The New Nation - Internet Edition

India-Australia 2nd Test begins today

AP, Mohali

India and Australia carry injury concerns to key players Anil Kumble and Stuart Clark ahead of Friday's second cricket test.

India was waiting to decide whether skipper Kumble's right shoulder can last a full test on a dry surface at the Punjab Cricket Association Ground, while Australian paceman Clark was due to have a fitness test on his injured right elbow Thursday. Both under-performed in the drawn first match in Bangalore, but are well regarded by their teams.

Kumble is out of form after failing in Bangalore to take a wicket in a test for the first time in India and only the third occasion in his 131-test career.

He did not bowl Wednesday but had a net session on the eve of the match.

"It's 24 hours before the match, so we'll just wait and see how it responds," he said. "It's a lot better than what it was yesterday."

India coach Gary Kirsten was not worried about the captain's form _ despite continued speculation over Kumble's place in the team.

"We don't look at one test, but over a long period of time," Kirsten said. "Kumble is one of the greatest Indian cricketers ever. A great player struggles before coming back stronger."

Sachin Tendulkar is another senior Indian player who is stuttering as he attempts to pass Brian Lara's world test cricket scoring record of 11,953. He has Kumble's full backing.

"Sachin is such a great player," Kumble said. "We all want him to get there as soon as possible.

"I'm sure he'll get it here. It will be something very special, not just for world cricket, but to have an Indian up there, right on top, is a great honor for all of us.

In three tests against Sri Lanka during India's previous series Tendulkar managed just 95 runs and collected 13 and 49 in Bangalore, leaving him 14 short of equaling Lara's mark.

"It's a huge milestone to be the leading run-scorer in the history of the game," Australia captain Ricky Ponting said. "Even though he played pretty well in the second innings the other day it never felt like he was going to get away from us at all.

"We know that if we bowl certain ways to him that he won't damage us as much as he has done in the past, but who knows?"

Ponting was hoping Tendulkar would have to contend with Clark at Mohali.

Clark is "a lot more positive today than he was yesterday (Wednesday)," Ponting said. "He's had an injection in his elbow. He'll need to get through a bit of work and we'll wait to see how he is tomorrow before we pass him fit."

If Clark is ruled out, rookie Victoria quick Peter Siddle will play his first game.

"He's only a young bloke," Ponting said. "He's only played 12 first-class games, but as far as his bowling goes, he's ready."

If Clark doesn't appear Australia will field a team featuring four players with five or fewer test caps, but Ponting, who is taking anti-inflammatory tablets for a minor wrist problem, was not concerned.

"There was a lot made of the inexperience factor coming here, but all those inexperienced guys showed they are more than capable of performing well at international level," Ponting said. "There's no doubt it's easier for us guys who have played a bit, particularly in this part of the world."

Ponting said he did not expect the pitch, which was under covers due to rain Thursday morning, to offer much support to the fast bowlers.

"I saw the groundsman interviewed on TV and he said he made the wicket to suit their spinners," Ponting said. "It could be a long, hard slog for us in the field. But we're well equipped to cope with these conditions, as we have in the past."

Ponting believes his batsmen showed in the first match they had the skills to deal with India's tweakers.

"The spinners took only 3-350 in the game, showing we can manage their bowlers in these conditions," he said.

India will also look to upset Australia's new spin attack that includes legspinner Cameron White and the part-time offerings of Michael Clarke.

"It's something we can look at," Kumble said. "They miss the quality of Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill. In Indian conditions you need a spinner to come into play, if not the first innings, then the second innings."

Despite sharing the honors in Bangalore, both sides have claimed to have the upper hand from the result.

India bowler Zaheer Khan said it was the most defensive he had seen Australia play, but Brett Lee and Ponting maintained only one side _ Australia _ was trying to win.

India scored 177 in 73 overs on the final day while Australia took only four wickets on a deteriorating, fifth-day pitch.

Injured Kumble under pressure to hold his place for 2nd test against Australia

AP, Mohali

Under-fire captain Anil Kumble is facing intense pressure to retain his place in the India lineup as he waits to decide whether he's fit enough to play in the second cricket test against Australia starting Friday.

