sponsored by

Your Ad Here

Monday, February 13, 2012

C r i c H o t L i n e

C r i c H o t L i n e

India vs Sri Lanka 5th ODI LIVE Streaming Tri-Series 2012

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 11:20 AM PST


Watch India vs Sri Lanka, ODI, Match 5, Live Streams Online. Watch India vs Sri Lanka 5th ODI Online Live Streams played at Adelaide.

Live Cricket streaming: India vs Sri Lanka (Ind vs SL) ODI – Match 5 Tri-Series live streaming played at Adelaide, Feb 14th. Watch live streaming of India vs Sri Lanka telecast, India vs Sri Lanka 5th ODI Cricket live on Star Cricket and Sky Sports HD. India vs Sri Lanka Highlights 5th ODI Live Stream. live streaming: India vs Sri Lanka live streaming free online @ Click Here to Watch Catch the action of India vs Sri Lanka, 5th ODI 2012 LIVE and ONLINE at THECRICKET-TV

Match Timings: Feb 14, 2012 (03:20 GMT | 10:30 local | 08:50 IST)


Click Here to watch the Live Streams


Click Here to watch the Live Streams


Click Here to watch the Live Streams


Click Here to watch the Live Streams


Click Here to watch the Live Streams


Click Here to watch the Live Streams


Click Here to watch the Live Streams


Click Here to watch the Live Streams

Pakistan Vs England 1st ODI Cricket Highlights Abu Dhabi 2012

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 09:57 AM PST


Pakistan Vs England 1st ODI Cricket Highlights Abu Dhabi watch online 2012. Watch Cricket Highlights of Pakistan Vs England 1st ODI Online on 13 January, 2012. Watch Pakistan Vs England 1st ODI of England tour Pakistan 2012 online for free. England Vs Pakistan 1st ODI Highlights 2012. Pakistan and England in UAE 2012 is covered on Ten Cricket. Cricket highlights of 1st ODI Pakistan vs England will be posted below.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Presentation

More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

Pakistan Vs England 1st ODI Scorecard, 13 Feb 2012

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 06:51 AM PST


Pakistan, England ODI Series in UAE 2012

Pakistan vs England – 1st ODI

Played at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, 13 Feb 2012

Toss - England won the toss and elected to Bat.

Innings Break

Result – England beat Pakistan by 130 runs

England Innings R B 4s 6s SR
Alastair Cook (c) b Saeed Ajmal 137 142 14 0 96.47
Kevin Pietersen b S Afridi 14 36 1 0 38.89
Jonathan Trott b S Afridi 0 1 0 0 0.00
Ravi Bopara st Umar Akmal b Saeed Ajmal 50 69 4 0 72.46
Eoin Morgan lbw b Saeed Ajmal 2 8 0 0 25.00
Craig Kieswetter (wk) c Wahab Riaz b Saeed Ajmal 9 19 0 0 47.36
Samit Patel Not Out 17 12 2 0 141.66
Stuart Broad c & b Saeed Ajmal 1 2 0 0 50.00
Graeme Swann Not Out 13 12 2 0 108.33
James Anderson            
Steven Finn            
Extras (b 0,lb 11,w 5, nb 1) 17
Total (7 wickets; 50 overs) 260 (5.20 runs per over)

Fall of wickets (England):

1-57 (Pietersen, 12.4 ov), 2-57 (Trott, 12.5 ov), 3-188 (Bopara, 37.2 ov), 4-196 (Morgan, 39.3 ov), 5-221 (Kieswetter, 44.5 ov), 6-230 (Cook, 46.2 ov), 7-232 (Broad, 46.5 ov)

Bowling O M R W Econ
Umar Gul 8 0 53 0 6.62  
Mohammad Hafeez 10

1 30 0 3.00  
Shahid Afridi 10 0 55 2 5.50 (w 1)
Saeed Ajmal 10 0 43 5 4.30  
Wahab Riaz 7 0 47 0 6.71 (nb 1 w 4)
Shoaib Malik 5 0 21 0 4.20  

Powerplay: 1-10, 16-20 (bowling), 36-40 (batting)

Pakistan Innings R B 4s 6s SR
Mohammad Hafeez lbw b S Finn 5 11 1 0 45.45
Imran Farhat c C Kieswetter b S Finn 10 16 1 0 62.50
Asad Shafiq lbw b S Finn 0 1 0 0 0.00
Younis Khan c C Kieswetter b S Finn 15 18 2 0 83.33
Misbah-ul-Haq (c) lbw b Samit Patel 14 29 1 0 48.28
Umar Akmal (wk) st C Kieswetter b G Swann 22 39 1 0 56.41
Shoaib Malik c K Pietersen b Samit Patel 7 23 1 0 30.43
Shahid Afridi c G Swann b Samit Patel 28 22 4 0 127.27
Umar Gul lbw b G Swann 2 10 0 0 20.00
Saeed Ajmal Not Out 5 21 0 0 23.80
Wahab Riaz Not Out 8 21 1 0 38.09
Extras (b 0,lb 2,w 7, nb 5) 14
Total (All Out; 35 overs) 130 (3.71 runs per over)

Fall of wickets (Pakistan):

1-9 (Mohammad Hafeez, 3.6 ov), 2-42 (Asad Shafiq, 9.5 ov), 3-99 (Imran Farhat, 21.4 ov)

Bowling O M R W Econ
Steven Finn 10 1 34 4 3.40 (nb 5)
James Anderson 6 0 24 0 4.00 (w 2)
Stuart Broad 6 2 21 1 3.50  
Samit Patel 5 1 26 3 5.20 (w 1)
Ravi Bopara 1 0 4 0 4.00  
Graeme Swann 7 3 19 2 2.70  

Powerplay: 1-10, 16-20 (bowling)

Teams:
Pakistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Umar Akmal (wk), Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Wahab Riaz

England (Playing XI): Alastair Cook (c), Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Ravi Bopara, Eoin Morgan, Craig Kieswetter (wk), Samit Patel, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Graeme Swann, Steven Finn

More Pakistan vs England 2012 News, Highlights, Live Scores

India Vs Sri Lanka 5th ODI – Tri-Series 2012: Preview

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 04:15 AM PST


A rejuvenated Indian side will aim to complete a hat-trick of victories when they take on Sri Lanka in the fourth match of the Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men have got a shot in the arm after beating Sri Lanka and Australia in successive matches and their much in debate rotation policy has till now worked.

Not often that one finds Sachin Tendulkar being rested despite being fit and available but the positive aspect is the number of options available for the Indian team with talented players like Praveen Kumar and Rahul Sharma raring to go.

However Sri Lankan side won’t be mere pushovers even though haven’t been able to register a single victory.

Twice in Perth, they had India and Australia on the ropes and just couldn’t finish off the match. They allowed India to escape from 181 for 6 in the first match and needed only a hit to prevail over Australia.

It’s a fair bet that the old firm of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka’s best in batting could come good on the batting-friendly track of Adelaide Oval.

Both have been relative failures in the first two matches but both have given glimpses of their sublime touch and assuredness. If the two are able to spend quality time in the middle, and Tillekratne Dilshan is able to convert his blazing start, Lankans have enough all-rounders to post a sizeable total on the board.

Sri Lanka are unlikely to make a lot of change to their playing XI although they could look at the all-round ability of Thisara Perera at the cost of Dhamika Prasad but it’s unlikely they would pull out Sachithra Senanayeke since the off-spinner could find the bounce of Adelaide Oval to his liking.

It could also turn out to be a battle of wits between captains Jayawardene and Dhoni. The Sri Lankan skipper is more of a gambler, attacking all the time and never taking his foot off the pedal even when the rival batsmen are on the go. He choked Australia the other night and could very well do the same against India tomorrow.

Dhoni, on the other hand, prefers packing one side of the wicket with fielders and demanding a consistent line from his bowlers. He is rarely a captain who seizes a match by the throat or go for the jugular.

The Indian captain is more comfortable chasing a target than setting one and it wouldn’t surprise many if he is seen chasing a target once again if situations favour his team.

In all the three matches so far, Indians have chased a total. In Melbourne, it cost them dear in a rain-curtailed match but in the next two games, it’s been a happy ending.

It’s fair to say that the batting is now shaping up nicely and could only get better from now on.

Ranganath Vinay Kumar has been the unsung hero of this Indian team. Bengalore medium pacer has accounted for six victims in three matches at 22.50 average and an economy rate of only 5 runs per over.

He has invariably given India the breakthrough and is now an integral part of the playing XI.

If the rotation policy is kept in place, it could be Virender Sehwag cooling his heels in tomorrow’s game.

Tendulkar is due to return and it could well be the day when the great man finally meets his long-pending milestone of 100th international century.

It could be fitting too if Tendulkar reaches the coveted landmark in Sir Don Bradman’s hometown.

Thus Tendulkar could be opening with Gambhir, the latter fresh from his exploits against Australia, on Sunday. The left-hander looked extremely assured during his 92 against Australia and could be looking for a repeat act tomorrow.

The middle-order too is beginning to bloom well. Virat Kohli, despite his relative failure, looks in sublime touch.

Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina, the two relative failures in the first two games, picked up their paces in the last match.

Dhoni too found his bearing and lived up to his reputation as a dangerous floater in the lower half.

The match is likely to be a high-scoring affair and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if the skipper winning the toss, opts to field first and bank on batsmen to chase through any target which is set for them. (PTI)

Teams:

India: Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, RohitSharma, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravinder Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, R Vinay Kumar, Zaheer Khan, Umesh Yadav.

Sri Lanka: Tillaklaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Mahela Jayawardene (c), Angelo Mathews, Sachithra Senanayake, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Dhammika Prasad, Lahiru Thirimanne.

Umpires: Nigel Llong (Eng) and Simon Fry (Aus)

Third umpire: Bruce Oxenford (Aus)

Match referee: Andy Pycroft (Zim)

Time: 13:50 local (08:50 IST)

Pakistan Vs England 1st ODI Live Scores Abu Dhabi 2012

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 02:41 AM PST


Toss: England have won the toss and elected to bat

Teams:
Pakistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq(c), Umar Akmal(w), Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Wahab Riaz

England (Playing XI): Alastair Cook(c), Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Ravi Bopara, Eoin Morgan, Craig Kieswetter(w), Samit Patel, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Graeme Swann, Steven Finn

Pitch Report: This is a dry pitch. There are a lot of cracks but this pitch has a nice sheen on it. Nick Knight reckons that it will be a batting paradise and it will be a trial by spin for England. The average score is 251.

For more Highlights, News, Scores from Pakistan Vs England 2012 Series – Click Here

England opts to bat against Pakistan in 1st ODI Abu Dhabi 2012

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 02:36 AM PST


Toss: England have won the toss and elected to bat

Cook: I will bat first as it is a good wicket. Bresnan misses out today. I am looking forward to opening the batting with KP. He got us off to a good start in the World Cup. We need to learn how to rotate the strike and we hope to bat freely. We start afresh and we can put pressure on Pakistan.

Misbah: I would have batted first. We are playing two seamers. Everybody is sticking to the basics and they are giving some good performances. We just want to bat better. We have struggled in the batting and this ODI series gives us a chance to bat well. Shahid Afridi is a wonderful player and he contributes well with the ball in ODIs.

Pitch Report: This is a dry pitch. There are a lot of cracks but this pitch has a nice sheen on it. Nick Knight reckons that it will be a batting paradise and it will be a trial by spin for England. The average score is 251.

