Tendulkar dominates ICC nominations

Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag have been shortlisted for both Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year awards at the LG ICC annual Awards to be held on October 6 in Bangalore.

South Africa’s Hashim Amla is another player who also figures in both the categories of awards, along with the Indian cricketers, to be presented in association with the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA).

While Dale Steyn of South Africa has been shortlisted as the fourth player in the category of Test cricketer of the Year award, England’s Graeme Swann is nominated for the Cricketer of the Year award.

The final list was decided on the basis of the votes casted by the independent 25-member academy.

Tendulkar is also in contention for the ODI Player of the Year. However, Indian captain M.S. Dhoni fails to bag nominations in any of the awards category.

The Twenty20 International Performance of the Year list has New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum, Australia’s Michael Hussey, Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardena and South Africa’s Ryan McLaren.

This year’s ICC Awards also have nine individual prizes, including the new LG People’s Choice Award and also features selection of the Test and ODI Teams of the Year and an award to the side that has adhered to the Spirit of Cricket.

Meanwhile, two of Australia’s victorious World Twenty20 team members — Shelley Nitschke and Ellyse Perry — along with West Indies’ Stafanie Taylor and England’s Katherine Brunt have been shortlisted for Women’s Cricketer of the Year award.

The Emerging Player of the Year nominees include Englishman Steven Finn, Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka, Tim Paine of Australia and Pakistan’s Umar Akmal.

The LG ICC Awards 2010 takes into account the performances of the players and officials during the period of August 24, 2009 to August 10, 2010.

The following is the list of shortlisted players for LG ICC Awards 2010:

Cricketer of the Year: Hashim Amla (SA), Virender Sehwag (Ind), Graeme Swann (Eng), Sachin Tendulkar (Ind).

Test Player of the Year: Hashim Amla (SA), Virender Sehwag (Ind), Dale Steyn (SA), Sachin Tendulkar (Ind).

ODI Player of the Year: Ryan Harris (Aus), Sachin Tendulkar (Ind), AB de Villiers (SA), Shane Watson (Aus).

Emerging Player: Umar Akmal (Pak), Steven Finn (Eng), Angelo Mathews (SL), Tim Paine (Aus).

Associate and Affiliate Player of the Year: Ryan ten Doeschate (Ned), Trent Johnson (Ire), Kevin O’Brien (Ire), Mohammed Shahzad (Afg).

Twenty20 International Performance of the Year: Michael Hussey (Aus) for his 60 not out in 24 balls against Pakistan in the semi-final of the ICC World Twenty20 2010 in St Lucia on 14 May. Mahela Jayawardena (SL) for his 100 in 64 balls against Zimbabwe in Guyana on 3 May and his 98 not out in 56 balls against West Indies in Bridgetown on 7 May 2010 both during the ICC World Twenty20 2010. Ryan McLaren (SA) for taking 5-19 against the West Indies on 19 May in Antigua.

Brendon McCullum (NZ) for his 116 not out in 56 balls against Australia in Christchurch, New Zealand on 28 February.

Women’s Cricketer of the Year: Katherine Brunt (Eng), Shelley Nitschke (Aus), Ellyse Perry (Aus), Stafanie Taylor (WI).

Umpire of the Year: Aleem Dar, Steve Davis, Tony Hill and Simon Taufel.

Spirit of Cricket: India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Barcelona edges past Atletico Madrid

A Sunday of away wins in the Spanish Liga saw Valencia keep top spot ahead of Sevilla and Real Madrid, while defending champions Barcelona moved up to joint fourth despite star striker Lionel Messi being stretchered off injured.

Messi scored Barca’s first goal in their 2-1 win away to Atletico Madrid but suffered a badly twisted right ankle at the end and will be out of action for at least two weeks.

Valencia, who won 2-1 away to Hercules despite the sending-off of captain David Navarro, are the only team to have won all three of their matches.

Juan Mata and Pablo scored early goals for Valencia, but David Trezeguet pulled a goal back for the hosts for the penalty spot — then came close to making it 2-2.

“We really suffered in the second half,” said Valencia winger Joaquin.

“The expulsion of Navarro was not fair,” he added. “It was difficult to play with one man less for most of the second half. It is a win with a lot of merit, in the circumstances.” Mata, a reserve for Spain at the World Cup, gave Valencia the lead after just two minutes with a spectacular volley to a Pablo centre.

In the 23rd minute Mata returned the compliment and set up Pablo to make it 2-0 with a right-foot drive into the top corner.

Two minutes before half-time Navarro handled for a clear penalty, which was calmly converted by Hercules’ star signing Trezeguet.

Five minutes into the second half Navarro was harshly given a second yellow card for an alleged foul on Abel Aguilar, and Valencia suddenly had their backs to the wall.

