'The total wasn't big enough to put pressure on India'

West Indies skipper Darren Sammy blamed the inability of his batsmen to put up enough runs on the board as the reason for his side's four-wicket defeat against India in the first One-Day International of the five-match series in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

- Scorecard

Opting to bat at the Queens Park Oval on Monday, West Indies found the going tough against the Indian bowlers from the onset and managed to post a modest 214 for nine.

In reply, the visitors achieved the target with four wickets in hand and 31 balls to spare.

"We didn't score enough runs, we kept taking wickets but the total wasn't big enough to put pressure on them (India). It's about going out there and put a challenging total on the board but we couldn't do that," Sammy said.

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http://www.rediff.com/cricket/slide-show/slide-show-1-west-indies-india-sammy-slams-batsmen-for-poor-show-in-1st-odi/20110607.htm

Poonam to strip only for Team India!

She is all of 20 and more than willing to bare all for Team India! However, model Poonam Pandey may or may not get to strip for the Champions, but she's sure become the talk of the town, all thanks to her bold desire. "Thanx a Lot All for ur Support!! I am Still on with My Commitments Stay TUNED," reads her latest Twitter post.

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http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/fashion/indian-models/poonam-to-bare-all-for-wc/Poonam-all-set-to-go-nude-for-WC/articleshow/7864126.cms

India Sri Lanka final: Dhoni's parents keep fingers crossed

RANCHI: "Shaurya" is premises no. H 10A in the Harmu Housing Colony, some 4 kms from Firayalal, the centre of Ranchi town. A two-storeyed building that had closed all its doors and windows on Friday afternoon to keep the pestering media at bay. It's the house where the Dhonis live, the family of the first citizen of Indian Cricket.

Shaurya is superstitious about Saturday's match. The inmates, Mahi's parents and his elder brother's family, do not want to discuss cricket at all. "There's a reason why. In 2007, we were nervous and didn't talk to anybody from the media at all. The Mahi-led India team won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20, defeating Pakistan by 5 runs in the final at Johannesburg. So we were delighted of course! When time came for the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup in England, we talked our hearts out. And India lost !"

That was Narendra Singh Dhoni , Mahi's elder brother, speaking to ET on Friday. "You know what? All this cricket means we are forced to remain under voluntary house arrest till it ends. Just look at the crowd in front of our house and you would know what I mean" he said. Sure enough. Between H10A and the BJP party office bang opposite the road, there were atleast six OB vans and some 40-50 mediamen milling around.

The Dhonis of Shaurya are, therefore, taking no chances this time. Not a word to the media, nothing at all that may come in the way of India and the Cup, not a deed that might make the Gods angry. Yes, the Dhonis are simple, God-fearing people.

As a mutual friend informed, the family visited Tarapith in West Bengal's Birbhum district with a local priest, to offer their prayers just before the semis with Pakistan at Mohali. Tarapith is Tantric hotspot and famously potent. Legend has it that the third eye of Sati fell here, when Shiva went on the rampage with his dead consort's lifeless body on his shoulder and Lord Vishnu decimated the body into 51 bits with his Sudarshan Chakra to pacify Shiva.

Narendra of course parried the question. "Is it not natural that we will pray?" he asked. Sure, and it's not only Mahi's family that is praying. Even his neighbours are. His closest neighbours these days are employees of State Bank of India , Harmu branch and the lady present in the bank on Friday, despite it being a bank holiday, said she certainly has prayed too and that she would be delighted if India wins the World Cup. Old neighbours at the Mecon colony, where the Dhonis first lived at N-171 and later at E-25 and where Mahi was born and brought up, said they were also praying for Mahi and India.

Kalyan Pramanik, who lived in N-172, and Satyajit Panda who lives in E-26, both were counting the uneasy hours before Saturday's finals. Being a Dhoni is tough at times and they are basically simple folk. Narendra is some 40 plus and runs his own private business. "We are very private people, but being a Dhoni doesn't allow us to lead a very private life" said Narendra. He had joined the BJP for sometime against the wishes of everyone in the family, including Mahi and his own wife. The intense opposition finally forced Narendra to quit politics.

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http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/india-sri-lanka-final-dhonis-parents-keep-fingers-crossed/articleshow/7847809.cms

Cricket Australia sets Ponting captaincy deadline

SYDNEY: Under-fire Australia captain Ricky Ponting was given just three days to decide his future on Monday as selectors said the next one-day squad would be announced on Wednesday.

Ponting, who let slip Australia's 12-year grasp on the World Cup last week - just three months after their heavy Ashes defeat - has already hinted that he may step down.

Cricket Australia said a squad for next month's three-match one-day tour of Bangladesh was expected to be announced on Wednesday, effectively setting a deadline for the veteran skipper.

