zone,” the board said. “The strip has been extensively prepared over the past 10 days and is in excellent condition.”Moles said while the groundsman was confident the pitch would play well. “We need a typical New Zealand wicket where it nips for about a couple of days so it brings our seamers into the game against their batting attack which is used to the ball being true and turning a bit,” Moles said.Moles said the best way to nullify the Indian batsmen was to exploit sideways movement against them. “If the wicket is very dry it can turn a lot, which is obviously something we don’t want to experience down there.”

    No extra security for IPL matches – home ministry

    Hardly two days after the IPL organisers were told to reconsider dates a second time, the Indian government has said that the concerned states should not expect any help from central paramilitary forces during games. India’s home ministry, which had initially wanted the tournament to be postponed, has also said that meetings were not held with IPL commissioner Lalit Modi, according to the . “However, matches will not be possible for four days from May 14 when the police will be busy with duties for counting of votes on May 16.”The IPL is in discussions with India’s security officials to resolve the clash in dates amid growing anxiety among the league’s foreign players over the security measures for the tournament following the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore. Amid the tension over rescheduling of games and alternate venues in the wake of the Lok Sabha elections, the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Association said it was ready to host league matches, reported .

    Full cast for Zimbabwe's one-day tournament

    The Faithwear Cup, Zimbabwe’s main limited-overs tournament, starts this weekend with the third and final round of matches the following Saturday.All of the country’s international players will be available to play, a boost to a competition which has been accused of being of low quality in recent seasons.The most surprising name on the team lists is that of Brendan Taylor, who opted to spend the last few months playing club cricket in Australia after spending the northern summer in Europe. However, within hours of him being named, his Australian club side indicated he would be playing for them this weekend, raising doubts over his participation in the Faithwear Cup.Mark Vermeulen also returns after showing good form at club level.The ongoing restrictions on currency withdrawals allied to fuel and other shortages means the competition will be held entirely in Harare.Easterns Hamilton Masakadza (capt), Stuart Matsikenyeri, Foster Mutizwa (wk), Johnson Maruma, Timycen Maruma, Prosper Utseya, Shingi Masakadza, Silent Mujaji, Steady Musoso, Philimon Kadzitye Natsai Mushongwe, Douglas Hondo, Steven Nyamuzinga, Tendai Chatara, Bezer Sanyika, Donald TiripanoNortherns Tatenda Taibu, Brandon Taylor, Regis Chakabva (wk), Cephas Zhuwawo, Benard Mlambo, Sam Mwakayeni, Elton Chigumbura (capt), Raymond Price, Admire Manyumwa,Trevor Garwe, Graeme Cremer, Tinabel Chimbambo, Patient Charumbira, Pete Moore, Clement Rizibhowa, Mohammad Bala, Tinotenda MutombodziCentrals Chamu Chibhabha (capt), Eric Chauluka, Richmond Mutumbami, Robert Chinyengetere, Bothwell Chapungu, Malcom Waller, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Tendai Chisoro, Mike Chinouya, Rememberence Nyathi, Solomon Mire, Tendai Chitongo, Simbarashe Gupo, Nathan Waller, Vusimuzi Sibanda, Friday Kasteni, Alester Maregwede (wk), Roger KahiyaWesterns Mark Vermeulen, Tafadzwa Ngulube (wk), Sean Williams, Charles Coventry, Keith Dabengwa (capt), Mbekezeli Mabuza, Freedom Takarusenga, Romeo Kasawaya, Tawanda Mupariwa, Christopher Mpofu, John Nyumbu, Njabulo Ncube, Titus Chipare, Kendrick Moyo, Thabo Mboyi