As Hercules piled on the pressure, Trezeguet headed against the post and ageless keeper Cesar was forced to pull off several sharp saves as Valencia clung on for a tight win.

Valencia are two points ahead of Sevilla and Real Madrid, having made their best start for more than 20 years.

Sevilla came from behind to win 2-1 away against Malaga in Sunday’s late match, with goals from Alejandro Alfaro and Martin Caceres.

“It was lovely to score my first goal (for Sevilla),” said Caceres, “especially as it turned out to be the winning goal.” The Uruguayan World Cup defender added that “Malaga are a good team, but i think we were just a little bit better than them today.” Jose Rondon gave Malaga the lead in the 14th minute after the Sevilla defence had failed to clear a corner, only for Alfaro to quickly make it 1—1 with his head after a good centre from Diego Perotti.

Caceres made it 2-1 for Sevilla just before half-time by heading in a free-kick from Tiberio Guarente.

Malaga never threatened to force a draw in the second half and Sevilla should really have won by a bigger margin.

Sevilla are now level on seven points with Real Madrid, who battled out a streaky 2-1 win away to luckless Real Sociedad on Saturday.

In joint fourth place, on six points, are four teams: Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, Barcelona and Espanyol.

Barca scored a valuable 2-1 win away to an Atletico Madrid side that had beaten them in their last three visits to the Estadio Calderon.

Barca won with goals from Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique — despite an astonishing display from Atletico’s teenage goalkeeper David de Gea.

The bad news for Barca was the late injury to Messi, for which Atletico defender Tomas Ujfalusi was sent off.

Barca coach Josep Guardiola said, “We are happy because of the win but sad because of Leo’s injury.” Guardiola added: “I am very proud of my team. The three points are the consequence of our performance, against good opponents...I really cannot ask for more. This gives me faith and confidence in the future.” He finished by praising De Gea for “a memorable performance.” Barca, playing in an unusual green away strip, dominated most phases of the match and would have won by a greater margin had it not been for De Gea.

In the 13th minute David Villa hit De Gea’s post, only for the attack to continue and for Messi to make it 1-0 with his trusty left foot after being played through by Pedro.

Twelve minutes later Raul Garcia equalized for Atletico, against the run of play, by heading in a corner that Barca keeper Victor Valdes made a mess of.

In the 33rd minute, Pique restored Barca’s lead with a low right-foot drive, after having skilfully controlled a corner on his chest and skipped round sluggish defender Diego Godin.

Villa, Messi and Pedro were all foiled by De Gea in the second half, as the Catalans looked to bury Atletico with a third goal. But that made little difference because the hosts failed to create clear chances to equalize.

At the end Atletico right-back Tomas Ujfalusi was sent off for pulling down the rampant Messi.

Yuvraj dropped, Pujara receives maiden call-up

Yuvraj Singh has been left out of the Indian squad for the two-Test cricket series against Australia which begins on October 1.

The decision wasn't unexpected. An illness had forced Yuvraj to cede his spot to Suresh Raina in the second Test against Sri Lanka. Raina made a century on debut and kept his place despite Yuvraj being fit for the third Test. He then contributed a crucial cameo that helped level the series.

With Yuvraj struggling in the tri-series that followed, the writing appeared on the wall. The National selection committee, which met here at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, replaced Yuvraj with Cheteshwar Pujara, the 22-year-old Saurashtra batsman who has been prolific in first-class cricket.

SREESANTH, ZAHEER RETURN

Zaheer Khan makes a return after injury, as does Sreesanth, who hurt his knee in the lead-up to the first Test in Sri Lanka. Gautam Gambhir, who missed the second and third Tests in Sri Lanka with an injured knee, and Harbhajan Singh, who missed the third Test with a fitness issue, have expectedly been included.

Zaheer and Harbhajan played for the Mumbai Indians in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament in South Africa, while Gambhir and Sreesanth returned to competitive cricket in the Corporate Trophy. Gambhir and Sreesanth are also part of the Board President's XI squad that will play a practice match against Australia.

Karnataka seamer Abhimanyu Mithun, who reportedly impressed the team management in Sri Lanka, is unlucky to miss out. Wriddhiman Saha, the reserve wicketkeeper for the Tests in Sri Lanka, and Munaf Patel, who was called up as Sreesanth's replacement, are the others to make way.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth, chairman of the selection committee, said the squad largely picked itself. “I think you'll agree that there are no unexpected inclusions or exclusions,” he said. “We discussed everything threadbare, and this is the best possible squad we could have picked for this big series against Australia. And before you ask, yes, we consulted coach Gary Kirsten and captain M.S. Dhoni.”

Asked about the omission of Yuvraj, Srikkanth said, “I don't think we have to give any particular reason. Everything was taken into account — form, fitness, everything. I think that itself answers the question.”