Ponting, 36, returned home on Sunday following Australia's quarterfinal exit from the World Cup at the hands of India, saying he was considering his position this week.

"I'll have the opportunity over the next couple of days to reflect on where things are headed for me and certainly what direction I feel things are heading for the betterment of Australian cricket," the Test and one-day captain told reporters.

"I have to really decide what I think is right for me and the team going forward."

Australia play three one-day matches against Bangladesh on April 9, 11 and 13, with Ponting previously stating that he wanted to lead the team on the tour.

But Ponting has since suggested he could quit as captain, saying he was prepared to play on under the likely leadership of his deputy Michael Clarke and bat anywhere in the order.

"I see myself as a leader around the group, simple as that, whether I'm captain or not I still think I've got a lot to offer as far as leadership qualities go," he said.

Though heartened by support of teammates and senior officials, Ponting said he was "absolutely" prepared to drop down the order and step down as captain "if that's what they (CA) and I believe is the best way forward".

Ponting, who has been under attack since the 3-1 Ashes series defeat to England, scored a fighting 104 but it was not enough to prevent India from knocking the champions out in last Thursday's quarterfinal in Ahmedabad.

He has now presided over the end of Australia's 12-year run as World Cup champions after his third Ashes series defeat as captain to England.

Ponting, who has been captain for nine years, had a difficult World Cup, taking a reprimand from the International Cricket Council after smashing a dressing-room TV in a fit of fury after being run out against Zimbabwe.

He was also criticised for angrily throwing the ball to the ground after colliding with teammate Steven Smith during their victory against Canada, and for failing to walk in the group match defeat by Pakistan.

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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Cricket-Australia-sets-Ponting-captaincy-deadline/articleshow/7804424.cms

India rewrite history. Send Australia packing.

India batsman Yuvraj Singh whoops it upon driving in the decisive runs in Thursday's five-wicket victory over Australia.

It is not often that Ricky Ponting scores a gritty century and ends up on the losing side, especially in a World Cup. But he did as India avenged their 2003 World Cup defeat at the hands of Australia in glorious fashion. The second quarterfinal in Ahmedabad between the two heavy weights was always going to be more than just a match. For some, it was the final before the final. And indeed, the meeting more than lived up to the hype with the home team overcoming some tense moments to romp home with 5 wickets in hand.

A sense of anticipation hung in the air as Ricky Ponting put his boys in to bat first. R Ashwin opened the bowling with Zaheer Khan on a dry and crumbly pitch getting drier and crumblier by the minute. After danger man Shane Watson (25) was castled by Ashwin and the team score at 40-1, Brad Haddin took on the responsibility of punishing loose deliveries mercilessly. Munaf Patel soon became the opener's bunny, as Haddin brought up his fourth tournament half-century off the medium-pacer. However, Yuvraj Singh soon got the breakthrough and Haddin was gone for 53.

On the other end, his skipper, Ponting, had been putting together a chanceless knock that went a long way in restoring his confidence. The middle overs were soon to become a battle of the captains. As Ponting played out an impeccable innings steeped in class, MS Dhoni constantly came at him with different bowlers from both ends and used Zaheer Khan's capabilities with the old ball judiciously. There was also a palpable intensity in the Indian fielding today, with new inclusions Raina and R Ashwin ensuring that the Indians had around 20 fewer runs to chase. In the end, the Australians notched up a competitive score of 260-6 notwithstanding Ponting's dismissal on 104 in the penultimate over.

A fluent start by both Indian openers was not to last long, with the tentative-looking Virender Sehwag wassurprised by a Shane Watson delivery in the 9th over. Tendulkar, in the meantime, carried on with some fearless play, opening the full face of the bat to smack some glorious drives to the boundary. He, however, lived a tad dangerously en route to 18,000 ODI runs and yet another sublime half-century. The little master jabbed at a Shaun Tait delivery in the 19th over, which saw him back in the pavilion on 53 with India at 94-2.

Virat Kohli (24) spent an aesthetically pleasing time at the crease, but played a ridiculous shot to gift his wicket away. Gautam Gambhir (50) gave Yuvraj Singh valuable company, and then inexplicably succeeded at running himself out, after a failed attempt on the previous delivery as well. With the Indian skipper soon gone and the team needing 74 to win off 73, it looked like the "chokers" tag was back in business.