For more Highlights, News, Scores from Pakistan Vs England 2012 Series – Click Here

Pakistan vs England 1st ODI Live Cricket Streams Online 2012

Posted: 13 Feb 2012 12:49 AM PST


Watch Pakistan Vs England, 1st ODI, Live Streams, 2012 (to be) played at Abu Dhabi, UAE LIVE STREAMING on WWW.THECRICKET-TV.INFO

Live Cricket streaming: Pakistan Vs England (Pak vs Eng) 1st ODI live streaming 2012 played at Abu Dhabi. Live Broadcast of England Vs Pakistan live streams 2012 free online on Ten Cricket and Sky Sports (UK). Pak Vs Eng 1st ODI 2012 Live streams. Pakistan Vs England 2012 live streaming. Watch England Vs Pakistan 1st ODI Live Streaming 2012 @ TheCricket-TV.INFO

Match Timings: Feb 13, 2012 (11:00 GMT | 16:00 PST | 16:30 IST)


Click Here to watch the Live Streams


Click Here to watch the Live Streams


Click Here to watch the Live Streams


Click Here to watch the Live Streams


Click Here to watch the Live Streams


Click Here to watch the Live Streams

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars Scorecard T20 Big Bash 2012 – Match 21

Posted: 09 Jan 2012 02:20 AM PST


Big Bash League 2011

Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars – Match 21

Played at Bellerive Oval, Hobart, 09 Jan 2012

Toss - Melbourne Stars won the toss and elected to Bat.

Innings Break

Melbourne Stars Innings R B 4s 6s SR
Rob Quiney c T Birt b Naved-ul-Hasan 62 50 4 1 124.00
Luke Wright b Naved-ul-Hasan 117 60 8 9 195.00
Cameron White (c) Not Out 5 4 0 0 125.00
Matthew Wade (wk) c Owais Shah b B Laughlin 3 3 0 0 100.00
David Hussey Not Out 8 3 2 0 266.66
Gorge Bailey            
James Faulkner            
Chris Simpson            
Clint McKay            
Shane Warne            
Jackson Bird            
Extras (b 0,lb 3,w 5, nb 0) 8
Total (3 wickets; 20 overs) 203 (10.15 runs per over)

Fall of wickets (Melbourne Stars):

1-172 (Quiney, 16.4 ov), 2-189 (Wright, 18.4 ov), 3-194 (Wade, 19.2 ov)

 Bowling O M R W Econ
Matt Johnston 3 0 27 0 9.00  
Michael Hogan 4 0 35 0 8.80 (w 2)
Xavier Doherty 3 0 32 0 10.70  
Ben Laughlin 4 0 34 1 8.50 (w 1)
Rhett Lockyear 2 0 34 0 17.00 (w 1)
Naved-ul-Hasan 4 0 38 2 9.50 (w 1)


Teams:
Hobart Hurricanes (Playing XI): Phil Jaques, Jonathan Wells, Travis Birt, Owais Shah, Tom Triffitt (wk), Matt Johnston, Rhett Lockyear, Naved-ul-Hasan, Xavier Doherty (c), Michael Hogan, Ben Laughlin

Melbourne Stars (Playing XI): Luke Wright, Rob Quiney, Cameron White (c), David Hussey, George Bailey, Matthew Wade (wk), James Faulkner, Chris Simpson, Clint McKay, Jackson Bird, Shane Warne

South Africa announces ODI squad for series against Sri Lanka

Posted: 08 Jan 2012 06:39 AM PST


South Africa on Sunday recalled all-rounder Albie Morkel to their One-Day International (ODI) squad as an injury replacement for the five-match series against Sri Lanka.

Morkel will replace uncapped all-rounder Dean Elgar in the 14-man squad after the latter pulled out due to a knee ligament injury.

30-year-old Morkel has scored 679 runs in 51 ODIs for South Africa. Morkel last represented his country in an ODI against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in November 2010, Reuters reported.

South Africa and Sri Lanka will play first ODI in Paarl on January 11 with the final match scheduled for January 22 in Johannesburg.

South Africa squad: AB de Villiers (c), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, JP Duminy, Francois du Plessis, Jacques Kallis, Rory Kleinveldt, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers Scorecard T20 Big Bash 2012 – Match 20

Posted: 08 Jan 2012 06:12 AM PST


Big Bash League 2011

Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers – Match 20

Played at Western Australia Cricket Association Ground, Perth, 08 Jan 2012

Toss – Perth Scorchers won the toss and elected to Bat.

Result – Perth Scorchers beat Adelaide Strikers by 42 runs

Perth Scorchers Innings R B 4s 6s SR
Herschelle Gibbs c C Borgas b J Muirhead 65 41 10 2 158.54
Marcus North (c) run out (B Drew/A Crosthwaite) 70 52 6 2 134.62
Mitchell Marsh c A Crosthwaite b B Drew 10 13 1 0 76.92
Paul Collingwood c T Cooper b J Muirhead 18 7 1 2 257.14
Simon Katich Not Out 15 7 2 0 214.29
Luke Ronchi (wk) c C Ferguson b A Thomas 0 1 0 0 0.00
Nathan Rimmington Not Out 1 1 0 0 100.00
Nathan Coulter-Nile            
Brad Hogg            
Michael Beer            
Ben Edmondson            
Extras (b 0,lb 2,w 1, nb 2) 5
Total (5 wickets; 20.0 overs) 184 (9.20 runs per over)

Fall of wickets (Perth Scorchers):

1-102 (Gibbs, 11.2 ov), 2-140 (Marsh, 16.3 ov), 3-161 (Collingwood, 17.5 ov), 4-169 (North, 18.4 ov), 5-169 (Ronchi, 18.5 ov)

 Bowling O M R W Econ
Alfonso Thomas 4 0 32 1 8.00  
Brendan Drew 4 0 37 1 9.20 (nb 1)
Aaron O’Brien 4 0 24 0 6.00 (w 1)
Daniel Salpietro 4 0 37 0 9.20  
Daniel Harris 1 0 15 0 15.00 (nb 1)
James Muirhead 3 0 37 2 12.30  

Adelaide Strikers Innings R B 4s 6s SR
Daniel Harris b B Edmondson 31 18 4 1 172.22
Michael Klinger (c) st L Ronchi b B Hogg 32 22 5 0 145.45
Adam Crosthwaite (wk) c B Hogg b N Coulter-Nile 5 5 1 0 100.00
Callum Ferguson st L Ronchi b M Beer 5 6 0 0 83.33
Tom Cooper c B Edmondson b B Hogg 5 7 1 0 71.43
Cameron Borgas run out (B Hogg) 15 17 2 0 88.24
Brendan Drew b N Coulter-Nile 10 12 1 0 83.33
Daniel Salpietro lbw b B Hogg 1 6 0 0 16.66
Aaron O’Brien c M Marsh b N Rimmington 13 13 0 1 100.00
Alfonso Thomas c M Beer b N Rimmington 7 8 1 0 87.50
James Muirhead Not Out 5 3 1 0 166.66
Extras (b 1,lb 6,w 6, nb 0) 13
Total (All Out; 19.3 overs) 142 (7.28 runs per over)

Fall of wickets (Adelaide Strikers):

1-48 (Harris, 4.4 ov), 2-61 (Crosthwaite, 5.6 ov), 3-76 (Ferguson, 8.1 ov), 4-83 (Klinger, 9.1 ov), 5-84 (Cooper, 9.4 ov), 6-111 (Drew, 13.6 ov), 7-113 (Salpietro, 15.2 ov), 8-118 (Borgas, 15.5 ov), 9-130 (O’Brien, 17.4 ov), 10-142 (Thomas, 19.3 ov)

 Bowling O M R W Econ
Michael Beer 4 0 22 1 5.50 (w 2)
Nathan Rimmington 3.3 0 18 2 5.14  
Ben Edmondson 4 0 38 1 9.50  
Nathan Coulter-Nile 3 0 28 2 9.30 (w 2)
Mitchell Marsh 1 0 9 0 9.00  
Brad Hogg 4 0 20 3 5.00 (w 1)

Teams:
Perth Scorchers (Playing XI): Herschelle Gibbs, Marcus North (c), Simon Katich, Mitchell Marsh, Paul Collingwood, Luke Ronchi (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Nathan Rimmington, Brad Hogg, Ben Edmondson, Michael Beer

Adelaide Strikers (Playing XI): Herschelle Gibbs, Marcus North (c), Simon Katich, Mitchell Marsh, Paul Collingwood, Luke Ronchi (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Nathan Rimmington, Brad Hogg, Ben Edmondson, Michael Beer

Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Scorecard T20 Big Bash 2012 – Match 19

Posted: 08 Jan 2012 01:27 AM PST


Big Bash League 2011

Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers – Match 19

Played at Homebush Bay, Sydney, 08 Jan 2012

Toss – Sydney Sixers won the toss and elected to Bat.

Innings Break

Sydney Sixers Innings R B 4s 6s SR
Michael Lumb c Ben Dunk b L Butterworth 14 14 1 1 100.00
Moises Henriques c L Butterworth b S. Abbott 20 23 1 0 86.76
Nic Maddinson c L Butterworth b F Edwards 3 7 0 0 42.86
Steven Smith (c) c U Khawaja b C Gayle 3 4 0 1 75.00
Ben Rohrer c S Coyte b S. Abbott 38 24 4 1 158.33
Dominic Thornely run out (T Armstrong/Ben Dunk) 0 0 0 0 0.00
Peter Nevill (wk) Not Out 22 15 1 1 146.66
Ian Moran b S Coyte 1 3 0 0 33.33
Brett Lee Not Out 6 6 0 0 100.00
Mitchell Starc            
Stuart MacGill            
Extras (b 2,lb 1,w 3, nb 1) 7
Total (6 wickets; 16.0 overs) 115 (7.26 runs per over)

Fall of wickets (Sydney Sixers):

1-24 (Lumb, 3.6 ov), 2-41 (Maddinson, 6.5 ov), 3-42 (Henriques, 7.2 ov), 4-47 (Smith, 8.3 ov), 5-47 (Thornely, 8.5 ov), 6-95 (Rohrer, 13.5 ov), 7-97 (Moran, 14.1 ov)

 Bowling O M R W Econ
Fidel Edwards 4 0 20 1 5.00 (w 1)
Luke Doran 1 0 6 0 6.00  
Luke Butterworth 3 0 31 1 10.30  
Scott Coyte 3 0 21 1 7.00 (nb 1 w 2)
Sean Abbott 2 0 17 2 8.50  
Chris Gayle 3 0 18 1 6.00  


Teams:
Sydney Thunder (Playing XI): Daniel Smith (c), Chris Gayle, Usman Khawaja, Ben Dunk (wk), Luke Butterworth, Jason Floros, Sean Abbott, Tim Armstrong, Scott Coyte, Luke Doran, Fidel Edwards

Sydney Sixers (Playing XI): Michael Lumb, Moises Henriques, Nic Maddinson, Steven Smith (c), Ben Rohrer, Ian Moran, Dominic Thornely, Peter Nevill (wk), Brett Lee, Mitchell Starc, Stuart MacGill

For Big Bash T20 Highlights - Click Here For Full Highlights

Ryan Harris to replace James Pattinson in Perth Test

Posted: 07 Jan 2012 08:52 PM PST


Fit-again Ryan Harris is ready to take the place of injured fast bowler James Pattinson in the Australian team for next week’s third Test against India in Perth, coach Mickey Arthur said on Saturday.

Rising pace star Pattinson will miss the rest of the four-Test series with a stress injury to his left foot after playing a leading role in Australia’s 2-0 lead over India.

Pattinson, 21, has taken 21 wickets in his first four Tests as Australia inflicted heavy defeats on the tourists in Melbourne and then in Sydney on Friday.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series switches to the bouncy WACA wicket in Perth, where Australia lost to the tourists on India’s last tour, in 2007-08.

Paceman Harris is nearing full fitness after a hip injury in November’s Cape Town Test against South Africa.

“We have a proven Test bowler waiting in the wings, ready to go. We’ve put a lot of work into Ryan over the last two weeks, he was close to getting a game in Sydney, but we felt that he hadn’t had enough work,” Arthur said.

“We’ve put that work into him and we’re satisfied that if selected he’s ready to go come Perth.”

Arthur, the former South Africa Test coach who came initially to Australia to coach Western Australia, is familiar with the normally pacy WACA wicket.

“While the Sydney wicket and Adelaide most resembles the sub-continent (wickets), the WACA pitch is going to be totally different,” he said.

“There will be a lot of pace, a lot of bounce in the WACA wicket, so it will be interesting to see how they (India) go there.”

Although India have been thrashed by 122 runs and an innings and 68 runs in the opening two Tests, Arthur said he was not writing them off.