Srikkanth said Pujara had “muscled his way in” with “the sheer weight of his performance” in domestic cricket and with the India ‘A' side. Pujara, whose 3925 first-class runs have come at an average of 60.38, will have the opportunity to acquaint himself with the Australian attack in the practice game.

Yuvraj has been made captain of the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup match against Ranji champion Mumbai. The match begins on the same day as the first Test.

Indian squad: M.S. Dhoni (capt. & wk), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Sreesanth, Pragyan Ojha, M. Vijay, and Cheteshwar Pujara.

Rest of India squad for Irani Cup: Yuvraj Singh (capt.), Abhinav Mukund, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, S. Badrinath, Saurabh Tiwary, Parthiv Patel (wk), Piyush Chawla, R. Ashwin, Jaydev Unadkat, Umesh Yadav, R. Vinay Kumar, Manish Pandey, Abhimanyu Mithun, and Ravindra Jadeja.

Stern action if spot-fixing is proved: Pawar

It all hinges on what Scotland Yard's probe throws up. ICC president Sharad Pawar and PCB chairman Ejaz Butt said that the ICC would be tough on any players found guilty

The ICC today made it clear that it would not tolerate corruption in cricket and warned of stern action against players found guilty in the spot-fixing scandal which has rocked world cricket.

ICC president Sharad Pawar also said that Scotland Yard’s investigations into the spot-fixing charges against Pakistani cricketers will not take long and there was “nothing to hide” on this issue.

“Till Scotland Yard probe is not over how can we comment on that? But if anything established we will take strong stand. Without information we should not jump into any conclusion,” Mr. Pawar told reporters after a meeting with PCB chairman Ijaz Butt at his residence.

“Prima facie there are some allegations and we have suspended the players on the basis of that. Scotland Yard has permitted them to go back to Pakistan and PCB has also promised to make them available to the investigators if required. Nobody is playing hide and seek. A major investigation agency is carrying out the probe and that will not take long. PCB or ICC will not interfere in the process,” he added.

Mr. Pawar rubbished any conspiracy theory involving India.

“India has no role in the entire drama,” he said.

Mr. Butt also said that he did not believe in any conspiracy theory. “I don’t believe in any conspiracy theory. I am a businessman and a cricket administrator.”

Mr. Pawar said that all the countries are supporting the ICC in preserving the sanctity of the game.

“PCB is not a separate entity, it is also a part of the ICC. ICC takes collective decision and we will not tolerate any nonsense or corruption. All the boards are supporting us in preserving the sanctity of the game,” Mr. Pawar said.

Mr. Butt claimed that the PCB was not offended with the ICC’s move to provisionally suspend the three cricketers - captain Salman Butt and pacer duo Muhammad Aamir and Muhammad Asif.

“We are not offended for the decision. ICC asked them to individually answer and all of them have done so. If anyone is found guilty, we will not show any tolerance. ICC Code of Conduct is very clear regarding this matter,” he said.

“We have talked about the three players, the Scotland Yard is investigating the matter. Till investigation is complete, neither we are commenting nor the ICC is commenting,” Mr. Butt added.

Hill, Bowden thought no-balls were to intimidate Trott

Kiwi umpires Tony Hill and Billy Bowden were sure that the no-balls bowled by Pakistani pacers during the Lord’s Test were deliberate but thought the motive was to unsettle rival batsmen rather than spot-fixing.

Hill and Bowden had become the first New Zealand umpire pair to officiate at Lord’s.

Hill, while speaking to ‘The Dominion Post’, said he and his colleague Bowden discussed the big no-ball bowled by Mohammad Amir but thought it was to unsettle Jonathan Trott.

“We never suspected a thing. There had been the big overstep in particular and in our minds that was more a deliberate overstep to have a go at Trott, who had been batting so well,” Hill said.

“Billy and I chatted about that and thought it seemed deliberate, especially as it was dropped in short. But it all seemed to be one of those things that fast bowlers have been known to do to get an advantage.”

Amir, Mohammed Asif and Test captain Salman Butt were provisionally suspended by the International Cricket Council after the scam came to light through a British tabloid.

The trio has decided to contest the charges and have written to the ICC in that regard.

Hill stood at the end when Mohammad Asif overstepped by a small margin while Bowden was at the other end where Amir delivered his giant no ball.

“The one at my end from Asif was not a helluva lot over.

He is generally pretty accurate [with his front foot]. It is the Glenn McGrath type thing where the foot comes down always in the same spot

“When it alters slightly you think it is unusual but like McGrath, or anyone when they try harder, can occasionally go over,” Hill said.

Bopanna to lock horns with Bellucci in opening rubber

Rohan Bopanna will open India’s campaign in Davis Cup World Group play-off tie against Brazil by taking on visitors’ number one player Thomaz Bellucci, ranked 27 in the world, here on Friday.

Bopanna is ranked 452 places below Bellucci in the ATP singles ranking but the Indian would look to covert his good doubles form in the singles as well.