But finisher Suresh Raina, newly included in the squad, had other ideas. Both he and Yuvraj waited out a few tight overs from the pacers and then opened the floodgates off two consecutive Lee and Tait overs, which went for 14 and 13 runs respectively. There was no stopping them thereafter, and Ponting's last-ditch efforts to prolong his team's World Cup stint by reintroducing spin were not to be. Yuvraj Singh (57 off 65 and 2 wickets) who has made a habit of seeing his side through won his fourth consecutive Man-of-the-match trophy and setup another high-voltage clash against Pakistan in the semi-final in the week to follow.

Brief Scores: India 261 for 5 (Yuvraj 57, Tendulkar 53; D Hussey 1-19) beat Australia 260 for in 49.4 overs (Ponting 104, Haddin 53; Yuvraj 2-44) by 5 wickets with 14 balls remaining.

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http://www.sify.com/sports/india-rewrite-history-send-australia-packing-news-cricket-ldzjkcdbhha.html

‘Tendulkar showed how role-models should act’

KARACHI: Former and current Pakistan cricketers believe that Sachin Tendulkar has shown the right way; the way role-models should conduct themselves on the field after he walked off the ground against West Indies on Sunday.

Tendulkar showed great sportsman spirit by walking off the field in spite of on-field Umpire Steve Davis giving him not out when he was caught-behind off Ravi Rampaul.

It was an entirely different way to what Ricky Ponting did the other day when he stood his ground against Pakistan after snicking the ball to Kamran Akmal and was given out after a referral by Shahid Afridi.

Test leg-spinner spinner Danish Kaneria praised Tendulkar’s decision to leave the field.

“Sachin Tendulkar has set a perfect example for millions of followers and by walking off,” Kaneria told ‘The News’ on Sunday.

“It’s great to see that he understands his responsibilities as a legend.

“Every batsman likes to bat as much as he can but there are times when you have to decide whether you fulfill your desire or maintain the spirit of the game.”

Meanwhile, he added that Ponting should not have stood his ground.

“Ponting is a great player and shouldn’t have stood his ground.

“He should have realised that he is not only followed by the fans but by several international players as well.

“The Australian skipper has a great stature and that’s why his actions are always under the microscope.”

Ponting’s former teammate Adam Gilchirist showed great character in 2003 World Cup’s semifinal, as he walked off the field after being given not out.

Gilchrist got a top-edge while trying to sweep Arvinda de Silva. The ball flew off his pads and was caught by Kumar Sangakkara but Umpire Rudi Koertzen ignored the Sri Lankans’ appeal, ruling that the ball had only hit the pad before popping up.

Gilchrist waited to hear the verdict but when decision came in his favour he decided to walk back to the pavilion. But Ponting at that time as well said in his press conference that he won’t encourage his players to do so.

A top-notch former Test player said that Ponting should have atleast recalled the actions of Gilchirist.

“Ponting for a second should have recalled the example set by Gilly in 2003,” he told on the condition of anonymity, due to personal commitments.

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http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=37322&Cat=10&dt=3/21/2011

Kapil Dev, Srinath throw their weight behind MS Dhoni

India skipper MS Dhoni and coach Gary Kirsten during a training session at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore recently.

Legendary captain Kapil Dev and former India pacer Javagal Srinath have thrown their weight behind Mahendra Singh Dhoni whose decision to have Ashish Nehra bowl the last over against South Africa at Nagpur has come under flak.

Nehra conceded 13 runs off the final over as South Africa handed India their first loss in the World Cup on Sunday, sparking widespread criticism of Dhoni's choice of the left-arm seamer instead of Harbhajan Singh.

Srinath said Nehra was the logical choice. "Ashish (Nehra) is a very good bowler, and as Dhoni has rightly pointed out, he has been our best bowler in the powerplay periods (in the last two years). It was the right decision (to bowl Nehra in the last over). I totally endorse it. It's a big gamble to bowl a spinner in the last over, Dhoni didn't have a choice," the former right-arm fast bowler told MiD DAY.

Kapil said he had faith in Dhoni's leadership qualities and trusted him to steer the team out of trouble. "I strongly believe in Dhoni. He's a clever captain and will come up with some sort of a plan," the 1983 World Cup-winning skipper told MiD DAY.

Kapil refused to criticise the bowlers and said the bowling coach, Eric Simmons, had a role to play in this situation.

"What can be done now? These are the bowlers we have and we need to back them. The onus is on the bowling coach, he has to right the wrongs, iron out the flaws," the 52-year-old said. Both Kapil and Srinath cautioned against knee-jerk reactions. "Whatever bowling attack has been (selected for) the World Cup has been (selected) after a lot of planning. It would be wrong to question the skipper and selectors. They must have some formula in mind, and I totally support Dhoni and his arsenal," Kapil said.

Srinath backed Nehra. "I have played lot of cricket with Ashish, he is a rhythm bowler. One can never decide the fate of a bowler after just one over," he said.