“You’re looking at the team that is the current World Cup champions and a team that got to number one in the world. I would never ever say they were a team of individuals,” he said.

“There are a lot of very good individual players but over the last couple of years they’ve certainly played as a team and have had some huge successes as a side.”

Arthur was also backing misfiring number three batsman Shaun Marsh to hit back on his home WACA wicket after scores of 0, 3 and 0 in his three Test innings against India.

“He had quite a severe (back) injury and was out for six weeks, where before his injury he was right on top of his game and it’s going to take him a little bit of time to get that back,” he said.

“We’ve been working quite a lot with Shaun and (batting coach) Justin Langer has put a lot of time into him.”

Marsh had been “perhaps a little bit too tentative and that’s natural because when you come back into international cricket you are going to be tentative.

“It takes one innings for him to rediscover that form and get that confidence back. I’m not worried about Shaun, he’s a fantastic player who’s going to score a lot of runs for Australia”.

Arthur also praised skipper Michael Clarke for his man-of-the-match performance in Sydney.

Clarke became only the sixth Australian to score a triple Test century with his unconquered 329, before snaring Sachin Tendulkar’s prized wicket for 80 in the second innings to send India tumbling to another heavy defeat.

“When Michael Clarke is hitting the ball late and hitting the ball under his eyes he’s playing exceptionally well,” Arthur said.

“The moment he goes and feels out in the front of his pad he gets himself into trouble.

“He’s not doing that now, he looks the complete package and he’s a complete captaincy package as well. He is truly inspirational in the dressing room.”

The third Test gets under way in Perth on Friday.

© AFP

Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers Live Streams T20 Big Bash 2012

Posted: 07 Jan 2012 08:48 PM PST


Watch Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers Big Bash League T20, 2012 (to be) played at Perth LIVE STREAMING online. Watch T20 Big Bash Live Streams Online!

Live Cricket streaming: Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers Big Bash League (BBL) Twenty20 live streaming 2011 played in Perth, Australia on 08 January 2012. Live Broadcast of Big Bash League live streams 2012 free online on Star Cricket and Fox Sports. Adelaide Strikers Vs Perth Scorchers Big Bash League 2011-12 Live streams. Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers Big Bash League 2011-12 live streaming. Watch Big Bash League Live Streaming 2011-12. Watch BBL T20 Live Streaming 2011-12 @ TheCricket-TV.INFO


Match Timings: Jan 08, 2011 (18:00 local | 10:00 GMT | 15:30 IST)


Click Here to watch the Live Streams

Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Live Streams T20 Big Bash 2012

Posted: 07 Jan 2012 08:46 PM PST


Watch Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Big Bash League T20, 2012 (to be) played at Sydney LIVE STREAMING online. Watch T20 Big Bash Live Streams Online!

Live Cricket streaming: Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Big Bash League (BBL) Twenty20 live streaming 2011 played in Sydney, Australia on 08 January 2012. Live Broadcast of Big Bash League live streams 2012 free online on Star Cricket and Fox Sports. Sydney Sixers Vs Sydney Thunders Big Bash League 2011-12 Live streams. Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers Big Bash League 2011-12 live streaming. Watch Big Bash League Live Streaming 2011-12. Watch BBL T20 Live Streaming 2011-12 @ TheCricket-TV.INFO


Match Timings: Jan 08, 2011 (18:00 local | 07:00 GMT | 12:30 IST)


Click Here to watch the Live Streams

Statistical Highlights Day 4 of India vs Australia 2nd Test Sydney 2012

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 09:41 AM PST


Statistical highlights of the fourth day’s play in the second cricket Test between India and Australia on Friday.

# India, with their defeat by an innings and 68 runs, have lost five Tests, won just one and drawn the remaining four out of ten contested at SCG.

# Australia have won two consecutive Tests against India for the first time at SCG. They had lost the previous Test at this venue by 122 runs in January 2008.

# Austraila’s superb victory is their fifth largest over India – their tenth by an innings margin against India – the largest being by an innings and 226 runs at Brisbane in 1947-48.

# India’s defeat to Australia is their 40th in Tests.

England have defeated India most number of times by an innings margin – 11.

# Ben Hilfenhaus (8/157) has registered his best bowling figures in a Test match, bettering the 7 for 114 against India at Melbourne in the first Test of the present rubber.

# For the second time in his Test career, Hilfenhaus has taken five wickets in an innings – 5 for 106 – - his second in consecutive Tests. In the Melbourne Test, he had taken 5 for 75 against India, his best ever.

# Hilfenhaus has become the first bowler to bag 15 wickets at an average of 18.06 in the present series.

# Laxman and Tendulkar added 103 for the fourth wicket – India’s fourth century stand at SCG. The pair has recorded nine century stands overall, managing 3513 in 72 innings at an average of 51.66. Four out of nine century stands have been registered by them against Australia, including two at SCG.

# VVS Laxman (66 off 119 balls) has posted his 56th Test fifty – his 32nd on foreign soil.

# Laxman took his runs’ tally to 2350 in 27 Tests at an average of 52.22, including six hundreds and twelve fifties – the second highest aggregate in India-Australia Tests, behind Sachin Tendulkar’s 3377.

# Michael Clarke has got five Man of the Match awards in Tests – twice against New Zealand and India and once against England.

# With Sachin Tendulkar’s wicket, Clarke has become the first Australian player and the fifth overall to have recorded a triple hundred and captured atleast one wicket in the same Test match. He has joined Chris Gayle and Virender Sehwag (against South Africa) and Graham Gooch and Sanath Jayasuriya (against India).

# The only player to register a triple hundred and bag three wickets in the same Test match is Sanath Jayasuriya against India at Colombo, RPS in 1997.

# India have recorded their 36th Test defeat in 80 matches to Australia. India have won five, lost 24 and drawn 9 out of 38 contested in Australia.

# The last six Tests have been lost by India in a row – four to England and two to Australia. The last instance when India lost six or more in a row on foreign soil was between 1959 and 1967-68 – five against England in 1959, followed by five against the West Indies in 1961-62; three to England in 1967 and four to Australia in 1967-68. India thus lost 17 Tests in a row on foreign soil during the said period.

# Michael Clarke’s winning % is now 50 – 5 victories, three losses and two drawn games out of ten contested.

# India (400) have posted their highest second innings total at SCG.

# India, for the first time in twelve Test innings away from home, have crossed a total of 300.

# Gautam Gambhir (83 off 142 balls) has recorded his highest innings in Tests in Australia.

# Gambhir’s magnificent innings is his first fifty in ten innings away from home. His last fifty on foreign soil was 64 against South Africa at Cape Town in January last year.

# Gambhir’s 83 is his 19th fifty in Tests – his tenth away from home.

# Sachin Tendulkar (80 off 141 balls), with his 15th fifty against Australia, has extended his record for most half-centuries (65) in Tests.

# Sachin became the first Indian batsman to amass 200 runs in the present rubber – 226 runs at an average of 56.00 in four innings, including two fifties.

# Sachin took his runs’ tally at SCG to 785 at an average of 157.00 in just nine innings, including three centuries and two fifties.

# Zaheer Khan and Ravichandran Ashwin were involved in a stand of 56 for the eighth wicket – India’s third fifty-plus partnership at SCG.

# Ashwin’s 62 is his highest score on foreign soil, surpassing the 31 at MCG in the first Test of the present series.

# Zaheer (35 off 26 balls) has recorded his highest innings in Australia. The said innings is his second highest against Australia – the highest is 57 not out at Bangalore in 2008-09.

© PTI

Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd Test Post Match Presentation Cape Town 2012

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 09:34 AM PST


Smith: It was an excellent bounce back from Durban. It was a special moment for Jacques in his 150th test. It was a real low at Durban, we cameback well here and I am pleased for them. Alviro did very well, to comeback and score a century was great. Alviro said he wanted to take strike in the 2nd innings and I was happy with that. We have done well here and we enjoy playing here. The crowd was wonderful and it was good to see the turnout. Tahir is getting better with every match and he has been terrific for us. Philander lends a lot to our attack and I am pleased about it. This is a starting point for us this year. We have a big year coming up and we want to do well. We are looking forward to the ODIs.

Dilshan: We did not get the breakthrough unfortunately. Kallis played very well along with Petersen and ABDV. We did not get a good start and lost too many wickets yesterday. Samaraweera and Mathews played really well here. I am happy with the effort at Durban, nobody thought we could win a match here, we proved them wrong. We want to do well in the ODI series.

ABDV: Very enjoyable and hard fought series. They surprised us at Durban, but we fought here very well. The support was great, the pitch was an excellent one as well. Excited to lead the team in the ODIs, I want to lead the team well with the support of Gary.

AB de Villiers is the MoS for his 353 runs.

Kallis: It has been a very special week for my family and friends. It has been a memorable week. I have always enjoyed playing here in Cape Town. We let ourselves down at Durban, but were compact here. I will play as long as I can contribute to the team’s cause and (jokes that as long as he does not read newspapers). The crowd support has been great. It is a very knowledgable crowd.

Jacques Kallis is the MoM for his all-round performance. He scored 224, picked up 3 wkts and took 6 catches in his 150th Test.

India vs Australia 2nd Test Post Match Presentation Sydney 2012

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 09:28 AM PST


Michael Clarke: It was a great win, they made 400 in the second innings, but the wicket had flattened out. Our discipline has what has improved the most. We are getting better at our consistency. Great job by the bowlers. Experience and youth is what you need in any sporting team to achieve success. This is not the only Test match that Huss and Punter have played well. I was as relieved as Punter was when he got to his hundred. Class is always permanent. He has helped me a lot. Every Australian wanted to congratulate him. Sachin’s wicket is a really handy one to take. Really happy to score 300 on my home ground. The support from the public has been great. The crowd has given full credit to the Indian team as well.

Michael Clarke is the Man of the Match.

MS Dhoni: The first session did not go upto our expectations. Zak gave us 3 crucial breakthroughs but Clarke and Ponting put on a good stand. After that Hussey came in and scored a ton. Their scoring rate took the game away from us. The Australian batting lineup made the most of the conditions. Clarke got used to the pace of the wicket and after that, it became difficult to contain him. We can defeat this team in Perth. Stats is not important, what you do in the game is important.

More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

India vs Australia Day 4 Highlights 2nd Test Sydney 2012

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 09:11 AM PST


India vs Australia Day 4 Cricket Highlights 2nd Test Sydney (SCG) watch online 2012. Watch Cricket Highlights of India vs Australia 2nd Test Online on 06 January, 2012. Watch Border-Gavaskar Highlights from the 2nd Test of India vs Australia Day 4 online for free. Australia vs India 2nd Test Highlights 2012. India tour of Australia 2011-12 is covered on Star Cricket. Cricket highlights of 2nd Test India vs Australia Day 4 will be posted below.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

Sri Lanka vs South Africa Day 4 Highlights 3rd Test Cape Town 2012

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 08:30 AM PST


Sri Lanka vs South Africa Day 4 Highlights 3rd Test at Cape Town on 06 January 2012. Sri Lanka (SL) vs South Africa (SA) Highlights 3rd Test Cricket Highlights. Cricket Highlights of Day 4 Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd Test at Cape Town, South Africa. Watch SL vs SA, Test Cricket Highlights. Sri Lanka vs South Africa Highlights 3rd Test Centurion 06 Jan 2012. Watch Sri Lanka vs South Africa Test Cricket Highlights. Watch Sri Lanka tour South Africa Cricket Highlights 2011.

Watch Highlights

More South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2011 Highlights, News, Scores

Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes Live Streams T20 Big Bash 2012

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 03:04 PM PST


Watch Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes Big Bash League T20, 2012 (to be) played at Birsbane LIVE STREAMING online. Watch T20 Big Bash Live Streams Online!