Kumble has a right shoulder injury and his place as spinner and captain has come under increased scrutiny this week following his first wicketless performance in a test in India _ the drawn series opener that ended Monday at Bangalore.

He compounded the scrutiny by writing a newspaper column criticizing the Indian media treatment of the team to "express his views as captain."

"We don't get many opportunities to do that," the 131-test veteran said. "It was not just my view, collectively the team back what I said and back me up. It's just being me."

Kumble bowled in the indoor nets Thursday but won't make a decision on his fitness until the morning of the match.

"He's under a little bit of pressure and carrying a shoulder injury as well," rival skipper Ricky Ponting said of Kumble. "He would admit he didn't bowl his best in that first game (in Bangalore), but full credit to the way our batsmen played him."

On Wednesday, Ponting said India was in a "a bit of a predicament with Anil being captain" because the pitch at Mohali was likely to assist seam bowlers and Harbhajan Singh, on form, was the pick of the spin bowlers ahead of Kumble.

"If you had to look at someone who was going to go out to make way for a quick, it would probably have to be him (Kumble)," Ponting was quoted saying in The Australian newspaper. "If they happen to drop Kumble it would probably be a long way back for him, so it will be interesting to see what they do."

When asked about Ponting's comments, Kumble said it was time to "concentrate on the cricket".

"A lot of things get spoken, but at the end of the day it is a game that is played," he said.

Kumble has the backing of India coach Gary Kirsten, who said the leg-spin bowler's selection should be assessed over the longer term and not on one test.

Another thing in Kumble's favor is his performances at the Punjab Cricket Association Ground at Mohali, where he has taken 36 wickets in seven tests, including two five-wicket hauls.

"I certainly enjoy bowling here," he said. "I've had a few landmarks here as well. We'll take a call first thing in the morning."

Pakistan delight at Champions Trophy reschedule

AFP, Karachi

Pakistan's new cricket chief on Thursday expressed his delight over the rescheduling of the Champions Trophy, saying it would open doors for more world-class cricket in the troubled nation.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday rescheduled the biennial eight-nation tournament, which was postponed this year amid security concerns in Pakistan, to next September.

The ICC said the tournament would go ahead between September 24 and October 5, 2009, with the matches being played in just one city, rather than the two mooted for this year.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt said it was welcome news.

"Of course, it's a big relief," Butt told AFP from Dubai where he attended the two-day meeting. "Previously there was some opposition on holding this event in Pakistan but I am happy that it was a consensus decision."

However ongoing security concerns forced the ICC Board to delay a final decision on the location of the event until after India's tour to Pakistan early next year.

Butt, who took over earlier this month after Nasim Ashraf resigned in August, said the tour by India would prepare the ground for the Champions Trophy.

"Pakistan government is taking care of improving security and every step will be taken to hold the India series in a peaceful manner because that will allay fears of other countries," said Butt.

Pakistan hosts India for three Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match from January to February next year.

The ICC was forced to postpone the Trophy, scheduled for last month, after South Africa pulled out of the event.

Australia, England and New Zealand had also raised concerns.

Australia postponed a full tour of Pakistan in March this year but agreed to reschedule the visit into two trips, and now will play five one-dayers in March 2009 and three Tests in 2010.

Pakistan has struggled to attract foreign teams since the 9/11 attacks on the United States in 2001.

They had to relocate two home series-against Australia and the West Indies-to neutral venues.

New Zealand cut short a 2002 tour after a suicide bomb blast outside their Karachi hotel killed 14 people.

Rooney sets sight on perfect path to South Africa

AFP, Minsk

Wayne Rooney has set England a target of winning all of their remaining World Cup qualifiers after his double helped Fabio Capello's squad to a 3-1 win over Belarus and a four-out-of-four start to the campaign to reach South Africa 2010.

Capello appears to have the knack of getting the best out of Rooney, who has now scored five goals in his last three internationals, and the striker joined his team-mates in underlining the extent to which the new manager has transformed a squad that dismally failed to reach Euro 2008.