"The problem is that there is so much (expectation) among Indian fans about winning the World Cup, they forget the uncertainties of the game. We need to be more realistic, and appreciate the contest. The India-South Africa game was a classic."

India are likely to go back to the two-pacer-two-spinner combination for their next game against the West Indies here on March 20. The venue witnessed a low-scoring tie between South Africa and England earlier this month when Graeme Swann and Robin Peterson turned the ball prodigiously.

In that case, either Nehra or Munaf Patel would have to make way for the second specialist spinner.

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http://www.mid-day.com/sports/2011/mar/150311-Kapil-Dev-Javagal-Srinath-Dhoni.htm

Raise the bar & break free

While it was good to see India maintain a no-loss record, watching them huff and puff their way to a win over the Irish did not make for happy viewing. I have said this before but I cannot say it enough: India urgently need to inject life into their World Cup campaign, their approach so far, has be
en far too desultory.

Seize the moment
It's not that they haven't been challenged, but there is a big difference between scraping through or getting through comfortably in the end and putting your stamp of authority on a game.

India so far, haven't done that, except for an hour here and there, through some individual batting efforts.

If they do not use the game against the Netherlands at the Ferozshah Kotla to score important psychological points, India would have let go of a vital opportunity to proclaim to the other top teams that if they want to win the World Cup, they need to beat India to get a hand on it.

Crowd support
Cricket has always been about putting the opposition under pressure, on the field and off it. You need the other team to be feeling the heat when they walk on to face you and that only comes from their being wary straight off of your dominance on the field of play.

In India's case, there is also the solid advantage of a raucous home crowd wherever they play - they need to use it well, not like against the Irish, when the crowd was frequently silenced with the equally frequent ebb and flow of India's chase.

Nehra has to play
Today's game has got to see Ashish Nehra in play. This is his home ground, he knows it better than any other India bowler and, in any case, how long can he be benched?

Niggles are a part and parcel of the modern game. But, as England have shown with Pietersen (and Broad), in a competition as fierce and important as the World Cup, however big the player, and however important you think he might be to your strategy, you need him to be able to be fit to take the field. Otherwise, he needs to step aside.

Nehra is fit and India need to find the correct balance, this is the perfect game to do so.

They also need to bench Piyush Chawla, who had another poor game against Ireland on Sunday.

He bowled far too short and the Irish batsmen took full advantage.

If India play a second full-time spinner (which they might not need to seeing the form Yuvraj is in with the ball) then it has to be Ashwin.

The Ferozshah Kotla will be packed to the rafters today and the Delhi crowd will expect their boys --- Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, and Ashish Nehra, if he plays - to make this a game that will rekindle the fire in India's campaign.

I'm eagerly waiting for that too.

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http://www.hindustantimes.com/specials/cricket/world-cup-2011/Raise-the-bar-amp-break-free/ICCWorldCup2011-HomePageTopStories/SP-Article10-671107.aspx

Kenya shattered over loss to Canada

Kenya were World Cup semi-finalists in 2003 but now they can't even beat Canada.

And the pain isn't over for the African minnows as they prepare for Sunday's Group A clash with unbeaten defending champions Australia in Bangalore.

Indian-born Jimmy Hansra came to the crease at 3-48 in New Delhi and hit a fine 70 as Canada defeated Kenya by five wickets.

Canada's other World Cup victory was achieved against Bangladesh in Durban in 2003.

The North Americans reached 5-199 to win with 27 balls remaining on Monday.

Hansra added 132 for the fourth wicket with his captain Ashish Bagai (64 not out) after paceman Henry Osinde claimed 4-26 in Kenya's innings of 198.

Hansra had struck seven fours and two sixes when he was finally out with Canada 19 runs short of victory.

He had been dropped by Seren Waters before he'd scored and made the Kenyans pay with his first career ODI half-century.

Australia will also play Canada in Bangalore on March 16 in a two-game stretch of clashes with minnows before their final Group A match against Pakistan in Colombo three days later.

Kenya had been 5-57 but Tanmay Mishra scored 51, sharing consecutive half-century partnerships with captain Jimmy Kamande (22) and Thomas Odoyo (51).

Canada fast bowler Henry Osinde (4-26) struck early with a burst of 3-7 to trigger Kenya's middle-order woes.

It was Kenya's highest total of the tournament but the result was a massive blow for the Africans.

"I won't hide it. Today is the most disappointing performance we've had at the tournament," Kamande said.

"We could have done much better against Canada. It's very, very hurtful now.

"Although we had 198, we still believed we could defend that. One crucial catch was dropped and the guy capitalised on that. I won't blame anyone."

Bagai said Canada had built themselves up for their clash with their fellow cellar-dwellers in Group A.