Live Cricket streaming: Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes Big Bash League (BBL) Twenty20 live streaming 2012 played in Brisbane, Australia on 06 January 2011. Live Broadcast of Big Bash League live streams 2012 free online on Star Cricket and Fox Sports. Hobart Hurricanes Vs Brisbane Heat Big Bash League 2011-12 Live streams. Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes Big Bash League 2011-12 live streaming. Watch Big Bash League Live Streaming 2011-12. Watch BBL T20 Live Streaming 2011-12 @ TheCricket-TV.INFO


Match Timings: Jan 06, 2011 ((18:30 local | 08:30 GMT | 14:00 IST)


Click Here to watch the Live Streams

South Africa vs Sri Lanka Day 4 LIVE Streaming 3rd Test 2012

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 02:30 PM PST


Watch South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 3rd Test, Day 4, 2012 (to be) played at Cape Town, South Africa LIVE STREAMING on WWW.THECRICKET-TV.INFO

Live Cricket streaming: Sri Lanka vs South Africa (SL vs SA) 3rd Test live streaming 2012 played at Cape Town. Live Broadcast of Sri Lanka vs South Africa live streams 2012 free online on Star Cricket. Sl vs SA 3rd Test 2011 Live streams. Sri Lanka vs South Africa 2012 live streaming. Watch Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd Test Live Streaming 2011 @ TheCricket-TV.INFO

Match Timings: Jan 06, 2011 (08:00 GMT | 10:30 local | 13:30 IST)


Click Here to watch the Live Streams

India vs Australia Day 4 LIVE Streaming 2nd Test Sydney 2012

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 10:17 AM PST


Watch India vs Australia , 2nd Test, Day 4, Live Streams Online. Watch India vs Australia 2nd Test Online Live Streams played at Sydney (SCG).

Live Cricket streaming: India vs Australia (India vs Aus) 2nd Test live streaming played at Sydney, January 06th. Watch live streaming of India vs Australia telecast, India vs Australia 2nd Test Cricket live on Star Cricket and Sky Sports HD. India vs Australia Highlights 2nd Test Live Stream. live streaming: India vs Australia live streaming free online @ Click Here to Watch Catch the action of India vs Australia, 2nd Test match 2012 LIVE and ONLINE at THECRICKET-TV

Match Timings: Jan 06, 2012 (23:30 GMT | 10:30 local | 05:00 IST)


Click Here to watch the Live Streams

Sri Lanka vs South Africa Day 3 Highlights 3rd Test Cape Town 2012

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 09:38 AM PST


Sri Lanka vs South Africa Day 3 Highlights 3rd Test at Cape Town on 05 January 2012. Sri Lanka (SL) vs South Africa (SA) Highlights 3rd Test Cricket Highlights. Cricket Highlights of Day 3 Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd Test at Cape Town, South Africa. Watch SL vs SA, Test Cricket Highlights. Sri Lanka vs South Africa Highlights 3rd Test Centurion 05 Jan 2012. Watch Sri Lanka vs South Africa Test Cricket Highlights. Watch Sri Lanka tour South Africa Cricket Highlights 2011.

Watch Highlights

More South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2011 Highlights, News, Scores

Sri Lanka on the verge of series defeat against South Africa: 3rd Test

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 09:24 AM PST


Sri Lanka were in danger of an innings defeat after losing 12 wickets on the third day of the third and final Test against South Africa at Newlands on Thursday.

Sri Lanka were 138 for four in their follow on innings at the close, still 203 runs short of making South Africa bat again.

South Africa's fast bowlers, backed by the leg spin of Imran Tahir, put Sri Lanka's batsmen under inexorable pressure after the first two days of the decisive Test were dominated by batsmen.

Only six wickets fell while 729 runs were scored in the first two days but it was a complete contrast on Thursday as 12 wickets fell for 228 runs despite conditions remaining largely favourable for batting.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 239 in their first innings, with fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander taking three wickets apiece.

Philander struck again in the fourth over of the follow on when Tillekeratne Dilshan drove loosely at a ball which moved away, edging a catch to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher.

Lahiru Thirimanne and Kumar Sangakkara showed some fight in a second wicket stand of 67, although Thirimanne should have followed his fellow opener to the pavilion when he was on 10. He edged Morne Morkel and Boucher put down a straightforward chance.

Thirimanne made 30 before he was caught at short leg off Jacques Kallis after umpire Richard Kettleborough initially gave him not out.

South Africa asked for a review and the 'hot spot' revealed a faint edge from his bat before the ball looped from his thigh pad to Hashim Amla.

Tahir gave Sangakkara a difficult time, bowling into rough outside the left-hander's off stump, before having the batsman caught at slip for

34 when he went back to a ball which bounced sharply.

Morkel claimed the key wicket of Mahela Jayawardene with the assistance of a diving catch at second slip by Kallis.

Thilan Samaraweera and Angelo Mathews added an unbeaten 40 for the fifth wicket before the close.

Sri Lanka collapsed in their first innings, losing eight wickets for 90 runs after resuming on 149 for two.

Steyn took three for 56 and Philander three for 46. Both bowled superbly on Thursday, with Steyn's figures for the day an impressive three for 16 off eight overs, while Philander was even better, his three wickets costing 12 runs off nine overs.

Steyn struck with the third ball of the day when Sangakkara sliced a drive to point without adding to his overnight score of 35.

Jayawardene and Samaraweera stayed together for more than an hour before Philander accounted for Samaraweera, who was caught at second slip for 11.

Steyn came back for a second spell and had Jayawardene caught at second slip for 30 with his third ball and Mathews caught behind for a single in his next over.

Dinesh Chandimal, who made two half-centuries on debut in the second Test in Durban, hit 35 off 45 balls but the tail crumbled before he was last man out.

© AFP

Statistical Highlights Day 3 of India vs Australia 2nd Test Sydney 2012

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 06:33 AM PST


Statistical highlights of the third day’s play in the second Test between India and Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.

# Michael Clarke has become the seventh captain to hit a triple century in Tests. He has joined Bobby Simpson, Younis Khan, Graham Gooch, Brian Lara, Mahela Jayawardene and Mark Taylor.

# Clarke’s career-best (329 not out) is the 25th triple century in Tests. The last batsman to accomplish the feat was Chris Gayle (333 against Sri Lanka at Galle in November 2010).

# Four batsmen have achieved the distinction twice in Tests – Don Bradman, Brian Lara, Virender Sehwag and Chris Gayle.

# Clarke’s marvellous unbeaten knock is the fifth highest by a captain in Tests behind the 400 not out by Brian Lara for West Indies against England at St.John’s in 2003-04, 374 by Mahela Jayawardene for Sri Lanka against South Africa at Colombo, SSC in 2006, 334 not out by Mark Taylor for Australia against Pakistan at Peshawar in 1998-99 and 333 by Graham Gooch for England against India at Lord’s in 1990.

# Australia (659 for four wickets declared) have emulated their highest total at SCG. In the 1946-47 Test, they had recorded 659 for eight wickets declared against England.

# Overall, eight totals of 600 or more have been registered at SCG. Australia have now recorded three such totals (one each against India, England and West Indies) while India and England have posted two each and one by the West Indies.

# Australia’s aforesaid total is their second highest against India, next only to the 674 at Adelaide in 1947-48.

The said total is the seventh highest in an overseas Test against India – the all-time highest is 952 for six wickets declared by Sri Lanka at Colombo RPS in August 1997.

# Michael Clarke holds a record for registering the highest individual innings at SCG, surpassing the 287 by England’s Tip Foster against Australia in December 1903.

# Clarke became the third Australian skipper to register a triple hundred in Tests, joining Mark Taylor (334 not out against Pakistan at Peshawar in 1998-99) and Bobby Simpson (311 against England at Manchester in July 1964).

# Clarke’s excellent innings is the highest in India-Australia Tests, eclipsing the 281 by VVS Laxman at Eden Gardens, Kolkata in March 2001. Ricky Ponting’s 257 at MCG in December 2003 was the previous highest by an Australian player against India.

# For the fifth time, three Australian batsmen have recorded centuries in the same innings against India – twice at Adelaide in 1947-48 and 2007-08 and once each at Melbourne, Sydney and Chennai.

# Three hundreds in an innings have been registered by Australia for the second time in a Test match at SCG – the first occasion being against South Africa at Sydney in 2001-02.

# Clarke became the sixth Australian player to post a triple hundred, joining Don Bradman (twice), Matthew Hayden, Mark Taylor, Bobby Simpson, Bob Cowper. He became the third player to register triple hundred against India – the first two are 333 by Graham Gooch for England at Lord’s in 1990 and 340 by Sanath Jayasuriya for Sri Lanka at Colombo RPS in 1997.

# Clarke, in the course of his first triple hundred in first-class cricket, had set a record for the highest individual innings by an Australian captain in Tests in Australia. Don Bradman had recorded 270 against England at MCG in January 1937.

# Michael Hussey (150 not out) has posted his highest innings against India – his 16th century – his third and the highest against India. The said knock is his third highest in Tests – the two highest innings are 195 against England at Brisbane in 2010-11 and 182 against Bangladesh at Chittagong in 2006.

# Hussey has recorded three hundreds at Sydney – two against India (150 not out in January 2012 and 145 not out in January 2008) and 134 not out against Pakistan in January 2010. .

# Hussey has recorded eleven centuries in Tests in Australia.

# Hussey’s record in Tests in Australia is excellent, aggregating 3213 (ave.61.78) in 37 Tests.

# The 334-run unbroken partnership between Hussey and Clarke is the highest for any wicket for Australia against India, bettering the 288 between Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting for the fourth wicket in the present Test.

# The aforesaid partnership is the highest by any pair for the fifth wicket against India in Tests, surpassing the 293 between Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Carl Hooper for the West Indies at Georgetown in 2001-02.

# Two stands of 250-plus in the same innings have been registered for the first time – 288 for the fourth and 334 (unbroken) for the fifth.

# Australia have recorded 200-plus stands for the successive wickets in the same innings for the first time.

# Gambhir has posted his 19th Test fifty – his second against Australia.

# Gambhir’s 68 not out is his first fifty in Tests in Australia.

# Umesh Yadav has recorded his worst bowling figures in a Test match — 24-2-123-0.

# In his last eight Test innings, Dravid has been clean bowled six times, including three times in the present series.

# India took a first innings lead of 468 – the fourth highest by India, next only to the 490 to West Indies in Kolkata in 1958-59, 486 to England at Birmingham in 2011 and 484 to South Africa at Centurion Park in 2010-11.

# Hilfenhaus has bagged 12 wickets at an average of 16.83 – the most by a bowler in the present rubber.

# Ravichandran Ashwin (44-0-157-0) conceded 157 runs without taking a single wicket off 44 overs – his worst ever figures. He became the first bowler to concede 150 runs in an innings without capturing a wicket in India-Australia Tests.

© PTI

More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

India vs Australia Day 3 Highlights 2nd Test Sydney 2012

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 04:25 AM PST


India vs Australia Day 3 Cricket Highlights 2nd Test Sydney (SCG) watch online 2012. Watch Cricket Highlights of India vs Australia 2nd Test Online on 05 January, 2012. Watch Border-Gavaskar Highlights from the 2nd Test of India vs Australia Day 3 online for free. Australia vs India 2nd Test Highlights 2012. India tour of Australia 2011-12 is covered on Star Cricket. Cricket highlights of 2nd Test India vs Australia Day 3 will be posted below.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Short – Part 1

Short – Part 2

Short – Part 3

Short – Part 4

Michael Clarke Full Innings

More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

Virat Kohli fined for finger gesture: Sydney test

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 12:14 AM PST


India’s middle-order batsman Virat Kohli was fined 50 per cent of the match fee for showing his middle finger to the crowd on the second day of the second Test at the SCG.

“Mr Kohli, along with the manager of the team, Mr Shivlal Yadav, were summoned by match referee Ranjan Madugalle this morning. The player pleaded guilty and accepted his mistake. The matter is now closed,” said media manager GS Walia on Thursday.

Kohli was pictured showing his middle finger to the crowd on the second day when Indians were on the ropes and Australians were piling runs by hundreds in the middle.

The level two offence for breaching the ICC’s code of conduct relates to “using language or gesture(s) that is seriously obscene, seriously offensive and of a seriously insulting nature to another player, player support personnel, umpire, match referee or any other third person during an international match.

The minimum punishment for such an offence is 50 per cent of the match fee or a maximum penalty of a one-Test suspension.

Kohli had earlier used twitter to present his personal viewpoint on the matter.