Bopanna and his Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi won the runners-up trophy at the US Open, last week.

The Coorgi, known for his big serves, has done well for India in the singles in the Davis Cup ties.

Somdev Devvarman, ranked 113, will play the second singles tomorrow against Ricardo Melo, ranked 75th.

Veterans Leander Paes will celebrate his 20 years in Davis Cup when he and Mahesh Bhupathi will play the doubles rubber on Saturday against the combination of Bruno Soares and Marcelo Melo.

The reverse singles will be played on Sunday with Somdev playing against Bellucci and Bopanna clashing with Melo.

The winners of the tie will advance to World Group while the losing team will go back to its respective Zone.

Bhupathi excited about playing at home

A tussle for ownership rights over Chennai broke out on Wednesday between the flag-bearers of India's proud Davis Cup tradition.

“I was born here” said Mahesh Bhupathi.

“I grew up here,” added Leander Paes.

Caught in the crossfire of giants, Somdev Devvarman took refuge in, “I've played a lot here too.”

HOME ADVANTAGE

Addressing the pre-draw press conference of India's Davis Cup tie against Brazil, all parties involved admitted that the advantage of playing at home would likely negate the supremacy of the Latin Americans in rankings.

“Definitely the Brazilians are higher ranked, but sometimes in the Davis Cup, rankings don't matter. This can be a very emotional competition and we do have home support,” said S.P. Mishra, India's non-playing captain.

Mishra said that Bhupathi and Paes would pair up for the doubles fixture, but the management had the privilege of enacting a change up to an hour before the match.

Bhupathi, who arrived in Chennai on Tuesday night, said he was ‘excited' playing a World Group fixture at home.

50-50

“As with most ties, it is going to be 50-50,” he said of India's chances.

The countries are locked 1-1 in Davis Cup ties, with the most recent being a 1-4 loss for India on outdoor clay in Sao Paolo in 1991.

Brazil's non-playing captain Joao Zwetsch said the courts at the SDAT Stadium were quite similar to those at the U.S. Open, attenuating the unease of his wards, who are considered to be most comfortable dirt-balling from the backcourt.

“Our players are basically baseliners, but the courts here are not fast enough to disrupt their style. I just hope it's a great tennis weekend for everybody,” said Zwetsch.

World No. 27 Thomaz Bellucci, the ace up Brazil's sleeve, said, “My style is obviously suited to clay, but over the last two years I have made rapid improvement on hard courts. We have worked hard over the past few days and are hopeful of a good show here.”

Arsenal routs Braga 6-0

Chelsea and Arsenal thrashed newcomers on Wednesday as the two London clubs took a first small step towards the 2011 Wembley final in the European Champions League.

Cesc Fabregas was on target twice and set two more as Arsenal clobbered Sporting Braga of Portugal 6-0. Chelsea triumphed 4-1 at Slovakia’s Zilina, with Nicolas Anelka getting two goals and an assist.

Real Madrid defeated Ajax Amsterdam 2-0 from Gonzalo Higuain’s brace while new hiring Zlatan Ibrahimovic was also a two-goal hero for AC Milan in their 2-0 win over French side Auxerre. The 2010 runners-up Bayern Munich also won 2-0, over Roma from World Cup heroes Thomas Mueller and Miroslav Klose.

Arsenal took nine minutes to go on top at the Emirates from Cesc Fabregas’ penalty after Marouane Chamakh was brought down by Braga goalkeeper Felipe.

The Spanish World Cup winner Fabregas set up Andrey Arshavin for the second on the half hour mark before Chamakh found the net three minutes later for 3-0 to complete a beautiful one-two with Jack Wilshere.

One-way traffic continued after the break with Arshavin returning the favour and crossing accurately for Fabregas to head the Gunners’ fourth. Arshavin and Fabregas then set up substitute Carlos Vela for the remaining goals in the 66th and 85th, respectively.

Captain Dario Srna scored on a curling free kick as Shakhtar Donetsk beat Partizan Belgrade in the other group game. The Premier League champions Chelsea needed less than half an hour for their first three goals in Zilina, the first Slovakian club in the elite event.

Michael Essien fired a low shot for the opener in Group F off Anelka before the French forward doubled the lead in the 24th and poked home the third in the 28th.

Daniel Sturridge got the fourth in the 48th before Tomas Oravec got the consolation goal in the 54th after Petr Cech, who had earlier fumbled a free kick, missed a corner kick.

Spartak Moscow won the other game 1-0 at Olympique Marseille from a deflected shot by Dmitry Kombarov with seven minutes left.

Real, Ajax and Milan combine for 20 European titles in the big name Group F, which saw two home wins.

Higuain was denied by the bar early on but then somehow got his body on the ball to deflect a corner kick into the net in the 31st.