"We have got that belief to win now," Rooney said. "We are going to games believing we can win them with a lot of confidence.

"We have worked really hard to be in the position we are in and now we've got to keep working hard. We are in a comfortable position now and we need to get as many points as possible over the remaining games.

"It would be nice to win all the qualifiers. The two most difficult games, in Belarus and Croatia, we have got out of the way and we have managed to come out with maximum points. So I don't see any reason why we can't win all the qualifiers now."

One of the keys to England's revival has been the way Capello has transformed Rooney from a player who failed to score a single competitive goal for his country between 2004 and 2007 into one of the most in-form strikers in world football.

"The manager's the one that has brought it all in for us," said David Beckham, whose late appearance as a substitute won him a 107th cap, leaving him third in the record books behind Peter Shilton (125) and Bobby Moore (108).

"He knows how to win, he knows how to play these games. He's managed so many big sides and knows how to get the players ready. The players are confident now."

Rooney settled the contest with two well-taken second-half strikes but the Manchester United man insisted the plaudits should be shared around.

"I give a lot of credit to my team-mates," he said. "It was great individual work by Emile (Heskey) for my first goal and a great pass by Stevie (Gerrard) for the second."

England were pegged back by Pavel Sitko's equaliser after Gerrard had given them an early lead.

But they switched gear in the wake of Capello's half-time pep talk and ran out comfortable winners.

"He told us we had to get tighter to them, get more on the ball and control the game and we did that in the second half," Rooney revealed.

Rio Ferdinand, who captained the side in the absence of the injured John Terry, added: "The half-time talk was quite simple. He said push up from the back and keep competing.

"You think it is going to be rocket science with a foreign manager but he keeps it simple and that is one of his strengths."

Ferdinand added: "It is good to have won four games on the bounce but there is much to improve and it does not mean we have qualified," the Manchester United defender said.

"We need to keep trying to improve, doing the simple things right as we do for our clubs and hopefuly we will start getting it right for England."

Having admitted earlier this week that he feared for his place after consistently failing to reproduce his Liverpool form for England, Gerrard was pleased to play a central role with a well-taken goal and an assist on Rooney's second.

"Playing for England you have always got a point to prove," he said. "You are fighting for the shirt every game.

"As long as I am in the team and we are winning matches I am happy. I felt I played well tonight. Sometimes I have not hit the heights I would like to for England but I will always give everything for my country."

Gerrard went on to underline the difference that Rooney, in his current form, makes to England.

"He's up there with the best players in the world," Gerrard said. "He is a special talent and it is a pleasure to play with him."

Bangladesh contingent leaves for Bali to take part in Asian Beach Games

UNB, Dhaka

A 12-member Bangladesh contingent leaves here for Indonesian tourist town of Bali later Thursday night to take part in the first-ever Asian Beach Games, scheduled for October 18-26.

Chef de Mission of Bangladesh contingent and General Secretary of Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation M Nazrul Islam already reached Bali Wednesday afternoon, as an advance party.

Bangladesh will compete in two disciplines of sports -- Beach Volleyball (men's and women's) and Beach Kabaddi.

Bangladesh contingent comprises 10 athletes, two team officials and the mission leader.

Member of Bangladesh contingent: Men's Beach Kabaddi - Ziaur Rahman, Al Mamun, Kamal Hossain, Sadequl Islam, Maftun Haque and Jayed Hossain.

Men's Beach Volleyball - Al Mamun Sheikh and Moshiur Rahman, and Women's Beach Volleyball - Farhana Akther and Aleya Khatun.

Officials: Chef De Mission - M Nazrul Islam, Kabaddi team official -Abdul Jalil and Volleyball team official - Tariqul Anwar Khan.

Kabaddi Team will return home on Oct 23, while the Volleyball team on Oct 27.

Hyderabad Heroes win over Dhaka Warriors

Internet

Reigning champions Hyderabad Heroes showcased a blazing run chase in front of their home crowd at the Lal Bahadur Shastri stadium to beat newbies Dhaka Warriors by four wickets in game seven of the Indian Cricket League's second season on Wednesday. This was the ninth straight win for the Heroes.