“I agree cricketers don’t have to retaliate, what when the crowd says the worst things about your mother and sister, the worst I’ve heard,” tweeted Kohli.

Former England skipper and one-time team-mate of Kohli in the IPL side Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kevin Pietersen offered a word of sympathy to the young batsman on twitter.

“Welcome to Australia buddy … you beat them and they start abusing their own.”

It seems a Sydney Test between the two nations can’t pass without a controversy.

During India’s last tour of Australia in 2007-08, a massive row erupted on the “monkeygate” issue and nearly led to the abandonment of the tour and a diplomatic row between the two nations.

© PTI

Heartbroken Afridi decides never to be captain again

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 12:04 AM PST


“Heartbroken” after his controversy-marred stint as skipper last year, flamboyant Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has vowed never to accept the national cricket team’s captaincy again.

“I don’t want to be sacrificed time and again over the captaincy issue and this time I have decided to just continue playing as a member of the team and enjoy my cricket,” Afridi told Geo News from Australia.

Afridi said whatever he could do for the team as captain he had done during his tenure.

“After the way I was treated last year I was heartbroken and I have decided never to be the captain again and to just carry on as an ordinary member of the team and do whatever I can for the team as senior player,” he said.

Afridi is presently playing in the Australian Big Bash Twenty20 league.

“I am happy with my present status and I want to continue with it in the future as well. No captaincy for me.”

Afridi was sacked as captain last year in May after the manager Intikhab Alam reported to the Board that Afridi had twice walked out of team meetings due to differences with the then coach Waqar Younis during the one-day series against the West Indies.

Later, PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt also held Afridi responsible for the defeats in the last two ODIs.

Although the board selected Afridi for the one-day series in Ireland, he announced his retirement in protest over the treatment meted out to him by the board.

The all-rounder also filed a case in the Sindh High Court against the Board but agreed to appear before the disciplinary committee and pay a fine of Rs 4.5 million for breaching the code of conduct.

It was only after Butt’s tenure ended and Zaka Ashraf took over as new Chairman that Afridi met him and announced he was taking back his retirement decision paving the way for his comeback to the national team during the series against Sri Lanka in the UAE late last year.

Afridi said the atmosphere of the dressing room has improved with a new management.

“While playing in the UAE I did my best to ensure the environment remained good and even when I was captain I used to make every effort to ensure that the dressing room atmosphere remained good.”

© PTI

Clarke, Hussey put Australia in command against India in Sydney Test

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 11:37 PM PST


Riding on a gritty half-century by Gautam Gambhir, India reached 114 for two at stumps on day three of the second Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday. The visitors still trail Australia by 354 runs.

Gambhir was unbeaten on 68, While Sachin Tendulkar was not out on 8 at end of days play.

The opener stitched a crucial 82 run partnership with Rahul Dravid after India lost Virender Sehwag early.

Sehwag once again fell cheaply when he was caught by David Warner off Ben Hifenhaus for four.

Hilfenhaus, latter on provide Australia with a crucial breakthrough when he breached the defence of Dravid to disturb his woodwork.

Earlier, Australia took a massive 468 runs first innings lead after they declared their innings on 659.

Australia, resuming at overnight 482 for four, declared their first innings at 659/4 with skipper Michael Clarke unbeaten on 329; Mike Hussey became the third centurion of the innings with 150 not out. Clarke and Hussey stitched a 334-run stand as Australia declared their innings an hour after lunch.

Clarke became the first cricketer to score a triple century at the SCG, which is hosting its 100th Test match. Clarke was five runs shy of Mark Taylor and Don Bradman’s 334.

Clarke got his maiden triple century just after lunch with a trademark flick off his pads off Indian pacer Ishant Sharma. Clarke dropped his bat after scoring the run and punched the air in delight earning a standing ovation from the SCG crowd that also included Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Australia resumed the day at 482 for four and none of the two batsmen were in hurry. Both Clarke and Hussey took their own time to find their way as Australia reached 583 at lunch.

Clarke surpassed Englishman Reg Foster’s 287 at the SCG in 1903-04, with a drive forward of point for four.

Hussey also joined the party and brought up his 16th Test century just before lunch off part-time off-spinner Virender Sehwag.

Clarke has now passed V.V.S. Laxman (281) to become the highest run scorer in Tests between Australia and India.

© PTI

More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

Ryan Harris likely to play against India in Perth Test

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 11:18 PM PST


Buoyed by the resounding success of their pacers, Australia are expected to play four fast bowlers in the third Test against India at Perth by drafting in Ryan Harris into the playing XI.

An indication to this was noted when Australia flew Harris to Sydney to join his teammates rather than letting him play for Brisbane Heat in Friday’s Big Bash match at the Gabba.

Harris, who is recuperating from chronic knee and hip injuries, has 35 wickets at 21.37 from eight Tests.

Australia is keen to play him on the bouncy WACA Ground pitch where he took nine wickets against England last year, including 6-47 in the second innings, a report in the ‘Herald Sun’ said.

The trio of James Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus have dominated the famed Indian batting in the two Tests so far.

Harris, whose last Test was in November against South Africa, has taken two wickets in three Big Bash matches for Heat since returning from injury in December, with a best haul of 1-31 against Melbourne Stars at the Gabba. Perth Test starts from January 13.

© PTI

More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

Live Scores – Day 3 India Vs Australia 2nd Test Sydney 2012

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 04:18 PM PST


Watch Live Scores of India Vs Australia Day 3 of 2nd Test played at Sydney (SCG) on 5th Jan 2012.
Australia 1st Innings

  • Australia: 500 runs in 123.6 overs (747 balls), Extras 18
  • Drinks: Australia – 519/4 in 132.0 overs (M Clarke 264, M Hussey 77)
  • 5th Wicket: 200 runs in 307 balls (M Clarke 112, M Hussey 84, Ex 7)


More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

South Africa vs Sri Lanka Day 3 LIVE Streaming 3rd Test 2012

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 03:42 PM PST


Watch South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 3rd Test, Day 3, 2011 (to be) played at Cape Town, South Africa LIVE STREAMING on WWW.THECRICKET-TV.INFO

Live Cricket streaming: Sri Lanka vs South Africa (SL vs SA) 3rd Test live streaming 2012 played at Cape Town. Live Broadcast of Sri Lanka vs South Africa live streams 2012 free online on Star Cricket. SL vs SA 3rd Test 2012 Live streams. Sri Lanka vs South Africa 2012 live streaming. Watch Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd Test Live Streaming 2011 @ TheCricket-TV.INFO

Match Timings: Jan 05, 2011 (08:30 GMT | 10:30 local | 14:00 IST)


Click Here to watch the Live Streams

India vs Australia Day 3 LIVE Streaming 2nd Test Sydney 2012

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 11:16 AM PST


Watch India vs Australia , 2nd Test, Day 3, Live Streams Online. Watch India vs Australia 2nd Test Online Live Streams played at Sydney (SCG).

Live Cricket streaming: India vs Australia (India vs Aus) 2nd Test live streaming played at Sydney, January 05th. Watch live streaming of India vs Australia telecast, India vs Australia 2nd Test Cricket live on Star Cricket and Sky Sports HD. India vs Australia Highlights 2nd Test Live Stream. live streaming: India vs Australia live streaming free online @ Click Here to Watch Catch the action of India vs Australia, 2nd Test match 2012 LIVE and ONLINE at THECRICKET-TV

Match Timings: Jan 05, 2012 (23:30 GMT | 10:30 local | 05:00 IST)


Click Here to watch the Live Streams

Kallis, De Villiers gave South Africa strong hold in 3rd Test

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 09:51 AM PST


Sri Lanka lost two wickets after taking a pounding from South African batsmen Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers on the second day of the third and final Test at Newlands on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka were 149 for two at the close in reply to South Africa’s 580 for four declared, a deficit of 431 runs.

Kallis made a career-best 224 and De Villiers hit an unbeaten 160 before the declaration.

Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan hit a dashing 78 before he was caught at deep mid-on off leg-spinner Imran Tahir. Fellow opener Lahiru Thirimanne was earlier bowled by Morne Morkel for 23 as Sri Lanka set out on the massive task of playing themselves back into the match after Dilshan’s decision to send South Africa in backfired spectacularly.

South Africa scored at better than four runs an over and were able to declare in mid-afternoon in an attempt to push for a series-clinching victory.

Kallis was out in the last over before lunch when he was caught at mid-on off left-arm spinner Rangana Herath after batting for 435 minutes.

He faced 325 balls and hit 31 fours and a six. His fourth wicket partnership with De Villiers was worth 192.

South Africa added 106 runs in 28.3 overs before lunch before the scoring rate rocketed after the interval as De Villiers and Jacques Rudolph (51 not out) piled on another 127 runs off 20.3 overs in 79 minutes.

De Villiers reached his century off 176 balls and then cut loose, adding another 60 off 29 balls. His innings included 19 fours and two sixes – the latter hit off successive balls from Dilshan.
Kallis, resuming on 159, hit boundaries off his first two balls of the day, from Dhammika Prasad. But he had an escape on 171 when Prasad was able to make a ball deviate enough off the pitch for Kallis to edge it low to second slip where a diving Mahela Jayawardene got his fingers to the ball but was unable to hold on.

There was more good fortune for Kallis on 183 when he edged Angelo Mathews between wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal and Jayawardene, who was at a wide solitary slip.

Kallis, playing in his 150th Test, reached his double century off 280 balls with 29 fours and a six. His previous double century came against India at Centurion last season when he made 201 not out.

Indicative of the dominance of the batsmen, the Sri Lankan bowlers were able to deliver only two maiden overs on Wednesday, both by the left-armed Chanaka Welegedera early in the day.

The pitch continued to play easily when Dilshan and Thirimanne launched Sri Lanka’s reply. They put on 70 before the left-handed Thirimanne was bowled by a full-length delivery from Morkel, four runs after being missed at third slip by De Villiers.

Dilshan raced to the fastest half-century of the match, off only 41 deliveries, but fell in Tahir’s second over when he went for a big hit but mistimed the ball and was caught by a diving South African captain Graeme Smith two-thirds of the way to the long-on boundary.

Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka’s two most experienced batsmen, saw their side through to the close.

© AFP

More South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2011 Highlights, News, Scores

Statistical Highlights Day 2 of India vs Australia 2nd Test Sydney 2012

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 08:50 AM PST


Statistical highlights of the second day’s play in the second cricket Test between India and Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

# Michael Clarke (251 not out) has recorded a career-best in Tests, surpassing the 168 against New Zealand at Wellington in March 2009-10.

# Clarke has recorded his 18th hundred in Tests – his fourth against India.

# Clarke’s previous highest against India was 151 at Bangalore in 2004 on his Test debut.

# Clarke’s aforesaid knock is the highest by an Australian batsman at SCG, eclipsing the 242 by Doug Walters against West Indies in 1968-69.

# Clarke has become the fourth batsman to post an innings of 250 or more at SCG – the top three innings are 287 by England’s Tip Foster in December 1903, 277 by West Indian Brian Lara in January 1993 and 251 by England’s Wally Hammond in December 1928 – all three against Australia.

# Clarke has posted ten centuries in 39 Tests in Australia. His overall tally at home is 2921 runs at an average of 55.11 in 39 Tests.

# Clarke, as an Australian skipper, has managed 869 runs in ten Tests at an average of 54.31, including four hundreds.

# Clarke’s marvellous knock is the highest by an Australian skipper against India and the second best by a captain in Tests against India, behind England’s Graham Gooch’s 333 at Lord’s in July 1990.

# Clarke is one of the four Australian captains to have recorded 250 or more in Tests – the top three innings being Mike Taylor’s 334 not out against Pakistan at Peshawar in 1998-99; Bobby Simpson’s 311 against England at Old Trafford in 1964 and Don Bradman’s 270 against England at Melbourne in 1936-37.

# Clarke became the third Australian skipper to post a double century against India. Don Bradman (201 at Adelaide in 1947-48) and Greg Chappell (204 at Sydney in 1980-81) were the first two double centurions as captain for Australia against India.