The Argentine poked home the second in the 73rd after good work from new German hiring Mesut Oezil against harmless Ajax.

Milan almost fell behind when Auxerre’s Sourmaila Coulibaly headed against the bar but got off to a good start thanks to Ibrahimovic, who came from Barcelona in summer. The Swede flicked home from short-range in the 66th in made it 2-0 later with a low shot, with another former Barca player, Ronaldinho, involved in both goals.

In Group E, Munich left it even later than Milan after Roma goalkeeper Julio Sergio had first frustrated Toni Kroos, Mueller and Klose. The World Cup top-scorer Mueller finally broke the deadlock with a curling shot in the 78th and Klose clinched victory from short range five minutes later.

Cluj led 2-0 against Basel after 13 minutes from Tomat Rada and Lacina Traore and held on to win although Valentin Stocker pulled one back at the stroke of half-time.

Raina stars in CSK's big win

A second-wicket partnership of 137 between Murali Vijay and Suresh Raina helped Chennai Super Kings reach the 200-run mark for the first time in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament and crush Wayamba Elevens by 97 runs here on Wednesday. Chasing 201, Wayamba was bowled out for 103.

With the ball coming onto his bat with minimal deviation and short boundaries all around him, Murali Vijay earned full value for the crisp timing he displayed from the start of the Chennai innings. The opener struck a six and three fours in the fifth over, bowled by left-arm seamer Chanaka Welegedara, and was seeing the ball so well by then that he drilled a perfectly pitched middle-stump yorker to the square-leg fence.

His partner Matthew Hayden was lbw attempting to sweep Ajantha Mendis in the next over, but Vijay carried on attacking the Wayamba bowling in the company of Suresh Raina. The score read 92 for one after ten overs, and 135 for one at the end of 15.

Murderous strokes

By this time, both had crossed 50, and Raina was beginning to show off the most murderous strokes in his southpaw repertoire, chief among them the heave over midwicket. Four monster sixes in one Mendis over, the 17th of the innings, and two doubles in between, sent him hurtling from 59 to 87.

Raina fell at that score, finding the leaping Jehan Mubarak at cover with an underhit lofted drive off Welegedara. Vijay holed out off the next delivery, but the left-handed Albie Morkel averted the hat-trick with a powerful drive that beat long off running frantically to his right.

Morkel and skipper M.S. Dhoni only managed 14 off the last two overs, but the Vijay-Raina partnership had done enough before them to leave Wayamba staring at a target of 201.

Wayamba never looked in contention, and at one stage looked in danger of falling short of 50.

Early blow

Jeevantha Kulatunga went first ball, mistiming a pull off medium pacer Albie Morkel straight to square leg. Skipper Jehan Mubarak followed him in Morkel's next over, edging one to the keeper.

Mahela Jayawardene was next to go, looking to harness Doug Bollinger's pace and left-arm-over angle with an uppercut but succeeding only in finding Muttiah Muralitharan at third man.

The next over saw Murali taking another catch, at mid off this time to send back the left-handed Kushal Perera, fending Morkel hesitantly and managing only a leading edge. All four wickets came from short balls, and all, apart from Jayawardene, were the result of discomfort against the bounce afforded by the Centurion wicket.

Off-spinner R. Ashwin then came on and bowled Kaushal Lokuarachchi and Thisara Perera in his first over, both batsmen attempting ugly, across-the-line heaves. Shalika Karunanayake and Isuru Udana put on 27 for the seventh wicket before the latter fell to another short ball, gloving a pull off Balaji to Dhoni behind the stumps.

The end was delayed just long enough for Wayamba to cross 100. Morkel ended with figures of three for 22, and Ashwin, displaying all his variety – off break, drifter, carrom ball, picked up two more wickets to finish with four.

The scores: Chennai Super Kings: M. Vijay c Perera b Welegedara 68 (46b, 9x4, 1x6), M. Hayden lbw b Mendis 10 (18b, 1x4), S. Raina c Mubarak b Welegedara 87 (44b, 6x4, 6x6), A. Morkel (not out) 9 (5b, 1x4), M.S. Dhoni (not out) 10 (9b, 1x4); Extras (b-2, lb-6, w-6, nb-2) 16. Total (for three wickets in 20 overs) 200.

Fall of wickets: 1-43, 2-180, 3-180.

Wayamba bowling: Udana 4-0-30-0, Mendis 4-0-45-1, Welegedara 4-0-47-2, Karunanayake 3-0-24-0, T. Perera 2-0-25-0, Herath 3-0-21-0.