Powered by Alok Kapali's blitzkrieg ton, the first one in the Indian Cricket League, the Warriors were catapulted to 168-9 off their 20 overs.

The Heroes came out all guns blazing in their chase with cameos from Jimmy Maher (21), Abdul Razzaq (27), Stuart Binny (30), Nicky Boje (31) and Chris Harris (32 not out).

The home team seemed to be struggling with 41 runs needed off 24 balls but Harris clobbered some big hits in the last two overs to bring up an improbable win. Requiring 13 runs to win off the last over, Hyderabad romped home with two balls to spare as Harris smashing Farhad Reza for two fours and a six.

In the Warriors innings, Kapali bludgeoned 11 fours and five sixes, to script a super recovery for the Warriors who lost two wickets in the first over.

Razzaq removed Shahriar Nafees (zero) and Nazimuddin (four) in the first over and eight overs later the Heroes had reduced the Warriors to 57-5.

But then Kapali single-handedly took the Heroes' bowling apart. Aftab Ahmed also played a cameo with an 11-ball 24.

2nd round of National Cricket League begins today

UNB, Dhaka

The second round four-day matches of the 10th National Cricket League begins today (Friday) at three separate venues across the country.

On the day, Barisal Division will take on Khulna Division at the Narayanganj Osmani Stadium (NOS), Rajshahi Division play Chittagong Division at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium (RDVS) and Sylhet Division face Dhaka Division at the Sylhet District Stadium (SDS).

Earlier, in the first round matches, Khulna Division beat Sylhet Division by 35 runs while the other two matches -- Rajshahi Division vs Barisal Division and Dhaka Division vs Chittagong Division -- ended in draw.

DRU-the Blazer BD Bridge Competition begins tomorrow

UNB, Dhaka

DRU-the Blazer BD annual Bridge Competition, organized by Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), and patronized by the Blazer BD, begins Saturday (Oct 18) morning at a room adjacent to the DRU canteen.

The participants have been requested to be present in time.

Shahidul Islam will conduct the matches, said a press release.

Bangladesh concede 0-1 defeat against Mozambique

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh conceded a 0-1 goal defeat against top favorite Mozambique in their opening match of the Merdeka Cup Football tournament at Shah Alam Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

Bangladesh, which fought bravely with their African giant throughout the match, miserably conceded the goal in the 87th minute, according to a message received here Thursday night.

Earlier, Bangladesh was placed in strong Group B with Mozambique, Myanmar and Vietnam, while Group A comprises of Sierra Leone, Nepal, Afghanistan and hosts Malaysia.

In the remaining group matches, Bangladesh will play Myanmar on Oct 18 at 6:45 pm (BST) and Vietnam on Oct 20 at 4:40 pm (BST) at the same venue.

In the last year's Merdeka Cup, Bangladesh lost all the three matches against Singapore, Indonesia and Zimbabwe.

Serena Williams confirmed for Sydney International

AFP, Sydney

Nine-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams will play in January's Sydney International, organisers said today, meaning the event will feature the top three women players and the Olympic champion.

Williams, 27, the world number three and current US Open champion, joins world number one Jelena Jankovic, second-ranked Dinara Safina and Beijing gold medallist Elena Dementieva in the January 11-17 mixed tournament.

Headlining the men's event will be Australia's four-times champion Lleyton Hewitt, his Argentine rival David Nalbandian and Frenchmen Richard Gasquet and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the 2008 Australian Open runner-up.

"Having Serena Williams back for the first time in a few years is just an absolute boon for the event," tournament director Craig Watson said.

"Having Jo-Wilfried Tsonga back is really exciting as well."

Watson said he was keeping a few wildcards available and expects to have at least 15 or 16 of the top 20 women playing in the tournament. Hewitt will be gunning for a record fifth Sydney title when he makes his comeback from hip surgery ahead of the January 19-February 1 Australian Open in Melbourne.