# Don Bradman, Greg Chappell, Clive Lloyd, Graham Dowling, Graham Gooch, Carl Hooper, Kumar Sangakkara and Michael Clarke have posted double hundreds as skippers against India in Tests.

# Ponting and Clarke had shared a stand of 288 for the fourth wicket – Australia’s highest against India, surpassing the 210 between the same pair at Adeaide in January 2008.

# The aforesaid is the highest by any pair against India for the fourth wicket, bettering the 287 between Javed Miandad and Zaheer Abbas for Pakistan at Faisalabad in 1982-83.

# Ricky Ponting (134) became the first Australian and the third batsman to register 40 Test centuries or more, joining Sachin Tendulkar (51) and Jacques Kallis (41).

# Ponting’s above century is his first in two years – the last being 209 in the first innings against Pakistan at Hobart in January 2010.

# Ponting, during the course of his hundred, has overtaken Javed Miandad’s tally of 2228 at an average of 67.51 in 28 Tests against India.

# Ponting’s run tally of 2267 at an average of 50.37 in 27 Tests against India is exceeded only by Clive Lloyd (2344 at an average of 58.60 in 28 Tests).

# Ponting has posted seven hundreds in 27 Tests against India. Only Vivian Richards (8) and Gary Sobers (8) have posted more hundreds than Ponting against India.

# Ponting has emulated Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis’ feats of 22 hundreds at home. The three batsmen now share a record for most hundreds at home.

# Ponting’s tally at SCG is a record for most hundreds – two each against India and South Africa and one each against Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

# Ponting’s Test record at SCG is marvellous, totalling 1480 runs at an average of 67.27 in 16 Tests, including 207 against Pakistan in January 2005 as his highest score.

# Ponting’s above innings is his first century in six years at SCG. He had posted a hundred in each innings – 120 & 143 not out – against South Africa at SCG in January 2006.

# Michael Hussey has posted his fifth fifty against India – his 28th in Tests.

# Australia (482 for four) have recorded their second highest total against India at SCG, next only to the 552 for five declared in 1999-2000.

# Ravichandran Ashwin (28-4-103-0), for the third time, has conceded 100 runs or more in a Test innings. For the first time he is wicketless in a Test innings even conceding 100 runs.

# Australia took a first innings lead of 291 – their second highest against India at SCG, behind the 402 in 1999-2000.

© PTI

More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

Sri Lanka vs South Africa Day 2 Highlights 3rd Test Cape Town 2012

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 05:31 AM PST


Sri Lanka vs South Africa Day 2 Highlights 3rd Test at Cape Town on 04 January 2012. Sri Lanka (SL) vs South Africa (SA) Highlights 3rd Test Cricket Highlights. Cricket Highlights of Day 2 Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd Test at Cape Town, South Africa. Watch SL vs SA, Test Cricket Highlights. Sri Lanka vs South Africa Highlights 3rd Test Centurion 04 Jan 2012. Watch Sri Lanka vs South Africa Test Cricket Highlights. Watch Sri Lanka tour South Africa Cricket Highlights 2011.

Watch Highlights

More South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2011 Highlights, News, Scores

Sri Lanka announces ODI squad for South Africa series

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 04:35 AM PST


Sri Lanka on Tuesday named paceman Lasith Malinga and opening batsman Upul Tharanga in a 15-man squad for the one-day series in South Africa.

Fast bowlers Nuwan Kulasekara and Kosala Kulasekara will also join the team for the five-match series starting in Paarl on January 11, the governing body, Sri Lanka Cricket, said.

Thilan Samaraweera, Tharanga Paranavitana, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Chanaka Welegedara and Kanishka Alvitigala, who are currently on the tour, will return when the ongoing third and final Test ends on January 7.

The Test series is currently tied 1-1.

Sri Lanka one-day squad: Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Kosala Kulasekara, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath, Dhammika Prasad, Dilhara Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne.

Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers Scorecard T20 Big Bash 2012 – Match 16

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 03:45 AM PST


Big Bash League 2011

Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers – Match 16

Played at Melbourne Cricket Ground, 04 Jan 2012

Toss – Perth Scorchers won the toss and elected to Bat.

Result – Perth Scorchers beat Melbourne Stars by 8 runs

Perth Scorchers Innings R B 4s 6s SR
Herschelle Gibbs c R Quiney b S Warne 69 48 8 0 143.75
Marcus North (c) b J Bird 5 7 0 0 71.43
Simon Katich c Cameron White b D Hussey 10 8 1 0 125.00
Mitchell Marsh c Cameron White b S Warne 31 28 0 2 110.71
Luke Ronchi (wk) c C McKay b J Faulkner 1 4 0 0 25.00
Paul Collingwood c R Quiney b J Faulkner 12 9 0 0 133.33
Nathan Coulter-Nile run out (M Wade) 5 13 0 0 38.46
Nathan Rimmington Not Out 0 1 0 0 0.00
Brad Hogg run out (M Wade) 0 1 0 0 0.00
Michael Beer b J Faulkner 0 1 0 0 0.00
Ben Edmondson run out (D Hussey) 0 1 0 0 0.00
Extras (b 1,lb 1,w 0, nb 1) 3
Total (All Out; 20.0 overs) 136 (6.80 runs per over)

Fall of wickets (Perth Scorchers):

1-46 (North, 5.1 ov), 2-60 (Katich, 7.3 ov), 3-108 (Gibbs, 13.2 ov), 4-111 (Ronchi, 14.3 ov), 5-120 (Marsh, 15.6 ov), 6-134 (Collingwood, 19.1 ov), 7-135 (Coulter-Nile, 19.3 ov), 8-135 (Hogg, 19.4 ov), 9-135 (Beer, 19.5 ov), 10-136 (Edmondson, 19.6 ov)

 Bowling O M R W Econ
David Hussey 3 0 20 1 6.70  
Jackson Bird 4 0 32 1 8.00 (nb 1)
James Faulkner 4 0 17 3 4.20  
Clint McKay 4 0 28 0 7.00  
Luke Wright 1 0 7 0 7.00  
Shane Warne 4 0 30 2 7.50  

Melbourne Stars Innings R B 4s 6s SR
Rob Quiney c S Katich b N Coulter-Nile 39 35 3 2 111.43
Cameron White (C) c M Beer b B Edmondson 1 9 0 0 11.11
Gorge Bailey c B Hogg b N Coulter-Nile 1 5 0 0 20.00
David Hussey c S Katich b M Marsh 4 6 0 0 66.66
Matthew Wade (wk) Not Out 53 43 3 0 123.26
Luke Wright run out (N Coulter-Nile/B Edmondson) 16 19 2 0 84.21
James Faulkner Not Out 4 3 0 0 133.33
Adam Voges            
Clint McKay            
Shane Warne            
Jackson Bird            
Extras (b 0,lb 4,w 6, nb 0) 10
Total (5 wickets; 20 overs) 128 (6.40 runs per over)

Fall of wickets (Melbourne Stars):

1-25 (White, 4.4 ov), 2-27 (Bailey, 5.6 ov), 3-43 (Hussey, 8.1 ov), 4-53 (Quiney, 9.5 ov), 5-115 (Wright, 18.4 ov)

 Bowling O M R W Econ
Michael Beer 2 0 13 0 6.50  
Nathan Rimmington 4 0 22 0 5.50 (w 1)
Ben Edmondson 4 0 27 1 6.75 (w 2)
Nathan Coulter-Nile 3 0 20 2 6.66 (w 2)
Mitchell Marsh 4 0 22 1 5.50 (w 1)
Brad Hogg 3 0 20 0 6.66  

Teams:
Melbourne Stars (Playing XI): Rob Quiney, Matthew Wade (wk), George Bailey, David Hussey, Cameron White (c), Adam Voges, Luke Wright, James Faulkner, Clint McKay, Shane Warne, Jackson Bird

Perth Scorchers (Playing XI): Marcus North (c), Herschelle Gibbs, Mitchell Marsh, Simon Katich, Paul Collingwood, Luke Ronchi (wk), Nathan Rimmington, Brad Hogg, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Michael Beer, Ben Edmondson

For Big Bash T20 Highlights - Click Here For Full Highlights

‘Hope this innings earns me respect’: Clarke

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 03:37 AM PST


Australia captain Michael Clarke hopes that his unbeaten double century against India will “earn him respect” while his former captain Ricky Ponting, who marked his return to form with a century, described the second day as an “unbelievable one” for his team.

“Hopefully, it would earn me respect. That’s all I can do— to put the team in good position to win another Test. ‘Punter’ had told me while I was starting as skipper that as a leader, I should be standing up in the field, leading from the front and scoring runs. That’s what I have tried to do,” said Clarke who is in line for triple century on Thursday.

For Ricky Ponting, who got his 40th Test century, it was about capitalising on a good start having failed to seize the initiative on a number of occasions.

“There have been plenty of frustrating moments. It’s not when you get out early. It’s when you have had a decent start and not capitalized. It’s a game where the low scores are always going to happen. But when you are 40, 50 and 60, the great players make big scores,” Ponting said.

“The last few weeks have been frustrating for in between the two hundreds, I was getting starts but not capitalizing,” added Ponting.

Ponting recalled how he had a “brain fade” while going for his 100th run.

“I was probably run-out by two yards (if the throw had hit the stumps while Ponting ran for his 100th run). I had a brain fade. Thankfully, the ball missed the stumps or it would have been pretty sad end. When I got up, my shirt was destroyed, the grill was pressed against my face and I changed my shirt which probably made it the whole day out for the crowd,” Ponting said in jest.

Clarke rated his 151 scored against the likes of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel in tougher conditions as a better innings but what made him proud on Wednesday is the fact that he batted throughout.

“It was best innings? Well, I would say it was my highest score ever. I was very proud to have made 150 against South Africa in tough conditions (in November). That wicket did a lot more. But what makes me proud is that I batted the whole day today. This is something I have wanted to do and I haven’t done often,” recalled Clarke.

Ponting called the day, an “unbelievable one”. “It was an unbelievable day. To make 1 for 366 during the day was special. Michael (Clarke) batted as good as ever in any game. The way we batted, we repaid the bowlers in setting this game up,” said Ponting.

“Michael came last night. It was a huge little period for us. We were three down for not many. The momentum had begun to swing in favour of India. We played our natural games, showed great intent and also managed to score reasonably quickly.”

“It was the same this morning. Our scoring rate was very good and we are taking the game forward all the time. That’s the way we want to play,” Ponting said.

Clarke reiterated that they want to keep the momentum going for India is a kind of side which if it gets to the top, is very hard to stop.

“We are trying to build consistency. When you have your chance you need to grab with both hands. If India gets on top they are very hard to stop so we need to keep the momentum rolling.

The Australian skipper felt that they are in a wonderful position right now.

“We are in a wonderful position. The wicket has flattened out. It’s important for us to make sure there is enough time left in the game. We have to bat well tomorrow morning and have enough time to get them out. Being 2-0 up is a long way away. We need to work very hard over the next three days.”

Clarke said he wouldn’t be replacing his helmet with baggy green cap if he was nearing the landmark of 300 — something he used to do in early part of his career while nearing a century.

“It depends on the bowling. If there are two spinners on, I would be wearing (the baggy green cap). No, it was really silly to have done it while I was a kid. I will keep my helmet now.”

© PTI

Ponting confident after ton drought ends: Sydney Test

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 03:21 AM PST


Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting finally ended his two-year wait for a Test century on Wednesday with 134 against India and said the battling knock had revitalised his confidence.

The 37-year-old played on as a batsman after quitting as skipper last March, but he had gone 34 Test innings without a hundred, prompting calls for him to make way for a younger player.

But Ponting, playing in his 160th Test, looked in no mood to move aside as he and current skipper Michael Clarke put India to the sword on the second day of the second Test in Sydney.

Ponting, Test cricket’s third-highest run-scorer, put on 288 with double-centurion Clarke — the highest stand for any Australian wicket against India — leaving the tourists with a mountain to climb to save the match.

It eclipsed the 239 partnership Ponting and Steve Waugh put on in Adelaide in 1999.

“Confidence is our game is an amazing thing. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been able to spend a bit of time in the middle,” Ponting said.