"We're) hoping we can use this to spark us for the next two games," he said.

Canada play New Zealand in Mumbai on Sunday before tackling Australia three days later.


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http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/kenya-shattered-over-loss-to-canada-20110308-1bm57.html

Cricketer loses 6 bats at Chinnaswamy stadium

BANGALORE: Ireland wicket keeper-batsman Niall O’Brien has lost his six bats from the dressing room of Chinnaswamy stadium.

He lodged a complaint with Cubbon Park police station on Monday afternoon.

O’Brien has informed the police that his bag, which contained six bats, was found missing after they reached Gardenia Hotel at Vittal Mallya Road from the stadium, said G Ramesh, DCP (Central). He left for his hotel room with bags and took a helper to shift the bags from the stadium. When he reached the hotel, he found one bag with six bats missing.

Meanwhile the police have heard a different version and they suspect O’Brien was making up a “different” story. It is said that he repeated Ricky Ponting’s act at the dressing room. Upset over his run out and the loss to India on Sunday, he is said to have lost temper and broken the glass doors of the dressing room.

When he was warned of informing the matter to the ICC by KSCA officials, he “cooked” up the missing bats story to save his skin, said a source in the police.

There was a high security with around 3,000 police personnel in and around the stadium and also private security guards were watching the stadium to prevent any untoward incidents and there was no possibility of an outsider entering the dressing room and stealing bats. It is not easy for anybody to get away with bats as anyone can make out when the bats are being carried away by an outsider, police said.

Additional Commissioner Sunil Kumar said a missing case has been registered and police are investigating the case. When asked about his unruly behaviour in the dressing room, he said only KSCA authority was in a position to explain it to the police.

O’Brien has stated that his six bats were missing and we are investigating, police said.

With the missing bats, this will be the second incident where an International cricketer has lost his valuables from Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Former Indian leg spinner and now KSCA chairman Anil Kumble had also lost his mobiles phones, coins used for toss, personal diary, cameras with rare photographs and other valuables in July 2010 during a practice session of IPL matches.

The case came to dead end as the police were unable to make any breakthrough.

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http://expressbuzz.com/cities/bangalore/cricketer-loses-6-bats-at-chinnaswamy-stadium/254414.html

Kevin Pietersen out of World Cup

England batsman Kevin Pietersen will miss the rest of the World Cup, with a team spokesman announcing on Monday that he would be returning home in the next 24 hours for a hernia operation.

England have applied to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for Eoin Morgan to come in as a replacement player, the spokesman said.

Pietersen, moved up the order to open during the World Cup, made a duck during England's dramatic Group B win over his native South Africa on Sunday, and it is now 27 one-day internationals since his last century.

Team officials said on Saturday that Pietersen would undergo an operation, but after the tournament, although he did say the injury would "no doubt impact my preparation" during the World Cup.

However, the procedure appears to have been brought forward after he was clearly troubled during Sunday's six-run win at the Chidambaram Stadium and looked more of a threat with his part-time off-spin than with the bat.

Pietersen's injury was diagnosed following England's 6-1 one-day series loss in Australia which came after the Test side's Ashes series triumph.

The batsman's early departure from the World Cup raises questions over his future in the 50-over form of the game, with Pietersen having frequently complained about a crammed international schedule.

Advancing the surgery might enable Pietersen to appear in this year's Indian Premier League. His original plan for a six-week course of treatment after the World Cup coincided with the lucrative event, which starts next month.

Pietersen is due to earn around $650,000 (400,000 pounds) playing for IPL side the Deccan Chargers this season.

However, England would like their star batsman to be well-rested ahead of a busy home season of international cricket, featuring series against Sri Lanka and India.

The first Test against Sri Lanka starts in Cardiff on May 26.

Former Ireland batsman Morgan would have been in England's original squad but for a finger injury. His replacement, Ravi Bopara, made a man-of-the-match winning 60 against South Africa in Chennai on Sunday.

However, both Morgan and Bopara are middle-order batsmen which leaves England needing to find a new opening partner for captain Andrew Strauss.

Either Jonathan Trott or Ian Bell could now be promoted up the order.

England's victory over previously unbeaten group leaders South Africa revived a faltering World Cup campaign which has featured a stuttering win over the Netherlands, a tie with co-hosts India and a shock defeat by Ireland.

Their bid for a quarterfinal spot continues with a group match against co-hosts Bangladesh in Chittagong on Friday.

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http://sports.ndtv.com/world-cup-2011/news/item/170175-kevin-pietersen-out-of-world-cup

Dhoni gets support from Aussie captain

Colombo: It seems Mahendra Singh Dhoni is not the only player who has reservations about the use of the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS).