    February 2009
    Sat 28 Centrals v Easterns (Zimbabwe)
    Country Club, Harare
    Sat 28 Northerns (Zimbabwe) v Westerns
    Harare Sports Club
    March 2009
    Sun 1 Centrals v Westerns
    Harare Sports Club
    Sun 1 Easterns (Zimbabwe) v Northerns (Zimbabwe)
    Country Club, Harare
    Tue 3 Centrals v Northerns (Zimbabwe)
    Takashinga Sports Club, Highfield, Harare
    Tue 3 Easterns (Zimbabwe) v Westerns
    Country Club, Harare
    Wed 4 Centrals v Westerns
    Country Club, Harare
    Wed 4 Easterns (Zimbabwe) v Northerns (Zimbabwe)
    Takashinga Sports Club, Highfield, Harare
    Fri 6 Centrals v Easterns (Zimbabwe)
    Takashinga Sports Club, Highfield, Harare
    Fri 6 Northerns (Zimbabwe) v Westerns
    Country Club, Harare
    Sat 7 Centrals v Northerns (Zimbabwe)
    Country Club, Harare
    Sat 7 Easterns (Zimbabwe) v Westerns
    Takashinga Sports Club, Highfield, Harare

    Oman and Bhutan meet in final

    Sultan Ahmed on his way to 95* as Oman beat Maldives in the semi-finals of the Asian Cricket Council Challenge © ACC
     

    Oman will meet Bhutan in Wednesday’s final of the Asian Cricket Council Trophy Challenge in Chiang Mai after registering comprehensive wins in their semi-finals.Bhutan provided the upset in defeating hosts Thailand by 92 runs in an unexpectedly one-sided game. Bhutan made 164 and in reply Thailand, who won all their group games, were bowled out for 72. Comments by Zeeshan Khan, Thailand’s captain, after the group-stage win over Iran proved depressingly prescient. “We have a habit of just falling short on the big occasions,” he admitted, and so it proved again as Dilip Subba (4 for 13) and Dampo (5 for 29) cut them to shreds.The other semi-final went according to the form book as Oman easily beat Maldives by 102 runs. An unbeaten 95 by Sultan Ahmed formed the backbone of Oman’s 240, his sixth-wicket stand of 100 with Awal Khan rescuing them from a wobbly 90 for 5. Most of the Maldives batsmen got starts but none was able to play the anchor innings and they were dismissed for 138 in the 40th over, Amir Ali polishing off the tail with 3 for 4.

    Ford keen on England coaching job

    Graham Ford: “To do well at international level you need to have been coaching for a long stint and I think I’ve got that experience” © AFP
     

    Graham Ford, the Kent director of cricket, has said he is interested in the vacant England coaching job provided the ECB “do their homework”. His was one of the names doing the rounds before and after Peter Moores was sacked, but Ford was cautious of rushing into England’s next assignment, a full tour of the West Indies, without the players’ backing.”Anybody would be interested in being coach of England but I’d need to find out more,” Ford was quoted as saying by . “Were I to be considered the ECB would have to do their homework and make sure the players are behind me.”Ford, 48, coached South Africa between 1999 and 2002 – winning eight of 11 series – and has been involved with Kent since 2005. He earned his coaching spurs during a popular and effective stint in the nineties in charge of Natal, where Kevin Pietersen played his first competitive cricket. He also worked with Pietersen during his school days. Ford has one year on his contract with Kent.”I wouldn’t mind being back on the big stage and I’ve been a part of the English system for a while. I’ve worked with a couple of the England players,” said Ford. “To do well at international level you need to have been coaching for a long stint and I think I’ve got that experience.”I have a fantastic relationship with Kent, they’ve been absolutely brilliant and I’ve enjoyed my time immensely with them. They’ve been really supportive. I don’t think they’d stand in my way if I wanted the England job.”In 2007 Ford was set to take over as India’s coach, but he opted to stay on with Kent. He had also declined an offer to coach Sri Lanka in 2003. Ford had also been interviewed for the role of New Zealand coach after John Bracewell stepped down late last year.”I’m not the kind of person to make a decision overnight and being involved in the West Indies would certainly be a rush job,” added Ford, referring to England’s forthcoming tour of the Caribbean. England’s current coaching assembly, minus Moores, will assist the squad for four Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 international against West Indies starting in February.

    Bhuvneshwar lives his dream

    High five: Bhuvneshwar Kumar handed Sachin Tendulkar his maiden duck in Indian first-class cricket © Cricinfo Ltd.
     