“And after this innings, I’ll have more confidence about my game than I’ve had for a long time now.

“The bottom line is self-belief. If you believe you can do it, then you can keep doing it. If the day comes where you wake up in the morning and can’t find any way to make yourself a better player then you’re wasting your time.”

Ponting, dropped by wicketkeeper MS Dhoni on 10 late Tuesday, batted for 335 minutes and faced 225 balls with 14 fours for his 134 — his 40th Test century and first since scoring 209 against Pakistan in Hobart in January 2010.

The veteran from Tasmania said he felt a big score was imminent after hitting 62 and 60 in last week’s Melbourne Test.

“I wouldn’t be playing if I didn’t think I could do it and I think over the last few weeks there’s been enough signs to know and have faith that there was a big score just around the corner,” he said.

Ponting raised triple figures in dramatic fashion when he dived full length scampering for a single on 99 to beat Zaheer Khan’s throw from mid-on.

“I know that I was probably out by two yards if the ball hit the stumps,” he said.

“Bit of brain fade, I guess. I hit it through the gap and it just got to him quicker than I thought it would. Thankfully he missed or it would have a pretty sad end to what could have been a good day.

“But I got up and my shirt was pretty much destroyed, my grill was pressed against my face and I was spitting out bits of the wicket so I could try and smile.”

His wife, Rianna, watching from the stands, said the dirtied shirt would be auctioned for the Ponting Foundation set up for children’s cancer.

The Sydney Cricket Ground, hosting its 100th Test, has been a happy hunting ground for Ponting. He is the leading all-time scorer at the venerable ground, with 1,480 runs and six centuries.

Ponting was finally out shortly before tea when he sliced to Sachin Tendulkar in the gully off Ishant Sharma.

© AFP

More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

Clarke double ton puts Australia in command on day two

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 01:23 AM PST


Captain Michael Clarke struck his maiden unbeaten double century while Ricky Ponting marked his return to form with a sparkling 134 as Australia stretched their lead to a mammoth 291 to bat a hapless India out of the game in the second cricket Test on Wednesday.

Clarke, who batted the whole day for an unbeaten 251, and Ponting, who hit his first century in two years, toyed with the ineffective Indian bowling attack as Australia piled up 482 for four in reply to India’s first innings 191 all out.

Mike Hussey (55) was giving company to Clarke at stumps on the second day which turned out to be a lacklustre day for the visitors, managing to take just one wicket.

It will now be a herculean task for the Indian batting line-up, which has come a cropper in three successive innings in the series, to escape from defeat with three days still left on a SCG pitch which does not have much for the bowlers.

India searched for a wickets all day, from the old ball to the new ball but they could not stop the home batsmen from plundering runs at will. They could grab just one wicket — that of Ponting — at the expense of 366 runs, the break-up being 120, 123 and 133 runs from three sessions of play.

Remarkable as Clarke’s power of concentration, range of strokes and stamina were, no less notable was the record 288 runs he forged with his former captain Ponting for the fourth wicket, improving upon their own 210 at Adelaide in 2008 — the previous fourth wicket best between the two nations.

While Ponting ended his century drought of two years, 17 Tests and 33 innings — this being his 40th hundred in his 160th Test, Clarke notched up his 18th in his 78th Test. This was Ckarke’s second century of the Australian summer this year.

Another burgeoning partnership came for the very next wicket as Clarke went for a merry ride with Hussey and put on 157 runs for the unseparated fifth wicket stand by the close.

Clarke, overnight 47, has so far batted for 438 minutes and faced 342 balls, hitting 31 fours and a six. Hussey has batted for 97 balls and hit seven fours and a six.

A feature of Clarke’s innings was his driving on either side of the wicket and the thunderous pulls and repeated use of feet he employed against off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

He was still going hard at the Indian bowlers in the final minutes of the day’s play and a triple century now appear within his reach.

Earlier, India went wicketless in the morning session and had to wait till the second new ball in the post-lunch session to get the breakthrough with Ponting tamely gliding a catch to Sachin Tendulkar at point off the bowling of Ishant Sharma.

But that was not before he had put on record 288 runs for the fourth wicket with Clarke.

Ponting, overnight 44, reached his century just after lunch but it did not arrive without its moment of anxiety as he pushed Ishant to mid-on and took off almost immediately.

He was still a fair distance away from the safety of his crease when Zaheer Khan at mid-on fielded the ball and took a shy at the non-striker’s stumps. Fortunately it did not hit the stumps and Ponting had to dive full stretch to reach his crease.

This ended the drought of century for Ponting who last reached the three-figure mark against Pakistan in January 2010 ?- a knock of 209 at Bellerive Oval, Hobart. The former Australian captain had to wait for two years, 17 Tests and 33 innings to break the logjam in his career.

Clarke batted with aggression and it made no difference to him that India had taken the second new ball after 82 overs. He drove Zaheer Khan through covers and then pulled him to mid-wicket with complete disdain.

New man Michael Hussey also looked eager to join the party and he drove his first ball from Ishant Sharma through covers for four. He then pulled Ishant to midwicket as Australia looked to press on with the advantage.

Clarke went past his career-best 168, made against New Zealand at Wellington in 2010, with a thunderous cover-drive off Umesh Yadav in the final over before tea.

For most part of the second session, India looked to rush through the remaining overs for the second new ball with the likes of Virat Kohli and Virender Sehwag, and of course regular spinner Ravichandran Ashwin operating.

Indeed, India brought on Kohli to bowl as early as in the fifth over of the afternoon session, the 58th over of the innings.

© PTI

More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

India vs Australia Day 2 Highlights 2nd Test Sydney 2012

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 11:10 PM PST


India vs Australia Day 2 Cricket Highlights 2nd Test Sydney (SCG) watch online 2012. Watch Cricket Highlights of India vs Australia 2nd Test Online on 04 January, 2012. Watch Border-Gavaskar Highlights from the 2nd Test of India vs Australia Day 2 online for free. Australia vs India 2nd Test Highlights 2012. India tour of Australia 2011-12 is covered on Star Cricket. Cricket highlights of 2nd Test India vs Australia Day 2 will be posted below.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd Test Scorecard 2012 Cape Town

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 03:32 PM PST


Sri Lanka in South Africa Test Series 2011-12

Sri Lanka vs South Africa – 3rd Test

Played at Newlands, Cape Town, 03-07 Dec 2011

Toss - Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to Field.

Stumps – Day 2

South Africa 1st Innings R B 4s 6s SR
Graeme Smith (c) b Dhammika Prasad 16 15 3 0 106.66
Alviro Petersen c T Dilshan b C Welegedara 109 188 13 1 57.97
Hashim Amla lbw b Dhammika Prasad 16 32 3 0 50.00
Jacques Kallis c A Mathews b R Herath 224 325 31 1 68.92
AB de Villiers Not Out 160 205 19 2 78.05
Jacques Rudolph Not Out 51 71 6 0 71.83
Mark Boucher (wk)            
Dale Steyn            
Morne Morkel            
Imran Tahir            
Vernon Philander            
Extras (b 0,lb 1,w 1, nb 2) 4
Total (4 wickets; 139.0 overs) 580 (4.17 runs per over)

Fall of wickets (South Africa):

1-25 (Smith, 4.1 ov), 2-56 (Amla, 12.6 ov), 3-261 (Petersen, 62.2 ov), 4-453 (Kallis, 118.3 ov)

Bowling O M R W Econ
Chanaka Welegedara 29 7 107 1 3.68 (nb 2 w 1)
Thissara Perera 22 1 131 0 5.95  
Dhammika Prasad 30 2 154 2 5.13  
Angelo Mathews 12 0 47 0 3.91  
Rangana Herath 42 4 108 1 2.57  
Tillakaratne Dilshan 4 0 32 0 8.00  

Sri Lanka 1st Innings R B 4s 6s SR
Lahiru Thirimanne b M Morkel 23 52 4 0 44.23
Tillakaratne Dilshan (c) c Graeme Smith b I Tahir 78 79 12 0 98.73
Kumar Sangakkara Not Out 35 72 6 0 48.61
Mahela Jayawardene Not Out 7 32 0 0 21.87
Thilan Samaraweera            
Angelo Mathews            
Dinesh Chandimal (wk)            
Thissara Perera            
Rangana Herath            
Dhammika Prasad            
Chanaka Welegedara            
Extras (b 4,lb 1,w 0, nb 1) 6
Total (2 wickets; 39.0 overs) 149 (3.82 runs per over)

Fall of wickets (Sri Lanka):

1-70 (Thirimanne, 14.4 ov), 2-126 (Dilshan, 28.3 ov)

Bowling O M R W Econ
Dale Steyn 12 2 40 0 3.33  
Vernon Philander 10 2 34 0 3.40  
Morne Morkel 10 2 55 1 5.50 (nb 1)
Imran Tahir 7 0 15 1 2.14  

Teams
South Africa (Playing XI): Graeme Smith (c), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Jacques Rudolph, Mark Boucher (wk), Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander, Imran Tahir

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Tillakaratne Dilshan (c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Rangana Herath, Thissara Perera, Dhammika Prasad, Chanaka Welegedara

More South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2011 Highlights, News, Scores

India vs Australia 2nd Test Scorecard Sydney (SCG) 2012

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 01:36 PM PST


India in Australia Test series 2011-12

India vs Australia – 2nd Test

Played at Sydney Cricket Ground, 03 – 07 2011

Toss – India won the toss and elected to Bat.

Stumps – Day 2

India 1st Innings R B 4s 6s SR
Gautam Gambhir c M Clarke b James Pattinson 0 3 0 0 0.00
Virender Sehwag c B Haddin b James Pattinson 30 51 4 0 58.82
Rahul Dravid c E Cowan b P Siddle 5 33 1 0 15.15
Sachin Tendulkar b James Pattinson 41 89 8 0 46.07
VVS Laxman c S Marsh b James Pattinson 2 9 0 0 22.22
Virat Kohli c B Haddin b P Siddle 23 41 3 0 56.10
MS Dhoni (c) Not Out 57 77 8 0 74.03
Ravichandran Ashwin c M Clarke b B Hilfenhaus 20 39 1 0 51.28
Zaheer Khan c E Cowan b B Hilfenhaus 0 1 0 0 0.00
Ishant Sharma c E Cowan b B Hilfenhaus 0 6 0 0 0.00
Umesh Yadav c B Haddin b P Siddle 0 10 0 0 0.00
Extras (b 3,lb 6,w 2, nb 2) 13
Total (All Out; 59.3 overs) 191 (3.21 runs per over)

Fall of Wickets (India):

1-0 (Gambhir, 0.3 ov), 2-30 (Dravid, 10.3 ov), 3-55 (Sehwag, 18.2 ov), 4-59 (Laxman, 20.5 ov), 5-96 (Kohli, 32.6 ov), 6-124 (Tendulkar, 40.5 ov), 7-178 (Ashwin, 54.2 ov), 8-178 (Khan, 54.3 ov), 9-186 (Sharma, 56.3 ov), 10-191 (Yadav, 59.3 ov)

Bowling O M R W Econ
James Pattinson 14 3 43 4 3.07 (nb 1 w 2)
Ben Hilfenhaus 22 9 51 3 2.31  
Peter Siddle 13.3 3 55 3 4.07 (nb 1)
Michael Hussey 2 0 8 0 4.00  
Nathan Lyon 8 0 25 0 3.10  

Australia 1st Innings R B 4s 6s SR
David Warner c S Tendulkar b Z Khan 8 6 2 0 133.33
Ed Cowan lbw b Z Khan 16 28 2 0 57.14
Shaun Marsh c V Laxman b Z Khan 0 1 0 0 0.00
Ricky Ponting c S Tendulkar b I Sharma 134 225 14 0 59.56
Michael Clarke (C) Not Out 251 342 31 1 73.39
Michael Hussey Not Out 55 97 7 1 56.70
Brad Haddin (wk)            
Peter Siddle            
Nathan Lyon            
James Pattinson            
Ben Hilfenhaus            
Extras (b 0,lb 12,w 3, nb 3) 18
Total (4 wickets; 26.0 overs) 482 (4.15 runs per over)

Fall of wickets (Australia):

1-8 (Warner, 0.6 ov), 2-8 (SE Marsh, 2.1 ov), 3-37 (Cowan, 8.5 ov), 4-325 (Ponting, 83.4 ov)

 Bowling O M R W Econ
Zaheer Khan 26 4 106 3 4.07  
Umesh Yadav 18 2 94 0 5.22 (w 2)
Ishant Sharma 22 0 106 1 4.81 (nb 1)
Ravichandran Ashwin 28 4 103 0 3.66 (w 1)
Virender Sehwag 14 1 38 0 2.71 (nb 2)
Virat Kohli 8 0 23 0 2.87  



Teams
Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Ed Cowan, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (c), Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin (wk), Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Lyon

India (Playing XI): Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav

India vs Australia Highlights and more

Sri Lanka vs South Africa Day 1 Highlights 3rd Test Cape Town 2012

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 01:30 PM PST


Sri Lanka vs South Africa Day 1 Highlights 3rd Test at Cape Town on 03 January 2012. Sri Lanka (SL) vs South Africa (SA) Highlights 3rd Test Cricket Highlights. Cricket Highlights of Day 1 Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd Test at Cape Town, South Africa. Watch SL vs SA, Test Cricket Highlights. Sri Lanka vs South Africa Highlights 3rd Test Centurion 03 Jan 2012. Watch Sri Lanka vs South Africa Test Cricket Highlights. Watch Sri Lanka tour South Africa Cricket Highlights 2011.