Wayamba Elevens: M. Jayawardene c Muralitharan b Bollinger 10 (7b, 2x4), J. Kulatunga c Anirudha b Morkel 0 (1b), J. Mubarak c Dhoni b Morkel 7 (8b, 1x4), K. Perera c Muralitharan b Morkel 7 (10b, 1x4), K. Lokuarachchi b Ashwin 6 (4b, 1x4), S. Karunanayake (not out) 25 (30b, 1x4, 1x6), T. Perera b Ashwin 4 (5b, 1x4), I. Udana c Dhoni b Balaji 13 (16b, 2x4), R. Herath c Muralitharan b Ashwin 4 (6b), A. Mendis st Dhoni b Ashwin 15 (13b, 2x4, 1x6), C. Welegedara (not out) 0 (3b); Extras (b-4, w-7, nb-1) 12. Total (in 17.1 overs) 103.

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-18, 3-18, 4-31, 5-31, 6-35, 7-62, 8-76, 9-102.

Chennai bowling: Morkel 3-0-22-3, Bollinger 4-0-15-1, Ashwin 4-0-18-4, Balaji 3-0-17-1, Muralitharan 3.1-0-27-1.

ICC committee to recommend 'wide-ranging' review

The International Cricket Council will consider a “wide-ranging and, if necessary, independent review” of anti-corruption measures following the fixing allegations against Pakistan players, the sport’s governing body said on Tuesday.

“It is not enough that the ICC is regarded by other sporting organizations as a leader in the battle against corruption in sport,” ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said following a meeting of the council’s chief executives’ committee in Cape Town. “We must continue to assess and, where necessary, improve our processes.

“The recent allegations have reminded everyone of the need to remain vigilant and to ensure public confidence in our sport,” he said.

The committee, which includes cricket leaders from the 10 test-playing nations, said it supported the action taken by the ICC, which suspended Pakistan players Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir on corruption charges.

The three were accused in a British Sunday tabloid sting of arranging no-balls at predetermined moments during the fourth test against England last month.

“The CEC also reaffirmed the ICC’s zero-tolerance stance against any form of corruption within the sport and wished to send a strong message to players and other stakeholders by supporting the decisive action taken by the ICC in the face of the recent spot-fixing allegations at the Lord’s test match between England and Pakistan,” Tuesday’s statement said.

Mr. Lorgat said the committee recommended a “thorough review” of procedures and protocols, which was already underway.

Illegal gambling on cricket matches in India and Pakistan involves huge amounts of money, making the sport a target for spot-fixing and corruption.

British tabloid newspaper the News of the World alleged that Butt, Asif and Amir were paid by businessman Mazhar Majeed to bowl three deliberate no-balls during the final test at Lord’s, allowing betting syndicates to bet on “sure things.”

The ICC has charged the players under its anti-corruption code, suspended them and given them 14 days to respond to the allegations. The deadline for their response is Thursday.

All three have denied any involvement in meetings with the Pakistan Cricket Board and returned home to Pakistan on Friday, after giving assurances to British police that they would return when required to cooperate with the investigation.

“While the present investigations are ongoing we will not discuss or comment on any specific issues but this incident is a warning for all of us,” Mr. Lorgat said. “We must heed those warnings and heed them quickly.”

Nadal wins US Open for career Grand Slam

The Spanish left-hander became the seventh man to complete the Grand Slam, joining Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, Don Budge and Fred Perry in having won the US Open defeating Serbia's Novak Djokovic on Monday

A tearful Rafael Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 in a rain-delayed US Open final Monday to take a step closer to all-time tennis greatness.

The world number one Spaniard completed his collection of Grand Slam titles with the Flushing Meadows crown. The men’s final was delayed by weather for the third year in a row, rained off on Sunday and interrupted for two hours on Monday at 4- all in the second set.

Third-seeded Serb Djokovic had to settle for the New York runner-up spot as in 2007 against Roger Federer.

Nadal is the seventh player in tennis history to win all four majors. Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi and Federer have also won the Australian Open, French Open, US Open and Wimbledon.

"I think for the first time in my career I played a very, very good match in this tournament," said the winner. "I played my best match in the US Open at the most important moment." "To be US open champion is what I always dreamed of. It was amazing to be in this final and actually have the trophy in my hands, it’s unbelievable."

Nadal clinched the victory with tears of joy as Djokovic slammed his 47th unforced error in a marathon which lasted three hours and 43 minutes in playing time and almost six hours including the rain interruption.

Nadal will now be trailed in the ATP rankings by Djokovic, who returns to second after defeating five-time winner Federer in their semi-final. Nadal now stands an impressive 9-2 in Grand Slam finals and becomes the first lefthander to win the New York title since John McEnroe in 1984.

The Mallorcan becomes the third champion from his nation, following in the footsteps of Manuel Santana (1965) and Manuel Orantes (1975). He was the first Spanish finalist since Juan Carlos Ferrero, who finished runner-up in 2003 to Andy Roddick.

Nadal’s victory was his 21st in a row at the Grand Slam level as he becomes the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win three consecutive majors.

He stretched his lead in the ATP table with six trophies in 2010 as he claimed a first hardcourt title since 2009 at Indian Wells.