The Indian skipper’s views were echoed by Ricky Ponting, on Friday. “There have been different views on the same in the last few days. The main reason for that being the different interpretations by the umpires on what’s right and what’s not,” the Australian captain said.

Dhoni was unhappy with an LBW decision against Ian Bell that went in England’s favour during their match last Sunday. The middle-order batsman was ruled not out by on-field umpire Billy Bowden as well as the third umpire, despite television replays showing that the ball had pitched in line of the stumps.

The decision proved crucial as Bell, who was on 17 when the incident took place, eventually went on to score 69. The match was tantalisingly poised till it finally ended in a thrilling tie.

Ponting believed using the UDRS without the hot spot was the root cause behind all the trouble.

“ The distance where the ball hits and how far it has to travel before it hits the stumps, those sorts of things are vital… At the start of the tournament, when we found out they (the ICC) are using the UDRS without the hot spot, it was a bit of a shock for us. I think the hot spot should be a part of the system,” Ponting insisted.

The Aussie skipper also denied having been briefed about the technicalities of the UDRS by the ICC.

Incidentally, the BCCI had to step in after ICC general manager David Richardson criticised Dhoni for his comments after the Bangalore incident. Ponting, however, doused the flames by adding: “You always have to understand that it is not going to be perfect. But at the end of the day, we will still be getting more correct decisions that will be good for the game.”


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http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110305/jsp/sports/story_13670698.jsp

Kevin O'Brien the hero as Ireland shock England

England were left in shock and awe as Kevin O'Brien's astonishing display of controlled hitting delivered a damaging blow to their World Cup hopes.
O'Brien (113) hit the fastest hundred in the tournament's history to turn an apparently hopeless situation for Ireland into victory with three wickets and five balls to spare.

From 111 for five in the 25th over under lights, he launched 13 fours and six sixes on his way to and beyond a 50-ball century which spared no English bowler.

Named man of the match O'Brien admitted he could scarcely believe his feat.

He said: "I'm pretty speechless at the moment. To be honest it's the best innings I've ever played since I started playing cricket. I just kept going and kept believing and it went our way.

"When we were 111 for five we could have just pottered around, but I chanced my arm and we didn't look back really. We attacked and it came off."

Kevin is one of five O'Brien brothers to play cricket, with Niall keeping wicket yesterday, and Ger, who is the president of Kevin's club in Ireland - the Railway Union Cricket Club - was not surprised to see him take England's attack apart.

He said: "Over the last six or eight months his batting has really flourished and he was destined to have a big knock.

"I am so proud. I followed some of it on the web and then I got out to see the climax of the game. When he got to 80 I knew he had a chance and he did nearly all of it in boundaries, which was amazing.

"It was amazing to see the English bowlers go around. He took them apart, even Graeme Swann, who is the No 1 spin bowler in the world.

"It is such a great day for Irish cricket. Some bookmakers had Ireland at 400-1 at one stage. I wish I'd not kept my money in pocket."

Kevin O'Brien had a spell with Nottinghamshire in 2009 on a one-day contract and his exploits are sure to attract other counties to him ahead of the 2011 season.

Ireland captain William Porterfield, who was dismissed first ball in his side's reply by James Anderson, hailed the victory as their greatest-ever win.

"It's got to be the greatest, pretty much the greatest day of our lives so far," he said. "Credit to the lads, they kept believing. We'll be looking to put in a performance like that every game."

Alex Cusack claimed Ireland were "on top of the world" after the result. Cusack, who made 47, added: "I'm pretty amazed, words can't described how I'm feeling, just on top of the world."

Cusack paid tribute to the big-hitting O'Brien, adding: "I was just trying to knock it around for Kev because he's got the power. He's got the big shots."

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http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Kevin-O39Brien-the-hero-as.6727621.jp

Replays on giant screen a potential tinderbox

The debate is already on about the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS), after what transpired at the Chinnaswamy stadium, where the television umpire declined to overturn a leg before decision against Ian Bell in India’s favour despite Hawkeye showing the ball hitting middle stump.

What is more important to think for a moment is what, thankfully, didn’t happen in that jam-packed 41,000-seater on Sunday night. A decision unexpectedly going against India, that too after a series of replays on the giant screen, is a potential disaster waiting to happen. The last thing the ICC would want after the stadium and ticket fiasco is a crowd trouble disrupting a game. What if it was a knockout game instead of a harmless league game? What if India had lost?

It is difficult for a partisan fan to understand the 2.5-metre clause in the UDRS, which states that if the point of impact is more than 2.5 meters from the stumps, the decision remains in the hands of the on-field umpire. So why show the blue line or Hawkeye on the giant screen?