Part 1

More South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2011 Highlights, News, Scores

India vs Australia Day 2 LIVE Streaming 2nd Test Sydney 2012

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 01:28 PM PST


Watch India vs Australia , 2nd Test, Day 2, Live Streams Online. Watch India vs Australia 2nd Test Online Live Streams played at Sydney (SCG).

Live Cricket streaming: India vs Australia (India vs Aus) 1st Test live streaming played at Sydney, January 04th. Watch live streaming of India vs Australia telecast, India vs Australia 2nd Test Cricket live on Star Cricket and Sky Sports HD. India vs Australia Highlights 2nd Test Live Stream. live streaming: India vs Australia live streaming free online @ Click Here to Watch Catch the action of India vs Australia, 2nd Test match 2012 LIVE and ONLINE at THECRICKET-TV

Match Timings: Jan 04, 2012 (23:30 GMT | 10:30 local | 05:00 IST)


Click Here to watch the Live Streams

Statistical Highlights Day 1 of India vs Australia 2nd Test Sydney 2012

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 01:16 PM PST


Statistical highlights of the first day’s play in the second cricket Test between India and Australia on Tuesday.

# Sachin Tendulkar now has seven consecutive innings of 30 or more against Australia – 98 and 38 at Mohali and 214 and 53 not out at Bangalore in 2010-22, 73 and 32 at MCG and 41 at Sydney.

# Virat Kohli (23) posted his highest innings against Australia, surpassing the 11 at Melbourne.

# Kohli has a poor record away from home – 110 (ave.13.75) in eight innings, including two ducks.

# James Pattinson has claimed four wickets or more in an innings four times in his first four Tests. He has captured five wickets in an innings twice.

# Pattinson’s strike rate and bowling average is 24 wickets at 14.45 runs apiece in four Tests – the strike rate being 28.2.
With Google on your phone, get flight status instantly.

# Pattinson (10 wickets at 15.10), Zaheer Khan (10 at 15.60) and Ben Hilfenhaus (10 at 16.50) are three leading wicket-takers in the present series.

# Pattinson’s superb figures of 4 for 43 are his best against India, surpassing the 4 for 53 at Melbourne last week.

# The Sydney Cricket Ground (100) became the third to host 100 or more Tests – the first two being Lord’s (123) and Melbourne (104).

# Tendulkar is the leading run-getter for India in the present series – 146 at an average of 48.66 in three innings, including a fifty.

# In the course of his 41 off 89 balls, Tendulkar overtook England’s David Gower’s tally of 3269 at an average of 44.78 in 42 Tests.

# Tendulkar’s aggregate of 3297 at an average of 59.94 in 33 Tests is the second highest against Australia behind England’s Jack Hobbs – 3636 at an average of 54.26 in 41 Tests.

# Tendulkar has taken his runs’ tally at SCG to 705 in five Tests at an average of 176.25, including three centuries hundreds. Only Wally Hammond of England amassed more runs than Tendulkar against Australia at Sydney – 808 runs at an average of 161.60 in five Tests, including four centuries.

# Gautam Gambhir posted his second duck against Australia – his fifth in Tests. He is averaging 5.33 in Tests in Australia – 16 in three innings.

# VVS Laxman, in his last five Test innings, posted 32 and 31 against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai in November 2011 followed by 2, 1 and 2 in the present series.

# Dravid’s record at SCG is 277 runs at an average of 34.62 in five Tests, including two fifties and two ducks.

# Mahendra Singh Dhoni (57 not out) recorded his maiden Test fifty in Australia, bettering the 38 at Perth in January 2008.

# Dhoni’s 24th Test fifty is his fifth against Australia.

# Dhoni, with his 15th fifty as captain, is averaging 43.14 – 2071 runs in 55 innings, including four hundreds.

When not captain, he has averaged 33.06.

# Dhoni’s unbeaten 57 is the third highest by a captain/wicketkeeper against Australia in Australia, next only to England’s Alec Stewart’s 63 not out at Adelaide in 1998-99 and Percy Sherwell’s 60 at Sydney in 1910-11.

# Ravichandran Ashwin and Dhoni were associated in a stand of 54 for the seventh wicket – India’s third highest for the seventh wicket at SCG. The highest stand is 81 between Karsan Ghavri and Syed Kirmani in 1977-78.

# Zaheer, with his 23rd duck in Tests (his 5th against Australia), has equalled the Indian record for most ducks in Tests held by Bhagwat Chandrasekhar.

# Ricky Ponting is the top run-scorer in the current series – 166 (ave.83.00), including two half-centuries.

# Zaheer has taken his tally of wickets in the present series to 10 at an average of 15.60 – the highest by an Indian bowler in the current series.

# Ishant Sharma recorded his 13th duck in Tests – his third against Australia. He now has 10 ducks to his credit overseas.

# Umesh Yadav posted his second duck in Test Cricket – his first was against the West Indies at Feroz Shah Kotla, New Delhi.

# India (191) have produced their third lowest completed innings total at SCG – the lowest two are 150 in 1999-00 and 188 (1947-48).

# India have posted less than 200 in successive innings in Australia – 169 at MCG and 191 at SCG. The last occasion when India posted two successive totals of less than 200 in Australia was at MCG in December 2007 – 196 and 161.

# Peter Siddle has become the 34th Australian bowler to complete his 100 Test wickets or more at an average of 30.41 in 29 Tests.

# Shaun Marsh posted his third duck in his last four innings – his scores are 0 against South Africa followed by 0, 3 and 0 against India.

# India have not crossed 300 during the last 11 innings overseas.

# Ed Cowan took six catches – the most by a fielder in the present series.

# Four ducks or more have been registered in the same innings for India against Australia eight times. The first occasion at SCG was (Wasim Jaffer, Yuvraj Singh, RP Singh and Ishant Sharma in India’s second innings).

© PTI

More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

India vs Australia Day 1 Highlights 2nd Test Sydney 2012

Posted: 02 Jan 2012 12:16 PM PST


India vs Australia Day 1 Cricket Highlights 2nd Test Sydney (SCG) watch online 2012. Watch Cricket Highlights of India vs Australia 2nd Test Online on 03 January, 2012. Watch Border-Gavaskar Highlights from the 2nd Test of India vs Australia Day 1 online for free. Australia vs India 2nd Test Highlights 2011. India tour of Australia 2011-12 is covered on Star Cricket. Cricket highlights of 2nd Test India vs Australia Day 1 will be posted below.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

More India vs Australia 2011-12 Cricket Highlights, News, Live Scores…

Melbourne Renegades Vs Sydney Thunder Live Streams T20 Big Bash 2011

Posted: 29 Dec 2011 02:30 PM PST


Watch Melbourne Renegades Vs Sydney Thunder Big Bash League T20, 2011 (to be) played at Sydney LIVE STREAMING online. Watch T20 Big Bash Live Streams Online!

Live Cricket streaming: Melbourne Renegades Vs Sydney Thunder Big Bash League (BBL) Twenty20 live streaming 2011 played in Sydney, Australia on 30 December 2011. Live Broadcast of Big Bash League live streams 2011 free online on Star Cricket and Fox Sports. Sydney Thunder Vs Melbourne Renegades Big Bash League 2011-12 Live streams. Melbourne Renegades Vs Sydney Thunder Big Bash League 2011-12 live streaming. Watch Big Bash League Live Streaming 2011-12. Watch BBL T20 Live Streaming 2011-12 @ TheCricket-TV.INFO


Match Timings: Dec 30, 2011 (19:00 local | 08:00 GMT | 13:30 IST)


Click Here to watch the Live Streams

Herath’s five-for guides Sri Lanka to a historic win over South Africa

Posted: 29 Dec 2011 09:00 AM PST


Sri Lanka took the final three wickets in four balls to complete a historic 208-run win over South Africa on the fourth day of the second Test at Kingsmead on Thursday.

There were wild scenes of celebration on the pitch when Rangana Herath bowled Marchant de Lange in fading light with only nine balls remaining in the day.

The team reserves and management ran on to the field to join their triumphant teammates.

It was Sri Lanka’s first win in South Africa on four Test tours and their first win of a previously bleak 2011. It was also the team’s first win under Tillekeratne Dilshan’s captaincy and levelled the three-match series at 1-1.

Set to make 450 to win, South Africa were bowled out for 241. Left-arm spinner Herath took five for 79 and had match figures of nine for 128.

He was named man of the match.

Sri Lanka seemed set for an early victory when South Africa lost five wickets between lunch and tea to be reeling at 133 for six shortly before the interval.

But AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn denied the tourists any further success as they put together a seventh wicket partnership of 99 which threatened to take the match into a fifth day.

De Villiers atoned for a reckless shot which cost him his wicket in the first innings with a solid 69, while Steyn again showed up some of his top order teammates, following up his first innings 29 not out with a fighting 43.

Sri Lanka were forced to take the second new ball but with the light fading rapidly the fast bowlers sent down only three overs before Dilshan returned to spin.

Herath trapped De Villiers leg before wicket and the last three wickets fell rapidly.

Morne Morkel hit five runs before he was also lbw after missing a wild slog against Dilshan off the last ball of an over and Steyn fell to Herath off the next delivery, to be followed two balls later by De Lange.

South Africa’s problems started when fast bowler Dilhara Fernando dismissed Graeme Smith for 26. The South African captain was surprised by a ball which lifted sharply for him to be caught at first slip off the shoulder of his bat.

Hashim Amla and Jacques Rudolph stabilised the innings with a second wicket stand of 51 but the match swung dramatically in Sri Lanka’s favour in the first over after lunch when Rudolph fell to a spectactular diving catch at second slip by Mahela Jayawardene off Thisara Perera.

Jacques Kallis completed his first ‘pair’ in 149 Tests when he was caught at short leg off Herath when he attempted a sweep, the ball skidding off a top edge onto his helmet and then up in the air to present Tharanga Paranavitana with an easy catch.

Sri Lanka’s chances soared when Amla, after making a fluent 51, drove Herath to Chanaka Welegedera at mid-on and set off for a suicidal run.

Batting partner Ashwell Prince did not respond and Amla was given out when both batsmen found themselves at the wrong end when the wicket was broken.

The out-of-form Prince fell to another lifting delivery from Fernando, caught at first slip, and a miserable afternoon for the hosts was completed when Herath trapped Mark Boucher leg before wicket, leaving De Villiers as the last recognised batsman.

Sri Lanka were all out for 279 in their second innings earlier in the day, losing their last three wickets for 23 runs. Two of the wickets fell to fast bowler Dale Steyn, who took five for 73. It was his 17th five-wicket haul in Tests.

© AFP

More South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2011 Highlights, News, Scores
Posted by MohammaD IsmaiL at 12:06 PM

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)