“I cannot hide the disappointment, but I’m not gonna cry or complain, it’s just the way it is,” said Djokovic. “I’m feeling bad about my loss. I wanted that trophy, and I know I gave my maximum to get it even tonight. “But tomorrow I will wake up as a new man, I’ll continue on working hard and waiting for the next chance to come. Hopefully one day soon I’ll have another chance to fight for this trophy.”

Nadal won the opening set in 50 minutes in the re-scheduled match, which had been washed out Sunday. But the re-play day was not blessed by the weather, with fast-moving storms soon arriving as predicted and forcing a two-hour halt in play in the ninth game of the second set.

When the evening skies cleared, the pair came back out, with Nadal rallying from 1-4 down but unable to complete the job as Djokovic broke in the final game to level the sets at one apiece in the slow-moving title showdown.

Nadal got up a break for 2-1 in the third and carried the margin to the end, with Djokovic saving four break points in the seventh game before dropping the set three games later as Nadal took tighter command.

Nadal achieved a double break in the fourth set, reaching 5-1 on his 47th winner of the testing evening. Two games later, the winner was on his knees in joy as the reality of his accomplishment began to sink in.

Nadal’s victory was his 120th in a major and marked his 42 career trophy.

World title will raise wrestling’s profile in India: Sushil

Emotionally overwhelmed after becoming the first Indian wrestler to clinch a gold in the World Championships, Sushil Kumar today hoped that his feat will help raise the profile of his dope-tainted sport in the country.

“This gold means a lot to me because all the wrestlers dream of becoming a world champion some day but only a few go on to realise this dream. I am one of the lucky few,” Sushil said after returning late last night to a rousing reception here.

“I am the first wrestler from India to win the World Championship. It is great for the sport because all wrestlers will now think if Sushil can, why cannot I? This gold will motivate youngsters to take up wrestling as a professional sport,” the 27-year-old, who is also an Olympic bronze medallist, said.

On Sunday, Sushil outclassed Alan Gogaev of Russia in the final of the 66kg freestyle category to become the first Indian wrestler to conquer a world title at the senior level.

He realises the magnitude of his achievement but the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee remains a grounded man and credited the feat to some hard work and lots of blessings of his countrymen.

“It is great feeling to have won the gold in the World Championship. I am very happy that I could keep the honour, love and respect the countrymen had bestowed on me,” Sushil said.

“It (gold in World Championship) was my target for long.

So if I say that I wasn’t expecting the gold, it would be wrong. I had been working very hard for this and finally it paid off,” he added.

Asked to compare the Olympic bronze with the World Championships gold, the soft-spoken grappler said, “Both matter a lot to me. I cannot compare them.”

“Both the feats have equal significance in my career because there are some wrestlers in the world who have won four or five World Championships but are still looking for their first medal in the Olympics,” Sushil said.

After conquering the world, Sushil hardly has any time for celebrations as his next target is to defend his Commonwealth Games crown here next month and the Asian Games title in Guangzhou, China in November.

“I am now focusing on the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. And I expect similar results in both the events,” he said.

On doping controversy

Speaking about the doping controversies that have rocked the sport in India, Sushil requested his fellow wrestlers not to defame the sport by indulging in such malicious activities.

“Doping is a crime. It’s not that your performance will double after taking dope. So, I will urge all the wrestlers to be aware about doping and play dope free,” said Sushil, who idolises his coach Satpal.

Four wrestlers, including Arjuna awardee Rajiv Tomar, from the Commonwealth Games core group tested positive for a banned substance recently creating a crisis for the sport.

Big win for RCB

Royal Challengers Bangalore, chasing 104, romped home by nine wickets against Guyana in a Champions League Twenty20 match at SuperSport Park on Sunday.

For the winning side, Jacques Kallis followed his impressive spell of three for 16 with a fine unbeaten 43. Man of the Match, he was.

After the Royal Challengers bowlers set up the win, the opening pair of Kallis and Rahul Dravid took the side to the brink of victory with high-quality batting.

EASY GOING

Kallis flicked paceman Esuan Crandon for an effortless six. Dravid cut off-spinner Lennox Cush — he operated with the new ball — and pleasingly drove him off the back-foot. Runs came in a cascade as the two senior batsmen found the open spaces with firm pushes and drives.

By the time off-spinner Royston Crandon castled Dravid for 33, the opening pair had put on 78 in 10.5 overs. Kallis and the big-hitting Robin Uthappa soon closed out an emphatic win.

Guyana, inserted, was rocked early. The side lost wickets at regular intervals to a probing Royal Challengers attack. Throughout the innings, momentum eluded the batting team.

UNDER STRESS

The Bangalore side's attack deserves credit for seldom allowing the pressure to ease; the Guyana batting was under stress from both the ends.