    Save it in your fancy phone or write it down somewhere, because you won’t want to forget Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s name. It’s certain to come up in a trivia quiz years later or win you a bet and an extra drink in some noisy bar. Who was the bowler who handed Sachin Tendulkar his first duck in Indian domestic cricket? Even if he doesn’t take a single wicket after this game, the 18-year old Bhuvneshwar’s name won’t be forgotten by cricket tragics.Last night, Bhuvaneshwar was dreaming about taking wicket. “It’s the first time I am bowling to him [Tendulkar] and I started thinking how it would feel if I end up taking his wicket.” Flash back to the Australian spinner Arthur Mailey, who as a teenager found himself a nervous wreck at the thought of bowling to his favourite player, Victor Trumper. And in the end when Mailey achieved his dream, he felt like a “boy who killed a dove” and later produced one of, if not the finest, cricket pieces ever written by a player.Bhuvneshwar, in his first year BA, didn’t share that sentimentality. Nor was he allowed to, mobbed immediately by his raucous back-slapping Uttar Pradesh team-mates and later by his friends and family. His phone was constantly busy for nearly two hours. When it finally went through, Def Leppard sang, “But you can’t have it all. Whatever you do, I’ll be two steps behind you.”Last evening, before he retired to his room to start dreaming, Bhuvneshwar had a chat with Ashish Winston Zaidi, the former domestic workhorse and current UP manager. Here’s what he was told: “” (Is Tendulkar going to take your life? In the worst scenario you will get hit for six sixes!)”.Adds Zaidi: (I just keyed him up). His strength is with the new ball and he keeps the ball full, lands it on a spot and move it both ways. I just told him not to try anything different or special. Just fix a spot and bowl there.”Today, Bhuvneshwar’s 14th delivery at Tendulkar fetched him the dream wicket. It was full, the seam rushed across through the air straight before cutting in sharply to kiss the edge, on to the pad before popping up to a tumbling short midwicket.Later, he said he was thrilled to attend his first press conference and tried his best to convey what the wicket meant to him. Unlike most of his team-mates, Bhuvneshwar’s cricket didn’t flourish in the famed cricket hostels, but he did learn his cricket under the same man, Vipin Vats, who taught Praveen Kumar. While Praveen is struggling to get his swing going after 30 months of relentless cricket, Bhuvneshwar is enjoying a fine season.It was his sister Rekha who convinced his father, a sub-inspector, and took him to trials in 2003 in Meerut to kickstart his dream of playing cricket.It’s too early to say what the future holds for the boy. He lacks pace and is yet to learn how to bowl effectively with the old ball but he has made a tiny and memorable step with a five-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy final. He was on a hat-trick too and produced his best ball – a big inswinger – but Ajit Agarkar played killjoy. Zaidi is confident that with some physical work Bhuvneshwar’s pace and bowling will improve.In the here and now, he is busy answering his phone and trying to cope up with missed calls. “Your call is waiting, please stay online.” Well, Tendulkar didn’t make him wait long and made his day.

    Denise Reid heads women's selection panel

    Denise Reid, the former South African allrounder, has been appointed the new convenor of selectors for women’s cricket. Reid replaces Geraldine Smith, who headed the panel for two years. She takes charge just months before the Women’s World Cup gets underway in Australia in March.”I return to women’s cricket at a difficult time when we need to select a team that will represent South Africa at next year’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Australia,” Reid said. “I need to sit down with my two fellow selectors to formulate a strategy on how we are going to take women’s cricket forward.”We have a number of young players who need to be blended in with the older players for them to gain experience at a higher level. We shall also be building on the experiences that they gained on the recent tour of England.”The other members of the panel include the national women’s team coach, Noor Rhode, and Northerns Cricket Union Women’s team coach, Khomotso ‘Volvo’ Masubelele. Their first task will be to pick a 22-member squad to attend a training camp at the High Performance Centre at the University of Pretoria from December 28-30.Reid, who represented Western Province, played one Test and 29 ODIs for South Africa between 1997 and 2002. She finished with 12 ODI wickets, with career-best bowling figures of 3 for 7, incidentally on debut, against Ireland in Dublin in 1997.

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