Colin Gibson, the ICC’s head of media and communications, says, “From the ICC’s perspective, they don’t consider the fans sitting at the stadium any less informed than the ones sitting at home. So it’s important for them to know what happened in the replay.”

The rules about the UDRS are such to allow the on-field umpire some oxygen even as technology creeps in to shadow their existence. MS Dhoni and other skippers may have to give the UDRS a fair go before forming a strong opinion.

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http://www.indianexpress.com/news/replays-on-giant-screen-a-potential-tinderbox/756155/2

Cup force with us now, says ton-up Strauss

England captain Andrew Strauss said his side's sensational tie with India proved they were a World Cup force to be reckoned with after his superb century so nearly saw the visitors to victory. England, chasing what would have been a new World Cup winning total batting second of 339, finished on 338
for eight in reply to co-hosts India's 338 all out at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, with Strauss making 158.

His was the first World Cup hundred by an England captain and the highest World Cup score by any England batsman, surpassing Dennis Amiss's 137 against India at Lord's in the competition's inaugural fixture back in 1975.

England's performance was an improvement upon their lacklustre six-wicket opening win over the Netherlands, where Strauss made 88.

"Coming into this game after the Holland performance, it was a great bounce-back and showed everyone around the tournament that we're going to be a force to be reckoned with," said Strauss.

When Ian Bell (69) and Strauss, who put on 170 for the third wicket, fell in successive balls to left-arm quick Zaheer Khan, the match swung back the way of India, who'd earlier seen cricket great Sachin Tendulkar become the first player to score five World Cup hundreds.

England had a poor batting powerplay towards the finish, losing four wickets for 25 runs in five overs.

And it needed tailenders Graeme Swann and Ajmal Shazhad to secure only the fourth tie in World Cup history, as 13 runs came off the final over.

This was the match a World Cup full of lopsided early encounters desperately needed and Strauss said: "We've got to celebrate the fact it was an unbelievable game of cricket -- probably the best advert for the 50-over format you could possibly get."

Strauss has now scored five of his six ODI hundreds in the past two years.

But he was in no doubt Sunday's innings was the best of the lot.

"Given the importance of the game, against India in India in the World Cup, it was obviously crucial one of our players went on and got a big score.

"It was an innings I'm very proud of. It would have been great to have been not out at the end and seen the boys home.

"It was my best one-day knock."

Asked what he told his players during the interval between innings, Strauss replied: "I said 'Lads, that is an unbelievably flat wicket -- we can chase this."

However, he was left lamenting England's poor powerplay performance, saying: "We got ourselves in a position at 41 or 42 overs where we just needed to have a good powerplay, and we were there.

"But these powerplays can affect you both ways -- and unfortunately, it affected us in the negative way.

"Then in the end, we did pretty well to scramble a tie out of it.

"There were some great performances on both sides.

"When we take stock of this game we'll probably both say: 'Look, we've got a point' -- which is an important point -- and go on and play better as the tournament goes on."

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http://www.hindustantimes.com/Cup-force-with-us-now-says-ton-up-Strauss/Article1-667703.aspx

'Match against India is huge for us'

England's middle-order batsman, Ravi Bopara, on Thursday reckoned that Sunday's high-profile match against India would be one of their toughest in the ongoing World Cup, but added that their spinners can trouble the hosts if the game is played on a turning track.

- World Cup coverage

"This is one of our toughest challenges in this tournament. We know what the Indian batsman are capable of, but we do have our plans to keep them quiet. We will see on Sunday," Bopara said ahead of the team's training session at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, the venue for the high-voltage encounter.

"If it is a spinning deck we have got our own spinners who can cause problems. A pitch that spins is going to cause trouble for any team. It is going to cause problems for India as well. A lot is going to depend on the conditions," he added.

Bopara is aware of the enormity of the India game.

"Every match is big for us. Even the game the other night was also big for us. But against India in India is going to be huge.

"We are not thinking too much about it. If you think too much about it you will get out of the mould. We want to stay relaxed."

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http://www.rediff.com/cricket/slide-show/slide-show-1-world-cup-2011-india-toughest-challenge-at-world-cup-bopara/20110225.htm

I batted left-handed in nets just for fun: Sachin

All eyes at the Indian team's net session here yesterday were on Sachin Tendulkar. And those eyes almost popped out when the maestro decided to swing the bat... left-handed at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

As the local bowlers ran in and delivered ball after ball, Tendulkar whacked them all over the park. Three of those deliveries sailed over the rope, much to the amusement and astonishment of his teammates.

True, the bowlers might not have been at their fiery best as Tendulkar was without any protective gear, but there was no doubting the smoothness and style of his shots. What that brief stint also did, was dispel all concern over his fitness. But, from cricketing point of view, was the world's best batsman trying to add new weapons to his armoury?