Dale Steyn and Praveen Kumar swung the new ball; they also bowled in the right areas. Kallis was zestful; his cutters were on target and he troubled the batsmen with extra bounce. The wily Kumble gave little away, his subtle variations of speed, spin and line tormenting the batting side.

Travis Dowling, an experienced top-order batsman, gloved a pull off Praveen into short fine-leg's hands. Ramnaresh Sarwan struck an astonishing back-footed six off Kallis over long-off. However, the paceman breached Sarwan's defence with a precise off-cutter.

BRIEF BUT BRIGHT

Sewnarine Chattergoon, reprieved early by Dravid at square-leg off Praveen, essayed a few bright strokes pulling and driving for his runs. His promising tenure was cut short by a direct hit to the striker's end from Cameron White at covers.

And Narsingh Deonarine's attempt to slog-sweep Kumble led to his dismissal. Guyana was in trouble at 59 for four in the 12th over. Despite a fighting 35-ball 30 from Christopher Barnwell — he was the last man dismissed — the batting side never really recovered.

The scores

Guyana: T. Dowlin c Steyn b Praveen 10 (17b, 1x4), S. Chattergoon (run out) 18 (17b, 2x4), R. Sarwan b Kallis 7 (3b, 1x6), N. Deonarine c Taylor b Kumble 13(19b, 1x4), C. Barnwell c Uthappa b Steyn 30 (35b, 2x4), R. Crandon c Steyn b N. Doshi 5 (10b), J. Foo c Uthappa b Kallis 1 (6b), D. Christian c Praveen b Kallis 0 (2b), L. Cush c Kumble b Praveen 5 (8b, 1x4), E Crandon (run out) 0 (3b), D. Bishoo (not out) 0 (0b), Extras (lb 10 , w 4) 14, Total (in 20 overs) 103.

Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-34, 3-42, 4-59, 5-70, 6-75, 7-75, 8-92, 9-103.

Royal Challengers bowling: Praveen 4-0-22-2, Steyn 4- 0-23-1, Kallis 4-1-16-3, Kumble 4-0-10-1, N. Doshi 2-0-12-1, Akhil 2-0-10-0.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: J. Kallis (not out) 43 (32b, 4x4, 1x6), R. Dravid b R. Crandon 33 (34b, 3x4), R. Uthappa (not out) 25 (8b, 2x4, 2x6), Extras (w-5) 5, Total (for one wkt. in 12.2 overs) 106.

Fall of wicket: 1-78 (Dravid).

Guyana bowling: Cush 3-0-19-0, E. Crandon 2-0-20-0, Barnwell 4-0-36-0, Bishoo 2-0-19-0, R. Crondon 1.2-0-12-1.

Alonso wins Italian GP

Fernando Alonso had a perfect pit-stop to win Ferrari’s Italian home Grand Prix from world champion Jenson Button on Sunday.

McLaren’s Button beat the pole-sitter Alonso at the start but the Spaniard rebounded thanks to his super-fast pit crew in the 39th lap to get his third season victory and 24th overall.

Button came second and Felipe Massa was third in the second Ferrari, just four days after the Italian team escaped sanctions from the ruling body FIA over a team-order issue.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton damaged his right front wheel in the first lap which forced him to retire and hand the championship lead back to Red Bull’s Mark Webber, who finished sixth.

The Australian, Webber, has 187 points from 14 of 19 races, Hamilton 182, Alonso 166, Button 165 and German Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel 162 in what promises to be a dramatic season finale over the final five races.

Alonso failed to capitalize on his first pole of the season as Button won the start from second place on the grid. But there was also despair for McLaren a few seconds later when Hamilton was too aggressive against third-placed Massa into the Della Roggia chicane. The cars touched and Hamilton damaged his right front wheel which sent him out in the following turn.

“I put my car up the inside and tried to get third — it was obviously a little bit too much. I’m very disappointed in myself. The championship is not over, but it’s mistakes like I made today that lose world championships,” said Hamilton.

The Red Bulls had nothing to laugh either as Webber had another disaster start to drop from fourth to ninth in the first lap, and Vettel went down from fifth to seventh.

Webber later passed Vettel for seventh place as the German complained about engine problems in the 21st lap before salvaging a remarkable fourth place with a final lap pit stop.

Up front, Button held off early attempts from Alonso before settling into a rhythm which did not allow the Spaniard another attack as McLaren seemed determined to spoil the Ferrari party.

However, the pit stops eventually made the difference as Alonso’s stand-time in the 38th of 53 laps was 0.8 seconds shorter than Button’s the previous lap.

Alonso then cruised to Ferrari’s first Monza win since Michael Schumacher in 2006, completing the race over 306.720 kilometres in 1 hour 16 minutes 24.572 seconds.

The Monza race marked the end of the European part of the season.

The next race is the Singapore GP race on September 26.