"It was nothing serious. I played left-handed today just for fun and nothing else. I just tried to enjoy the net session," Tendulkar told after nets.

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http://www.mid-day.com/sports/2011/feb/240211-Sachin-Tendulkar-Chinnaswamy-Stadium.htm

Ricky Ponting confident Australia can make it 'difficult for anyone'

AHMEDABAD Feb 21 (Reuters) - Australia will look to take a leaf out of New Zealand's book and thump opponents Zimbabwe to make a statement in their World Cup opener later on Monday.

On Sunday, New Zealand bundled out Kenya for 69 and then returned to reach the target in eight overs and with 10 wickets in hand in a lop-sided Group A match.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting said they would love to follow their neighbours' examples.

"I would like to go out and have a very similar result like New Zealand had. That's what we would like to do," Ponting told reporters ahead of their practice on Sunday.

"We will not take anybody lightly. If we can start the tournament by making a big statement in the event, it will be good for the team."

The Australian pace attack of Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and Shaun Tait should prove to be quite a handful for unfancied Zimbabwe, who will look to tie their opponents in a spinners' tangle.

But Ponting was not worried.

"Lots of teams have tried spin against us and tried different things against us in this part of the world and we have always managed to find a way to play good cricket here and win games," the Australia captain said.

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http://af.reuters.com/article/zimbabweNews/idAFSGE71J01J20110221

No specific terror threat to World Cup: US

WASHINGTON: Noting that there is no specific terrorist threat to the ICC World Cup being held in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the US has urged its citizens to be alert while travelling to these countries during the tournament as such big events are always a soft targets for the militants.

"The Department of State alerts US citizens traveling to or residing in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to safety and security issues related to the ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled to be held in those countries between February 19 and April 2, 2011," said a US travel advisory.

While the US government has no specific threat information regarding the Cricket World Cup, high-profile events of this nature can be targets for terrorist attacks, the State Department said in a statement a day after the mega cricket event was kicked off in Dhaka yesterday.

The State Department reminded its citizens about the worldwide travel alert it had issued about the American nationals on January 31 which also includes South Asian countries.

Observing that local authorities in the country where individual matches are held are responsible for security arrangements for the ICC Cricket World Cup, the State Department said US citizens should monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and recreation and sporting venues.

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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/No-specific-terror-threat-to-World-Cup-US/articleshow/7519427.cms

One last step before Men in Blue take the leap

The Indian team’s last public appearance before they leave for Bangladesh to begin their World Cup campaign will happen in style. Tickets for Wednesday’s practice match against New Zealand here have been sold out. There will be some 40,000 pairs of eyes to see how prepared MS Dhoni’s team is for what is being called The Cup that Counts.

Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh skipped Tuesday’s optional training session while the rest worked hard under the uncomfortable sun. Their last chance to put that into practice comes against a team which they thrashed 5-0 in last year’s ODI series. Going strictly by record, this shouldn’t be too tough an outing. “Our mental preparation for the warm-up game against Australia (on Sunday) wasn't perfect, so we couldn’t give our 100%. But it being the last practice match tomorrow, intensity will be high. We need to up a few things in this game,” said Dhoni.

Talking about what exactly these practice games provide, the skipper said: “The heart rate goes up. You want to score runs and try out all variations. At the nets, you don’t know what an outside edge results in. In these games you get to see whether it runs down to the fence or otherwise.”

And then, India have a few things to check. With Dhoni saying Sachin Tendulkar will return for this game and Virender Sehwag spending a long time at the nets with Gautam Gambhir, this game is expected to provide the first glimpse of what exactly India’s batting order would be, at least in the first few matches of the tournament.

This match will also give these three batsmen a chance to play a 50-over game, something they did only in patches over the last year.

One can spend hours at the nets, but to see how fruitful that was, there has to be a reality check. In a simulated match situation, this trio will get a chance to do that.

Giving this match a different dimension is the presence of New Zealand coach John Wright, whose eventful five-year tenure with the Indian team saw the emergence of new India, a team which started believing it could beat the best. Wright was emotional while recalling his days with them.

“We started a process which was driven further by the senior guys after I left. It’s satisfying to see that there are some benefactors of that process in this lot. I would be delighted to meet India in a non-practice game later in the tournament. Home fans will be an advantage for them as long as they do well, but if they don’t, it might become a different factor.”

Past, present and future, there are several hues associated with this game. It might be just a practice game for some. For others, it’s more than that.

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http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/CricketNews/One-last-step-before--Men-in-Blue--take-the-leap/Article1-662857.aspx